2025 & 2026 Reading Challenge discussion
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Margaret aims for 100 in 2016
Lightning by Dean Koontz
488 pages
First published in 1988
Destiny struggles to reassert the pattern that was meant to be
This is my first Dean Koontz novel that I have read, and it is well out of the realm of what I normally read.
I found the first half of the book difficult to read and get through. But I enjoyed the time travel theme and, once I reached about the halfway mark, I was hooked. The action and suspense moves at a fast rate towards the end and kept me guessing.
Book from TBR (1/40)
Congrats on finishing your first book in 2016!
Megan wrote: "Congrats on finishing your first book in 2016!"Thanks Megan :) I think it has set the scene for me as I picked up another suspense novel at the library this morning!
Margaret wrote: "Megan wrote: "Congrats on finishing your first book in 2016!"Thanks Megan :) I think it has set the scene for me as I picked up another suspense novel at the library this morning!"
It's always lovely when a good book inspires you to pick up another!
Up to the Challenge by Terri Osburn
340 pages
First published 22nd October 2013
"You are still the sweetest and smartest guy I've ever met, Lucas. How you can be so stupid at the same time is such a mystery."
The second installment in the Anchor Island series. A well written, humorous and emotion filled read. I found the ending abrupt though, with no real reasoning/explanation as to how the Lucas finally sorted himself out.
Book from TBR (2/40)
Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher
454 pages
First published 1st August 2000
“Beyond the pain, life continues to be sweet. The basics are still there. Beauty, food and friendship, reservoirs of love and understanding. Later, possibly not yet, you are going to need others who will encourage you to make new beginnings. Welcome them. They will help you move on, to cherish happy memories and confront the painful ones with more than bitterness and anger."
What a delightful book. Great writing and a heart warming story. A bit predictable in parts, but overall a nice read.
Book from TBR (3/40)
Billy's Bones by Jamie Fessenden
254 pages
First published 22nd July 2013
This was a tough book to get through. The story just seemed to lack something. I am not sure if it was the writing, but I just couldn't connect with any of the characters. A very dark and disturbing story, which got wrapped up with a happy ending - it just didn't work for me.
Book from TBR (4/40)
Love in the Light by Laura Kaye
193 pages
First published 12 January 2016
"Hey, lightning, let me show you what I really care about so you know where to strike next!"
I loved this story. Broken hero, loving heroine ... it's why I read romance novels....
Book from TBR (5/40)
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins
316 pages
First published 13 January 2015
Challenge: 2016 Popsugar Reading Challenge
"I suppose everyone does it - looks out at the houses they pass - only we all see them differently."
Wow! What an incredible story. I couldn't put this one down. The writing style was a little difficult to deal with in the beginning as you had two points of view from two different time frames, with clues being dropped all over the place. But eventually, I got used to the back and forth, and it all came together. It really did have me guessing until the end. My kind of suspense...
Thank you Popsugar reading challenge, as I don't think I would have actively seeked out this book to read which would have been such a shame as I would have missed out on a great ride!
Popsugar Challenge (1/40)
When We Collide by A.L. Jackson
341 pages
First published 7th August 2012
"I knew first-hand how far that goodness would go, how far she'd go to decieve herself into believing something was right when it was so obviously wrong."
My first five star read of the year! Books like these are the reason why I love to read. Brilliant writing, complex characters, a heart breaking situation told with such emotion.
To quote one of my favourite authors, Kristan Higgins said it all ""...we write of the vagaries and hopes of the human heart, of faith and tenacity, independence, strength, and forgiveness. The best romance novels depict characters that are flawed and complex, characters who struggle to create the life they want and who succeed in doing so."
