Challenge Tracking

Past Reading and Challenges

Friday, July 28, 2023

Villa in Sicily: Olive Oil and Murder

 Villa in Sicily: Olive Oil and Murder  is the first book in the Cats and Dogs Murder series by Fiona Grace.  I read my first book by her earlier this year when I tried Aged For Murder Tuscan Vineyard #1 in March.  ( my Blog Post )  I enjoyed this book as well.  I appreciate how the murder mystery is almost an afterthought in the stories vs the foremost plot feature.   Ms. Grace does a wonderful job of describing the countries and villages where she sets these mysteries.  You can really visualize the locations as you read them and feel as though you are there experiencing the culture as well as the protagonists.  I also like how the character relationships and experiences take a prominent role in the storylines rather than being sidenotes as they often are in cozy mysteries.  Neither is a bad approach, I just enjoy the variety these books by Fiona Grace provide.  

If you are looking for cozy mysteries with strong character development and relationships set in foreign locations be sure to give her Cats and Dogs and Tuscan Vineyard series a try.  


 A Villa in Sicily: Olive Oil and Murder

A Villa in Sicily: Olive Oil and Murder by Fiona Grace
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable mystery that’s really more about the adventures of Audrey Smart on her ex pat journey in Sicily. The situations she finds herself in are often comical. The decisions she must make regarding her 1 euro home renovations are at the center of her missteps. Her move and establishing a vet practice are engaging storylines. Grace makes the reader feel Audreys dilemma between starting a new life and returning to the comfort of life in Boston. The series should prove to be an adventure in home renovations and establishing a vet practice in her new hometown.

View all my reviews



Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

  1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  88
  2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #   72
  3. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  Sicily
  4. AtoZ   #2023AtoZReadingChallenge  #AlphabetSoupChallenge  V
  5. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 1
  6. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 =-1
  7. What an Animal Book #32
  8. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #80
  9. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #62
  10. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #39
  11. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #66
  12. Craving for Cozies  Book #56
  13. Six Shooter Challenge  Target # 97 Shot #2
  14. Medical Examiner Challenge  1 Toe Tags
  15. Bookworm #41 Read a book with a title that starts with the letter V
  16. Beyond the Bookends  July- Read a book set in Italy
  17. Read Your Bookshelf July  different country than June's book 

Thursday, July 27, 2023

Secluded Cabin sleeps Six

 Lisa Unger did not disappoint in Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six.  She certainly knows how to pen wonderful thriller novels.  I picked this up after thoroughly enjoying her Confessions on the 7:45. See my review here  Blog 

 I am certainly glad I did.  She weaves a suspenseful book with plenty of examination of human nature.  I found it humorous that she mentions the cliche horror film behaviors of the lead females in this novel as the characters reflect on whether their actions differ from what a dumb character would do in a horror film.  It provides a  little levity to break up the intensity of the suspenseful situations.  

This book also has the reader reflecting on how much of our human characteristics are based on genetics vs how we are raised.  The age-old nature vs nurture definitely plays a role in this book.  There are also aspects to the story that leads to reflection about the ethics and use of genetic information from a genealogy perspective vs criminal investigations.  The slippery slope is definitely alive and well in regard to how the information should be used and by whom.  

All in all, this was a wonderful thriller that kept me wanting to read more and more.  


Secluded Cabin Sleeps SixSecluded Cabin Sleeps Six by Lisa Unger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

twisting thriller with some poignant themes

I did not know much about this book when I picked it out to read. I’m so glad I did. This book is well plotted and highlights the good and bad of humanity We are made up of part our genetics but it the heart we make our choices whether to be Good and ethical. Sometimes the lines are blurred. The characters in this story have choices and not are all good. I cannot imagine anyone walking away from reading this without thinking of nurture vs nature as concept

View all my reviews


Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

  1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  87
  2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #   71
  3. Alphabet Soup Author Edition #AlphabetSoupAuthorChallenge  U
  4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #79
  5. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #65
  6. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #90  Shot #2
  7. Medical Examiner Challenge  9 Toe Tags
  8. HP Quidditch 23 #  3 Quidditch Pitch: Set in nature
  9. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #24. New York Times Bestseller
  10. Sci and Nature # 40 About Survival

