A Million More Pages - Hogwarts: Spring Fling - Finished

Spring Fling hosted by A Million More Pages on Goodreads.

I read 62 books for this task. At the end of this we had to spell out all our names in our Raven group and did this no problem with all the books that had been read.

Each book read that fits one of the tasks will earn .25 points
*As the dance is being prepared by all Houses equally, all points will be divided equally among the Houses at the end of the dance.

Rules
*All books must be at least 125 pages in length (140 for YA)
*Re-reads are allowed as long as the book is read in its entirety, not just skimmed
*When you have finished a book, post it here.

Decor by Gryffindor:
-Informal dance with mint green, gold, and white as the colors
-New Beginnings and renewal is the theme
*Task: Read a book with something gold (must be prominently visible) on the cover or a book where the main character experiences a new beginning (ie: moving to a new state/country, moving on after a divorce or death, birth of a child, starting a new job, reincarnation, etc.). You must include how your book fits when posting for this challenge.

1. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (Beginning of book, parents are killed)
2. The Spirit of A Witch by Sarah Jane Avory (MC ends up in another world)
3. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling (Harry starts at Hogwarts)
4. Coven by K.A. Young (MC has to move home and become head mistress)
5. Fat Vampire by Johnny B. Truant (MC is turned to vampire)
6. Love is a Thief by Claire Garber (Life after break up with boyfriend)
7. Sword Bearer by Teddy Jacobs (Starts an adventure to find his parents)
8. Child of the Ghosts by Jonathan Moeller (Trains as an assassin when her dad is killed )
9. Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard  (Life after their friend disappear)
10. Raven by Suzy Turner (moves from UK to Canada)
11. A New Witch in Town (Maybe Two) by Dani Corlee (just moved to a new town)
12. The Sewing Bee by the Sea by De-ann Black (MC moves from town to the Highlands) 
13. Three Girls and a Baby by Rachel Schurig (pregnant and dumped by boyfriend)
14. A Father's Special Care by Gill Sanderson (discovers he is a father)
15. Wait for the Rain by Maria Murnane (finally moving on after divorce)

Food by Hufflepuff:
-spring greens with an assortment of dressings and toppings (self serve)
-we also have flying trays offering specialty white, dark and milk chocolates on mint leaves
-We ask all other house to, please, BYOB.
(Bring Your Own Beverage)
*Task: Read a book that reflects the type of beverage you are bringing (see the matches bellow) (using the first letter of a title or the first letter of an author first/last name).
J for juice
W for water/wine
D for drink
B for beer
C for cocktail/coffee
T for tea
M for milk
S for soda
A for alcohol
(fill in the blank) for a justified and approved drink. **Must be approved by Head of Hufflepuff Headmaster or Hufflepuff Prefect.**

1. Summer of Change by Elena Aitken (S for soda)
2. A Million Wishes by DeAnna Felthauser (M for milk)
3. Driving Home for Christmas by Emma Hannigan (D for drink)
4. Secrets of the Heart by Laurie LeClair (S for Soda)
5. Shifting Shadows by Patricia Briggs (B for beer)
6. Born in Fire by Nora Roberts  (B for beer) 
7. Cora's Heart by Rachael Herron (C for coctail)
8. Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews (B for beer)
9. High Heels in New York by A.V. Scott  (S for Soda)
10. A French Girl in New York by Anna Adams (A for alcohol)
11. Witching You Were Here by Amanda M. Lee (A for alcohol)
12. Meows, Magic & Murder by Madison Johns (M for milk) 
13. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling  (J for Juice)
14. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling (J for Juice)
15. Killer Cupcakes by Leighann Dobbs (D for drink)
16. Secrets of the Sea House by Elisabeth Gifford  (S for Soda)
17. The Liquidator by John Gardner (J for Juice)
18. Opal Fire by Barbra Annino (A for alcohol)
19. Something to Witch About by Amanda M. Lee (S for Soda)
20. Got A Hold On You by Pat White (W for Water)
21. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde (J for Juice)

Music by Ravenclaw
-Band: Country & Western style
*Task: Read a book that is set in a country of the Western Hemisphere, or by an author who lives or was born in the Western Hemisphere.