Book from TBR (6/40)
Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning
309 pages
First published 1st October 2006
“What are you" -Mac
"I don't follow" -Jericho
"You dropped 30 feet in that warehouse. You should have broken something. What are you?" -Mac
"A man with a rope." -Jericho”
A dark, fantasy world in the streets of Dublin steeped in history and folklore. We have Mac: a stubborn, headstrong heroine in search of her sister's killer. Then there's Jerricho: A mysterious hero - who is he? What is he? Then, add in the witty dialogue and it all just made for an excellent beginning. Yes, here is another series to add to my TBR ... off to the library to request the next book!
Book from TBR (7/40)
Only We Know by Victoria Purman
320 pages
First published 27 April 2015
Another book read as part of the Popsugar Challenge. This one is set in my home State, on Kangaroo Island. The author did a great job in capturing the roughness and beauty of the island.
Popsugar Challenge (2/40)
Three Junes by Julia Glass
368 pages
First published 5 September 2002
"Here we are - despite the delays, the confusion, and the shadows en route - at last, or for the moment, where we always intended to be.
Another Popsugar Challenge book. I liked the writing style and enjoyed the story. Thought-provoking with a very 'real life' feel. Nothing outstanding happens, it is more an exploration of the characters, rather than the usual plot driven story. Even though I finished this book a few days ago, it is still in my thoughts. I might be inclined to up the rating given the impact it appears to have had on me.
Popsugar Challenge: (3/40)
Good Luck on your goal, looks like you have already read a lot of great books this year!
Hannah wrote: "Good Luck on your goal, looks like you have already read a lot of great books this year!"Thanks Hannah. I am trying out some very different books this year from what I normally read and so far I have enjoyed them.
Mrs. Mike by Benedict Freedman
324 pages
First published 1947
“You'll see, you'll come to understand. These big things, these terrible things, are not the important ones. If they were, how could one go on living? No, it is the small, little things that make up a day, that bring fullness and happiness to a life.”
I didn't really like this book. The writing style (told from the first person perspective) vividly describes the early 1900's in Northern Canada (I believe it is based on a true story), but so many horrible things happen, that are described in such detail, that I found myself feeling quite depressed after reading it. I like to read for enjoyment and learning and whilst I learnt a lot about the era and the harshness of Northern Canada, I didn't enjoy the experience one bit!
Book from TBR (8/40)
Beauty Sleep: A Retelling of Sleeping Beauty by Cameron Dokey
208 pages
First published 1st December 2002
"Thinking about dark and troublesome things, wondering when they'll come to pay you a visit, turns out to be the very best way to call them to your side."
A nice, light read that left me smiling. It is very different to the Sleeping Beauty story I know, with some great secondary characters. Another Popsugar challenge book read.
Popsugar Challenge: (4/40)
The Choice by Nicholas Sparks
272 pages
First published 30 September 2007
“How far would you go to keep the hope of love alive?”
I find Nicholas Sparks' books a bit of a hit or miss. I love his writing style, and a few of his stories (which have left me in tears and an emotional basket case) have stayed with me for a long time. He is such a prolific writer that I guess all his books can't be great. The premise to this one had me interested, but as the story progressed, I realised that it wasn't going to be a hit with me. I'm used to his stories being more 'real life' than 'romance' and this one was just too tied up in the 'romance' of love, rather than the 'real life'. But I do love the way he writes and so even though it wasn't one of his best, I did enjoy it.
Added to TBR this year (1/20)
Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning
368 pages
First published 1 January 2007
This series is amazing!! I absolutely loved this installment and cannot wait to read the next book!!
Added to TBR this year (2/20)
Luck of the Draw by Cheri Allan
286 pages
First published 9 August 2014
Very disappointing. I'm not sure if I had trouble with this book because I couldn't identify with the heroine, or I just didn't like the story. And, the introduction of so many secondary characters just left me confused. I think I have some idea of what the author was trying to achieve with the story, but it just didn't work for me at all.
Book from TBR (9/40)
I loved the Choice, however I do wish the ending was expanded on a tad more but overall i loved it!
Hannah wrote: "I loved the Choice, however I do wish the ending was expanded on a tad more but overall i loved it!"I was disappointed with the ending! I actually thought part 1 of the story took up way too much time, and would have preferred for a more elaborated part 2.
