TUESDAY BOOK TRACKING: BOUT OF BOOKS 14 - UPDATES 18.8.15

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This week's BoB Fun has begun! Despite regular life busyness, reading gets priority.  Here's where I'll keep track. And of the usual creative book related Challenges hosted by other BoB bloggers.
~ ThankYou ~ for inspiring and motivating our reading and book luv... ~*~ Day 1 Monday Books Read - The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen + Pages read: 139                        Pemberley + Pages read: 26 Total Pages Read = 165 Books Finished today - 0 Total Books Finished - 0 Challenges completed - 0 > Day 2 Tuesday Book + Pages read - The Missing Manuscript of Jane Austen + pages read = 200 pgs Total Pages Read = 365 pgs Books Finished today-
             ` The MISSING MANUSCRIPT OF JANE AUSTEN Total Books Finished = 1                                      ~*~ > Challenges completed - Book Scavenger Hunt  5 categories completed :

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A Book that begins with 'B' for Bout of Books
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[Click to view] Some 'BLUE' books ~ 

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A book I'm currently reading for BoB [and #AinA!]
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My TBR shelves!

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* Books from a Fav genre ~ ~

~ Definitely liking Kristen's creative Book Challenge! TY for the Fun! ~*~ > Day 3 Wednesday Book + Pages read- First Impressions by Charlie Lovett + 2 pgs read
                                  Pemberley by Emma Tennant + 163 pgs read Total Pages Read = 530 pgs Books finished today - Pemberley Total Books finished - 2: PEMBERLEY + The MISSING MANUSCRIPT OF JANE AUSTEN Challenges completed - 2 with today's Mash Challenge at Rocky Top Real Talk My MASH result?
I live in Canada with my s.o., Gilbert Whelan [IRISH MEADOWS], our daughter and a canary.
I own a Tea Room and run errands in my Benz :) ! Thanks for hosting the FuN, Sarah E :) > Day 4 Thursday
Book + Pages read - First Impressions by Charlie Lovett + 91 pgs read Total Pages Read = 621 Book finished -0 today Total Books finished - 2: PEMBERLEY + THE MISSING MANUSCRIPT OF JANE AUSTEN Challenges completed - 2 total - 0 today > Day 5 Friday
Book + Pages read - First Impressions by Charlie Lovett + 55 pgs read
                                   The Good Lord Bird by James McBride + 3  hrs listened [audio]
Total pages read = 676 + 3 hrs audio
Book finished - 0 today
Total Books Finished - 2: PEMBERLEY + THE MISSING MANUSCRIPT OF JANE AUSTEN
Challenges completed - 2 total 0 today
> Day 6 Saturday
Book + Pages read- First Impressions by Charlie Lovett + 100 pgs read Total pages read = 767 + 3 hrs audio Book finished- 0 today Total Books Finished - 2: PEMBERLEY + THE MISSING MANUSCRIPT OF JANE AUSTEN Challenges completed - 3 including today's Reading Roadtrip hosted at Steph in Wonderland  My Roadtrip: Bath England - Persuasion by Jane Austen 

Cumbria England - Cumbrian Rain by Tenya Sharp Ingalls

London + Lake District England - Miss Potter: the Novel by Richard Maltby jr
Steventon, Hampshire, England - First Impressions by Charlie Lovett

Scotland - A Wreath of Snow by Liz Curtis Higgs
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Day 7 Sunday Book + pages read- First Impressions by Charlie Lovett + 64  pgs read                                   The Watsons by Jane Austen narrator Anna Bentinck
                                  Sanditon by Jane Austen narrator Anna Bentinck [audio] 4.5 hrs Total pages read =  829 pgs   + 7.5  hrs audio
Books Finished -   Today: FIRST IMPRESSIONS by Charlie Lovett                                              The WATSONS by Jane Austen [audio]                                              SANDITON by Jane Austen [audio]

Total Books Finished = THE MISSING MANUSCRIPT OF JANE AUSTEN
                                         PEMBERLEY                                          FIRST IMPRESSIONS
                                         THE WATSONS
                                         SANDITON

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Challenges completed = 4 including today's What To Read Next via Sarah Reads Too Much Three recommendations?
The HATMAKER's HEART by Carla Stewart
[1930s era millinery fashion world of NY + London] luv the story and main character

SECRETS OF A CHARMED LIFE by Susan Meissner
[ww11 england - amazing story of 2 sisters separated from mother during evacuation] fab story with contemporary implications - well written! 

