Demon Copperhead

 Demon Copperhead is the 2nd book by Barbara Kingsolver that I have read.   The first was Poisonwood Bible many years ago.  I do remember enjoying that book very much.  I liked the writing and the character development in Demon Copperhead but due to the heavy and depressing nature of the story, I ended up DNFing it as I just couldn't take the sadness at this point in my life.  We are dealing with some serious health situations with my husband and I just don't want to read books that are depressing and make me any more upset than my current life is.  I only read this book because it was a selection for my book club and wanted to try to complete the June book but just ended up getting a synopsis of the ending from a fellow member.  

I gave the book a 3 star rating because I did think it was a well-written adaptation of David Copperfield and the characters certainly grabbed my emotions.  

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

while the book is good and the characters well developed and easily to show empathy toward most of them I had to DNF this book as the topic was far too heavy and unsettling for me to read at this point. I was reading it for our book club selection and just couldn't bring myself to finish it entirely For those looking for a book with serious topics and great character development this is a good book. It highlights how so many of the horrific aspects of society- drug use/ under education/ failure by the system is very socio-economic in nature.

Trigger warnings:
Drug Additction/ Domestic Violence/ Neglect

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book # 76 
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #   64
3. Audiobook  #2023AudiobookChallenge 15
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #69
5. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #25 standalone
6. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #12.  Goodread's 2022 Winner or Nominee
7. Nerd Daily #thenerddaily #nerdreading2023 #25. SUN, MOON OR STARS ON COVER
8. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #49 The longest book (by pages) on your TBR list
9. Pick your Poison  # 27 A book with a toy on the cover
10. Sci and Nature # 18 Element from the Periodic Table in the Title:
11. Beyond the Bookends  August- Read a book about the impact of poverty

A Princess for Christmas

 

A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

a modern fairytale

This is a fun modern fairytale that highlights the fact that things are not as they always seem in others’ lives This book had a bit more graphic bedroom scenes than I had expected; I was anticipating more rom com but it did fit with the development of their relationship. There is a bit of grief central to the story so those who. Don’t want that in their books might want to avoid this one

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book # 71 
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #  59 
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #64
4. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #52
5. 52 books in 52 weeks  #8 once upon a time
6. BooklistQueen  #booklistqueenreadingchallenge2023  #16. About Royalty
7. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #36 first in a trilogy
8. TBRChallenge  #TBRChallenge  June 21 - Love is Love

Unicorns have Bad Manners

 I picked this book because I needed a book about unicorns and dinosaurs and this fit the bill twice over.  It was a cute book with lots of fun illustrations.

Unicorns Have Bad Manners by Rachel Halpern
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cute kids book with great illustrations. Teaches kids about looking at things from other’s perspectives

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  70
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #  58 
3. AtoZ   #2023AtoZReadingChallenge  #AlphabetSoupChallenge  U
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #63
5. What an Animal Book #24
6. Bookworm #59 Read a book involving Dinosaurs
7. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #2 about dragons or robots
8. Pick your Poison  # 101 Natural History: A book with dinosaurs in it
9. Uncorked Reader #UncorkedReading2023 14 Unicorns

Less

 I will admit this was not my favorite read of the year by any means and it was really more like a 3.5 star read for me.  It was slow to get moving and it was a bit confusing at times.  I ended up liking it at the very end but it definitely is something you need to stick with to get to the good part.  Arthur Less is a man who is lacking in self-confidence and his place in life.   That is probably the strength of the story, the character development.  The narrator was a bit confusing for me and I think it would be something that would be gained by revisiting the early chapters.  

Less by Andrew Sean Greer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

interesting read

This was a bit of a slow burn in my opinion. The first half to 3/4 is a bit slow and drawn out for me. The story picked up a bit at the end. I am still confused on why it won a Pulitzer. I found the twists and turns interesting

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  67
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #  55 
3. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  Morroco
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book # 60
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book # 50
6. Around the Year in 52 Books #26. A book related to pride
7. Bookworm #20 Read a book with a one-word title
8. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #15 won an award
9. HP Quidditch 23 #38 Fred Weasley: Read a duology (book 1)
10. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #13. A book with one word in the title
11. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #22 A book with a queer lead
12. Read with Allison #28 Book in a Duology (1): 

7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

7 1/2 Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle has been on my TBR list for a while.  I intended to read it last year and never got to it.  I started out reading it and then when I needed to drive to Chicago every day in April I decided to try this one as an audio.  I thoroughly enjoyed the proper British accent of the narrator.  It definitely added to the mood and setting the environment.  