1. How to be a Ghost by Audrey Claire
2. Blood Echo by Melissa Simonson
3. Shenanigans by T.B. Bond 
4. Bewitching You by Viola Estrella  
5. In Search of a Love Story by Rachel Schurig 
6. Hired by the Cowboy by Donna Alward
7. Raven's Key: A Novel by Siomonn Pulla
8. The Parent Pact by Laurie Kellogg 
9. Every Witch Way But Wicked by Amanda M. Lee 
10. The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness 
11. Witching on a Star by Amanda M. Lee 
12. Glazed Murder by Jessica Beck 
13. 16 Lighthouse Road by Debbie Macomber
14. The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos  
15. Getting Lucky by Katie Graykowski

Venue by Slytherin
-Venue: Transfiguration Courtyard
-Dinner begins at dusk
-Dinner served outdoors within the courtyard
-Dancing to follow dinner
-Enjoy dancing and mingling and having a good time
*Task: Read a book that takes place outdoors (at least 50% of the plot, or a road trip book counts); or where a garden has meaning to the story (could include a gardener/botanist/florist/landscape designer as a MC)

1. Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck 
2. Flame Moon by K.J. Jackson 
3. Sapphire of the Fairies by Richard S. Tuttle 
4. Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews  
5. Nerilka's Story by Anne McCaffrey 
6. Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
7. The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox
8. Sea of Shadows by Kelley Armstrong 
9. H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald 
10. The Flower Hunter's Cottage by De-ann Black  (garden)
11. Battle Earth by Nick S. Thomas

Books in total:

1. The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
2. Summer of Change by Elena Aitken
3. The Spirit of A Witch by Sarah Jane Avory 
4. How to be a Ghost by Audrey Claire
5. Blood Echo by Melissa Simonson
6. Shenanigans by T.B. Bond 
7. A Million Wishes by DeAnna Felthauser 
8. Driving Home for Christmas by Emma Hannigan  
9. Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck
10. Bewitching You by Viola Estrella 
11. Secrets of the Heart by Laurie LeClair
12. Flame Moon by K.J. Jackson
13. Shifting Shadows by Patricia Briggs
14. Sapphire of the Fairies by Richard S. Tuttle
15. In Search of a Love Story by Rachel Schurig 
16. Bayou Moon by Ilona Andrews 
17. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling 
18. Coven by K.A. Young
19. Hired by the Cowboy by Donna Alward
20. Nerilka's Story by Anne McCaffrey 
21. Born in Fire by Nora Roberts  
22. Raven's Key: A Novel by Siomonn Pulla
23. Cora's Heart by Rachael Herron
24. Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews
25. The Parent Pact by Laurie Kellogg 
26. High Heels in New York by A.V. Scott
27. A French Girl in New York by Anna Adams
28. Fat Vampire by Johnny B. Truant
29. Love is a Thief by Claire Garber 
30. Every Witch Way But Wicked by Amanda M. Lee 
31. Witching You Were Here by Amanda M. Lee 
32. The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness 
33. Sword Bearer by Teddy Jacobs
34. Child of the Ghosts by Jonathan Moeller
35. Witching on a Star by Amanda M. Lee 
36. Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout
37. The Accidental Demon Slayer by Angie Fox
38. Meows, Magic & Murder by Madison Johns
39. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling 
40. Sea of Shadows by Kelley Armstrong
41. Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard 
42. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling 
43. Glazed Murder by Jessica Beck 
44. 16 Lighthouse Road by Debbie Macomber
45. Killer Cupcakes by Leighann Dobbs 
46. H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald 
47. The Flower Hunter's Cottage by De-ann Black
48. Battle Earth by Nick S. Thomas 
49. Raven by Suzy Turner
50. The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos  
51. Secrets of the Sea House by Elisabeth Gifford
52. A New Witch in Town (Maybe Two) by Dani Corlee
53. The Sewing Bee by the Sea by De-ann Black
54. The Liquidator by John Gardner  
55. Opal Fire by Barbra Annino
56. Something to Witch About by Amanda M. Lee
57. Three Girls and a Baby by Rachel Schurig
58. Got A Hold On You by Pat White 
59. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde
60. A Father's Special Care by Gill Sanderson
61. Getting Lucky by Katie Graykowski
62. Wait for the Rain by Maria Murnane

