Rachel (aktakukac) Reads in 2021 - Part 2

Hello and welcome to my 2021 thread! My name is Rachel. I work in a library in a small town in Ohio, and when I am not at work, I am busy with my two young sons. My husband and I always have plenty to do between our jobs, the kids, and farming.

I don’t read as much as I used to, but I still try to find time for audiobooks, ebooks, or print books. I like to read a variety of genres and subjects, but lately have needed easier, comforting reads that I can put down and come back to when time allows. I also read a lot of picture and board books with the boys.
I am not as active on the LT threads as I would like to be. I lurk a lot. I am always behind on my reviews and updates. One day it may get better, but that’s for a time down the road. Thanks to visitors for stopping by, and happy reading to all this year!

Books Read January-March

January
1. Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
2. One by One by Ruth Ware
3. Wundersmith: The Calling of Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
4. 96 Miles by J.L. Esplin
5. The Paper Girl of Paris by Jordyn Taylor
6. Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend
7. A Field Guide to Getting Lost by Joy McCullough

February
8. The Truth App by Jack Heath
9. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
10. Return to the Secret Garden by Holly Webb
11. The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie
12. You Say It First by Katie Cotugno
13. Fortune and Glory by Janet Evanovich
14. A Princess for Christmas by Jenny Holiday
15. Lost Books and Old Bones by Paige Shelton
16. A Long Road on a Short Day by Gary D. Schmidt and Elizabeth Stickney
17. The Book of Boy by Catherine Gilbert Murdock

March
18. The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
19. The Loch Ness Papers by Paige Shelton
20. The Switch by Beth O’Leary
21. The Upside of Falling by Alex Light
22. Ashes on the Moor by Sarah M. Eden
23. Lock Every Door by Riley Sager
24. The Game of Silence by Louise Erdrich

Books Read April-June

April
25. The Blackbird Girls by Anne Blankman
26. Voyage of the Frostheart by Jamie Littler
27. Artificial Condition by Martha Wells
28. Shiver by Allie Reynolds
29. To Scotland with Love by Patience Griffin
30. Max and the Midknights: Battle of the Bodkins by Lincoln Peirce
31. The Train to Impossible Places by P.G. Bell

May
32. One Way or Another by Kara McDowell
33. Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells
34. A Solitude of Wolverines by Alice Henderson
35. Meet Isabel Puddles by M.V. Byrne
36. Exit Strategy by Martha Wells

June
37. Hot British Boyfriend by Kristy Boyce
38. The Garden of Promises and Lies by Paula Brackston
39. Fall Into Me by Mila Gray
40. The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue
41. House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig
42. Float Plan by Trish Doller

Books Read July-September

July
43. Wild River by Rodman Philbrick
44. The Girl and the Witch's Garden by Erin Bowman
45. The Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis
46. Make It Sweet by Kristen Callihan
47. The Animal Rescue Agency: Case File: Little Claws by Eliot Schrefer
48. Network Effect by Martha Wells
49. The Nerviest Girl in the World by Melissa Wiley
50. The Perfect Guests by Emma Rous
51. Fugitive Telemetry by Martha Wells
52. Little Town on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

August
53. The Layover by Lacie Waldon
54. The Windsor Knot by SJ Bennett
55. The Children's Blizzard by Melanie Benjamin

September
56. The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros
57. The Wide Starlight by Nicole Lesperance
58. The Survivors by Jane Harper
59. The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner
60. The Clockwork Crow by Catherine Fisher

Books Read October-December

October
61. Beautiful Wild by Anna Godbersen
62. The Secret Bridesmaid by Katy Birchall
63. Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng
64. Brother's Keeper by Julie Lee
65. Blade of Secrets by Tricia Levenseller
66. Apple Cider Slaying by Julie Anne Lindsey
67. Leaving Everest by Megan Westfield

November
68. The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens
69. A Small Town Thanksgiving by Marie Ferrarella
70. "B" Is for Betsy by Carolyn Haywood

December
71. Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund
72. A Christmas in the Alps by Melody Carlson
73. Dear Emmie Blue by Lia Louis
74. Tiger Queen by Annie Sullivan
75. The Captive by Fiona King Foster

Life has gotten even busier this year, and work is crazy, so my days go by quickly and I don’t have much reading time. I’m still hoping to reach 75 by the end of the year!

