Finished Monthly Challenges
2019 January Monthly Challenge
1. 'J' is for January :
-Read a book that starts with 'J' or a book whose author's first or last name starts with 'J'.
2. Bird of the Month: January: Owl- Owls live within the darkness, which includes magic, mystery, and ancient knowledge. Related to the night is the moon, which owls are also connected to. It becomes a symbol of the feminine and fertility, with the moon's cycles of renewal. Even the mythology relates owl to this wisdom and femininity.
-Read a book with mystery or magic in it, or
-Read a book with a dark cover or a moon on the cover or
-Read a book with pregnancy in the story or
-Read a book with the letters o,w, and l in the title.
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author- Jodi Thomas:
Read one book written by Jodi Thomas or any author with her first or last name.
Link to Jodi Thomas's backlist- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Fun Facts about Jodi-
* Jodi Thomas enjoys traveling with her husband
* Jodi is a bestselling author of over 50 novels
* She writes Historical and Contemporary Romance set in Texas
* In July 2006, Jodi was the 11th writer to be inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame
You may also:
-Read a book set in Texas, or by an author who is from Texas, or
-Read any book published in 2006, or is shelved as Contemporary Romance or Historical Romance, or
-Read a book that has a character traveling somewhere.
4. January 8th- Bubble Bath Day: Today is a fun day to relax an enjoy the warm and soothing pleasures of a bubble bath.
-Read a book that you would choose to sit back and relax with, or
-Read a book with something round on the cover, or
-Read a book with alliteration in the title (i.e. Dirty Distractions).
5. January 14- Dress Up Your Pet Day: Great news! You don't have to wait until Halloween to dress up your pet. National Dress Up Your Pet Day gives you the opportunity to .... you guessed it......dress up your pet!
-Read a book with an animal on the cover or in the book or
-Read a book with an article of clothing on the cover.
6. January 20th- National Buttercrunch Day: Buttercrunch lovers, today is your day. It's National Buttercrunch Day. Today you can enjoy buttercrunch ice cream, candy, or anything buttercrunch.
-Read a book that contains double letters in the title (i.e. His Princess, Hot Mall Santa) or
-Read a book that you think is sweet.
7. January 25th- Opposite Day: Opposite day was mentioned in the book "Alice in Wonderland". This day may originate from the storybook, written in the 1800's..
-Read a book that is the opposite of what you would normally pick up (i.e. short if you usually read long, historical if you usually read contemporary) , or
-Read a book that has an opposites attract plot or
-Read a book that is a classic.
8. January 26th- Spouse's Day: Spouse's Day is a time to enjoy and appreciate your better half.
-Read a book with a married couple in it, or
-Read a book that is part of a series or
-Read a book with two people on the cover.
9. January 28th- National Kazoo Day: People young and old love Kazoos. Kazoo Day celebrates the the joy of this musical instrument.
-Read a book with a musical character in it, or
-Read a book with a young character or an older character or
-Read a book that brings you joy.
10. Reader's Choice:
- Read any book of your choice.
- Read any book of your choice.
2. An Amish Match on Ice Mountain - Kelly Long (Kensington - Nov 2018) (pregnancy) - Jan 13
8. A Ranger for Christmas - Stella Bagwell (HSE #2661 - Dec 2018) (series and two people) - Jan 4
9. Fortune's Christmas Baby - Tara Taylor Quinn (HSE #2664 - Dec 2018) (musician) - Jan 4
10. The Girl with the Sweetest Secret - Betina Krahn (Kensington - Nov 2018) - Jan 24
2019 February Monthly Challenge
1. 'F' is for February: Read a book that starts with 'F' or a book whose author's first or last name starts with 'F'.
2. Bird of the Month - Parrot: Parrots symbolize the everyday beauty that you possess and are surrounded with. The parrot symbolism is a reminder never to take these things for granted, because you never know when they will be taken away from you. Most of all, the parrot meaning puts the focus on love and friendship.
Read: A book with a colorful cover or with a beautiful scene on the cover OR
Read: A book that features a friendship that turns into love.
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) authors:
Queen of Romance - Lisa Kleypas
Princess of Romance - Michelle M. Pillow
Read one book written by Lisa Kleypas or Michelle M. Pillow, or any author with either of their first or last names. Link to backlists: Lisa Kleypas , Michelle M. Pillow .
Fun Facts about Michelle M. Pillow -
* Michelle writes mostly Paranormal Romance and Cozy Mysteries
* She loves to travel and try new things.
* She’s addicted to movies and it is her dream to be in a zombie or horror movie.
* She can be found writing in her office with a cup of coffee and pajama pants.
You may also:
Read: A book tagged as paranormal, fantasy or mystery OR
Read: A book where a character travels.
4. February 2nd – Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast Day: It’s mid-winter. The snow and cold seems like it will never end and spring seems so far away. Stuck in a mid-winter funk and suffering from cabin fever? It’s time to do something weird, odd or quirky. So let’s eat ice cream for breakfast!!
