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I would like to read 100 books this year!

Within that number, I have a few requirements such as how many need to come from my own bookshelf, how many should be ARCs etc. If you're interested in following my journey or just reading about my 100 book breakdown, here is my blog post: .

Addendum:
Our own group's read your shelf challenge: I am going to try to read 10 books bought before 2019.

Juli wrote: "I would like to read 100 books this year!

Within that number, I have a few requirements such as how many need to come from my own bookshelf, how many should be ARCs etc. If you're interested in fo..."

I like your breakdown! Mine is more messy. lol.

Elyse wrote: "Juli wrote: "I would like to read 100 books this year!

Within that number, I have a few requirements such as how many need to come from my own bookshelf, how many should be ARCs etc. If you're int..."

I need to do it that way, otherwise I will only mood-read and probably never pick stuff from my own shelf but just get distracted by shiny new things in bookstores or libraries ;)

Juli wrote: "I need to do it that way, otherwise I will only mood-read and probably never pick stuff from my own shelf but just get distracted by shiny new things in bookstores or libraries ;)..."

I need that kind of organization. lol. I try. At least I have my To Read Soon shelf on GR, which helps a LOT. And any books I've won or need to review or I picked for challenges are on that shelf. I do have too many books on it though, 360! lol.

Elyse wrote: "Juli wrote: "I need to do it that way, otherwise I will only mood-read and probably never pick stuff from my own shelf but just get distracted by shiny new things in bookstores or libraries ;)..."
..."

That happens to me too! I started using Google Docs with tabs for the different TBRs - ARCs, reading challenges etc ... That helped me a lot. And I started adding calendar reminders for ARC due dates!

Juli wrote: "That happens to me too! I started using Google Docs with tabs for the differet TBRS - ARCs, reading challenges etc ... That helped me a lot. And I started adding calendar reminders for ARC due dates!...

Oh I should do that! I've started using Google Docs a lot in the past year.

Elyse wrote: "Juli wrote: "That happens to me too! I started using Google Docs with tabs for the differet TBRS - ARCs, reading challenges etc ... That helped me a lot. And I started adding calendar reminders for..."


It breaks it down in smaller, more accomplishable piles ... lol.

I love your sub title :)

Andrea wrote: "I love your sub title :)"

Thank you! I was looking at my past titles and thought they were boring ;)

#1 Jewels of the Sun#1

4/5 stars

#3 Tears of the Moon

5/5 stars

#4 Heart of the Sea

4/5 stars

I just love romance novels set in Ireland. I enjoyed book #2 in this series the most, because of all the bickering and the idea that they have been life-long friends. I bow down to Nora Roberts and her infinite repertoire of Irish cussing. And I loved that Roberts wrote a different kind of woman for book 3.

#2 Even If I Fall

4/5 stars

I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

In this young adult novel, we get to know Brooke and Heath. Two broken teenagers. One the sister of a murderer, the other the brother of his victim. They give each other solace and understanding and someone to rely on during a time their families suffer and certainly don't allow their paths to cross. Abigail Johnson deals with death, grief, and loss in a beautiful way in this book. It's raw and real. It's all-consuming but also slowly subsiding. Her writing takes you through the different stages of letting go and coming to terms with the past. It allows you, the reader, to move on together with her protagonists. The main plotline is secondary but gives the novel the structure it needs to bring its message across.

I believe this is an important read for kids and adults alike. If you're looking to understand what you or someone is going through at a time of hurt and sadness, you will find some condolence and maybe even answers in this story.

#5 Nine Perfect Strangers

3/5 stars

This book was written well. I obviously devoured it (read it in one day). The story was fast-paced with elements of suspense. But I just couldn't get myself to care about the characters.

Read Your Shelves: 1/10

Juli wrote: "#5 Nine Perfect Strangers

3/5 stars

This book was written well. I obviously devoured it (read it in one day). The story was fast-paced ..."

I got this from BoTM Nov. Haven't picked it up yet.

Elyse wrote: "Juli wrote: "#5 Nine Perfect Strangers

3/5 stars

This book was written well. I obviously devoured it (read it in one day). The story wa..."

That's where I got my copy from. I was really excited about this. But it just fell flat. Sadly!

Juli wrote: "That's where I got my copy from. I was really excited about this. But it just fell flat. Sadly!..."

Bummer! I've only read Big Little Lies by her so far.

Elyse wrote: "Juli wrote: "That's where I got my copy from. I was really excited about this. But it just fell flat. Sadly!..."

Bummer! I've only read Big Little Lies by her so far."


Same! That's why I had high hopes for this one. I thought she did an excellent job with character development in Big Little Lies - and there were also a lot of characters' just like in this one. But here, she fell flat for me.

