2020 Challenges

Okay, so I'm technically running late - sue me.  On second thought, don't. It would be extra stress I just don't need.  I have a feeling that my poor pup Apollo may take the blame for a lot of things this year and running behind on the blog will be one of them.  But he's cute, lovable and adorable so we'll give him a pass won't we guys?

So I'm not doing a ton of challenges this year. I like them and everything but I'm horrible at tracking them.  I start out well and then fall off. So this year I'm only doing 3 long ones but will participate in ones that pop up that may last a week to a month because there's so many fun ones out there like that.

GOODREADS READING CHALLENGE

So this one is self explanatory.  I set my goal at 100 this year.  I figure it's a number I'm pretty confident at achieving.

LIBRARY LOVE 2020

Details:

Runs:January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2020. You can join anytime. The sign-up will remain open until Dec. 31st, 2020.

• Put a sign up post on your blog or (dedicate a Goodreads shelf or LibraryThing) and link it in the linky below. Make sure it’s public. 
• Monthly Library Love Email: We are offering up a Monthly Email dedicated to the library love challenge. This email will focus on the monthly posts. Everyone who signs up will get a confirmation email, you can unsubscribe at any time, including after the signing-up, more information at the bottom of this post or Sign Up Now:
• Please link back to both challenge hosts and include the challenge buttonin your sign-up posts.
• The goal is to read at least twelve (12) books from the library, but you can read more. While twelve is the minimum; there is no maximum limit. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you.
• Any format will work for this challenge (prints, ebooks, or audios); as long as you checked it out from the library, it counts.
• Books can be any genre (fiction, nonfiction, romance, fantasy, mystery, thriller, horror, etc.).
• Crossovers from other reading challenges are allowed, including re-reads. The goal is to support your local library and save money.
• As an added bonus: We’re offering up MONTHLY GIVEAWAYS with this Challenge. On the 1st of every month, a link-up will go up on both Angel’s Guilty Pleasures and Books of My Heart where you can leave your links for your reviews on the books you read from the library. One Winner will be picked each month!! So make sure to stop by each month to enter. More details below.
• (Optional) Reviews: Write a review to enter the giveaway 2 sentences or an essay, whatever works for you, but there is a minimum of 2 sentences. Not sure what to write? How about something like, “The plot was a delight, but the characters didn’t capture me.” “I enjoyed the story and really liked the characters.”
• Please use #LibraryLoveChallenge when sharing your reviews, library pictures, etc…

Levels:

• Dewey Decimal: Read 12 books
• Thrifty Reader: Read 24 books
• Overdrive Junkie: Read 36 books
• Library Addict: Read 48 books
• Library Card on Fire: Read 60+ books 
• I love using my libraries so again, I think this is one I can easily manage.  I'm going with Overdrive Junkie and aiming to read at least 36 books.

WHAT AN ANIMAL 2020

1. Any book read for this challenge has to have an animal that plays a major role in the book (which could be fiction or non-fiction.) It also counts if a main character is (or turns into) an animal (define that however you'd like). In the past, books would qualify if an animal is in the title or on the cover, but that alone no longer qualifies. This challenge is for books related to animals and just because they are in the title or on the cover, doesn't mean it's about an animal.

These are the levels.

Level 1 - Read 6 books

Level 2 - Read 7-12

Level 3 - Read 13-20

Level 4 - Read 21 or more

2. The animal can be any type of animal (real or fictitious)--dog, cat, monkey, wolf, snake, insect, hedgehog, aardvark...dragon, mermaid, centaur, vampire, werewolf...you get the idea...

3. Challenge runs from January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018.

4. Books can be fiction or nonfiction.

5. You may make a list of books at the beginning of the challenge or you can just list them as you find them.


6. Book titles may be swapped out at anytime (assuming you made a list to begin with).

7. Crossovers with other challenges are permitted and encouraged.

8. You don't have to have a blog or write a review, but you can if you want to. If you don't have a blog, just post in the comment section that you'd like to join. You can post your books in there. Or you can sign up by joining my group on Goodreads for this challenge by clicking here.

