“Our books and our pens are the most powerful weapons” – Malala Yousafzai

I’ve done significantly less personal reading this year than I wanted to. There is the standard 20 mins a night per child. So I have Dr. Seuss, David Shannon, and various other children’s books several times. I did, however, start listening to audiobooks with the kids.

Children’s Audiobooks

We have enjoyed How to Train Your Dragon, Brave, Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor, and Stink and the Freaky Frog Freakout. We also read The Bad Beginning earlier this year.

I think we are going to have to reread The Bad Beginning this coming year. I’m really excited about the Netflix series based off of that, A Series of Unfortunate Events.

My Read Books

I really enjoyed The Visitor, Five Down, Magic Rises, and Magic Breaks. I also read  The Time Weaver which I have consistently enjoyed this series, even if I have skipped a few of them. Great part is that the books can stand alone.

Currently Reading

I am currently trying to finish up Truth or Beard before the new year. It is hilarious but seriously Duane and Jessica just need to fuck already.

This year I had hopes of reading a lot more than I did but that’s okay. My life is drastically different from when I could read a couple hundred books a year. My goal for next year will definitely be a lot smaller at least to start with.

So far for 2017…

Children’s Audiobooks

We have A Dragon’s Guide to the Care and Feeding of Humans, The Worst Night Ever, and Pip Barlett’s Guide To Magical Creatures. The only one I wasn’t sure if the kids would like is The Worst Night Ever. It was one of the few at our local library so I thought we would give it a try. Hopefully we enjoy all of them.

My TBR Books

I have tons of books on my TBR list but I did just buy Kushiel’s Dart with some of the book credit I still have at B&N. I’ve heard both good and bad things about this book so here’s to hoping I enjoy it.

From there I’m not sure what I will read. So many books. So little time.

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I’m a few days behind on this week’s TTT. Maybe one of these months I will get ahead of schedule and not behind. Oh well. This week’s TTT is …

Books I’m Looking Forward to for the 1st Half of 2017

1. Windwitch by Susan Dennard 

Expected publication : January 10th

2. The Ripper’s Shadow by Laura Joh Rowland

Expected publication : January 10th

3. The Alchemists of Loom by Elise Kova

Expected publication : January 10th

4. Dawn Study by Maria V. Snyder

Expected publication : January 31st

5. Norse Mythology by Neil Gaiman

Expected publication : February 7th

6. Gilded Cage by Vic James

Expected publication : February 14th

7. The Awakening by Amanda Stevens

Expected publication : March 28th

8. Meet Me at Beachcomber Bay by Jill Mansell

Expected publication : May 1st

9. Dreamfall by Amy Plum

Expected publication : May 2nd

10. Beren and Lúthien by J.R.R. Tolkien

Edited by Christopher Tolkien

Expected publication : May 4th

What about you? What books are you looking forward to for the first half of 2017?

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This week’s TTT, is a holiday guide freebie. I had contemplated things besides books to buy for your book lover, books for children, books for the hubby… Instead I chose to write my top ten(ish) books on my wishlist.

My Top Ten(ish) Books On My Wishlist :

1. The Sword of Shannara, The Elfstones of Shannara, & The Wishsong of Shannara  by Terry Brooks illustrated by  Mark Simonetti published by Grim Oak Press. 

I have to admit that my first Terry Brooks book was the Ilse Witch which my husband lovingly read aloud during bedtime many years ago. He grew up on the Shannara series and we are fortunate enough to have his Grandfather’s copies of the above listed. When we found out that a leather-bound, signed by author and chosen artist, copies of them would be produced we were excited. Unfortunately they are limited editions so I have no idea if we will get the opportunity to get them but if we could, we would. I have no doubt they will be amazing.

2. The Sinner by Amanda Stevens

I love the Graveyard Queen series by Amanda Stevens. This one will be read as soon as I can get my hands on it. Eventually I will own a hard copy of all of them. I don’t mind my nook or using my phone because it’s really nice to have hundreds of books with me on something so small but nothing replaces the feel of holding a book in your hands. I enjoy these enough to have both hard copy and e-book.

3. Magic Shifts by Ilona Andrews

The Kate Daniel series by Ilona Andrews is one of my favorites. I own these in paperback and they are worn from how many times I have read them.

4. Stardust by Neil Gaiman 

I adore this book. The copy I have has been beaten up by my youngest. I would love to replace it with this edition.

5. Truth or Beard by Penny Reid

I’ve heard so much about this book and series I would love to actually read it. This is another one that I will read as soon as I can get my hands on it.

6. Magic for a Price by Devon Monk

I’ve read this whole series and love it! I have all the books in paperback but this one. That needs to be fixed. Also, I haven’t marked it as ‘read’ yet on Goodreads. (chuckles) I think it’s time for a reread.

7. The Deadliest Bite by Jennifer Rardin

I am pretty sure that I have read this despite it being on my ‘want to read’ list on Goodreads. Either way, I own all the paperbacks of this series but this one. This also needs to be fixed. If you haven’t read this series, it’s pretty funny.

