Starting book 17 on the Tempe Brennan Series, which I am reading along with @DieAReader. It‘s always good to get back to the series, which I am hoping to get fully updated on this year.

#SeriesLove2025 @TheSpineView

Started reading the latest book by Jonas Jonasson (of the Hundred Year Old Man fame).

Totally missed this one being published. Like his other books this is a quirky read with some interesting and unique characters.

#Read2025 @DieAReader

#MartinLutherKingJrDay

It‘s been almost 3 years since we lost Sharon @sharread. In January we will have a #readathon in her honor on Litsy from January 20-26. The hashtag is #Sharreadathon. Set your own goals and make it as low-key as you want. Share what you're reading in honor of Sharon or a loved one.
Let's come together and celebrate life and our community ❤️

We will select participants randomly for happies!

#LitsyLove

Shared for @AlwaysBeenALoverOfBooks

Made it to the second part of Les Miserables. #ReadLesMis

Pleased we‘ve got to the next part after examining the character of Monseigneur Bienvenu in great detail.

How is everyone else doing?

@Cuilin @lillinblue @dabbe @librarybelle @quietjenn
@TheBookHippie @JenlovesJT47
@MatchlessMarie
@Dieareader @tpixie
@julieclair @Deblovestoread
@Gleefulreader @DRachel
@DrSabrinaMoldenReads

10th book finished for #Read2025 #JumpStart2025 @DieAReader @LizPixie

As always the Maisie Dobbs series is excellent, & this one kept up the same high standard. This one is set at the outbreak of WWII. As always a lot of intrigue, & felt it covered the evacuation theme well. The murder mystery involves people who came to England from Belgium in WWI.

2nd book read for #Read12Booksof2024 based on the 50 books I added to my TBR from #12Booksof2024

9th book finished for #Read2025 and #JumpStart2025 @DieAReader @LizPixie

I was looking forward to this short audiobook but felt quite underwhelmed by it. Disappointing as I was looking forward to finding out much more about this remarkable woman. It had a nice creative lyrical style, but was lacking in depth and detail.

8th book finished for #Read2025 #JumpStart2025 @DieAReader @LizPixie

This was an excellent read about a young woman as she developed in adulthood during the Second World War. This covered some of her back story, the war element and a developing relationship with a Canadian. Kept me thoroughly entertained and will check out more by this author. Recommended 4.5 ⭐️ An excellent audiobook.

7th book read for #Read2025 and #JumpStart2025 @DieAReader @LizPixie

Read the first book in the Lord Peter Wimsey Series for #AuthorAMonth. Overall I enjoyed this book, and a good start to the series. However I felt it was a tad slow for me and the type of crime fiction that tends to be written now. I would consider reading more but won‘t be rushing to, Quite a complex plot that took some working out by the lead character. 3.5 ⭐️ Soft Pick.

6th book finished for #Read2025 and #JumpStart2025 @DieAReader @LizPixie

This was a very good read, and a good suspense book, and good use of Podcasts throughout. This meant it leant itself very well to the audiobook format, which was narrated well. Tension kept up to the end, and some good twists as the story progressed. Definitely strongly recommended.

Finished book 5 of #Read2025 and #JumpStart2025

This one was a soft pick for me, some interesting stories and good characters, but feel I missed some of it because I hadn‘t read the first book in the series. When I picked it up I didn‘t realise it was book 2 from a series. I will now read book 1. I can see how I would have got more out of the book if I had read book 1 first.

#SeriesLove2025 @TheSpineView @DieAReader @LizPixie

Just started the first of the many books Littens nominated during #12Booksof2024.

Thanks to @BarkingMadRead & @TorieStorieS for nominating this.

Each month I am aiming to read 3 or 4 of the books that were nominated, and this is the first. Altogether I added 50 books to my TBR from #12Booksof2024 #Read12Booksof2024

I am reading this via audiobook, & looks like it lends itself to this format.

#Read2025 @DieAReader #JumpStart2025 @LizPixie

Starting Whose Body. The first book in the Lord Peter Wimsey Series by the January #AuthorAMonth @Soubhiville

#Read2025 @DieAReader #JumpStart2025 @LizPixie #SeriesLove2025 @TheSpineView

4th book finished for #Read2025 and #JumpStart2025

This one was a soft pick for me. I enjoyed the way it was taken to the north west territories of Canada (a good option for a reading around the world or Canada challenge). I was a little underwhelmed with the story, and the lack of interaction between Tempe and Ryan, or the other subsidiary characters in the series. Not my favourite one in the series. #SeriesLove2025 @TheSpineView

I had my most productive month of reading in December. My favourite read for #12Booksof2024 was The Christmas Cottage by Sarah Morgan. The second time she was nominated by me this year.

Notable Mentions : Dead Souls by Angela Marsons (Kim Stone Series), The Cuckoo by Camilla Lackberg (Patrik Hedstrom Series), The Killer in the Cold & the Night Before Christmas (DI Alex Walker Series).