This book was one of the most creative I have ever read.  It is hard to explain but it is a sort of a time loop with different hosts to the narrator in each section.  From the get-go as a reader you figure there is a twist to the story but I had no idea it was going to be what it was.   I definitely felt as though Turton was paying homage to Dante and the rings of Hell.  I really ended up enjoying this book once I got involved in it.  For those struggling to read the book and stay engaged, stick it out, it is worth it in the end!

The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a very creative thriller/mystery. For those who love a puzzle when they are reading this will be a real treat. The only reason I did not give this a 5 star is the difficulty getting engaged at the beginning of the book. I promise it is worth sticking it out. If you really get stuck, try it in audio format- the British accent will win you over and keep you listening. At times it can be confusing to keep all the characters straight but eventually it all makes sense.

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #   54
3. Audiobook  #2023AudiobookChallenge 14
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #59
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #49
6. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #51
7. Medical Examiner Challenge 12 Toe Tags
8. Historic Fiction  #histficreadingchallenge   Book #5
9. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2023  #37 Written in Present Tense
10. Around the Year in 52 Books #40. A book with a full name in the title
11. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #16 here there be monsters
12. HP Quidditch 23 #7 Bludger: A book you think will knock your socks off (or off your broom!)
13. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #26. Read a book that has time travel in it
14. Nerd Daily #thenerddaily #nerdreading2023 #50. HISTORICAL OR FANTASY
15. PopSugar #popsugarreadingchallenge #43 A book that takes place entirely in one day
16. Pick your Poison  # 134 A book with a chess piece on the cover
17. Sci and Nature # 12 That Plays With Time:
18. Uncorked Reader #UncorkedReading2023 #24 Takes Place In A Day
19. Beyond the Bookends  January- Read a book coming to the screen in 2023
20. Monthly Motif #MonthlyMotifGXO   May In  it to Win It

Don't Look Behind You

 Don't Look Behind You! A Safari Guide's Encounters with Ravenous Lions, Stampeding Elephants, and Lovesick Rhinos is the second memoir I have read by Peter Allison.  He is an entertaining storyteller and spent significant time in the bush in Africa.  In this book, he describes some of the antics that it is amazing he lived to tell about.   If you like travel or animals you will definitely find things to enjoy in this book.  There are some sad moments that make you think about man's relationship with animals as well as some laugh-out-loud moments.  Definitely more of the latter in the book.  It is a great read to pick up when you have a short time to read as each chapter is effectively its own standalone story.  

 

Don't Look Behind You! A Safari Guide's Encounters with Ravenous Lions, Stampeding Elephants, and Lovesick Rhinos by Peter Allison
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

an enjoyable memoir about the author's time in Africa leading safaris and other various jobs in the industry. anyone who loves animals or adventures will enjoy reading the book. it is amazing the author lived to tell his story based on some of the snippets he shares.

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  65
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #   53
3. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  Botswana
4. What an Animal Book #21
5. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #58
6. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #48
7. Humor  Book #2
8. Memoir  #5 Animal Memoir:
9. Non Fiction Reader  #ReadNonFicChal   Book #2 Memoir/Biography
10. BooklistQueen  #booklistqueenreadingchallenge2023  # 41. With a Long Title
11. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #8 non-fiction just for fun
12. HP Quidditch 23 #2 Quidditch World Cup: Set in a country you’ve never been to
13. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #4. Read a nonfiction book
14. Pick your Poison  # 82 A book with the work "lion," "elephant," or mouse in the title
15. Sci and Nature # 26 About Your Favorite Science or Nature Topic
16. What's in a Name   #1  Punctuation
17. Diversify your reading #DYRC23  April  Memoir
18. Book Voyage  #bookvoyagechallenge  March Set in Africa