Wait for the Rain by Maria Murnane

Daphne White is staring down the barrel of forty—and is distraught at what she sees. Her ex-husband is getting remarried, her teenage daughter hardly needs her anymore, and the career she once dreamed about has somehow slipped from her grasp. She’s almost lost sight of the spirited and optimistic young woman she used to be.
As she heads off to a Caribbean island to mark the new decade with her best friends from college, Daphne’s in anything but the mood to celebrate. But when she meets Clay Hanson, a much younger man, she ignores her inner voice warning her that she’s too old for a fling. In fact, this tropical getaway might be the perfect opportunity to picture her future in a new sun-drenched light.
With the help of her friends, Daphne rediscovers her enthusiasm for life, as well as her love for herself—and realizes that her best years are still ahead. From Goodreads.




I enjoyed this one. It was lovely to see the 3 women connect after not having seen each other for 10 years or so. Daphne thinks her friends lives perfect lives and especially Skylar who has the career Daphne always wanted. On this holiday she finds out that nothing is perfect and she can do something herself to reach her goals even if they are not quite the same as when she left University.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Wheel-A-Thon II
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: March Challenges
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Professor Trelawney
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: The Arrival
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Who is ... The Death Eater?
Crazy Challenge Connection Monopoly

Getting Lucky by Katie Graykowski

Lucky Strickland has lost everything. First it was her dignity and then it was her husband and now it’s her house. She’s penniless, stuck at the McDonalds in Bee Cave, Texas, and her only hope, her brother-in-law, just stole her car.
Eighteen months ago, she’d been the wife of rock-and-roll legend, Ricky Strickland. Rock-My World, their reality TV show, was the number one. Then, on the live season finale, Ricky had introduced her to his mistress and their three daughters. Lucky stormed out. Ricky followed after her and wrapped his car around the nearest oak tree.
Will Brodie, Lucky’s bother-in-law, will do anything to get her back home. Lucky needs to grieve for her husband and take care of the lawsuit the realty TV network filed. They want their money back OR for her to film a new realty TV show—with Ricky’s children. Two months ago, Ricky’s daughters lost their mother to cancer—now they only have Will.
If Will can get Lucky to open her heart to the girls and to him, maybe he can finally give Lucky the family she’s always wanted. From Goodreads.

Another okay romance. There was quite a bit of humour in this. Especially Mama Betts is a character. Also the kids are sweet, both the very manipulative Dawnie and the stroppy teenager mandy.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory - R6: Team Challenge SSS
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Wheel-A-Thon II
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: March Challenges (2/7)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: the 50 States Amazing Book Hunt

A Father's Special Care by Gill Sanderson

A&E doctor Dominic Tate is used to the commitment free, bachelor lifestyle. His comfortable position is quickly turned upside down when he discovers he is a father, and only his blood can possibly save the life of the premature infant.
What Dominic thought was one carefree night of passion has now become the most important thing in his life – but Petra Morgan, the mother of his child, is less than welcoming.
Can Dominic turn his back on his old lifestyle and prove to Petra he’s more than what’s on the surface?  From Goodreads.

