End of Hour Seventeen

No reading I was busy cheering (Made it to 10 blogs this time) and deciding what to read next.  I decided to stick with a book I had already started (Death of an Outside) by an author I love (M.C. Beaton).

My drinks so far....

Quote Time Mini Challenge

This mini challenge is to provide a quote from the book we are currently reading or have read.  
I love this one - "Never say anything important in a barn." Little Blog on the Prairie by Cathleen Davitt Bell.

End of Hour Sixteen

This hour I read:

The Golden Mean by Nick Bantock - 48 pages - Finished It!

I read for 48 minutes

Total pages read: 181

Total minutes read: 396

This is honestly one of the oddest books.  It's the third in a trilogy (though there are more listed...so not a trilogy??).  It's beautiful and intriguing and just really, really odd.  Now what to read next...

Inside the cover of The Golden Mean.

End of Hour Fifteen

I spent this hour cheering and made it to fifteen different blogs.

This whole read-a-thon is so tiring for Nilla!

End of Hour Fourteen

No reading this hour as we were heading back from dinner and made a pit stop at Sonic.  Gotta have my Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper.

My favorite drink

End of Hour Thirteen

This hour I read:

Little Blog on the Prairie by Cathleen Davitt Bell - 22 pages - Finished It!

I read for 65 minutes (I was so close to finishing I kept going.)

Total pages read - 133

Total minutes read - 348

Books finished - 1

End of Hour Twelve

Nothing read...spent this hour getting ready to go out and getting to the restaurant.

Mid-Event Survey

1) How are you doing? Sleepy? Are your eyes tired?

Nope, my nap helped loads.  Getting ready to head out to dinner.

2) What have you finished reading?

Nothing but I am almost done with Little Blog on the Prairie.

3) What is your favorite read so far?

Little Blog on the Prairie - Only thing I have read so far.

4) What about your favorite snacks?

My Tricked Out Crackers and the Almond M&M's were yummy too.

5) Have you found any new blogs through the readathon? If so, give them some love!

I spent an hour cheering so far and found some cool blogs.  These were some of the stand outs.

A Girl that Likes Books
Sherry Ann's Book Blog
Scuffed slippers and wormy books
Reviewing Wonderland
Capricious Reader

End of Hour Eleven

This hour I read:

Little Blog on the Prairie by Cathleen Davitt Bell - 18 pages

I read for 44 minutes

Total pages read: 111

Total minutes read: 283

For a funny, light book this book keeps surprising me.

Reading in a slightly different position...

End of Hour Ten

This hour I read:


Little Blog on the Prairie by Cathleen Davitt Bell - 18 pages

I read for 45 minutes

Total pages read: 93

Total minutes read: 239

This book is fun...I am just so easily distracted.

I love these!

End of Hour Nine

No reading for me this hour as I was busy cheering.  I made it to 21 blogs this hour.  Woohoo!

It's raining...

End of Hour Eight

This hour I read:

Little Blog on the Prairie by Cathleen Davitt Bell - 11 pages

I read for 27 minutes

Total pages read: 75

Total minutes read: 194

Got up from my nap and ate some lunch during this hour.

Lunch

End of Hour Six & Hour Seven

I wound up taking a nap...I haven't been sleeping well lately and it's catching up with me now.

My Pillow

My Jammies

End of Hour Five

This hour I read:

Little Blog on the Prairie by Cathleen Davitt Bell - 7 pages

I read for 20 minutes

Total pages read: 64

Total minutes read: 167

I got super tired during this hour and had to take a little nap. Hopefully I'll be energized enough to read a little more this hour.  Then again I may just need a little bit more of a nap...

Nancy looking comfy as she reads

End of Hour Four

End of Hour One

This hour I read:

Little Blog on the Prairie by Cathleen Davitt Bell - 13 pages

I read for 35 minutes

Total pages read: 57

Total minutes read: 147

Snack time!  After taking care of Rollo I dug into the crackers and snack mix we made.  Yum!!

Yummy!