DEAR MR KNIGHTLEY by Katherine Reay
[contemporary tale-fantastic wordsmithing - perfect for Jane Austen luvers - one of my year's favs]!
~*~ Final Stats Total Books Completed= 5 Total Pages Read= 829
Total Audio Hours Listened = 7.5 Total Challenges Completed = 4

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NOT QUITE MONDAY! WHAT ARE YOU READING? 15.8.15

Not quite Monday ~
It's time to update some #AusteninAugust Reading...
~*~ What Have I Read so far?

Contemporary Emma that disappointed in the telling. I never got to a point of liking Emma, sad to say.
Neither did I find the story interesting.  It took me forever  to finish, laying it down, taking it back up, trying to decide if I would even complete the reading of it. The characters didn't offer appeal or redeem themselves the further I read.  Sorry to say, though I did finish their stories. If you've read it, be sure to share your opinion so others may hear a different view!
Library read for me which was one positive :) ~*~
Pride and Persistence Jeana Ellsworth's retelling of the PandP famous first proposal.
Sadly, I found repetitious reading for too much of the story.
A couple unique plot twists, but in all, not my fav JAFF to read. Have you favourite Austenesque to add to recommendations? Happy to hear and to share with other JAff readers. ~*~

A Jane Austen Daydream On the other hand, here is JAFF I loved to read.  And from a male pov. Scott Southard writes a captivating daydream of  Jane's life with  relationships which readers will find familiar yet perspectives and outcomes that are sure to surprise.  In tears and laughter, this one definitely caught and kept my attention.  The Austens are not revered in Southard's portrayal, which may not please some, yet they provide the  frame for Jane's solitary pursuits.  Well written.  Engaging.  Worth reading.
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Currently Reading?

I'm quite caught up in the hunt for Jane's unknown missing manuscript! Mentioned as lost in a letter of Jane's discovered in an old Oxford  bookstore purchase, Samantha knows her former Oxford studies well and is determined to make every effort she can to pursue the possibility of finding such a treasure. You can imagine the intrigue! I am not too far along, but Syrie James' pacing is quick and you aren't waiting while anticipation drags on to boring.
At this point, I'm glad I chose this one for an #AinA read. ~*~

 Gorgeous photos illustrating the facts of Jane's life,  home and surroundings as I read Kim Wilson's At Home with Jane Austen. Easy to pick up and peruse in whatever moments available. Lovely coffee table size offering full size captures that bring Jane's world to life. Mine is from the library - perhaps yours will have a copy as well.
Definitely increasing JA enjoyment !
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Ahead?

I admit I did read a bit of a starter to get my own First Impressions
on this one. Once I got the library notice it had arrived, Yes, couldn't wait!  Another contemporary, though this one runs a historical Jane storyline alternately.  I was intrigued with both and am looking forward to getting into it later this week.
As the subtitle calls to me... A Novel of Old Books,Unexpected Love, and Jane Austen it's another JA story from a male author, Charlie Lovett.

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Book Happenings?
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Misty hosts the annual #AusteninAugust beginning this week on the 18th thru 31st. Always fun with great contests and a group read this year of EMMA.  Grab a copy or audio and read along for discussion and enjoyment.  Find her blog HERE.
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Author Shannon Winslow's 3 book GIVEAWAY on NOW right here at FHC til August 25th at midnight. MISS GEORGIANA DARCY OF PEMBERLEY New Release with Shannon's fav excerpt and insights from the story. 1 pb copy for US addys + 2 ecopies Open Int'l Be sure to share your fav JA novel and Enter to WIN!







~*~ Beginning August 20 -27th it's the
Clear Your Shelves Book  Giveaway Hop ~*~

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My Giveaway will be Austen related for #AusteninAugust .  Are you surprised ? :) Be sure to check back here and then hop on to enjoy the other offers. ~*~ Annnd... R you Ready to Read?  Bout of Books Readathon opportunity to get caught up with your TBR shelves begins just about NOW!  August 17th to 23rd I'm IN !!  Are you? *

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The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins
12:01am Monday, August 17th through Sunday, August 23rd in whatever time zone you are in.
Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize,
but all of these are completely optional.  We DO NOT require you to set goals for Bout of Books. If you do, you’re not locked into them. If you don't want to set goals, don't. If you do, feel free to change them if real life happens. Or set easy ones like, “Read” or “Have fun.” We don’t believe you can fail #boutofbooks.
 For all Bout of Books 14 information and updates, be sure to visit here:
Bout of Books. - From the Bout of Books team * Filled with Challenges, Giveaways and Motivation ! Read to your own level of time and purpose, but do join the FuN in company with other readers! Hoping to find you there at SIGNUPS  [ I'm #374 + 375]
Tweet your progress and books you're reading with #boutofbooks  so we can find you! ~ ~ Find my #BoutofBooks Reading  Updates HERE ~
~*~ Sharing with ...  * #sundaysdownunder * Modern Mrs. Darcy * Small Victories * * RoofBeam Reader * Literacy Musing Mondays * Austen in August * Book Nook *


