In The Bookcase

2026 Book Reading Challenges

noreply@blogger.com (Tarissa) — Thu, 25 Dec 2025 06:23:00 +0000

Book H... Monthly Surprise Prompts

January – author's debut -- The Have Not

February – author's second book -- Petals on the Wind

March – a book on your shelf -- Castle of Whispers

April – 4th book in a series -- When Hope Springs New

May –

June –

July –

August –

September –

October –

November –

December –

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Read Your Bookshelf Challenge

FORM

January: title must include an article (a, an, the)

The Red Cottage

February: three or more objects on cover (not including person)

The Count of Monte Cristo

March: weapon on cover or title

Castle of Whispers

April: title includes conjunction (and, but, or, so)

Hieroglyphs and Homicide

Man of Shadow and Mist

May: title includes a place (country, city, room, valley, mountain)

The Heather Hills of Stonewycke

Storm in the Village

The Vanishing of Loxby Manor

June: five or more words

Check TBR, many

The Count of Monte Cristo

July: has a map inside (Mantles of Oak and Iron)

The Orb and the Airship

August: water on cover or title

Be an Angel

September: animal on cover or title (Caleb and Kit)

Caleb and Kit

October: book on cover or title (Between the Shadows)

Bound by Disaster

a cozy mystery?

The Stolen Letter

November: vehicle on cover (Breath of Bones)

Breath of Bones

Death by the Book

December: True or false in title, or the word lies, or a true statement, false statement

Unlocking the Truth

And Only to Deceive?

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Eating Our Words Reading Challenge

Post a comment & fill out checklist at end of year. Read in correct month or anytime.

JANUARY – Breakfast of Champions -- The Red Cottage
A book involving either fresh starts, new year’s resolutions, OR there are eggs or chickens on the cover.

FEBRUARY – 20,000 Leagues Under the EOW Kitchen -- The Count of Monte Cristo
A classic book or a retelling of a classic. (example of retelling: Joanne Bischoff Dewitt’s THE HEART OF BENNET HOLLOW is a retelling of P&P, there are many fairy tale retellings, etc.)

MARCH – C is for Cook-ie
A story with either a bakery, includes a recipe, OR story involves a character who can’t cook

APRIL – Eat Your Vegetables
A book involving farming or gardening – or the setting involves a farm

MAY – Family Dinner
Multi-generational, big family, or a book in a series where the characters are family throughout the series.

JUNE – Sundae at the Park
Ice Cream must be in the book

JULY – A Moveable Feast
A book that either involves travel, a different culture, OR a character is moving (as in moving truck, not just moving and grooving).

AUGUST – The Omnivore’s Dilemma
Any book of your choice

SEPTEMBER – Do the Mashed Potato
A comfort read, bonus POINTS FOR WRITTEN BY AN EOW AUTHOR (TRACIE, KIM, AMANDA, JANA- JAYNA, DARCIE, JAIME)

OCTOBER – Hot Chocolate
The story needs to have spicy food (Cajun, Indian, etc.) OR is in a hot location (think Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, etc.)

NOVEMBER – Surf ‘n’ Turf
Setting is on the coast, or has some body of water in it, OR there is a cow in the story.

DECEMBER – Frankincense and Gingerbread
Christmas novel or novella OR a book set in Biblical times

Note to self: You can also get bonus points for reading ALL books in correct month, AND doing the challenge again anytime.

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Malissa's Merry Reading Challenge

No prize?

January – a book already on your TBR -- The Red Cottage

February – a book with a vehicle on the cover

March – a self help book -- Elyse Meyer??

April – author with a pseudonym

May – minority author

June – a book about exploring

July – one word title

August – featuring a game or sport

September – child on the cover

October – a cover you love

November – a book you have avoided reading

December – a debut novel

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COYER

Check ins throughout the year: March, June & September

Linky

Read-a-Thons: (check back Jan. 1st on same post)

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The Goal: Read & review 48 books (Library Addict)

➜ Winter Semester: Jan. 1st, 2025 – April 30th

➜ Summer Semester: May 1st, 2025 – Aug. 31st

➜ Autumn Semester: Sept. 1st, 2025 – Dec. 31st

Note to self: Link up on review linky as I finish each book.

Giveaway: At the end of each semester.

Bonus: Audiobook Challenge (June-July), the Library BINGO (Sept-Oct), & an Mid-Year Check-In (July 7), End Of Year Check-In (Dec. 15th)

The Goal:

16-25 books – Detective

Note to self: Mystery/Suspense/Thriller/Crime genres, 100+ pages.
Monthly linky. (Linked up in: [])

Giveaway?: Halfway point & end of the year?

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Reading With Wrigs

An author with a Z in their name: Castle of Whispers
A book about siblings
A book with a tree on the cover
A book with a road trip
A book set in a Nordic country
A book with a body part in the title: The Golden Tresses of the Dead
A book to screen adaptation: The Count of Monte Cristo
A book with an animal main character: The Tale of Hawthorn House
A book with a building or cityscape on the cover
A book featuring music or a musician
A book with a color in the title: The Red Cottage
A book with a recipe in it: As Time Goes By

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Personal Challenge: Read as many Netgalley books as possible (coordinate with B.H. challenge).

2ndly: Read from Goodreads TBR.

3rdly: Read from BookFunnel / Kindle library.

4thly: After finishing other book challenges, return to finish all B.H. categories.

2025 Book Reading Challenges

noreply@blogger.com (Pixel Berry Pie Designs) — Tue, 31 Dec 2024 16:33:00 +0000

Book H... Monthly Surprise Prompts

January – Meant to read last year – Unexpected Blessings

February – Two word title -- The Selection

March – A Sequel -- The Elite

March page count challenge:

Midnight on the Scottish Shore

The Elite

An Hour Unspent

Silence of the Clans

Toward the Sunrising

April – Flower on the cover -- White Orchids

May – may you read whatever you want -- The Grave's a Fine and Private Place

June – couple embracing on the cover -- Garden of the Midnights

June this or that challenge:

Wires and nerve BORROWED

big dumb eyes -NEW TO YOU AUTHOR

garden of the midnights ROMANCE

celebrating all creatures great and small -CHOSEN BY FAMILY

July – New to you narrator-- Fairest of Heart

August – Genre you normally don't read -- Gestern

August page count challenge:

Bookstore

Grace Livingston Hill

Solve ?

Gestern

Astor

Diary of Private prayer

September – Common transportation on cover

Greater Than Gold by Roseanna M. White

October – borrowed book

The Secrets Beneath

Ladies of Intrigue

The Metropolitan Affair

The Silver Eyes

November – Read while eating leftovers -- 100 Rules for Living to 100

December – Sleighing -- The Christmas Promise

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Read Your Bookshelf Challenge

FORM

January – BEAUTY

When Beauty Blooms by Victoria Lynn

February – SIZE (measurement word? huge, large, small -- could be the actual size of book)

Children of the Storm by Elizabeth Peters

March – TIME (time travel, clock)

An Hour Unspent by Roseanna M. White

April – FLOWERS

White Orchids by Grace Livingston Hill

May – FAVORITE (author, color, series)

The Grave's a Fine and Private Place by Alan Bradley

June – BIRDS (Bitter End Birding Society, Nature of Small Birds)

When We Flew Away

July – ROYALTY

The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar

August – SPACE (planet, stars)

Gestern by J. Grace Pennington

September – TRAVEL (road trip, vehicle on cover)

Greater Than Gold by Roseanna M. White

October – HISTORY (classics, non-fiction, history in title, historical setting)

The Secrets Beneath by Kimberley Woodhouse

November – FOOD

The Christmas Mouse by Miss Read

December – FROSTY (cold, wintry, probably Christmas)

A Christmas Promise by Donna Van Liere

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Eating Our Words Reading Challenge

Post a comment & fill out checklist at end of year. Read in correct month or anytime.