End of Hour Three

This hour I read:

Little Blog on the Prairie by Cathleen Davitt Bell - 18 pages

I read for 43 minutes

Total pages read: 44

Total minutes read: 112

My book is so funny.  The kids have been a bit distracting but I'm reading and enjoying myself.  Going to have to take a few minutes this next hour to take care of Rollo who has some medical needs that need taking care of.

Richard and Andie, reading

End of Hour Two

This hour I read:

Little Blog on the Prairie by Cathleen Davitt Bell - 17 pages

I read for 49 minutes

Total pages read: 26

Total minutes read: 69

Had a little breakfast this hour...I'm still sleepy.
"Never say anything important in a barn."  Words of wisdom from my current book.

Rollo napping next to my bookmark

End of Hour One

This hour I read:

Little Blog on the Prairie by Cathleen Davitt Bell - 9 Pages

I read for 20 minutes

Total pages read: 9

Total minutes read: 20

Lots of time spent getting things started this hour.  My books is funny and easy to get into and I am enjoying it a lot.

My book, My Blanket and My Rollo

Introductory Questionnaire

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?

The Woodlands, TX

2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?

Um, this would be easier if I was awake!  After seeing Nancy Atherton speak I would say the next book in her series Aunt Dimity and the Next of Kin.  Also looking forward to reading more in Little Blog on the Prairie by Cathleen Davitt Bell.  It's a hoot!

3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?

The Tricked Out Crackers Nancy and I made last night.

4) Tell us a little something about yourself!

I am a night owl and most definitely not a morning person.
I love books and think bookstores are some of the most magical places on earth.  We have a wonderful one in Houston called Murder by the Book and I was lucky enough to attend a reading there last night by one of my favorite authors.
For the past two RATs I have taken (at least) a picture every hour and plan to continue that tradition this time.
As you can guess from my name I love cats and have several of them.
I love soccer and am a die hard Houston Dynamo fan.  We have a game tomorrow and no matter how tired I am I'll be there, cheering them on.  Go Dynamo!

5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to?

This is my 11th read-a-thon.  For the first time I'll be reading from our my own library today.  Last RAT it wasn't finished but now with the addition of two fab chairs my husband and I got for Christmas it's good to go.  I'm looking forward to the chance to relax, spend some time at home with some of my very favorite people and read!

Our Library, with Nancy reading, Rollo Napping and my feet peaking out of my blanket.

Getting Ready for the Read-A-Thon & My Read-A-Thon Book Pile

It's almost time for the 24 Hour Read-A-Thon!

I have some yummy snacks planned and my books picked out...well I think I do.  Knowing me I may sneak a few more in there.  I love to have choices!

The top four I am already reading -

The ABC Murders by Agatha Christie - So far I am not a big fan.  I am over half way through but am not sure how much of this I'll read on Saturday.

Death of an Outsider by M.C. Beaton - I'm a little ways into this and am enjoying it immensely.  I love this series!  *Christmas Present from my husband*

Little Blog on the Prairie by Cathleen Davitt Bell - I'm almost half way through this book and it;s a lot of fun.

Reached by Ally Condie - Not sure I'll be reading much of this as the last time I read the last of a highly emotional trilogy during a RAT I was wiped for the rest of the time and found it hard to read at all.

As for the rest -

The Green Angel by Alice Hoffman -Looks interesting.  I have read one book by her before and enjoyed it.

The Giver by Lois Lowry - I keep meaning to read it...

Demons Are A Ghouls Best Friend by Victoria Laurie - I read the first in the series this year and really liked it.

She Did a Bad, Bad Thing by Stephanie Bond - Totally out of my normal genre.  I had it on my wish list for ages (not really sure why) so I figured I might try it for a change.

Murder Plays House by Ayelet Waldman - A good series I like.

The Madness Underneath by Maureen Johnson - I loved the first in this series and hated having to wait for the next book.

Undead and Unstable by MaryJanice Davidson - Who doesn't like Queen Betsy?  *Christmas Present from my best friend.*

Lily Dale: Connecting by Wendy Corsi Staub - Again, I love this series.

The Espressologist by Kristina Springer - Last RAT someone I was cheering for read this book and it intrigued me.  I found it at Half Price Books not long after and picked it up.

I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts On Being A Woman by Nora Ephron - I have never read any of her books but it looks fun.