Have you read The Best of Me or Safe Haven? I think that these are two of his best stories, along with The Notebook.
The Perfect Letter: A Novel by Chris Harrison
320 pages
First published 14 April 2015
"But a good letter was a work of art....to take black words on a page and make them come alive..."
A romance novel about second chances, with a Nicholas Sparks feel to it.
I haven't watched any of the bachelor series (nor do I plan to), but I was interested in reading this novel given that the author was the long time host of the TV series in USA, and wanted to see what type of romance story he would write.
Thankfully, the story is engaging, and the book has some great moments, especially in the beginning when the author describes the lost art of letter writing - I thought that was brilliant. I think I will keep an eye out for more books by this author.
Added to TBR this year (3/20)
Margaret wrote: "The Perfect Letter: A Novel by Chris Harrison
320 pages
First published 14 April 2015
"But a good letter was a wo..."
On my TBR for this year. Bachelor(ette) is my guilty pleasure of TV-Shows lol ^^
Winter wrote: "On my TBR for this year. Bachelor(ette) is my guilty pleasure of TV-Shows lol ^^"I hope you enjoy reading it Winter. You'll have to let me know what you thought of it.
My guilty pleasure of TV Shows is the British Quiz show Pointless. I am half in love with its host Alexander Armstrong - he has the most beautiful voice. And when he speaks in French... well... yeah.... its my favourite TV show :)
Margaret wrote: "Winter wrote: "On my TBR for this year. Bachelor(ette) is my guilty pleasure of TV-Shows lol ^^"I hope you enjoy reading it Winter. You'll have to let me know what you thought of it.
My guilty ..."
Lol ^^
I will do! Fits perfectly into the celebrity task in Popsugar challenge^^
Undeniable Rogue by Annette Blair
320 pages
First published 1 July 2002
"She admitted to herself one undeniable truth... Against brutality, she could erect the strongest of barrier. Against gentleness, she could mount no defence"
A nice historical romance; well-written, with an interesting story.
Book from TBR (10/40)
Good luck with your challenge! It looks like you're off to a great start.
Cassandra wrote: "Good luck with your challenge! It looks like you're off to a great start."Thanks Cassandra :)
A World of Other People by Steven Carroll
288 pages
First published 1 April 2013
Simply brilliant! Heart wrenching and beautifully written. A simple story, wonderfully executed. This book is a masterpiece - I loved it.
Added to TBR this year (4/20)
Another Summer by Sue Lilley
207 pages
First published 19 December 2014
An interesting premise for a story, but poorly written with very unsatisfying ending. I found the switching between past and present OK but the overall story was just awful. Lying, cheating, and then a happy ending - NO. I gave it 2 stars because it is an OK read, certainly not the worst I have read, but felt it could have been a lot more.
Added to TBR this year (5/20)
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
477 pages
First published 14 March 2013
"What a world of difference there was between dying and nearly dying. One's whole life in fact. Ursula felt she had no use for the life she had been saved for."
This is such an interesting story. The writing is beautiful and I got swept up in all the scenes. It was a tough read in parts, which left me feeling so depressed. But overall, I found this to be a well-written, compelling story.
Added to TBR this year (6/20)
Tough Customer by Sandra Brown
391 pages
First published 10 August 2010
An interesting romantic suspense novel. The mystery was OK and I liked the switching between past and present. No big surprises.
Added to TBR this year (7/20)
Seducing Cinderella by Gina L. Maxwell
304 pages
First published 20 July 2012
Standard contemporary romance. A light and entertaining read.
Added to TBR this year (8/20)
The End of the Affair by Graham Greene
192 pages
First published 1951
"When you came in at the door with the blood on your face, I became sure. Once and for all."
So different to what I thought the book would be about. The writing is bitter and depressing, yet uplifting at the same time. It has left me with lots of questions about life, love, faith, God and ego. I just love it when a books does that!