I do have reviews for what I read in September, so once I've posted those, I will be all caught up for a while at least :)

Book # 56: The Things We Leave Unfinished by Rebecca Yarros

I was hesitant to start another Yarros novel, because a few years ago I read one and it made me so angry I still get frustrated when I think of it. I’m glad I gave this one a chance, because I got invested in the dual storylines, and although the modern day parts of the book were much weaker, I enjoyed it very much overall.

Georgia moves back to Colorado after her divorce. Her grandmother recently passed away, and Georgia plans to take over some family business and charity endeavors. She also needs to approve the finalization and publishing of her grandmother’s last novel. She runs into Noah at a bookshop, not realizing that he is the author who has been assigned the job. They don’t exactly hit it off, and Noah has to win Georgia over as she has final say over everything to do with the novel. They read through letters her grandparents wrote to each other during WWII, and have differing views on how the novel should be completed.

Her grandmother, Scarlett, was a British woman with a unique job during the war. She meets an American pilot, and the two quickly fall in love. As chapters alternate between the present day and 1940s, Scarlett’s love story and writing career are explained, and Georgia and Noah’s story presents itself.

There was a MAJOR twist I should have seen coming, and it blew me away. I enjoyed the WWII storyline more, and thought Georgia and Noah’s story was a bit predictable and went on too long. Still, it was a novel I couldn’t wait to read more of, and I even stayed up way too late to finish it.

Book # 57: The Wide Starlight by Nicole Lesperance

While the cover of this YA fantasy appealed to me, the story itself did not. I am in the majority here, and it was more a case of wrong book at the wrong time for me. I’d recommend it to readers who enjoyed The Snow Child, as it contains a lot of folklore/folk stories (in this case, Norwegian) that are intertwined with Eline’s story of finding her mother.

Book # 58: The Survivors by Jane Harper

Not Harper’s strongest or best work, but it was very atmospheric and I liked the remote setting.

Book # 59: The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

After seeing so much love for this series on LT, I had to try the first book. I had honestly tried to avoid knowing much about it so I wouldn’t come across spoilers. It was not what I was expecting. The first part of this one was soooooo long and dull. Things picked up a bit later on, but by then I wasn’t invested in the story. I’m disappointed, but moving on to other books.

Book # 60: The Clockwork Crow by Catherine Fisher

What a lovely little middle grade fantasy story! The audio narration was superb, and I think I would have enjoyed this one as a kid. The second book in the trilogy comes out in the US later this fall, and I will definitely be picking it up.

Seren is an orphan whose godfather, whom she has never met, takes her in. She takes the train to her new home, an estate in Wales, and while she is waiting for the train, she is given a package. While she intends to leave it with the stationmaster, circumstances don’t allow it and she ends up putting the object together once she is in her new home. It’s not the home she had imagined, as a tragedy occurred a year earlier, and the estate is now a sad, unwelcoming place with just a few employees to help take care of Seren. However, she is determined to uncover the truth of what happened, and the object from the train may be able to help.

I appreciated the pacing of the story, the setting, liked Seren’s character, and hope I will like the next book just as much.

Books Read in September



I returned most of my library books unread, as I haven't felt like reading much before bedtime, and don't get a chance to open a book very often on the weekends. My goals for October include finishing a YA novel I've had going for ages (it's not bad, and if I could just have a couple of hours to finish it, I could), and Little Fires Everywhere, which is the October book discussion selection for work.

Happy new thread, Rachel!

Happy new one!

Happy new thread, Rachel. It has been great to see you more active in the group again this year. xx

>13 FAMeulstee:, >14 drneutron:, >15 PaulCranswick: Thanks, all! Hopefully I'll have some book reviews to post before the end of the year.

I didn't read any of my current book over the weekend. I did read a lot with the boys - a lot of short non-fiction books about different baby animals with my oldest, and several board books with my youngest. He's getting really excited about pointing at pictures now. He also has to grab a book from a bin in his room first thing in the morning after I get him changed. He wants to carry it out to the living room to show his big brother :) I will have to remember to take a picture of him looking through the book bin.

I also realized I have a lot more fall and Halloween picture books checked out than I thought, so we will be working on those in the next couple of weeks so I can bring them back and get them cleared off my library card!