9. Books can be in any format of your choice (print, audio, ebooks)

10. To sign up, use the Mister Linky below. There will be links for reviews and wrap posts later.

That's it! Enjoy and have fun!

I'm going to go for Level 3 on this one but wouldn't be surprised if I manage Level 4 so that may change.

So there you have it - better late than never.

Also, my They Call It Puppy Love Challenge will be going on during the month of February so look for that post soon.

What's Happening (01-18-19)...

So I'm doing things a tad bit differently this year and will be combining all of my regular weekend posts.  This will enable me to add more content on Fridays and it is just starting to make more sense.  I'll still be linking up with Stacking the Shelves at Tynga's Reviews and Sunday Post at Caffeinated Reviewer.  Both blogs are awesome so make sure you check them out. 

So there was no post last weekend and I apologize.  Life just became too much.  Nothing bad but with my first full week back to work and then I had to travel out of town for a work meeting one day.  Things just got the best of me.  But anyway, on with the update!

So Apollo continues to grow.  He and Cass are getting along fairly well. They had a marathon session of playing Wednesday night and Cass got head butted in the eye and it started to swell. I went into panic mode but Mr. Barb was pretty sure it wasn't the actual eye but beneath it.  Needless to say I worried all night but I'm happy to report Cass is fine.  I made the pup leave him alone for a while Thursday and honestly, neither seemed too happy about it.  Here are some update pics of Apollo.

This shows that he has doubled in size if not more.  I refer to PUPPY LAG a lot and it's not so much that he's keeping me up at night, it's just a lot of juggling with vet appointments, taking him out (only once) in the middle of the night, and constantly keeping tabs on the little fella.

This is Cass with one of his favorite toys taking time out from the lil' brother.

And this shows that I think our dog may be broken.  He loves to play this "game" with Dad.  Sorry for the bad quality.  It's hard to catch him doing anything in good lighting :)

We have been watching some things on TV but not a lot of movies.  I finished Season 2 of YOU and all I can say is Joe, I'm really worried about this last relationship of yours.  Needless to say I'm thrilled it's been picked up for a third season.  We also watched the Dracula mini-series.  It was odd and that's the best way I know to describe it.  It was three 1 1/2 hour episodes and I could have really done without the last one.  I watched Midsomar while I was off sick one day and WEIRD.  It was free or I never would have started it.  They take a lot of drug inducing herbs in the movie and I kept thinking so may have the writers.  It may have helped if they had shared some with the audience too.  

I've been reading some and hope to pick up some great books this weekend. This is what is on tap.  

And here is my haul for the past several weeks as it's been a while since I shared.  I thought Past Lives with Pets sounded pretty interesting and let's be honest, I couldn't resist the cover of Nocturnal Farm.   I featured The Finders on a Can't Wait Wednesday some time back and was thrilled when I was approved for it.

I was really intrigued by the premise of Ghosts of Harvard and I've been seeing The Down Days all over the place and come on, how can you resist that cover?  And I'm beyond ecstatic to have a copy of The Only Good Indians.

And finally, I'm turning things over to Cass for his latest installment....

STUPID S**T MY BROTHER DOES:

1.  He eats dirt.  Seriously, he roots around in the backyard and loves to eat dirt.  Doesn't he know that he needs to hold out for treats and food?  I've tried to tell him but he doesn't listen.

2.  He grows like a weed - hey, maybe that's what's up with all the dirt.  He gets bigger by the day.

3. When he gets the zoomies, stand back.  That boy is fast!  Of course not as fast as me.  

4.  We now touch each other.  I actually like playing with him but he needs to learn not to hang on to my neck.  I can't even wear bandanas right now because it's gives him more hold.  And he also needs to learn that when I am done, I am done.

5.  He STILL likes to chew on Mom but admittedly not as much as before.  All I can figure out is the truth may be out and he knows she loves me more.

So how was your week?

Something You Didn't Know About Me....

