The Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon 2015 - Finished

Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon 2015 hosted by Michelle at The True Book Addict.

As predicted I didn't read much but I did manage to finish 3 books of which I had started one before the Read-a-Thon.
I made sure to start the week with a Christmas book as I wasn't sure I would be able to fit a lot of reading in later in the week.

My three books were:

1. Christmas in the Park by Laura Lockington
2. Murder Half-Baked by Kathleen Delaney
3. Memory & Dream by Charles de Lint

Thanks Michelle for hosting yet another Read-a-Thon and I am of course continuing  with the Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge and looking forward to Winter's Respite Read-a-Thon in January.

Memories of the Blue Door by Neil Davis

Allow us if you will to transport you back to a wonderful carefree time, where lifelong boyhood memories were made and adventure was abundant!
Back in Newcastle Upon Tyne in the 1980s close-knit relationships and unshakeable combined imaginations ruled. Remembering friendships forged together more than three decades ago, long before and out of reach of today’s busy modern world, of reality bites and virtual Xbox adventures, Paul and Neil will take you back to the notorious Cowgate Estate. Cowgate, which lies in their city's west end, was a place so barren and devoid of both hope and dreams that it seemed excitement and an overwhelming sense of brotherhood were never quite meant to happen!
Turn a page if you will and take the road back to an era we all just might remember, to that time and place where we had the greatest adventures of our lives! From Goodreads.


This was okay but I think you have to have grown up in that kind of British neighbourhood to really appreciate the stories.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Yahtzee Challenge
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Reading by the Numbers
Rawk-A-Tiers: Twelve Days of Christmas
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015 
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hogwarts Scavenger Hunt
Wacky Reading Challenges: Character Names, A-Z

Rawk: Haunted House Choose Your Own Adventure - Finished

Haunted House Choose Your Own Adventure hosted by Rawk-A-Tiers on Goodreads.

I didn't do much better in this than I usually do in the adventure books!. I did reach my goal of 8 books but as I ran in circles I only visited 6 different places.

October - November 2015

When I was kid, I loved the Choose Your Own Adventure books where I could go in different directions to get a different story. This challenge is a Rawkatier version with a Halloween theme.

Start at the front of the house and then explore the rest by the decisions made in your reading. Try to read your books in the order of your journey, but no one will be checking if you read something out of order. You can leave it up to fate by not looking ahead until you finish your current book or plan your path first.

Although this is getting posted late, any books started on or after October 1st will count for this challenge.

BPW Book minimum to complete challenge: 16 pts
CR: 4 books
RR: 8 books
PR: 12 books

Bonus points(applies to all levels of participation): max of 4 points
.5 points for each unique area visited

Participation points(only if you haven't read your BPW minimum)
CR: locations completed * 3pts + bonus points accrued
RR: locations completed * 1.5pts + bonus points accrued
PR: locations completed * 1 pt + bonus points accrued 


Starting point:

PORCH
Your best friend dared you to explore the haunted house at the end of the street. when you arrive on the porch, there are multitudes of spiderwebs on the posts and the front door cracks open by itself.

1. If you go inside to the FOYER, read a book with a building on the cover
2. If you chicken out and go to the SIDE YARD, read a book with flowers on the cover


Alphabetical List of Other Locations:

BACK STAIRS
1. If you continue on to the LAUNDRY ROOM, read a book with a title starting with L
2. If you continue on to the BASEMENT, read a book published before 2010

BACKYARD
1. If you continue on to the LIVING ROOM, read a book with a piece of furniture on the cover
2. If you continue on to the TV ROOM, read a book with the genre Science Fiction or Fantasy

BARN
1. If you continue on to TUNNEL 1, read a book with the genre Historical
2. If you continue on to the LOFT, read a book published this year

BASEMENT
1. If you continue on to TUNNEL 1, read a book with the genre Historical
2. If you continue on to the LAUNDRY ROOM, read a book with a title starting with L

BATHROOM
1. If you continue on to the BEDROOM, read a book with genre of Romance
2. If you continue on to the HALLWAY, read a book where H is one of your authors initials

BEDROOM
1. If you continue on to the BATHROOM, read a book that makes you laugh out loud
2. If you continue on to the BACK STAIRS, read a book where someone celebrates a personal milestone (e.g. birthday, new job, retirement, graduation, etc.)

DINING ROOM
1. If you continue on to the LIVING ROOM, read a book with a piece of furniture on the cover
2. If you continue on to the TV ROOM, read a book with the genre Science Fiction or Fantasy

FOYER
1. If you take the flashlight and head UPSTAIRS, read a book with genre of Thriller
2. If you follow your nose to the KITCHEN, read a book with a chef/cook/baker as the main character

HALLWAY
1. If you continue on to the BACK STAIRS, read a book where someone celebrates a personal milestone (e.g. birthday, new job, retirement, graduation, etc.)
2. If you continue on to the BATHROOM, read a book that makes you laugh out loud

KITCHEN
1. If you continue on to the BACK STAIRS, read a book where someone celebrates a personal milestone (e.g. birthday, new job, retirement, graduation, etc.)
2. If you continue on to the DINING ROOM, read a book with an author where the first name initial is from the first half of the alphabet and the last name initial is from the last half of the alphabet

LAUNDRY ROOM
1. If you continue on to TUNNEL 2, read a book with a dark cover
2. If you continue on to the BACK STAIRS, read a book where someone celebrates a personal milestone (e.g. birthday, new job, retirement, graduation, etc.)

