To Read, or Not To Read

I'm really excited to have joined a few reading challenges for 2016. One of my goals is to read more books that are already in my sad and neglected TBR pile. But also to read more classics and nonfiction books. I think these challenges will help me stay focused and on task.  The Rules Books published during the Victorian age (1837-1901) are acceptable.  Books written about the Victorian age are acceptable, no matter what year they were published. ( Here are some ideas )  Stories are not limited to Victorian Britain. Read about what was going on in other parts of the world during this time!  Challenge is open to everyone everywhere---you don't have to have a blog or site to enter to win. Just enter the link to your online review (Amazon, Goodreads, BookCrossing, or elsewhere).  Go to Belle's Library if you'd like to participate in this too.  I read several nonfiction books a year, but I'd like to challenge myself to read more. So

Title: You're A Vampire: That Sucks! Author: Count Domenick Dicce Publisher: Penguin Published: October 13, 2015 Paperback, 150 pages ISBN: 9780399175886 Genre: Nonfiction, Humor Source: Publisher Buy From Amazon Summary: Being bitten by and turned into a vampire isn’t the glitz and glamor that Hollywood makes it out to be. In fact, one out of five newly turned vampires will succumb to a slew of easily avoidable and common pitfalls within their first few months as a nightwalker—tempting garlic-laced Italian food, silver jewelry, and anything with an SPF below 1,000 will have to go. As an answer to this tragic loss of undead life, “Count" Domenick Dicce has written the definitive how-to guide that just might save your pale, ice-cold skin. This helpful tome will cover everything from Vampire 101—such as hunting, feeding, and getting used to your new powers—to Vampire Graduate Studies—such as coffin selection, the ghoulish world of vampiric social hierarchy, and

Title: Sketching Character Author: Pamela Lynne Publisher: Vanity and Pride Press Published: September 25, 2015 Ebook ASIN: B015UJZFX2 Genre: Historical Fiction, Pride and Prejudice Source: Author Purchase From Amazon Summary: What if a tragic event involving a beloved sister shatters Elizabeth Bennet‘s confidence in her ability to accurately judge a person’s character? When she leaves Longbourn for Kent, Elizabeth’s heart is full of worry for those she left behind. She carries a secret that would ruin her family if exposed and she must deceive the ones closest to her to conceal the truth. She unexpectedly encounters Mr. Darcy on her journey and his gentlemanly behavior confuses, yet comforts her. Their daily encounters in the woods surrounding Rosings soothes Elizabeth’s weathered conscience and she soon falls in love. Her doubts, along with the well-placed words of another, threaten to destroy the peace she finds in Darcy’s company and she wonders if she has again fa

It's been a few years since I've participated in a reading challenge (other than the Goodreads Reading Challenge) and I've missed it. I've also been a little out of the loop lately, and that's why I need your help. If you know of a 2016 reading challenge, then please let me know. I read pretty much across genres, so I'm up for anything. Don't forget to include the website in your comments. Thank you so much!

Title: The Further Adventures of Ebeneezer Scrooge Author: Charlie Lovett Publisher: Viking Published: October 20, 2015 Ebook, ARC ISBN13: 9780525429104 Genre: Historical Fiction, Source: NetGalley Summary: On a hot summer day some twenty years after he was famously converted to kindness, Ebenezer Scrooge still roams the streets of London, spreading Christmas cheer, much to the annoyance of his creditors, nephew, and his employee Bob Cratchit. However, when Scrooge decides to help his old friend and former partner Jacob Marley, as well as other inhabitants of the city, he will need the assistance of the very people he’s annoyed. He’ll also have to call on the three ghosts that visited him two decades earlier. By the time they’re done, they’ve convinced everyone to celebrate Christmas all year long by opening their wallets, arms, and hearts to those around them. Written in uncannily Dickensian prose, Charlie Lovett’s The Further Adventures of Ebenezer Scrooge is both a l

THE MARRIAGE CONTRACT by Katee Robert When Teague O’ Malley and Callista Sheridan are ordered to marry they soon realize that there is much more at stake than money. Fans of Jackie Ashenden’s Make You and Kresley Cole’s The Master, Unexpected, will devour the super steamy and fast paced first book, The Marriage Contract in the O’ Malley series by NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author Katee Robert. Series: The O’Malley Series #1 Genre: Contemporary Romance Release Date: Paperback- December 22, 2015 Digital- June 2, 2015 Publisher: Grand Central Publishing- Forever a Rafflecopter giveaway Direct link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b050ef29167/? Synopsis: Teague O’Malley hates pretty much everything associated with his family’s name. And when his father orders him to marry Callista Sheridan to create a “business” alliance, Teague’s ready to tell his dad exactly where he can stuff his millions. But then Teague actually meets his new fiancée, sees the b

