Rawk: Twelve Days of Christmas - Finished

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

 

It's a good thing that it wasn't only Christmas books that could be used for this challenge as I only read 2 Christmas books that fit.

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)

Last Christmas by Lily Greene

Last Christmas Ella’s heart was broken.
She had been with sophisticated banker Robbie Newton for six years when they suddenly broke up on New Year’s Eve.
Robbie had left her heartbroken and hurt with nothing but a note explaining he had taken a job in Chicago.
This Christmas Ella is determined to bury her past and start afresh.
She focuses on her career as an artist and organises her debut exhibition in a swanky London gallery.
While shopping for her best friend, Libby Crosley, who is hosting her infamous Christmas party that evening, Ella bumps into a mysterious man in the supermarket.
After a series of awkward run-ins and chance meetings with this stranger, Fergus Lamb, Ella feels the pangs of love again.
Fergus is nothing like any man Ella’s ever dated.
He’s a quirky, smart, bold, and spontaneous war photographer who looks like James Dean.
Just as Ella’s luck is changing, Robbie shows up unannounced at the opening night of her exhibition.
Ella is faced with a choice when Robbie finally offers her what she always wanted…
Who will Ella choose? Her suave and successful ex-boyfriend who she finds so irresistible? Or the exciting new stranger who has just waltzed into her life?
Will this Christmas be a fresh start? Or will she be dragged back to the memories of Last Christmas?
‘Last Christmas’ is a heart-warming, witty and modern take on the classic love triangle story – the perfect romance to curl up to the fire with. from Goodreads.

An okay Christmas read that only took a few hours to read. It is of course predictable but a short fun, read.

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: 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
Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Locations A-Z

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

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  

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

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?

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?

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) 

Christmas at Carol's by Nicola Yeager

Carol Gabriel hates Christmas. Not just a little bit, but quite a damn lot.
She can’t even stand having a boyfriend over the Christmas period and habitually dumps them just before the season begins.
Even the restaurant she co-owns, a French bistro called Carol’s, doesn’t do a Christmas menu and it doesn’t do Christmas decoration, either.
But then she gets some bad news; the bistro is failing.
There’s too much local competition, they don’t have enough customers and there’s a risk that the business may have to sold.
For the sake of the restaurant, her glamorous business partner Roksana and all its much-loved employees, Carol takes on her mother’s advice and creates a Christmas menu for the first time.
She may even tart the place up with some decorations.
But it’s an uphill struggle. There’s a reason Carol doesn’t like Christmas and it’s one that she keeps to herself…
As time is running out Carol wonders if she’s left it too late.
Will her fabulous and charming employees be able to boost the restaurant's popularity?
Will there be Christmas at Carol’s?  From Goodreads.

There was a couple of funny things happening in this book, but that is the best I can say. It used an enormous amount of French cooking expressions and names. It also keeps going on about how beautiful all the employees are. Not for me.

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: 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
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?