Near Miss

 In the 64th Stone Barrington novel I am not sure why I would expect it to be anything different from the others but I guess I was hoping the new co-author would make it feel a bit fresh and different.  In this book, Stone finds himself in the crosshairs of some nasty people yet again.  And surprise, he finds his way to having multiple bedmates during the story.  His recurring relationship with Holly Barker made an appearance but I am not really sure why it had any relevance to the story at all.  At least the 2nd female acquaintance set the stage for why someone was after him.  His last companion is at least a strong female character and maybe a spinoff series candidate for sure.  I am not sure why I would expect Stone to be anything other than the lothario he has been for 63 other books and I bet I'm a sucker who will check out his next adventure from my library when it is published.   Hard habit to break 


Near MissNear Miss by Stuart Woods
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

While entertaining these books are definitely formulaic. Not sure when I will give up my determination to read them :). It’s more Stone bedroom antics albeit with less detailed description and less bed hopping. Only 3 ladies this book. It is once again his roving eye and charm that gets him muddled up with people who want him dead that’s for sure. Body count racked up in this book for sure. Lots of old friends appear in this book so maybe we will be seeing more of them in future books
If looking for a distraction read similar to a mission impossible movie then you will enjoy this book

View all my reviews


 

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

  1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  86
  2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #   70
  3. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2023  Series: 1 Book #2
  4. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 64
  5. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 3
  6. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #78
  7. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #64
  8. Six Shooter Challenge  Target # 93b  Shot #1
  9. Medical Examiner Challenge 10 Toe Tags

Sunday, July 23, 2023

2 Parts Sugar, 1 Part Murder

 Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder is a new series by Valerie Burns.  I have previously read her Mystery Bookshop series and really enjoyed it.  When I spotted this book in my library digital collection, I was excited to try another series by her.  The characters were engaging and realistic just like in her other series.  There are prominent canine characters in this series as well.  In fact, I would say Baby has a starring role in this book.  I enjoyed watching Madison slowly adjust to the midwest small town of New Bison.  She definitely experienced a change from Southern Ca and her Jimmy Choos to a midwestern beach town.  

Those from the Chicago area/SW Michigan will recognize New Bison as a fictitious town based off New Buffalo.  The strife over development for tourism would certainly have been a relevant issue in that town as the development into a beach community of summer homes and vacation rentals for the city residents of nearby Chicago and Detroit.  I recognized the names of some of the roads even and there is a casino located there as well.  All in all, it makes for a fun read to be familiar with the setting as I have mentioned in previous posts.  Additionally, it makes for a separate personal quest to see how many locations I can recognize.  

I enjoyed the mystery and the twists that were incorporated into the plot.  I did find the ending a bit abrupt and felt like there was a death that wasn't accurately solved.  I am not sure if that is an accident or intentional for setting up future stories.   I will be sure to read the next book in the Baker Street Mysteries, Murder is a Piece of Cake, to see what evolves.  


Two Parts Sugar, One Part MurderTwo Parts Sugar, One Part Murder by Valerie Burns
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this first book in this series. I enjoy Ms Burns books being set in MI. I find the locales to be something I can relate to as I live in Chicago. The personal growth of Madison was an nice aspect of the story and it’s hard not to smile at the antics of Baby the mastiff. My only reason I didn’t give this a 4 star was I felt like the mystery wasn’t 100 percent solved. I’m be if the deaths was not resolved in my opinion. I’m not sure if it’s intentional to have. A carry over into future plots or just a desire to quickly finish the story. Time will tell when I read the next book

View all my reviews


Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

  1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book # 85 
  2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book # 69  
  3. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 1
  4. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 -1
  5. What an Animal Book #31
  6. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #77
  7. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #38
  8. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #63
  9. Craving for Cozies  Book #55
  10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #108  Shot #1
  11. Medical Examiner Challenge  4 Toe Tags
  12. Cozy Mysteries   #21 Three cozies, same author

Saturday, July 22, 2023

Moon Spinners

 

This is the 3rd Seaside Knitters mystery by Sally Goldenbaum.  I am glad it wasn't the first because I might have given up on the series.  Moon Spinners started out a bit slowly and I found many of the characters were easy to confuse.  Both names and relationships were a bit indistinguishable at times.  For those who are interested in knitting, there are plenty of references to the craft.  I also appreciate how there is a relationship formed over the craft and it is utilized as means for healing.   The characters are relatable and it is easy to root for them as the story progressed.  The mystery was well thought out and developed.   The clues and structure are well done.  