Romanced To Death by Susan Rogers Cooper - My favorite mystery series.  If you haven't read this series you are missing out!

Aunt Dimity and The Next of Kin by Nancy Atherton - We'll be seeing Nancy Atherton on Friday night at a local bookstore where she'll be signing her latest book in this series.  It's addictive.

After I took this picture and posted it to Facebook I realized I had a small stack of books I had set aside especially for the Read-A-Thon.

For You Mom, Finally by Ruth Reichl - She's one of my favorite food writers.

Great At Any Age * Who Did What From Age 1 to 100...and Beyond - Looks Interesting.

True Confessions by Jon Winokur - Looks juicy!

The Golden Mean by Nick Bantock - The next in the Griffin and Sabine series.  I read the one before this at the last RAT and found this the same day I found The Espessologist.

I can't wait to start reading!

March Reads

In March I read two books.

I read...

Shelter Mountain by Robyn Carr - 5 stars - A fabulous second book in the series. I love all these characters and love how she doesn't just abandon the story from the first book but expands on it in this one, while still telling a story on different characters as well. She really made me cry in this one, as part of the story was just heartbreaking but it was done really well. This series is a definite favorite of mine.

Distant Waves by Suzanne Weyn - 4 stars - Two subjects that fascinate me in one novel - Lily Dale & Titanic. I like historical fiction so this was right up my alley. The author kept the major facts the same and tweaked or embellished enough to add intrigue. A good, interesting book. If I had one minor gripe it's that I would have liked to know what became of the main characters in the future.

That's five new authors for me so far this year.  One new author (Victoria Thompson) read that I chose ahead of time.

February Reads

In February I read three books.

I read...

Murder on Astor Place by Victoria Thompson - 4 stars - I was surprised how much I enjoyed this book. It was interesting, entertaining and surprising. I loved Sarah, the main character and loved the insights she had into the time she was living in. I am definitely looking forward to reading more in this series. #1 of my 10 authors to try this year.

Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale - 5 stars - I loved the heroine of the book. Charlotte was such fun and it was great to watch her grow throughout the book. This book made me laugh out loud at points and sigh at romantic moments. I loved the characters who were brought back from the first book and really hope she writes more. I was sick part of the time I was reading this book and it was so good it made me forget how terrible I felt. A wonderful Christmas present from my husband and definitely a favorite.

Hana's Suitcase by Karen Levine - 5 stars - An amazing a heart wrenching story. Even knowing the facts of the holocaust I am still always horrified at the loss of life. I am so glad Hana's story is being told.  Read with my girls, Addison & Hannah.

That's four new authors for me so far this year.  One new author (Victoria Thompson) read that I chose ahead of time.

January 2013

In January I read two books.

I read...

What's a Ghoul to Do? by Victoria Laurie - 3 stars - A fun, entertaining read. The plot kept me guessing. A good start to a series.  I got to see Victoria Laurie in person in December.  She was fun and interesting.

Blue Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews - 4 stars - A fun book by a new to me author.  Will definitely be reading more by her.  There were some really funny moments in this book along with some aw sweet ones.  All in all a good, fun read.

That's two new authors for me this year so far.  I haven't read any of the new authors I chose ahead of time yet.

My Reading Goals for the Year 2011 Recap and Reading Goals for 2012

My reading goals for 2012 were:

1. Read 45 books - Done
2. Read mostly from my 2012 boxes of books (Picked out ahead of time) - Kinda
3. Finish all books carried over  - Done
4. Read a lot from series I have already started - Done I read a ton of the Aunt Dimity series.
5. Try some new authors I already have books by from a list of authors and books I chose. The only two I read were Robyn Carr and Wendy Corsi Staub (and not the book I had picked out either.)  So not so good on this one but I enjoyed the two I did read.

2012 was an interesting year for me reading wise.  It was a tough year for me personally and I think that showed in my reading as my reading was a bit sporadic at times.

Over all I read books by 32 different authors (2 I didn't finish), including 18 new to me authors.  I fell in love with Robyn Carr & M.C. Beaton's books, discovered Shannon Hale, Susan Beth Pfeffer, Ally Condie and Tara Altebrando.  I feel like I read some really good books this year, ones that will stick with me and that I'll remember.