Book from TBR (11/40)
The Memory Painter by Gwendolyn Womack
336 pages
First published 25 April 2015
"Our fates are intertwined. I will find you again and again until we build a bridge back to this life. Nothing is ever lost."
Another book that I normally wouldn't pick up - as I continue my quest this year to read books outside my usual genre.
An interesting premise but it left me feeling a bit disappointed. So much more could have been elaborated on. The mystery and suspense are great, but I need more emotion; especially between the two leading characters Bryan and Linz who go through so much in the story. It started out so well; but by the end of the book, I was left with a "Is that it?".
By the way the story ended, I think there is a sequel in the works. Not sure if I will read it though.
Added to TBR this year (9/20)
A Kiss at Midnight by Eloisa James
304 pages
First published 27 July 2010
“He's male. I've noticed that sometimes the brains simply get left out of the package.”
Sometimes you just want to read something fun and light. I love historical romances - its my guilty pleasure - and this was just fun. Loved the whole "Cinderella" theme; witty banter between the two main characters, but my favourite has to be Henry (Henrietta) - the fairy godmother.
Added to TBR this year (10/20)
Faefever by Karen Marie Moning
416 pages
First published 16 September 2008
“It’s just that in the Deep South, women learn at a young age that when the world is falling apart around you, it’s time to take down the drapes and make a new dress.”
I am completely hooked on this series. The tone of the story is getting much darker now, with less witty interactions between Mac and Barrons. This book wasn't as good as the previous installment, but I was still sitting on the edge of my seat, and had no idea where the story would lead. The ending is intense, and I am thankful I don't need to wait a year before I can read the next book!
Added to TBR this year (11/20)
A Small Indiscretion by Jan Ellison
323 pages
First published 20 January 2015
A family drama, told through a letter from a mother to her son. An interesting story and well written. Predictable in parts, but overall a good read.
Added to TBR this year (12/20)
Hopeless by Colleen Hoover
488 pages
First published 17 December 2012
I generally don't like books from the New Adult genre, but sometimes I find a real gem of a story, so I haven't completely written off the genre, just yet. Although, after reading this book, I just might. I actually would have stopped reading it after the first 100 pages, but, I was reading this book for a challenge, so persevered until the end.
I didn't like the writing style at all - it felt like I was reading the diary of a teenage girl, with so many stereotypes and the whole insta-love thing with the "bad" boy. Thankfully, the second half of the book was a little bit better than the first half with alot more story line and plot, which didn't make the whole experience that awful. But overall, this book just wasn't for me.
Book from TBR (12/40)
A Room with a View by E.M. Forster
309 pages
First published 1908
"I said: 'Passion does not blind. No. Passion is sanity, and the woman you love, she is the only person you will ever really understand.”
I liked this story. It was difficult to read, but I am so glad I persevered. Another one from the Popsugar Challenge list.
Popsugar Challenge (5/40)
Back to You by Jessica Scott
304 pages
First published 1 January 2014
This is a romance novel, but also a heartbreaking book about a man who has given his life to the Army, and now struggles to repair the damage done to his wife, young family and himself. A well-written, emotional story.
Book from TBR (13/40)
I saw this over in the Group Discussion and thought it would be good to post here on my tracking thread too.Quarter 1 - in Review - as at 1 April 2016
1. How many books did you read? Are you on pace with your goal?
24 books read, so I am just one book behind to met my goal of reading 100 books. I need to read more from my Popsugar Challenge though (only read 4 out of the 41 I set as my goal), and a little behind in my pages read goal of 40,000 (7,676 pages)
2. Which book was your favorite?
3 five star reads for me this quarter with my favourite being Bloodfever.
3. Least favorite?
I was really disappointed with Billy's Bones. Was hoping for so much more from this one.
4. Who's your favorite new author?
It has to be Karen Marie Moning!! So excited to have discovered her Fever series. And I have borrowed from the library Beyond the Highland Mist, the first book in her Highlander series.