Thanks to everyone who has played along with #12Booksof2024

Jumping into my first #SeriesLove2025 book of the year, with book 15 in the Tempe Brennan Series by Kathy Reichs. @TheSpineView

#JumpStart2025 #Read2025

@LizPixie @DieaReader

3rd book finished for #Read2025 #JumpStart2025

Really enjoyed this book and kept me reading into the early hours. A story told through a succession of New Year‘s Eve‘s, alongside a current timeline leading up to a New Year. A very strong pick for me.

Strangely Amy Silver is the pseudonym for Rachel Hawkins (or vice versa). I‘ve loved both these style of books by her, but not really enjoyed the books written in the name of Rachel Hawkins.

2nd book finished for #Read2025 #JumpStart2025

This was an audiobook read by the actress, and also author of the book. Personally this was meh from me. Okay but that‘s about it. The story never seemed to go much anyplace and struggled to maintain my interest or concentration.

@DieAReader @LizPixie

My favourite read in Novembers for #12Booksof2024 was this latest book by Heather Morris.

This tells the story of women taken prisoner by the Japanese in World War II and the horrific time they had in the far East Prison camps. This one has all the feels and think I even prefer it to the her European prison camp books.

Also a notable mention for The Templar Secret by Scott Mariani, the last book in one of my favourite all time series - Ben Hope.

These are the main series I am targeting for #SeriesLove2025

2 of them are new series, but the other 6 I am midway through. I aim to finish 5 or 6 of these series in 2025. I‘m aiming for a more focused approach this year. Last year I was too scattergun.

For each series these are the next books in the series for me.

@TheSpineView

Finally got my 2024 books read up to date 🥵 Need to be more systematic with it this year.

240 books read, which is a whopping 88 books less than the previous year. Shows the type of year 2024 was, let‘s hope 2025 is a better year.

Spotting for a more conservative 225 books in 2025 as want to get to some of my bigger books.

#ReadAway2024 @DieAReader @Ghabi4Roses

My October book for #12Booksof2024 is A Recipe for Christmas by Jo Thomas. I love her books.

Clara goes off to Switzerland for a new start in life and to join a Chocolate making course, not realising it is for professionals. Her life then starts to make some great twists and turns. An excellent light romance book and a new beginnings book.

Notable mention for Jessica Redland, with The Best is Yet to Come. Her books very much in a similar vein.

Book 1 finished for #2025 #Read2025 #JumpStart2025

Finally got to this book, which was an excellent read. At times it really annoyed and upset me with what happened to her. Frightening to think we haven‘t moved on enough on this, and now in 2025 seem to be in reverse! 😡

Elizabeth was such a great character. Also what a character 6.30 was.

@DieAReader @LizPixie

September was a month in which I read 4 DCI Logan books by JD Kirk. Love this series so really nominating the series for #12booksof2024 in September, impossible to decide between them. All great books. If you haven‘t read this series yet I strongly recommend it.

Also a notable mention for the last book in the Hedgehog Hollow series by Jessica Redland (A Wedding at Hedgehog Hollow). Loved her romance books.

Sharing for @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks

Where has the time gone! 😢 Let‘s all come together for this important Readathon. #Sharreadathon

@thebookhippie @Cuilin My three versions of Les Mesireables. #ReadLesMis

@Cuilin @lillinblue @dabbe
@librarybelle @quietjenn

Succumbed and on New Year‘s Day decided to join the Buddy Read of Les Miserables. #ReadLesMes. Let‘s hope I don‘t regret joking this year long Buddy Read. 😳

Read the first bit in the early hours so think I‘ve met the first 3 or 4 characters. We possible need a link to the characters as they are introduced, so we can keep them right.

What I find strange is how it says he was Bishop of D______. I wonder why he did it like this.

@thebookhippie

Love Sarah Morgan‘s books and this one was no different, and was my choice for August for #12Booksof2024

Also notable mentions for two series Books : Guilty Mothers by Angela Marsons (Kim Stone Series) and Dead in the Water by Simon McCleave (Anglesey Series).

A day late with my July books for #12Booksof2024

No great stand out books in July, but these two were from my favourite series and my only 5 star books. Both excellent series.

An easy choice for May for #12Booksof2024

Mary Jane was a superb audiobook, and really enjoyed the story, one of those books where audiobooks can make all the difference.

I also chose a physical read book, which was a lovely historical fiction about soldiers last letters from WWI - this book really needs more attention and I really enjoyed it. The type of book that stays with you.

June was the month my reading fell off a cliff, and only one five star read. So Written in Blood by Chris Carter is my #12Booksof2024 choice for June.

This is a strong crime series and one of my favourites, Robert Hunter is a great character. But you do have to like gritty with this series.

An easy choice for May for #12Booksof2024

Mary Jane was a superb audiobook, and really enjoyed the story, one of those books where audiobooks can make all the difference.

I also chose a physical read book, which was a lovely historical fiction about soldiers last letters from WWI - this book really needs more attention and I really enjoyed it. The type of book that stays with you.

Been a difficult day to read as suffering a lot of liver pains and discomfort, and not had much sleep last night. This is rather stressing me - my non-alcoholic fatty liver disease I assume.

Led to me starting an audiobook, and finishing off the e-book, The Christmas Jigsaw Murders.

Finished the e-book, and in the end got in 376 pages.