This was okay. Nothing special, Dominic is described as commitment free and doesn't want to commit but he has his reasons. I liked his family.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
What's in a Name 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: March Challenges (2/7)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Professor Trelawney
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List

The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde

Imagine this. Great Britain in 1985 is close to being a police state. The Crimean War has dragged on for more than 130 years and Wales is self-governing. The only recognizable thing about this England is her citizens' enduring love of literature. And the Third Most Wanted criminal, Acheron Hades, is stealing characters from England's cherished literary heritage and holding them for ransom.
Bibliophiles will be enchanted, but not surprised, to learn that stealing a character from a book only changes that one book, but Hades has escalated his thievery. He has begun attacking the original manuscripts, thus changing all copies in print and enraging the reading public. That's why Special Operations Network has a Literary Division, and it is why one of its operatives, Thursday Next, is on the case.
She has been trying to trace Hades ever since he stole Mr. Quaverley from the original manuscript of Martin Chuzzlewit and killed him. You will only remember Mr. Quaverley if you read Martin Chuzzlewit prior to 1985. But now Hades has set his sights on one of the plums of literature, Jane Eyre, and he must be stopped. From Goodreads.

This was a quite fun read. I liked the interaction between real people (the real people of this book) and the fictional characters. The funniest part though was when I was caught up in the book and then thought they had made printing mistakes in the book.
(About the Bookworms): "They were happily farting out apostrophes and ampersands". Just after this sentence there were suddenly a lot of ' and & in all the words and I didn't catch on right away, just complained to my husband that it was difficult reading and annoying that this mistake had been made. In the middle of my complaining I suddenly understood. I think it was very well done.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
I love Library books 2015
The Challenge Factory - R6: Team Challenge SSS
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Wheel-A-Thon II
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: March Challenges (2/7)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: All About the Stars
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: the 50 States Amazing Book Hunt

Got A Hold On You by Pat White

When conservative number cruncher Frankie McGee offers to help her uncle save his wrestling promotion, she doesn’t sign on to dress as a scantily clad tigress and prance into the ring on the arm of a sexy cowboy wrestler. But Black Jack Hudson isn’t just any cowboy and pretty soon the chemistry sizzling between them threatens to unravel Frankie’s plans for a perfect life with her pre-fiancé.
Will Frankie’s intellect win over her desire, or will she go down for the count, risking everything for love? From Goodreads.

This was a fun, quick read. Frankie loves her Uncle Joe and will do everything to help him as he was there when she grew up and helped her every time her dad let her down. In the end she has to decide if she will marry to get the secure life she has always dreamt about or follow her heart.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Wheel-A-Thon II
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: March Challenges (3/7)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Professor Trelawney
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List

Three Girls and a Baby by Rachel Schurig

Ginny McKensie's life is spiraling out of control.
Finished with college, she should have been planning her wedding. After all, Ginny and Josh were made for each other—everyone said so. Except the love of her life didn't agree.
Now Ginny is back in her hometown, unwillingly single, and stuck in a dead-end job. When she discovers she's pregnant, Ginny is convinced her life is ending. Instead of planning a future with Josh, she's learning the truth about morning sickness, juggling bills, and seeing just how far designer jeans can stretch.
Her life-plan never included dating again (not even with her too-hot new boss), or being a single mother at 23. Now, with the help of her best friends, Annie and Jen, Ginny must try to re-imagine—and rebuild—a life she never wanted. From Goodreads.





This was good. I liked the way Ginny changed from being very dependent on her boyfriend to a strong independent responsible mother. Also the relationship between the three girls even through Ginny's depression after Josh left her. I really disliked Josh's parents. I like free books that draw me in so I want to buy the next books in the series.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
The Challenge Factory - R6: Team Challenge SSS
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Wheel-A-Thon II
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: March Challenges (3/7)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hugh Jackman
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Meet a Million Members