JAN - Frozen Food Aisle - a book in a cold weather setting

From the Old World to the New by William T. Stead

FEB - Baking Aisle - a book with “sweet” or “sweets” in the title

Brooke's Sweet Valentine by Olivia Rian

MAR - Spices Aisle - a book set in an exotic location

Children of the Storm by Elizabeth Peters

APR - Canned Good Aisle - a book that has been out at “least” five years

Toward the Sunrising by Gilbert Morris & Lynn Morris

MAY - Fresh Produce Aisle - a brand new release (must release in May 2025)

Death at a Highland Wedding by Kelley Armstrong

JUN - Meat and Poultry Aisle - a book with a meaty topic or something you’ve been chicken to try

The Queen's Cook by Tessa Afshar

JUL - Bread/Bakery Aisle - a book that has risen to the top (an award-winning book)

Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer

AUG - Dairy Aisle - a book set on a farm or ranch

The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood by Susan Wittig Albert

SEP - Locally Grown Aisle - book by an Eating Our Words Author (Kim, Becca, Tracie, Jayna, Darcie, Jocelyn, Jaime)

The Secrets Beneath by Kimberley Woodhouse

OCT - Snack Aisle - a book that is a boxed set or collection of novellas

Ladies of Intrigue by Michelle Griep

NOV - Pharmacy Aisle - book set during a time in history with an epidemic (I.e. Spanish flu, smallpox, the black plague etc)

The Unquiet Bones by Mel Starr

DEC - Holiday Aisle - book set during a holiday (doesn’t have to be Christmas)

The Christmas Promise by Donna Van Liere

BONUS - if you don’t have a book for one month you may use the :

The Metropolitan Affair by Jocelyn Green

SELF-CHECKOUT AISLE and fill it in with any book of your choice - BUT you must put “self-checkout” next to the month and title.

Note to self: You can also get bonus points for doing ALL months and an extra Self-Checkout aisle selection

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Malissa's Merry Reading Challenge

January: a book starting with the first letter of your first name: Toward the Sunrising by Gilbert Morris

February: a book about nature: The Tale of Cuckoo Brow Wood by Susan Wittig Albert

March: a book about the law: Dead Lawyers Tell No Tales by Randy Singer

April: set in a place you'd like to visit: Toward the Sunrising by Gilbert Morris & Lynn Morris

May: a book made into a movie: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

June: written by someone you disagree with: Almost Everything by Anne Lamott

July: a number in the title: Three Bedrooms, One Corpse

August: a biography or autobiography: Grace Livingston Hill

Sept: re-read a classic: Tuck Everlasting

Oct: written by a male author: The Unquiet Bones By Mel Starr

Nov: book that includes your favorite animal: Silence of the Clans

Dec: a royal character: The Queen's Cook

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COYER

Linky

Read-a-Thons:

Jan 12th – 26th READ A BOOK FROM YOUR FRIENDS LIST

The Unquiet Bones

Feb 9th – 23rd LOVE AND LIBRARIES

The Selection

Your Mom's Gonna Love Me

March 9th – 23rd Shelf Books!

The Elite

April 13th – 27th MYSTERY-A-THON

Cuckoo brow wood

All that remains

WILL THOMAS

move your bloomin' corpse

May 4th – 18th Catch Up/Finish what you started (next book in a series you've started)

Season death

FLAVIA

June 8th– 22nd Diversity Readathon

July 6th – 20th Christmas In July

A Carol for Mrs. Dickens

August 1st – 31st Recommend me a Book

September 14th – 21st – A Galaxy Far Far Away

Gestern

October 12th to 31st – Halloween Reading

November 9th to 23rd – New Release Catch Up

December 7th to 21st – Get ahead start 2026

The Goal: Read & review 12 books from the library in all 3 semesters!

➜ Winter Semester: Jan. 1st, 2025 – April 30th, 2025

➜ Summer Semester: May 1st, 2025 – Aug. 31st, 2025

➜ Autumn Semester: Sept. 1st, 2025 – Dec. 31st, 2025

Note to self: Link up on review linky as I finish each book.

Giveaway: At the end of each semester.

Bonus: Audiobook Challenge (June-July), the Library BINGO (Sept-Oct), & an End Of Year Check-In (Dec. 15th)

The Goal:

Amateur Sleuth - 5-15 books

Note to self: Mystery/Suspense/Thriller/Crime genres, 100+ pages.
Monthly linky. (Linked up in: [])

Giveaway: Halfway point & end of the year.

Submitted final yearly form 12/4.

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The Count of Monte Cristo

Personal Challenge: Read as many Netgalley books as possible (coordinate with B.H. challenge).

2ndly: Read from Goodreads TBR.

3rdly: Read from BookFunnel / Kindle library.

4thly: After finishing other book challenges, return to finish all B.H. categories.

Award winning

Beyond Ivy Walls, If the Boot Fits, When the Day Comes, Meeting Her Match

Christy Awards?

Book Review: Stuck in Time (Dancing Through Time Book 1) #newrelease

noreply@blogger.com (Tarissa) — Sat, 18 May 2024 03:45:00 +0000

Stuck in Time by Heather Manning
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ember Appleton (how cute is that name!?) is about to learn a whole lot more about the history of her hometown of Kansas City, MO than she bargained for. A unique chain of events during a thunderstorm throws her decades into the past. Like, WAAAAAAAAY BACK INTO THE 1930s. Now she's "Stuck in Time" with no way back home. Her modern-day clothes make her stand out like a sore thumb, now that she's in a more conservative time period.

Crime and corruption run amuck in the 1930s! Ember's new life (in the past) hits hard and hits fast. She's dodging bullets straightaway. Ember takes it all in stride though and becomes the true heroine of her story, even if her story has led her down a path she would have never envisioned.

The chapter about Electric Park was simply riveting! All the amazing rides and fun things to do. (The original inspiration behind Walt Disney's Disneyland!) Electric Park is a lost and forgotten American treasure that can only be experienced through a unique setting like this.

The ending of this book though... left me hanging. Heather Manning, I'll be waiting for a sequel.

Contains at least mild cursing. Also, is not Christian fiction. Otherwise, this is a clean romance.

View all my reviews

My Top 10 Favorite Reads of 2023

noreply@blogger.com (Tarissa) — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 17:31:00 +0000

If you've followed my blog for a while now, you probably know that I just LOVE making a list of my top 10 favorite reads every year. These books were NOT all published this year -- they were published in any year of days gone by. But 2023 is when I personally got to read them.

And these 10 books in particular put an extra sparkle in my eye (and made my heart pitter-patter a little faster). In no particular order...

Tarissa's bookshelf: 2023-top-favorite

Kilmeny of the Orchard

by L.M. Montgomery

A sentimental love story, yes, perhaps quite flowery, but... it is Montgomery, after all. It's not quite the captivating tale of Anne Shirley, or Emily Byrd Starr, etc., but I just can't give anything less than 5 stars to a Montgomery no...

Heart of the Nile

by Will Thomas

Absolutely fascinating mystery!! I loved every chapter as Barker and Llewellyn got into tough scrapes, tried to gather intel, and piece together the reasoning behind a needless murder. I so relished in the Holmes and Watson-esque comrade...

Bridge of Gold

by Kimberley Woodhouse

I loved the historical intrigue and the modern day drama playing out, twisting together, piecing together a decades old murder surrounding the creation of the Golden Gate Bridge. Yep, I liked it! A clean read with some sweet romance. It...

Box of Butterflies: Discovering the Unexpected Blessings All Around Us

by Roma Downey

WOW! I love this book so much! This will be one of my top favorite reads for this entire year. Roma Downey shows us the beauty of seeing God's hand in all circumstances of our lives. She shares stories from her own life, personal stories...

The Golden One

by Elizabeth Peters

I clipped right through this Amelia Peabody novel at quite an alarming rate. Because it's such an enjoyable read. I love hearing about the adventures of every single person in the Peabody-Emerson family. This time around, they've survive...

Mind Games: Winning the Battle for Your Mental and Emotional Health

by Paul Daugherty

What a Godsend this book was to me. I can claim victory in my life! You can claim victory in your life! Read this book. Paul Daugherty's voice rings loud and true throughout this book. He wants his readers to overcome their struggles. J...

The Lost Library

by Rebecca Stead

For kids (and hey!... adults like me) who LOVE books. And libraries. And Little Free Library boxes. And for anyone who loves reading books ABOUT books. (>>> This is one of those really good ones.) I love the whole story of The Lost Libr...

Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd

by Alan Bradley

Flavia strikes again in another beautifully written mystery novel filled with delightful scientific tidbits, intriguing characters, and the end of an era for Flavia. I don't know where the next book will lead her, but I do believe that...

