Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge discussion

I initially wasn't going to join this year because I didn't want to read books in categories I don't like. Then I realized that I may be missing out on some great books out there so here I am. I'm looking forward to it and thanks!

I'm so glad you decided to join us Shannon. I'm hoping we'll all discover new-to-us authors and categories. Have fun!

Dagny wrote: "Great, Shannon! I was initially surprised and a bit put off by the categories. But once I started looking them over and thought about them a few minutes, it turned out quite doable. Good luck."

Hi Dagny! I was definitely put off by the categories but it was my mom who convinced me to give it a try. LOL! I'm trying to finish up some books in the last few days of 2016 so we'll see how that goes. Good luck to you, too!

Yvonne wrote: "I'm so glad you decided to join us Shannon. I'm hoping we'll all discover new-to-us authors and categories. Have fun!"

Thanks, Yvonne! I know I will definitely new-to-me authors. LOL!

Shannon wrote: "Dagny wrote: "Great, Shannon! I was initially surprised and a bit put off by the categories. But once I started looking them over and thought about them a few minutes, it turned out quite doable. G..."

I will definitely be substituting for paranormal which I have a very hard time reading.

Dagny wrote: "Shannon wrote: "I was definitely put off by the categories but it was my mom who convinced me to give it a try. LOL! "

Apparently Moms do know best, lol."

They probably do but we can't let them know that. LOL!

I think quite a few were thrown off by the categories at first. I'm not much of paranormal reader either but I am going to try to find one.

Britney wrote: "I think quite a few were thrown off by the categories at first. I'm not much of paranormal reader either but I am going to try to find one."

I don't think you will have any trouble finding books to fit that category. A few authors I can think off of the top of my head are Bailey Cattrell (Enchanted Garden), Amanda Flower (Magical Bookshop), and Bailey Cates (Magical Bakery). You will probably have more recommendations than you'll ever need once you get started. Happy Reading!

This is my first year doing this, but I am looking forward to doing this because of the categories. There are about 4 categories I don't normally read, but looking forward to trying some new authors. Don't know what I could be missing :)

Tonya wrote: "This is my first year doing this, but I am looking forward to doing this because of the categories. There are about 4 categories I don't normally read, but looking forward to trying some new author..."

I'm glad you decided to join the challenge this year. Last year was the first year I joined and although it was different, it was interesting to find out how many books I read or could/read in a year.

I never put my books into categories before but, with the exception of 3, everything I read fits into one or another. I'll be reading British and Historical for the first time and I am trading out Paranormal. I've read more than several in that genre and it just isn't my cup of tea.

I hope you find many more authors and series during this challenge. It was great fun last year to see what everyone was reading. Take care!

A cold spell in South Carolina helped me get some decent reading done so far this month.

1. Silence of the Lamps by Karen Rose Smith (#1 Career Related)
2. The Candy Cane Cupcake Killer by Livia Washburn
(#1 Holiday Related)
3. WineBuried Wedding by Lyndsey Cole
4. Lavender Grape Dust Murder by Susan Gillard
5. Deadly Press by Emily Page
6. Bacon Cheddar Murder by Patti Benning
7. Maddie's Recipe of Mysteries by Emily Page
8. Tea, Tiramisu and Tough Guys by Harper Lin
9. Killer Christmas by Harper Lin
10. Toffee Apple Killer by Summer Prescott
11. Neapolitan Delight Murder by Susan Gillard

Some of these books are shorter than others and while I combined two into one entry last yea that made things difficult to follow. This year I've just decided to make one book, one entry. I hope it makes things easier.

I hope everyone is having a good time reading!

I've got a few more books to add to my list.

