Chelle attempts to be social in 2023!

Hi friends!
2022 was a hard year for me, and 2023 is starting out by kicking my ass right out of the gate!
I am hoping it can only get better from here!

I have found myself to be getting more anti-social as I age and I missed having a thread to track my books in last year! I am hoping to make it to LT at least once a week this year and make an attempt to keep my thread up to date and to visit old friends, and perhaps some new!

I hope 2023 brings you all a year of good things and happiness, and some great books of course!
xo
Chelle

For those that don't know me yet, I am Michelle (Chelle, please), 40ish wife and mom of two little girls living in Southwestern Ontario. I have been a member of LT since August 2011. I usually read 75-100 books per year, some years better and some years worse. I'm currently in a book funk and accepting all recommendations!

Books read in January
1) Soul Taken by Patricia Briggs
2) Mr. Nobody by Catherine Steadman 🎧
3) The Cook of the Halcyon by Andrea Camilleri
4) Riccardino by Andrea Camilleri
5) Death Perception by Victoria Laurie
6) Doom with a View by Victoria Laurie

Books read in February
7) The 17th Suspect by James Patterson 🎧
8) The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
9) A Glimpse of Evil by Victoria Laurie
10) Vision Impossible by Victoria Laurie
11) Lethal Outlook by Victoria Laurie
12) Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone: Illustrated Edition by JK Rowling
13) Deadly Forecast by Victoria Laurie
14) Fatal Fortune by Victoria Laurie
15) Sense of Deception by Victoria Laurie
16) A Grave Prediction by Victoria Laurie
17) A Panicked Premonition by Victoria Laurie
18) Fated for Felony by Victoria Laurie
19) What's A Ghoul To Do by Victoria Laurie
20) Demons Are a Ghoul's Best Friend by Victoria Laurie
21) Ghouls Just Haunt to Have Fun by Victoria Laurie
22) The Trespasser by Tana French

Books read in March
23) Ghouls Gone Wild by Victoria Laurie
24) Ghouls, Ghouls, Ghouls by Victoria Laurie
25) Murder at Haven’s Rock by Kelley Armstrong
26) Ghoul Interrupted by Victoria Laurie
27) What a Ghoul Wants by Victoria Laurie
28) The Ghoul Next Door by Victoria Laurie
29) No Ghouls Allowed by Victoria Laurie
30) Ghoul's Guide to Love and Murder by Victoria Laurie
31) Aunt Dimity Goes West by Nancy Atherton

Books read in April
32) Aunt Dimity Vampire Hunter by Nancy Atherton
33) Aunt Dimity Slays the Dragon by Nancy Atherton
34) Aunt Dimity Down Under by Nancy Atherton
35) Aunt Dimity and the Family Tree by Nancy Atherton
36) Aunt Dimity and the Village Witch by Nancy Atherton
37) Aunt Dimity and the Lost Prince by Nancy Atherton
38) In The Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune
39) Aunt Dimity and the Wishing Well by Nancy Atherton
40) Aunt Dimity and the Buried Treasure by Nancy Atherton
41) Aunt Dimity and the Widow's Curse by Nancy Atherton
42) Aunt Dimity and the King's Ransom by Nancy Atherton
43) Aunt Dimity and the Heart of Gold by Nancy Atherton
44) Peril in Paris by Rhys Bowen
45) How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix

Books read in May
46) The Accidental Alchemist by Gigi Pandian
47) The Masquerading Magician by Gigi Pandian
48) The Elusive Elixir by Gigi Pandian
49) The Alchemist's Illusion by Gigi Pandian
50) The Lost Gargoyle of Paris by Gigi Pandian
51) The Alchemist of Fire and Fortune by Gigi Pandian
52) The Alchemist of Riddle and Ruin by Gigi Pandian
53) Aunt Dimity and the Enchanted Cottage by Nancy Atherton
54) The Librarian of Crooked Lane by C.J. Archer
55) Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: The Illustrated Edition by JK Rowling
56) The Medici Manuscript by C J Archer
57) Murder at the Mayfair Hotel by CJ Archer
58) Murder at the Piccadilly Playhouse by C.J. Archer
59) Murder in the Drawing Room by C.J. Archer
60) Murder at the Dressmaker's Salon by C.J. Archer
61) Murder at the Debutante Ball by C.J. Archer

Books read in June
62) Southern Spirits by Angie Fox
63) The Skeleton in the Closet by Angie Fox
64) Murder at the Crown and Anchor by CJ Archer
65) The Haunted Heist by Angie Fox
66) Deader Homes and Gardens by Angie Fox
67) The Last Remains by Elly Griffiths

No books read in July

August

Books read in September
68) The Bone Hacker by Kathy Reichs

Books read in October
69) Coached to Death by Victoria Laurie

Books read in November
70) Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice
71) Moon of the Turning Leaves by Waubgeshig Rice

Books read in December
72) Murder in an Irish Village by Carlene O'Connor
73) Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll
74) Murder at an Irish Wedding by Carlene O'Connor

75) A Sinister Revenge by Deanna Raybourne ( Missed tracking, actually read in August 2023)

I didn't have a thread in 2022 but I was still tracking my books. This is my final count for 2022.

81) Livid - Cornwell, Patricia
80) An Impossible Impostor - Raybourn, Deanna
79) The Pull of the Stars - Donoghue, Emma
78) Bless the Bride - Bowen, Rhys
77) The Ink Black Heart - Galbraith, Robert
76) The Last Illusion - Bowen, Rhys
75) Troubled Blood - Galbraith, Robert
74) A World of Curiosities - Penny, Louise
73) Lethal White - Galbraith, Robert
72) Career of Evil - Galbraith, Robert
71) The Silkworm - Galbraith, Robert
70) The Cuckoo's Calling - Galbraith, Robert
69) Where the Sky Begins - Bowen, Rhys
68) Poison or Protect - Carriger, Gail
67) The Book of Cold Cases - St. James, Simone
66) In a Gilded Cage - Bowen, Rhys
65) It Ends with Us - Hoover, Colleen
64) A Rip Through Time - Armstrong, Kelley
63) Tell Me, Pretty Maiden - Bowen, Rhys
62) Raven Black - Cleeves, Ann
61) Local Gone Missing - Barton, Fiona
60) The Locked Room - Griffiths, Elly
59) Gwendy's Final Task - King, Stephen
58) Gwendy's Magic Feather - Chizmar, Richard
57) Gwendy's Button Box - King, Stephen
56) The Handmaid's Tale - Atwood, Margaret
55) In Bad Company - Sten, Viveca
54) Crime Seen - Laurie, Victoria
53) Killer Insight - Laurie, Victoria
52) Book of Night - Black, Holly
51) Afterlight - Jasper, Elle
50) Insatiable - Cabot, Meg
49) A Vision of Murder - Laurie, Victoria
48) Sea of Tranquility - Mandel, Emily St. John
47) A Hunger Like No Other - Cole, Kresley
46) Better Read Than Dead - Laurie, Victoria
45) Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye - Laurie, Victoria
44) Every Step She Takes - Armstrong, Kelley
43) Real Murders - Harris, Charlaine
42) Now You See Them - Griffiths, Elly *
41) An Ice Cold Grave - Harris, Charlaine
40) Grave Secret - Harris, Charlaine
39) Grave Surprise - Harris, Charlaine
38) Grave Sight - Harris, Charlaine
37) Night Shift - Harris, Charlaine
36) The Vanishing Box - Griffiths, Elly
35) Day Shift - Harris, Charlaine
34) Midnight Crossroad - Harris, Charlaine
33) The Blood Card - Griffiths, Elly
32) Morality for Beautiful Girls - McCall Smith, Alexander
31) Smoke and Mirrors - Griffiths, Elly
30) Better Off Dead - Child, Lee
29) The Deepest of Secrets - Armstrong, Kelley
28) The Zig Zag Girl - Griffiths, Elly
27) Under the Whispering Door - Klune, T.J.
26) Certain Dark Things - Moreno-Garcia, Silvia
25) Dead Ever After - Harris, Charlaine
24) After Dead: What Came Next in the World of Sookie Stackhouse - Harris, Charlaine *
23) Deadlocked - Harris, Charlaine
22) Dead Reckoning - Harris, Charlaine
21) Dead in the Family - Harris, Charlaine
20) In Dublin's Fair City - Bowen, Rhys
19) The Christmas Pig- Rowling, J.K.
18) A Touch of Dead - Harris, Charlaine
17) From Dead to Worse - Harris, Charlaine
16) Dead and Gone - Harris, Charlaine
15) All Together Dead - Harris, Charlaine
14) Definitely Dead - Harris, Charlaine
13) Dead as a Doornail - Harris, Charlaine
12) Dead to the World - Harris, Charlaine
11) Club Dead - Harris, Charlaine
10) Living Dead in Dallas - Harris, Charlaine
9) Dead Until Dark - Harris, Charlaine
8) Oh Danny Boy - Bowen, Rhys
7) Down Among the Sticks and Bones - McGuire, Seanan
6) A Line To Kill - Horowitz, Anthony
5) God Rest Ye, Royal Gentlemen - Bowen, Rhys
4) The Judge's List - Grisham, John
3) Billy Summers - King, Stephen
2) Cold, Cold Bones - Reichs, Kathy
1) Autopsy - Cornwell, Patricia


