Fallen by Linda Castillo Review

 

This is my first Linda Castillo book and it is number 13 in the Kate Burkholder series.  If I realized this when I started I probably wouldn’t have started it, because I have this thing of starting the series at book #1.  That being said I went ahead and listened to the book and I am so glad I did.  I really enjoyed the book and didn’t feel like I was missing a lot by not having read the first 12 books.  I like Amish stories and loved this Amish mystery.  There were a couple of twists and turns that made you wonder who the culprit was and the ending was intense!  The book grabs you early and does not let go!

 

The audio version has an interview with Linda Castillo and the narrator of the audio book Kathleen McInerney.  This was a great list as they both discussed their process of making a story come to life.  I really enjoyed hearing about the process and would love to see both of their office/studio’s.

 

 I have now put the first 12 books on my to read list so I can spend more time with Katie Burkholder and find out more of why she is no longer Amish.   

Publish Date: 6-July; received from NetGally

One Two Three Book Review

 

I listened to this book in audio form from NetGalley.  I thought it was a little slow going at first and I debated on not finishing it, but I am so glad I did.  I really liked seeing these triplets tackle tasks together and using strengths that are not obvious to the outside looking in. One is “normal”, one has some cognitive disabilities, and one is wheelchair bound who cannot speak.  But each are smart and use their talents to the best of their abilities.  They are each a hero in their own way.  The author has an interview at the end of the audiobook, and she discussed how women heroes are inclusive where male heroes are not.  This is true and is seen in different ways through out the book and I really like this concept.  One thing to know with the audio book is the numbers indicate which sister is narrating – I did not realize this until I was several chapters in, which made the first few chapters a little of a struggle.  I really liked how people with different abilities were represented in this book. I would recommend it and look forward to reading more by this author. 

One Last Stop Review

 I got this book free on NetGalley on audio and loved it.  It is fun and quirky - very unique romance.  I loved the fun group of characters August meets in New York and her perspective on the city. This is a non-traditional romance with a very unique story. 

4 out of 5 stars

Read-a-Thon Opening Survey

 Opening Survey!

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today? near Cincinnati, OH; it is chilly here today but I am hoping to escape to the patio to read outside for a bit.

2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to? making progress on Evergreen by Belva Plain (starting pg 68) - I am listening to Sir Philip with Love by Julia Quinn (starting section 6)

3) Which snack are you most looking forward to? I didn't plan anything special, but made some cheesecake dip

4) Tell us a little something about yourself!  I have 3 kids (14, 12, and 7) and have been attempting some reading on read-a-thon day for many years.  I actually got to help Dewey one year with some mini-challenges.  Typically, the spring one falls on the same weekend we are camping with the American Heritage Girls (a form of Girl Scouts) and I am a leader so have to be there.  Because of Covid the camping this year is canceled. 

5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to? I am just happy to read and I don't plan on staying up all night or anything because it takes too long to recover (I am old).  I just love having a day where I can make reading a priority.  

April 2021 Read-a-thon

 It is that time of the year again! Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-thon!  Today I am tackling Evergreen by Belva Plain in Physical copy.  This is our May book club read and I am so disappointed it is not in Audiobook form.  

Most of my books have been audiobooks because I have been diamond painting while listening to them.  And this book is massive! 900 pages, but I have taken the pressure off myself and feel like if I finish by the book club date (May 5 or 6) then great if not OK too. 

When I need a break and want to diamond paint I am To Sir Philip with love by Julia Quinn.  I am in Part 6 of 10 in this book.  I am enjoying this series, but am a little disappointed that some of the plots are very similar - but notice that is not stopping me from reading them.  This is book 5 there are 8 total.  I am weird about series - usually if I start I want to finish.  Which makes long series intimidating.  

I am terrible about planning for these and usually end up reading only one book and "try" not to cook - though this usually doesn't happen.  Listening to the book also helps when I am frustrated I have to "do life" as I can listen as I work or in the case of today take my 7 year old to a birthday party.

Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-thon Oct 2019

One of my favorite days of the year is back! A day to drop everything and read...or at least for some of the day - I have 3 kids so everything is a stretch.  

Opening Survey!

1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?  Near Cincinnati, OH where it is supposed to rain all day - perfect day for reading

2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to? Red Queen, which maybe the only book I read.  I am also listening to Luckiest Girl alive. I am almost 1/2 way through and contemplating not finishing it.  It is for book club but I am not into the main character.
3) Which snack are you most looking forward to? I haven't officially planned any snacks though we always have snacks.  I did get a cheese danish which I am looking for having now.  Also the cookies that are premade and you pop in the oven.  Warm cookies are the best.
4) Tell us a little something about yourself! I have 3 kiddos and will likely read with one or all at some point during the read-a-thon.  My 9 year old and I tend to read a lot together and my 6 year old doesn't read yet, so I read with him too.  I might get my 13 year old to participate a little or may end up reading one of her graphic novels. I may have to take a break to get them Halloween costumes and pumpkins but I am trying to avoid it. 
5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to? I have participated before and I am really going to try to read more. I have many distractions (plus I am upgrading my work computer today so I am watching it to make sure it continues).  I am going to try to take better track of my reading time on the new Dewey Bookmark too.  Maybe that will help me feel more accomplished.  With 3 kids I don't usually have the option of staying up all night so it is probably more like a 14 hour read-a-thon for me but it is one of the few times a year reading is a priority. :)

Sharknado Read-a-thon

Here are the details

Sharknado Read-a-thon

On the treasure hunt you’re trapped in your house because there’s a Sharknado outside. You can only read the books on your physical shelf – no book not in your home at the start of the read-a-thon- counts. No Kindle unlimted, no ebooks, just physical books. They may be borrowed or library, but you must have them in your house before Sharknado. Completing this Read-a-thon successfully will earn you 2 points on the treasure hunt. This Read-a-thon will run Sunday, July 7 – Saturday, July 13.

I have lots a books at home but I am going to read the Whisper Network so I can pass it on to someone else!  I will also finish Night Tiger and The Day the World Came to Town - but neither of these will count because one is an audio book and the other is an e-book.  Day the World Came to town is for Book Club on Wed so I have to get'er done! :)