No longer the shelter-at-home orders, we have opened to Phase 3 in the NWI area. Still looking at the statistics, however, I’m not overly anxious to run out for any fun shopping any time soon and still condense my shopping to once a week for necessary groceries. It’s not very rewarding but at least both the CE and I remain CoVid free.
You’d think with all this mandated house time, I’d have more reading time than usual, but not at this time of year when finally the cattle guard opens and I can run to the back 40 for some serious grass, flower, and veggie time with my gardens. Finally, the year I decide I buy rain barrels to preserve some of the rain we get, we’ve had more than our normal share and I’ve had to dump more water than actually use on thirsty plants. So far, the earthworms are at risk of drowning and the birds are ecstatic.
Seventeen books in June! Most largely due to some massive help from the CE and rain. A variety of cozy mysteries, historical fiction, thrillers, sci-fi, and escapism action-adventure. Links listed below are my reviews.
In My Attic by Lena Hanson
The Pearl of York by Tony Morgan (5* histfic-author req-read with the CE)
Act of Deception by John Bishop MD
Snowed Under by Mary Feliz
The Mockingbird’s Song by Wanda E Brunstetter
January River by Bernard Jan (author request-buddy read with the CE)
Legacy of Lies by Robert Bailey
The Nutcracker Conspiracy by Lauren Carr (audiobook)
A Fatal Fiction by Kaitlyn Dunnit
Grave Consequences by Lena Gregory
Dangerous Pursuits by Jo Bannister
The Secret of Dunhaven Castle by Nellie H Steele (author request-buddy read)
Newgate’s Knocker by Greg Peterson (a CE 5* author request)
Speakeasy by A M Dunnewin
The Defense of Exeter Station by Thom Bedford (a CE review)
The Incredible Key West-Caribbean Race by Michael Reisig (fav author 5*)
The Finders by Jeffrey R Burton
Many of the above from NetGalley, an audiobook for blog tours, and the CE either read or participated in five reviews. There were several author requests including one from Michael Reisig who really outdid himself this year with an entirely different concept in his Key West series with the Ultimate Scavenger Hunt. SOOO fun! It’s on special sale right now for the Kindle edition at only $.99 and your chance for an introduction to his exciting, humorous, and unique novels. (No, I’m not getting a cut.) In fact, I was introduced to a new author (to me) in June that I’m particularly excited about and of course it would be a K-9 series. My first review in July will be another favorite author, Amanda Hughes and her Bold Women series, this one of the early 20th Century, coming on Friday, July 3.
The challenges: (seriously?) Audiobooks, at the low end of Stenographer 10-15–I have 11. Eight towards my NetGalley count giving me 47 in a challenge of 75. I need two more to achieve 10 for my Renaissance Reader level in the Historical Challenge. Goodreads–I’m now one book behind schedule at 83 of 170 or 49% of that challenge. Because the Murder Mystery Bingo Challenge became so overwhelming, I jumped at the Summer Bingo! Challenge created by Lynne at Fictionophile. The contest started on the first of June and will continue through August. You’ll need to check her rules and get your card. SIMPLE and fun! Even I can do this one! To follow my progress, click on the Reading Challenges page.
Since writing the recap last month, seems conditions have only changed for the worse. Such a dark, tragic period in our country and around the globe. I hope that wherever you are, you continue to stay safe in the face of CoVid19 and are still coping successfully. I’m forever grateful for your likes and comments and always look forward to your posts!
Stay safe!
©2020 V Williams