Currents

by Jane Petrlik Smolik

A masterfully written book. Three stories are interwoven so beautifully and delicately. Each story is so interesting on its own, comes with its own fascinating characters, and yet contributes to the growing plot. Kids or adults can enjoy...

The Loch Ness Papers

by Paige Shelton

Aw! A lovely installment in the Scottish Bookshop Mystery series. In it we find man who's just a bit kooky over his Nessie collection. Maybe he has proof of the otherwise mythical creature. Maybe he doesn't. Regardless, murder strikes! D...

book reviewsbook club

Previous years of top favorite books:

2022 // 2021 // 2020 // 2019 // 2018 // 2017 // 2016 // 2015 // 2014 // 2013 // 2012 // 2011 // 2010

So, dear reader, what are your favorite books that you got to read this year?

If you've posted your 2023 favorites list, drop your link in the comments so we can all see it!

2024 Book Reading Challenges

noreply@blogger.com (Tarissa) — Sat, 30 Dec 2023 04:06:00 +0000

Here's a peek into some of the great reading challenges on the internet that I intend to participate in for 2024!

The Goal:

JANUARY [Team Doyle] - A dog on the cover. (Off the Chain by Janice Thompson)

FEBRUARY [Team Doyle] - Under 250 pages. (Lass and Found)

MARCH [Team Doyle] - More than two POV. (Wonder)

APRIL [Montgomery] - Main character has red hair. (When Tomorrow Came)

MAY [Team Montgomery] - By a favorite author. (Salt to the Sea)

JUNE [Team Montgomery] - Poetry. (Velvet Dragonflies)

JULY [Montgomery/Doyle] - A short story collection. (A Very Bookish 4th of July)

AUGUST [Team Doyle] - A house on the cover. (Your Guide to Not Getting Murdered in a Quaint English Village)

SEPTEMBER [Team Doyle] - Involves puzzles, codes, ciphers or a mystery. (All Is Fair)

OCTOBER [Montgomery/Doyle] - A non-fiction book. (Arthur)

NOVEMBER [Team Montgomery] - A second chance book. (The Backwash of War)

DECEMBER [Team Montgomery] - A book that has 5-10 books in the series. (The Christmas Hope)

Note to self: Submit a book on the entry form every month & on Hey Reader. Must read list in order; doesn't have to be in the exact month. An easy, laid-back challenge. Middle grade books acceptable.

Giveaway: $100 gift card (end of the year).

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BOOK H... Challenge: Submit bonus challenge each month. (check)

January: 1st book in a series (Off the Chain)

February: Second chance romance (Fragile Designs)

March: By a Female Indie Author (In His Image)

April: Back list by a fave author (When Tomorrow Came)

May: Historical fiction (Salt to the Sea)

June: Where's my shirt? (Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar)

July: Anything! (A Very Bookish 4th of July)

August: Summer in the Title (The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott)

September: Book club in story (A Study in Murder)

October: Creepy house on cover (The Revenant of Thraxton Hall)

November: A book with Multiple POVs (Sheltering Angel)

December: Gifted to you (Fly Away Home)

NINJA challenge:

What If Love Is the Point?

The Tale of Holly How

Lost Letters of Aisling

Under the Apple Tree

The Fog

The Lost Summer of Louisa May Alcott

The Snow

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Merry... Book Lovers Challenge: Monthly check-ins. Quarterly prizes. Posted on each monthly thread the book you read by the end of the quarter.

No stress challenge. Read in any order you choose, but only check in on the correct thread. For example, if you read the December category in January that’s fine. But don't check in until the post for that category is available.

January: A book written before 1900. (The Canterville Ghost)

February: A book written by someone you admire. (Robbie Taggart)

March: A mystery book. (A Cold Highland Wind)

April: A book set where you live. (Off the Chain)

May: An award-winning book. (Salt to the Sea)

June: A book about a person or time period you want to learn about. (Velvet Dragonflies)

July: A book set in your favorite season. (A Very Bookish 4th of July)

August: A book set in war time. (Under the Apple Tree)

September: A book written the year you were born. (A Bone to Pick)

October: A book with a color in the title. (A Highland Ruby)

November: A book set in a library or bookstore. (Once Upon a Tome)

December: A book recommended by a friend. (Fly Away Home)

The Goal:

Chapter 1(January – March) Electronic format only. Free or nearly free.

Chapter 2 (April – June) Any format. Free or nearly free.

Chapter 3 (July – September) Any format. Any price.

Chapter 4 (October – December) Any format. Free or nearly free.

Note to self: Link up on review linky & Rafflecopter as I finish each book. Sign up again for each new chapter.

Giveaway: At the end of each Semester, a winner will be randomly selected on the Rafflecopter for a $5 Amazon gift card.

Read-a-thons:

Jan 14th - 28st READ A BOOK FROM YOUR FRIENDS LIST

Run Rose Run

Feb 11th - 25th LOVE AND LIBRARIES *library part does not count for COYER winter

Fragile Designs, Robbie Taggart

March 17th - 31st OUTSIDE THE BOX

In His Image

April 14th - 28th MYSTERY-A-THON

The Goal: Library Addict - 48 books

Note to self: Link up on review linky as I finish each book.

Giveaway: Yearly. Bonus: Audiobook Challenge (May-June), the Library BINGO (July-Aug.), & an End Of Year Check-In (Dec. 15th)

The Goal: Read older books that have been piling up in my TBR pile/list [I'll try for 40 books!].

Note to self: Books must be published in 2022 or before & already be in my TBR pile/list.
Link up on review linky as I finish each book.
Wrap-up linky will be available.

Giveaway: $15 Amazon gift card (end of the year). Each book review submitted to the link-up will be entered into a drawing.

The Goal:

Amateur Sleuth - 5-15 books

Note to self: Mystery/Suspense/Thriller/Crime genres, 100+ pages.
Monthly linky. (Linked up in: [])

Giveaway: Halfway point & end of the year.

The Goal:

Binge Listener (Why Binge Listener (Why read when someone can do it for you)

20-30 books

Note to self: Any audio format.
Monthly linky. (Linked up in: [])

Giveaway: June, audiobook month. 2 updates on July 6, December 28.

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Personal Challenge: Read as many Netgalley books as possible (coordinate with B.H. challenge).

2ndly: Read from Goodreads TBR.

3rdly: Read from Kindle library.

4thly: After finishing other book challenges, return to finish all B.H. categories

A Literary Christmas 2023 begins + Link up your holiday reads!

noreply@blogger.com (Tarissa) — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 06:22:00 +0000

Dear Readers,

I'd like to invite you to a SPECIAL READING EVENT this holiday season, where together we will celebrate all the excitement of Christmas book-reading during the most wonderful time of the year!

It's our EIGHTH ANNUAL Literary Christmas. And it's happening now.

What's this holiday reading challenge about? ::: Whether you just want to read 1 amazingly-good Christmas book, or 10, you make your own list of titles to read, and finish as many of them as you can.

Where will it take place? ::: In your favorite cozy reading nook. Whether it be while wrapped in fleece blankets in bed... sitting by the fireside drinking hot chocolate...

Or out on the ice sheets of the Arctic environment, with only starlight from the heavens and a tin lantern to illuminate the tiny text inside your vintage copy of A Christmas Carol.

But probably not the latter option.

This Christmas reading challenge is born of my own delight in filling the entirety of the month of December (and the month of November, in most cases) with holiday-themed books galore. Literally, I keep adding to an ongoing booklist all through the year when I happen across Christmas titles that I may like to try my hand (errrr --- eyes?) at, just so I can read it when the holidays arrive.

Please tell me I'm not alone?

The challenge starts on NOW. Whenever YOU start reading your holiday books, start linking up your reviews and posts with us ALL SEASON LONG!

Sign-ups are open NOW! Just so whenever you're ready to pick up a festive holiday title, the event link-up is open.

How to participate in A Literary Christmas:

Think about some Christmas books to read, or maybe re-read this season. This could include fictional stories (modern or vintage books), or non-fiction (an Advent devotional, or a book on Christmas traditions?)... it's up to you! Your goals can be 1 book, 10 books, or some short stories. AUDIO BOOKS & E-BOOKS ARE WELCOME!

Write a blog post or social media post to tell us that you're joining A Literary Christmas reading challenge, and maybe give us a sneak peek of the books you want to read for this challenge. Make sure to link to this blog (or even this individual post) to spread the word among your friends. Grab one of the challenge images to use in your post.

