Rawk: Companion Challenge 2015 - Finished

Companion Challenge hosted by Rawk-A-Tiers on Goodreads.

 

Finished this though the November / December challenge was in two parts and I only achieved one of them.

October 2015 Companion Challenge - Phobias:

☯ You have one month to complete your level for 9 points.
CR Level = 3 tasks
RR Level = 6 tasks
PR Level = 9 tasks

☯ If you are too scared to complete your level and can't finish all of your tasks before the end of the challenge, you may score your points as follows
CR = # of tasks x 3
RR = # of tasks x 1.5
PR = # of tasks x 1

 
☯ BONUS +1 point for each book you read that has an MC with one of the top 100 phobias (obvious from the book's description or reviews). List of Top 100 Phobias

ARACHNAPHOBIA – fear of spiders
• Read a book that is #8 in a series OR
• Read a book that has a predominately black cover (75%) OR
• Read a book that a bug/insect on the cover

AGORAPHOBIA or ANTHROPOPHOBIA - fear of open or crowded spaces, or fear of people
• Read a book with a single person on the cover OR
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
• Read a book with more than 4 people on the cover OR
• Read a book with a person who works at home

COULROPHOBIA - fear of clowns
• Read a book with a clown as a character (if it’s not clear from the description, explain how it fits) OR
• Read a book with a circus or carnival on the cover or “CIRCUS” or “CARNIVAL” in the title OR
• Read a book that has “HUMOR” as a main page genre
A man called Ove by Fredrik Backman

KINEMORTOPHOBIA - fear of zombies
• Read a book with “ZOMBIES” or “DYSTOPIA” as a Main Page Genre OR
• Read a book that has a “Z” in the title, subtitle, series name, or author’s name OR
• Read a book whose first word of the title can be found in KINEMORTOPHOBIA

PHILOPHOBIA - fear of love
• Read a book with a heart on the cover OR
Carved in Stone by Donna McDonald  
• Read a book with “ROMANCE” as a Main Page Genre OR
• Read a book with a predominately red cover (75%)

TRISKAIDEKAPHOBIA - fear of the number 13
• Read a book with a number in the title, subtitle, or series name OR
204 Rosewood Lane by Debbie Macomber
• Read a book that is #13 or higher in a series OR
• Read a book whose author’s initials can be found in TRISKAIDEKAPHOBIA

ZOOPHOBIA - fear of animals
• Read a book with an animal of any kind on the cover OR

Don't Waste a Minute - A Story of Africa by Marilyn Randall (dogs on cover)
• Read a book with an animal in the title, subtitle, or series title OR
• Read a book with an MC who works with animals

THALASSOPHOBIA - fear of the ocean
• Read a book with water on the cover OR
• Read a book that is predominately blue cover (75%) OR
• Read a book with a ‘water word’ in the title (Ocean, Sea, Bay, etc)

SAMHAINOPHOBIA - fear of Halloween
• Read a book with “HORROR” or “PARANORMAL” as a Main Page Genre OR
I'll Be Watching You by Charles de Lint  (horror main genre)
• Read a book with a predominately orange cover (75%) OR
• Read a book with the word TRICK or TREAT found in the title, subtitle, or series title

PYROPHOBIA - fear of fire
• Read a book with a ‘fire word’ in the title (Fire, Smoke, Ash, Ember, etc) OR
• Read a book with fire on the cover OR
• Read a book with a fireman as an MC

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

November - December 2015 Companion Challenge

Books used for this section may be any theme, but must be minimum 150 pages. Each book may be used one additional time either as a Buddy Read or in the holiday searches provided it is holiday-themed.

