First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros.

First Chapter, First Paragraph Tuesday Intros. is hosted by Bibliophile By the Sea and is all about sharing the first paragraph or two from a book you are about to read. I'm currently reading a book that I really didn't think I was going to enjoy.  It was recommended by a friend and isn't my usual genre but I am finding that the further into it I get, the more I am liking it.

My First Chapter, First Paragraph Tuesday Intro.

Crazy Rich Asians

"He wants to take me home. He wants me to meet his family.  The long-dormant romantic in her was awakening, and she knew there was only one answer to give. "I'll have to check with my dean to see when I'm needed back, but you know what? Let's do this!" Rachel declared.  Nick leaned across the table, kissing her jubilantly.

Minutes later, before Rachel herself knew for certain her summer plans, the overheard details of her conversation had already begun to spread far and wide, circling the globe like a virus set loose.

I doctored this a little bit because if I really included what I wanted, it would have been way too long. lol.  So, just trust me when I say this book is really funny and enjoyable.  I just found out they are also making it into a movie and I love to read the book before the movie.  

Have a great week!

Laura :)

Can't Wait for Wednesday, January 24th

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released.  

I have so many choices... some of which don't even have titles yet like the newest Throne of glass book or the next book in the Stoker and Holmes series.  Two of the books I can't wait to read aren't coming out until fall.  So sad to have to wait so long...  :(

This is one that I have really been looking forward to as well that will be coming out in the late spring.

The Convent's Secret is the fifth book in the Glass and Steele series.  It comes out on March 6, 2018 and I am really looking forward to it.

Synopsis:
To find the one man who can fix the magic in Matt’s watch, he and India are led to a convent where the nuns will do anything to keep their secrets private. Including murder? Matt and India must uncover the truth behind the disappearance of the mother superior and two babies given to her care many years ago. But sometimes, the truth is painful and its exposure can have deadly consequences.

With his magic watch slowing down, Matt needs all the help India and his friends can offer before time runs out. But his nemesis will do anything to bring about his downfall, including rock Matt’s family with a scandal that can ruin them, and Matt and India’s chance of happiness.

What are you waiting for?

It's Monday, What are You Reading? January 22

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is hosted by Book Date and is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's a great post to organize yourself. It's an opportunity to visit and comment, and add to that ever growing TBR pile! 

What I just finished:

Last week, I finished two books, both print.  One was an adult book (meaning not YA) titled, Almost Dead, by Lisa Jackson.  I enjoyed it but it did have some slow parts where I wasn't completely engaged. A friend told me not to give up on her as an author though and gave me a couple of other titles so I will try another.  The other book was YA and was a retelling of Peter Pan titled Unhooked.  I love all Peter Pan retellings and this one was a lot of fun also.  I read it all in one sitting. There were some holes where I think more time could have been spent with development but I still loved it.

What I'm reading now:

Right now, I have two books going (which is my norm), one audio and one print book.  I'm listening to the latest book in the Magic and Mixology series titled Long Isle Iced Tea.  I love this series.  It's just a lot of fun.  It's light, funny, and of course deals with witches and other supernatural beings, which I love.  The print book is the final book in the Jackaby series by William Ritter, The Dire King.  This has been a great series and I'm sad to see it end but I'm also excited to see how the author wraps it up.

What will I read next?  

My TBR list is so long... I'll probably choose from one of these:

1. A Treacherous Curse by Deanna Reybourn
2. Island of the Mad by Laurie R. King
3. Umberland by Wendy Spinale

 Happy reading!

Top Ten Tuesday: January 16th

Top Ten Tuesday is now hosted by That Artsy Reader Girl.  Each week, a new topic is given and a top then list that fits the topic is created by anyone who would like to participate.  Everyone links back to the original post on Jana's blog so we can take a look at other top ten lists and leave some comments, questions, etc.  It's fun!

This week's topic

Top Ten Bookish Resolutions/Goals for 2018

1. Make more time for reading

For the last few months I have been neglecting my "eyes on print" time because of my kid's activities, etc. and I missed my #sixtybooks goal this year by four books. I need to get back to saving some time for reading each night if possible, even if it is only for a few minutes.

2. Make my book related Tweets more meaningful

I post a slow chat topic on Twitter for #sixtybooks on Sundays but I would like to spend more time Tweeting, replying, and really chatting with other readers on Twitter, rather than just liking, etc.