LIVING ROOM
1. If you continue on to the BACKYARD, read a book with an outdoor scene on the cover
2. If you continue on to the TV ROOM, read a book with the genre Science Fiction or Fantasy

LOFT
1. If you continue on to the BACKYARD, read a book with an outdoor scene on the cover

SHED
1. If you continue on to TUNNEL 2, read a book with a dark cover
2. If you continue on to the BACKYARD, read a book with an outdoor scene on the cover

SIDE YARD
1. If you continue on to the BARN, read a book with a western theme or set on a farm/ranch
2. If you continue on to the SHED, read a book where the title starts with S

TUNNEL 1
1. If you continue on to the BASEMENT, read a book published before 2010
2. If you continue on to the BARN, read a book with a western theme or set on a farm/ranch

TUNNEL 2
1. If you continue on to the LAUNDRY ROOM, read a book with a title starting with L
2. If you continue on to the SHED, read a book where the title starts with S

TV ROOM
1. If you continue on to the DINING ROOM, read a book with an author where the first name initial is from the first half of the alphabet and the last name initial is from the last half of the alphabet
2. If you follow your nose to the KITCHEN, read a book with a chef/cook/baker as the main character

UPSTAIRS
1. If you continue on to the BEDROOM, read a book with genre of Romance
2. If you continue on to the HALLWAY, read a book where H is one of your authors initials

List of books:

Start: A man called Ove by Fredrik Backman (building on cover) continue to FOYER

Foyer: Christmas at Carol's by Nicola Yeager (chef main character) continue to KITCHEN

Kitchen: The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield  (initials from alphabet) continue to DINING ROOM

Dining Room: The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater   (fantasy)  continue to TV ROOM

TV room: Love, Laughter, and Murder Ever After by Jeanine Spooner (initials from alphabet) continue to DINING ROOM

Dining Room:  Life's a Witch by Amanda M. Lee (fantasy)  continue to TV ROOM

TV room: Opening Hearts by Iona Findley (baker main character) continue to KITCHEN

Kitchen:  Murder Half-Baked by Kathleen Delaney (wedding at end of book) continue to BACK STAIRS

Back Stairs: Memory & Dream by Charles de Lint (first published 1994) continue to BASEMENT

Wacky Reading Challenges - Autumn Fun - Finished

Autumn Fun hosted by Wacky Reading Challenges on Goodreads.

My goal was level 2: 11-20 tasks and I managed that goal and completed 16 tasks.

Autumn Fun
September 1, 2015 - November 30, 2015

Spice up your Autumn with our new seasonal challenge. Choose a Level of Participation and join the fun.

Level 1: Mellow Yellow - 5 to 10 Tasks
Level 2: Enjoying the Season - 11 to 20 Tasks
Level 3: Reaping the Harvest - 21 or more Tasks

Challenge Rules:
All books must be at least 125 pages in length. All formats are acceptable. Re-reads are fine but please be sure to re-read the entire book. When updating your challenge with books you've read, please include a link to the book title, the author's name, and the date you finished reading the book. Please post cover when a cover item has been asked for.

Tasks

☙ Back to School - Read a book where the main character is in school or is a teacher/instructor or read a book where books are an important part of the plot.
A Hidden Fire by Elizabeth Hunter (MC still in school and it is about old books)

☙ Carve a Jack-o-Lantern – Read a book with a pumpkin on the cover or a book with a character named Jack.
The Wild by Christopher Golden  (about Jack London)

☙ Tailgating – Read a book where the characters get together to party or a book whose author’s first AND last initials can be found in the words TAILGATING.
Fire at Twilight by Lila Ashe

☙ Get Cozy – Read a book that is tagged “mystery-cozy” or a book that has a cozy scene on the cover.
Poisoned by Elaine Macko (Mystery > Cozy Mystery on main page)


☙ Navigate a Corn Maze – Read a book that has a lot of twists and turns in the plot or was hard for you to navigate.

☙ Be Scared!! - Read a book from one of the following Listopia lists. Let us know which one you chose from.
Books to Get You in the Halloween Mood
Best Horror Books of the 21st Century
Scariest Books of All Time
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson (number 21 on Books to Get You in the Halloween Mood / number 125 on Scariest Books of All Time)

☙ Take a Nature Walk – Read a book that has a nature setting or a book that has a path of some sort on the cover.
A Cottage by the Sea by Carole Matthews 

☙ Watch Season Premiers – Read a book published in 2015 or the latest book from one of your favorite series.
I Need a Hero by Emma Bennet (Published July 17th 2015)

☙ Turn Your Clocks Back – Read a book with a clock or watch on the cover or a book with one of the following words in the title: CLOCK, TURN, BACK or TIME.

☙ Celebrate Oktoberfest – Read a book that takes place in Germany or book that was originally published in October.
Bound by C.K. Bryant (first published October 3rd 2011)

☙ Build a Bonfire - Read a book with a fire or fireplace on the cover or a book that has a "hot" scene in it.

☙ Count your Blessings – Read a book with a number in the title or a book with a count-down of some sort in the plot.
204 Rosewood Lane by Debbie Macomber (number in title)

☙ Go for a Hayride – Read a book with a horse in the story or read a book that took you for a leisurely ride.
Rasmus - Tales of a Utah Cowboy by Jay Anderson and Beth M. Stephenson

☙ Rake Leaves – Read a book with a character that is a “rake” or a book with leaves on the cover.
Fate's Edge by Ilona Andrews (leaves on cover)

☙ Enter a Chili Cook-Off – Read a book that has a contest of some sort in the plot or a book you entered a GR giveaway for (you don’t have to have won the giveaway).