Series that I want to get caught up on this year (alphabetical as that's how LT shows it to me)

Aaron Falk series by Jane Harper - Next up Exiles (#3)
Accidental Alchemist Mysteries by Gigi Pandian - The Alchemist of Monsters and Mayhem (#7)
All Souls series by Deborah Harkness - Currently reading A Discovery of Witches
Aunt Dimity series by Nancy Atherton - up to date
Aurora Teagarden by Charlaine Harris - Next up A Bone to Pick (#2)

Björnstad Series by Fredrik Backman - Next up The Winners (#3)
Black Dagger Brotherhood by J. R. Ward - Next up The Chosen (#15)

Caster Chronicles by Kami Garcia (I thought this series ended after 4) - Next up Dangerous Creatures (#5)
Chicagoland Vampires by Chloe Neill - Next up Hard Bitten (#4)
Cleopatra Fox by C.J. Archer - Next up Murder at the Polo Club (#7)

Delightfully Deadly by Gail Carriger - Next up Defy or Defend (#2)
Dexter by Jeff Lindsay - Next up Dexter by Design )#4)
Discworld by Terry Pratchett - Next up Sourcery (#5)
The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher - Next up Death Masks (#5)
Dublin Murder Squad by Tana French - up to date

Erica Falck & Patrik Hedström by Camilla Läckberg - Next up The Stranger (#4)

Flavia de Luce by Alan Bradley (don't love and may not continue) - Next up Speaking From Among the Bones (#5)
Fred, the Vampire Accountant by Drew Hayes - Next up Undeath & Taxes (#2)
The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs - Next up Knit Two (#2)

Glass Library by CJ Archer - Next up The Untitled Books )#3)
Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan - Next up The Candy House (#2)
Green Creek by TJ Klune - Next up Brothersong (#4)

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood - Next up The Testaments
Harry Bosch by Michael Connelly - Next up Desert Star (#36)
Harry Hole by Jo Nesbø - Next up Nemesis (#4)
Hawthorne & Horowitz by Anthony Horowitz - Next up The Twist of the Knife (#4)
Haven's Rock by Kelley Armstrong - Next up The Boy Who Cried Bear (#2) (Feb 2024)
Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen - Next up The Proof of the Pudding )#17)

Insatiable by Meg Cabot - Next up Overbite (#2)
Irish Village by Carlene O'Connor - Next up Murder at an Irish Wedding (#2)

Jack Reacher by Lee Child - Next up No Plan B (#27)
Joona Linna by Lars Kepler - Next up The Sandman (#4)

The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss - Next up The Doors of Stone (#3)

The Last Werewolf by Glen Duncan - Next up By Blood We Live (#3)
Life Coach by Victoria Laurie - Next up To Coach a Killer (#2)

Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs - Up to date!
Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs - next up Library of Souls (#3)
Molly Murphy by Rhys Bowen - Next up Hush Now, Don't You Cry (#11)
Moonlight Bay by Dean Koontz - Next up Ride the Storm (#3)
Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine - next up Midnight Alley (#3)

Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend - Next up Silverborn: The Mystery of Morrigan Crow (#4)
No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith - Next up The Kalahari Typing School for Men (#4)
The Nsibidi Scripts by Nnedi Okorafor - Next up Akata Woman (#3)

Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz - Next up Saint Odd (#7)
Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong - Next up Wolf's Curse (#15)
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon - Next up Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone (#9)

Psychic Eye Mystery by Victoria Laurie - Next up See No Evil (#17)

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard - Next up Queen Song (#3)
Rip Through Time by Kelley Armstrong - Next up The Poisoner's Ring (#2)
Ruth Galloway by Elly Griffiths - Up to date

Sandhamn Murders by Viveca Sten - Next up Buried in Secret (#10)
Scarpetta by Patricia Cornwell - Next up Unnatural Death (#27)
Shades of Magic by V. E. Schwab - Next up A Gathering of Shadows (#2)
Shetland by Ann Cleeves - Next up White Nights (#2)
Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries by Angie Fox - Next up Sweet Tea and Spirits (#5)
Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine - Next up Wolfhunter River (#3)

Temperance Brennan by Kathy Reichs - Up to date
Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman - Next up The Man Who Died Twice (#2)
Thursday Next by Jasper Fforde - Next up The Well of Lost Plots (#3)

Vera Kelly by Rosalie Knecht - Next up Vera Kelly: Lost and Found (#3)

Wayward Children by Seanan McGuire - Next up Beneath the Sugar Sky (#3)
Weather Warden by Rachel Caine - Next up Chill Factor (#3)
Wicked City by Beatriz Williams - Next up The wicked Redhead (#2)
The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell - Next up The Wizards of Once: Twice Magic (#2)
Women's Murder Club by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro - Next up The 17th Suspect (#17)

You by Caroline Kepnes - Next up You Love Me (#3)

Great to see you, Chelle. I've dropped a star and will follow along with you however often you feel like posting.

A move, huh? Exciting but stressful, no doubt.

Lovely to see you back Chelle!

I wish you a happier year in general and a good reading year in particular. Hugs to Nate and the girls.

What Katie said, Chelle. Welcome back!

Hi Chelle. Welcome back! We've missed you.

So glad you're back!

Hey Chelle! Good to see you back and Happy New year! Hope it's a better year for you!

Hi Chelle my dear, good to see you back and i really hope 2023 is a far better year for you my dear friend. It doesn't matter how often you get on here, you are on here and you have been missed by so many people.

I hope all is well with Nate, Chloe and Elissa, i have loved seeing your Facebook posts and obviously kept in touch with you via that. Sending love and hugs from both of us dear friend.

Happy New Year, Chelle!