Book # 61: Beautiful Wild by Anna Godbersen

Many years ago, a coworker at the library I was working at highly praised Anna Godbersen’s Luxe series. I never read them, but remembered the author’s name and thought this, her most recent novel, sounded like something I would enjoy.

Vida is a socialite on a luxury ocean liner in the Pacific. She is determined to catch the eye of Fitz, whose family owns the ship. When the ship unexpectedly sinks, she, Fitz, and Fitz’s friend Sal are among the survivors whose lifeboat ends up on a deserted tropical island. Vida does not get along with Sal, but when Fitz and some others leave to get help, they have to work together to survive.

Well, I hope the Luxe series is better than this one, because it fell totally flat for me. Nothing happened for 80 pages, then when things started to happen, it wasn’t exciting and the writing was very choppy in places which made parts of the story confusing. I did not like any of the characters (I could have liked Sal, but he was not developed enough for that), never was on the edge of my seat with anticipation like I should be with this type of story, and the love triangle was so boring.

I struggled with this one for months before finishing it this morning. I could have abandoned it, but was determined to see it through and find out what would happen in the end. Definitely not recommended.

At least now I can move on with a new book!

This week I finally finished the YA book I've been reading on-and-off for months (see above review). I also listened to about half a juvenile historical fiction novel, and started my October book discussion title for work. I'll have a bit more listening time for that one before the end of the work day today, and will definitely finish it up before the meeting next Thursday. I have a couple of options for my next print book, so I may start one later tonight after the boys go to sleep.

I'm sorry to hear about Beautiful Wild because I fully enjoyed the Luxe series!

>19 DFED: I was very disappointed - it had so much potential! From glancing at some other reviews on GoodReads, it seems others agree the Luxe series is much better.

Book # 62: The Secret Bridesmaid by Katy Birchall

Sophie has made a career of being a secret bridesmaid. She’s a wedding planner who is hired by brides, couples, or sometimes the parents of the bride to help with all aspects of the wedding while providing extra support for the bride-to-be. Sophie and the bride come up with a cover story of how they met and she uses an alias in order to remain more anonymous.

When she is hired by the mother of an incredibly famous member of England’s elite society (basically one step away from royalty), Sophie (AKA Emily for this particular wedding) takes the job even though she is warned that the bride, Cordelia, will be very difficult to work with. Cordelia tries everything she can to get Sophie to quit, she can only make things so difficult while still pretending to be good friends with the bridesmaid. Sophie is determined to see the job through. The two slowly become friendly, but something happens that may cause the entire wedding to be called off. Oh, and “Emily” and Cordelia’s brother have a mutual attraction, but what can happen when he doesn’t know who she really is?

I really, really enjoyed this book. I even read it in two days, which never happens for me anymore. The story held my attention the entire time, the pages flew by quickly, and the bits at the end of chapters had me chuckling out loud. I do wish the Tom and Emily romance could have been a little stronger, but then it would have taken away from the main story, and the ending was very satisfactory. This was the author’s adult fiction debut. If it sounds even remotely like something you’d like, do yourself a favor and read a copy.

>21 aktakukac: Ooh, I'll have to add that one to the list!

Happy new thread!

>22 curioussquared: It's really good, Natalie, and may likely end up on my top ten list for the year. I think you'll enjoy it, too!

>23 foggidawn: Thanks!

Last week I finished two books, one of which was for our first in-person book discussion since March 2020. Three people showed up for it, but one of them left after a bit because she is hard of hearing and reads lips. My co-worker and I were masked (all staff are required to wear masks at work), and we did not know about her condition. Both that lady and another attendee said that the book for next month is really good, but I will wait another week or so before I start reading that one.

I don’t have a physical book picked out to start at home. I will have to look at my library checkouts and see which one to read next. I have a seasonally appropriate cozy mystery ready to begin on audio, and may start that one later today.

Book # 63: Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

This was the selection for my book discussion at work which was originally picked for October 2020. I had never read it, and had avoided spoilers or knowing anything about the plot. While I enjoyed the writing, I was sort of overwhelmed by so much “stuff” the author tried to squeeze into the story. So many storylines could have been their own book entirely. I was also struck by how much, and again how little, has changed about high school life, and life in general, since the mid 1990s.

We had a smaller group in attendance than we had pre-COVID, but we still managed to have a good discussion, and I am looking forward to next month, when we will talk about a book I selected (originally for November 2020).

