December Wrap-Up

I’m getting ready to go back to work tomorrow after a wonderful couple of weeks off where I definitely got to re-charge my batteries, relax and catch up. This was a good reading month where I finally managed to read some books for adults as well as middle-grade!

Goodreads Challenge:

I had set my Goodreads Challenge for this year at 104 books and managed to surpass it with 170 books. This included physical books, e-books and audiobooks. I have set my Challenge for next year at 150 books.

Books I’ve read:

As I’ve had a wonderful break over the Christmas period, I’ve read more books than I normally would: this month I’ve read 17 books which includes 3 books for adults, 2 audiobooks, 2 graphic novels and 10 middle-grade (9 physical copies and one e-book).

NetGalley:

My feedback ratio is at 95%. I have requested and been approved to read two books in December. I also have a physical copy of Dreamstalkers.

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent eight books by Publishers this month. I have read and written reviews for six of them and will be posting my reviews over the next few days. I have already posted my review for Harley Hitch Takes Flight.

Books bought:

I bought six books, and have read two of them, Stitch and The Drift.

Books gifted for Christmas:

I hadn’t quite realised how many books I’d put on my Christmas Wish List- and there were a few surprises too! I got 11 to add to my TBR and have read one over Christmas.

How has your reading month been? Have you read any of these? Have you any of them on your TBR?

The End of the Year Book Tag

I’ve just seen this tag on dinipandareads fantastic blog so thought I’d give it a go for the first time this year. This tag was originally created by booktuber Ariel Bissett.

Are there any books you started this year that you need to finish?

Only one! I started The Dark Between the Trees after picking it up in Forbidden Planet. It’s been a while since I’ve read any of it, but I do intend to pick it up again – hopefully before the end of the year!

Do you have an autumnal book to transition into the end of the year?

I bought The Haunting Season when it was released in a couple of years ago, but have not managed to read it yet. I’m going to aim to read these 8 short stories over my two week holiday.

Is there a new release that you’re still waiting for?

Oh yes! There are some recently released books that I’m hoping to get for Christmas, but I’ve really been struggling with brain fog recently so I genuinely can’t remember most of the ones I’ve wished for -at least they’ll be surprises! The one I do remember as I want it to be my Christmas Day read is The Secret of Helmersbruk Manor.

What are three books you want to read before the year ends?

I’ve been lucky enough to get proof copies of three books which are released next year, and I’m excited to read them before the end of the year.

Is there a book that you think could still shock you and become your favourite of the year?

I have read so many wonderful books this year – I think I’ve probably read my Book of the Year! The three that are vying for my favourite book of the year are Impossible Creatures, The Silver Road and Podkin and the Singing Spear. I will be attempting to compile a list of my Top 12 Books of the Year, but it will be very difficult as I’ve read lots of wonderful books this year. I don’t tend to include books being released next year on my Books of the Year if I’ve been lucky enough to get an early read.

Have you already started to make reading plans for 2024?

Oh yes! I did the #BeatTheBacklistChallenge this year and, although I didn’t manage to complete it, taking part did encourage me to catch up with lots of books on my bookshelves. I also really want to catch up with books in series next year. I’m also intending to clear my NetGalley shelf: I have 7 books on it at the moment.

Books which I’m really looking forward to (and which I have digital or physical copies of):

I’m also hoping to begin to make a dent in my growing TBR of adult reads. These are the ones I’m aiming to start with next year:

I’m not tagging anyone, but if you’d like to take part, I’d love to see your answers so feel free to link your post. Have you read any of the books I’m aiming to read next year, especially the ones for adults – what did you think? Do you have any other recommendations?

Top Ten Tuesday

This is a weekly meme now hosted by That Artsy Girl Reader. This week’s theme is Books On My Winter 2023-2024 To-Read List.

I’m looking forward to a break over the Christmas period, so I’m sharing some of the books I’m hoping to read over this time. The first 10 are middle-grade titles released next year (except for The Book of Secrets which has already been releaed), and the final two are adult books on my TBR.

What books have you on your Winter TBR? Are any of these included

November Wrap-Up

Where did November go! I’ve been ridiculously busy at work this month and often working late in the evening with planning, so not as much reading done as I would have liked. I’m so glad I’ve made it a rule that I don’t work at the weekend, but I have now started a Christmas Movie Sunday afternoon, so only read in the morning.

Books I’ve read:

I’ve read 9 books this month which was a lot less than when I had half-term! I enjoyed all of these – the ones that really stood out for me were The Colour of Hope, Utterly Dark and the Heart of the Wild and Stitch.

Books sent by publishers:

I am grateful to have been sent 6 books by Publishers this month as well as a copy of Ember Spark, thanks to the kindness of two wonderful authors, Abi Elphinstone and Mel Taylor-Bessent.

NetGalley:

My Netgalley ratio is at 96%. I have five books on my shelf. I have read Stitch which is amazing and will hopefully find time to write my review this weekend. I have also been sent physical copies of three of these after I had requested them.

Books bought and gifted:

It was my birthday in November so I had some book presents but, as always, I also treated myself to some new books! I tend to ask mostly for adult/young adult books for my birthday and Christmas and buy children’s books myself.

How has your reading month been? Have you read any of these? Have you any of them on your TBR?

First Lines Friday

First Lines Fridays is a weekly feature for book lovers hosted by Wandering Words. What if instead of judging a book by its cover, its author or its prestige, we judged it by its opening lines?

Pick a book off your shelf (it could be your current read or on your TBR) and open to the first page
Copy the first few lines, but don’t give anything else about the book away just yet – you need to hook the reader first
Finally… reveal the book!

When the fairies arrived in Clonbridge town, the wind changed direction. It blew away the rain that had battered the town for weeks and brought with it a low, rolling mist and the promise of frost.

Any ideas?

Goodreads Synopsis:

For the first time in over fifty years, the Trooping Fairies arrive in the small town of Clonbridge for their annual revels. Their arrival awakens other creatures, who have mischief and chaos in mind. Cat Donnelly and her friends spend their final day of school before midterm break swapping scary stories and planning the ultimate trick-or-treating strategy. But with the Fairies back in town, this Halloween will be one where Cat has to face real danger and use all her wits and bravery to save those she loves.