Read: A book with food on the cover or in the story OR
Read: A book just because you want to! Bonus points if you are eating ice cream while reading it!
5. February 3rd – Super Bowl Sunday: Super Bowl LIII (or 53 for those who are Roman Numerally-challenged) is set for Sunday, Feb 3 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The contenders this year will be the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams. Millions around the world get together to celebrate the “Big Game”. It is the second biggest snack day of the year (behind New Year’s Eve). Some watch for the game, some watch for the ads. Either way, it is a BIG day!
Read: A book with a sports romance tag OR
Read: A book set in any one of the locations mentioned above: Atlanta, Georgia, New England or Los Angeles OR
Read: A book with the numbers 5 and 3 in the page count or publication date or with a Roman numeral in the title.
6. February 13th - Galentine’s Day: Galentine’s Day started as a fictional holiday on an episode of Parks and Recreation (Season 2; Episode 16) and has quickly turned into a full-blown sensation. (Seriously! My grocery story has a whole display just for the day!) On P&R, Amy Poehler’s character, Leslie Knope simply loves lavishing gifts on her girls and sets aside Feb 13th, the day before Valentine’s Day, to toast to her best buds. As Leslie says, “Ladies celebrating ladies. It’s like Lilith Fair, minus the angst.”
Read: A book that features best friends or a group of girlfriends OR
Read: A book with an adult beverage on the cover (cheers!) or set in a bar.
7. February 20th – Hoodie Hoo Day: Living in So Cal I don’t really get to do one, but it cracks me up anyway. Hoodie-Hoo day is a day to chase away the winter blahs and bring on spring. After all, (nearly) everyone in the northern hemisphere is sick and tired of winter at this point and a little crazy being cooped up inside all winter, not seeing the sun. (Not a problem in LA, I assure you!) SO, on this winter day, people go out at noon, wave their hands over their heads and chant “Hoodie-Hoooooo”! Does it scare away winter? Well that’s the question, isn’t it?
Read: A book with an odd or mysterious character (like paranormal or magical) – up to your interpretation! OR
Read: A book with a wintery or cold scene on the cover, or with mostly blue on the cover.
8. February 22nd – Walk the Dog Day: Yes, if you have a dog, walking it is an everyday thing, but Fido deserves a special day where you just have to take him for a walk! Don’t have a dog? Did you know that “Walking the Dog” is a yo-yo trick? So if you don’t have a dog, walk your yo-yo on this day! If you don’t have either, just go for a walk!
Read: A book where a character has a pet or that has an animal on the cover or in the story OR
Read: A book where a character plays a trick on someone or has a trick played on him or her.
9. February 24th - Oscar Night: The Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences awards the Oscars every year for the very best in Motion Pictures over the past year. While there are many awards ceremonies over the year, the Oscars are the most coveted.
Read: A book that features a famous or wealthy character or has an actor/actress character in the story OR
Read: A book with a yellow or gold on the cover or a statue on the cover.
10. Reader's Choice: Read any book of your choice.
2. The Ebb Tide - Beverly Lewis (Bethany House - Apr 2017) (beautiful cover) - Feb 3
3. The Cowboy's Orphan Bride - Lauri Robinson (HH #1323 - Apr 2017) (travels) - Feb 6
4. Strawberry Hill - Catherine Anderson (Penguin - Dec 2018) (strawberries) - Feb 10
7. It's Getting Scot in Here - Suzanne Enoch (St. Martin's - Mar 2019) (blue) - Feb 12
8. Home at Last - Shirlee McCoy (Zebra - Feb 2019) (dog on cover) - Feb 20
9. Angel - Janie Crouch (Calamity Jane Pub - Feb 2019) (wealthy) - Feb 13
10. Marriage Confidential - Debra Webb, Regan Black (HI #1720 - June 2017) - Feb 21
2019 March Monthly Challenge
1. 'M' is for March: Read a book that starts with 'M' or a book whose author's first or last name starts with 'M'.
2. Bird of the Month - Robin: In old mythologies and legends the Robin was a symbol of passion and honor. It is also believed that the robin is a divine bird. The robins are also called spring birds because they symbolize renewal and new birth.
Read a book that has the word ‘Robin’ or ‘Spring’ anywhere in the book (please list) OR
Read a book that puts a ‘spring’ in your step 😊
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) authors:
Queen of Romance - Christine Feehan
Princess of Romance - Penelope Ward
Read one book written by Christine Feehan or Penelope Ward, or any author with either of their first or last names. Link to backlists: Christine Feehan Penelope Ward
Fun Facts about Christine Feehan:
* Christine has over 70 published works, starting in 1999
* Her debut novel Dark Prince received 3 of the 9 Paranormal Excellence Awards in Romantic Literature
* Genres: Paranormal, Fantasy/Romance
* She’s a third degree black belt and lives in Northern California
You may also:
Read a book set in California OR by an author who is from California OR you can also
Read any book published in 1999, or is shelved as Paranormal or Fantasy Romance.