Juli wrote: "#5 Nine Perfect Strangers

3/5 stars

This book was written well. I obviously devoured it (read it in one day). The story was fast-paced with elements of suspense. But I just couldn't get myself to care about the characters."

This was kinda how I felt about The Husband's Secret, my first book of hers. The only one I've read since is What Alice Forgot (since it was on my TBR from before I read this one), which I liked better, but I'm still reluctant to spend more time on her books.

Charleen wrote: "Juli wrote: "#5 Nine Perfect Strangers

3/5 stars

This book was written well. I obviously devoured it (read it in one day). The story wa..."

If you haven't watched the TV series yet, I would recommend Big Little Lies. I would also recommend the series.

Juli wrote: "If you haven't watched the TV series yet, I would recommend Big Little Lies. I would also recommend the series. ..."

Can't wait for season 2!

Joanne wrote: "Elyse wrote: "Juli wrote: "If you haven't watched the TV series yet, I would recommend Big Little Lies. I would also recommend the series. ..."

Can't wait for season 2!"

I watch the first season ..."


I loved Big Little Lies, the show. I don't know what season 2 will bring because the book ended with season 1.

I bet the other series is Nine Perfect Strangers. The spa location in that book is in Australia, and Moriarty thanks Nicole Kidman in the acknowledgments.

#6 The Winter People

4/5 stars

Ugh man, I'm disappointed. This story was so good. The atmosphere was amazing. I cared for the characters. I loved how slowly the plotline built creating an eerie and misty atmosphere. And then the end happened: flat, almost trivial, and out of nowhere. I wish the author would've taken her time with the conclusion of this story.

Sidenote: I still think this should be a movie directed by Eggers a la The Witch.

#7 Salt

1/5 stars

I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

In this story we get to know 4 siblings who have recently become orphaned and took over the family business: hunting down sea monsters, living the ocean life, barely scraping by. They have their parents journal with notes about the various monsters and a map to a potential treasure, as well as their rickety ship and an arsenal of weapons. We follow the siblings on their journey to avenge their parents. Along the way, they encounter clues, monsters, and a female pirate. Will they come face to face with the monster that allegedly killed their parents? Will they find the treasure on the way?

I have to say this book wasn't for me. I was intrigued by the genre and story synopsis as fantastical sea adventures are generally my thing. Unfortunately, the story felt like a hodgepodge of magical text messages sent by an angsty teen. Maybe the teenager-like language was done on purpose but somehow didn't fit the atmosphere of the plotline at all. I was confused at times whether or not the narrator (teenaged Indi) was actually sitting in his older sister's pocket or if it was just a figure of speech. Events along the journey happened abruptly and were hard to follow. The crescendo of encountering the mythical sea creature called El Diamante fell flat and the battle was way too short for me to care about its outcome. And the ending seemed like an odd afterthought.

All in all, I struggled reading this book and am not certain I understood its message. To me, the only positive note was the female pirate who made no excuses for herself and her lifestyle. She was a very positive (despite being a thieving pirate) role model in the book.

#8 The Winter of the Witch

5/5 stars

Um, what to say????? I had to stay up late to read The Winter Witch in one sitting. This book concludes the journey of one of my favorite heroines, Vasya! She intrigued me in book 1, I fell in love with her in book 2, and she completed me in book 3. How will I go on from here? I need more Vasya in my life!

Katherine Arden's writing was mesmerizing. She captivated me with her ease to spin novel prose into old world tales. All protagonists grew in this installment. they were complex, to begin with, but their changes were so fitting and crucial for this plot. I loved how she brought side stories and other arcs back into this book. She wrapped everything up with a nice bow on top. If you can call an inevitable war, a head-on collision, a battle of the wits between mankind and mystical creatures wrapping it up with a bow on top. Vasya's role in this spectacle of "will these two worlds or won't they come together" was raw and difficult but I loved every moment of it. Don't get me wrong, Arden broke my heart, with a death so sudden and unexpected that I almost threw the book down, but she repaired it at the end with a conclusion so meaningful and important, I forgave her instantaneously. I urge you here to read her afterword!

I loved being able to follow the author's own professional rise as a writer. Her prose improved with each book in this series. While I loved book 2 the best because it had the strongest emphasis on Vasya, Arden's writing was the most powerful in book 3. Indeed, The Winter Witch lives and breaths off of the author's words! At this point, I only wish I could read Vasya's tale once more like it was the first time. The Winternight Trilogy will stick with me, as a great example, that even today we can still read books as magical as back in the day when stories were our most important means to communicate with each other. I don't think I read a modern novel series, I think I read old folklore passed down from generation to generation, and I love Katherine Arden for being able to accomplish that.

Juli wrote: "#8 The Winter of the Witch

5/5 stars..."