Tales of Byzantium: A Selection of Short Stories by Eileen Stephenson Publication Date: May 2, 2015 Paperback & eBook; 152 Pages Genre: History A young empress defies her powerful father for love and her rightful place on the throne. A charismatic commander takes the gamble of a lifetime to save the lives of thousands of innocents. An exiled princess finds a new sense of purpose and creates a legacy that will stand through the ages. These stories provide a glimpse of the dynamic and proud Byzantines who lived during the height of the empire's splendor. "Through elegantly described details, sharply observed characters, and especially crisp, modern-sounding dialogue, Stephenson takes these vignettes from the thousand years of Byzantine history, mixes them liberally with such excellent modern narrative histories as John Julius Norwich's A Short History of Byzantium, and manages to create three very intriguing windows into a part of history

Title: The Seafront Tearoom Author: Vanessa Greene Publisher: Berkley Publisher: December 1, 2015 Ebook, ARC ISBN13: 9780425281260 Genre: Contemporary Fiction Source: NetGalley Summary: The first rule of afternoon tea: never rush. Take time to savor it. Just like friendship… The Seafront Tearoom is an insider secret in small-town Scarborough – a beach-front haven with the best tea and cakes in town – and journalist Charlie Harrison would love to put it on the map with a feature in her magazine. But single mom Kat Murray doesn’t want to see her favorite sanctuary overrun by tourists, and begs Charlie to seek out other options. She offers her help, as a “tea obsessive,” and so does French au pair Séraphine Moreau, whose upbringing makes her a connoisseur of everything sweet and indulgent. Together the three women will scour the countryside for quaint hideaways and hidden gems, sharing along the way their secrets, disappointments, and dreams – and discovering that friends

MONTANA HEARTS: SWEET TALKIN’ COWBOY By Darlene Panzera Avon Books, an Imprint of Harper Collins Publishers Fiction; Western Romance December 15, 2015 E-book ISBN: 9780062394705; $.99 About the Book: Darlene Panzera continues her heartwarming Western series with a roughed-up cowboy, the feisty girl next door, and the deal that brings them together If it wasn't for an injury to his leg, Luke Collins would be riding rodeo broncos all day, every day. Until he heals, he's determined to help his family's guest ranch bring in money any way he can. But when a cranky neighbor gets in the way of his goal, Luke turns to the only person he knows can help: the gorgeous, rodeo-barrel-racing spitfire next door. It's no secret: Sammy Jo's father is a pain in the neck. But if anyone can persuade him, it's her. So when Luke asks for help, Sammy Jo is more than willing to make a deal with the handsome cowboy. The cost? He's gotta get back up o

In the Shadow of the Storm (The King's Greatest Enemy, Book One) by Anna Belfrage Publication Date: November 1, 2015 Silverwood Books eBook & Print; 398 Pages Genre: Historical Fiction Adam de Guirande owes his lord, Sir Roger Mortimer, much more than loyalty. He owes Sir Roger for his life and all his worldly good, he owes him for his beautiful wife – even if Kit is not quite the woman Sir Roger thinks she is. So when Sir Roger rises in rebellion against the king, Adam has no choice but to ride with him – no matter what the ultimate cost may be. England in 1321 is a confusing place. Edward II has been forced by his barons to exile his favourite, Hugh Despenser. The barons, led by the powerful Thomas of Lancaster, Roger Mortimer and Humphrey de Bohun, have reasons to believe they have finally tamed the king. But Edward is not about to take things lying down, and fate is a fickle mistress, favouring first one, then the other. Adam fears his lord has o

Decorum: A Novel by Kaaren Christopherson Publication Date: March 31, 2015 Kensington Publishing Corp. Foramts: eBook, Paperback, Audio Pages: 425 Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance Kaaren Christopherson's brilliantly observed novel captures the glamour and gritof one of the world's most dazzling cities during one of its most tumultuous eras--as seen through the eyes of a singularly captivating heroine...In 1890s New York, beautiful, wealthy Francesca Lund is an intriguing prospect for worthy suitors and fortune hunters alike. Recently orphaned, she copes by working with the poor in the city's settlement movement. But a young woman of means can't shun society for long, and Francesca's long-standing acquaintance with dashing Edmund Tracey eventually leads to engagement. Yet her sheltered upbringing doesn't blind her to the indiscretions of the well-to-do...Among the fashionable circle that gathers around her there are mistresses, scandals, an

Enter to Win a  Custom Pink-Beaded Cinderella Charm Bracelet FOOLING AROUND WITH CINDERELLA Storybook Valley #1 Stacy Juba Released November 9th, 2015 Self Published What happens when the glass slippers pinch Cinderella's toes? When Jaine Andersen proposes a new marketing role to the local amusement park, general manager Dylan Callahan charms her into filling Cinderella’s glass slippers for the summer. Her reign transforms Jaine’s ordinary life into chaos that would bewilder a fairy godmother. Secretly dating her bad boy boss, running wedding errands for her ungrateful sisters, and defending herself from the park’s resident villain means Jaine needs lots more than a comfy pair of shoes to restore order in her kingdom. First in the Storybook Valley series, a blend of sweet romance, chick lit, and fairy tale fun. BUY NOW Amazon  |  B & N  | iTunes  |  Kobo  |  Smashwords Dylan scrutinized Jaine, arms folded across his royal blue shi