Use hashtag #ALiteraryChristmas

Link up below! Copy the link to your post online and add it to the linky below. Now you've joined the challenge!

Next step: Start reading the books on your list! When you talk about the books on your blog or review them (on Goodreads, your blog, Instagram etc.), be sure to link up your posts below so that we can all check out what everyone is reading. (I know that I hope to find some good book recommendations from you all!)

Use hashtag #ALiteraryChristmas

A Literary Christmas officially now and ends on December 31st. (You may begin reading your Christmas books whenever it suits you though.) *wink*

Once the book reviews and posts start rolling in (like presents under the Christmas tree), I think we can all gather some fresh holiday titles from each other. In the meantime, if you're looking for what books you should be reading this holiday season, check out some of the Christmas books I've shared about in the past, or visit online lists such as:

Favorite Christmas Books

Christian Christmas Books

Christmas/Holiday Christian Fiction

I'll be sharing my own personal Christmas reading list in the next day or so.... but in the meantime:

Link to your sign-up posts & reviews!

* If the linky isn't showing up for you, try refreshing your page. Or just leave your post links in the comments section, and I can add your post to the linky for you, if needed.

Louisa May Alcott READING CHALLENGE 2023 Sign-ups!

noreply@blogger.com (Tarissa) — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 05:58:00 +0000

Welcome to the 2023 edition of the Louisa May Alcott reading challenge!
Hosted by the blog In the Bookcase, yours truly.It's our 12th year of the challenge!

Have you ever sampled a good story from the charming Miss Alcott?

Is it time for you to finally read (or re-read) Little Women & the sequels?

Would you like to enjoy Miss Alcott's writings with me this June?

// Who she is... //

Louisa May Alcott (1832–1888) is an American authoress who inspires me. During her lifetime in the 19th century, she penned pages upon pages, delighting young girls and womenfolk, both then and now. Aside from being a writer, she briefly spent time nursing on the battlefield, and otherwise throughout her life supporting reform movements such as women's education, women's suffrage, abolitionism, and temperance.

Alcott wrote over a dozen novels, alongside many short-story collections. Little Women is arguably the title of her most famous work, the story of 4 charming girls --- Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March --- growing up during hardships of the Civil War. Most readers can relate a close kinship to at least one of these blossoming characters --- through their pleasures, adventures, suitors, and life in general.

I cherish Miss Alcott's writings --- and although I've enjoyed a few books of hers throughout the last few years (of hosting this challenge!)... I still have much to discover about this hardy woman, her life, and her family. So I'm endeavoring this June to pick out a couple of good books written by or about this favorite lady-author of mine, and glean from the shining pages.

The challenge is now open and lasts through the whole month. You might like to take a moment to peruse (blogger/author) Susan Bailey's articles at Louisa May Alcott Is My Passion, where I have discovered many recommendations on suitable book titles. Also visit (another blogger/author) Trix Wilkins and her amazing articles about Miss Alcott's best-loved novel at Much Ado About Little Women.

Won't you join me in a good book?

// About this challenge... //

How to take part in the June reading challenge:

RIGHT NOW: Compile your list of Louisa May Alcott books that you would like to read, finish reading, or maybe re-read during June. Even books about L.M.A. (and the Alcott family) are welcome---biographies, fictionalized accounts of her life, etc. Your goal could be 1 book, 5 books, or short stories. To supply more options, you may decide to download audio book or e-books.

Write a blog post, or social media post explaining all about the books you want to read for this challenge. Goodreads, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram, (etc.) posts are welcome, if that's you're preferred method. Grab the challenge button and include it in your post if possible, so that others can find the challenge too.

* For those without blogs/social media: Tell us what you're reading in the COMMENTS SECTION below! This challenge is open to EVERYONE, and I hope any Alcott fans out there will find a way to participate.

Link up below! Every time you share an update or, say, a book review, add it to our ongoing linky. I'll be stopping by to see your progress! The linky is the main headquarters of this reading challenge, so that the other participants can follow everyone's progress just by taking a look at the list of all the posts.

Starting June 1st: Reading the books on your list! The challenge starts now and goes through June 30th. (You may begin reading at any point within this timeline.)

Browse through the other participants' blog posts, to see what everyone else is reading, and be sure to leave comments when you can. The only thing better than enjoying a good book, is enjoying it with like-minded friends!

Finally, when you have reached your goal, or by the time the challenge is ending:
Tell us about what you accomplished over the course of the challenge. Include any closing thoughts, or what you think of Louisa May Alcott now that you've read more of her works, etc. I'll be very pleased to hear about what you think at the end of this challenge!

{Click here for the button code.}

Not sure what to read for the challenge?
Check out my [List of published titles by Louisa May Alcott] for some literary inspiration this June.

// Calendar of events... //

June 1st ::: Start date. Tell everyone your reading plans for the challenge! Get to reading!

[all month long] ::: Read, review/talk about a book online if you like, repeat.

June 30th ::: End date. Final overview and link-up!

// Join the challenge... //

After you come up with your booklist for the challenge, write up a post (on your blog, or your favorite social media, or comment below)... and add your link on the linky tool below.

Submit your Louisa May Alcott blog or social media posts on the linky below. ANY and ALL of your posts about Miss Alcott are welcome.

If you decide to share a favorite quote, a book review, or any other thoughts... link up and take a look at some of the other participants' posts.

Thank you for joining us!

I'm simply delighted to be spending my summer sifting through the writings of Louisa May Alcott. And I can't wait to see which books you're going to read for the challenge as well! Get your sign-up posts online NOW and link-up.

Book Review: The Thief of Blackfriars Lane

noreply@blogger.com (Tarissa) — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 02:39:00 +0000

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane by Michelle Griep
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ah, one of my favorite authors (I don't even read the book summary anymore; I just grab it if it's a Michelle Griep novel), and my favorite historical time period and setting. Yes! I knew this book was a winner when I saw that beautifully Victorian cover.

If you are a fan of PBS Masterpiece, then I will tell you that this book has a vibe similar to Miss Scarlet and the Duke -- except that in this book, our heroine is a a bit of a thief, or at least gets her job done in slightly suspicious ways (and is not a lady detective by profession).

All in all, I am thoroughly pleased with the wild escapade I got to participate in by turning the pages of The Thief of Blackfriars Lane. Will definitely be picking up the sequel!

Content warning: For those with squeamish tendencies, there are a few sick scenes.

View all my reviews

2023 Book Reading Challenges

noreply@blogger.com (Tarissa) — Mon, 02 Jan 2023 01:33:00 +0000

Here's a peek into some of the great reading challenges on the internet that I intend to participate in for 2023!

The Goal: DONE!

1. The Golden One by Elizabeth Peters

2. Storming by K.M. Weiland

3. Escaping Dreamland by Charlie Lovett

4. The Time of Jacob's Trouble by Donna Vanliere

5. A Christmas Beginning by Anne Perry

6. Kilmeny of the Orchard by L.M. Montgomery

7. The Loch Ness Papers by Paige Shelton

8. Mine for Keeps by Jean Little

9. Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd by Alan Bradley

10. Box of Butterflies by Roma Downey

11. When Breaks the Dawn by Janette Oke

12. Death in Kew Gardens by Jennifer Ashley

Alternate 1. Midnight on the River Grey by Abigail Wilson

Alternate 2. Louisa and the Crystal Gazer by Anna Maclean

Note to self: Each of these 12 books must have been on your bookshelf or “To Be Read” list for AT LEAST one full year. Monthly check-ins on the 15th of each month with surprise mini-challenges.

Giveaway: $100 of books (end of the year).

The Goal: DONE!

JANUARY - A book that starts with the word "a" or "the". (The Thief of Blackfriars Lane)

FEBRUARY - A book where the cover or spine is in a complementary color from your January book. (Use complementary color generator.) (A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice)

MARCH - The title has to start with the next letter in the alphabet from your February book. (Bridge of Gold)

APRIL - A book that is in a different genre than your March book. (Every Little Win)

MAY - A book that is longer than your last one. (Beneath His Silence)

JUNE - The title for your June book will have half as many letters as your May title. (Storming)

JULY - This book needs to be set in a different country or world than your June book. (The Golden One)

AUGUST - A book that is the same genre as your July book. (Barking up the Wrong Tree)

SEPTEMBER - Turn to page 50 in your August book (or 49 or 51 if your page 50 is blank) and your September book has to have one of the words from that page in the title. (Beautiful Little Fools)

OCTOBER - The title of your book will start with the first letter of the author’s last name from your September book. (Currents)

NOVEMBER - Choose a book from a different time period from your October book. (The Time of Jacob's Trouble)

DECEMBER - Has to be within 20 pages of your November book (so if your book had 300 pages your December book will need to be between 280 and 320 pages). (Escaping Dreamland)

Note to self: Submit a book on the entry form every month & on Hey Reader. Books don't have to be read in the prompt month. An easy, laid-back challenge. Middle grade books acceptable.

