20 Books of Summer and Other Reading …

Summer Reading can be a fav option for spending time
and definitely is my go to if I have a choice.
Time now to make some Summer Reading choices
from the annual options I’ve discovered available and happily sharing with you.

Host, Sue Jackson, invites readers to tackle her annual BIG BOOK Challenge.
Reading 400+ page tomes, often works well for extended reading times
whether beachside or inside should weather turn overcast!

My first of the summer was Karen Swan’s new release.
[at 432 pages]

Have you read this one?  Suspense and intrigue play their roles ….
What did you think?

Not sure which biggie will be next . . .
became –

Delighted when my library reserve deposited this #BigBookSummer debut read of
The Chilbury  Ladies’ Choir by Jennifer Ryan
into my downloads.  Anticipated reading, recommended by fellow reader,
author of “Fictional 100”, Lucy Pollard-Gott, I expected enjoyment.
Not disappointed, 418 pages to introduce and develop background
and characters of this historical fiction set during 1940’s wartime
England in the village of Chilbury, Kent.
Written in epistolary style of letters and journal entries,
readers are treated to character insights, actions, and development
in a pleasing and personable manner.
Pleased to have had the opportunity to read and add this one to both
#BigBookSummer and my #10BooksofSummer.
Is it on your reading list or have you read it?
Do you enjoy epistolary novels?  What is one you’ve read?
Share your thoughts with us !

My third #BigBookSummer?

Had to give myself the first 25 pages to decide whether or not to continue this one. And it did take til that point to get a positive response from me. From there on, it definitely proved worth the read . Including Horowitz’s writing insights on the one hundred thirtieth to thirty first pages.  Suspense intensified the conclusion.
The Word is Murder by Anthony Horowitz
READ * July 7-8

Any reader responses on this one?  Have read varied reviews and I’m wondering if
anyone else responded like I did…

Are you a BIG BOOK reader?
Maybe this is the Challenge made for you!
Remember.  It only takes reading 1 BIG BOOK to participate…
Which one needs to come off your shelf to be counted ?
Would this be enough to inspire your reading?

~*~

Another annual for me is Cathy’s 20 Books of Summer at 746 Books blog.
This comes with a 10 – 15 or 20 Book option !  Your choice and so are the book choices
should you happen to want to change them once reading is underway . . .

My 10 book list will eventually include
choices and completions.  Maybe some changes?
A wee bit of motivation for this gal!

A Tiding of Magpies – new Birder Murder series release by
Canadian author and birder, Steve Burrows –
Story setting  is Northern Norfolk England has a uniquely talented
Canadian Detective Chief Inspector leading investigations
along with a quirky team adding colour and commentary.
A do not miss for this reader.  Have you read any of this series?
READ * July 3

Then, due to other reading challenges, a noticeable focus on Paris
for #ParisinJuly2018
[Feel free to join us!]  All francophones or lovers of all things Paris!
This may be the summer reading motivation you are looking for …

Nichole Robertson’s photographic colour tour of Paris

Nina George’s novel of 2nd chances, on audio with Emma Bering
Are you an audiobook listener?  Have you enjoyed this story?
How about her Little Paris Bookshop?

Mark Pryor’s intriguing mystery from history …. fini !
READ * July 12th
then
a Cara Black contemporary mystery – both from series
Are you reading this award winning series ?
This will be my first. I always look forward to meeting new mysteries!
Do you stick to standby favs or venture into the unknown?

This 2018 release has me intrigued.
Love the book and bookstore theme plus more mystery …
I have it on order at the library once it’s available.  Ah, the waiting !

Great.  A collection of Jojo Moyes’ shortstories, perfect for filling in time gaps.
Which JoJo Moyes books have you read?
Paris for One  READ * July 1st

Loving the focus of this book – “An inspiring tour of the city’s creative heart“!
Looking forward to Janelle McCulloch’s tour… Currently Reading * July 13 –
It is very beautifully photographed.  A positive addition for me.
How do you respond to artistic illustration of books?  Yay or Nay ?
{The library just notified me it’s now on the Holds shelf waiting for my pickup- yay!}

and…  an absolute discovery!
I LOVE
hearing Janice MacLeod’s life experiences during her year in Paris.
READ *  July 6th – 9th

This book is absolutely gorgeous!  Artistic journal entries featuring
photography, calligraphy, painting
each enhancing the descriptions and anecdotes of life in Paris.
Loving a slow perusal . . .

If you’ve counted, and I trust you did 😉 ,
you’ll know I was one short of ten.  And there’s rhyme to the reason.
Choice.
If I came upon one I just had to read…
You know it.  I’d have had room to add it.  Yep.
Exactly what temperamental readers do.
No apologies.

Any other mood readers reading this?
How do you approach the dilemma of choosing books for challenges?

Here’s a 10th addition I add with pleasure
having anticipated this read for about a year!

The Chilbury Ladies Choir debut by Jennifer Ryan

READ * July 5
see review and responses above for #BigBookSummer

Thanking Cathy for being the understanding host she is on these things.
Her guidelines accomodate changes and this reader appreciates that.
Thanks for hosting , Cathy.
And, to everyone participating…
Cheers to a successful Summer of Reading!

Let us know how your 20 Book Challenge is going so far…
If you’ve made any changes or are firm in reading your choices !

Any other challenges that motivate your reading?

 

Discussing books with Nicole and Shannon.. Join us?