4. March 6 – Dentist Day: Why is it like ‘pulling teeth’ for most of us to go to the dentist. In honor of this day:
Read a book with a ‘smile’ on the cover OR
Read humorous book
5. March 8 – International (Working) Women’s Day: The first International Women’s Day was held in 1911…growing from women socialists and trade unions. The focus is on advancing women’s rights in the workforce, politics and society
Read a book with a female character who has a prominent position or is a leader OR
Read a Historical Romance
6. March 14 – Popcorn Lover’s Day: is the 2nd Thursday in March. Healthy when eaten plain and a promoter of the heart attack when loaded with butter and salt…a movie isn’t the same without it!
Read a book that’s also been made into a movie OR
Read a book featuring a character that isn’t a good person OR
Read a book that’s so good you know you won’t be able to put it down!
7. March 17 – Saint Patrick’s Day: is held in honor of Saint Patrick, this missionary who brought Christianity to the Irish people in the 400’s.
Read a book set in Ireland OR
Read a book with 400 or more ratings OR
Read any book that has at least a ‘wee bit o’ green on the cover.
8. March 20 - The Spring Vernal Equinox: brings days and nights in equal proportions. This only applies to those who live on the Equator…for the rest of us it’s sooner/later.
Read a book with a title, series or author (first or last initial) starts with S, V or E OR
Read a book that has two identical numbers in the page count (any order is fine) OR
Read a book where the Spring Season is mentioned at least once.
9. March 23 – National Puppy Day: started in 2006 by Colleen Paige. Help celebrate this day by:
Reading a book featuring a dog or any animal with four legs OR
Reading a book that you adopt - recommended by a friend, any Goodreads Recommendation or borrowed from the library
10. Reader's Choice: Read any book of your choice.
10. Reader's Choice: Read any book of your choice.
2. The Cottage on Rose Lane - Hope Ramsay (Grand Central - Dec 2018) (Springtime - loc 3366) - Mar 11
7. An Irish Doctor in Peace and at War - Patrick Taylor (Forge - Oct 2014) (Ireland) - Mar 7
10. Daniel's True Desire - Grace Burrowes (Sourcebooks Casablanca - Nov 2015) - Mar 5
2019 April Monthly Challenge
1. 'A' is for April ~ Read a book that starts with 'A' or a book whose author's first or last name starts with 'A'
2. Bird of the Month: Canary ~ Canaries represent joy, freedom, and intellectual development. Canaries are happy birds that spread joy and a sense of well-being. For some, a flying canary could be a sign of freedom, or in the extreme, it could mean entrapment (caged canary).
Read a book that starts with a letter in CANARY OR a book with a happy character (your interpretation) OR a book where someone is freed or entrapped in some way.
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) authors ~
Queen of Romance - J.R. Ward
Princess of Romance - Sabrina York
Read one book written by J.R. Ward or Sabrina York, or any author with either of their first or last names. Link to backlists:J.R. Ward, Sabrina York.
Fun Facts about J.R. Ward ~
~ has written over 30 novels and been published on over 25 countries
~ graduated with a law degree but worked in the medical field
~ lives with her husband and beloved golden retriever
Fun Facts about Sabrina York ~
~ has written over 45 titles that range from sweet & snarky to scorching romance
~ she is a 2018 Holt Medallion Winner and a 2017 RITA Nominee
~ also writes sci-fi action/adventure as Sam York
Read a book with a number in the title or on the cover OR a book where someone works in the justice system or the medical field OR a book with a pet or read a book snarky character OR a book by an author with a pen-name.
4. National Kite Month ~ April was chosen as National Kite Month because it is the month that perfectly symbolizes hope, potential, and joy. As the first (full) month in Spring, it is the month where we see the last of the snow giving way to green lawns, a month that we are eager to get outside and be active. So why not do it with a kite this year?
Read a book with the letters of KITE in the title OR a book with author initials in KITE OR a book set in the spring time.
5. April 4 ~ School Librarian Day ~ School Librarian Day honors those who serve our young students so well in the local school libraries. Take a minute today, to appreciate all the hard work that a school librarian does daily, and the patience the librarian displays, as he or she aids our youth.
Read a book you got from a library (or borrowed elsewhere) OR a book that has a librarian character OR a book that has children in the story or is about books OR a book that has books on the cover.
6. April 6 ~ New Beer's Eve ~ The 21st Amendment repealed the 18th Amendment and took effect at 12:01a.m on April 7, 1933. On the evening of April 6th, anxious Americans lined up at breweries and distilleries to purchase legal beer and alcohol at the stroke of midnight. That night, someone coined the term "New Beer's Eve", and a new annual holiday was born!
Read a book with a 2 or 1 in the page count OR a book with 4, 7 or 3 in the publication date OR a book where someone drinks a beer or visits a bar or pub.
7. April 8 ~ Zoo Lovers Day ~ Zoos have been around for thousands of years. A zoo was originally called a "menagerie". In some form, menageries have been around since ancient times. The earliest recording was around 1500 B.C.!!