Going forward my reading goals for 2013 are:

1. Read 46 books
2. Finish all books carried over (There were three but I finished one last night, so down to two.)
3. Try some new authors I already have books by.  The authors I have chosen are :

Cassandra Clare
Rhys Bowen
Sarah Dessen
Meg Cabot
Harlan Coben 
Sarah Vowell
Carolyn Haines
Robin Jones Gunn
Heather Webber
Victoria Thompson

Richard and I both got new chairs for our library for Christmas and it has made the room so wonderful to read in.  I really want to have fun reading this year, finding some new authors I love and just enjoying the world of books.  Happy Reading everyone!

December Reads

In December I read three books.

I read.....

Death of a Cad by M.C. Beaton - 4 stars - I just love this series. I had no idea who the killer or why was till Hamish explained it all. I love a mystery that keeps me guessing.

When Christmas Comes Again: The World War I Diary of Simone Spencer, New York City to the Western Front, 1917 by Beth Seidel Levine - 3 stars - An interesting read about a time I don't know much about. I know surprisingly little about WWI and knew nothing about the Signal Corps before reading this book. This book was well written and interesting.

Believing (Lily Dale #2) by Wendy Corsi Staub - 4 stars - I really liked this book, though the middle part went a bit slow. The story line with her moms past is really interesting and I can't wait to see what happens in the next two books.

November Reads

In November I read four books.

I read.....

The Bathtub Reader: An Amusing Miscellany for the Discerning Mademoiselle by Carrie Bell & Amy Helmes - 4 stars - A fun, light read. I loved some of the info I got from this book. A perfect car book.

Crossed by Ally Condie - 4 stars - I didn't love it as much as Matched but it was still a really good book. It made me sad, made me think and mostly made me want to know what's going to happen in the end. I am going to a reading by the author this month to get the last book in the trilogy and I am really looking forward to it.

On What Grounds by Cleo Coyle - 3 stars - A cute, fun mystery. She went on a bit too much about coffee tips (how to store beans, how to make espresso, ect.) & there was one plot point I thought was glaringly obvious but those are the only negatives. I didn't guess who the bad guy was and that's always a plus in my book. I would definitely read more in this series.

Austenland by Shannon Hale - 5 stars - I just loved this book. It was fun, romantic and creative. I really liked that the main character had issues with men but wasn't an air headed pushover (my biggest complaint with so much of chick lit heroines.) There were some great lines in this book and I was thrilled to read they have made a movie (It hasn't come out yet) and a sequel to the book came out last year. Austenland was definitely a great read.

October Reads

In October I read six books.

I read.....

Do You Want To Know A Secret? by Mary Jane Clark - 4 stars - Well written and surprising. I never guessed who the murderer was. I really like MJC's style.  It's been years since I read any of this series and I had forgotten how much I enjoy it.  Extra cool that part of it was in Houston too.

Do You Promise Not To Tell? by Mary Jane Clark - 3 stars - A good read (though there were a crazy amount of characters to keep up with) that kept me guessing all the way through.

Sabine's Notebook: In Which the Extraordinary Correspondence of Griffin & Sabine Continues by Nick Bantock - 3 stars - Oh so odd yet so intriguing!  I read the first of these years ago and was thrilled when I recently found this one.

Aunt Dimity and the Duke by Nancy Atherton - 3 stars - Sweet, funny and a lovely mystery.  It was fun to see how some of the characters in the series met.

Further Under the Duvet by Marian Keyes - 3 stars - Some great essays, odd short stories and intriguing glimpses of Marian Keyes real life.  I kept this book in my foster cats room and read it off and on. Hannah and Addison enjoyed it immensely and are now Marian Keyes fans. :)

Death of a Gossip by M.C. Beaton - 5 stars - How is it possible I gave never read anything by M.C. Beaton before? I loved this book! It was charming and funny and kept me guessing. I loved Hamish Macbeth. I was certain I knew who the killer was from early on and was totally wrong. I can't wait to read more in the series.  (I read Hamish in Robert Carlyle's voice the whole way through the book.)

I also tried to read Fireside by Susan Wiggs this month and decided she was definitely not for me.