12. Title Wave by Lorna Barrett (#1 Travel Related)
13. For Whom the Bluebell Tolls by Beverly Allen (#2 Career Based)
14. Tapas, Carrot Cake and a Corpse by Sherri Bryan (#1 British Cozy)
15. The Crepes of Wrath by Sarah Fox
16. Passion Fruit Punch Murder by Susan Gillard
17. One Deadly Date by Emily Page

My favorites were Title Wave and The Crepes of Wrath and I was pleasantly surprised with Tapas, Carrot Cake and a Corpse.

Dagny wrote: "Good going, Shannon!"

Thanks, Dagny. I was pleasantly surprised with the British cozy and I know I'll go back and read the second in the series.

18. A Second Chance at Murder by Diana Orgain (#2 Travel Related)
19. A Killer Closet by Paula Paul
20. Murdering the Roses by Cindy Bell
21. Pecan Nut Crunch Murder by Susan Gillard
22. A Vintage Murder by Michele Scott
23. A Quiche to Die For by Patti Benning

So far I've completed both the Career and Travel Related Cozies and I'm hard at work on the rest. LOL! Happy Reading to everyone!

How was Murdering the Roses?

Britney wrote: "How was Murdering the Roses?"

I really liked it. I just bought book 2 so we'll see how it goes.

Joanne wrote: "Shannon wrote: "I've got a few more books to add to my list.

12. Title Wave by Lorna Barrett (#1 Travel Related)
13. For Whom the Bluebell Tolls by Beverly Allen (#2 Career Based)
14. Tapas, Carro..."

I really enjoyed it and I'm looking forward to reading t he second one in the series. It's titled "Fudge Cake, Felony and a Funeral." LOL!

Joanne wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Shannon wrote: "I've got a few more books to add to my list.

12. Title Wave by Lorna Barrett (#1 Travel Related)
13. For Whom the Bluebell Tolls by Beverly Allen (#2..."

Good. I hope you like it!

Shannon wrote: "Britney wrote: "I think quite a few were thrown off by the categories at first. I'm not much of paranormal reader either but I am going to try to find one."

I don't think you will have any trouble..."

You won me over with Magical Bookshop! I haven't heard of that series, but I'll go check it out now. Thanks for throwing out some recommendations. :)

Cayleigh wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Britney wrote: "I think quite a few were thrown off by the categories at first. I'm not much of paranormal reader either but I am going to try to find one."

I don't think you will ..."

I'm glad you're going to check it out and you'll find that there's never a shortage of recommendations! LOL!

I've added to my list in the last week:

24. Tangled Up in Brew by Joyce Tremel (#1 of My Choice)
25. Color Me Dead by Constance Barker
26. Murder on the Vine by Jenna St. James
27. Toasted Coconut Murder by Susan Gillard
28. Crook, Line and Sinker by Lyndsey Cole
29. Very Veggie Murder by Patti Benning
30. Birthday Sprinkle Murder by Susan Gillard
31. Peppermint Mocha Murder by Summer Prescott

I'm almost finished with Out of the Dying Pan by Linda Reilly and Laced with Poison by Meg London.

I hope everyone is having a great time with the challenge!

I love paranormal! Just requested Crime and Poetry from my library. Love all the recommendations!

Ashley wrote: "I love paranormal! Just requested Crime and Poetry from my library. Love all the recommendations!"

I hope that you enjoy it! Let me know what you think!

Shannon wrote: "I've added to my list in the last week:

24. Tangled Up in Brew by Joyce Tremel (#1 of My Choice)
25. Color Me Dead by Constance Barker
26. Murder on the Vine by Jenna St. James
27. Toasted Coconut..."

Interesting title. Toasted Coconut Murder

Britney wrote: "Shannon wrote: "I've added to my list in the last week:

24. Tangled Up in Brew by Joyce Tremel (#1 of My Choice)
25. Color Me Dead by Constance Barker
26. Murder on the Vine by Jenna St. James
27...."

It was a donut. Well, the toasted coconut part anyway. LOL!