Happy New Year, Chelle. It was such a nice surprise, when you popped up on my thread. Sorry to hear that you had a tough 2022. I am hoping for a much better 2023 for you. Is Nate changing jobs? How are those lovely little girls, that I got to see grow up?

>3 katiekrug: Glad to have you here, Katie! The move stress hasn't started quite yet but I have been enjoying looking at houses. Not much on the market right now though

>4 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul! A better year is the hope, for sure!

>5 Crazymamie: Thanks, Mamie! I missed this place.

>6 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura! I am really hoping to keep my antisocial nature out of the way and keep active on here :)

>7 drneutron: Thanks, Jim!

>8 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda! The start to the year sucked with the passing of my mom last week, but there's only room for the year to get better now I hope!

>9 johnsimpson: Thanks, John! I haven't been as active on social media lately either, but still try to post pictures here and there.

>10 norabelle414: Happy New Year, Nora!

>11 msf59: Hiya, Mark! Nate is still working for the OPP but got hired as a canine officer and is in training with his pooch pal Gabby. Unfortunately three days before Christmas he broke his arm, so his training and our move will have to be a few months later than planned. Which gives me extra time to help my dad with my Mom's estate and house cleanup. We hope to be moved before summer now, instead of the original March/April plan.

Welcome back and happy reads in 2023!

>13 ChelleBearss: Oh dear. My sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom, Chelle. (((((HUGS))))))

On a lighter note; does a canine officer have to run around on all fours?!

>13 ChelleBearss: I totally missed that up there. I am so sorry for your loss ((hugs))

Doubt much reading will happen in my world today as I have to head into the city to help my dad with an appointment at the funeral home and then the bank to close out some of mom's accounts. I think they will need to go into an "executor" account, but I'm sure the bank will tell us.
I did start reading A Discovery of Witches again last night. I read it in 2011 but I want to continue with the series and I forgot what I read

Tonight we have a friends hamster coming to stay for a week while they are on vacation. I am hoping our cat and dog leave Timbit alone!

>15 figsfromthistle: Thanks, Anita!

>16 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul.
Ha, I hope not as Nate would be hobbling around on threes instead of fours! That would be a bit wobbly lol

>17 figsfromthistle: That's ok! Thank you :)

Chelle, I am so sorry to read about your Mom. Hugs from all of us here at the Pecan Paradisio.

Hi Chelle, welcome back. I am very sorry to read about the loss of your Mom.

Welcome back, Chelle. Good to see you here again. Condolences on the loss of your mum. That alone, as well as an impending relocation = lots of stress! Deep breaths...

You have a lot on your plate, Chelle. I'm so sorry to hear about your mom.

Morning, folks
Today is a much needed do nothing day. There will be a bit of puttering (laundry, dishes) and a countertop collection of junk to put away. But the majority of the day will be copious amounts of tea and reading.

I'm slowly getting dad's utilities switched over to his name as for some reason everything was just in mom's name. I may tackle one today or defer it to a tomorrow list.

>19 Crazymamie: Thank you! It's been a week now and still doesn't really feel real

>20 DeltaQueen50: Thank you, Judy! I am hoping to stay back :)

>21 jessibud2: For sure, Shelley. LOTS of stress. Nathen getting hurt every few weeks doesn't help lol. I need a whole month of nothing happening!

>22 lauralkeet: Thanks, Laura! My plate is too full for sure

Happy Wednesday, Chelle. So nice to see you posting. Enjoy your "puttering" day. How did yesterday go with your Dad?

>24 msf59: Hiya, Mark! Yesterday was productive. We finished the funeral home steps and got Dad partially paid up for his future funeral needs. He wanted a companion urn with mom so that had to be purchased around the same to make sure his half wasn't discontinued over time.
Banking got started too and we applied for the mortgage insurance payout. Now we just have to wait. We also got food and drink ordered for the gathering this coming Saturday. Mom didn't want a funeral so we are gathering for the internment of her urn and then having some family over to my sister's house for a small remembrance.

In other news, I just discovered that Book of the Month is now available in Canada! Whoot!
So I signed up last night and picked my first book Thistlefoot by GennaRose Nethercott

Glad to see you back here Chelle.

Oh I'm so sorry to hear about your mom, Chelle. *big hugs*

Wishing you all the best as you prepare for your move (and wishing Nate a quick recovery with his arm). I have relatives in the Ottawa Valley area and have always found the accent from that region fascinating.

Leaving a star, of course.

Chelle, I am so sorry to read of your mom’s passing and all that entails for you and your family.

As a reward to my self for finally cutting the cord (getting rid of cable tv) I’m also going to sign up for Book of the Month. It’s worth a try.

Happy Thursday, folks.
Nate surprised us by arriving home from his canine course last night (the course is 3 hours away in Orillia). With the broken arm the doctor has put too many restrictions on what he can and can't do so Nate had to remove himself from his course. Once his cast is off they will add him to the next course, which runs in either April or August depending on how his recovery goes. So I guess we won't be moving this Spring after all.

Today is going to be another lazy day. I do have to run a couple errands though. Library stop to pay for a book that Chloe damaged (stomach flu and vomitted on it 🤢), flower store to get a bouquet for Mom's internment Saturday, and I need to pick up a few things from the grocery store for dinner (but not sure what to make yet)

We are also sharing some pet sitting duties for our friends that are on vacation. I have even days to stop by their house and feed their cats and guinea pigs (her mom does it on odd days). The girls are excited to go play with their kitten after school.

>27 SandDune: Thanks! Glad to be back

>28 MickyFine: Thanks, Micky! Looks like the move will be delayed to later in the year, but we are very excited to move out there. We vacationed in Calabogie last summer and we loved it! Swimming, hiking and exploring was so much fun out there

>29 Carmenere: >30 Carmenere: Thank you!
Which book did you pick? I didn't love the first seven options they had available but I loved that I could choose from previous books that they still offer. I had a couple I thought I'd like from the past books.

So sorry to read of your mothers passing, Chelle, my condolences to all.

Chelle, I am very sorry about your loss and send hugs to you all. But it is very good to see you back here. There are a number of us who were either totally absent last year or more absent than present on our threads, myself among them, who are vowing to do better this year.

You must feel totally unanchored right now, what with Nate's arm upturning all your family plans and so much to do for your father and for your mother's interment. Please take good care of yourself.

No pressure, but Chloe photos would be appreciated at some point. She must be so grown by now.

>31 ChelleBearss: I didn't chose a book yet because, Christmas books. I rolled over my credit till February.

Hi Chelle! Happy new year. It’s nice to see you back.

>1 ChelleBearss: Beautiful photo, I’m so sorry last year was so rough for you and the horrible start to this year.

Last year’s reads for you include 3 of my favorite series – Cormoran Strike, Ruth Galloway, Sookie Stackhouse AND Harper Connelly.

I’m so sorry to read about your mom and the now-delayed move because of Nate's broken arm and delayed canine course. Way too much going on for you, and I hope you have many tea and comfort days soon.

Happy Friday, Chelle. Sorry, to hear Nate could not complete the course. Mixed Blessing or were you ready to move?

Morning, friends. Happy Friday the 13th! Ellie has "biker day" at school today because one of the local towns does a huge biker ralley on every Friday the 13th. Not quite sure how to turn a five year old into a biker, so she is wearing jeans, a vest and a high pony tail lol

Chloe has a ringette tournament in Waterloo today, which is about an hour from us. We head out after we get Ellie to school. Send Chloe some winning vibes!