5. What was the biggest surprise for you? (Open to interpretation!)
I am so glad that I am trying out different books this year. I wasn't sure how I would go reading from other genres, but it is working out well so far.
6. What was your favorite challenge in this group if you participated in any in the first quarter?
I didn't participate in any other challenges this quarter. But I may look at some upcoming ones for Quarter 2, if they also fit in with my Popsugar Challenge books, as I really need to make some progress there!
Here on Earth by Alice Hoffman
336 pages
First published 1997
“Unfinished business always comes back to haunt you, and a man who swears he'll love you forever isn't finished with you until he's done.”
What I thought might just be another "second chance" romance, turned into something very different. Such a dark and disturbing read.
Popsugar Challenge (6/40)
Cut & Run by Madeleine Urban
376 pages
First published 1 September 2008
A MM romantic suspense - FBI agents hunting a serial killer. The mystery, action and suspense is good, but not the best I have read. And the interactions between the two main leads gets tiresome towards the end.
Book from TBR (14/40)
When You Make It Home by Claire Ashby
273 pages
First published 1 July 2014
There is way too much going on in this book with very little growth of story or character. The author started out with a broken hero military romance, which then progressed to a family drama.
The main character is incredibly selfish and judgmental of others around her, with absolutely no growth through the story. Everyone else around her miraculously changed to fit her way of thinking, or she miraculously changed her opinion of them. The story is engaging at the start, but as it is all told from her POV, with no real character development, I lost interest about half-way through and was pleased just to make it to the end.
Book from TBR (15/40)
Winter's Past by Mary E. Hanks
340 pages
First published 20 January 2013
A Christian, second-chance romance story about forgiveness. There are parts of the story that I found difficult to believe and some of the supporting characters aren't as well developed. However, overall, this is an uplifting read with good spiritual content.
Book from TBR (16/40)
Undertow by Elizabeth O'Roark
234 pages
First published 21 August 2013
This was a quick, easy read. A second chance romance, with the typical new adult fare. It's all told from the female lead's point of view, which is disappointing as it leaves the characters all so one-dimensional. I think I am going to have to use Amazon's 'look inside' feature more often to check the writing style before I decide to download the book!
Book from TBR (17/40)
It Must Be Your Love by Bella Andre
360 pages
First published 20 November 2013
A second chance romance - a nice, light, easy read. I really enjoy this author's writing style and can read these type of books in a few hours.
Book from TBR (18/40)
2025 & 2026 Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
In His Keeping (other topics)Mercenary's Perfect Mission (other topics)
Insatiable (other topics)
To Tame a Highland Warrior (other topics)
One to Keep (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Maya Banks (other topics)Carla Cassidy (other topics)
Tia Louise (other topics)
Matthew Reilly (other topics)
Meg Cabot (other topics)
More...
Goal: Read 100 Books!