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BOUT OF BOOKS 13: UPDATES May 11-17.2015

Continuing my Bout of Books signup participation this week Monday May 11- Sunday 17 th ~ [Next BoB begins August 18th!] ~

~ * ~ Hoping to find you enjoying this online book community reading during BoB #boutofbooks if tweeting ~ The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 11th and runs through Sunday, May 17th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 13 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog.  - From the Bout of Books team
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Monday May 11th - BoB begins as does my reading of  this anticipated newest Maisie Dobbs mystery of Jacqueline Winspear's. On a ship bound for England, Maisie realizes she isn’t ready to return. Against the wishes of the captain who warns her, “You will be alone in a most dangerous place,” she disembarks in Gibraltar. Though she is on her own, Maisie is far from alone: the British garrison town is teeming with refugees fleeing a brutal civil war across the border in Spain.  Under the suspicious eye of a British agent, Maisie is pulled deeper into political intrigue on “the Rock,”—arguably Britain’s most important strategic territory—and renews an uneasy acquaintance in the process. At a crossroads between her past and her future, Maisie must choose a direction, knowing that England is, for her, an equally dangerous place, but in quite a different way.

May 11th - 170 pages finished Day 1  ~*~ Tues May 12th - fascinating suspense - liking this storyline -
120 pgs completed  Day 2 May 13 - completed book .  352 pages  Day 3  plus ~*~ Wed May 13th - 2nd completed read - Short Story Month
read 38 pages Day 3 ~

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Wed May 13 - 3rd completion - Short Story Month Read -
115 pages Day 3

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May 14th - A Summer to Remember by Victoria Connelly  - 263 pgs Day 4 

~ 80 pgs read Day 5 - Total of 343 pages for book
~ Friday May 15.15 - Day 5  continuing with a new release A STRANGER"S SECRET by Laurie A Eakes

Completed the book's 352 pages in the wee hours of May 16
Second of the Cliffs of Cornwall stories, A Stranger's Secret is  definitely able to stand on its own.
Morwenna's story begins with a shipwreck on the beach outlining her Cornwall property. But what begins as near tragedy has far reaching consequences for the future of those involved.
Ms Eakes intrigues with masterful suspense, colourful descriptions of location and characterization,
and fully engaging readers' senses of this unique coastal setting.
A pleasure to read and anticipation incited for her next offering...
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Saturday May 16.15
Now on to Susan Elia MacNeal's
Maggie Hope series #4 = 175 pages read Day 6 ~

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Sunday final DAY 7 = 131 pages read to completion
~ Up now?  Sunday May 17 cont'd
The Hatmaker's Heart by Carla Stewart  ~

~ Totally into this story of creative couture in the Jazz era 1922 New York and London England. 50 pages in by end of Day 7- May 17 -
- definitely continuing for Monday reading of this Victoria Day long weekend...
~ Hoping you've all enjoyed some extra reading for this Bout of Books 13.



~*~ ~ Today's #CoverColorChallenge at Tressa's Wishful Endings Luv these visually creative challenges
My response with similar main colour BLUE covers

~ Jane and the Canterbury Tale by Stephanie Barron The Merciful Scar by Rebeca St James The Wild Girl by Kate Forsyth A Lasting Impression by Tamera Alexander ~*~ First BoB Bookish Challenge hosted by
  Writing My Own Fairy Tale  May 11th
The Questions + My answers

1. How do you organize your shelves?

I organize by theme with authors grouped within the theme.

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2. What is one of your favorite books that’s not in one of your favorite genres?

"Best of Daughters" in women's fiction.

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3. What is the last 5 star book you read?

"To Win Her Favor " by Tamera Alexander

  Exceptional historical research.  Masterful storyteller.
Left me wanting more...

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4. What book are you most excited to read during the read-a-thon?

"A Dangerous Place" by Jacqueline Winspear.

I've begun with it so that I'm sure to complete it during BoB read-a-thon.

[pictured above]

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5. What book do you recommend the most?

"Death by the Book" by Julianna Deering - a Drew Farthering Mystery. ~

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Shared With ~
* Literacy Musing Mondays * BookNook * Friday Finds *

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MONDAY READING + READATHON WRAPUP [ BOUT OF BOOKS 12 ] 12.1.15

* Already, another Monday Reading post and definitely needed to  wrap up my Bout of Books 12 Readathon list. A fantastic week of reading - covered several 2015 Challenges in my selections - and why? Because the weather is so cold! How cold you might be wondering...? On Thursday, we actually were colder than Mars! and tonight is a weather warning for an Arctic ridge bearing down on us with -30 degree temps.  Add a windchill and, No, Not heading outdoors! I'll be grabbing another cuppa and book!! *

My Challenge Wrap up ?