Still working away at A Discovery of Witches. Trying to get my brain back into reading mode, being in a funk really affects my reading.

>32 FAMeulstee: Thank you, Anita!

>33 ronincats: Unanchored is the perfect way to describe this, Roni. We had plans and they are all falling through. We are still stable though and both have our jobs still, even if he decides to not continue with the canine route once his arm is healed. Time will tell and we both have to get out of our current funks. I think Nate getting in touch with his doctor and getting his driving privileges at work back will help his mood a lot.

Here are a couple pics I have posted recently. Growing a lot eh!


>34 Carmenere: Oh good idea, I didn't know you could do that for the first book.

>35 karenmarie: Thanks, Karen. I need a week long nap :)

>36 msf59: Hi Mark. We weren't packed or anything, but mentally we were totally in for the move. It may still happen, time will tell.

Oh my goodness, I can't believe how big your girls are, Chelle!

I hope Chloe's tournament went well.

>38 MickyFine: they’ve grown so much in the last few years!

Chloe’s team has won two games and tied one so they are going to finals tomorrow. Send more winning vibes, friends!

We laid mom to rest today and had a family gathering after. She didn’t want a big funeral, just family. I think she would be happy with how things went.

Sending big hugs for you and your family as you remember your Mom.

>40 MickyFine: Thanks, Micky!

Chloe's team won SILVER!! :)

>37 ChelleBearss: They are indeed. Where did the time go?

Congratulations to Chloe!

Congratulations Chloe's Team! You girls Rock!!

>34 Carmenere: Here's the scoop, chelle. When I signed up for BotM, I was given the option to pay 16.99 per month or 13.99 if I paid for an entire year. So being the cost conscience retiree that I am I opted for the 13.99 option. Perhaps that's why I was able to carry over my credit to February. I'm just guessing.

Happy Monday, folks!
The kids are at school, the coffee is hot! That's about all the goodness I expect from today as it's Great Purge week here! I have to clean and purge our toy room and my basement as my dad is determined to send all my mom's craftroom and sewing room to my house and she had A LOT of supplies! So I have to clean and organize and figure out how much of her stuff I can reasonably take and how much I will have to donate
It's too bad Amber doesn't live near, I have a ton of wool and quilt cotton sitting in storage that I'm not sure I'll ever use!

>42 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul! I see facebook memories pop up from when they were tiny and it's hard to believe they were ever so small

>43 Carmenere: I opted for the monthly, but I think the Canadian plan is about $10 a month more than yours :(

>44 ChelleBearss: Yikes That made my hair curl! x0(

Your girls are lovely, Chelle, and I cannot believe how big they've gotten. Congratulations to Chloe and her team - most exciting! Good luck with the Great Purge. I really need to do that.

>37 ChelleBearss: Love the photos of the girls. This is great.

Good luck with your purge day, Chelle.

>44 ChelleBearss: You can always send yarn my way (I kid).

More seriously, if you don't know any knitters/crocheters to take on some of your mom's stash check social media for local crafting groups. You might able to sell/donate some of the yarn that way. Same is likely true for the quilting materials too.

>45 Carmenere: Really, eh! Often the Canadian prices are ugly compared to USA prices. And your oreo flavours are superior too. It's quite unfair lol

>46 Crazymamie: Thank you! I got all the bathrooms cleaned today and half the play room purged before Nathen came home. Tomorrow I will finish the playroom and then head down to my craft room to purge

>47 msf59: Thanks! It went well but I'm quite tuckered now. Fell asleep on the couch after dinner.

>48 MickyFine: If it wasn't obscene prices to ship to Alberta I would have considered it lol. I just about cried when I sent our annual Christmas package to Nate's brother in Red Deer this year!
I think I am going to try and keep as much of the wool and sewing supplies as I reasonably can. My sister wants to try crochet and is going to take a set of hooks and some wool.
The rest I will probably donate to the knitters and crocheters at work. There is always someone making something at the comm centre :)

>49 ChelleBearss: I wanted to finish my Viveca Sten book this morning so I set the alarm for 4.30 am but it failed to go off and I woke instead at my normal 6.22 am time that my body seems to intuit. I'll finish the second Sandhamn book later today.

>44 ChelleBearss:, >48 MickyFine: Hi Chelle, about the yarn. There might be a charity that could use it. Project Linus is one example, their volunteers make blankets for children in hospital. They have local chapters around the US and Canada.

>44 ChelleBearss: Good luck with the Great Purge - it seems every time we do one of those it just clears the way for more stuff. 😀

Morning, folks!
Lazy morning with coffee and some LT before a busy day of purging and cleaning. I have to finish the playroom organizing and purge today, as well as Nate's work closet. He brought all his work kit home yesterday and now I have to find a place to store it until he goes back in August. Ugh

>50 PaulCranswick: Setting an alarm to wake up and read is a whole other level, Paul! I don't have that dedication lol. How are you enjoying the Sten books? I need to read book 10 next, which I think is the last in the series (for now).

>51 lauralkeet: That is a good idea. She has many totes of wool. I'm sure I could donate some and still have a ton left over!

>52 drneutron: Thanks. We've wanted to do a big purge for a while, but now I have to purge with the knowledge that I'll be bringing a ton of stuff over from mom's house! So. Much. Stuff.

>49 ChelleBearss: Oof, yeah, shipping is hard. I'm a big fan of the flat-rate boxes you can buy from Canada Post. Mr. Fine and I shipped the mailbox we bought in Newfoundland home that way (we enjoyed the irony of mailing a mailbox) and it worked really well. Of course if your package is big (or you have to send a bunch) it adds up fast.

Morning, folks!
Yesterday's playroom purge was a success. Today I have to tackle my basement craft room and it's quite ugly down there.
I'm halfway through A Discovery of Witches and I'm kind of stuck. I may have to abandon and start something lighter. I have the new Patricia Briggs out so I may pick up that before going back to the other.

>54 MickyFine: I've never used the flat rate boxes. I should look into that for next Christmas. Sometimes I will ship right to their house using amazon and get them to wrap each other's presents but I don't love doing that.

Oh, if your mother's stash includes any black acrylic sock or fingering weight yarn, I would love to get it. Quite willing to pay shipping, and I don't need much - a skein would be overkill; but I need it to repair my grandmother's afghan.

>41 ChelleBearss: Congrats on the silver! Nicely done. They look like a great happy/cohesive team!

Morning, friends!
I have woken up sick with a small cold. Boo! My nose is thoroughly plugged. Bummer indeed!

I'm quite tired today as last night both girls had ringette so we spent 2.5 hours at the arena, as well as yesterday I managed to hit my 10k steps with just cleaning! I finished the playroom purge, Nate's work closet and my craft room. We filled a whole trailer that my Dad took to the dump for me! I still have minor purging projects for the future but it's nice to get the big stuff out of the way!

Today I have to head to my dad's house and start the sorting and packing of craft and sewing supplies to come to my house. Nate's Aunt has requested any fabrics that I won't use and she will take them to a charity that makes quilts for cancer patients, and Nate's Gramma asked for as much yarn as I can spare for her retirement home has a knitting group that makes hats for Sick Kid's hospital and the homeless. I'm happy the extra supplies will go to good use!

>56 ffortsa: I will keep an eye out for that today! We are starting with the yarn and sewing supplies first I think :)

>57 figsfromthistle: Thanks! They had such a fun weekend!

Chelle, sorry to read that you are sick. Hoping you feel better very soon.