Moon SpinnersMoon Spinners by Sally Goldenbaum
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the book but for some reason had trouble getting engaged. i also felt a bit lost at times because the character names kept getting muddled in my attempts to follow the story. I enjoyed the motive and twists of the mystery it was just a bit less fluid of a read for me than the others I have read so far

View all my reviews


Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

  1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book # 84 
  2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #  68 
  3. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 3
  4. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 1
  5. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #76
  6. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book # 61
  7. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #37
  8. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #62
  9. Craving for Cozies  Book #54
  10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target # 46 Shot #3
  11. Medical Examiner Challenge  1 Toe Tags
  12. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2023  #46 Script Font on the Spine
  13. Around the Year in 52 Books #38. A book with the sun, moon, or stars on the cover
  14. Cozy Mysteries   #6 Sun, Moon, or Stars on the cover

Friday, July 21, 2023

The Unhoneymooners

 This is the 3rd book by Christina Lauren that I have read.  The Unhoneymooners like the others is an entertaining book that has some deeper character development/reflection than many rom-com books.  Olive and Ethan find themselves in a comical situation due to circumstances beyond their control.  It leads to many funny and somewhat predictable moments which are enjoyable to read about.  

 I felt many emotions about the different characters and I could relate to how different situations are perceived based upon our own notions.  It is easy for 2 people to have 2 very different perspectives of what occurred in the same moment.  I think of it like the saying, every story has 2 sides and then there's the truth.   Humans tend to look at things from our own perspectives and our own experiences affect how we see/interpret something.   Thus, preconceived notions or other people's opinions can affect how we feel about a given situation.  This book is full of those between Olive and Ethan.  It makes for a very good enemies-to-lovers and back-to-enemies storyline.   Family allegiance also plays a very strong role in the plot as well.   Overall I enjoyed the book and would like to read the follow-up story to it.


 The Unhoneymooners

The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An enjoyable enemies to lovers rom com with a twist. The expected outcome is not what happens making for a great plot. The characters and their sibling relationships are well thought out and plausible. Anyone with a big extended family will laugh and find many relatable moments. I definitely found myself wanting to travel to Hawaii after reading this book.

View all my reviews



Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

  1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  83
  2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #   67
  3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #75
  4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #60
  5. Humor  Book #3
  6. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2023  #38 An Enemies to Lovers Plot
  7. BooklistQueen  #booklistqueenreadingchallenge2023  #52. Holiday Romance
  8. Pick your Poison  # 34 A book with a word in the title that rhymes with moon or "moony"

Thursday, July 20, 2023

Two Wicked Desserts

 Two Wicked Desserts is the 3rd Kitchen Witch book I have read.  It is the 2nd in the series by Lynn Cahoon and I must say I am enjoying them much more than I expected I would.  I am generally not a paranormal type person but I like the aspects of magic that are included in this series.   The budding romance and personal stories as well as discovering past secrets make for good storylines as well.  If you are looking for a light paranormal series this is a good one to read.  


Two Wicked DessertsTwo Wicked Desserts by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a wonderful series so far. I really appreciate the details on how Mia is learning to run her business and the thought process sh we uses for how to grow and develop it. The mystery is well structured with a strong suspicion of the guilty party that is slowly confirmed as pieces are discovered. The paranormal aspects of the story are interesting without being too overwhelming so this is a good series for those not normally into that sub genre of cozy mysteries

View all my reviews

 


Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

  1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  9
  2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book # 8  
  3. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  ID
  4. AtoZ   #2023AtoZReadingChallenge  #AlphabetSoupChallenge  T
  5. Alphabet Soup Author Edition #AlphabetSoupAuthorChallenge  C
  6. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2023  Series:3  Book #1
  7. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 2
  8. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 1
  9. What an Animal Book #4
  10. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #9
  11. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #8
  12. Cruisin thru Cozies  paranormal #1
  13. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #6
  14. Craving for Cozies  Book #6
  15. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #17  Shot #1
  16. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
  17. 23 in 2023 # 9 A book with a prime number in the title
  18. 52 books in 52 weeks  #19 enigma
  19. Around the Year in 52 Books #42 A book related to a ghost, spirit, phantom, or specter
  20. Bookworm #10 Read a book that starts with the first letter of your name
  21. BooklistQueen  #booklistqueenreadingchallenge2023  #44. About Magic
    • Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #40 this school isn’t what it seems 
    • Cozy Mysteries   #21 Three cozies, same author
    • HP Quidditch 23 #36 Katie Bell: Includes a character who gets cursed
    • Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #19  A book that discusses death, grief, and or moving on
    • Nerd Daily #thenerddaily #nerdreading2023 #41  AUTHOR STARTING WITH 'L'
    • PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #46 A book with a pet character
    • Pick your Poison  # 97 A book about ghosts
    • RAD Challenge #aradreadingchallenge #2 Title has a number
    • Read with Allison #47 Book Featuring Magic
    • Sci and Nature # 33 Read While Sitting Outside or Next to a Window
    • Unruly Reader Bingo  #15 Home Economics

    Friday, July 7, 2023

    A Souffle of Suspicion

     A Souffle of Suspicion is the 2nd book in the French Bistro series by Daryl Wood Gerber.   It is set in Napa with Mimi Rousseau as the main character.   She is the young woman who owns a bistro as well as the Inn next door.   The 2 businesses keep her busy enough prior to the inn playing host to a Sweets Festival.  The addition of a dead body into the picture just further complicates the matter.  The subsequent investigation into the death leads Mimi to question the motives and alibis of many local residents.  The mystery is well-structured and the crime ends up being resolved in a manner that makes sense and believable.  Unfortunately, I do not think this series will be continued as there hasn't been another published in this series since this one in 2018.   This is too bad as there are definitely some cliffhangers in the storyline regarding the personal lives of the characters.  Hopefully, the author returns to this series after focusing on other series she is currently writing.  


     A SoufflĂ© of Suspicion

    A SoufflĂ© of Suspicion by Daryl Wood Gerber
    My rating: 4 of 5 stars

    Enjoyable read set on the Napa Valley area. Foodies will love the delicious meals described and the recipes included on the book. The mystery is well written with Mimi going back and forth on suspecting the different possible guilty parties. Her reasons and queries are laid out in a way the reader can readily follow. Not sure if there will be more in the series but I hope so

    View all my reviews



    Challenge Prompts

    The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

    1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  82
    2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #   66
    3. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2023  Series:11  Book #1
    4. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 2
    5. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 = 3
    6. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #74
    7. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #59
    8. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #36
    9. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #61
    10. Craving for Cozies  Book #53
    11. Six Shooter Challenge  Target # 44 Shot #6
    12. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
    13. HP Quidditch 23 #16 Beater: Includes a competition

    Murder Takes a Bow

     Murder Takes a Bow is the first book in a series set aboard a cruise ship.   It is based around a magician, Olivia Morgan, and her friends aboard a ship traveling in the Caribbean.  There is also a wonderful parrot sidekick who adds to the plot and is the comedic relief.  I look forward to reading more of Olivia and Coco's adventures at sea.


     Murder Takes a Bow

    Murder Takes a Bow by Wendy Neugent
    My rating: 4 of 5 stars

    I really enjoyed this cozy. Olivia is a strong female character who overcomes some significant setbacks in her life during this book. I really liked the cruise ship setting and found the entertainment career aspect quite interesting. The mystery was constructed pretty well Ali though I will say I suspected the guilty party pretty early on in the story. I hope the series continues and highlights some of the ports they visit

    View all my reviews



    Challenge Prompts

    The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

    1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  81
    2. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  Bahamas
    3. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 1
    4. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 -1
    5. What an Animal Book #30
    6. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #73
    7. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #35
    8. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #60
    9. Craving for Cozies  Book #52
    10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #107  Shot #1
    11. Medical Examiner Challenge  2 Toe Tags

    Monday, July 3, 2023

    Sweet Tooth

     Sweet Tooth by Cassie Mint is definitely not on my typical reading list.  It is a very spicy office romance with some very explicit details.  I selected it due to the title as I have several challenges wanting the word tooth and sweet as prompts.  I survived the quick read and got through it in an evening.  Definitely not a book you want to encourage a young teen to read.  