Read a book with an animal on the cover OR a book that has animals as part of the story (shifters count) OR a book with a Z anywhere on the cover.
8. April 12 ~ Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day ~ People have been consuming the ever popular grilled cheese sandwich for seemingly ever. Its roots go back to ancient Roman times, when bread was topped with cheese and melted. It wasn't until the 1920's that sliced bread was created. Shortly after that, today's grilled cheese sandwich began to be enjoyed by millions.
Read a book with food on the cover OR a book where someone eats a sandwich or cheese OR a book with a mostly yellow cover OR a book that makes you feel warm and toasty!
9. April 26 ~ Arbor Day ~ National Arbor Day is the Tree Planter's holiday, and has been celebrated since 1872. It began in Nebraska, a largely treeless plain back in the 1800's. It is a day to plant and dedicate a tree to help nature and the environment. Millions of trees are planted on this day.
Read a book with trees on the cover (duh!) OR a book where someone likes to be outside OR a book set in the 1800s.
10. Reader's Choice ~ Read any book of your choice.
3. Small-Town Face-Off - Tyler Anne Snell (HI #1748 - Nov 2017) (sheriff) - Apr 17
4. The Pursuits Of Lord Kit Cavanaugh - Stephanie Laurens (Mira - Apr 2019) (KITE) - Apr 29
5. The Wrong Highlander - Lynsay Sands (Avon - Jan 2019) (library book) - Apr 3
6. Forget Me Not - Brenda Jackson (HQN - Mar 2019) (beers consumed) - Apr 2
9. His Convenient Highland Wedding - Janice Preston (HH #1427 - Apr 2019) (1848) - Apr 18
2019 May Monthly Challenge
1. 'M' is for May: 🌷Read a book that starts with 'M' or a book whose author's first or last name starts with 'M'.
2. Bird of the Month - Nightingale: The Nightingale symbolizes Love and Longing. With its evening song, it is the bird of love, sheltering secret lovers from prying eyes. Because it sings all night long, the nightingale was once thought to not sleep at all.
🌷Read a book with a character that prefers the nighttime or is a singer, or a book with lovers who are either keeping their relationship secret or where one is keeping a secret from the other, or a book with a dark cover.
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) authors:
Queen of Romance - Jennifer L. Armentrout
Princess of Romance - Cat Johnson
🌷Read one book written by Jennifer L. Armentrout or Cat Johnson, or any author with either of their first or last names. Link to backlists: Jennifer L. Armentrout, Cat Johnson.
Fun Facts about Jennifer L. Armentrout:
* Jennifer lives in West Virginia with her husband and dog, Loki.
* She writes YA, SciFi and Fantasy, and also writes NA and Adult contemporary and PNR under the name J. Lynn.
* She suffers from retinitis pigmentosa, and is passionate about educating people about the disease.
* Jennifer won a RITA award in 2017 for The Problem with Forever.
🌷You may also read a book set in West Virginia, or a book written by an author that writes under multiple names, or a book with a character suffering from a disease or injury, or a book by any author who has won a RITA award.
4. May 4 - Star Wars Day: Star Wars Day is May the Fourth, because of a famous quote from the hugely popular science fiction series blockbuster - "May the Force (Fourth) be with you". While we are so glad that this day exists, its creation was a fluke. In 2005, a German News TV channel interview erroneously translated this famous Star Wars quote. In German, "May the force be with you", was incorrectly interpreted as "We are with you on May 4th".
🌷Read a book that is tagged as Science Fiction, or a book with a misunderstanding or miscommunication, or a book that is part of a trilogy.
5. May 5 - Cinco de Mayo: On May 5, 1862, the Mexican army defeated the French army at the Battle of Puebla. This single military battle signified defeat of a European colonial power, and a victory for the Mexican people. This single battle was the root of Cinco de Mayo. What Cinco de Mayo has come to be though, is much more than one battle in the colonial history of Mexico. Rather, it has come to signify Hispanic and Mexican pride and a time to celebrate the rich culture.
🌷Read a book with an Hispanic character, or with a wartime setting, or with any holiday or celebration included in the storyline, or a book where the "underdog" wins in a contest or battle.
6. May 8 - National Outdoor Intercourse Day: It's a day to get out in the great outdoors and do the nasty. (Why is such a beautiful and pleasurable activity referred to as "the nasty"!?) This special day seems most popular in the Pacific Northwest, where it originated on the college campus of Washington State University (As a lifelong resident of Washington state, and knowing a lot of people who attended WSU, this doesn't surprise me a bit😜). It doesn't take much encouragement to prompt most people, and especially college students, to participate in this day. Around 2015, Washington State University banned blankets from the grounds of the campus, for fear that they would be used for reasons other than picnicking....bad decision. Tell that to a bunch of young college students, and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to guess how they would react!
🌷Read a steamy romance, or a book where the MC(s) spend a lot of time outdoors, or a book with an outdoor scene on the cover.