More cozies to add to the list:

32. Out of the Dying Pan by Linda Reilly (#1 Culinary)
33. Yappy Hour by Diana Orgain (#1 Animal Related)
34. Fudge Cake, Felony and a Funeral by Sherri Bryan (#2 British)
35. Laced with Poison by Meg London (#2 My Choice)
36. A Toast to Murder by Michele Scott
37. Vacation is Murder by Carolyn Arnold
38. A Side of Murder by Patti Benning

I've completed the following categories - British, Career, Travel and My Choice. I'm more than halfway through my first Craft Related book and I'm hard at work on the rest. I hope everyone is enjoying this challenge as much as I am!

Dagny wrote: "Love the title Yappy Hour!"

It was super cute. The second book in the series came out in December and it's title is "Trigger Yappy." I laughed so hard when I saw it.

Dagny wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Dagny wrote: "Love the title Yappy Hour!"

It was super cute. The second book in the series came out in December and it's title is "Trigger Yappy." I laughed so hard when I saw it."..."

I can't wait to see it!

You're moving right along.

Britney wrote: "You're moving right along."

I have very strange sleeping habits because of a back injury so I have lots of time to read, especially in the middle of the night when there's not much else to do. LOL!

Here are a few more to add to my list:

39. High Strung by Janice Peacock (#2 Craft Related)
40. Bodice of Evidence by Nancy Parra
41. Vanilla Bean Murder by Deany Ray
42. Cake Contest Murder by Deany Ray
43. Raspberry Coulis Murder by Susan Gillard
44. Paint the Town Dead by Nancy Haddock
45. Spare Ribs, Secrets and a Scandal by Sherri Bryan (#1 British in place of Historical)

Right now I'm reading Macaroni and Freeze by Christine Wenger (which will complete the Culinary related category) and Mug Shot by Caroline Fardig. I hope everyone is enjoying this challenge as much as I am. Happy Reading!!

Dagny wrote: "I love so many of the cozy titles. Macaroni and Freeze is a great one."

I know! You have to wonder how they come up with them. LOL!

I've read a few more books -

46. Macaroni & Freeze by Christine Wenger (#2 Culinary)
47. Jingle Buried Cookies by Lyndsey Cole (#2 Holiday Based)
48. Italian Wedding Murder by Patti Benning
49. Creme Brûlée Murder by Susan Gillard
50. Sweetheart Killer by Summer Prescott
51. Killer Me Green by Summer Prescott
52. Scene of the Grind by Tonya Kappas
53. Bark Once for Murder by Susie Gayle
54. Mug Shot by Caroline Fardig
55. Wrapped in Murder by Patti Benning

As of today, I've completed the following categories - Culinary, Animal, Craft, British, Career, Holiday, Travel and My Choice. I have replaced Historical with more British and I still have Paranormal to read.

I hope everyone is having a great time with the challenge!

There are some interesting titles

Shannon wrote: "I've read a few more books -

46. Macaroni & Freeze by Christine Wenger (#2 Culinary)
47. Jingle Buried Cookies by Lyndsey Cole (#2 Holiday Based)
48. Italian Wedding Murder by Patti Benning
49. Cr..."

Wow, you have made a lot of progress!

Joanne wrote: "Shannon wrote: "I've read a few more books -

46. Macaroni & Freeze by Christine Wenger (#2 Culinary)
47. Jingle Buried Cookies by Lyndsey Cole (#2 Holiday Based)
48. Italian Wedding Murder by Patt..."

LOL! I thought 55 books was pretty good until a friend of mine told me that she's read 106 since January 1st. I was blown away!

Joanne wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Shannon wrote: "I've read a few more books -

46. Macaroni & Freeze by Christine Wenger (#2 Culinary)
47. Jingle Buried Cookies by Lyndsey Cole (#2 Holiday Based)
48...."

I wish I knew! LOL! I know some of them were on the shorter side but still! Just incredible!!!