You have two months to complete your level for 20 points.
CR Level = 6 tasks (at least 1 from each section)
RR Level = 12 tasks (at least 2 from each section
PR Level = 18 tasks (at least 3 from each section)

If you partake of too much holiday cheer and can't finish all of your tasks before the end of the challenge, you may score your points as follows
CR = # of tasks x 3
RR = # of tasks x 1.5
PR = # of tasks x 1

Enjoy Some Yummy Baked Goods
Read a Cozy Mystery with a baking theme

Read a sweet romance
I Need a Hero by Emma Bennet

Read a book with a dessert on the cover

Read a book in which the MCs participate in holiday baking

Read a book in which grandparent(s) play an important role

Read a book with Chef/Cook/Baker as an MC

Read a book that features a bakery

A Baker's Dozen contains 13 items, read a book published in 2013
The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater

Keep Toasty
Read a book with a fireplace on the cover

Read a book in which the characters are snowed in or rescued

Hunker down and snuggle up with a long read, at least 350 pages
The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield   (456 pages)

Read a book with a patchwork quilt on the cover

Read a book in which the characters participate in an outdoor winter activity (snowboarding,
snowball fight, snow skiing, ice skating, etc. after which they will want to be warm and cozy)

Read a book that features a cabin in the woods

Read a book set in the Southern Hemisphere
Terra Incognita: Travels In Antarctica by Sara Wheeler (takes place in Antarctica)

Published in November of any year
Fate's Edge by Ilona Andrews (First published November 29th 2011)

Deck the Halls with Holiday Cheer
Read a book that features a family
Life's a Witch by Amanda M. Lee

Read a book that features a home decorated for Christmas on the cover

Read a book that takes place in a small town

Read a book in which the MC(s) host a holiday party

Read a book in which the characters have a holiday meal

Read a book that features a Bed and Breakfast

Read a book with 25 in the page count (225, 325, etc)
Love, Laughter, and Murder Ever After by Jeanine Spooner (225 pages)

Read a book published in December of any year

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

For Holiday Spell Out, Holiday Scavenger Hunt, and Cover Search, you may use stories that are a minimum of 25 pages, but they must be officially listed on Goodreads and must be holiday-themed. You may use a story up to 2 times in this section unless it is used for the BotM Buddy Read above or the Companion Challenge below this section, then it can only be used once.

Holiday Spell Out ~~ ORNAMENTS ~~ Using title or series name.
5 points for completion or .25 points per item
O
R
N
A
M
E
N
T: I År bliver det anderledes by Maeve Binchy(This Year Will be Different)
S

Holiday Items Scavenger Hunt
5 points for completion or .25 points per item

Candy cane
The Christmas Witch by Amanda M. Lee: loc: 245: The only thing that's a fact is that your nose looks like a candy cane.


Mistletoe
Christmas at Carol's by Nicola Yeager: loc: 2624: Should we have a little bunch of mistletoe over each table?
Christmas in the Park by Laura Lockington: loc: 1662: Nick kissed Janet under the mistletoe and they have seen each other quite a few times
The Christmas Witch by Amanda M. Lee: loc: 433: He probably choked on the mistletoe when he tried to wash it down with his whiskey, Thistle said.

Gift Box

Santa
Christmas at Carol's by Nicola Yeager : loc: 1964: Hey, our Santa Claus in Poland, we call him Gwiazdor.
Christmas in the Park by Laura Lockington: loc: 1639: Has Santa been?
The Christmas Witch by Amanda M. Lee: loc: 121: Still, Santa is the best thing about Christmas.

Garland

Clock
Christmas in the Park by Laura Lockington loc: 103: It seemed my body clock was permanently attuned to TV time.

Sugar Cookies
The Christmas Witch by Amanda M. Lee: loc: 21: Frosted sugar cookies?

Photograph
Christmas at Carol's by Nicola Yeager : loc: 3454: She retweeted Rachel's plugs for the Christmas menu and the photograph that I took of you all that Rachel put on there yesterday.
Christmas in the Park by Laura Lockingtonloc: 175: I mean, it's hard enough to resist a puppy in a photograph, but in real life?

Turkey
Christmas at Carol's by Nicola Yeager: loc: 1018: I hate all Christmas food. Mince pies, turkey, Brussels sprouts - you name it.
Christmas in the Park by Laura Lockington: loc: 1488: We've got turkey tagine to make!
The Christmas Witch by Amanda M. Lee: loc: 516: I'll probably be forced to eat whatever the jail calls turkey for Christmas dinner.

Holiday Song
Christmas in the Park by Laura Lockington:  loc: 1503: The radio was belting out that perennial Christmas song that everyone knew all the words to, whether you liked it or not and soon we were all singing along to Slade.