☙ Stomp Grapes - Read a book that has grapes or a glass/bottle of wine on the cover or a book whose cover is predominately the color of the wine you drink (ex. white, red, pink).

☙ Eat Turkey - Read a a book that mentions Thanksgiving or a book with a character that is a bit of a “turkey” (tell us why).
Opening Hearts by Iona Findley (mentions Thanksgiving)

☙ Shop Black Friday – Read a book with a black cover or a book that you got a great deal on.

☙ Bake a Pie - Read a book with a character that likes to bake or a book that was completely satisfying.
Christmas at Carol's by Nicola Yeager (likes to bake)

☙ Make a cup of tea - Read a book with a warm drink on the cover or a book that takes place in a country where tea comes from. Tell us where.

☙ Trick or Treat - Knock on the door of a GR friend (metaphorically) and read a book from their READ shelf. Tell us who you visited.
The Iron Traitor by Julie Kagawa (Shelleyrae at Book'd Out’s read shelf)

☙ Donate or Volunteer - Read a book with a character that helps others or is involved in a community project.
Don't Waste a Minute - A Story of Africa by Marilyn Randall (MC volunteers in / runs an animal shelter)

And last but not least...
☙ Enjoy the Fall Colors - Read a book with each of the following fall colors on the cover(should be at least 50% of the cover). Each color counts for one task.

Red -
Yellow -
Gold -
Brown -
Orange -  Fire Country by David Estes

Memory & Dream by Charles de Lint

Isabelle Copley, as the young student of the cruel, brilliant artist Vincent Rushkin, discovered that she could paint images so vividly real they brought her wildest fantasies to life. But when the forces she unleashed brought tragedy to those she loved, she turned her back on her talent and her dreams.
Now, twenty years later, Isabelle must come to terms with the shattering memories she has long denied and unlock the slumbering power of her brush. And, in a dark reckoning with her old master, she must find the courage to live out her dreams and bring the magic back to life.
This is a tale of love, courage, and the transforming power of imagination.
"The [Newford] books have all been written in such a way that you should be able to pick up any one and get a full and complete story. However, characters do reoccur, off center stage as it were, and their stories do follow a sequence." From Goodreads.

After having read a few Charles de Lint books I decided that I wanted to read the Newford books in order. Not that they can't be read on their own but there are characters that turn up in books more than once.
I listened to this on audio which was a problem for me, the narrator did well but it just took me too long to get through. If I had read this I would most likely have finished it in one or two sittings.
I really enjoy Charles de Lint's urban fantasies.They have quite a bit of magic just under the surface of normal life. Isabelle was a very complex person and she kept surprising me. I enjoyed going forward and backward in time.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Audiobook challenge
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Mini Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Getting Acquainted
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Haunted House
Rawk-A-Tiers: Reading by the Numbers
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015 
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
The Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon 2015 
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hogwarts Scavenger Hunt
Wacky Reading Challenges: Character Names, A-Z
Crazy Challenge Connection: Monopoly
Wacky Reading Challenges: Vampires, Witches & Ghosts, O My

Murder Half-Baked by Kathleen Delaney

A dead man in the cemetery, another in the bakery. Ellen McKenzie has to find the killer soon ... before another death puts a stop to her wedding. The groom is Dan Dunham, Santa Louisa’s Chief of Police. The guest list is growing and Ellen’s dreams of a small, intimate candlelight ceremony are rapidly disappearing. A major distraction is Ellen’s quest to find a new building for Grace House, a halfway house for needy women. Then she finds old Dr Sadler dead in the cemetery, his head bashed in by the arm of a marble angel. Every suspect is connected to Grace House. After it goes up in flames, all the residents, including one new-born, move in with Ellen and Dan. Will Ellen and Dan ever solve the murders and get their lives back? From Goodreads.
 





This was okay. There was a lot going on which might have been easier if I had read the three first books in this series but it wasn't too bad and I don't think I missed anything. I liked that it had interesting side characters. 

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Mini Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Haunted House
Rawk-A-Tiers: Reading by the Numbers
Rawk-A-Tiers: Twelve Days of Christmas
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015 
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Dragon Nursery
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe 
The Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon 2015  

The Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon 2015 - Update

Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon 2015 hosted by Michelle at The True Book Addict.

This is where I will try and update through the week.

Monday:
# of Pages Read today: 105
# of Pages Read for week: 105
Books Finished Today: Christmas in the Park by Laura Lockington
Total # of Books Read:  1

Tuesday:
# of Pages Read today: 92
# of Pages Read for week: 197
Book Reading now: listening to Memory & Dream by Charles de Lint 
Books Finished Today: 0
Total # of Books Read: 1 
 
Wednesday:
# of Pages Read today:  42
# of Pages Read for week: 239
Book Reading now: listening to Memory & Dream by Charles de Lint
Books Finished Today: 0
Total # of Books Read: 1

Thursday:
# of Pages Read today: 104
# of Pages Read for week: 343
Book Reading now: listening to Memory & Dream by Charles de Lint 
Books Finished Today: 0
Total # of Books Read: 1 

Friday:
# of Pages Read today: 0
# of Pages Read for week: 343
Book Reading now: listening to Memory & Dream by Charles de Lint 
Books Finished Today: 0
Total # of Books Read: 1 

Saturday:
# of Pages Read today: 378
# of Pages Read for week: 721
Book Reading now: listening to Memory & Dream by Charles de Lint 
Books Finished Today: Murder Half-Baked by Kathleen Delaney
Total # of Books Read: 2