2024: Must read list in order; doesn't have to be in the exact month. You can switch sides in April, July, October. For December, whichever branch you're in will have 2 options to choose from.

Giveaway: $100 gift card (end of the year).

- - - - - - - - - - -

DONE!

BOOK H... Challenge: Submit bonus challenge each month. (check)

January: Title starts with first letter of your name (The Thief of Blackfriars Lane)

February: Strangers to lovers (The Fountains of Silence)

March: Title starts with M (Murder on the River Grey)

April: Library book (Every Little Win)

May: Memoir/Bio (From Atheism to Christianity)

June: Wedding in book (The Loch Ness Papers)

July: Summer in title (Sinister Summer)

August: Characters in book travel (When Breaks the Dawn)

September: A Series Book (Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd)

October: A Spooky Book (Unnatural Creatures)

November: Cover Model Wearing Jeans or Flannel/Plaid (Hazardous Duty)

December: Any Book (A Christmas Beginning)

The Goal: DONE!

A book with a protagonist over 40. (The Golden One)
A book considered a classic. (Kilmeny of the Orchard)
A graphic novel. (Doctor Who: Revolutions of Terror)
A book that has been banned or challenged. (Flowers in the Attic)
A book set in a place on your bucket list. (Mine For Keeps)
A book published before you were born. (The Red House Mystery)
A book related to a goal you have for 2023. (Mind Games)
A book by an author of color. (Chameleon Aura)
A book with a clever title. (Barking up the Wrong Tree)
A book by a famous author you’ve never read. (Box of Butterflies)
A non-fiction book about a topic you love. (From Atheism to Christianity)
A novella. (Bound By Murder)

Note to self: When finished, send in final booklist.

Giveaway: Amazon gift card (end of the year).

The Goal: Library Addict - 48 books

Note to self: Link up on review linky as I finish each book.

Giveaway: Yearly only? Audiobook Challenge (May-June), the Library BINGO (July-Aug.), & an End Of Year Check-In (Dec. 15th)

The Goal: Read older books that have been piling up in my TBR pile/list [I'll try for 60+ books!].

Note to self: Books must be published in 2021 or before & already be in my TBR pile/list.
Link up on review linky as I finish each book.
Wrap-up linky will be available.

Giveaway: $15 Amazon gift card (end of the year). Each book review submitted to the link-up will be entered into a drawing.

The Goal: DONE! (18 books)

Amateur Sleuth - 5-15 books

Note to self: Mystery/Suspense/Thriller/Crime genres, 100+ pages.
Monthly linky. (Linked up in: [December])

Giveaway: End of the year.

Personal Challenge: Read as many Netgalley books as possible (coordinate with B.H. challenge).

2ndly: Read from Goodreads TBR.

3rdly: Read from Kindle library.

4thly: After finishing other book challenges, return to finish all B.H. categories

Completing the last of my 2022 reading challenges!

noreply@blogger.com (Tarissa) — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 06:07:00 +0000

The Goal: 30+ audiobooks "My Precious (I had my earbuds surgically implanted)"

The Result: I listened to 53 audiobooks in 2022!

Out of the 90 books I read (total) for the year, that means 58% of my routine reading is done by listening.

The Goal: 60+ books

The Result: ..... I read 38 books that counted for this challenge! Eeek.

Revealing (my official) BOOKSHOP!

noreply@blogger.com (Tarissa) — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Doesn't every booklover grow up wanting to own a cozy bookshop anyways, or was that just me?

I have some spectacular news to share today, as we get closer to finishing out this year. As some of you may have already been aware, I have opened an online bookshop to have a place to sell off my family's always-revolving literary collection. (We can't keep ALL the books, right?!)

I would absolutely love it if you could follow my shiny, new Instagram account! @thistleandtwinebookshop

...AND visit our online Ebay bookshop to browse the available titles! (More content is being added all the time.)

Can't wait to see where this little bookshop takes me in 2023!

Won't you please join me for the journey?

My Top 10 Favorite Reads of 2022

noreply@blogger.com (Tarissa) — Sat, 24 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0000

If you've followed my blog for a while now, you probably know that I just LOVE making a list of my top 10 favorite reads every year. These books were NOT all published this year -- they were published in any year of days gone by. But 2022 is when I personally got to read them. And these 10 books in particular put an extra sparkle in my eye (and made my heart pitter-patter a little faster) as I read them...

Tarissa's bookshelf: 2022-top-favorite

Winnie-the-Pooh

by A.A. Milne

Oh, what a delight! Listening to Winnie-the-Pooh was such a treat for me. The stories are as sweet as cupcakes. I don't believe I ever really read this book as a child. But I was beyond ecstatic to read it as an adult. Pooh and his hon...

Long Lost

by Jacqueline West

A fantastic kid's ghost story. Written so well!! This is the kind of story that had me on pins and needles to find out what would happen next. Just how Fiona wanted to pick up the mysterious vintage book she finds in the library to finis...

The Big Four

by Agatha Christie

A rather interesting Agatha Christie novel. It's a bit different than her usual mysteries. This plot takes Poirot through months of playing the waiting game, plus he's dealing with supervillains who are behind the majority of all evil sc...

A Christmas Secret

by Anne Perry

As per usual with an Anne Perry holiday book, we find ourselves in a fairly cozy little setting, everything seemingly going according to plan for the Christmas season, when -- BAM! Somebody dies. And it's such an intriguing little dilemm...

The Gray Chamber

by Grace Hitchcock

A fun read. A sweet romance. I loved the historical details about fencing and about the asylum. Very interesting topics to read up on. I did connect well with Edyth's character, since part of society probably though of her as a bit ecce...

A Song Unheard

by Roseanna M. White

A lovely sequel to A Name Unknown. It took me a little while to warm up to the characters in A Song Unheard, but once I did, I really did grow to like them. Loved the musical elements found in this story, especially pertaining to the vio...

The Finder of Forgotten Things

by Sarah Loudin Thomas

What a fulfilling novel! I needed a good story that would take me a little while to crack my way through, and I enjoyed it all. I really fell into the plot and as for the characters... I always wanted to keep learning more about them. Th...

Flowers on the Moon

by Billy Chapata

WOW! I didn't realize that I NEEDED this book of poetry as much as I did. As soon as I listened to the first 20 minutes of the audiobook, I knew I definitely needed more of this kind of mindset in my life. I immediately downloaded 2 more...

London Curiosities: The Capital's Odd & Obscure, Weird and Wonderful Places

by John Wade

What a fascinating and informative read! I learned so much about London. It's amazing stuff you'll find packed in this book! I felt like I personally went on a sight-seeing tour. It was explained well, includes photos -- yes, I felt like...

Jane Eyre

by Charlotte Brontë

Ah, Thornfield Hall, how I wish I could visit you. Why did I wait so long to read this classic? It's definitely a favorite. My copy is a thick book, but the chapters seem to fly by. I could have read this novel forever. I'm deeply inter...

book reviewsbook club

Previous years of top favorite books:

2021 // 2020 // 2019 // 2018 // 2017 // 2016 // 2015 // 2014 // 2013 // 2012 // 2011 // 2010

So, dear reader, what are your favorite books that you got to read this year?

If you've posted your 2022 favorites list, drop your link in the comments so we can all see it!

Completed: Back to the Classics Challenge 2022

noreply@blogger.com (Tarissa) — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0000

COMPLETED 6 CATEGORIES!

{1 entry into the giveaway}

Karen, thanks for putting this fun challenge together every year!