Excellent work on the stepping!! I am trying to get back into the grove with walking.

Nicely done with the purging - and it's already gone! How lovely that you have found a home for any unwanted fabric and yarn. That is happy making.

Sweet Thursday, Chelle. Sorry to hear that you are not feeling well. Hoping for a quick rebound. Congrats on getting those steps in.

I'm happy to see you have a plan for the fabric and yarn, Chelle. Good luck sorting through stuff. That can be kind of emotional.

Hoping the cold stays mild and dissipates soon. And sending hugs for you as you tackle your mom's crafting supplies.

Hi Chelle, I am glad you have a thread this year. I did the sabbatical thing in 2021 and, like you, missed the camaraderie here. I cut back on posting last year but was happy to be back in the group.

I am so sorry that your year has gotten off to a sad start with the loss of your mother. And then your Nate with a broken arm....and now you are sick on top of everything else. It sounds like things need to improve in your world soon.

Well, the girls are healthy and growing up so fast. That's encouraging news. I know they keep you busy which is probably a good thing. I am thinking of you and wish you energy for the upcoming move. Change can be a catalyst to turn things around. (((Hugs))) and best wishes to you and your family.

Happy Saturday, friends
Today we all slept in and it was lovely. Nice and slow morning before we head to the arena at noon for Chloe's ringette game.
I switched books up and am about halfway through Soul Taken by Patricia Briggs. I really love this Mercy Thompson series and this is the latest instalment.

>59 Crazymamie: Thankfully it's just a minor cold in my nose. It's a touch red from blowing it so much but otherwise I'm surviving :)

>60 msf59: Thanks, Mark! I've had a few low step days since. I can't wait until Spring when I'll get outside more

>61 lauralkeet: Thanks! My ended up keeping most of the fabric, and my sister took all of the yarn. My dad was getting a little emotional with us sorting at his house so we decided to just bring it to our houses and sort later.

>62 MickyFine: Thanks! It was an emotional day. Tuesday my dad has rented a small uhaul to bring all the stuff and furniture to my house. Nate is going to lose it when he sees how much stuff lol

>63 Donna828: I'm glad to be back. I hope to be able to keep up, for the most part. Still doing a bunch of skimming and lurking

Hello, Chelle! I also love Mercy Thompson - I am behind on the books because I have been hoarding them.

Good luck to Chloe today.

Happy Saturday, Chelle!

>65 Crazymamie: I borrow those ones from the library and noticed that there was a new one in. I miss the days of that series website emailing me to tell me when series I like publish new ones. I can't even remember what that site was called though, it's been so long!

Thanks! Her team won 11-0 and Chloe got an assist (She is defense :)

>66 katiekrug: Happy Saturday, Katie!

Chelle--I am so sorry to hear that your Mom passed. And now you are in the middle of the big cleanup. Sounds like you are making great progress though and I am sure your Dad is very happy to have you near. Love the Mercy Thompson series and need to get back to that one. Wishing you a great weekend with fewer sniffles. Big hugs.

>53 ChelleBearss: I like them, Chelle, they are not so heavy going. That said I did get distracted from it and only finished Closed Circles this morning.

Wishing you a great weekend. x

Sorry to hear you are sick. Hopefully the cold will pass quickly

Happy lazy Sunday!
Last night we had a last minute invite to go see some friends. We let the kids stay up waaay too late because we were all having so much fun. The girls played so nicely with our friend's daughter and the adult had some drinks and played Cards Against Humanity which was a blast, as usual.
Today we slept in and are just relaxing. Kids and Nate are video gaming and I'm online. I need to get caught up organizing my book series and see what has come out that I've missed.

I need a better way to track series. I miss the old website that would email me when new books were being released.

>68 Berly: Thanks! Ellie's teacher just came and picked up the girls old doll house and play kitchen that we donated to her kindergarten classroom. Now the room seems so empty until we get the big art desk next week.

>69 PaulCranswick: Glad that you enjoy them and will continue with them. I got behind for a while but I think I am only one book from the end now

>70 figsfromthistle: Thanks! I am still sniffly but it's not too bad. Ellie woke up sick today too but it hasn't slowed her down in the least!

Series that I want to get caught up on this year (alphabetical as that's how LT shows it to me)

Aaron Falk series by Jane Harper - Next up Exiles (#3)
All Souls series by Deborah Harkness - Currently reading A Discovery of Witches
Aunt Dimity series by Nancy Atherton - Next up Aunt Dimity goes West (#12)
Aurora Teagarden by Charlaine Harris - Next up A Bone to Pick (#2)

Björnstad Series by Fredrik Backman - Next up The Winners (#3)
Black Dagger Brotherhood by J. R. Ward - Next up The Chosen (#15)

Casey Duncan by Kelley Armstrong - Next up (preordered already) Murder at Haven's Rock (#8)
Caster Chronicles by Kami Garcia (I thought this series ended after 4) - Next up Dangerous Creatures (#5)
Chicagoland Vampires by Chloe Neill - Next up Hard Bitten (#4)
Commissario Montalbano by Andrea Camilleri - Next up The Cook of the Halcyon (#27) & the final book in the series Riccardino (#28)

Delightfully Deadly by Gail Carriger - Next up Defy or Defend (#2)
Dexter by Jeff Lindsay - Next up Dexter by Design )#4)
Discworld by Terry Pratchett - Next up Sourcery (#5)
The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher - Next up Death Masks (#5)
Dublin Murder Squad by Tana French - The Trespasser (#6)

Erica Falck & Patrik Hedström by Camilla Läckberg - Next up The Stranger (#4)

Flavia de Luce by Alan Bradley (don't love and may not continue) - Next up Speaking From Among the Bones (#5)
Fred, the Vampire Accountant by Drew Hayes - Next up Undeath & Taxes (#2)
The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs - Next up Knit Two (#2)

Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan - Next up The Candy House (#2)
Green Creek by TJ Klune - Next up Brothersong (#4)

The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood - Next up The Testaments
Harry Bosch by Michael Connelly - Next up Desert Star (#36)
Harry Hole by Jo Nesbø - Next up Nemesis (#4)
Hawthorne & Horowitz by Anthony Horowitz - Next up The Twist of the Knife (#4)
Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen - Next up Peril in Paris (#16)

Insatiable by Meg Cabot - Next up Overbite (#2)

Jack Reacher by Lee Child - Next up No Plan B (#27)
Joona Linna by Lars Kepler - Next up The Sandman (#4)

The Kingkiller Chronicle by Patrick Rothfuss - Next up The Doors of Stone (#3)

The Last Werewolf by Glen Duncan - Next up By Blood We Live (#3)

Mercy Thompson by Patricia Briggs - Currently reading Soul Taken (#13)
Miss Peregrine's Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs - next up Library of Souls (#3)
Molly Murphy by Rhys Bowen - Next up
Hush Now, Don't You Cry (#11)
Moonlight Bay by Dean Koontz - Next up Ride the Storm (#3)
Morganville Vampires by Rachel Caine - next up Midnight Alley (#3)

Nevermoor by Jessica Townsend - Next up Silverborn: The Mystery of Morrigan Crow (#4)
No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith - Next up The Kalahari Typing School for Men (#4)
The Nsibidi Scripts by Nnedi Okorafor - Next up Akata Woman (#3)

Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz - Next up Saint Odd (#7)
Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong - Next up Wolf's Curse (#15)
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon - Next up Go Tell the Bees That I Am Gone (#9)

Psychic Eye Mystery by Victoria Laurie - Next up Death Perception (#6)