The Lost Ticket

 The Lost Ticket by Freya Sampson is a delightful story and I really enjoyed it.  I will warn though if you have family members suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's this may have some trigger factors.  The growth of the character Libby and the development of her relationships is at the center of the story.   The quest to find the elusive Lady from Bus 88 adds a feeling of hope and anticipation to the story.  It also allows Libby to develop friendships at a time when she needs them most.  They provide the reset she needs and the support she is lacking from her family.  They become her "family" of sorts.  

There are many aspects of this story that are happy and hopeful.  They overshadow the sad aspects of a disease that takes so much from so many.  It is not a morbidly sad book but the impact of the illness is felt and the urgency it creates is present.  

I really enjoyed this book and now have added Sampson's Last Chance Library to my TBR list.  

The Lost Ticket by Freya Sampson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is delightful but definitely has its sad moments. Anyone dealing with a family member with dementia should be aware that is a story component. Although there is a sad portion to the plot there is also a sense of hope and anticipation. The growth of Libby as a character is wonderful to watch. I would have liked to see where her relationship with her mother had progressed since Sampson have an update on the status with Rebecca. Maybe there’s a sequel for n the works so we see what happens to the characters. I think my desire for this says a lot about the characters Sampson created and her ability to engage her readers. I now want to go read her debut novel



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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  54
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #   42
3. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #47
4. Bookworm #4 Read a book by an author whose name is Samantha, Sam, or a variant
5. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #33 “lost” or “found” in the title
6. HP Quidditch 23 #15 Chaser: A hard to catch book (always out of stock, hard to find copies of, long library wait list)
7. Pick your Poison  # 26 A book by an author you'd like to hug
8. Read with Allison #39 More Than Two People on the Cover

National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry

 National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry: 200 Poems with Photographs That Squeak, Soar, and Roar! is a great book to read on your own or to share with children.  It is a perfect book to read in small bites.  The photos that accompany the poems are amazing as well.  Not that you would expect anything less from a National Geographic publication.  The poetry is a great mix of famous poets and those you may not be familiar with.  Some of the poems are deep and require reflection, while others are just fun.  Overall this is a great book that I picked to satisfy prompts about poetry.

National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry: 200 Poems with Photographs That Squeak, Soar, and Roar! by J. Patrick Lewis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

great book with amazing photography. it's a perfect book to share with young children or just to enjoy snippets of poetry and great photos.

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  52
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #   40
3. What an Animal Book #15
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #45
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #40
6. 23 in 2023 # 16 A book written in verse or containing poetry
7. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2023  #1 Book with a Subtitle
8. BooklistQueen  #booklistqueenreadingchallenge2023  #46. Award Winning Nonfiction
9. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #34 novel in verse, poetry, or anthology
10. HP Quidditch 23 #40 Ginny Weasley: A poetry book
11. Nerd Daily #thenerddaily #nerdreading2023 #16. AWARD-WINNING BOOK
12. Pick your Poison  # 88 Sonnets: A book of poetry
13. Read with Allison #23 Award-Winning Book
14. Sci and Nature # 30 Nature Poetry
15. Unruly Reader Bingo  #11 Chronicles
16. Monthly Motif #MonthlyMotifGXO  March Animals

A Proposal They Can't Refuse

 This rom-com by Natalie Cana was a complete surprise to me.  I didn't know much about A Proposal They Can't Refuse, other than it involved the trope of fake dating and mixed-heritage dating.  I was pleasantly surprised to find it was set in Chicago and thus fulfilled my geography prompt for IL as well as had some location familiarity for me.  

I found this to be a bit spicier than many rom-com works, with a bit more detail about bedroom activities that aren't always included in lighter rom-com books.  This book definitely developed the characters of Mila and Liam as well as their interactions with their families.   I also appreciated that it wasn't just a comedy of mistakes but rather some rather serious miscommunication that lead to issues among the couple and the families.  While it is an overall feel-good book, there are definitely some poignant moments, I would compare it to the JoJo Moyes, Me Before You series.  There are some intense emotions and character history to absorb.  Overall I really enjoyed the book and look forward to reading the next book in the series, ,due out at the end of Oct.  