Holiday Cover Search
5 points for completion or .25 points per item

Red & white (coverage of the 2 combined must be at least 75%)
Christmas at Carol's by Nicola Yeager

Blue and White (coverage of the 2 combined must be at least 75%)

Green (coverage must be at least 75%)

Traditional snowflake shape

Hot drink

Snow (at least 50% of cover)
Christmas in the Park by Laura Lockington

Christmas Tree

Frozen Pond/Lake

Starlit Sky

Candle
Julemanden og hele hans slæng by Vagn Simonsen

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

Sweep in Peace by Ilona Andrews

Dina DeMille doesn’t run your typical Bed and Breakfast. Her inn defies laws of physics, her fluffy dog is secretly a monster, and the only paying guest is a former Galactic tyrant with a price on her head. But the inn needs guests to thrive, and guests have been scarce, so when an Arbitrator shows up at Dina's door and asks her to host a peace summit between three warring species, she jumps on the chance.
Unfortunately, for Dina, keeping the peace between Space Vampires, the Hope-Crushing Horde, and the devious Merchants of Baha-char is much easier said than done. On top of keeping her guests from murdering each other, she must find a chef, remodel the inn... and risk everything, even her life, to save the man she might fall in love with. But then it's all in the day's work for an Innkeeper... From Goodreads.




Another great series from Ilona Andrews. I was only a few chapters in when I suddenly realised that the Arbitrator George and his group of people are actually the very grown-up kids from The Edge, I loved this. I am already waiting impatiently for the next book in this series.

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: Reading by the Numbers
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Pick One For Me 
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Dragon Nursery
Crazy Challenge Connection: Scrabble, anyone?
Wacky Reading Challenges: Vampires, Witches & Ghosts, O My

Assassin's Quest by Robin Hobb

From an extraordinary new voice in fantasy comes the stunning conclusion to the Farseer trilogy, as FitzChivalry confronts his destiny as the catalyst who holds the fate of the kingdom of the Six Duchies...and the world itself.
King Shrewd is dead at the hands of his son Regal. As is Fitz--or so his enemies and friends believe. But with the help of his allies and his beast magic, he emerges from the grave, deeply scarred in body and soul. The kingdom also teeters toward ruin: Regal has plundered and abandoned the capital, while the rightful heir, Prince Verity, is lost to his mad quest--perhaps to death. Only Verity's return--or the heir his princess carries--can save the Six Duchies.
But Fitz will not wait. Driven by loss and bitter memories, he undertakes a quest: to kill Regal. The journey casts him into deep waters, as he discovers wild currents of magic within him--currents that will either drown him or make him something more than he was.... From Goodreads.


A great end to this trilogy. Fitz really has to go through a lot at great cost. There is magic, dragons and a mad Prince. And one of the very interesting characters is the Fool, I'm sure he is one of the good guys but he is weird.
If I wanted to read The Realm of the Elderlings in order the next books should be the Liveship Traders Trilogy but as I have read these already I will continue with the Tawny Man Trilogy.

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
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: Big Books Bonus Club
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
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: Monopoly

Royal Assassin by Robin Hobb

Young Fitz, the illegitimate son of the noble Prince Chivalry, is ignored by all royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has had him tutored him in the dark arts of the assassin. He has barely survived his first, soul-shattering mission, and returns to the court where he is thrown headfirst into the tumult of royal life. With the King near death, and Fitz's only ally off on a seemingly hopeless quest, the throne itself is threatened. Meanwhile, the treacherous Red Ship Raiders have renewed their attacks on the Six Duchies, slaughtering the inhabitants of entire seaside towns. In this time of great peril, it soon becomes clear that the fate of the kingdom may rest in Fitz's hands--and his role in its salvation may require the ultimate sacrifice. From Goodreads.

I am completely caught up in this story. I'm not too fond of spy and political books but the difference here is that this is also fantasy and that makes it likeable. I like Fitz, he has no choice in how his life turns out. He has sworn loyalty to the king and has to do everything in his power to help him.
I will continue straight away with the last book in this trilogy.