Sunday:
# of Pages Read today: 8
# of Pages Read for week: 729
Books Finished Today: Memory & Dream by Charles de Lint 
Total # of Books Read: 3

Christmas in the Park by Laura Lockington

30-something Sarah has finally decided to start her own business.
After years of 5 a.m starts, running around a busy television studio, she has decided to hand in her resignation, and begin her dream of running her own cake making business.
Swapping her stylish clothes for tracksuits and an apron she gets to work, and is thrilled when the local café agrees to start selling her treats.
And – even better – she starts to get to know the handsome and single owner, David.
Working from home also means she can finally do one other thing she couldn’t do with her hectic job – get a puppy.
Deciding she wants a rescue dog, Sarah heads off to the local dog’s centre, and tries not to say yes to adopting the whole lot.
One beautiful little Dachshund with adorable amber eyes immediately takes a liking to her.
And Sarah knows there is no turning back.
She bundles Malteaser up and takes him home, and before long he is helping her to meet new people in her local park.
But Malteaser can be more than a bit of a handful. And Sarah knows she is no good at disciplining him...
So when fellow dog-walker Nick steps in to give her hand she knows she should take his advice. But does he just want to help her out, or is he interested in something else?
With an excitable puppy, and lots of orders to bake for the café, could Sarah be taking on too much?
And could there be something there with David – or Nick?
With Christmas on the way, and the café suddenly coming under threat, things get even crazier.
And Sarah has to find a way to create a magical Christmas in the Park...
‘Christmas in the Park’ is a warming festive novella, full of sweat treats, doggy disasters and snippets of romance.  From Goodreads.

This was okay. A nice, cosy, romantic Christmas read. Perfect for reading on a cold, dark evening.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: The Shorts Stack
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
The Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon 2015
Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2015 

The Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon 2015 - Start

Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon 2015 hosted by Michelle at The True Book Addict.

I am taking part in this Read-a-Thon again. Usually I read quite a bit during Michelle's RaTs but I have a busy week coming up which includes guests 3 of the days so I won't have much time to read. But I hope I will be able to do a bit of listening to audio while I clean in the beginning of the week and I will make sure I read at least one Chrismassy book as well.

Apart from continuing my current audio of Memory & Dream by Charles de Lint, I don't know what I will be reading this week.

Yes, I know I'm late. Better late than never I guess....but please do accept my apologies. My life literally blew up this week. And I thought it was bad the weeks before. lol So, we are once again kicking off the Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge (this is the 6th year!) over at The Christmas Spirit, with the annual Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon!

Details:

• Read-a-Thon dates: Monday, November 23 at 12:00am CST until Sunday, November 29 at 11:59pm CST (adjust your time zone accordingly)
• You do not have to be signed up for the Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge to participate (but I sure would love for you to join us!)
• I am not requiring that you read only Christmas/holiday books during the read-a-thon, but I hope you will pick up at least one holiday tale, even if it's just to read some children's books with your kids or some holiday short stories
• to check in on Twitter, we'll use hashtag #CSreadathon
• as usual, you do not have to have a blog to participate...feel free to link up and check in from Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, etc. AND we now have a Facebook group, in case you didn't know.

If you're interested in joining us for the Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge, which runs all season long, you can do so at my Christmas blog, The Christmas Spirit. Would love to have you! 

Since it's so late in the game, I won't be so pretentious to ask for prize donations BUT I will offer a small prize from Christmas-y me! There has to be at least one gift when Christmas is involved, right?

Hope I haven't forgotten anything. If you have any questions or notice something I've left out, please feel free to contact me via the contact tab.

List of books:

1.  

Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2015 - Start

Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2015 hosted by Michelle at The True Book Addict.

I am of course taking part in this reading challenge again and as usual I will do the Christmas Tree level: Read 5 or 6 books and the additional level of Fa La La La Films:  watch a bunch or a few Christmas movies.

I have made no plans of what to read yet but I am taking part in other Christmas challenges so I am sure I will end up reading quite a few Christmas books.

Like last year, there are multiple levels for participation, like children's books and watching Christmas movies AND the Christmas Spirit Read-a-Thon is back again this year. Keep reading for details!

Details and sign up:

• challenge will run from Monday, November 23, 2014 through Wednesday, January 6, 2014 (Twelfth Night or Epiphany).
• cross over with other challenges is totally permitted AND encouraged!
• These must be Christmas novels, books about Christmas lore, a book of Christmas short stories or poems, books about Christmas crafts, and for the first time...a children's Christmas books level!
• Levels:

            --Candy Cane:  read 1 book

            --Mistletoe:  read 2-4 books

            --Christmas Tree:  read 5 or 6 books (this is the fanatic level...LOL!)

          Additional levels:

            --Fa La La La Films:  watch a bunch or a few Christmas movies...it's up to you!

            --Visions of Sugar Plums:  read books with your children this season and share what you read

          *the additional levels are optional, you still must complete one of the main reading levels above

List of books read: 

1. Christmas in the Park by Laura Lockington 
2. The Christmas Witch by Amanda M. Lee
3. I År bliver det anderledes by Maeve Binchy 
4. Julemanden og hele hans slæng by Vagn Simonsen

List of films watched:

Opening Hearts by Iona Findley

Pregnant and alone at 35!
Jessalyn O'Donnell returns from her best friend's wedding with a surprise of her own. She knows how it happened -- three sex-filled nights with a smokin' hot guy, known only as Sam -- but she has no way to get in touch with him.
When smokejumper Sam Ricci returns to his hometown after the annual firefighting season ends, he has no plans for fatherhood. His lifestyle is too risky, and he loves his job -- almost as much as he loves women. Everything changes when he runs into Jessalyn again and discovers her plans for single parenthood.
Sam doesn’t want to be tied down. Jessalyn would rather go it alone than deal with an absent husband. So why, when a twist of fate brings them together again, does it feel so right?  From Goodreads.