TITLE: Nickelodeon Rugrats Guide to Adulting
PUBLISHER: DK Publishing
PUBLISHING DATE: October 2, 2018

FROM GOODREADS: 

Master the struggle of everyday adult life with help from everyone's favorite babies! Relive classic moments from the beloved 90s Nickelodeon TV show Rugrats. 

90s kids might be all grown up now, but adulting is hard work. The Nickelodeon Rugrats: Guide to Adulting is a nostalgic guide to relationships, work, and living a healthy lifestyle from iconic Rugrats characters including Tommy Pickles, Chuckie Finster, and Grandpa Lou. Even outspoken Angelica is on hand with some hard-hitting truths on how to live your best life. Packed with throwbacks to the original animated series, this bold and colorful book is the perfect gift for twenty-something fans of Nickelodeon who are still dumb babies at heart.

Produced in collaboration with Nickelodeon, the Nickelodeon Rugrats: Guide to Adulting is an affectionate and amusing reflection on modern life, for a new generation of adults who have fond memories of their favorite childhood cartoons. 

MY THOUGHTS: So I'll let you in on a secret.  I used to watch a lot of Rugrats, along with Doug.  Does anyone even remember Doug and his dog Porkchop?  I enjoyed Tommy Pickles and his sister Angelica, Chuckie Finster and even Baby Dil.  So when I was browsing the graphic novel selection at one of my local libraries one day and saw this, I knew it was going home with me.

Basically this is just a cute short book of adult lessons spelled out Rugrats style.  They are all sharing rules they learned as kids which easily translate over to adulthood.  The artwork is colorful and fun.  This book lends itself to nostalgia so basically if you aren't a fan, I really can't recommend you pick it up.  However, if you are a closet Rugrats fan like me, it's good for a few chuckles.

RATING: 3 PAWS

Can't Wait Wednesday (244) - It's ALL About the Covers

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings to spotlight highly anticipated books.  It is based on the Waiting on Wednesday meme which used to be hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

So the public has spoken - Cass is now a full-time contributor to Can't Wait Wednesday.  That means each week you'll see two books here. Of course Cass is already lobbying for an increase in salary (at least he works for treats - and bandanas).

FROM GOODREADS:  Following her father's death, Jane North-Robinson and her mom move from sunny California to the dreary, dilapidated old house in Maine where her mother grew up. All they want is a fresh start, but behind North Manor's doors lurks a history that leaves them feeling more alone...and more tormented.

As the cold New England autumn arrives, and Jane settles in to her new home, she finds solace in old books and memories of her dad. She steadily begins making new friends, but also faces bullying from the resident "bad seed," struggling to tamp down her own worst nature in response. Jane's mom also seems to be spiraling with the return of her childhood home, but she won't reveal why. Then Jane discovers that the "storage room" her mom has kept locked isn't for storage at all -- it's a little girl's bedroom, left untouched for years and not quite as empty of inhabitants as it appears....

WHY I CAN'T WAIT:  Dilapidated house, bad seed, Maine?  What more could a gal ask for???

FROM GOODREADS: The #1 New York Times bestselling author Kerri Maniscalco introduces her next blockbuster series, a dark, intoxicating tale of a beautiful young witch, a troubled demon, and their epic romance, set against a lush 19th century Italian backdrop.

Emilia and her twin sister Victoria are strega - witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Victoria misses dinner service at the family's renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin...desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to discover who did this, and to seek vengeance at any cost—even if it means using dark magic that’s been long forbidden.

Then Emilia meets Wrath, the outlier among the seven demon brethren, always choosing duty over pleasure. He’s been tasked by his master with investigating a series of women’s murders on the island. When Emilia and Wrath’s fates collide, it’s clear this disturbing mystery will take a bewitching turn...

WHY I CAN'T WAIT:  Witches, demons, murders on an island?  I'll even overlook Mr. Booksnake on this one (even though I don't like him).  BTW, last year it was black booksnake, this year it's white.  Booksnake has evolved.  Seriously, we need book otter or book hippo to take his place right?