A Proposal They Can't Refuse by Natalie Caña
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

a rom com with depth

I really didn’t know much about the book when I started; only that it had a fake dating trope which fulfilled a challenge prompt for me. I found this book to have many happy and funny moments but it definitely had intense ones as well. It is most certainly not all happily ever after. For those looking for a rom com with some added depth and spice this is a great pick

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  46
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #   38
3. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  IL
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #40
5. Around the Year in 52 Books #48. A book with an unusually large version of an animal in the story
6. BooklistQueen  #booklistqueenreadingchallenge2023  #34. Genre You Don’t Usually Read
7. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #7  fairy/folktale you haven’t heard of before
8. HP Quidditch 23 #48 Wronski Feint: Includes misdirection
9. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #29. Read a book where the two main characters are "fake dating"
10. Nerd Daily #thenerddaily #nerdreading2023 #8. ROMANCE OR HORROR
11. Pick your Poison  #133 A book you wish you'd written 
12. Read with Allison #1 23 Letters in the Title
13. Read Your Bookshelf   A book that is in a different genre than your March book

MS Marvel Vol 4

 I have selected the Ms Marvel Vol 4  this year to continue reading the series as it covers multiple prompts from my challenges.  There is almost always a prompt where G Willow Wilson as an author meets the requirements.  Additionally this year there were prompts about graphic novels in genres I don't normally read and although Parable of the Sower would have fit the prompt, I utilized that graphic novel for other prompts.  

I did find this book, a series of books really, to be a bit more difficult to follow than previous volumes I have read.  I think it is much more intended for the die hard Ms Marvel fans and Avengers fans in general.  I like them but more from the entertainment factor of the movies rather than a devotion to the Marvel universe.  

That being said, I do enjoy the fact Kamala is portrayed as a strong young woman who overcomes many challenges including her family background to be someone that is admired and respected, even if it is her alter ego.  I would recommend reading the volumes in order as there are portions of previous stories that are built upon in this one and it gives context to have read the others.  

Ms. Marvel, Vol. 4: Last Days by G. Willow Wilson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I found this volume of Ms Marvel to be a bit confusing. Not really sure if the story has to do with Thanos in the Marvel timeline or not. Also the last of the volume feels a bit miah mash with sudden random mix ups with Spider Man. I found myself quite confused and feeling as though I was lacking context to the storyline. This book felt as though it was better suited to hard core Avenger followers

View all my reviews

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book # 45 
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #  37 
3. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  NJ
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #39
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #34
6. BooklistQueen  #booklistqueenreadingchallenge2023  #3. By a Black Author
7. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #12 name in the title 
8. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #3  A book outside of your comfort genre's 
9. Read with Allison #36 Fantasy
10. Read Your Bookshelf  March: The title starts with the next letter in the alphabet from your Feb book.
11. Diversify your reading #DYRC23 May: Young Adult

Every Last Fear

 Every Last Fear by Alex Finlay is an intense psychological thriller that was a 5 Star read for me.  This is a fast paced novel that is hard to put down.  I stayed up until 2am to finish it.  I was especially intrigued by the choice of locales for the Pines' new residence.  It is my hometown in the western suburbs of Chicago.  This choice led me to do digging on the author to see if there was a connection to Naperville, but I couldn't find one.  For this reason I am actually going to use this book for the down the rabbit hole prompt since I spent quite a while trying to figure out why Naperville would be selected.  

For a debut novel, this was a great read in my opinion.  The multiple-voice narration and dual timeline worked well and definitely added to the story rather than being a distraction.  This approach provided a vehicle for each character to reveal their own involvement in the matter and their secrets.   It made an already tragic story even more emotional and gut-wrenching.   If you are looking for a roller coaster and high-speed read this is one for you. 