This was okay but no more. Though it was nice with a mature strong woman who could make decisions on her own.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Mini Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Haunted House
Rawk-A-Tiers: Reading by the Numbers
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Autumn Fun
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Dragon Nursery
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
Crazy Challenge Connection: Scrabble, anyone?

Fate's Edge by Ilona Andrews

Audrey Callahan left behind her life in the Edge, and she's determined to stay on the straight and narrow. But when her brother gets into hot water, the former thief takes on one last heist and finds herself matching wits with a jack of all trades...
Kaldar Mar-a gambler, lawyer, thief, and spy-expects his latest assignment tracking down a stolen item to be a piece of cake, until Audrey shows up. But when the item falls into the hands of a lethal criminal, Kaldar realizes that in order to finish the job, he's going to need Audrey's help... From Goodreads.

I remember being slightly disappointed in book two because this series is not about the same main characters in each book, though the main character is a person we have met in a previous book. This has changed as I find it quite interesting to read about a person who was a minor character earlier. Kaldar Mar is the main character but Georgie and Jack, who we met in the first book, are also important and I like them. I am continuing this series and already have book 4 ready.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
I love Library books 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Mini Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: Reading by the Numbers
Rawk-A-Tiers: Twelve Days of Christmas
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Autumn Fun
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Dragon Nursery
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hogwarts Scavenger Hunt
Crazy Challenge Connection: Pick a Theme 2015-2016
Wacky Reading Challenges: Vampires, Witches & Ghosts, O My

Uprooted by Naomi Novik

“Our Dragon doesn’t eat the girls he takes, no matter what stories they tell outside our valley. We hear them sometimes, from travelers passing through. They talk as though we were doing human sacrifice, and he were a real dragon. Of course that’s not true: he may be a wizard and immortal, but he’s still a man, and our fathers would band together and kill him if he wanted to eat one of us every ten years. He protects us against the Wood, and we’re grateful, but not that grateful.”
Agnieszka loves her valley home, her quiet village, the forests and the bright shining river. But the corrupted Wood stands on the border, full of malevolent power, and its shadow lies over her life.
Her people rely on the cold, driven wizard known only as the Dragon to keep its powers at bay. But he demands a terrible price for his help: one young woman handed over to serve him for ten years, a fate almost as terrible as falling to the Wood.
The next choosing is fast approaching, and Agnieszka is afraid. She knows—everyone knows—that the Dragon will take Kasia: beautiful, graceful, brave Kasia, all the things Agnieszka isn’t, and her dearest friend in the world. And there is no way to save her.
But Agnieszka fears the wrong things. For when the Dragon comes, it is not Kasia he will choose. From Goodreads.

I enjoyed this very much and wished it was part of a series so I could return to this world. This was pure fantasy nearly without romance and it was quite refreshing. Nothing is like Agnieszka expects after she, surprisingly, has been chosen to serve The Dragon - the wizard, who protects her people.
I've had the first book in the Temeraire Series for years but not gotten around to reading it, I will definitely push it up my TBR list after reading this book by Naomi Novik.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
I love Library books 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Mini Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Reading by the Numbers
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Dragon Nursery
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
Crazy Challenge Connection: Pick a Theme 2015-2016
Crazy Challenge Connection: Monopoly
Crazy Challenge Connection: Scrabble, anyone?
Wacky Reading Challenges: Vampires, Witches & Ghosts, O My

Life's a Witch by Amanda M. Lee

Life's a witch ... and then you die.
Bay Winchester is living the witch part – literally. She’s hoping to avoid the dying part.
The Winchester world is full of trouble when great-aunt Willa and cousin Rosemary come to town. It’s clear they’re up to something, but no one can figure out what.
Aunt Tillie is loading for bear. She’s declared war on her sister, and she’s not taking prisoners – or looking to skirt collateral damage.
When a young man’s body shows up at Hollow Creek, Bay’s attention is divided thanks to a morose ghost who blames her for ending “party time” and Aunt Tillie’s refusal to back down.
FBI Agent Landon Michaels enjoys watching the show, although he’s worried the dead man’s ties to the local drug trade could put the Winchesters in danger due to Aunt Tillie’s “glaucoma medicine” side business.
Local kids are trying to steal from the property, Aunt Willa is trying to undermine everyone and Aunt Tillie has a secret that she’s dying to spill – that is when she’s not protecting her land with a shotgun.
Bay is determined to find answers, even if she dies in the process. From Goodreads.

As usual a fun, quirky, cosy read about Bay and her family. This time Aunt Tillie's sister turns up and makes trouble, but of course Aunt Tillie sorts everything out in her special way. This also has a darker side with drug and sexual abuse and revenge in the mix that Bay has to sort out. 