{I can be contacted here.}

1. A 19th century classic. (The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain by Charles Dickens)

2. A 20th century classic.

3. A classic by a woman author. (Cherry Ames, Army Nurse by Helen Wells)

4. A classic in translation.

5. A classic by BIPOC author.

6. Mystery/Detective/Crime Classic. (The Big Four by Agatha Christie)

7. A Classic Short Story Collection. (The Inimitable Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse)

8. Pre-1800 Classic.

9. A Nonfiction Classic.

10. Classic That's Been on Your TBR List the Longest.

11. Classic Set in a Place You'd Like to Visit. (Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte)

12. Wild Card Classic. (Whose Body? by Dorothy L. Sayers)

Completed: TBR Pile Challenge 2022

noreply@blogger.com (Tarissa) — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 06:30:00 +0000

I'm just popping on here to say that I've finished my TBR Pile Challenge for 2022! Yay!

I read 11 of my original 12 choices, plus 1 alternate title.

1. The Golden One by Elizabeth Peters

2. Frontier Follies by Ree Drummond

3. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

4. Call Me Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber

5. Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

6. Cherry Ames, Army Nurse by Helen Wells

7. Lost Books and Old Bones by Paige Shelton

8. A Christmas Secret by Anne Perry

9. The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain by Charles Dickens

10. Last Dinner on the Titanic by Rick Archbold & Dana McCauley

11. Sister Eve and the Blue Nun by Lynne Hinton

12. The Drosten's Curse by A.L. Kennedy

Alternate 1. The Gray Chamber by Grace Hitchcock

Alternate 2. Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar by Edgar Rice Burroughs

Little Women Inspired Christmas Home Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Tarissa) — Sat, 10 Dec 2022 12:17:00 +0000

If you're a fan of Little Women, like I am, you won't want to miss seeing Decor to Adore's Little Women-inspired Christmas decorations -- all throughout the home!

There's so many photos... be sure to check it out!

Book Review: Twelve Days of Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Tarissa) — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 06:00:00 +0000

The Twelve Days of Christmas: A Celebration of Nature by Briana Corr Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 stars for this beautifully illustrated book of the Twelve Days of Christmas. The botanical imagery is mesmerizing. Such tasteful paintings of birds and other delightful critters representing the lyrics from the famous Christmas song we all know. This book brings new life and provides a fresh filter of light upon the Twelve Days of Christmas. Definitely recommend! A delight for all ages too.

View all my reviews

Book Review: If Only It Were Yesterday

noreply@blogger.com (Tarissa) — Sat, 26 Nov 2022 22:40:00 +0000

If Only It Were Yesterday by A.M. Heath
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A delightful Victorian romp! A twist on the Alice in Wonderland story that will keep you guessing. From page one I was immediately sucked down the rabbit hole, snuggling in for a cozy good read. Ever so delightfully, I quickly found out that our heroine Elizabeth is an old soul, lover of books, antiques, and bygone good manners.

If you like any vintage era, ever wished you lived in a time period before your own, or felt nostalgia for somewhere you've never been, this book might be for you! Our main character Liz Cooke gets the opportunity to travel to another era which she has idealized and felt a nostalgic yearning for, and gets to experience it all in person... It should be fun, right?

Especially recommended for Christian readers who want a bit of whimsy in their reading life.

Recommended for: Adults & Teens
Suitable for: Ages 10 & up

---So many quotable selections!---

.... 'Miss Hillman smiled at me as if she knew some great secret. “While that may be true, you cannot change your past. It would be unfair of us to judge you based on where you came from but, rather, on where you're going, because where you're going can still be changed, shaped, and rediscovered. Where you're going says so much more about who you are and the heart that beats within. Sometimes a person's past is just plain hard or out of their control. But your future–the purpose you've set your feet upon–this is all of your own planning.”' ....

View all my reviews

3 holiday picture books! (2022 new releases)

noreply@blogger.com (Tarissa) — Thu, 24 Nov 2022 06:00:00 +0000

A Very Thankful Prayer Seek and Find: A Fall Poem of Blessings and Gratitude by Bonnie Rickner Jensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Get this for your Thanksgiving celebration!

Need a quick Thanksgiving activity with your kiddos? You can purchase the board book -- or download the ebook today. It's a quick little read, only 6 scenes. The illustrations are just darling! It also keeps the kids occupied by searching for certain objects in each scene. My favorite element though is how it mentions God's love, and that's something we can all be thankful for!

The Christmas Book Flood by Emily Kilgore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I so enjoyed learning about the Christmas book flood tradition in Iceland. The people who live there love to read, read, read. So it's no surprise that when gift-giving season comes around, they reach for books to give to each other. A fun story for youngsters!

The narrator is superb for the audiobook. She has such a happy voice, and the story glitters by in a matter of minutes.

Keep this story in mind for a beautiful Christmas Eve read-aloud!

Giving Gal and the Christmas Cookie Extravaganza by Stephanie L. Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The illustrations are so cute, vibrant, and artsy! This book is a lovely gift idea for young little girls. Adorable story! Love the holiday baking and all of the festive-ness.

A Literary Christmas 2022 begins + Link up your holiday reads!

noreply@blogger.com (Tarissa) — Sun, 30 Oct 2022 21:59:00 +0000

Dear Readers,

I'd like to invite you to a SPECIAL READING EVENT this holiday season, where together we will celebrate all the excitement of Christmas book-reading during the most wonderful time of the year!

It's our SEVENTH ANNUAL Literary Christmas. And it's happening now.

What's this holiday reading challenge about? ::: Whether you just want to read 1 amazingly-good Christmas book, or 10, you make your own list of titles to read, and finish as many of them as you can.

Where will it take place? ::: In your favorite cozy reading nook. Whether it be while wrapped in fleece blankets in bed... sitting by the fireside drinking hot chocolate...

Or out on the ice sheets of the Arctic environment, with only starlight from the heavens and a tin lantern to illuminate the tiny text inside your vintage copy of A Christmas Carol.

But probably not the latter option.

This Christmas reading challenge is born of my own delight in filling the entirety of the month of December (and the month of November, in most cases) with holiday-themed books galore. Literally, I keep adding to an ongoing booklist all through the year when I happen across Christmas titles that I may like to try my hand (errrr --- eyes?) at, just so I can read it when the holidays arrive.

Please tell me I'm not alone?

The challenge starts on NOW. Whenever YOU start reading your holiday books, start linking up your reviews and posts with us ALL SEASON LONG!

Sign-ups are open NOW! Just so whenever you're ready to pick up a festive holiday title, the event link-up is open.

How to participate in A Literary Christmas:

Link up below! Copy the link to your post online and add it to the linky below. Now you've joined the challenge!

Link to your sign-up posts & reviews!

* If the linky isn't showing up for you, try refreshing your page. Or just leave your post links in the comments section, and I can add your post to the linky for you, if needed.

My 2022 LMA Reading Challenge Booklist

noreply@blogger.com (Tarissa) — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 11:01:00 +0000

Would you like to enjoy Miss Alcott's writings with me this June?

{Click here for the button code.}

“Human minds are more full of mysteries than any written book and more changeable than the cloud shapes in the air.”

- Louisa May Alcott

Not sure what to read for the challenge?
Check out my [List of published titles by Louisa May Alcott] for some literary inspiration this June.

// My own bookstack for the challenge... //

(click through my affiliate links to buy your own copies, if you're interested in these titles too. thanks!)

It will be just 1 title on my list this year.

"A reimagining of Little Women set in the spring of 1942, when the United States is suddenly embroiled in the second World War, this story, told from each March sister's point of view, is one of grief, love, and self-discovery."

Great or Nothing
(by Joy McCullough, Caroline Tung Richmond, Tess Sharpe, Jessica Spotswood, 2022)

// Join the challenge... //

Click HERE to read all the details about the challenge.

After you come up with your booklist for the challenge, write up a post (on your blog, or your favorite social media, or comment below)... and add your link on the linky tool on the challenge HQ post.

All throughout June, submit your Louisa May Alcott blog or social media posts on the linky below. ANY and ALL of your posts about Miss Alcott are welcome.

If you decide to share a favorite quote, a book review, or any other thoughts... link up and take a look at some of the other participants' posts.

Thank you for joining us!

Louisa May Alcott READING CHALLENGE 2022 Sign-ups!

noreply@blogger.com (Tarissa) — Tue, 31 May 2022 11:00:00 +0000

Welcome to the 2022 edition of the Louisa May Alcott reading challenge!
Hosted by the blog In the Bookcase, yours truly.It's our 11th year of the challenge!