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: Big Books Bonus Club
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
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: Monopoly

The Viscount's Christmas Temptation by Erica Ridley

Certain individuals might consider Lady Amelia Pembroke a managing sort of female, but truly, most people would be lost without her help. Why, the latest on-dit is that rakish Viscount Sheffield is canceling the fête of the year because he hasn't time for silly soirees. He doesn't need time—he needs her!
When a flash of lightning destroys the venue for his family's annual Christmas ball, Lord Benedict Sheffield intends to enjoy a relaxing holiday for once. But after twelve days of beguiling Lady Amelia's guerrilla tactics, he's up to his cravat with tinsel . . . and tumbling head over heels in love. From Goodreads.

A short Christmas story. It was okay, I liked Amelia and the way she organized and manipulated Lord Benedict which he soon realised she was doing but let her do anyway.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Romance Readers Reading Challenges: Yahtzee Challenge
Rawk-A-Tiers: The Shorts Stack
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Character Names, A-Z

Abigail's Christmas Gift by Charity Phillips

New York, 1870
The year is 1870, and Abigail Copeland is a nurse in New York City who dreams of adventure and romance in a far away place. Her mother believes that all she really needs is a husband. So, when Abigail begins corresponding with a handsome young man from the West who is looking for a bride, it appears that both of their desires will be fulfilled.
Samuel Merriweather recently became a widower, and his little son Tommy is suffering from an illness. It is feared that the child will not be able to survive, so when Samuel discovers that Abigail is a nurse as well as a lovely bride-to-be, he sends for her at once. As soon as the two tiny families are together, it is clear that all they needed was each other.
From the hustle and bustle of New York to the comforting home life in Coos Bay, Oregon, Abigail Copeland realizes that love and adventure can be hers. From Goodreads.

This was cute and okay but it is not 161 pages. I finished this story in 25 minutes and that was disappointing when I expected 161 pages!

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: The Shorts Stack
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2015

Julemanden og hele hans slæng by Vagn Simonsen

Vagn Simonsen fik aldrig opfyldt sin drøm om at blive julemand på Grønland. I stedet er han rejst rundt for at tale med julemænd andre steder på kloden og kan i denne bog fortælle, at de lever og har det godt.
Også de allerældste julemænd, som i hundredvis af år har praktiseret deres populære hverv som gaveuddelere.
Selv om julemændene udgør en broget flok, stammer de fra den samme forfader, og det kan man undre sig over, når de i dag hverken kan finde ud af at klæde sig nogenlunde ens, eller enes om, hvornår de skal bringe gaverne ud, eller om de skal give gaver til alle børn eller kun til de artigste.
Alligevel er vi nok nødt til at ?tro på julemanden?, mener Vagn Simonsen, for hvert år lover julemændene, at de og julen vil komme igen til næste år, og det løfte har de aldrig svigtet.
Mange forskellige julemænd får ordet i denne bogs 24 historier om julemændenes farlige tilværelse, der bl.a. byder på stride unger, der kan gøre livet surt for enhver julemand. Samtidig får vi brudstykker af julemandens overraskende og spændende forhistorie. Og vi kigger også lidt frem og får indtryk af, at julemandens dage som sæsonarbejder er ved at være talte.
Ligesom nisserne er julemændene efterhånden på færde året rundt.
?Julemanden og hele hans slæng? er skrevet som en oplysende og underholdende bog for både børn og voksne. From Goodreads.

This was okay but not as fun as I thought it would be. It is written as a story where the author is meeting a lot of different Santas and they tell him about their work as Santa. 

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
I love Library books 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: The Shorts Stack
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2015 

I År bliver det anderledes (This Year It Will Be Different) by Maeve Binchy

From the New York Times bestselling author of Circle of Friends, The Glass Lake, and Evening Class comes a stunning collection of fifteen Christmas stories filled with Maeve Binchy's trademark wit, charm, and sheer storytelling genius. In A Typical Irish Christmas, a grieving widower heads for a holiday in Ireland and finds an unexpected destination not just for himself, but for a father and daughter in crisis. . . . In Pulling Together, a teacher not yet out of her twenties sees her affair with a married man at a turning point as Christmas Eve approaches. . . . And in the title story, This Year It Will Be Different, a woman with a complacent husband and grown children enters a season that will forever alter her life, and theirs. . .  From Goodreads.