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard - Next up Queen Song (#3)
Rip Through Time by Kelley Armstrong - Next up The Poisoner's Ring (#2)
Ruth Galloway by Elly Griffiths - Next up The Last Remains (#15)

Sandhamn Murders by Viveca Sten - Next up Buried in Secret (#10)
Shades of Magic by V. E. Schwab - Next up A Gathering of Shadows (#2)
Shetland by Ann Cleeves - Next up White Nights (#2)
Stillhouse Lake by Rachel Caine - Next up Wolfhunter River (#3)

Temperance Brennan by Kathy Reichs - Next up The Bone Hacker (#22)
Thursday Next by Jasper Fforde - Next up The Well of Lost Plots (#3)

Vera Kelly by Rosalie Knecht - Next up Vera Kelly: Lost and Found (#3)

Wayward Children by Seanan McGuire - Next up Beneath the Sugar Sky (#3)
Weather Warden by Rachel Caine - Next up Chill Factor (#3)
Wicked City by Beatriz Williams - Next up The wicked Redhead (#2)
The Wizards of Once by Cressida Cowell - Next up The Wizards of Once: Twice Magic (#2)
Women's Murder Club by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro - Next up The 17th Suspect (#17)

You by Caroline Kepnes - Next up You Love Me (#3)

Chelle, I think the website you are thinking of is FictFact, but sadly, it no longer exists. Love the series list!

Sounds like last night was full of fabulous.

>73 Crazymamie: Thank you! Not being able to remember that name had been driving me nuts!

I found a new one called Booksontrack.net. I am trying to export my goodreads into their now to see if it works the same. Hopefully!!

>74 ChelleBearss: Crossing my fingers for you!

>72 ChelleBearss: Wow, that's a whole lotta series to keep track of, Chelle. I miss FictFact, too. My husband reads a few series and never can remember where he is on the list, but then the order doesn't seem all that important to him. I don't get that at all...

Hope the new week is kind to your family.

>72 ChelleBearss: Got me thinking from this morning, Chelle.

I looked up fictfact since you brought it up and discovered something called booksontrack.net which is not as good as our old place but may help.

I am going to go through my outstanding series this afternoon. I have seven ongoing series coincide with your list and I have finished the Montalbano series. There are several on your list too which I have books for but haven't started.

Whoa, you have a lot of series to keep track of Chelle! Since Fictfact shut down I've been using a spreadsheet to track my progress, but obviously it doesn't notify me when new books are coming out. I'll be interested to see how you get on with Booksontrack.net.

>72 ChelleBearss: Wow! Good luck with your series fiction, Chelle. I have been veering away from these, the past few years, with just a few exceptions.

Happy Monday!
Today I have to head into the city for a doctor appointment and then maybe a little shopping, possibly pop into Costco. Then back home to my comfy pants and book until the kids finish school.

>75 Crazymamie: Thanks! I think the website will be good enough. I like that it shows me what book is next up so I don't have to go searching each series individually

>76 Donna828: Oh order is very important to me too! I can't read out of order because then I get annoyed at missing information from previous books.

>77 PaulCranswick: Thanks, I found that one yesterday and managed to get my goodreads exported into it. I think it will be good enough :)

>78 lauralkeet: I think it's pretty similar to fictfact and will work just fine.

>79 msf59: Thanks! I don't read a ton of stand alone fiction lately. I enjoy getting to know characters over multiple books. I've been reading a lot of fluff though and could do with a bit better attention span to pick up some more serious fiction.

I just checked out Books on Track, and immediately had an issue - they don't have the most recent Ruth Galloway (The Locked Room) on the list. It came out last year. So now I don't trust any of it, LOL.

>81 katiekrug: That is quite annoying. I found an issue with the Jane Harper Aaron Falk series too. There is a spot on each series to submit issues with missing or incorrect books so I filled that out for both. It sounds like the website is a hobby site and not something that has people working full time on it.
Better than nothing, I guess lol

>82 ChelleBearss: - I submitted the form about the Griffiths book, so hopefully they'll fix it.

Given the number of series you are tracking, I can understand wanting some help! I'm only tracking about 5, I think, right now so I'll just keep muddling along :)

Once upon a time Tim did say he was working on adding FictFact features to LT (https://www.librarything.com/topic/311006#7070083) but a lot has happened between Feb 2020 and now so who knows.

>83 katiekrug: Oh good, hopefully they will fix it before the next one comes out in spring!

>84 norabelle414: that would be lovely if they added that feature to LT! One stop shopping! I used LT over Goodreads, although I do use both as a back up.

I finally finished a book!!


1) Soul Taken by Patricia Briggs
Bringing me up to date on the Mercy Thompson series, for now.

>81 katiekrug: & >82 ChelleBearss: I checked it out too and add some series and then I wanted to add Rory Clements and he didn't appear at all?!

Hi! Happy New Year. Like you, I've become more anti-social as I age. Though, I think I am making better choices of friends and thus am more careful about leaving negative people out of my life.

All good wishes for a great year of reading, and the time to visit threads. I know that this can be challenging. I am also trying to be better about visiting threads. Thus far, I'm more active than last year.

I'll be back! For the meantime, I'll be thinking of you as you begin the process of packing things to move, and getting rid of those that don't need to move with you.

I have just been keeping one of my top LT thread posts the place to keep track of my series reads. And there are several series I have just let go. I use LT to look up the next one in the list. So far so good...

Happy Tuesday, otherwise known for me as my last day off :( Tomorrow I head back to work for five shifts after being off the whole month bereavement. I am very much not ready to go back to work as I have been enjoying sleeping in!
Today Dad and the uhaul arrive with a ton of mom's craft supplies and furniture. We've got her big craft desk and many shelves of craft paper and rubber stamps. All that is going in the girl's play room (which is our very large fourth bedroom, so I think it all will fit). Also coming is a large sewing table, a wardrobe full of quilt cotton, and various craft supplies that will all take over my basement craft room. Ellie woke up feeling yucky and is staying home sick today so I have to keep her out from under foot while we move things around.

While cleaning that room out I found a blanket that I started to crochet many years ago and abandoned for some reason. I think it's about halfway done so I started working on that last night while watching tv with Nate


>87 PaulCranswick: That is quite annoying to find series that have errors or just missing. I wonder how long it takes them to fix the mistakes that are sent in by the "Missing" buttong?

>88 Whisper1: Thanks for visiting! It can be hard to stay social but I am going to try this year.

>89 Berly: I started that as well and my series is now saved in the top thread.

>90 ChelleBearss: That's a lovely granny square blanket, Chelle!

Good luck getting everything in and sorted!

>90 ChelleBearss: That's beautiful! You definitely have to finish it. : ) Hope you make the most of your last day off.

>Lovely blanket - you should definitely finish that.

What a fabulous blanket, Chelle.

Happy Thursday, friends.
Yesterday sucked and I didn't make it online at all. We got hammered at work with an overload of winter storm calls and I was very tired after work. Hoping for a slower day today!

>91 MickyFine: Thanks! We managed to get it all in and mostly sorted. I have a few new cabinets that came too which helps with the sorting!

>92 Berly: Thanks! I love the colours but I realized I had made a mistake on the blanket and didn't love the way I connected the squares so I took that apart and will redo that portion of it. I imagine it will take many months!