    Sweet ToothSweet Tooth by Cassie Mint
    My rating: 4 of 5 stars

    steamy sugary instalove

    If you’re looking for a quick read about a quick romance with steamy scenes check this book out
    Definitely has its racy moments

    View all my reviews


    Challenge Prompts

    The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

    1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  80
    2. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #72
    3. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #6. Read a steamy romance novel
    4. Pick your Poison  # 113 A book with the word "teeth" in the title
    5. Read Around the US   jun  New York


    Sunday, July 2, 2023

    Death on Cozumel Island

    I will admit I was drawn to Death on Cozumel Island because I have many happy memories of visits to the area during cruise vacations.  I am intrigued to go for a land trip now after reading about the fabulous scuba diving available there.   The scuba diving was the other aspect of Cindy Quayle's book that captured my interest.  I was able to certify and dive a few years before Covid hit.  It is now an item to get back to once I have successfully lost weight.  Quayle did an amazing job at capturing the feeling of the open water diving experience.  She not only included the positive aspects such as enjoying the beauty of the flora and fauna under the surface, but she discussed the struggles of the time on the surface quite accurately as well.  Besides the great descriptions of the setting for the book, the actual mystery was well constructed.  I would say the only negative I have to mention is the extreme degree to which she created an unlikeable victim.  It worked with the story though and I'm sure people have encountered such boors on their vacations.  I look forward to reading more in this series.  


    Death on Cozumel IslandDeath on Cozumel Island by Cindy Quayle
    My rating: 4 of 5 stars

    A fun mystery even if it seems a bit of a stretch that Claire would go out on a linb for people she just met. The mystery and motivation are well structured. The paradise of Cozumel is well represented in this story. Claire clearly relishes experiencing the world and embracing the experiences. Any scuba fans will love reading about her diving adventures. Makes me want to decertify and go dive there myself. Looking forward to more in the series

    View all my reviews


    Challenge Prompts

    The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

    1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  79
    2. Alphabet Soup Author Edition #AlphabetSoupAuthorChallenge  Q
    3. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 1
    4. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 -1
    5. What an Animal Book #29
    6. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #71
    7. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #34
    8. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #59
    9. Craving for Cozies  Book #51
    10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #106  Shot #1
    11. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
    12. 23 in 2023 # 1 A book published in 2023
    13. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2023  #52 Published in 2023
    14. Around the Year in 52 Books #51. A book published in 2023
    15. BooklistQueen  #booklistqueenreadingchallenge2023  #24. 2023 New Release
    16. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #1. 2023 New Release
    17. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #12 A book published in spring 2023
    18. Pick your Poison  # 12 A book about a hobby you do or would like to do
    19. Read with Allison #31 2023 New Release 
    20. Uncorked Reader #UncorkedReading2023 13 2023 New Release
    21. Monthly Motif #MonthlyMotifGXO  JUNE- Take the Plunge set around water

    Saturday, July 1, 2023

    The Tourist Attraction

     I enjoyed The Tourist Attraction by Sarah Morgenthaler.  It is a light-hearted romance set in Alaska.  There are a few deeper concepts intertwined into the storyline.  Specifically it gets the readers to think about the downside to living in a tourist area.   It points out the difficulties of having a very transient base of clientele for the businesses.  Additionally, the disparity in economics between the locals and the tourists who visit this particular lodge is very significant.  The book made me think about Hawaii and how it must be like for many of the locals there.  The tourism,  along with the locale, drives prices in the islands up and then the locals are faced with those high prices.  Fortunately for those residents there are often kamaaina rates which are available for locals, similar to resident rates at WDW for tickets and hotels.  

    The Tourist AttractionThe Tourist Attraction by Sarah Morgenthaler
    My rating: 4 of 5 stars

    Enjoyable chick lit with a mix of outdoor adventure thrown in for an interesting mix. Anyone who has had a vacation fling will enjoy this. Strong female characters with character you can’t help but root for

    View all my reviews

     

    Challenge Prompts

    The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

    1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  78
    2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #  65  
    3. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  Alaska
    4. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 1
    5. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 -1
    6. What an Animal Book #28
    7. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #70
    8. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #58
    9. Bookworm #57 Read a book that takes place in Alaska
    10. Pick your Poison  # 118 A book set someplace that has a "long night" during winter
    11. TBRChallenge  #TBRChallenge   June  - Love is Love