Good thing you followed up that 1-star with a 5-star! I'm so excited to read this one! And was so disappointed I didn't get approved for the ARC. lol. I might buy the trio though now that it's complete.

Elyse wrote: "Juli wrote: "#8 The Winter of the Witch

5/5 stars..."

Good thing you followed up that 1-star with a 5-star! I'm so excited to read thi..."

Same here! I reviewed both of the other books and wish I could've gotten my grubby little hands on this last one much earlier! I'd say this is most definitely a series worth owning.

#9 The Kiss Quotient

5/5 stars

Don't let this cutesy cover fool you, this is no fluff romance novel. This story was sexy and erotic (and definitely graphic at times). Its story was complex and complicated. Its characters were real. Hoang's protagonist Stella has high-functioning ASD. She is successful, smart, driven, and sweet. She is also shy. She likes routines and being in control. All things lots of people (including me) can relate too. While at times Stella struggles with her rigidity, I mostly admired her for being unapologetically herself. I enjoyed learning her thoughts and feelings. I enjoyed following her development. Reading the author's afterword, I understand why Stella's inner monologue felt so authentic. I am glad I got to read this book because I was able to experience a different viewpoint. I am glad literature like this exists.

Elyse wrote: "Juli wrote: "I need to do it that way, otherwise I will only mood-read and probably never pick stuff from my own shelf but just get distracted by shiny new things in bookstores or libraries ;)..."
..."

Elyse, I can come and organize you! LOL ALLLLLLLL while encouraging you to get the $1.99 books on the kindle!!!
BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Juli wrote: "#1 Jewels of the Sun#1

4/5 stars

#3 Tears of the Moon

5/5 stars

#4 [bookcover:Heart of the Sea..."</i>


THIS is by far my most favorite of all her series. I just love this one and find myself rereading it often [as comfort books]. This one and the Wedding Quartet and The MacGregor's are my all-time favorites!

Dawn Michelle wrote: "Elyse, I can come and organize you! LOL ALLLLLLLL while encouraging you to get the $1.99 books on the kindle!!!
BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA..."

It's YOUR fault I'm adding to my 2019 Purchases shelf!! lol

Elyse wrote: "Dawn Michelle wrote: "Elyse, I can come and organize you! LOL ALLLLLLLL while encouraging you to get the $1.99 books on the kindle!!!
BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA..."

It's YOUR fault I'm adding to ..."

My job here is done!!
;-)

#10 Saga, Vol. 3

4/5 stars

I really, really like this series. It's engaging and suspenseful.

#11 Saga, Vol. 4

5/5 stars

Gah the story is getting so good.

#12 Helter Skelter: The True Story of the Manson Murders

4/5 stars

This was a fascinating listen.

#13 Hygge: The Danish Art of Happiness: The Complete Book of Hygge (Hygge Life, Hygge Books, Hygge Habits, Hygge Christmas, Hygge Lifestyle, Art of Happiness. Concept of Hygge)

3/5 stars

This was a quick listen. People who know me, know, that I love minimalism. But I also love a cozy life. I generally tend to have a few cherished items and I regularly purge my house. This book was a cutesy introduction to Hygge but often lacked depth and at times even had a few directly opposing statements. I did like (and wrote down) the Hygge Manifesto and I think I will use some of the Hygge suggestions during my next purge - maybe it'll be a combination of the KonMari method and Hygge.

Juli wrote: "#13 ..."

I haven't read that one. I enjoyed The Little Book of Hygge: The Danish Way to Live Well! And plan on reading The Little Book of Lykke: The Danish Search for the World's Happiest People.

Elyse wrote: "Juli wrote: "#13 [bookcover:Hygge: The Danish Art of Happiness: The Complete Book of Hygge (Hygge Life, Hygge Books, Hygge Habits, Hygge Christmas, Hygge Lifestyle, Art of Happiness. Concept of Hyg..."

I think I am going to read the first one you mentioned. It hopefully will provide more depth.

I started to watch Big Little Lies and someone deleted from our DVR. I keep forgetting to see if I can find it to watch again. I was only 3 episodes in, but found it to be really good!

Andrea wrote: "I started to watch Big Little Lies and someone deleted from our DVR. I keep forgetting to see if I can find it to watch again. I was only 3 episodes in, but found it to be really good!"

It should be available OnDemand since it's a premium channel. They take years to expire their shows OnDemand. I've gone back and starting watching True Detective season 1, still available OnDemand!

Dawn Michelle wrote: "Juli wrote: "#1 Jewels of the Sun#1

4/5 stars

#3 Tears of the Moon

5/5 stars

#4 [bookcover:Hea..."