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: Haunted House
Rawk-A-Tiers: Travel Around the World
Rawk-A-Tiers: Twelve Days of Christmas
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
Crazy Challenge Connection: Pick a Theme 2015-2016
Wacky Reading Challenges: Locations A-Z
Crazy Challenge Connection: Scrabble, anyone?
Wacky Reading Challenges: Vampires, Witches & Ghosts, O My 

Love, Laughter, and Murder Ever After by Jeanine Spooner

When cake kills…
Kitty Sinclair lives for love. A bold and bubbly woman just shy of thirty, Kitty has opened her own wedding planning business in elegant Greenwich, Connecticut where the blooming spring flowers and lusciously rolling hills are the perfect setting to tie the knot. If only Kitty herself could find love…
Her store Happily Ever After opens with a kick when the daughter of the notorious Duke von Winkle accepts a grand proposal from an equally wealthy suitor. It seems Kitty is in the throws of planning the wedding of the century. Finally her dream has come true.
But when the bride's father suddenly drops dead in her store, Kitty's true talents emerge. A lemon custard cake, a bottle of poison, and questions that seem to never end, Kitty follows the trail of clues, determined to solve the mystery before the bride and groom can say I do.
If she succeeds her store will thrive. If she falls short her business will be in peril. The choice is easy and her determination is strong, but one man stands in her way…
Detective Sterling Slaughter has a funny way with women. Resist though she does, his charm can be distracting… From Goodreads.

I didn't like this book. I found the main character unbelievable, I expect that in a cosy mystery but this was too much, and all in all just too silly. I am glad this was free and I am not looking for more books in this series.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: Haunted House
Rawk-A-Tiers: Reading by the Numbers
Rawk-A-Tiers: Twelve Days of Christmas
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hogwarts Scavenger Hunt
Wacky Reading Challenges: Locations A-Z
Nothing but Reading Challenges: 50 States Challenge 

The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

Now that the ley lines around Cabeswater have been woken, nothing for Ronan, Gansey, Blue, and Adam will be the same. Ronan, for one, is falling more and more deeply into his dreams, and his dreams are intruding more and more into waking life. Meanwhile, some very sinister people are looking for some of the same pieces of the Cabeswater puzzle that Gansey is after… from Goodreads.

This is a good continuation of The Raven Boys, and, although it centres around Ronan and his abilities, all the other characters are still a very important part of the story. I also like that one of the bad guys might turn good or at least not turn out to be as bad as expected. I have ordered the third book from the library.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
I love Library books 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Mini Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: Haunted House
Rawk-A-Tiers: Reading by the Numbers
Rawk-A-Tiers: Twelve Days of Christmas
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Dragon Nursery
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hogwarts Scavenger Hunt
Wacky Reading Challenges: Locations A-Z
Crazy Challenge Connection: Scrabble, anyone?

A Million More Pages - Hogwarts: Clue #2 - Finished

Clue hosted by A Million More Pages on Goodreads.


The heavy game finished long ago but we have been very slow in playing the casual game and I also forgot to check in. Zu guessed right and won the game. This was fun though and I know there is a new challenge coming at some point. If I see it I will take part again.

AMMP Clue Game: ROUND 5

Object: Be the first detective to determine which Suspect killed Mr. Boddy, in which Room and using which Weapon.

Rules:
The game will be played between 3-6 people and will end when someone correctly guesses the Suspect, Room and Weapon. We will use Rooms from the Clue game board and two dice. To play, sign up in the sign up thread, you will be paired with others, and we will create a separate discussion thread for your game. The Mod will determine the murder Suspect, Weapon and Room and will "deal" you your hand by sending you a private message (PM).

Once you have finished your turn, you can immediately start another turn. You don't have to wait for the other players to take their turns. When playing the game, please be considerate of the others playing and respond to their messages within one day.

Rereads are allowed.

Books must be started AFTER your dice roll.

Levels of Play
We want to try and match players with others of similar reading habits. When signing up, please indicate at which of the 3 levels you'll play:Casual Reader: up to one book every 7 days
Heavy Reader: up to one book every 3 days
Fanatic Reader: no book limit!

How to play:

1. Roll the dice. You can choose the number on either of your dice or add the two numbers together to choose your move.

Example: you roll 5 + 3
5 is the Library
3 is the Conservatory
5 + 3 = 8 is the Lounge

The dice numbers represent the following rooms/choices:
1- Return to Last Room Best Epic Fantasy List
2- Ballroom All Time Favorite Romance Novels List
3- Conservatory Best Historical Fiction List
4- Billiard Room Best Crime & Mystery Books
5- Library Best Horror Novels List
6- Study 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die List
7- Hall Best Young Adult Books List
8- Lounge Best Non-Fiction Books List
9- Dining Room Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Books List
10- Kitchen Thrillers Book List
11- Stay Where You Are Best Dystopian and Post-Apocalyptic Fiction List
12- Secret Passage to Any Room- When using a Secret Passage, choose one of your opponents, visit their home page, click on the "Compare Books" link, and choose one book to read that you both have in common.

2. To Enter A Room and Make a Suggestion:

Choose from one of these options-

OPTION 1:
Each room has a designated book list. Click on the link for that list and choose one book to read.

OPTION 2: MATCH the first letter of either your Suspect OR Weapon OR Room with the first letter in your book's title OR the author's first or last name.

Suspects:
Miss Scarlet- S
Colonel Mustard- M
Professor Plum- P
Mr. Green- G
Mrs. White- W
Mrs. Peacock- P

Weapons:
Rope- R
Lead Pipe- L
Knife- K
Wrench- W
Candlestick- C
Pistol- P

**This is a change from the ROUND 1 and 2 games. You will only read 1 book per turn, and you have a choice which option to use. You do not have to fulfill both options with your book choice.

Make a suggestion to the designated player on your discussion thread (player designation will be assigned by Mod at start of game). You can make your suggestion before you finish your book, but your turn will not be complete until you finish your book and post your book's title, date completed and rating.