8.Sixth Grave on the Edge, Seventh Grave and No Body, Eighth Grave After Dark, The Dirt on the Ninth Grave, and The Curse of Tenth Grave by Darynda Jones

I’m really…really far behind in this series. I need all of these to catch up. (Yikes!) If you haven’t read the Charley Davidson series you might want to give it a try.

9. Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice

I have yet to read this book and it’s been on my TBR list for years now. I really enjoyed the movie but usually books are better so I have been wanting to get this one for a while.

10. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith, Jane Austen

This is another one that has been on my TBR list for too long. I really enjoyed the movie so I have wanted to read this that much more. How can you go wrong with a zombie version of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice?

When it comes to reading do you read one book, two or several at a time?

I tend to read several books at once. I’m pretty sure this confuses some people but it works for me. I currently have 7 listed on my Goodreads profile with a few more to add to that. I also have an “on-hold” list. These are usually the books that I had to return to the library before I was able to finish them. Occasionally they’re the ones that have sat on my nightstand too long and get moved to the bookshelf next to my side of the bed with my TBR books. This makes it easier than trying to find them amongst the books in the living room. With all these books left unfinished you might be wondering how I manage. Luckily I’m pretty good about remembering what all is going on in the various books so getting them all mixed up doesn’t tend to happen. (I used to use index cards as bookmarks to keep notes/quotes on them for reviews. I’ve gotten away from that habit but should probably pick it back up again.)

What I didn’t expect was that my children would want to read several at once as well. My husband reads one book at a time. When it comes to reading with my kids it’s not unusual for me to read several books at various chapters in each book with them. For example, tonight my oldest wanted to read Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood and Karen’s Witch (Baby-Sitters Little Sister #1) . She has other books that she is reading such as the books from the Bad Kitty series too. Those books are hilarious, by the way. Add in that the kids and me have been listening to Brave and How to Train Your Dragon in the car and it’s amazing we can keep any of it straight. There you have it, one of my family’s odd reading habits.

Now do I read a highlander, dragon, steampunk, or fantasy book? So many books to read, so little time.

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It has been too long since I participated in the TTT. I was excited to see that this week is a Thanksgiving freebie. This year has been a year of changes and growth in different areas of my life. Because of that I started a gratitude journal this year. It has helped me focus more on living in the moment.

I’m Thankful for…

Family & Friends

The older I get the more I realize it’s the moments spent with those we love that make it great.

Books

Music

Coffee

Coffee helps me get things done. I’m not sure how I ever survived without it.

Blankets

I may have a blanket addiction. I’m not sure how many I own. I collect blankets like I collect books.

Poetry

I love books. I love reading. I can spend hours, no days just reading and doing nothing else. Sadly, it has become harder to find time to read for even a few hours due to children. The past few years I have volunteered my time with kinky fun things which is also something else I enjoy doing especially since it is something I have a passion for.

Now I do love lists. Lists help me organize things. I have lists for all types of things. To be honest, I love being able to check an item off a list as it reminds me I accomplished a thing no matter how big or small. In my life everything even something that may seem like nothing to some is a big deal here. My life is far from normal and that’s okay.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been struggling to consistently find time to read. So I decided it was time to make some lists.  I’m not talking about my TBR list. I’m talking about finding a way to hold me accountable for finding time to read. I’m that person who does the whole buddy workout thing. But let’s not discuss my failed attempts of actually getting my butt to the gym. (ssshh) Anyway… while contemplating this serious reading dilemma I remembered how much I enjoyed getting book recommendations from others. I know a few groups on goodreads that have monthly sign ups where you get to pick a book or two for another to read that you enjoyed and they do the same for you. I’ve met many people this way and been introduced to some great books/series. Unfortunately, I was a bit too late to add my name for any June ones but that’s okay. I also enjoy a good reading challenge. I decided to try to stick with two smaller ones from two different groups on goodreads.

Bookworm Bitches 

~ Monthly Challenges ~ > June 2016-BFFs challenge

BFFs Challenge 2016
Duration: 06/01/16- 06/30/16

1.
2.
3.

Romance Readers Reading Challenges

Monthly Challenges > 2016 Read – the – Month- Norwegian Edition: Juni(June)
Duration: June 1, 2016 – June 30, 2016
0/4 Completed
J:
U:
N:
I:

If you check out the groups you will find each has several options for monthly and yearly challenges. I’m just dipping my toe in the water here. Hopefully I will be up for the bigger challenges next month.

Along with these challenges I am hoping to also read two books maybe three monthly group reads.

Bookworm Bitches

The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

BDSM

Alpha’s Darkling Bride by Linda Barlow

This one might be  DNF for me but it’s worth a try. It’s free on kindle unlimited.

Romance Readers Reading Challenges

Mister O by Lauren Blakely

I’ve already started on the Juni list, Magic Rises by Ilona Andrews. So far so good.

Release Date : March 29th

My name is Amelia Gray. I’m the Graveyard Queen.

