David Estes Fans and YA Book Lovers Unite! discussion

I finished my 116th book

Here's what I read during the past week, and what I thought of the books:

The Christmas Hypothesis
by Anna Blix
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a sweet and touching story, which makes for an enjoyable holiday read.

Oh Baubles
by Harmony Kent
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a beautifully written and enchanting tale, which is perfect for those Winter evenings when you want to curl up with a sweet romance story. If you're
a fan of those feel good holiday romances, you should give this one a read.

the home for christmas anthology
by Christina Rossetti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A delightful collection of Wintery poems.

Jake & The Gingerbread Wars
by E.G. Foley
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I haven't read the others in the series, but figured it didn't matter, since this one is advertized as being suitable as a stand-alone title. Well, either
that's not true, and reading this book (which is book 3.5 in the series officially) out of order means I missed out on understanding some things about
the world and characters, or the plot and characters need some work. Whichever is the case, though I liked it enough to give it three stars, I most certainly
didn't love it. Do I want to read the other books in the series to find out what I might have missed before, and what comes after? Yes. But there are plenty
of books I'm much more eager to read first.

Christine wrote: "I finished my 115th book"

Hey, it's awesome that you read so much but I think the purpose of this page is to tell others what books you have read and, if you are willing, a few words to describe how you thought they were.

I know Kitlin lol and oh ok Kitlin and I’m sorry Kitlin

I finished Spin the Dawn and loved it! So glad the second book comes out in July and I don’t have to wait too long. Re-reading Chamber of Secrets and then starting Little Women next.

I'm finally reading . Reminds me of Aliens with zombies instead of the aliens.

I finished my two books called Not My Daughter by Kate Hewitt and Waking from Dreams: Haiku & Senryu by Judith E.P. Johnson

I finished my book called A Mrs. Miracle Christmas by Debbie Macomber

Finished Chamber of Secrets last night and started Little Women, which is okay but the writing is a little plain.

Catherine wrote: "Finished Chamber of Secrets last night and started Little Women, which is okay but the writing is a little plain."

I warmed up to Little Women as it went along - loved it by the time I was finished. And a great December book!

I finished this chonkster last night and oooooh boy am I glad. Phenomenal writing and a great glimpse into the time period.

Wow Ashley!! Very impressive! That book intimidates me!

I read three books this week. So, here's what I read, along with my reviews.

Frankly Speaking
by Don Massenzio
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an excellent mystery, which held my attention and kept me eager to keep reading/listening until the end. I listened to the audio version, and though
I wasn't sure about the narrator's reading pace at first, I soon started to feel it worked really well to compliment the story's pacing. As for the book
itself: the characters are believable, and the plot is both action-packed and full of twists, so kept me guessing and re-evaluating my own conclusions
about who did what really well. I definitely look forward to reading more from this author, and continuing the series.

Chronicles of Marsh
by Jemima Pett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is a fantastic addition to the series. I always love hanging out with these characters, and reading about the creative way they make things work in
their wonderful world, and this book is one of my favourites of this series, even though it's more a collection of short stories in chronological order
than a novel. Short story collection or novel, this is a creative and well-written book, which I highly recommend, along with the rest of the books in
the series (which you should read first, if you haven't read them yet).

After the Snow
by Susannah Constantine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Most of this book was really good. The characters were interesting, and the plot was too. But the ending let it down, because nothing really happened in
the end, except that suddenly everything was worked out. It was like a piece of the puzzle as to how we got to that ending was missing, or the author got
bored and wanted to wrap things up quickly so she could go do something else. So I'm rounding up to four stars, because of how much I was enjoying the
rest of the book, but my actual rating is 3.5 stars.

I finished my book called The Texan's Surprise Return by Jolene Navarro

I finished my book called Ransom at Christmas by Barb Han

I finished my book called North Country Family by Lois Richer

Set aside Little Women for now. Will pick it back up probably during the summer when I have more time to take my time with it. Currently re-reading The Goblet of Fire, which is my "at-home" book. And then I have started The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah, which will be my "at-school" book.