I did Lots of Challenge participation - great options and visual creativeness - I chose 2 mystery sleuths for a book Couples Challenge HERE , posted my Historical Fiction Recommendations HERE , posted a photo challenge Here that got the attention and response of the author, Vanessa Greene, from the Uk, along with an abbreviated Synopsis of her book HERE  and a FuN Book Quote Here *

My Total?  9 Books Read:

1. A Lady Most Lovely by Jennifer Delamere 2. The Seafront Tea Rooms by Vanessa Greene 3. The Promise Keeper by Lisa Norato 4.  Manx Gold by Agatha Christie

5. While the Light Lasts by Agatha Christie

6. Somebody Like You by Beth K Vogt 

[a Publisher's Weekly 2014 Best Book]

7. The Pilgrim Spirit by Andrea Skevington

8.   Barcelona Calling by Jane Kirkpatrick

9. Be My Companion by M Jean Stairs [no image available] * And I'm happy with that for sure.  My reading leap into the New Year. I made some library hold requests online today.  Books I want that will specifically
coincide with challenges, which will be great to pick up once the weather breaks a wee bit as anticipated. *

Up Next ?

Thinking I'll begin a timely read from Jamie Carie

 1880s Alaska. When kind Noah Wesley saves Elizabeth's life during a violent blizzard, she won't tell him why she's chasing her dream  through a pounding storm.  * Sound appropriate?  How is it where you are? Hunkered under the blankets? I know Sheila's not, but some others might be... Hoping you have a great week of reading some favs! * Not to forget... and if you're on LibraryThing, we're making it a World Wide
 Read-a-Thing event covering the 28 hrs for around the globe reading.
Just click above to learn more and claim your reading slot...

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Find more Monday blogger book posts at BOOK JOURNEY

* More Reading Wrapups at BOUT OF BOOKS 12 *

Next BoB?  May 11-17th * And Musing Mondays at Should Be Reading with MizB *

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READATHON:: PHOTO CHALLENGE + PROGRESS DAY 5

Loving the creativity of  Day 5 PHOTO CHALLENGE via Kristen of the book monsters  * We're asked to describe one of our readathon books in pictures ~ I chose The Seafront Tea Rooms by Vanessa Greene who responded to the twitter pic this morning "This is pure loveliness" sooo ~ mission accomplished if the author approves! Thankyou, Vanessa :) * Here's my photo description *

* Thank you, Kristen for the creative challenge.
For this visual reader it's a perfect fit. [Plus, sharing for Mosaic Monday at Judith's Lavender Cottage] * Book Progress report? * 5 Books read to date : * 1. A Lady Most Lovely by Jennifer Delamere 2. The Seafront Tea Rooms by Vanessa Greene 3. The Promise Keeper by Lisa Norato 4.  Manx Gold by Agatha Christie 5. While the Light Lasts by Agatha Christie * Currently Reading [ 2/3 rds done at day's end] *6. Somebody Like You by Beth K Vogt *

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* Shared With :
*Mosaic Monday *   * FIND MORE FHC on PINTEREST | TWITTER | GOOGLE+ | GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | NETWORKED BLOGS | LIBRARYTHING
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READATHON BOOK CHALLENGE + PROGRESS DAY 3 7.1.15

Writing My Own FairyTale is hosting Day 3's Bout of Books Challenge. We're asked to couple characters from unassociated books and explain our reasons. Relationship can be friendship, romantic, parental, etc. My pairing would be romantic Drew of the Drew Farthering Mystery series by Julianna Deering *

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with Maggie of the Maggie Hope Mystery series by Susan Elia MacNeal
*  Intelligent, quick witted, and personable, they are well matched. Maggie's access to government levels via her work and Drew's access via his peerage status on the local homefront would be a dynamic combination for teamwork.  It would also provide for relational understanding at a deeper level, both being investigative by nature and occupation.  Work related time apart would be understood. Supportive of each other by their career knowledge, downtime together would be valued. They would make a great team both in work and as a couple..   That's my thinking on this character coupling. What book characters would you consider coupling? * Progress to date ~ 2 books completed as of Tuesday 2nd day of Readathon.
1. A Lady Most Lovely by Jennifer Delamere 2. The Seafront Tea Rooms by Vanessa  Greene Currently reading  ~ Completed Lisa Noratto's  3. The Promise Keeper as my 3rd day of Bob readathon

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