4. To Prove Someone True or False: Post either "I can prove you wrong," OR "I cannot prove you wrong," on the discussion thread. If you can prove them wrong (meaning you have one of those cards in your hand), THEN send that player a PM stating which card (choose only one card) you have.

5. If the first person cannot prove you wrong, then make your suggestion to the next designated player on the list and so on until either someone proves you wrong or you've asked all other players.

6. Your turn ends when someone has told you which card they have AND you have read your book. You may then begin another turn by rolling the dice.

Making a Final Accusation:
You can make a final accusation at the start of any new turn. You DO NOT have to be in the room you're guessing. Simply state in your discussion thread that you're making your final accusation and which suspect, weapon and room you are guessing. The Mod will tell you whether you are right or wrong. If you are wrong, you are done playing and the Mod will redistribute your cards to the other players. If you are right, YOU WIN!

If you have questions about these rules, please see the Questions Thread 

Boddy Snatchers: Casual game
Roll #1: 1 + 3 = 4 (1st of June - Monday)
Mr Green with a Rope in the Conservatory.
The Oatmeal Stories by Robert R. Stevens

Roll #2:  3 + 5 = 8 (15th of June - Monday)
Professor Plum with a Rope in the Lounge.
Legend by David Gemmell

Roll #3: 2 + 4 = 6 (8th of June - Monday)
Mrs. White with a Rope in the Study
The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera

Roll #4: 6 + 2 = 8 (22nd of June - Monday)
Mrs. White with a Rope in the Ballroom
The Recovery Room by Ann Ormsby

Roll #5: 1 + 1 = 2 (30th of June - Monday)
Miss Scarlet with a Rope in the Ballroom
Fire And Ice by Dana Stabenow

Roll #6: 5 + 3 = 8 (22nd of July - Wednesday)
Colonel Mustard with a Rope in the Conservatory
The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan

Roll #7: 2 + 2 = 4 (6th of August - Thursday)
Colonel Mustard with a Rope in the Billiard Room
Bound by C.K. Bryant
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤

Smith, Wesson and the 4 Maltese Terriers: Heavy game 1
Roll #1: 1 + 1 = 2 (26th of May - Tuesday)
Mrs. White with a Rope in the Ballroom.
Burial Rites by Hannah Kent

Roll #2: 1 + 4 = 5 (1st of June - Monday)
Miss Scarlett with a Rope in the Ballroom.
The Bridesmaid Blues by Tracey Sinclair

Roll #3: 1 + 6 = 7 (3rd of June - Wednesday)
Colonel Mustard with a Rope in the Hall.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling 
Did not finish the book before the game finished.

**********************************************************************

Smith, Wesson and the 4 Maltese Terriers: Heavy game 2
Roll #1: 4 + 3 = 7 (9th of June - Tuesday)
Professor Plum with a Rope in the Billiard Room.
Summer at Sea by Beth Labonte

Roll #2: 3 + 4 = 7 (14th of June - Sunday)
Professor Plum with a Candlestick in the Hall.
Captured In Ink by Donna McDonald

Roll #3: 5 + 6 = 11 (18th of June - Thursday)
Professor Plum with a Candlestick in the Study
Believe by Celia Juliano

Roll #4: 2 + 5 = 7 (21st of June - Sunday)
Miss Scarlet with a Candlestick in the Ballroom
Agent with a History by Guy Stanton III

Roll #5: 2 + 4 = 6 (24th of June - Wednesday)
Professor Plum with a Candlestick in the Billiard Room
Mordet på Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

Angelfield House stands abandoned and forgotten. It was once the imposing home of the March family--fascinating, manipulative Isabelle, Charlie her brutal and dangerous brother, and the wild, untamed twins, Emmeline and Adeline. But Angelfield House conceals a chilling secret whose impact still resonates...
Now Margaret Lea is investigating Angelfield's past--and the mystery of the March family starts to unravel. What has Angelfield been hiding? What is its connection with the enigmatic author Vida Winter? And what is it in Margaret's own troubled past that causes her to fall so powerfully under Angelfilds spell? From Goodreads.

This was really interesting, more than I thought it would be. There were a few twists and turns that I just didn't see coming and that I love in a book. Well worth a read.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
I love Library books 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Mini Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Getting Acquainted
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: Haunted House
Rawk-A-Tiers: Reading by the Numbers
Rawk-A-Tiers: Twelve Days of Christmas
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Dragon Nursery
Crazy Challenge Connection: Monopoly
Crazy Challenge Connection: Scrabble, anyone?

Activation by Chris Paton

Seconded to work on the classified steam-powered Wallendorf Emissaries, a young technician is tasked with activating and field testing a single machine under the watchful eye of his secretive chaperone.
Emissary Metal: ACTIVATION is the first of an exciting series of Steampunk Adventures – quick reads perfect for a clockwork afternoon – set in the world of Hanover & Singh. From Goodreads.



  

It was interesting to read about the start of the Emissaries that I have read about in the Metal Emissary series. I wasn't quite taken by the two main characters Karl and Seffi but this was only 60 pages so this might change in the future books.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: The Shorts Stack

I Need a Hero by Emma Bennet

A feel-good book about how searching for the perfect man can blind you to the good guy next door! “If you read one romance novel this summer, choose “I Need a Hero,” it’s witty, fun, and completely addictive.” Ann Abrams
A lovely summer romance read that you won’t want to put down
Romance writer Bronte Huntington has vowed she will never settle for anything less than ‘the one.’ When pleasant red-haired dentist Ryan moves in next door he just doesn't fit the bill. They have plenty in common but Bronte wants nothing more than friendship with him.
Then it looks like Bronte’s dreams have finally come true when dashing Sebastian Fairfax rescues her on his horse after she has an accident in the countryside around her idyllic little cottage. Sebastian is tall, dark, handsome, and heir to a massive country estate!
But is Sebastian the one? Or will Bronte’s romantic dreams of the perfect hero turn out to be as fictional as her novels? And will Bronte's temperamental cat ever stop getting in the way?!  From Goodreads.