This was quite interesting, maybe not full of Christmas cheer but most of the stories contained some kind of reflection on life. I liked it even though I felt most of the stories involved cheating husbands, divorces and unhappy people.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
I love Library books 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Mini Challenge 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Dragon Nursery
A Million More Pages Hogwarts: Backpacking Around The Globe
Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2015 

Terra Incognita: Travels In Antarctica by Sara Wheeler

Sara Wheeler was the first woman selected by the American government to be the Writer in Residence at the US South Pole Station. She spent six weeks at the pole. In this book she reveals how people live on the bases and how the landscape affects them. From Goodreads.

This was only just okay. There were a lot of interesting historical bits and some funny episodes during her time in Antarctica. Unfortunately, it was also boring and felt quite drawn out.

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
Rawk-A-Tiers: Scavenger Hunt
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
Rawk-A-Tiers: Travel Around the World
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

The Christmas Witch by Amanda M. Lee

It’s the winter of 1995, and the Winchester household is more doom and gloom than mistletoe and merriment.
Young Bay, Clove and Thistle are anything but happy. They’re facing their first Christmas without their fathers, and no matter how hard their mothers try, they just can’t seem to get the girls to embrace this festive time of year.
Between the lack of snow, which the girls firmly believe brings magic, and Hemlock Cove’s local Santa Claus going missing, things continue to go wrong instead of right.
Christmas has never been Aunt Tillie’s favorite time of year. She thinks the only thing snow is good for is plowing, and the only reason she likes Santa Claus is because he brings her presents. All of that changes when she’s forced to spend time with three miserable little girls – and the pall they’re casting over the entire town.
Instead of letting them wallow, Aunt Tillie decides to take them on an adventure. They’re going to find Santa. They’re going to make it snow. Oh, and Aunt Tillie is going to get what she wants for Christmas – even if her nieces keep saying no.
It’s Aunt Tillie to the rescue, and she’s bound and determined her family is going to have a happy holiday – even if she has to make everyone miserable during the process. From Goodreads.

This was fun and it was great having Aunt Tillie as the main character. All the books in this series describe Aunt Tillie as a mean, wicked witch who loves her family even when she pesters them. As this book shows, she loves being that wicked witch but it also shows she will do anything for her family. Aunt Tillie is still one of my favourite characters of this series.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
2015 Witches & Witchcraft Challenge
The Challenge Factory: Scavenger Hunt Part XVI
Rawk-A-Tiers: The Shorts Stack
Rawk-A-Tiers: Companion Challenge 2015
Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge 2015 

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 

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?

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?

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?

204 Rosewood Lane by Debbie Macomber

Olivia Lockhart
Cedar Cove, Washington
Dear Reader, 
If you've been to Cedar Cove before, you've probably met my friend Grace Sherman. You can usually find her at home she lives at 204 Rosewood Lane or at the public library, where she works. Like me, she grew up in this town and she's raised two daughters here. But did you hear that about six months ago, her husband disappeared? Just …disappeared. Where's Dan? Why did he go? Who's he with? Will Grace ever find out?

I hope that all of us, her family and friends, are bringing her comfort during this difficult time. Comfort and a sense of shelter. I'm continually reminded that life can and does go on. For instance, everyone's been discussing weddings and babies lately. Justine, my daughter, rather impulsively got married a little while ago. Grace's daughter Kelly recently had a baby. Unfortunately, she refuses to accept that Dan might not return to see his first grandchild. Grace's older daughter, Maryellen, is more realistic. Grace thinks she's seeing a new man but for some reason won't say who it is.
Then there's Jack Griffin, our local newspaper editor, the man I've been seeing. And… well, I have lots to tell you. Come on over and we'll talk!
Olivia. From Goodreads.

I have now read this second book in the Cedar Cove series and I really enjoyed it. There is a lot of different people to keep tabs on but I like that. This book is very much about Grace and her life which is quite sad. I am definitely going to continue this series.

This book qualifies for:
Goodreads Reading Challenge 2015
Dewey's Read-a-Thon October 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: House Games
Rawk-A-Tiers: Reading by the Numbers
A Million More Pages: Scavenger 2015
Wacky Reading Challenges: Autumn Fun
Wacky Reading Challenges: Locations A-Z
Crazy Challenge Connection: Monopoly