7. May 13 - Frog Jumping Day: The roots of Frog Jumping Day go back to Mark Twain's first short story. It was first published in 1865 as "Jim Smiley and His Jumping Frog". Later, he published it as "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County". It is also known under a third title "The Notorious Jumping Frog of Calaveras County".
🌷Read a book with an animal on the cover or in the storyline (shifters count), or read a short book (under 150 pages).
8. National Bike Week - Third Week in May: 🌷Read a sports romance or a book with an athletic character, or read a book with some form of transportation on the cover.
9. May 27 - Memorial Day (USA): Memorial Day is officially celebrated on the last Monday during the month of May. Memorial Day is dedicated to service men and women who gave their lives for freedom and country. It is also a time to remember loved ones who have passed away. The roots of Memorial Day observance, goes back to 1865 and the end of the Civil War. Memorial Day also marks the beginning of the gardening and summer seasons, even though summer will not occur until a few weeks later.
🌷Read a book with a character that is current or former military, or a book set in the spring or summer.
10. Reader's Choice: 🌷Read any book of your choice.
2. The Earl's Countess of Convenience - Marguerite Kaye (HH #1431 - May 2019) (secret) - May 2
3. The Summer That Made Us - Robyn Carr (Mira - Sept 2017) (breast cancer) - May 16
4. Stealing Taffy - Susan Donovan (St. Martin's - Aug 2012) (trilogy) - May 7
5. Suspicious Activities - Tyler Anne Snell (HI #1664 - Sept 2016) (Christmas) - May 9
8. Want Ad Wife - Katy Madison (HH #1267 - Feb 2016) (paddleboat) - May 10
2019 June Monthly Challenge
1. 'J' is for June: 🌞Read a book that starts with 'J' or a book whose author's first or last name starts with 'J'.
2. Bird of the Month - Dove: The Dove represents peace of the deepest kind. It soothes and quiets our worried or troubled thoughts, enabling us to find renewal in the silence of the mind. The dove's roles as spirit messenger, maternal symbol and liaison impart an inner peace that helps us to go about our lives calmly and with purpose.
🌞Read a book where someone makes a spiritual journey OR someone works through a difficult time to find peace OR features someone in the military returning home OR a book with an MC who is a mother.
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) authors:
Queen of Romance - Susan Mallery
Princess of Romance - Anna Campbell
🌞Read one book written by Susan Mallery or Anna Campbell, or any author with either of their first or last names. Link to backlists: Susan Mallery, Anna Campbell.
Fun Facts about Susan Mallery:
* Mallery lives in Washington State
* She is a big supports of the Seattle Humane Society
* Her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today’s bestsellers list
* She majored in Accounting, but never worked as an accountant
🌞You may also read a book set in Washington, or by an author who is from Washington. You can also read a book with an animal on the cover or in the book, or is shelved as Contemporary Romance or is humorous.
4. Graduation!: It’s the time of year for graduations in the U.S. Graduations are a rite of passage, whether from college, high school, or Kindergarten.
🌞Read a book that includes a rite of passage or a graduation OR a YA or NA book OR a coming of age story OR a book where one of the MCs has a school age child or children.
5. National Black Bear Day (first Saturday in June): National Black Bear Day celebrates America’s black bears with the hope of educating people about the bears and dispelling myths.
🌞Read a book with a bear shifter or other shifter OR with an outdoor setting or features nature on the cover.
6. First Day of Summer: June 21st marks the first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer is often a time for travel and relaxation and brings to mind sunny days, beaches, and hammocks.
🌞Read a book perfect for the beach OR set in summer OR features a vacation (no matter what time of year) or travel.
7. Queen’s Day: New Zealanders celebrate the Queen’s Birthday on the first Monday in June. New Zealand is a constitutional Monarchy and Queen Elizabeth is the current head of state.
🌞Read a book featuring royalty OR set in New Zealand OR has a character named Elizabeth OR a book with outdoor sports featured somehow in the story (the long weekend marks the opening of ski season in New Zealand).
8. Western Australia Day: Western Australia Day, formerly known as Foundation Day, is celebrated on the First Monday in June, it commemorates the founding of the Swan River Colony in 1829, which opened western Australia to British settlement.
🌞Read a book set in Australia or with an Australian character or author OR a historical romance OR has the numbers 18 or 29 in the page count.
9. Father’s Day: In the US Father’s Day is celebrated on June 16th this year. Father’s Day began being celebrated in the US in the 20th century it is meant to honor fathers and male parenting.
🌞Read a book with an MC who is a father or becomes one in the book OR a book published in the 20th century OR a book featuring bondage (since ties are a clichéd Father’s Day gift).
10. Reader's Choice: 🌞Read any book of your choice.
2. K-9 Defense - Elizabeth Heiter (HI #1856 - May 2019) (military) - June 3
3. The Ladies' Room - Carolyn Brown (Montlake - Sept 2012) (humorous) - June 12
6. Call to Redemption - Tawny Weber (HQN - Nov 2017) (vacation) - June 5
8. A Little Thing Called Love - Cathy Maxwell (Avon - Nov 2015) (historical romance) - June 10
10. Summer on Mirror Lake - JoAnn Ross (HQN - May 2019) - June 19
2019 July Monthly Challenge
1. 'J' is for July: ☀️Read a book that starts with 'J' or a book whose author's first or last name starts with 'J'.