Something to Witch About by Amanda M. Lee

Life's a witch ... and then you die.
It's the dying part vexing Bay Winchester these days.
She may be a long-suffering daughter, thankless newspaper editor, and keyed-up girlfriend, but she's barely holding off a royal freakout
Landon's family is visiting the inn -- and they're not exactly open minded. Bay is on a mission to hide her witchy ways, but the discovery of a body -- and the poltergeist that accompanies it -- at The Overlook tips everything into turmoil.
Landon's mother doesn't trust them -- and his Aunt Blanche is moving in on Aunt Tillie's man (which is causing more trouble than anyone saw coming). That's on top of the paranormal havoc the poltergeist is wreaking in every corner of town.
Bay and Thistle are convinced Aunt Tillie knows something about the body the construction company unearthed while erecting her beloved greenhouse. The problem is, she won't admit it.
Landon is on vacation. Chief Terry is on edge. Clove is hiding something -- and it has nothing to do with the poltergeist. That's on top of the fact that Bay's mom and aunts are feigning eternal ignorance.
The poltergeist is out for blood, though -- and it will only settle for Winchester blood.
When everything comes to a head, a long-held Hemlock Cove secret will be unveiled -- and it's not what anyone is expecting. From Goodreads.

I am enjoying this series even though some stuff is getting a bit repetitive. This was a bit different with Landon's family turning up and I liked the wee twist at the end with his mother. Aunt Tillie is still a great character and she get competion in meanness from Landon's Aunt Blanche.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Wheel-A-Thon II
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: March Challenges (2/7)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: MARCHing Through Time
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: the 50 States Amazing Book Hunt

Opal Fire by Barbra Annino

Stacy Justice did not expect to be set on fire that night, but being raised by witches prepares one for life's little surprises. In fact, she isn't the least bit shocked when her cousin is accused of arson, or when her divorced grandparents sign up for a marriage retreat, or even when her own boyfriend hauls her off to jail. But when a decades-old secret is discovered within the walls of her cousin's bar, even Stacy is rattled. Now, someone wants her dead and she finds herself dodging angry motorists, exploding chickens and a very creepy man who lurks around every corner. As she begins to dig up the past, Stacy learns that even those closest to her have something to hide--and she's about to discover a destiny she never imagined. From Goodreads.




This was okay and it was fun listening to it. As usual in cosy mysteries the MC does a lot of stuff that is really stupid and nearly dies. I also guessed the killer around midway through the book. But it was enough fun that I will continue the series and I will continue it as audio.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
2015 Audiobook challenge
Novel Books & Reading Challenges Wheel-A-Thon II
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: March Challenges (1/7)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: A Trip To Hogwarts
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Professor Trelawney
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List

The Liquidator by John Gardner

Paris, 1944.
As the city is liberated, Sergeant Boysie Oaks kills two Germans attempting to assassinate an Intelligence Corps officer named Mostyn.
Two decades later, the suave, sadistic Mostyn has become the Second-in-Command of British Special Security.
He recruits the man he believes is a master assassin -- Boysie Oakes -- to quietly murder potential security risks.
He is 'The Liquidator'.
But is Boysie the right man for the job?
He is preparing to take Mostyn's secretary to the Cote D'Azur for a weekend of romance.
Yet what starts as a few days of seduction in the Mediterranean sun turns into a nightmare for Boysie as he becomes more and more embroiled in Operation Coronet.
Captured, the tables are turned, and the assassin becomes the target.
Boysie Oakes will need all his wits to stay alive.  From Goodreads.

This was better than I expected. Spy fiction is not a genre I read very often. But this was a lot about Boysie Oakes, the Liquidator, as well. I will not reveal his secret here but it was quite a funny twist. Not bad for a spy novel and it was clear most of the book who were the enemy spies and who were the friendly and it was also humorous.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Crazy Challenge Connection A-Z Locations - 2014
The Challenge Factory - R6: Team Challenge SSS
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: March Challenges (2/7)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: The Zodiac
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hugh Jackman
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Harry Potter Bingo
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: MARCHing Through Time
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Who is ... The Death Eater? 