Every Last Fear by Alex Finlay
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

intense the whole way through

I had no idea what this book was about but I stayed up late finishing it once I started. Crazy intensity that keeps the reader turning pages. The book is set in 2 timelines before the crime that shook the Pines’ lives and after. Everything feels like fate and each member played a role in the drama. The who and why was intense til the end and the reveal was a perfect culmination

View all my reviews 

 

Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #  35
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #  28 
3. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  Mexico 
4. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #30
5. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #25
6. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #27
7. Medical Examiner Challenge  6 Toe Tags
8. Around the Year in 52 Books #3. A book that fits a suggestion that didn’t make the 2023 list
9. Bookworm #7 Read a book with a basic shape on the cover
10. BooklistQueen  #booklistqueenreadingchallenge2023  #18. With Dual Timelines
11. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #4 meant to read it last year
12. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #38. Read a horror/creepy novel
13. Nerd Daily #thenerddaily #nerdreading2023 #40. DUAL TIMELINES
14. Pick your Poison  #84 A book you would wrestle from the jaws of a tiger to read
15. Read with Allison #5 Mood Read
16. Sci and Nature # 11 About a Dangerous Creature
17. Uncorked Reader #UncorkedReading2023 30 Monsters

A Murder for the Books

 A Murder for the Books is the first book in the Blue Ridge Library series by Victoria Gilbert. I appreciated this book as it demonstrated some of the skills that librarians utilize in their daily lives. I found Amy to be an endearing character who had visible faults that she was aware of and acknowledge to her family.  I appreciated Gilbert intertwining a plot line that addressed those insecurities and highlighted how they played a role in the arts.   This mystery had many facets to the story that were weaved together quite proficiently and in a logical fashion.  For readers interested in genealogy and family history this is a great story that incorporates that topic as a main plot driver.   I look forward to reading more in the series and learning about Amy and her relationships with Richard, her Aunt, and Sunny.  

A Murder for the Books by Victoria Gilbert
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A very engaging first book in the Blue Ridge Library mysteries. Amy is a well developed character who is overcoming the devastating outcome of her previous relationship. The results of which not only affected her personal but also her professional life. Ms Gilbert represented this blow to her self confidence very accurately and made it easy to want to know Amy.
The mystery is filled with family secrets as well as past tragedies in the town. At the center of it is the struggle within a small town to preserve its heritage vs a new development that will line the pockets of a chosen few. Just how far will the elite go to protect their investments

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #28  
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #  22 
3. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes VA
4. Alphabet Soup Author Edition #AlphabetSoupAuthorChallenge  V
5. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 1
6. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 -1
7. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #24
8. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #20
9. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #6
10. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #20
11. Craving for Cozies  Book #17
12. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #45  Shot #4
13. Medical Examiner Challenge 8 Toe Tags (2 poison/3 shot/2 old age/1 pushed)
14. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2023  #22 A Body Positive Message
15. Around the Year in 52 Books #4. A book with an interracial relationship
16. Bookworm #45 Read a book where the main character is a dancer
17. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #27 it’s a trope! (your favorite)
18. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #45. Read a book with a close proximity romance
19. Nerd Daily #thenerddaily #nerdreading2023 #15. THRIFTED OR GIFTED
20. Pick your Poison  # 81 A book by an author who has a pet listed in their bio
21. Read with Allison #4 Book From 2022 TBR

A Palette for Murder

 This is actually the 7th book in the Murder She Wrote series by Jessica Fletcher.  I found A Palette for Murder at a used bookstore and didn't think I had read it before.   If I had previously read it I didn't remember much of the plot so as a reread it wasn't an issue.  This book finds Jessica on vacation in the Hamptons where her investigation engages her with many younger artistic people.  It is refreshing to see her a bit baffled by the idiosyncracies and mannerisms of the younger generation.  The book talks quite a bit about artwork and styles so those readers interested in art will find that engaging I would suspect.   The mystery was well conceived and I really was surprised at the ending.  We as readers definitely discover a different side to Jessica in this novel.  