2. Bird of the Month - Eagle: The Eagle with its keen eyes symbolized perspicacity, courage, strength and immortality, but is also considered "king of the skies" and messenger of the highest gods. With these attributed qualities the eagle has become a symbol of power and strength.
☀️Read a book that includes a royal/monarch MC (any level) OR a book with an animal on the cover or as part of the story (shifters count) OR a book that starts with a letter in EAGLE.
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) authors:
Queen of Romance - Lori Foster
Princess of Romance - Julie Anne Long
☀️Read one book written by Lori Foster or Julie Anne Long, or any author with either of their first or last names.
Fun Facts about Lori Foster:
* Lori is a bestselling author of over 100 titles, with her first published in 1996.
* She is known for her fun, sexy contemporary romance novels and also writes Urban Fantasy novels under L.L. Foster.
* She lives in Ohio, where she hosts an annual Author & Reader get together. Proceeds from this event have benefited many worthy causes.
☀️You may also read a book set in Ohio or by an author from Ohio OR a book published in 1996 OR a book shelved as Contemporary Romance or Urban Fantasy.
4. International Kissing Day (July 6): Whether it’s a quick friendly peck on the cheek between friends, or a long, passionate tongue-lashing between new partners, International Kissing Day celebrates this most enjoyable of activities and the part it plays in cultures throughout the world.
☀️Read a book with people hugging or kissing on the cover OR a book that contains double letters in the title (i.e. The Unhoneymooners, Meet Cute, Just One of the Groomsmen) OR a book with a mostly pink or red cover.
5. Embrace Your Geekness Day (July 13): Wellcat Holidays organised the holiday stating that we all should be proud of the things that define us, and little defines us as much as those things we’re passionate about.
☀️Read a book with a nerdy or geeky main character OR a book involving books or with books on the cover OR a book with a proud or passionate character (your interpretation).
6. Bastille Day (July 14): Bastille Day is the common name given in English-speaking countries to the national day of France, which is celebrated on the 14th of July each year. In French, it is formally called la Fête nationale. The French National Day is the anniversary of Storming of the Bastille on 14 July 1789, a turning point of the French Revolution, as well as the Fête de la Fédération which celebrated the unity of the French people on 14 July 1790.
☀️Read a book set in Europe OR a book with a 1 or 4 in the page count OR a book published in July, any year, any edition.
7. Moon Day (July 20): Moon Day commemorates the day man first walked on the moon in 1969.
☀️Read a paranormal romance OR a book with an outdoor scene on the cover OR a book with a dark cover. You can also read a Sci-Fi book - because of course there are people out there that think the moon landing was Science Fiction, or Fake News!
8. Lamington Day (July 21): Lamingtons are a sweet snack from Australia, named after the Governor of Queensland, Lord Lamington. The story goes that he was having his favourite yellow sponge cake when his maid-servant accidentally dropped the cake into melted chocolate. Lord Lamington then apparently suggested rolling the cake in coconut shavings.
☀️Read a book set in Australia, by an Australian author or with an Australian main character OR read a book with food on the cover OR read a book you think is sweet.
9. International Day of Friendship (July 30): The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.
☀️Read a friends to lovers book OR a book with best friends in the storyline OR a book recommended to you by a friend.
10. Reader's Choice: ☀️Read any book of your choice.
1. Security Risk - Janie Crouch (HI #1871 - Aug 2019) - July 19
9. Love Bears All Things - Beth Wiseman (Thomas Nelson - Oct 2016) (best friends) - July 20
2019 August Monthly Challenge
1. 'A' is for August: 🌻 Read a book that starts with 'A' or a book whose author's first or last name starts with 'A'.
2. Bird of the Month - Kingfisher: A Kingfisher, said to be the first bird to fly from Noah's ark after the deluge, supposedly received the orange of the setting sun on its breast and the blue of the sky on its back. It was considered a symbol of peace, promising prosperity and love.
🌻 Read a book with a main character who wins something or is the first to achieve or invent something, or a book with orange or blue on its cover. You can also read a book involving peace or with a peaceful character (your interpretation), or a book with the letter K anywhere in its title.
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) authors:
Queen of Romance - Sherrilyn Kenyon
Princess of Romance - Tessa Dare
🌻 Read one book written by Sherrilyn Kenyon or Tessa Dare, or any author with either of their first or last names. Link to backlists: Sherrilyn Kenyon, Tessa Dare.
Fun Facts about Tessa Dare:
* Tessa Dare lives and works as a librarian in Southern California
* She writes Historical Romance (Regency)
* Her debut novel was published in 2009
* Tessa won a RITA award in 2012 for A Night to Surrender
🌻 You may also read a book set in California, or by an author who is from California, or any book published in 2009, or a book that is shelved as Historical Romance, or a book by any author who has won a RITA award. You can also read a book by Kinley MacGregor (Sherrilyn’s pseudonym).