Book # 64: Brother’s Keeper by Julie Lee

A middle grade/early YA book set during the Korean War. Sora and her family begin their escape from North Korea with intentions of traveling to a city in the southern part of South Korea where they have friends and relatives. She and one of her brothers are separated from their parents and baby brother and have to attempt the journey, through war zones, on their own.

First off, this was an excellent debut novel. It was quite the emotional read, and since I don’t know much about the Korean War, I learned a lot. Highly recommended if you like historical fiction, stories about siblings, or are interested in the Korean peninsula and history.

Book # 65: Blade of Secrets by Tricia Levenseller

If Tricia Levenseller writes it, I will read it. I hesitated about this one, though, because it is the first in a duology and I knew I’d want to read the second book ASAP. Too bad it won’t be published until next summer.

Ziva is a blacksmith who creates magical weapons and is most comfortable in her forge, where she can avoid people and deal with her anxiety. She creates a special sword, but when she learns the true intent of the person who commissioned it, she flees with the sword, her sister, a hired mercenary, and a magical scholar. As they travel, they have to keep one step ahead of the army that is searching for them as well as figure out a way to destroy the sword. There is lots of action – it definitely makes the story fly by – as well as some romance. I did not anticipate something that is revealed at the end, and I am curious how things will take shape in the next book.

Recommended for readers who like fast-paced YA fantasy. Just be prepared to have to read the second book…I am waiting very impatiently for that one!

Not trying to catch up, Rachel, just dropping by to say "Hello."

>28 aktakukac: Sounds like a good one! I will have to see if my local library has a copy.

Happy Wednesday!

>28 aktakukac: I will also look out for that one, Rachel.

Have a lovely weekend.

Finishing up my reviews for October:



Book # 66: Apple Cider Slaying by Julie Anne Lindsey

I enjoyed this first installment in a cozy series. It’s set at a family-owned orchard in West Virginia, and is full of small-town characters, a lovely rural location, and the mystery kept me wondering throughout the story. I liked the audio version and will continue with other installments as I am able.

Book # 67: Leaving Everest by Megan Westfield

This was a YA/New Adult coming-of-age/slow-burn romance that has to have one of the most unique settings I’ve read in a while: the Himalayas. Emily has spent a good portion of her life living with her mountain guide father in the mountains. She is an excellent climber who has unofficially set some records and hopes to get a sponsorship so she can continue climbing. When her friend Luke returns from college in the US to help guide some members of his university faculty, Emily is beyond surprised to see him and begins to reevaluate her feelings and try to make plans for the upcoming school year. After receiving some news from her father, Emily is hired as a guide with Luke’s company, and helps climbers attempt to reach the top of Mt. Everest. What happens on the trip will have an impact on many people and Emily’s future.

I highly enjoyed this one, and may read it again at some point. I could almost feel the cold alpine air on my face and the burn from hiking all day in my legs as I read it. Both Emily and Luke’s characters were intriguing, although part of me got annoyed with Emily at times. The romance was very, very slow to build, and surprisingly remained tamer than I expected. Recommended if the setting or story sounds appealing to you.

>29 alcottacre: >30 PaulCranswick: I hope you can both come across copies of the Levenseller book! I highly enjoyed them, and the second in the duology will be one of my most anticipated reads of next year!

Books Read in October



October started off with a dud, and the book discussion selection wasn't my favorite, but I had several fantastic reads this month and some will make my top 10 of the year.

I have started my November book discussion title, and it's off to a great start so far. I also started another print book in October that is sitting on my night stand and I haven't had a chance to get back to in a few days. What I have read of that one has been great so far, and I am looking forward to spending more time with it. Otherwise, I'm just working away at my library checkouts, trying to fit in some on my own books, and hoping to get to 75 by the end of the year.

My November reading may also include some baby name books, as my husband and I are expecting Baby # 3 in March. We have the anatomy scan later today (I am 20 weeks along) and won't be finding out if it's a boy or a girl. We've used up our two favorite boy names, and have never really discussed girl names. I know some of my favorites are now out of the question due to various reasons, so spending some time with name books may be helpful.

>35 aktakukac: Oh my gosh, congratulations, Rachel!! So exciting ☺️

Congratulations, Rachel! I hope the scan goes well!

Congratulations!

Congratulations!!