The Sewing Bee by the Sea by De-ann Black

Tiree moves from the city to a beautiful cottage in the Scottish Highlands to begin work as the dressmaker’s apprentice.
While helping the dressmaker make dresses that have been ordered for a Hollywood premiere, she meets some of the local men. Tavion the flower grower proves to be a handsome distraction, as does Bredon the beemaster and the silversmith.
Tiree also sets up a sewing bee in her cottage by the sea. The ladies of the sewing bee get up to all sorts of mischief when they get together. From Goodreads.

Just like the first in the series this is short light romance set in Scotland. A young woman moves to the small community, meets a hunk of a young man, there are a few misunderstandings but at the end everything is all nice. What I also like is that we meet the characters from the previous book.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: March Challenges (1/7)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hugh Jackman
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Harry Potter Bingo
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Harry Potter: The Ultimate Series Tour
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Who is ... The Death Eater? 

A New Witch in Town (Maybe Two) by Dani Corlee

A New Witch in Town (Maybe Two) - A Modern Tale about the Witches of Springsville
♥ a light-hearted story suitable for all audiences ♥
Kimberly wants nothing more than to begin a new life with her four-year-old daughter. What begins as a fresh start quickly becomes something Kimberly could never have imagined.
Becoming a witch was never part of the plan. Kimberly is soon hailed a Queen, but why that happened and how she deals with it is only the beginning of her adventure.
Fearing for not only herself but her daughter, Kimberly struggles with fighting destiny and not fulfilling a prophecy laid out long before she and her daughter were born.
Can this duo of new witches come to terms with what has happened or will all be lost and their destiny not reach its full potential? From Goodreads.



This was very cute story about a woman and her daughter just moved to a town and then something happens that turns them into witches. Kimberly of course has difficulties believing she is a witch but when she does everything ties up a little too neatly, but it was still cute and cosy.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: March Challenges (1/7)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Professor Trelawney
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hugh Jackman
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Harry Potter Bingo
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: MARCHing Through Time
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Who is ... The Death Eater?
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: the 50 States Amazing Book Hunt

Secrets of the Sea House by Elisabeth Gifford

Scotland, 1860. Reverend Alexander Ferguson takes up his new parish, an isolated patch on the Hebridean island of Harris. His time there will change his life, but the Sea House, on the edge of the dunes keeps its silence long after Alexander departs. More than a century later, Ruth and Michael buy the grand but dilapidated building for the family they hope to have. But their dreams are marred by a shocking discovery. From Goodreads.

I found this very slow going in the beginning but then it started getting interesting. As there were 3 narrators, one for each MC it made it easy to hear who was MC of each chapter. Set in Scotland and hearing about how the English landlords just moved people around as they thought fit was interesting. It is not a happy read, it is actually quite depressing but it ends fairly happy for the 3 MCs.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Audiobook challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: To Be A Ravenclaw
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hugh Jackman
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: The Arrival
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Meet a Million Members
Crazy Challenge Connection Monopoly

The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos

Julia Parker would trade her secret gift to feel others emotions in a heartbeat, especially half the horny guys in school. Ewww, gross.
After running out of gas and having no choice but to walk through the woods home, she feels something no one should feel: blood-lust. And when she tries to escape, she ends up dangling off a cliff. Who comes to her rescue? None other than a hot guy with super human strength. Only problem is, he's there when you need him and gone when you want him. Typical guy.
Julia tries to forget him, but as the vampire problem grows and friends fall prey to the growing coven, she has no where else to turn. She ends up seeking the advice of a psychic, only to find out she alone is the key to stopping the madness, problem is it'll require her rescuer's life. Great. From Goodreads.