4. National Mustard Day – August 3: This versatile condiment, made from the seeds of a mustard plant, can be a variety of shades ranging from bright yellow to dark brown. It is used on foods or as a component in many dressings, sauces, marinades, and more.
🌻 Read a book with yellow or brown on the cover, or read a book with food, condiments, or a plant on the cover. You can also read a book where the characters eat or cook food in the story (bonus points if it has mustard on it!) or a book with the numbers 8 and 3 anywhere in the page count.
5. Purple Heart Day – August 7: The Purple Heart is a U.S. military decoration awarded to those who are wounded or killed while serving. It was first created for three Revolutionary War soldiers by George Washington in 1782, and was later re-established in 1932. Purple Heart Day recognizes not only the merit, but more importantly, the men and women killed and wounded in combat who have earned this badge of honor.
🌻 Read a book where a character is current or former military, or a book where a character is wounded or killed while helping someone or serving the greater good. You can also read a book set during a wartime era, a book with purple on the cover, or a book with 17 or 82 in the page count.
6. World Photography Day – August 19: The Daguerreotype was a photographic process developed by Louis Daguerre and Joseph Nicephore Niepce in 1837. This day celebrates the gift these Frenchmen gave the world: photographs.
🌻 Read a book where a character uses a camera or is a photographer, or a book with a photograph or memory in the story, or a book set in France or with a French character. You can also read a book set in the 1800s, or a book where a character is innovative in some way (your interpretation), or a book that has a beautiful image, landscape, or person on the cover.
7. Lazy Day – August 10: Kick back, relax, and be lazy for a day! If you have something to do, it can surely wait until tomorrow.
🌻 Read a book where the characters spend time doing nothing, or a book that you have been lazy about reading (hellooooo backlog!). You can also read a short book (150 pages or less), a book with a summer scene on the cover, or a book that you can enjoy while lazing around.
8. National Eye Exam Month: An estimated 6 in 10 people wear glasses or contact lenses. Your vision changes as you age, and the key to healthy eyes starts with an eye exam.
🌻 Read a book with open eyes on the cover, or a book where a character is or visits an optometrist, or a book where a character wears glasses or contacts. You can also read a book with a character that uses binoculars or some other device that requires vision, or a book with a cover that is pleasing to your eyes.
9. International Bat Night: Bats play an important part in keeping nature in balance by eating mosquitoes, consuming crop-damaging insects, and distributing plant seeds through their waste. Celebrate the importance of bats in our ecosystem during the last weekend of August.
🌻 Read a book with vampire character, or read a book with a bat, vampire, cave, or a nighttime scene on the cover. You can also read a book where a bat makes an appearance, a book with a blind character, a book where darkness or sound play a role in the story, or a book that has a very dark cover.
10. Reader's Choice: 🌻 Read any book of your choice.
1. The Lady Travelers Guide to Larceny with a Dashing Stranger - Victoria Alexander (HQN - Dec 2017) - Aug 19
2. Sand Dollar Cove - Nancy Naigle (Crossroads Publishing - May 2015) (blue on cover) - Aug 12
3. Cavanaugh Vanguard - Marie Ferrarella (HRS #1988 - Apr 2018) (California) - Aug 1
4. Cavanaugh's Secret Delivery - Marie Ferrarella (HRS #2000 - July 2018) (party with food) - Aug 4
5. The Disgraceful Lord Gray - Virginia Heath (HH #1426 - Apr 2019) (wounded) - Aug 4
6. The Uncompromising Lord Flint - Virginia Heath (HH #1407 - Jan 2019) (1820/French character) - Aug 2
7. One Summer Weekend - Shannon Stacey (Carina Press - Aug 2019) (106 pages) - Aug 10
8. The Determined Lord Hadleigh - Virginia Heath (HH #1443 - July 2019) (open eyes) - Aug 7
9. Cavanaugh's Missing Person - Marie Ferrarella (HRS #2053 - Aug 2019) (dark cover) - Aug 8
2019 September Monthly Challenge
📚1. 'S' is for September: Read a book that starts with 'S' or a book whose author's first or last name starts with 'S'.
📕2. Bird of the Month - Hawk: The Hawk is often a messenger from Angels, Devas and the Divine. He signals a time in your life when you need to focus on what's ahead and prepare for a leadership role. Read a book featuring Angels or Gods, a book where the MCs exchange messages or one where a MC has a leadership role of some kind.
📗3. Featured Author Challenge - Queen - Alyssa Cole/Princess - Nina Croft: Read a book by one of this month's Featured Authors, Alyssa Cole or Nina Croft, or by any author with one of their first or last names.
Fun Facts about Nina Croft:
★ Nina writes contemporary romance, often with a twist of paranormal or science fiction.
★ Nina was born in cold, wet England, but she has settled in sunny Southern Spain.
★ Her first book was published in 2010.