Karen’s Library wrote: "Wow Ashley!! Very impressive! That book intimidates me!"

Thanks, Karen! Took me two years - I started it on January 1st 2018! It took ages but I was never bored with it; just always distracted by other books lol

Currently rereading The Lord of the Rings and started The Devil's Queen: A Novel of Catherine de Medici this morning.

I finished my book called North Country Hero/North Country Family by Lois Richer

Besieged
by Katrina Cope
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was an amazing addition to the series, with some beautiful moments, and some really entertaining ones too. I highly recommend this book, along with
the rest of the series, especially if your a fan of dragons and Norse mythology.
*NOTE: I was given a free advanced copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. This fact has in no way influenced either my opinion
of the book, or the contents of this review.

The Dalai Lama's Cat
by David Michie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is an excellent book, which will give you plenty to think about. Whether you're a Buddhist, follow a different spiritual path, or have no chosen path
at all, it's a great reminder to practice mindfulness. What better way to be reminded to live in the moment than through the eyes of a cat?

The Dalai Lama's Cat: Guided Meditations
by David Michie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
These are excellent. They take you through a few simple yoga stretches and meditations, which would be an excellent starting point for anyone new to either
practice, but could also be benificial to those who have some experience with yoga and meditation.

The Art of Purring
by David Michie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is another excellent and thought-provoking book, purrfect for those who want a reminder to practice mindfulness, regardless of any spiritual path
you may or may not follow. So, what makes you purr? Perhaps, by the end of this book, you'll know the answer to that question.

I finished my book called Mistletoe Twins by Lois Richer

Almost done with my Goblet of Fire re-read. Starting Ninth House today because The Great Alone was a little too slow for me. Might give it another shot later in the year, but right now it’s just not what I need.

I'm working my way through and I love it.

I finished my book called Dead Certain by Adam Mitzner

I’ve been reading the Year One series by Nora Roberts. Witches and fairies and elves, oh my! 😝

I finished my book called The Mother-in-Law by Judy Moore

Lauren wrote: "I'm working my way through and I love it."

I've heard good things about that series but I have yet to pick it up!

This week I read three books. So, here's what I read, along with my book reviews.

The Dalai Lama's Cat and the Power of Meow
by David Michie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is another excellent addition to this series of books, which manages to be entertaining, while at the same time reminding you of the importance of
mindfulness, regardless of whether you're a Buddhist, follow another spiritual path, or follow none at all.

The Dalai Lama's Cat and the Four Paws of Spiritual Success
by David Michie
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is another wonderful addition to this series, which I was eager to read after having enjoyed the experience of reading the previous books so much.
It's an entertaining read, but also carries some serious and thought-provoking lessons, which anyone seeking to learn more about mindfulness may wish to
take note of, whether you're a Buddhist, follow a different spiritual path, or follow no spiritual path at all. Not to mention, it's a great one for cat
lovers in general.

Deceived
by Katrina Cope
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I was already excitedly waiting for this book, having enjoyed the previous ones, and the eagerness to learn what would happen only increased when I started
reading it. It's a gripping read, with a main character you can't help rooting for and feeling for, not to mention wonderful worldbuilding, and a whole
load of other fantastic characters. Awesome ending to an amazing series, which fans of dragons and Norse mythology will love.
*NOTE: I was given a free advanced copy of the book by the author in exchange for an honest review. This fact has in no way influenced my opinion of the
book, nor the contents of this review.

Karen’s Library wrote: "I’ve been reading the Year One series by Nora Roberts. Witches and fairies and elves, oh my! 😝"

Sounds good.

Loving this one so far!

I finished my book called I Invited Her In by Adele Parks

I finished my book called Dead in a Week by Andrea Kane

I just finished 5 stars and I'm about to start book 2,