This was okay but I like Ryan a lot more than Bronte. A cosy afternoon's read.

This book qualifies for:

Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015

Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Word Hunt 2015

Wacky Reading Challenges: Word Search 2015

Wacky Reading Challenges: Mini Challenge 2015

The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI

Rawk-A-Tiers: Getting Acquainted

Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt

Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015

Rawk-A-Tiers: Reading by the Numbers

A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015

Wacky Reading Challenges: Autumn Fun

A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Pick One For Me

A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Dragon Nursery

A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe

Wacky Reading Challenges: Animal House

Crazy Challenge Connection: Monopoly

Crazy Challenge Connection: Scrabble, anyone?

Rawk: Twelve Days of Christmas

Twelve Days of Christmas hosted by Rawk-A-Tiers on Goodreads.

Christmas is getting closer and I am doing a couple of different Christmas themed challenges.

RUNS NOVEMBER 1 - DECEMBER 31, 2015

☯You have 2 months to complete your level for 12 points
CR-4 tasks for full points
RR-8 tasks for full points
PR-12 tasks for full points

☯If the holidays get too hectic and you aren't able to complete all of your tasks, you may score your points as follows
CR = # of tasks x 3
RR = # of tasks x 1.5
PR = # of tasks x 1

BONUS OPTIONS
☯If you use the same option under each task, bonus of 2 points (ex: use all option 'a' tasks) you get an additional 2 points

☯If you use series # option, and complete series 1-12, bonus of 5 points (does not have to be the same series or read in order 1-12). Books read must be whole series number, not in-between books (i.e. #4.5 would not work for #4)

☯1 bonus point per book read if using a "Holiday" Book. Must be obvious from Book Cover, Description, or Main Page Genre=Holiday.



12 Drummers Drumming
a• Read Book #12 in a series OR
b• Read a book where the MC is a musician OR
c• Read a book where the book title begins or one Author Initial is a D OR
d• Read a book with the letters D-R-U-M in the title/subtitle/series name (any order)
Murder Half-Baked by Kathleen Delaney

11 Pipers Piping
a• Read Book #11 in a series OR
b• Read a book where the MC smokes OR
c• Read a book where the book title begins or one Author Initial is a P OR
d• Read a book with the letters P-I-P-E in the title/subtitle/series name (any order)

10 Lords a Leaping
a• Read Book #10 in a series OR
b• Read a book where the MC is Royalty (on any level) OR
c• Read a book where the book title begins or one Author Initial is an L OR
d• Read a book with the Letters L-O-R-D in the title/subtitle/series name (any order)
Life's a Witch by Amanda M. Lee

9 Ladies Dancing
a• Read Book #9 in a series OR
b• Read a book where the MC is a dancer OR
c• Read a book where the title begins or one Author Initial is a D OR
d• Read a book with the letters D-A-N-C-E in the title/subtitle/series name (any order)
The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

8 Maids a Milking
a• Read Book #8 in a series OR
b• Read a book where the MC works on a farm OR
c• Read a book where the title begins or one Author Initial is an M OR
d• Read a book with the letters M-I-L-K in the title/subtitle/series name (any order)
Memories of the Blue Door by Neil Davis

7 Swans a Swimming
a• Read Book #7 in a series OR
b• Read a book with water on the cover or
c• Read a book where the title begins or one Author Initial is an S OR
d• Read a book with the letters S-W-A-N in the title/subtitle/series name (any order)
Love, Laughter, and Murder Ever After by Jeanine Spooner

6 Geese a Laying
a• Read book #6 in a series OR
b• Read a book with a person/animal lying down on the cover OR
c• Read a book where the title begins or one Author Initial is a G OR
d• Read a book with the letters G-E-E-S-E in the title/subtitle/series name (any order)
Last Christmas by Lily Greene 

5 Golden Rings
a• Read book #5 in a series OR
b• Read a book where someone gets married OR
c• Read a book where the title begins or one Author Initial is a R OR
d• Read a book with the letters R-I-N-G in the title in the title/subtitle/series name (any order)

4 Calling Birds
a• Read book #4 in a series OR
b• Read a book a phone on the cover OR
c• Read a book where the title begins or one Author Initial is a C OR
d• Read a book with the letters B-I-R-D in the title in the title/subtitle/series name (any order)
Christmas at Carol's by Nicola Yeager

3 French Hens
a• Read book #3 in a series OR
b• Read a book that takes place in France OR
c• Read a book where the title begins or one Author Initial is a F OR
d• Read a book with the letters H-E-N-S in the title in the title/subtitle/series name (any order)
Fate's Edge by Ilona Andrews

2 Turtle Doves
a• Read book #2 in a series OR
b• Read a book with a bird on the cover OR
c• Read a book where the title begins or one Author Initial is a T OR
d• Read a book with the letters D-O-V-E in the title in the title/subtitle/series name (any order)
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield 

1 Partridge in a Pear Tree
a• Read book #1 in a series OR
b• Read a book with food on the cover OR
c• Read a book where the title begins or one Author Initial is a P OR
d• Read a book with the letters P-E-A-R in the title in the title/subtitle/series name (any order)