The read-a-thon helped me finish up some books and got me going towards my goal.

End of Event Meme

Which hour was most daunting for you?
Hour Eighteen  The later it got the harder it got for me to concentrate.

Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?
Anything by Nancy Atherton or Mary Jane Clark
Nancy Atherton rights charming mysteries with eccentric, quirky characters.  MJC rights mysteries revolving about a huge news team.  (She also writes another series about a wedding cake decorater but I haven't read those yet.)

Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?
Post some easier challenges that take less time for the people who want to read but also want to take part.

What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?
Just about everything.  The hosts for the hourly updates were wonderful!  I really enjoyed it.  For myself I like taking a pic with my phone every hour to have it to look back on.  I also love doing this with my husband and best friend.

How many books did you read?
I finished two and read from two others as well.

What were the names of the books you read?
Do You Promise Not To Tell? by Mary Jane Clark - Finished
Sabine's Notebook by Nick Pantock - Started and Finished
Aunt Dimity and The Duke by Nancy Atherton - Started and got a good ways into.
Lily Dale: Believing by Wendy Corsi Staub - Started and read the prologue and a tiny bit of the first chapter.

Which book did you enjoy most?
Do You Promise Not To Tell? and Aunt Dimity and The Duke

Which did you enjoy least?
I liked them all.

If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders?
Pace yourself, give yourself time to enjoy others blogs and make personal comments that show you have read at least some of their RAT posts.

How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?
Most definitely!  I look forward to the RATs all year!  I will be reading and cheering.

End of Hour Twenty One

This hour I read:

Aunt Dimity and The Duke by Nancy Atherton - 12 pages

I read for 15 minutes

Total pages read: 265

Total minutes read: 484

Books Finished: 2

I read in the bathtub and on the bed.  I desperately wanted to read more as this book is so good but I was too tired.

End of Hour Twenty

I am heading to a bath and bed.  I may read a bit more but not much and will update any I read tomorrow.  Good Night All!

End of Hour Nineteen

I spent the hour cheering and I made an awesome goal.  I made it through all the readers on my cheer team!  That was a total of 46 different blogs or twitter feeds.  If the person was reading and I was able to comment on their blog/twitter account I did.  Woohoo!

End of Hour Eighteen

This hour I read:

Aunt Dimity and The Duke by Nancy Atherton - 8 pages

I read for 41 minutes

Total pages read: 253

Total minutes read: 469

Books Finished: 2

Not sure how much I really read this hour as I went and got in my jammies, had a snack, ect.  I am slowing way down....

End of Hour Seventeen

More cheering this hour.  I made it to 8 blogs this time.  I am definitely having trouble concentrating but may try a snack to see if that helps.

End of Hour Sixteen

This hour I read:

Aunt Dimity and The Duke by Nancy Atherton - 8 pages

I read for 14 minutes

Total pages read: 245

Total minutes read: 428

Books Finished: 2

Lots of distractions this hour as the kiddos were getting restless, wanting their dinner.  I am getting sleepy as well.  Gotta get awake!

End of Hour Fifteen

I was cheering this hour and made it to 14 blogs.  I love seeing what other people are reading.

Mid-Event Survey

1) How are you doing? Sleepy? Are your eyes tired?
Yep, and my shoulder is hurting.

2) What have you finished reading?
Do You Promise Not To Tell? by Mary Jane Clark
Sabine's Notebook by Nick Pantock

3) What is your favorite read so far?
Do You Promise Not To Tell? by Mary Jane Clark

4) What about your favorite snacks?
Combos and Reeses Pieces

5) Have you found any new blogs through the readathon? If so, give them some love!
I am just starting to do some serious cheering now.  But I did find Recreation Reading highly amusing.

End of Hour Fourteen

This hour I read:

Lily Dale: Believing by Wendy Corsi Staub - 8 pages

I read for 14 minutes

Total pages read: 237

Total minutes read: 393

Books Finished: 2

Had to make a stop at Sonic on the way home from dinner to get a Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper and get some caffeine.