>93 SandDune: Thanks! I will try and hopefully not get bored of it again

>94 lauralkeet: Thanks! I loved the colours on it

2) Mr Nobody by Catherine Steadman (audio)

Yay, just got approved for a netgalley of In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune! I need to try and fit this in before April

Hi, Chelle!! I'm just now making it over here (apologies.) I *love* the blanket!! The colors are beautiful.

3) the Cook of the Halcyon by Andrea Camilleri

>98 scaifea: Yay, thanks for popping by!

4) Riccardino by Andrea Camilleri

The last of the Inspector Montalbano books and I so wanted to love it, or even like it, and I was disappointed to really dislike this novel. You would need to read it to understand my frustration. I am glad to have finished the series though.

5) Death Perception by Victoria Laurie

Happy Monday, friends!

I am on four days off now and having a slow morning with coffee and LT. It's snowing lightly here and very pretty. Cleaning and relaxing today :)

Have a good week!

Morning, Chelle. Enjoy your time off. It sounds like you had a tough one last week. I should return to TJ Klune. I really enjoyed Cerulean Sea.

Enjoy your time off, Chelle!

>104 msf59: Thanks, Mark! Thankfully the last couple shifts were slower. No bad weather and the call volume to staffing levels were better. Actually got some reading done at work on Sunday!

>105 katiekrug: Thanks! I plan to stay in my jammies as long as possible :) I only allow myself morning coffee on my days off because it affects my stomach slightly so I am really enjoying a hot coffee today!

Hooray for four days off, Chelle! And snow! And coffee!

>107 Crazymamie: Thanks for popping by :) Hot coffee makes everything better, eh!

I decided to try my hand at wordl today. Not a terrible start :)

Wordle 590 3/6

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Happy Tuesday, folks! Today is a low key day for me. Nate has to go back up to Orillia to return some kit and pickup a computer he forgot up there. While the kids are at school I'll be vegging and reading. Also need to vacuum the main floor, put some laundry in and prep a presentation that I have to do tonight.
Ellie's Sparks unit is doing a series on being strong women and they have women with unique jobs outside typical gender roles coming in to present to the kids. Nate's canine friend is one of the first female K9 officers in the OPP so she is coming with her pooch Felix to talk to the kids. I'll be talking about 911 operators in general, not just policing. There is also a female pilot coming tonight. I hate speaking in public though and I have a 10-20 mins time slot to fill so I need to prep.

Wordle 591 4/6

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>101 ChelleBearss: Yeah, I felt similar with both last Montalbano books. Still enjoyed revisiting old Montalbano but the plot left much to be desired. The Cook of the Halcyon was first written as a film script so it didn't feel like a regular Montalbano.

My first visit to your thread and condolences to your family for your loss.

>109 ChelleBearss: That's very cool that they're doing a series on strong women - and that you're presenting!! Good luck with the public speaking. I bet you'll be great!

>108 ChelleBearss: Nice going!

>109 ChelleBearss: I love that series on strong women! A few years ago we took a Caribbean cruise on a small ship where you can really get to know your fellow passengers, one of whom was Air Canada's first female pilot. She was quite the pioneer.

Happy February, Chelle. Enjoy your low key day and good luck with the 911 talk. You can do it!!

I hope the presentation went well! It seems like everyone would be upstaged by Felix :)

What Katie said.

Happy February, Chelle!

Happy Wednesday, friends!

Today is an errand day. I have to take my dad to his final bank appointment for Mom's estate stuff and then have to hit Costco while in the city to use up my end of year cash back.
The both girls have ringette tonight so we will be at the arena for over 2.5 hours so I need to find easy dinners we can pack to eat there in shifts.

Today is World Read Aloud Day & dress as your favourite book character at my girl's school today! Can you guess who the girls are??



>110 avatiakh: I agree that both the last two books did not feel like normal Montalbano books. The very last one I disliked, and the second last was ok but didn't read normally to me which makes sense that you said it was written as a screenplay instead. I was sad to see that series go, I've been reading it for 10 years!

>111 scaifea: I love that they are doing that series. They have a lot of emergency services workers coming in. I didn't get to speak last night as they ran out of time but the kids LOVED Felix the K9 and the firefighter that presented. (She handed out pink plastic fire hats. Perfect way to win over a group of 5-6 year old girls! Ellie's favourite colour is blue (Blue is NOT for boys, she says) but she never passes up pink either!)

Wordle 592 4/6

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>112 Carmenere: Thanks! My starter word failed me today though!

>113 lauralkeet: Oh that would be fun to pick her brain! I was sad that the officer was running out of time and didn't really touch on the fact that she was one of the first female K9 officers. Kids were so happy to see the dog though .

>114 msf59: Thanks! I did a lot of reading yesterday! :)

>115 katiekrug: I was totally upstaged and the pooch stole my time slot! I'll be rescheduled for another night

>116 Crazymamie: Happy February! I forgot it was Feb 1st!

6) Doom with a View by Victoria Laurie

I am really loving these light murder mysteries involving the FBI and a psychic!

Happy Thursday, and last day off for me! I have a day full of chores today. Pay day today so bills and banking were done over coffee. I have too many loads of laundry and folding to do, but I need to download a new audiobook before I start the chores. A loaf of bread to make to go with dinner, too


7) The 17th Suspect by James Patterson
I stopped reading this once Patterson started having ghost writers with him. I got very annoyed with his commercialism. It's an ok series as an audio book as I find I don't knit pick it as much as sometimes with audio books my attention wanders a little.

Wordle 593 6/6

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Down to the wire today. Ugh.

That was a close one!

I stopped reading Patterson years ago. I think he's all about the paycheck.
Did you choose your BotM club selection? I selected Jojo Moyes and from previous months Killers of a Certain Age

>121 Carmenere: I chose The Writing Retreat and a previous month's Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow. It was a tough decision. I almost went with Jojo Moyes as I loved her Me Before You series.

>86 ChelleBearss: That is a series I have been meaning to check into for years now, but still have not given it a go. Maybe this is the year?

>90 ChelleBearss: Oo, I like the looks of that blanket.

>97 ChelleBearss: I will be curious to see what you think of that one. I discovered TJ Klune last year and would like to read more of his stuff.

>117 ChelleBearss: I cannot believe how big your girls have gotten! My, time does fly!

Hi Chelle!

>72 ChelleBearss: Lots of good series going on here. Sigh. Looks like I need the 3rd Aaron Falk, 8th and final Dexter, 27th Jack Reacher, 4th Hawthorne & Horowitz, 15th Ruth Galloway when it’s published here in the US, 7th Thursday Next, and possibly the first in the You series by Caroline Kepnes. BBs galore here.

>117 ChelleBearss: Cute pic of the girls. I guess Elsa from Frozen and totally clueless, even with the huge sox hint. *smile*

>101 ChelleBearss: I agree with you, Chelle, it was such an anti-climactic way to bring things to a close. I am taking it that the events of two episodes earlier were the real ending.

>117 ChelleBearss: They really are a couple of cuties!

Happy Sunday, folks!
Took a vacation day from work today as Chloe has an away game over and hour away and it's my dad's bday. We also need to take Chloe to get some new ringette gear on the way as she magically grew again

>124 karenmarie: Hermione (and Crookshanks too)

>125 PaulCranswick: I'm glad I finished it, but was sad it wasn't a better ending.


8) The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

Ringette and cake all in one day! I hope the game goes well and the celebrations are lovely.

Happy Hump day, friends!
It's been a rough few days here. Nate and I either got mild food poisoning from Swiss Chalet or we had gastro. But both of us have been down for the last two days. He is back to normal today but I am still quite tired. Hopefully tomorrow goes back to normal!