3. Vary my genre

This goal may not go very well but I would like to find some really engaging biographies, nonfiction, etc. that push me out of my comfort level.  I love anything with a supernatural element so I get stuck in this genre a lot.  Pretty much all the time. lol.

4. Post more on my blog

I always start the year posting several days a week and then it dwindles.  I'd like to avoid that this year and post two to three times a week.

5. Re-organize my TBR lists

I have lists on Goodreads, Amazon, in Google Keep, and in a notebook.  I need to make one list, delete the books I read, etc.  It's a hot mess right now.

My other goals aren't as much of a priority and I don't want to overwhelm myself and then accomplish none of them so these are "if I can get to them" goals:

• Try using the library more
• Take time to just go to the bookstore to browse and sample
• Stop worrying about what others think about me being an adult and reading 75% YA
• Read more professional books without complaining and allowing them to deter my reading in general because I am procrastinating
• Don't get down on myself if I don't want to finish a book I am not enjoying

Have a great week!

Bout of Books 21: Final Update

UPDATE!
I did it and more!  My goal was 2 books and I read three.  One audio and two print books.  I feel so accomplished! lol.  Thanks for another great read-a-thon.  Looking forward to May!

Original post...
Bout of Books is a week long read-a-thon, hosted by Amanda Shofner and Kelly @Reading the Paranormal. It begins at 12:01am on Monday, January 8th and runs through Sunday, January 14th. Bout of Books is low-pressure. You can make a goal to read just one book or ten! It is completely up to you. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 21 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog.

Don't miss it! I'm keeping my goal simple since I work full time and don't have a whole lot of reading time this week with activities, etc.  I'm going for one audiobook and one print book.

Bout of Books 21

Bout of Books is a week long read-a-thon, hosted by Amanda Shofner and Kelly @Reading the Paranormal. It begins at 12:01am on Monday, January 8th and runs through Sunday, January 14th. Bout of Books is low-pressure. You can make a goal to read just one book or ten! It is completely up to you. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 21 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog.

Don't miss it! I'm keeping my goal simple since I work full time and don't have a whole lot of reading time this week with activities, etc.  I'm going for one audiobook and one print book.

I'll be sharing my progress at both #boutofbooks and #sixtybooks. It's going to be a lot of fun!

My Challenges 2019

It's time to decide on my reading challenges for 2019.  I love participating in challenges, even if I don't make my goals.  I don't put any pressure on myself and just do my best as I move through my year of reading.  There are so many challenges out there but this year, I'm picking just a few that really seem to match my reading style.  

Want to participate in some reading challenges this year? Check out this site that has a huge list of offered challenges.  Enjoy!

I host the #Sixtybooks challenge so it is a given that I am participating also.  No pressure.  Just a goal to make reading a priority in your life daily.  If you make it to sixty... great!  If not, that's ok too.  Feel proud of your reading life and share it out on Twitter at #sixtybooks!

I participated in the Cloak and Dagger challenge last year as well and I loved participating in the Facebook group.  I fell off the wagon when it came to tracking the books that fit this challenge but I read a lot.  My goal this year is to keep up my level of active engagement with the group.  I'm going for "amateur sleuth" level.

I rocked the Audiobook challenge last year! I've been using Audible on my commute to work and I surpassed my goal easily.  I'm going for the "socially awkward" level of 15-20 audiobooks.  

Of course I'm doing the Goodreads challenge as well with a goal of #sixtybooks.  This is also where I keep track of all my reading.  Such a great website!







Happy Reading 2019!

#SixtyBooks in 2018

#Sixtybooks is now in its third year and we have had over 300 people sign up for this challenge. We are hoping to beat that number this year by spreading the word and getting even more people to make reading a part of their daily lives. 

For those who are new to our fantastic group of readers, the goal is simply to make reading a regular part of our daily lives and encourage other people to do the same. It's not a competition and it's not just about the number.

For this year’s challenge, we will mostly be sharing our #SixtyBooks updates on Twitter and our goal is to share our progress, bookish thoughts/questions, and the fabulous books we are reading. 

What do you have to do to participate?  Almost nothing except read! What CAN you do if you choose?

• Sign up for the challenge here
• Check #sixtybooks to see what other participants are posting
• Tweet about your reading life and use #sixtybooks in your post
• Keep track of your books using Goodreads or whatever method you choose.
• Enjoy reading and make time for reading every day.

We are looking forward to another great year of reading!

Laura and Melissa
@Lagnella and @mmorriswrite