40 books from Popsugar Reading Challenge (12/40)
40 books from TBR (25/40)
20 books added to TBR this year (2016) (22/20)
Books read = 59
1. Lightning by Dean Koontz ~ read 7/1/16 ★★★
2. Up to the Challenge by Terri Osburn ~ read 10/1/16 ★★★
3. Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher ~ read 14/1/16 ★★★
4. Billy's Bones by Jamie Fessenden ~ read 16/1/16 ★★
5. Love in the Light by Laura Kaye ~ read 21/1/16 ★★★★
6. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins ~ read 24/1/16 ★★★★
7. When We Collide by A.L. Jackson ~ read 25/1/16 ★★★★★
8. Darkfever by Karen Marie Moning ~ read 30/1/16 ★★★★
9. Only We Know by Victoria Purman ~ read 6/2/16 ★★★
10. Three Junes by Julia Glass ~ read 11/2/16 ★★★
11. Mrs. Mike by Benedict Freedman ~ read 17/2/16 ★★
12. Beauty Sleep: A Retelling of Sleeping Beauty by Cameron Dokey ~ read 19/2/16 ★★★
13. The Choice by Nicholas Sparks ~ read 20/2/16 ★★★
14. Bloodfever by Karen Marie Moning ~ read 27/2/16 ★★★★★
15. Luck of the Draw by Cheri Allan ~ read 28/2/16 ★★
16. The Perfect Letter: A Novel by Chris Harrison ~ read 2/3/16 ★★★
17. Undeniable Rogue by Annette Blair ~ read 6/3/16 ★★★
18. A World of Other People by Steven Carroll ~ read 9/3/16 ★★★★★
19. Another Summer by Sue Lilley ~ read 14/3/16 ★★
20. Life After Life by Kate Atkinson ~ read 14/3/16 ★★★
21. Tough Customer by Sandra Brown ~ read 17/3/16 ★★★
22. Seducing Cinderella by Gina L. Maxwell ~ read 18/3/16 ★★★
23. The End of the Affair by Graham Greene ~ read 25/3/16 ★★★★
24. The Memory Painter by Gwendolyn Womack ~ read 30/3/16 ★★★
25. A Kiss at Midnight by Eloisa James ~ read 1/4/16 ★★★
26. Faefever by Karen Marie Moning ~ read 2/4/16 ★★★★
27. A Small Indiscretion by Jan Ellison ~ read 6/4/16 ★★★
28. Hopeless by Colleen Hoover ~ read 9/4/16 ★★
29. A Room with a View by E.M. Forster ~ read 15/4/16 ★★★
30. Back to You by Jessica Scott ~ read 17/4/16 ★★★
31. Here on Earth by Alice Hoffman ~ read 21/4/16 ★★★
32. Cut & Run by Madeleine Urban ~ read 23/4/16 ★★★
33. When You Make It Home by Claire Ashby ~ read 25/4/16 ★★
34. Winter's Past by Mary E. Hanks ~ read 27/4/16 ★★★
35. Undertow by Elizabeth O'Roark ~ read 27/4/16 ★★★
36. It Must Be Your Love by Bella Andre ~ read 30/4/16 ★★★
37. The Man Without a Shadow by Joyce Carol Oates~ read 2/5/16 ★★★
38. Modern Romance by Aziz Ansari ~ read 2/5/16 ★★★
39. Someone Else's Love Story by Joshilyn Jackson ~ read 5/5/16 ★★★★★
40. Midnight Rainbow by Linda Howard~ read 8/5/16 ★★★
41. The Survivor by DiAnn Mills ~ read 16/5/16 ★★★
42. An Uncommon Bond by Jeff Brown ~ read 21/5/16 ★★★
43. Sweet Dreams by Kristen Ashley ~ read 31/5/16 ★★★
44. Love in the Outback by Deb Hunt ~ read 4/6/16 ★★★
45. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart ~ read 5/6/16 ★★★★
46. Diamond Bay by Linda Howard ~ read 9/6/16 ★★★
47. Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning ~ read 12/6/16 ★★★★
48. Dreamfever by Karen Marie Moning ~ read 17/6/16 ★★★★
49. Beyond The Promise by Barbara Bickmore ~ read 19/6/16 ★★★
50. Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning ~ read 24/6/16 ★★★★★
51. Him by Carey Heywood ~ read 26/6/16 ★
52. To Tame A Highland Warrior by Karen Marie Moning read 30/6/16 ★★★★
53. One to Keep by Tia Louise ~ read 3/7/16 ★★★
54. The Tournament by Matthew Reilly ~ read 8/7/16 ★★★★
55. Hammer & Nails by Andria Large ~ read 9/7/16 ★
56. Insatiable by Meg Cabot ~ read 12/7/16 ★ ★ ★ ★
57. Defying the Odds by Kele Moon ~ read 13/7/16 ★ ★ ★
58. Mercenary's Perfect Mission by Carla Cassidy ~ read 14/7/16 ★ ★ ★
59. In His Keeping by Maya Banks ~ read 17/7/16 ★★★★