★ She and her husband love to travel and worked as a volunteers in Zambia for four years.
★ They own a small almond farm.
So you may also read any book set in Europe. You can also read any book published in 2010, or that is shelved as Contemporary Romance. Or you can read a book featuring travel or set on a farm/ranch.
📘4. Skyscraper Day - Sept. 3: Read a book with a tall building or skyline on the cover. Or read a book set in a big city.
📙5. Be Late for Something Day - Sept. 5: Read a book that could make you late for something just because you couldn't put it down.
📕6. Defy Superstition Day/Friday the 13th - Sept. 13: Read a Paranormal Romance or Science Fiction book. Or read a book that has a scary character or is otherwise scary.
📗7. Working Parents Day - Sept. 16: Read a book that features parents, either an MC is a parent or their parents are part of the story. Or read a book that has a child/children in it.
📘8. World Gratitude Day - Sept 21: Read a book that you are thankful for in some way, maybe you have been waiting for it or it made your heart happy.
📙9. National Comic Book Day - Sept. 21: Read a humorous or funny book.
📚10. Reader's Choice: Read any book of your choosing!
1. Lilac Lane - Sherryl Woods (Mira - Oct 2017) - Sept 11
2. The Bakeshop at Pumpkin and Spice - Donna Kauffman, Kate Angell, Allyson Charles (Kensington - Sept 2019) - Sweet on You by Kate Angell (mayor) - Sept 3
4. Heiress Gone Wild - Laura Lee Guhrke (Avon - Sept 2019) (London) - Sept 24
6. Risk Everything - Janie Crouch (HI #1883 - Oct 2019) (psychopath) - Sept 9
7. First Responder on Call - Melinda Di Lorenzo (HRS #2054 - Aug 2019) (parent/child) - Sept 12
2019 October Monthly Challenge
1. 'O' is for October:
🎃 Read a book that starts with 'O' or a book whose author's first or last name starts with 'O'.
2. Bird of the Month - Swan: The Swan symbolizes grace and beauty on many levels. It is associated with love, music, and poetry. In Roman mythology the swan was sacred to Venus, the goddess of love. In Greek tradition, this bird was often pictured singing to a lyre.
🎃 Read a book set in Greece OR with a Greek character OR where a character plays an instrument OR has something or someone beautiful on the cover.
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) authors:
Queen of Romance - Nalini Singh
Princess of Romance - Sherry Thomas
Read one book written by Nalini Singh or Sherry Thomas, or any author with either of their first or last names. Link to backlists: Nalini Singh, Sherry Thomas.
Fun Facts about Sherry Thomas:
* Sherry immigrated from China at age 13
* English is her second language.
* She has published books in the genres of romance, fantasy, mystery, and a wuxia-inspired duology
* She published her first novel in 2008
* She's a two-time winner of the prestigious RITA® Award.
🎃 You may also read a book set in China or with a character where English is their second language. You can also read any book published in 2008, or that is shelved as Romance, Fantasy or Mystery or a book by any author who has won a RITA award.
4. October is Adopt A Dog Month or Adopt A Shelter Dog Month:
🎃 Read a book that has a dog or other animal in the story OR includes best friends (Man's best friend...) OR a person who does volunteer work OR an animal on the cover.
5. October is National Apple Month:
🎃 Read a book where the characters go apple picking OR a storyline involving farming or ranching OR has a red cover OR something round on the cover.
6. October is Bullying Prevention Month: Every October, individuals from across the nation - and around the world - unite in a campaign to keep all youth safe from bullying.
🎃 Read a book where someone has been bullied OR with children or teens in the story line OR with someone being kept safe OR with a teacher, social worker or psychologist
7. October 3 is Balloons Around the World Day:
🎃 Read a book where someone goes on a hot air balloon ride OR with a colorful cover
OR set in a country other than where you live OR a character who is filled with hot air.
8. October 28 is Chocolate Day:
🎃 Read a book where chocolate is mentioned OR a character is involved in a food industry OR has a chocolate (brown) cover OR something sweet on the cover (your interpretation).
9. October 31 is Halloween:
🎃 Read a book set at Halloween or another holiday OR a book where characters wear a mask or costume or are otherwise disguised or "hiding" OR a book with a fall colors on the cover OR a book from the paranormal genre.
10. Reader's Choice:
🎃 Read any book of your choice
4. Seduction on a Snowy Night - Mary Jo Putney, Madeline Hunter, Sabrina Jeffries (Kensington - Sept 2019) - One Wicked Winter Night by Mary Jo Putney (cats) - Oct 7
5. Gambling on the Artist - Wynter Daniels (CPC Publishing - Oct 2019) (round flower arrangement) - Oct 23
7. Cinderella's Prince Under the Mistletoe - Cara Colter (HR #4683 - Oct 2019) (Canada) - Oct 8
8. Wrapped Up in You - Jill Shalvis (HarperCollins - Sept 2019) (taco truck) - Oct 5
10. Patriot Games - Tom Clancy (Putnam - Aug 1987) - Oct 4
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