A Palette for Murder by Jessica Fletcher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

An old book in the series that I didn’t read before or it’s been so long I forgot I read it. A great read set in the Hamptons as Jessica expands her artistic expression to the visual arts

The mystery was well constructed with lots of plot twists. Always fun to read from this 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 # 27 
2. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2023  Series in progress
3. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 7
4. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 1
5. Color Coded #9 palette
6. Mount TBR   #MountTBR2023  Book # 4
7. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #19
8. Cruisin thru Cozies  Travel  #2
9. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #19
10. Craving for Cozies  Book #16
11. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #39  Shot #4
12. Medical Examiner Challenge 4 Toe Tags  (3 poison/ 1 hit)
13. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2023  #21 A second hand book
14. Around the Year in 52 Books #15. Three books, each of which is set in a different century: Book 1
15. Bookworm #27 Read a book by an author who shares a first or last name with one of your friends
16. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #22 that heist plot tho
17. Cozy Mysteries   #17 Includes a home project
18. HP Quidditch 23 #10 Nimbus 2000: Set or written before 2000
19. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #41. A book you bought from a bookstore
20. Nerd Daily #thenerddaily #nerdreading2023 #42. TITLE WITHOUT 'THE'
21. Pick your Poison  # 15 A book from your "collection"
22. Read with Allison #9 Book You Owned Before 2023
23. TBRChallenge  #TBRChallenge  Getaway

Murder 101

 This novella is set between the 1st and 2nd Kitchen Witch novels by Lynn Cahoon.  Murder 101 sheds light on Mia's relationship with her mother and grandmother as well as some history of the building she calls home.  I found it to be a fun read and felt it accurately reflected the emotions and behaviors present at HS reunions.  It is a great read if you are looking for an afternoon of mystery

Murder 101 by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Novella that fills in some history

This novella explains some of the history of Mias home as well as her family background. I actually read it out of order and it wasn't a big issue. I like learning about the backstory of characters and settings. my only issue is this wrapped up a little abruptly but I suppose that can be expected given it's a novella

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book # 26 
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #   21
3. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2023  Series :3 Book: 2
4. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 1.5
5. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 1
6. What an Animal Book #6
7. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #23
8. Back List Reader  #Backlistreader  Book #18
9. Cruisin thru Cozies  Paranormal  #2
10. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #18
11. Craving for Cozies  Book #15
12. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #17 Shot #2
13. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags poison
14. Around the Year in 52 Books #34. A novella
15. Bookworm #14 Read a book of short stories or a novella
16. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #50 main cover color is your least favorite color 
17. Cozy Mysteries   #21 Three cozies, same author
18. HP Quidditch 23 #32 Slytherin: Related to Slytherin house/traits
19. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #11 Read a book with a number in the title
20. Nerd Daily #thenerddaily #nerdreading2023 #33. SET IN THE SUMMER
21. Pick your Poison  # 83 A book with a housepet on the cover
22. Read with Allison #14 One-Word Title 

Three Shots to the Wind

 Three Shots to the Wind is the 3rd Chloe Jackson book set in the Panhandle of Florida.  I am particularly engaged by this series by Sherry Harris because our family has a condo in the area and I have spent a fair amount of time in the Panhandle in the last 20 years.  The characters are well developed and have positive attributes but also have negative sides to them which adds to their authenticity.   

As for the mystery I can definitely say I really didn't see the outcome ahead of time.  Fans of cozies set in warm climates and interested in reading of different cocktails will like this series.  

Three Shots to the Wind by Sherry Harris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Enjoyable cozy where the readers continue to learn more about Chloe Both about her past and her family. She is an independent and strong woman who is working to get her bearings in a new town with a new career. He fierce independence puts her at odds with her new boss, Vivi and her brothers and she works to clear her friend, Rip, from a murder charge. I really enjoy these books as we spend a lot of time in the Panhandle. The spirit of the people and the area is conveyed well in these books. I look forward to reading more about Chloe and figuring out what Vivi is keeping secret. 