End of Hour Thirteen

This hour I read:

Aunt Dimity and The Duke by Nancy Atherton - 23 pages

I read for 53 minutes

Total pages read: 229

Total minutes read: 379

Books Finished: 2

End of Hour Twelve

This hour I read:

Aunt Dimity and The Duke by Nancy Atherton - 4 pages

I read for 10 minutes

Total pages read: 206

Total minutes read: 326

Books Finished: 2

End of Hour Eleven

This hour I read:

Aunt Dimity and The Duke by Nancy Atherton - 23 pages

I read for 39 minutes

Total pages read: 202

Total minutes read: 316

Books Finished: 2

Nancy and I started reading our chosen book to read together this hour.  So far it's pretty good.  This next hour we're heading to Panera for dinner but as it's our usual reading spot on Friday nights we'll be getting some reading done!

End of Hour Ten

This hour I read:

Sabine's Notebook by Nick Pantock - 44 pages - Finished It!

I read for 36 minutes

Total pages read: 202

Total minutes read: 277

Books Finished: 2

I started and finished Sabine's Notebook this hour.  I read the first in this series a few years ago.  They are so odd, full of art and handwritten letters.  Definitely unique.

End of Hour Nine

No reading this hour....drove home from Starbucks, made lunch and ate and did a little book housekeeping (Marking as read, ect.)

End of Hour Eight

This hour I read:

Do You Promise Not To Tell? by Mary Jane Clark - 41 pages - Finished It!

I read for 54 minutes

Total pages read: 158

Total minutes read: 241

Books Finished: 1

I was totally off on who the bad guy was (though I did guess one of the lesser bad guys.)  A good read.

End of Hour Seven

This hour I read:

Do You Promise Not To Tell? by Mary Jane Clark - 7 pages

I read for 12 minutes

Total pages read: 117

Total minutes read: 187

And the internet went down at our house.  Boo!  So off to Starbucks we go.

End of Hour Six

This hour I read:

Do You Promise Not To Tell? by Mary Jane Clark - 21 pages

I read for 28 minutes

Total pages read: 110

Total minutes read: 175

I got so tired this hour and had to take a wee little nap.

End of Hour Five

This hour I read:

Do You Promise Not To Tell? by Mary Jane Clark - 18 pages

I read for 36 minutes

Total pages read: 89

Total minutes read: 147

Snack time!  Combos and Reeses Pieces.

End of Hour Four

This hour I read:

Do You Promise Not To Tell? by Mary Jane Clark - 20 pages

I read for 36 minutes

Total pages read: 111

Total minutes read: 71

Had a slight distraction by Miss Muzzy this last hour which I took advantage of to change out of my jammies into real clothes.  It's gonna be a hot one here today.  So much for Fall!   A little over 80 pages to go in this book and still no idea who the bad guy is.  Love it!

End of Hour Three

This hour I ate breakfast and did some cheering.  I commented on 15 different readers blogs.  Not a bad hours work.

End of Hour Two

This hour I read:

Do You Promise Not To Tell? by Mary Jane Clark - 20 pages

I read 31 minutes

Total pages read: 51

Total minutes read: 75

I did a bit of Facebook housekeeping this hour (Have to keep my cafe going! LOL).  This book is really good.  I keep changing my mind about who I think the bad guy is.  Honestly at this point (just a little over a hundred pages to go) I have no idea who it is!

End of Hour One

This hour I read:

Do You Promise Not To Tell? by Mary Jane Clark - 31 pages

I read for 44 minutes

Total pages read: 31

Total minutes read: 44

I am going to add some pics again this time...not sure if I'll be doing one every hour but we'll see....

Introduction Meme

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?
The Woodlands, TX

2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?
Aunt Dimity and The Duke by Nancy Atherton & Lily Dale : Believing by Wendy Corsi Staub

3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?
Onion Dip with Ruffles

4) Tell us a little something about yourself!

I spent yesterday shopping for books at a local used book stores book sale & then scrapbooking - two of my favorite things.

I'll be reading with my husband, my best friend and all our kiddos (cats) - all my favorite reading partners.

I'm slightly behind on my reading goal for the year so this is a great chance to get back on track.

5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to?