This book was okay. Ever since her mum disappeared Julia has been able to feel everybody else's emotions. Julia is young and naive and falls in love with Nicholas a bit too easily. I might continue this series at some point.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: March Challenges (4/7)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Professor Trelawney
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hugh Jackman
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: The Arrival
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List

Raven by Suzy Turner

After the inexplicable disappearance of Lilly Taylor's parents, she has no choice but to move to Canada where she unravels some frightening yet intriguing family secrets...
Her whole life had been based on a lie. Lilly had grown up in a loveless home with a father who she had barely ever seen and a mother who was... well, not very motherly.
After they mysteriously disappear without a trace, Lilly is sent to Canada where she finds a whole new way of life. A life filled with love and people who care for her. But that's not all she discovers, Lilly also finds out that she isn't who, or what, she thinks she is.
Lilly has a very special ability and it's just a matter of time before her true self starts to shine. And when it does, her life will never be the same again.
Raven is a fantasy novel for children and young adults set in the beautiful province of British Columbia. From Goodreads.


I liked this one, it was not greatly written but I liked the diversity of paranormal beings in it. Lilly has had a loveless childhood and suddenly she is surrounded by her loving family. It seems I actually bought the next two books in this series 1½ years ago so I will continue it.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: March Challenges (4/7)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hugh Jackman
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: The Arrival
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: MARCHing Through Time
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List

Battle Earth by Nick S. Thomas

A distress transmission from Mars research colony warns of an advanced and unknown enemy approaching the heavily populated lunar colony. An elite marine unit commanded by Major Mitch Taylor is dispatched to protect the civilians. However, the attack is merely a prelude to a massive invasion of Earth. A futuristic adventure that chronicles vast battles following humanity’s reach into the stars. From Goodreads.

This was okay but no more than that. It was interesting to follow Mitch Taylor as he first encountered the Alien enemy on the moon, then the Atlantic Ocean and lastly in France. It is of course full of war scenes and basically millions of humans are killed. This is not enough to continue this series. I would instead recommend the Old Man's War series by John Scalzi which has a lot more going on than just war.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: March Challenges (4/7)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: A Trip To Hogwarts 
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Professor Trelawney
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hugh Jackman
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Harry Potter Bingo
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: The Hunger Games
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: MARCHing Through Time
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Meet a Million Members
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Who is ... The Death Eater?

The Flower Hunter's Cottage by De-ann Black

Mairead is a botanical artist, gardener and quilter. She leases the flower hunter's cottage in the Scottish Highlands. She plans to get away from the city and finish the floral artwork for her new book along with her quilt designs.
As part of the lease agreement she has to take care of the traditional cottage garden while the owner, the flower hunter, is away working abroad, searching for a new species of flower.
Mairead arrives at the cottage in January. After settling in, she meets handsome flower grower, Tavion, and Ethel a knitter who spins and dyes her own yarn. While making new friends, Mairead is keen to get on with her artwork and quilting - and get the garden ready for the spring and summer. Romance isn't on her to-do list, but when it comes to love, nothing goes according to plan.
The Flower Hunter's Cottage is filled with flowers, artwork, knitting, quilting, baking cakes, gardening and romance. From Goodreads.


I enjoy these short, light romances set in Scotland. Nothing bad happens in them and they are just cosy easy reads.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Yahtzee Challenge
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: March Challenges (2/7)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: The Zodiac
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Professor Trelawney
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hugh Jackman
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: MARCHing Through Time
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: 2015 Reading Challenge!
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Who is ... The Death Eater?

H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald

When Helen Macdonald's father died suddenly on a London street, she was devastated. An experienced falconer, Helen had never before been tempted to train one of the most vicious predators, the goshawk, but in her grief, she saw that the goshawk's fierce and feral temperament mirrored her own. Resolving to purchase and raise the deadly creature as a means to cope with her loss, she adopted Mabel, and turned to the guidance of The Once and Future King author T.H. White's chronicle The Goshawk to begin her challenging endeavor. Projecting herself "in the hawk's wild mind to tame her" tested the limits of Macdonald's humanity and changed her life.
Heart-wrenching and humorous, this book is an unflinching account of bereavement and a unique look at the magnetism of an extraordinary beast, with a parallel examination of a legendary writer's eccentric falconry. Obsession, madness, memory, myth, and history combine to achieve a distinctive blend of nature writing and memoir from an outstanding literary innovator. From Goodreads.