Have you ever sampled a good story from the charming Miss Alcott?

Is it time for you to finally read (or re-read) Little Women & the sequels?

Would you like to enjoy Miss Alcott's writings with me this June?

// Who she is... //

Louisa May Alcott (1832–1888) is an American authoress who inspires me. During her lifetime in the 19th century, she penned pages upon pages, delighting young girls and womenfolk, both then and now. Aside from being a writer, she briefly spent time nursing on the battlefield, and otherwise throughout her life supporting reform movements such as women's education, women's suffrage, abolitionism, and temperance.

Alcott wrote over a dozen novels, alongside many short-story collections. Little Women is arguably the title of her most famous work, the story of 4 charming girls --- Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy March --- growing up during hardships of the Civil War. Most readers can relate a close kinship to at least one of these blossoming characters --- through their pleasures, adventures, suitors, and life in general.

I cherish Miss Alcott's writings --- and although I've enjoyed a few books of hers throughout the last few years (of hosting this challenge!)... I still have much to discover about this hardy woman, her life, and her family. So I'm endeavoring this June to pick out a couple of good books written by or about this favorite lady-author of mine, and glean from the shining pages.

The challenge is now open and lasts through the whole month. You might like to take a moment to peruse (blogger/author) Susan Bailey's articles at Louisa May Alcott Is My Passion, where I have discovered many recommendations on suitable book titles. Also visit (another blogger/author) Trix Wilkins and her amazing articles about Miss Alcott's best-loved novel at Much Ado About Little Women.

Won't you join me in a good book?

// About this challenge... //

How to take part in the June reading challenge:

Starting June 1st: Reading the books on your list! The challenge starts now and goes through June 30th. (You may begin reading at any point within this timeline.)

{Click here for the button code.}

Not sure what to read for the challenge?
Check out my [List of published titles by Louisa May Alcott] for some literary inspiration this June.

// Calendar of events... //

May 31st ::: Sign-ups open. Tell everyone your reading plans for the challenge!

June 1st ::: Start date. Get to reading!

[all month long] ::: Read, review/talk about a book online if you like, repeat.

June 30th ::: End date. Final overview and link-up!

// Join the challenge... //

My Top 10 Favorite Reads of 2021

noreply@blogger.com (Tarissa) — Fri, 31 Dec 2021 02:10:00 +0000

If you've followed my blog for a while now, you probably know that I just LOVE making a list of my top 10 favorite reads every year. These books were NOT all published this year -- they were published in any year of days gone by. But 2021 is when I personally got to read them. And these 10 books in particular put an extra sparkle in my eye (and made my heart pitter-patter a little faster) as I read them...

Tarissa's bookshelf: 2021-top-favorite

Stalking Jack the Ripper

by Kerri Maniscalco

What a riveting read! Absolutely fascinating. I love the feel of the Holmes/Watson type of duo we have between Audrey and Thomas. Their relationship is fun to sit back and watch; there are so many fine nuances to pick up on. The mystery ...

A Name Unknown

by Roseanna M. White

This book is so adorable, I can't stop myself from just loving every inch of the story! The idea of it thrills me: A double-crossing street thief by the name of Rosemary lands a job in a God-fearing man's library. She has everything at h...

Death Below Stairs

by Jennifer Ashley

Mrs. Kat Holloway, almost 30 and already a widow of an abusive marriage, has found a new placement as cook at a well-to-do house in Mount Street, Mayfair. The kitchen and job requirements are quite to her liking and she believes that she...

The Greatest Gift: A Christmas Tale

by Philip Van Doren Stern

Wow! Such a simple, short story... and yet it packs a powerful punch! No wonder it was turned into one of the most beloved films of all time, It's a Wonderful Life. George Bailey is contemplating suicide, when his wish is granted, that ...

A Christmas Visitor

by Anne Perry

What an intriguing Christmas mystery -- all because alleged forgeries and false documents -- and a little matter of a mysterious death, of course. It all comes together in a rather intriguing way. As every chapter unfolded, I was remind...

Hope Between the Pages

by Pepper D. Basham

Well, this one's just about perfect. It's sweet. It's about books. What more can a girl ask for? A fairytale romance! So sweet and amazing, but even better, it's a romance built on a mutual love for books! This book is a balm to the so...

The House at the End of the Moor

by Michelle Griep

Our heroine is a woman of 25 years, who lives upon the treacherous and lonely moor, with her wonderful and scruffy dog Malcolm as a faithful companion. ( "I am Malcolm's sheep -- the only one he herds and cossets.... He would not let a s...

The Great Gatsby: The Only Authorized Edition

by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Well, well, well. I can definitely see why The Great Gatsby is such a classic now. It made me feel ALL the emotions. I just wasn't expecting how those last three chapters would tragically twist the story. But there we have it. Now I kn...

The Second Mrs. Astor

by Shana Abe

My first book by Shana Abe, and I'm positively mesmerized. The way she writes, her choice of wording, often leaves me in wonder. This is the kind of literature that makes me love books all the more. Any history buff, or person who has r...

A Christmas Guest

by Anne Perry

It is a seasonal delight for me to dip into Anne Perry's Christmas stories each Yuletide season! Each of these holiday stories I read from her always grants me a memorable, iconic plot to remember for years to come. In 'The Christmas Gu...

book reviewsbook club

Previous years of top favorite books:

2020 // 2019 // 2018 // 2017 // 2016 // 2015 // 2014 // 2013 // 2012 // 2011 // 2010

So, dear reader, what are your favorite books that you got to read in 2021?

If you've posted your 2021 favorites list, drop your link in the comments so we can all see it!

2022 Book Reading Challenges

noreply@blogger.com (Tarissa) — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 17:24:00 +0000

Personal Challenge: Read as many Netgalley books as possible.

2ndly: Read as many Goodreads TBR books as possible.

3rdly: Read as many Kindle ebooks as possible.

4thly: After finishing other book challenges, return to finish all B.H. categories

Misc. titles to read: Endurance (the ship)

Reminder!

BOOK H... Challenge: Submit bonus challenge each month. (check)

DONE: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, June, July, Aug, Sept, Oct, Nov, Dec

**FINISHED!!**

The Goal: **FINISHED!!**

JANUARY - quiet (Kathleen's Unforgettable Winter)
FEBRUARY - love/lover/loving in the title (I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You)
MARCH - growth/grow/flowers/coming-of-age (The Orchard House)
APRIL - your initials in the title (The Gray Chamber)
MAY - a new-to-you author (The Library Book)
JUNE - a book on the cover (The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek)
JULY - one you've been avoiding (Indiana Jones and the Dinosaur Eggs)
AUGUST - a body part in the title (Lost Books and Old Bones)
SEPTEMBER - a collection (The Inimitable Jeeves)
OCTOBER - secret/secrets in the title (A Christmas Secret)
NOVEMBER - cozy or nostalgic (If Only It Were Yesterday)
DECEMBER - a mostly white cover (London Curiosities)

Note to self: Submit a book on the entry form every month & on Hey Reader. An easy, laid-back challenge. Middle grade books acceptable.

Giveaway: $100 gift card (end of the year).

The Goal: **FINISHED!!**

January – Time Travel Books (The Drosten's Curse)
Bonus: Books we love but critics don’t

February – Books set in or about South Africa
Bonus: Books from your hometown, state, country, or where your ancestors are from (Frontier Follies)

March – Wine Books Or Books Set On A Vineyard
Bonus: Books with your favorite color in the title (Sister Eve and the Blue Nun)

April – Books set in or about the Baltics (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia)
Bonus: Books with your favorite foods (Last Dinner on the Titanic)

May – Books About Hiking
Bonus: Books by an author you think you don’t like but have never actually read (The Library Book)

June – Books set in or about Mexico (Mexican Gothic)
Bonus: Books by Indigenous authors from a continent other than your own

July – Dark Academia Books (Books Set At A Prestigious Boarding School or University) (The Case for Jamie, Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children)
Bonus: Books where you next want to travel (Indiana Jones and the Dinosaur Eggs)

August – Books set in or about Australia
Bonus: Books that have been sitting in your TBR (to be read) pile for ages (The Big Four)

September – Books About Road Trips
Bonus: Books published in the decade or year you were born (Forbidden Secrets)

October – Haunted House Books/set somewhere haunted (The Haunting at Bonaventure Circus)
Bonus: Books from a nearby Free Little Library, library sale, or you received as a gift (A Song Unheard)

November – Books set in or about Thailand
Bonus: Book about an inspiring career change that interests you (Cherry Ames Army Nurse)

December – Books set in or about Ecuador (Becoming Elisabeth Elliot)
Bonus: Books set in an environment you’ve never experienced (i.e. jungle, desert, mountain, deserted island, volcanic area)

Note to self: If a theme isn’t for you, skip it, twist it, or participate in a bonus challenge. An easy, laid-back challenge. Submit booklist at end of year.