>36 curioussquared: >37 MickyFine: >38 foggidawn: >39 DFED: Thanks, everyone! The anatomy scan yesterday was wonderful! Everything is measuring on track, there is no indication of clubbed feet (although this is sometimes missed during ultrasounds and is a surprise at birth), and my placenta placement is in the back so I will actually be able to feel movements properly this time :) With both of the boys, their clubbed feet were very noticeable on the monitor, but this little pickle's ankle bones appear to be normal and there were no curves with the feet, so I am going to be optimistic that I'll be able to use the footie onesies that have been sitting in a tub in the basement with this baby.

We told the tech that we did not want to know the sex of the baby, but it was moving around so much that at one time I think I saw a boy part, but it could have been the cord...but the same thing kind of happened with my first, and I'm having a boy feeling after seeing the profile. Either way, as long as it's healthy, I don't care! I will have to get to work on a list of names though...

On Saturday, my MIL and I are driving to this antique mall that my husband and I were at last weekend so we can look at this oak secretary/cabinet that I am in love with. I'll most likely pay for it on Saturday and then we will figure out how to bring it home. The guys will be in the field so we may have to wait until next weekend to pick it up. I'll probably work on housework Friday night and will be gone for a while on Saturday, so I may not have much reading time this weekend. I am halfway through The Life We Bury for the book discussion next week, and it's really good. I also read a chapter or two of the time travel book I've been reading for a couple of weeks at 3 AM when a bit of insomnia kicked in.

That is wonderful news Rachel.

Glad to hear the baby is looking healthy and you'll get to enjoy (?) all the kicking and moving. My mom still complains that when I was in utero and near term I'd put my feet on her ribs and stretch and she'd have to push down on my heels with her hands.

Is harvest wrapping up for you? I forget that further south the growing season isn't over as early. Harvest up here (based on fields I drive past when visiting my brother's farm) is usually done around late September/early October (thus the reason Canadian Thanksgiving is early October).

>41 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul! I am so happy today!

>42 MickyFine: I had an anterior placenta the first two times, and it was VERY difficult to feel the movements, which made me worry that something was wrong. I will try to appreciate this experience even if it does get painful or uncomfortable.

We finished combining the regular season soybeans and planting wheat last month, but then it was so rainy and wet that nothing was done for the last couple of weeks. This part of Ohio has very heavy clay soil, and when it gets wet it takes forever to dry out. My FIL started cutting corn yesterday, and we have a good stretch of weather coming up so they should make good progress for the next several days. Once the corn is done they harvest the late-season beans and do some fall tillage work. I know my husband would like things to be wrapped up before the start of hunting season, which begins the Monday after Thanksgiving here (although the youth season starts earlier).

>31 aktakukac: That sounds like a series I would enjoy. My local library has a book further along in the series, but not the first one, which irritates me no end!

>32 aktakukac: Adding that one to the BlackHole.

>40 aktakukac: Congratulations on healthy baby #3, whatever the gender!

Congrats on the baby news, Rachel!!

>43 aktakukac: You know, Rachel, in a year of consistently terrible your statement that:

I am so happy today!

Is just what I wanted to see as I begin my weekend. xx

>44 alcottacre: I totally understand the frustration, Stasia! The library I work at now is part of a large state-wide consortium, which means that a library in the system is likely to have a copy if we don't. It is always challenging when ordering and weeding books when it comes to series!

>44 alcottacre: >45 scaifea: Thanks for the congratulations!

>46 PaulCranswick: I want to keep the positive attitude, Paul, and hope the "consistently terrible" for so many people will be done and over with! It's always nice to be in a good mood for the weekend :)

I finished the November book discussion selection on Friday, and read a chapter or two of another book, but that was the extent of my weekend reading. I did get the antique piece I was wanting, and got some things done around the house (I'd almost call it nesting, but really it was taking care of stuff that had been bugging me and I hadn't had time for). Hoping to make progress in a new audiobook and my print book both this week.

Today is Monday, which means I have a six-and-a-quarter hour shift at the phone/information desk at work. I answer all the calls, take orders for rapid COVID test kits, and take them out to people when they are here for curbside delivery, and check in our book drop returns throughout the day. We'd had a slow week to two weeks in regards to test pickups, but today has been crazy and I should sleep well tonight! Thankfully it's an unseasonably warm day, so it's nice to go outside.