>127 MickyFine: She won! And she got an assist. We are so proud of how well her team is doing now. They have grown so much as a team since it started in the fall


9) A Glimpse of Evil by Victoria Laurie


10) Vision Impossible by Victoria Laurie


11) Lethal Outlook by Victoria Laurie

Oof! Sorry about the food poisoning, Chelle - that is NOT fun. Glad you are starting to feel better.

>128 ChelleBearss: Oh No! I hope you feel better soon!

12) Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone: Illustrated Edition by JK Rowling


13) Deadly Forecast by Victoria Laurie

14) Fatal Fortune by Victoria Laurie
15) Sense of Deception by Victoria Laurie
16) A Grave Prediction by Victoria Laurie
17) A Panicked Premonition by Victoria Laurie
18) Fated for Felony by Victoria Laurie

Sweet Thursday, Chelle. I hope all is well. Looks like you are enjoying some comfort reads. Nothing wrong with that.

19) What's A Ghoul To Do by Victoria Laurie
20) Demons Are a Ghoul's Best Friend by Victoria Laurie
21) Ghouls Just Haunt to Have Fun by Victoria Laurie

Chelle, looks like you have found jus the right books at just the right time. I love when that happens.

Books read in February
7) The 17th Suspect by James Patterson 🎧
8) The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
9) A Glimpse of Evil by Victoria Laurie
10) Vision Impossible by Victoria Laurie
11) Lethal Outlook by Victoria Laurie
12) Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone: Illustrated Edition by JK Rowling
13) Deadly Forecast by Victoria Laurie
14) Fatal Fortune by Victoria Laurie
15) Sense of Deception by Victoria Laurie
16) A Grave Prediction by Victoria Laurie
17) A Panicked Premonition by Victoria Laurie
18) Fated for Felony by Victoria Laurie
19) What's A Ghoul To Do by Victoria Laurie
20) Demons Are a Ghoul's Best Friend by Victoria Laurie
21) Ghouls Just Haunt to Have Fun by Victoria Laurie
22) The Trespasser by Tana French 🎧

>133 msf59: Hiya Mark! Yes, I found an author that I could actually focus on and stuck with that

>135 Crazymamie: HI Mamie! I love paranormal fiction and Victoria Laurie's fit into my mood lately nicely!

>136 ChelleBearss: Looks like Victoria Laurie did keep you reading in February, Chelle :-)

23) Ghouls Gone Wild by Victoria Laurie
24) Ghouls, Ghouls, Ghouls by Victoria Laurie

>137 FAMeulstee: Yes, I found some paranormal fluff to keep me reading through my funky book mood.

25) Murder at Haven’s Rock by Kelley Armstrong
26) Ghoul Interrupted by Victoria Laurie
27) What a Ghoul Wants by Victoria Laurie
28) The Ghoul Next Door by Victoria Laurie
29) No Ghouls Allowed by Victoria Laurie
30) Ghoul's Guide to Love and Murder by Victoria Laurie

*waves at Chelle*

I hope you survived/are surviving/will survive spring break! :)

>140 MickyFine: Ha! I worked half of it, so I survived fine. Nate was stuck home with the kids and surprisingly enjoyed himself

31) Aunt Dimity Goes West by Nancy Atherton
32) Aunt Dimity Vampire Hunter by Nancy Atherton
33) Aunt Dimity Slays the Dragon by Nancy Atherton
34) Aunt Dimity Down Under by Nancy Atherton

35) Aunt Dimity and the Family Tree by Nancy Atherton
36) Aunt Dimity and the Village Witch by Nancy Atherton
37) Aunt Dimity and the Lost Prince by Nancy Atherton

38) In The Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune
I have adored TJ Klune's books that I have read so far and while I did enjoy this one, it felt a little off his usual writing for me. The sexual tension between the main character and the robot didn't quite feel right at first, but I did love the humour that Rambo and Nurse Ratched bring!
I recommend this book, but I do urge everyone to read some of Klune's other works as well!

(Thanks to NetGalley for this ebook in exchange for an honest review.)

39) Aunt Dimity and the Wishing Well by Nancy Atherton

40) Aunt Dimity and the Summer King by Nancy Atherton
41) Aunt Dimity and the Buried Treasure by Nancy Atherton
42) Aunt Dimity and the Widow's Curse by Nancy Atherton
43) Aunt Dimity and the King's Ransom by Nancy Atherton
44) Aunt Dimity and the Heart of Gold by Nancy Atherton

Good old Aunt Dimity, Chelle.

When will you have finished with the good lady?

>146 PaulCranswick: I have the last book on hold at the library! I started that series the year that I started LT (2011). I stopped reading them because they were too cozy for me at the time, but 2023 is the year of cozy and magic at my house apparently :)

45) How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix


46) The Accidental Alchemist by Gigi Pandian

47) The Masquerading Magician by Gigi Pandian


48) The Elusive Elixir by Gigi Pandian


49) The Alchemist's Illusion by Gigi Pandian

50) The Lost Gargoyle of Paris by Gigi Pandian


51) The Alchemist of Fire and Fortune by Gigi Pandian


52) The Alchemist of Riddle and Ruin by Gigi Pandian

53) Aunt Dimity and the Enchanted Cottage by Nancy Atherton


54) The Librarian of Crooked Lane by C.J. Archer


55) Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: The Illustrated Edition by JK Rowling

56) The Medici Manuscript by C J Archer


57) Murder at the Mayfair Hotel by CJ Archer

58) Murder at the Piccadilly Playhouse by C.J. Archer


59) Murder in the Drawing Room by C.J. Archer

60) Murder at the Dressmaker's Salon by C.J. Archer


61) Murder at the Debutante Ball by C.J. Archer

Lost you there for a bit. Man, you are on a roll and reading lots of series. I assume they have been good since you continue on? Fun! : )

Hope all is well, Chelle.

Not sure that you'll read this, Chelle but I hope that you, Nate and the girls have a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.

Hi Chelle!!

Merry Christmas to you and yours Chelle!

Thinking about you during the festive season, Chelle and to Nate and the girls.

Hi all! Merry Christmas to everyone! Hope Santa was kind!

A little update on the very little reading I've done this year

Books read in June
62) Southern Spirits by Angie Fox
63) The Skeleton in the Closet by Angie Fox
64) Murder at the Crown and Anchor by CJ Archer
65) The Haunted Heist by Angie Fox
66) Deader Homes and Gardens by Angie Fox
67) The Last Remains by Elly Griffiths

No books read in July
No books read in August

Books read in September
68) The Bone Hacker by Kathy Reichs

Books read in October
69) Coached to Death by Victoria Laurie

Books read in November
70) Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice
71) Moon of the Turning Leaves by Waubgeshig Rice

Books read in December
72) Murder in an Irish Village by Carlene O'Connor
73) Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll
74) Murder at an Irish Wedding by Carlene O'Connor

Happy holidays!!! Hoping to be around more in 24! : )

Glad to see you posting, Chelle!
Hope all is well with you, Nate and the girls.

Merry Christmas and happy new year, Chelle!

Hope 2024 is kind to all

I started to read a book last night and realized that I had already read it. I checked my library account and apparently I read it in August 2023 and forgot to track it

So I actually did hit 75 books in 2023 and didn't realize it!

75) A Sinister Revenge by Deanna Raybourne ( Missed tracking, actually read in August 2023)

Huzzah for reaching the magic number!

>168 ChelleBearss: Congratulations on reaching 75 after all in 2023, Chelle!