Joanne wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Shannon wrote: "I've read a few more books -

46. Macaroni & Freeze by Christine Wenger (#2 Culinary)
47. Jingle Buried Cookies by Lynd..."

You're better than me. Sometimes I can't/don't read every day. LOL

Wow! Those numbers are staggering..

Betsy wrote: "Wow! Those numbers are staggering.."

I know. Crazy!

Joanne wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Shannon wrote: "I've read a few more books -

46. Macaroni & Freeze by Christine Wenger (#2 Culinary)
47..."

I only live with my mom so there aren't too many distractions thankfully. I live with chronic pain and a pain pump in my stomach so I can have good and bad days. On the bad days, I tend to sleep a lot. That can certainly cut into my reading.

Joanne wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Shannon wrote: "I've read a few more books -

46. Macaroni & Freeze by Ch..."

Thank you, Joanne. I appreciate it. I've had two decent days so I was able to finish two books. YAY!

Shannon wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Shannon wrote: "I've read a few more books -

46. Macaroni & Freeze by Christine Wenger (..."

Sorry to hear that you deal with so much pain. Keeping you in my prayers. Glad that reading can help distract you.

Betsy wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Joanne wrote: "Shannon wrote: "I've read a few more books -

46. Macaroni & Freeze by Ch..."

Thanks, Joanne. Reading is definitely my salvation!

Well, I've finished all of the categories except for one and I could've told you from the start which one that would be - Paranormal! I know I'll finish it but it's going on the back burner for the time being. There are too many amazing books out there to be read and I don't want to waste my time at the moment. I hope everyone is having a fantastic time reading!!!

Dagny wrote: "Shannon wrote: "Well, I've finished all of the categories except for one and I could've told you from the start which one that would be - Paranormal! I know I'll finish it but it's going on the bac..."

Thanks, Dagny! I knew Paranormal would be the last one for me so I wanted to get everything else read as quickly as possible. I wanted to leave myself plenty of time to get on with it.

Think about how long you get to decide on your paranormal book. Over 6 months wow. I knew I wouldn't be into paranormal either so I decided to get it over with as soon as possible so I could enjoy the rest.

Joanne wrote: "Nice going shannon!!"

Thanks, Joanne!

Britney wrote: "Think about how long you get to decide on your paranormal book. Over 6 months wow. I knew I wouldn't be into paranormal either so I decided to get it over with as soon as possible so I could enjoy ..."

That's kind of how I feel, Britney. I had been thinking that it was great that I had all of this time to get to the paranormal books but I feel that it's going to be best to get them over with. I found one by Patti Benning that I'm going to try to tackle. Keeping my fingers crossed! LOL!

I've been a little behind listing the books I've read so, before I lose total control, here are the latest:

56. Pumpkins, Peril and Paella by Sherri Bryan (#2 British in place of Historical)
57. Mystical Murder by Patti Benning (#1 in Paranormal)
58. Dial P for Poison by Zara Keane
59. Dead Men Don't Eat Cookies by Virginia Lowell
60. Peaches and Cream Murder by Susan Gillard
61. Cotton Candy Murder by Susan Gillard
62. The Postman Always Dies Twice by Zara Keane
63. Croissants and Corruption by Danielle Collins
64. Grilling the Subject by Daryl Wood Gerber
65. A Fatal Competition by Ella White
66. Vanilla Beaned by Jenn McKinlay
67. Glazed Ham Murder by Patti Benning
68. A Cherry Sinister Murder by Nancy McGovern
69. Blue Suede Killer by Summer Prescott
70. Cherry Dream Murder by Susan Gillard
71. Sunny Side Up by Sonia Parin
72. Murder and Mai Tais by Elizabeth Ashby

All of my categories are complete with the exception of one remaining Paranormal which I know will be my nemesis. Thank goodness I have more time to drag my feet before it has to be done. I find them to a real chore for me. Oh, well. To each their own, right? Happy reading, all!!!