Book # 68: The Life We Bury by Allen Eskens

Once I started this book (for the book discussion at work in November), I was drawn into the story and it kept my attention the entire time. It was originally selected in 2019 to be read in November 2020, and I’d been looking forward to reading it. Now that I have finished it, I’m ready to read further books in the series.

College student Joe has to write a biography for a class. He doesn’t have any family members he cares to write about, and ends up meeting a nursing home resident named Carl who agrees to tell Joe his story. Carl is dying of pancreatic cancer, and happens to be a Vietnam veteran and convicted rapist and murderer who was recently paroled due to his health. What Joe discovers during his talks with Carl makes him want to uncover the truth, but also puts him and those he cares about in serious danger.

There was a lot in this novel that should bring some good discussions to our meeting. I enjoyed the narration of the audiobook, which was expertly done by Zach Villa.

A Thanksgiving to Friends (Lighting the Way)

In difficult times
a friend is there to light the way
to lighten the load,
to show the path,
to smooth the road

At the darkest hour
a friend, with a word of truth
points to light
and the encroaching dawn
is in the plainest sight.

Rachel, to a friend in books and more this Thanksgiving

A very belated congratulations, Rachel! I have a soft spot for March babies, being one myself :)

>49 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul...Thanksgiving seems like it was so long ago!

>50 bell7: Thanks, Mary! I had wanted to get married in March, but it didn't work out because of Easter that year, so a March baby will be lovely! My FIL, sister, an aunt, and more have birthdays in March. I think it would also be neat to have the baby on March 20th, as that was the date my great-grandparents got married in 1918. I'm due the 23rd.

Once again, time has gotten away from me. I only finished three books in November, and one was for our book discussion. The other two were nothing special. So far in December, I have finished three books, have started what may be a lovely Christmas romance involving a bakery, twin sisters swapping places, and such, but I haven't had time to read very much. I'm also a third of the way through a YA fantasy audiobook, so I am optimistic that I will get to 75 before the end of the month.

Let's see, what's been happening: we got all the crops in the day before Thanksgiving. My oldest went back to school after break and was sick for several days, my 18-month-old decided to play a little too hard with his brother and ended up with a slight buckle fracture on his lower left leg (which is his clubbed foot) so I had to take him to Cincinnati to get a cast on. It will come off on the 23rd, and I am ready for that! I'm not so ready for Christmas, but that's another story. I passed my one-hour glucose test, so I don't have to worry about gestational diabetes. I do have to keep getting my thyroid levels checked and will get the painful Rhogam shot at the end of the month. Work has been insane with people picking up rapid tests, staff members being gone for various reasons, and trying to get all the end of the year tasks done are on my to-do list.

I'll get my November book comments up now, and try to work on December tomorrow. We selected the 2022 book discussion titles for work, but I don't have the list handy at the moment so I will post those soon as well.

Book # 69: A Small Town Thanksgiving by Marie Ferrarrella

I wanted a short book set at Thanksgiving to read around the holiday, and this came up in a catalog search. I liked the small town setting and some of the secondary characters, but overall the story was boring and the author repeated herself constantly.

Book # 70: “B” Is for Betsy by Carolyn Haywood

I had never heard of this series of children’s books, and I can’t remember how this crossed my radar. I was beginning to wonder of I would be able to reach 75 books this year, so I decided to read it. I liked some of the chapters, and as a child I would have enjoyed them as well. Parts of the book are dated (this was published in 1939), and I am not sure if my young nieces would care for it. My younger niece has recently started to enjoy reading (her older sister is quite the bookworm), but I don’t think this is her cup of tea.

Books Read in November



November was not my best reading month, but at least I completed three books! My December goal will be to make it to 75, and anything after that would be icing on the cake.

Sounds like life is full but good. I hope your holiday season is excellent and your kiddos keep out of too much trouble in the meantime.

Have a lovely holiday, Rachel.