I don't usually read non-fiction but I needed it for a challenge. The topic was interesting as I visited Cheshire Falconry a few years ago. It was a very different book to what I expected. Yes. it is about Helen Macdonald training a goshawk but it turned out also to be about her depression after her father's death and a biography of T.H. White. I found a lot of the stuff about T.H. White a bit irrelevant but I can see that it fit her mental state at the time. I liked Mabel, the goshawk, a magnificent predator.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: March Challenges (4/7)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: To Be A Ravenclaw
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: A Trip To Hogwarts
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Professor Trelawney
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hugh Jackman
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: The Arrival
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Harry Potter Bingo
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: MARCHing Through Time
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: 2015 Reading Challenge!
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Meet a Million Members
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Who is ... The Death Eater?

Killer Cupcakes by Leighann Dobbs

Things are going great for Lexy Baker. She's finally opened her dream bakery, gotten rid of her cheating boyfriend and settled into her grandmothers house with her perky dog Sprinkles at her side.
But her blissful life doesn't last long. When her ex boyfriend is found poisoned with cupcakes from her bakery, Lexy finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation headed up by her hunky neighbor detective Jack Perillo.
With the help of a gang of iPad toting, would-be detective grandmothers, Lexy decides to take it upon herself to find the real murderer in order to clear her name and get her bakery back in business.
As things heat up on the murder trail, in the kitchen and between Lexy and the hunky detective, it's a race against time to put the real murderer behind bars and get back to baking.
Will Lexy get her man? From Goodreads.



Another cosy mystery that is based on cakes, it seems I have a thing for them at the moment even though they are not that great. Again this was nothing special and there was a couple of points that were a bit too stupid. But it was a very short read and it was okay

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: March Challenges (4/7)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Professor Trelawney
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hugh Jackman
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: The Arrival
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: MARCHing Through Time
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Who is ... The Death Eater?

16 Lighthouse Road by Debbie Macomber

Olivia Lockhart
Cedar Cove, Washington
Dear Reader,
You don't know me yet, but in a few hours that's going to change. You see, I'm inviting you to my home and my town of Cedar Cove because I want you to meet my family, friends and neighbors. Come and hear their stories, maybe even their secrets!
I have to admit that my own secrets are pretty open. My marriage failed some years ago, and I have a rather…difficult relationship with my daughter, Justine. Then there's my mother, Charlotte, who has plenty of opinions and is always willing to share them.
Here's an example. I'm a family court judge and she likes to drop in on my courtroom. Recently I was hearing a divorce petition. In my mother's view, young Cecilia and Ian Randall hadn't tried hard enough to make their marriage work and I actually agreed. So I rendered my judgment: Divorce Denied.
Well, you wouldn't believe the reaction! Thanks to an article by Jack Griffin, the editor of our local paper (and a man I wouldn't mind seeing more of ), everyone's talking.
Cedar Cove people love it and sometimes they leave it, but they never forget it!
See you soon…
Olivia. From Goodreads.

My favourite genres are fantasy and paranormal but I have also come to enjoy this kind of women's fiction. Just every day stuff going on in a small community. This is the first book in the series so there are a lot of characters to figure out and it did take me a wee bit of time before I got them right. There are a lot of loose ends when the book finishes but that is okay and I am looking forward to continue this series. I also liked that not everything had a happy ending as that is a part of life.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: March Challenges (4/7)
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Spring Fling
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hearts, Romance, Spring Greetings
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: The Zodiac
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Professor Trelawney
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Hugh Jackman
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: MARCHing Through Time
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Diagon Alley Supply List
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: 2015 Reading Challenge!
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Meet a Million Members
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Who is ... The Death Eater?