CASSIUS'S PICK

FROM GOODREADS:  Kappa Rho Nu isn’t your average sorority. Their parties are notorious. Their fundraisers are known for being Westerly College’s most elaborate affairs. But beneath the veil of Greek life and prestige, the sisters of Kappu Rho Nu share a secret: they’re a coven of witches. For Vivi Deveraux, being one of Kappa Rho Nu’s Ravens means getting a chance to redefine herself. For Scarlett Winters, a bonafide Raven and daughter of a legacy Raven, pledge this year means living up to her mother’s impossible expectations of becoming Kappa Rho Nu’s next president. Scarlett knows she’d be the perfect candidate — that is, if she didn’t have one human-sized skeleton in her closet…. When Vivi and Scarlett are paired as big and little for initiation, they find themselves sinking into the sinister world of blood oaths and betrayals. 

WHY CASS CAN'T WAIT:  Come on guys, BIRDS!  You know I love my birds.  Plus I think I may be needing a break from the lil' brother soon so maybe I should consider college.  If so, I need to prepare for witch sororities.  Apparently they are a thing starting in 2021.

SO WHAT BOOKS CAN'T YOU WAIT FOR THIS WEEK?  

I know these are kind of far out but I discovered all three this past week and couldn't wait to share!

TTT - New Authors I Discovered in 2019

The top 10 weekly meme used to be hosted by The Broke and the Bookish they  handed over the reins to ThatArtsyReaderGirl who can be found HERE.  Each week she will focus on lists which cover various topics related to books and reading.

This week I'm sharing with you new-to-me authors I discovered in 2019 and really enjoyed.

DEBORAH HARKNESS

JAN S. GEPHARDT

KATE WILLIAMS

LUCY FOLEY

CLAY McLEOD CHAPMAN

KIRA JANE BUXTON

LOUISE VOSS

SJI HOLLIDAY

GREGORY BASTIANELLI

ELIZABETH MASSIE

So I read all of these authors for the first time in 2019 and I would definitely be interested in checking out future works by them.

Thanks for stopping by Booker T's Farm!

Blog Tour - The Little Bookshop on the Seine

Today I'm participating in the Winter 2020 Blog Tour for Harlequin Trade Publishing's Women's Fiction release, The Little Bookshop on the Seine.  Many thanks to the publisher and author who provided a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

TITLE: The Little Bookshop on the Seine

AUTHOR: Rebecca Raisin

PUBLISHER: HQN

PUBLISHING DATE: January 7, 2020 (originally published in 2015)

FROM GOODREADS: 

When bookshop owner Sarah Smith is offered the opportunity for a job exchange with her Parisian friend Sophie, saying yes is a no-brainer—after all, what kind of romantic would turn down six months in Paris? Sarah is sure she’s in for the experience of a lifetime—days spent surrounded by literature in a gorgeous bookshop, and the chance to watch the snow fall on the Eiffel Tower. Plus, now she can meet up with her journalist boyfriend, Ridge, when his job takes him around the globe.

But her expectations cool faster than her café au lait soon after she lands in the City of Light—she’s a fish out of water in Paris. The customers are rude, her new coworkers suspicious and her relationship with Ridge has been reduced to a long-distance game of phone tag, leaving Sarah to wonder if he’ll ever put her first over his busy career. As Christmas approaches, Sarah is determined to get the shop—and her life—back in order…and make her dreams of a Parisian happily-ever-after come true.  

MY THOUGHTS: So I think my run with romance may be nearing the end.  I can honestly say that for a genre I don't pick up often, I've really struck gold with some of my recent choices.  However, my dark soul is craving something heavier. 

Sarah lives in a small town where she owns and operates her own bookshop.  She is friends with Sophie, who lives in Paris and who was recently jilted by her boyfriend.  Sophie proposes to Sarah that they switch places for a while so Sophie can get away and Sarah can visit the city of her dreams.  Although it's totally out of character, Sarah jumps at the chance.  After all, her boyfriend is a traveling reporter and they can get together in Paris just as easily as her hometown.  Sarah knows she's in for a change when she arrives, but she has no idea just how hard a transition the switch will be.