>55 MickyFine:, >56 ronincats:, >57 PaulCranswick: Thanks for visiting and the holiday wishes, Micky, Roni, and Paul! We've had no issues since my youngest got his cast off, Christmas was lovely (although Christmas Eve was a bit hectic as I hosted my parents, sister, in-laws, and aunt-in-law, but it was fairly simple and just a nice time), and I just managed to finish 75 books yesterday. Book comments to come soon. I had hoped to get a bit of reading time in earlier today when I had the 15-minute wait/recovery time after receiving a painful injection required for my pregnancy, but they kept taking my vitals, asking questions, etc. and my book stayed in my bag. I have one juvenile audiobook I hope to finish tomorrow, and one holiday-themed romance in print I would like to finish before the end of the year, but we shall see. I haven't had much energy to read at night...we are short staffed at work (as usual) and I have been extra busy because of that. We also gave out almost 1,000 Covid rapid tests in two and a half days, so that has kept us busy as well. We ran out about an hour ago, and don't know when our next delivery will arrive. The phone keeps ringing, of course, but that can't be helped. I may get my 2022 thread started tomorrow, and plan to start visiting new threads soon too.

My December reads:



Book # 71: Come Back to Me by Jody Hedlund

This one took me a while to get through just because life made having much reading time impossible. It is the first in a series featuring time travel, historical fiction, science, and romance. The author is one I have heard of and who seems to be quite popular with readers who enjoy inspirational-type stories. While this was a clean romance, there wasn’t anything religious or preachy in the story. I liked it enough to want to read the sequel at some point, although it isn’t expected to be published until next year, so I don’t know when I will actually get to it. I’d consider reading other works by the author, too.

Book # 72: A Christmas in the Alps by Melody Carlson

My first novella/book by this author, another who is quite popular at my library. It was a quick read, but could have been better.

Book # 73: Dear Emmie Blue by Lia Louis

This is one I tried to read before (last summer maybe?) and had to return to the library because it had holds. This time, I listened to the audiobook. It was slow to get going for me, but eventually I grew interested in the story and wanted to know what happened. I think I was expecting something a little different, but I can see it hitting the right spot for many readers.

Book # 74: Tiger Queen by Annie Sullivan
Another book that I had tried to read during the
spring of 2020, and couldn’t get into. I listened to the audiobook, and while it was ok, it never really grabbed my attention. It appears to have lots of positive reviews, though, and it may have just been a case of wrong book at the wrong time.

Book # 75: The Captive by Fiona King Foster

A debut that I can best describe as a dystopian thriller set in a rural secessionist state that could be anywhere from Canada to the Appalachian Mountains. This was a fast-paced read that features a strong female main character, Brooke, who tries to keep her family safe while they transport a fugitive to the authorities and receive the promised bounty. Brooke and the fugitive have a history, which is slowly revealed over the course of the novel. She is trying to keep some of her past a secret from her husband, which may or may not be a good thing.

For a debut, I thought it was a solid read/listen. It's not my favorite book of the year, but for Book # 75, I could have done worse!

>63 aktakukac: Congratulations on reaching 75, Rachel!

Congrats on reading 75 books this year!

Congrats on 75, Rachel!! Season's greetings and happy new year 😊

Congrats on reaching the magic number, Rachel!

>64 FAMeulstee:, >65 bell7:, >66 curioussquared:, >67 MickyFine: Thanks, Everyone! I just finished up an audiobook and that will most likely be my final book of the year, but who knows, I could get lucky and find a few hours to finish my print book before the end of the day tomorrow!

Book # 76: The Library of Ever by Zeno Alexander

This middle grade fantasy novel started out strongly and then fell flat. I realize it’s the first in a series, but it did not hold my attention long enough to make me want to continue with further installments. It’s a shame, because as a youngster I would have loved reading about a girl who gets to work in a fantastic library while time traveling and doing all kinds of amazing things. I kind of lost interest when the book took a more sci-fi turn and there wasn’t enough of a cohesive flow to the story.

I will wait until January to do my December wrap-up here, but I did get my 2022 thread up and here is the link:

https://www.librarything.com/topic/338002#n7696627

Happy New Year, Rachel! Congratulations on surpassing 75 in 2021!

Congratulations on reaching 75 and I hope that you had a great holiday!!

Forget your stresses and strains
As the old year wanes;
All that now remains
Is to bring you good cheer
With wine, liquor or beer
And wish you a special new year.

Happy New Year, Rachel and congratulations on making it to 75.

Thanks, Dawn and Paul!

I didn't finish any more books in December, so my monthly wrap-up is below, and I will move to my 2022 thread now!

Books Read in December



While I wish I could have read more non-fiction and enjoyed more of my reads in 2021, I am glad I read over 75 books this year, and look forward to whatever I may read in 2022!