Hope the pains ease off to allow me to focus on physical reading.

#ReadAway2024 @DieAReader @Ghabi4Roses

First book finished for the #EndofYear #20in4

An intriguing murder mystery with a crossword setter being Sent jigsaw puzzle pieces as clues to upcoming murders. She sets out investigating this much to the annoyance of her Detective Nephew.

A cleverly structured book, which was very enjoyable to read. For puzzle enthusiasts out there, this book has plenty of puzzles to solve as you read the book.

#ReadAway2024 @DieAReader @Ghabi4Roses

April is an easy choice for me for #12booksof2024

Simply loved The Dutch House by Ann Patchett, Tom Hanks did a superb job with the audiobook of this. My favourite physically read book was None of This is True by Lisa Jewell.

As we approach the end of the year it‘s time for the Year End #20in4 Readathon, although in this case it covers 5 days as it takes in New Year‘s Day. A great way to round off one year‘s reading and have a great start to 2025‘s reading.

All welcome to play, aim is to read either 20 hours, 20 chapters or even 20 pages over the 5 days, or you can even set your own goals. To join just post your goal and/or books you are planning to read from.

Hard to choose for March for #12Booksin2024, so chosen two 5 star books, one a series book and one a standalone.

Love the DCI Daley, one of my favourite series, and The Death of Remembrance was a loved book in the series. Always enjoy Nicola Cornick books, and loved this one about Nell Gwyn‘s sister.

2nd book finished for #CozyChristmas

This was an engaging romance about a woman who leaves her community and sets up a B&B in the Lake District following her partner having an affair with her best friend at Christmas. She sets up an ‘Escape from Christmas‘ break at the B&B the following Christmas, whilst there is also a growing connection with the local vet.

I enjoyed this book, the characters, the situation and the writing. Recommended.

An easy clear winner for my favourite book in February in the #12Booksof2024.

The Women by Kristin Hannah was an excellent book, and possibly my favourite book of 2024.

Notable Mentions : The Mind of a Murderer by Michael Wood, Blood Lines by Angela Marsons

Moving onto my next book for #ChristmasCozy @Peanutnine

Phillipa Ashley doesn‘t usually disappoint at this time of year.

First book finished for #ChristmasCozy. @Peanutnine

Sarah Morgan does it again with this book. A quite inauspicious start, but you soon learn to love the main character, and feel sorry for her earlier life. This book had all the feels for Christmas and a few 😭 moments. I do love her books and this was right up there. Plenty of romance and new family situations. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️❤️
#ReadAway2024 @DieAReader @Ghabi4Roses

Here we go with the #12Booksof2024.

January was a tricky month to choose one. In the end I went for The Armour of Light by Ken Follett.

Notable other mentions : Diva by Daisy Goodwin, The Appeal by Janice Hallet, The Family Remains by Lisa Jewell, The Poet by Michael Connelly. A good reading month!

Christmas Day sees the start of the 5th 12 books of the year. The aim is to post your favourite book of each month on each of the 12 days of Christmas starting with January on Christmas Day, finishing with December on the twelfth day (5th January).

Always love seeing these posts and gives us all reading material for 2025, because of course we don‘t have enough books.

Please use the hashtag #12Booksof2024 and tag me into your posts.

Starting off #CozyChristmas by reading the latest Christmas offering by Sarah Morgan. These are usually excellent reads. @Peanutnine

Sharing this for @Peanutnine

A perfect Christmas Readathon over the next three days for all those that love a good Readathon, and enjoys all those Christmas cozies.

Overall I enjoyed this book. Loved the characters and an interesting plot line, although a bit of a strange ending to this one. At points early on I found the writing a bit stilted but that may be with the introduction to the series. I felt this got better as the book progressed. I look forward to getting to the second one from the series which I have just reserved from the library.
@Eadieb @Tove_Reads
@SeriesLove2024 @TheSpineView

Interested in fantasy fiction? Wanting to read the Cosmere books by Brandon Sanderson? Wanting company in reading these books? If so why not join the #CosmereBuddyRead in 2025 led by the wonderful @JacqMac
We are looking to read a part of each book each week, with a discussion on that part on the Tuesday of each week.

Come on, you know you want to! 😊

Please comment below and share this post.

@JacqMac @Andrew65 @Meshell1313 @Jess861

Starting to read the first book in the Detective Katie Scott series, a book I downloaded free over two years ago but not got to. I‘m reading this as a buddy read with @Tove_Reads and @EadieB. Others welcome to join.

#SeriesLove2024 @TheSpineView

We are rapidly approaching the end of the year so time to start planning the #SeriesLove2025. All welcome to join this yearly challenge to get to some books in our favourite series, no matter how few or many - every one counts.

Who is joining us, and if so what series are you hoping to read from? Both @TheSpineView love seeing all he series you are targeting and the series/books you‘ve read, so please do tag us.

Monday 9th December : 320 pages read, one book finished and 5 hrs 25 mins reading.

December books read : 10
Year Total : 215 books read.

Book Finished : On The First Day of Christmas

#ReadAway2024 #SeriesLove2024 @DieAReader @Ghabi4Roses @TheSpineView