This is my 10th read-a-thon.  Usually I read and then do the introductory meme after the firt hour so already I am switching things up!  Last read-a-thon my mom had just been diagnosed with breast cancner the week before and we went out to meet her for lunch the day of the read-a-thon.  The chemo is done, the surgery is done and my mom is in the midst of recovery and we'll be staying in for lunch this time.  Let the reading begin!

Getting read for the Read-a-Thon & My Read-a-Thon Pile

The next read-a-thon is tomorrow, October 13!  Life has been pretty busy so this is the first I have had time to post about it (I just got home now from a day of book buying and a scrapbook crop).  This will be the 10th Read-a-Thon Richard and I have taken part in.  I can't wait!

The books I have picked out to read from are....

Furthur Under the Duvet by Marian Keyes - I was actually reading this at the time of the last read-a-thon.  It usually stays in my girls room and I read it to them.  I have less than a hundred pages to go in it.

Do You Promise Not To Tell? by Mary Jane Clark - I'm currently reading this one, almost half way through.

Lily Dale: Believing by Wendy Corsi Staub - I read the first of these earlier this year and loved it.  I really had to search to find this and can't wait to read it.

Aunt Dimity and The Duke by Nancy Atherton - Nancy and I will be reading this one together!

Queen of Babble by Meg Cabot - It's on my list to read this year.

Sabine's Notebook by Nick Pantock - I read the first in this series a few years ago.  It was unusual and interesting and not a long read so perfect for the read-a-thon.

I'm also cheering for four hours for team Sweetarts.  Look for me to be cheering you on as you read too!

I'm off to bed now to get some sleep before it's time to start reading.

September Reads

In September I read five books.

I read.....

3rd Degree by James Patterson - 4 stars - I really love this series.  I am emotionally attached to all the characters and love the storylines.  This was quick paced, emotional and a great mystery. This was a great entry in the series.

Matched by Ally Condie - 5 stars - Wow! I absolutely loved this book. It drew me in and I just couldn't stop reading. I loved the characters and appreciated that they all felt real to me. I was reading with tears in my eyes at points and gasping in surprise at others. Drama, revolution, mystery and romance...they were all here. Definitely one of my all time favorites.

101 Things To Do Before You Turn 40 by Kristin McCracken - 3 stars - This was the perfect book to have in the car. Some of the suggestions were pretty dumb in my opinion but it was light and interesting.

The Victoria's Secret Catalog Never Stops Coming by Jennie Nash - 5 stars - A touching, well written book that made me laugh and cry.  This was a very personal book for me as my mom was diagnosed with an almost identical diagnoses in April.  I happened upon this book just weeks before my mom was due for surgery.  It moved me and prepared me for her surgery in ways no talk with a doctor ever could.  For that I'll always be grateful.

The Apprentice by Tess Gerritsen - 4 stars - I got to see Tess Gerritsen speak this month and get her latest Rizzoli and Isles book.  She signed both that and my copy of The Surgeon.  She was fun, interesting and one of the best authors I have had the privlege of hearing speak.  This book was so creepy but was also really well written and had some interesting twists and turns. I love when their are plot points I don't see coming. Tess Gerritsen manages to scare me once again and make me like it!

August Reads

In August I read three books.

I read.....

Virgin River by Robyn Carr - 5 stars - I have had this book for a few years and hadn't gotten around to reading it.  I am so glad I did!  It was such a good book! I loved all the characters and can't wait to read more about them. It made me want to move to the mountains and live away from a city. Can't wait to read the rest of the series.

Awakening (Lily Dale #1) by Wendy Corsi Staub - 5 stars - Fun! This one kept me guessing and it was well told. I really enjoyed it. I really wished I had the second one in the series as I could have just kept reading.  This was the first book I have read by this author. I have quite a few of her adult books and now can't wait to get to those.

3rd Degree by James Patterson - 4 stars - I just love this series so much.  The women are strong and smart and it's just enjoyable.  This one was sad but also quick paced, emotional and a great mystery.


I also tried to read The Iron King by Julie Kagawa and gave up on it.  I read the first chapter and just didn't like it.  I skimmed through the book a bit and feel safe in saying it's just not my kind of book.

I am happy to say I am definitely back in a reading mood and am loving the books I am reading now!