Restoring lost and abandoned cemeteries is my profession, but I’m starting to believe that my true calling is deciphering the riddles of the dead. Legend has it that Kroll Cemetery is a puzzle no one has ever been able to solve. For over half a century, the answer has remained hidden within the strange headstone inscriptions and intricate engravings. Because uncovering the mystery of that tiny, remote graveyard may come at a terrible price.

Years after their mass death, Ezra Kroll’s disciples lie unquiet, their tormented souls trapped within the walls of Kroll Cemetery, waiting to be released by someone strong and clever enough to solve the puzzle. For whatever reason, I’m being summoned to that graveyard by both the living and the dead. Every lead I follow, every clue I unravel brings me closer to an unlikely killer and to a destiny that will threaten my sanity and a future with my love, John Devlin.

“I couldn’t help but obsess over my visitor’s ominous prophecy. What you are, I once was. What I am, you will someday become.“

The Visitor begins with just that, a visit from the other side. Ms. Stevens does not allow you, dear reader, to settle into that lovely southern comfort. Amelia is being summoned. She is about to find out just how much she still has to learn about her heritage.

“One by one, the pieces of my life had fallen into place with that journey to Asher Falls. But there were still blank spaces, still too many secrets that had yet to be revealed. How it would all come together and where it would end remained a terrifying mystery.”

The unknown can most definitely be unnerving. I love how Ms. Stevens knows how to bring to life the surreal and creep me out. Every time I thought that it couldn’t get any more creepy, it did. (shudders) I loved every minute of it.

We also start to see how fragile Amelia and Devlin’s relationship is. How much has not been shared between them. Don’t get me wrong, Devlin is still as protective as ever, if not more so, but the moments of silence between them seem to hit hard. It doesn’t help that Amelia is beginning to suspect that Devlin is not so unaware of things beyond the grave. Amelia is not the only one on the road to self discovery either.

“If only I could peer through the keyholes of my eyes and know the future, perhaps I could somehow change my destiny. But how did one fight preordination? How did one combat fate?”

The plot twists and turns throughout bringing to light pieces for not only Amelia but those she cares deeply about. It would seem that whether by pure coincidence or by the hand of fate each in their own right wind up at a turning point in life, a crossroad. While each must make their own choice, one does affect the other as the pieces start to click together.

I do not wish to spoil the book for any of you so I will refrain from going into all the details, since the fun is in discovering them for yourself. I will leave you with what, in my opinion, are words of wisdom from Dr. Shaw to Amelia as her life seems to be coming undone.

“A true calling should never be ignored, my dear. It invites disruption and makes for an unsettled life.”

And an unsettled life is exactly what I would say Amelia has been dealing with since Asher Falls.

Recommendation : If you love paranormal, especially those who have the second sight, this series is for you.

Rated :

*ARC provided by MIRA in exchange for an honest review.

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This week is all about talking about something besides books. Now, some of these are from books, yay, but I think it’s nice to have a change of pace.

Top Ten Favorite Movies

1. Harry Potter Series

I love the book series and the movies. I re-read the series once a year and watch the first two movies at least once a month. My kids love the first two. They are a bit young for the others, but I watch them when I get a chance.

2. Pride and Prejudice

Every time my sister, Jess, comes into town we watch this. I come from a family of three sisters, no brothers. Our mother is just like Mrs. Bennet. We get the biggest kick out of it. I’m rather fond of this one.

3. Dodgeball

All I have to say is that this movie is hilarious. So many great lines.

4. Stardust

5.Avatar

6.Clue

Okay, this has been a favorite for a long, long time. Silliness and fun!

7. Lord of The Rings

8. Stick It

So many great lines and very few people heard of it or seen it.

9. Fast and the Furious Series

Sexy fast cars with sexy hot guys. I mean you can’t lose.

10. The Lego Movie

There is so much awesome in this movie I’m not sure how someone cannot like it.

So many favorite movies and only 10 spots to fill. Sigh. So . . . what is your favorite movie?

I have a book goal!

Last year was a bit up in the air with lots of changes happening with my family. So my book blog got put on hold. It was hard to step away but that’s what you do when you are a mother of three, two of which are autistic, and one who is nonverbal. Well, things are moving, progressing and I have found that I have time to get my reading done and blogging. Yay! I have been ready to come back and jump in.

This meant I had not come up with a book goal this year, outside of hoping I would get back into the routine of blogging again. I’m here so it was time to decide what I was going to focus on the rest of this year.

Lo and behold, I visited NetGalley to see what fun, exciting books were up for review and found my overall percentage was lacking. They say an 80% is a good place to be sitting at and I am below that.

I would like to be at an 80% or at least come pretty close. I think in the next 7 months that’s manageable. So…

My book goal for this year is… to be at an 80% on NetGalley by the end of the year.

I plan on reading and reviewing one book from my Neglected NetGalley Archive every week. And continue to read and review the ones that I am currently asking for. This should put me pretty close to that mark, if not above it.

Wish me luck!