I have read all those as well. I find myself re-reading them by accident. I read several of them in German first and so it takes me a while to catch on ... lol

#14 The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing'

5/5 stars

I'm giving this 5 stars because of how much I enjoyed Marie Kondo's writing and her anecdotes. She is just too precious. I don't think her tips and tricks are going to be life-changing for me as I already love to sort my stuff and purge things but I will for sure use her mindfulness in the future. I like the idea of thanking my items! And I love the idea of speaking to my house.

#15 Dark Rainbow: Queer Erotic Horror

3/5 stars

I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This collection of short stories combines erotic content and horror, something that goes well together, in my opinion. The stories itself are very diverse in plot and protagonists, which I appreciate. Some stories are gory, some are haunting, and all are frightening in one way or another. There is quite some explicit subject matter but it doesn't feel cheap.

My main criticism is that most of the stories felt too short and lacked that something special to make them stand out. For a few of them, I didn't connect with the writing style at all, and for others, I felt that the characters needed more work to make me care about them.

There was however one story that I just loved. Think of Me grabbed me right from the beginning. Lindsay King-Miller's words create an eerie but somehow beautiful and nostalgic atmosphere. Her plot, however, makes the reader feel regret, fears, and sadness. These two carry the main theme of suicide and its aftermath perfectly. Adding a paranormal twist to it is new and different. I am looking forward to reading more of her work.

#16 Red Clocks

4/5 stars

My favorite part of the book was the creative writing, which was unique for each of the 5 women. I loved the book within the book (which is the story of the 5th woman). There is not much plot here and although it is sort of a dystopian society it didn't feel over the top or unattainable. The life and the problems of the women seemed real. I could relate or at least understand each one of them.

Read Your Shelves 2/10

#17 Magician: Master

5/5 stars

The second book was just as great as the first.

#18 We Sold Our Souls

3.5/5 stars

I would like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my advanced copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

In this novel, we follow Kris on her journey to discover what truly happened the night when her band signed their contracts that ended every members' but one's musical career. This journey leads her down a sinister path that is paved by more than greed and selfishness. Was her soul sold for success? How and when? Grady Hendrix writes a fast-paced, paranormal story that is so fun and twisted you can't put down the book. I was in glee every minute of it. Well despite those 15 or so minutes Hendrix scared me so badly with his descriptions of Kris confined in the deepest and tightest tunnels imaginable. I have to say I was in those tunnels with her the entire time. I felt claustrophobic along with her. I was delirious from despair just like Kris. I bow down to the author's talent to create such a visceral reaction in me, the reader. The sole reason I deducted points stems from some of the choices Hendrix made to propel the story forward. A few of those plot points just weren't believable despite that fact that you had to suspend belief to begin with in order to go on this ride. I wish he would've fleshed out some of these scenarios as I easily can say this book would've been a 5 star read otherwise. All in all, though, I really enjoyed We Sold Our Souls and I will certainly grab another Hendrix novel in the future.

#19 Small Spaces

4/5 stars

This books is a great middle grade Halloween read! It reminds me a bit of Dark Harvest by Norman Partridge, in the best way possible. Arden proves again that she can create a mysterious setting and an interesting plot. The story was really scary at times and I know I would've devoured this book with glee in my younger years (as I did this time actually).

#20 Looking for Alaska

3.5/5 stars

This book had been on my TBR forever and maybe I should've read this earlier. I enjoyed the story. I didn't mind the characters. But there was just too much teenage angst. Am I getting too old to relate to that?

#21 Shadow and Bone

4/5 stars

I loved the darkness of this book.

Juli wrote: "#20 Looking for Alaska

3.5/5 stars

This book had been on my TBR forever and maybe I should've read this earlier. I enjoyed the story. I didn't mi..."

I swapped a book for this in a FB group last year. Haven't read it yet.

Elyse wrote: "Juli wrote: "#20 Looking for Alaska

3.5/5 stars

This book had been on my TBR forever and maybe I should've read this earlier. I enjoyed the story..."

I really had been looking forward to reading it but felt a bit let down.

Juli wrote: "Elyse wrote: "Juli wrote: "#20 Looking for Alaska

3.5/5 stars

This book had been on my TBR forever and maybe I should've read this earlier. I enj..."

Well, that's disappointing. At least it was short. lol. I definitely have books I own that I know I must be too old for by now. Or series I started when I was in my teens that are now done and I want to finish them but don't think I'll like them as much now.

Elyse wrote: "Juli wrote: "Elyse wrote: "Juli wrote: "#20 Looking for Alaska

3.5/5 stars

This book had been on my TBR forever and maybe I should've read this e..."

Lol, yes I missed the window on this one ... I honestly think I have read a lot of angsty YA over the past few years and had I read this one before those I probably would've liked it a lot more.