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book # 25 
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book #   20 
3. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2023  Series in progress
4. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 3
5. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 1
6. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book #22
7. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #5
8. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #17
9. Craving for Cozies  Book #14
10. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #48  Shot #6
11. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags shot
12. 23 in 2023 # 3 The third book in a series
13. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2023  #45 First Word in the Book is "The"  
14. Around the Year in 52 Books #25. A book with a tropical setting
15. Bookworm #25 Read a book that takes place somewhere you'd like to live
16. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #44 five word title
17. Cozy Mysteries   #19 Has a setting different from yours
18. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #46. Book you meant to read last year but didn't
19. Nerd Daily #thenerddaily #nerdreading2023 #4. ILLUSTRATED COVER
20. Pick your Poison  # 96 A book about alcoholic beverages
21. Read with Allison #  6 Number in the Title  

Through the Liquor Glass

 This is the 5th book in the Literary Pub series by Sarah Fox.  I am anxiously awaiting the next book now that I have finished Through the Liquor Glass.  I thoroughly enjoy the characters of Sadie and Grayson and enjoy how we see their relationship progressing as the series moves forward.  In this book, we see another personal relationship of Sadie's in detail when her mother comes to visit.  This visit sparks a range of emotions that I think many readers can relate to with their mothers.  Sadie wants her mother to be proud and approve of her choices since establishing her home in Shady Creek, Vt.  Unfortunately, the unexpected discovery of a body at Grayson's brewery makes the reunion a bit strained.  Sadie struggled to keep the situation from her mother in order to avoid clouding her opinion of her new boyfriend but secrets have a way of causing stress and revealing themselves.  

Overall this mystery is well written and has some side mysteries that fit within the plot line.  In fact, those side mysteries help to cast suspicion on several people, thus distracting Sadie from finding the real killer and clearing Grayson's name.   I cannot wait to read the next book to see what happens with Sadie and Grayson next.  

 Through the Liquor Glass by Sarah Fox

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book gave the reader a chance to see Sadie’s interactions with her mother. I think anyone who has ever sought their parent’s approval will relate to the trepidation Sadie was feeling about her visit. Unfortunately that visit became strained when Sadie had to coverup the reason for Grayson’s absence as well as her clandestine investigation into another murder. The story was well constructed and there were side mysteries that added to the suspicions surrounding the original murder. I really enjoyed this book and felt as though I was right there In Vermont investigating and celebrating with Sadie.

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Challenge Prompts

The Challenge Prompts I will use this for are:  

1. Goodreads and Reading by the Numbers #ReadingByNumbers2023 Book #22  
2. Library Love  #LibraryLoveChallenge  Book # 18  
3. Literary Escapes  #LiteraryEscapes  VT
4. Alphabet Soup Author Edition #AlphabetSoupAuthorChallenge  S
5. Finishing the Series   #FinishingTheSeries2023  Series: 6 Book #1
6. Stacking the Series  #stackingseries2023 5
7. Series Catchup #seriescatchup2023 1
8. Virtual Mount TBR #VirtualMountTBR2023   Book # 20
9. Cruisin thru Cozies  Free choice #4
10. Cloak & Dagger  #CloakDaggerChal  Book #16
11. Craving for Cozies  Book #13
12. Six Shooter Challenge  Target #41  Shot #5
13. Medical Examiner Challenge 1 Toe Tags
14. 52 Book Club  #the52bookclub2023  # 14 Survival Story
15. Around the Year in 52 Books # 31. A book found by inputting a favorite author on https://www.literature-map.com
16. Bookworm #24 Free Space! Pick any book
17. Beat the Backlist #BTB2023  #1 cozy read or cover
18. Cozy Mysteries   #3 Has a beverage recipe
19. HP Quidditch 23 #6 Quaffle: With a title including the letter Q
20. Nerdy Bookworm  #NerdyBookwormChallengeXO #18. Highly anticipated read
21. Nerd Daily #thenerddaily #nerdreading2023 #23. A 2022 RELEASE YOU NEGLECTED
22. Pick your Poison  # 106 A book with a restaurant on the cover 
23. Read with Allison #42 Featuring a Murder
24. Uncorked Reader #UncorkedReading2023 #27 Beer
25. TBRChallenge  #TBRChallenge Feb Getaway