Giveaway: Book cart prize or book prize (end of the year).

The Goal: **FINISHED!!**

1. The Golden One by Elizabeth Peters

2. Frontier Follies by Ree Drummond

3. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

4. Call Me Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber

5. Dash & Lily's Book of Dares by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan

6. Cherry Ames, Army Nurse by Helen Wells

7. Lost Books and Old Bones by Paige Shelton

8. A Christmas Secret by Anne Perry

9. The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain by Charles Dickens

10. Last Dinner on the Titanic by Rick Archbold & Dana McCauley

11. Sister Eve and the Blue Nun by Lynne Hinton

12. The Drosten's Curse by A.L. Kennedy

Alternate 1. The Gray Chamber by Grace Hitchcock

Alternate 2. Tarzan and the Jewels of Opar by Edgar Rice Burroughs

Note to self: Each of these 12 books must have been on your bookshelf or “To Be Read” list for AT LEAST one full year. There are monthly check-ins on the 15th of each month.

Giveaway: $50 gift card (end of the year).

The Goal: **FINISHED!!**

A book with a question in the title. (Whose Body?)
A book of non-violent true crime. (The Library Book)
A book with a cover you don’t like. (Murder on the Yellow Brick Road)
A historical fiction novel not set in Europe. (The Orchard House)
A book with a character’s name in the title. (Jane Eyre)
A book featuring paranormal activity, fiction or non. (Long Lost)
A book with a number in the title. (The Big Four)
A food related memoir. (Frontier Follies)
A book that’s won an award. (The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek)
A middle grade novel. (Nessie Quest)
A book by an author who shares your zodiac sign. (The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain by Charles Dickens) ---- [Dickens, Woolf, Byron, Carroll, Verne, Lee Strobel, Judy Blume, Zane Grey, Meg Cabot, Janette Oke, Dwight L. Moody, Eleanor Farjeon]
A book that’s a combination of genres. (Mexican Gothic)

Note to self: When finished, send in final booklist.

Giveaway: Amazon gift card (end of the year).

The Goal: **FINISHED!!**

1. A 19th century classic. (The Haunted Man and the Ghost's Bargain by Charles Dickens)

2. A 20th century classic.

3. A classic by a woman author. (Cherry Ames, Army Nurse by Helen Wells)

4. A classic in translation.

5. A classic by BIPOC author.

6. Mystery/Detective/Crime Classic. (The Big Four by Agatha Christie)

7. A Classic Short Story Collection. (The Inimitable Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse)

8. Pre-1800 Classic.

9. A Nonfiction Classic.

10. Classic That's Been on Your TBR List the Longest.

11. Classic Set in a Place You'd Like to Visit. (Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte)

12. Wild Card Classic. (Whose Body? by Dorothy L. Sayers)

Note to self: Books must be published no later than 1972. Finish 6, 9, or 12 categories.

Giveaway: $30 Amazon gift card (end of the year).

The Goal: 30+ audiobooks "My Precious (I had my earbuds surgically implanted)"

Note to self: Updates plus a giveaway will be posted twice during the year. The first update will be July 2, 2022, and the last update will take place on December 30, 2022.

The Goal:

Read 100 books (all formats combined) for the year.
Choose at least one novel that is 500+ pages long.
Listen to at least 40 audio books.
Get my Netgalley percentage up to 70%.
Review every single book I read this year.
Read at least 2 non-fiction titles. (!!) 😂
Try 20 new-to-me authors.
Read a book together with an IRL friend.

The Goal: Library Addict - 48 books

Note to self: Link up on review linky as I finish each book.

Giveaway: Quarterly, plus surprises. (Especially interested in 1st & 4th quarters.)

The Goal: Read older books that have been piling up in my TBR pile/list [I'll try for 60+ books!].

Note to self: Books must be published in 2020 or before & already be in my TBR pile/list.
Link up on review linky as I finish each book.
Wrap-up linky will be available.

Giveaway: $15 Amazon gift card (end of the year). Each book review submitted to the link-up will be entered into a drawing.

The Goal: **FINISHED!!**

Amateur Sleuth - 5-15 books

Note to self: Mystery/Suspense/Thriller/Crime genres, 100+ pages.
Monthly linky. (Linked up in: [])

Giveaway: 2 prizes (half-way & end of the year).

COYER Winter: January - March

The Goal: Read nearly free ebooks (<$2) and audiobooks (<$5).

Note to self: Link up on review linky as I finish each book.

Add entries to Rafflecopter.

Giveaway: $5 Amazon gift card (end of season).

The Goal: **FINISHED!!**

Read a book for each of the 12 categories.

Note to self: Email in final list when finished.

professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com

The Final Chapter on 2021 Challenges

noreply@blogger.com (Tarissa) — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 18:37:00 +0000

Status: 12 CATEGORIES COMPLETED!

(3 entries)

*All book titles are linked to my Goodreads reviews.

*I can be contacted via Goodreads if needed (for Karen).

1. A 19th century classic: any book first published from 1800 to 1899.

(finished: Pride & Prejudice)

2. A 20th century classic: any book first published from 1900 to 1971.

(finished: The Son of Tarzan)

3. A classic by a woman author.

(finished: Hercules Poirot's Christmas)

4. A classic in translation, meaning any book first published in a language that is not your primary language. You may read it in translation or in its original language, if you prefer.

(finished: From the Earth to the Moon)

5. A classic by BIPOC author; that is, a non-white author.

(finished: Their Eyes Were Watching God)

6. A classic by a new-to-you author, i.e., an author whose work you have never read.

(finished: Dune)

7. New-to-you classic by a favorite author -- a new book by an author whose works you have already read.

(finished: Malcolm)

8. A classic about an animal, or with an animal in the title. The animal can be real or metaphorical. (i.e., To Kill a Mockingbird).

(finished: The Faith of a Collie)

9. A children's classic.

(finished: Through the Looking-Glass)

10. A humorous or satirical classic.

(finished: The Unexpected Mrs Pollifax)

11. A travel or adventure classic (fiction or non-fiction). It can be a travelogue or a classic in which the main character travels or has an adventure.

(finished: The Lost World)

12. A classic play. Plays will only count in this category.

(finished: The Winslow Boy)

In The Bookcase

2026 Book Reading Challenges

Top 10 Favorite Reads of 2024!

Tarissa's bookshelf: 2024-top-favorite

2025 Book Reading Challenges

Book Review: Stuck in Time (Dancing Through Time Book 1) #newrelease

My Top 10 Favorite Reads of 2023

Tarissa's bookshelf: 2023-top-favorite

2024 Book Reading Challenges

A Literary Christmas 2023 begins + Link up your holiday reads!

How to participate in A Literary Christmas:

Link to your sign-up posts & reviews!

Louisa May Alcott READING CHALLENGE 2023 Sign-ups!

Book Review: The Thief of Blackfriars Lane

2023 Book Reading Challenges

Completing the last of my 2022 reading challenges!

Revealing (my official) BOOKSHOP!

My Top 10 Favorite Reads of 2022

Tarissa's bookshelf: 2022-top-favorite

Completed: Back to the Classics Challenge 2022

Completed: TBR Pile Challenge 2022

Little Women Inspired Christmas Home Decor

Book Review: Twelve Days of Christmas

Book Review: If Only It Were Yesterday

3 holiday picture books! (2022 new releases)

A Literary Christmas 2022 begins + Link up your holiday reads!

How to participate in A Literary Christmas:

Link to your sign-up posts & reviews!

My 2022 LMA Reading Challenge Booklist

Louisa May Alcott READING CHALLENGE 2022 Sign-ups!

My Top 10 Favorite Reads of 2021

Tarissa's bookshelf: 2021-top-favorite

2022 Book Reading Challenges

The Final Chapter on 2021 Challenges