So first of all this book is about people who love books and bookshops.  What more is needed right?  Well, there could have been a dog, but at least there was mention of a few cats who resided in the Paris shop.  Because Sarah is used to running her shop in a small town with no outside help, she does have trouble initially managing a bigger shop and suddenly being a boss.  There's also the issue of her boyfriend, who isn't visiting or calling as much as he did originally.  I liked Sarah as a character.  She showed a lot of growth during the novel and goes from someone who wants someone to sweep her off her feet just like her famous romance novels, to someone who realizes she can make herself happy on her own. 

The book is also full of additional quirky side characters.  I enjoyed seeing them interact with Sarah and thought their side tales added interest and intrigue into the novel. 

My only real complaint about the book is that I want to know more about some of the other people.  We get some insights as to how Sophie is doing in the US, but not a lot.  And it makes it seem like Sophie is fitting right in and having no trouble with the switch while Sarah is struggling.  Since this book is part of a series, I do believe this may come out in future installments.

So overall, The Little Bookshop on the Seine was a fun book which I could best compare to a cozy mystery without the mystery.  I am sure people who love books about books and bookshops will want to give this one a chance.

RATING: 4 PAWS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Rebecca Raisin is the author of several novels, including the beloved Little Paris series and the Gingerbread Café trilogy, and her short stories have been published in various anthologies and fiction magazines. 

You can follow Rebecca on Facebook, and at
www.rebeccaraisin.com

A Flashback Already - We Met in December Review

TITLE: We Met in December
AUTHOR: Rosie Curtis
PUBLISHER: Harper Collings/William Morrow Paperbacks
PUBLISHING DATE: November 5, 2019

FROM GOODREADS: 

Two people. One house. A year that changes everything. 

wenty-nine-year-old Jess is following her dream and moving to London. It’s December, and she’s taking a room in a crumbling, but grand, Notting Hill house-share with four virtual strangers. On her first night, Jess meets Alex, the guy sharing her floor, at a Christmas dinner hosted by her landlord. They don’t kiss, but as far as Jess is concerned the connection is clear. She starts planning how they will knock down the wall between them to spend more time together. 

But when Jess returns from a two-week Christmas holiday, she finds Alex has started dating someone else—beautiful Emma, who lives on the floor above them. Now Jess faces a year of bumping into (hell, sharing a bathroom with) the man of her dreams…and the woman of his. 

But look closely…because there are truths and there are lies, and then there is everything that really happened.  

MY THOUGHTS: I basically read this over New Year's as my last holiday hurrah and to be honest, I didn't really need to save it for that time of year because despite the title, it really doesn't have much of a Christmas feel - and I think that's a good thing.

We Met in December is a year long tale of Jess and Alex.  Jess has left her home and is trying a new career in London.  Alex has left his job as an attorney and is becoming a registered nurse.  They meet because they both know a the same woman who has just inherited a London flat - one who is willing to rent out rooms cheaply.  So Jess and Alex meet one night and then she leaves for a 2 week holiday.  Even though there is a spark between them, when she returns, he has started a new relationship. 

Over the course of the next year Jess and Alex become friends.  Yes, I pretty much knew where the novel was headed but the author had some really interesting plot points to help me get there.  I really enjoyed the side characters and especially loved Jess' interaction with her Grandmother. who basically raised her when she was a child.

I thought We Met in December was a cute romance which showed fairly realistic relationships.  One of Jess' best friends is a budding actress and the other is trying desperately to get pregnant and they both add some comedic relief as well as a dose of sanity from time to time.  And the flatmates each had their own tales which also held my interest and I would be interested in seeing stories about them in the future (which I have no clue if the author plans).

So overall, We Met in December was the perfect holiday read that turned out not to be so holiday-ish.   It was also a great book to read while suffering by puppy-lag because I was able to set it down for short periods of time and then pick it right back up and quickly become fully immersed again.  I recommend this to anyone who enjoys British romances as this one definitely puts me in mind of Bridget Jones and last year's One Day in December. 

I received this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

RATING: 4 PAWS