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2025 Independent Challenge
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Karol's 2025 Challenge
I love Cinder, I hope you enjoy it too! I'm hoping to read longer books too.
Maisie Dobbs is such a good book. Can't wait to hear what you think of it. Enjoy!
Mod
Started the year with one for my Something New challenge: Confronting the Presidents: No Spin Assessments from Washington to Biden, by Bill O'Reilly, and Martin DugganEnjoyed this summary that included a short biography of each president from George Washington to Barack Obama, along with the major events of each presidency, notable successes, and notable failings. Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden were also discussed briefly but not in the same way because, as the authors noted, their presidencies are too recent to have a meaningful historical perspective.
Reading this book was a great refresher on the overall sweep of American history as well as each president.
5 stars
The White Lady, by Jacqueline Winspear, 1/16/2025I am off to a frustratingly slow start this year, partly because of a beloved family member who came on New Year's Eve to see the year in with my husband and I, and stayed until the 15th! It was great, but I was itching to read. Finally had time this morning to read the last 100 pages in my second book of the year!
The White Lady is the first book I've read by Jacqueline Winspear. It was so well-written. It was quite complex, though, and shifted in time from WWI, WWII, and shortly after the wars in 1947. The book is intriguing, and along with being full of espionage it is a very engaging character study. It's at least a 4-star read for me.
Now that I've read this one, I'm very much looking forward to trying the Maisie Dobbs series of which I purchased the first two books a few years ago.
(All of these books by Winspear are for my To-Read books challenge).
Karol wrote: "The White Lady, by Jacqueline Winspear, 1/16/2025I am off to a frustratingly slow start this year, partly because of a beloved family member who came on New Year's E..."
The White Lady was my first Jaqueline Winspear as well Karol. Like you I moved on to the Maisie Dobbs series. It is very good. I hope you enjoy!
Michelle wrote: "Karol wrote: "The White Lady, by Jacqueline Winspear, 1/16/2025I am off to a frustratingly slow start this year, partly because of a beloved family member who came o..."
Good to know, Michelle!
May be a slow start, but at least you enjoyed your first two books! I've enjoyed several of the Maisie Dobb books. Way behind on that series. Hope to read The White Lady at some point.Happy Reading!
Patricia wrote: "May be a slow start, but at least you enjoyed your first two books! I've enjoyed several of the Maisie Dobb books. Way behind on that series. Hope to read The White Lady at some point.Happy Reading!"
Thanks, Patricia. I guess there are 18 books in the Maisie Dobbs series which makes it a bit of a challenge but not entirely daunting. I'll probably get started next month after I read one more tome that I've checked out from the library.
Completed the first one of my five Priority Reads:Backlands, by Michael McGarrity
I absolutely love this trilogy - or at least the first two books I've read so far. It is very strongly character based, with action, history, cowboy ways, and a bit of law and order thrown in.
This second of the three books covered the time shortly after World War I and well into World War II. The author wrote so interestingly about the Great Depression, Roosevelt's CCC initiative, WWII's Specialized Training program, and of course the challenges of ranch live in New Mexico.
5 stars
Mod
Completed the second of my five Priority Reads:The Last Ranch, by Michael McGarrity
This book continues the saga of the Kearney family, ranchers in New Mexico, where the 2nd book left off: through primarily the third generation (Matt) and the younger years of the fourth generation (Kevin). Once again, the difficulties of ranching are highlighted and historical events are noted - wars in particular.
The entire series is well worth reading. However, in the first two books I was impressed by the author's obvious research; this third book seems based mostly on his own first-hand experiences. The writing is still very good, with intriguing characters and storylines.
However, I found the ending to this last book in the trilogy to be very dissatisfying. (Quite a surprise, because I did not feel that way reading the first two books even though I knew they weren't the end of the story). I don't want to give a spoiler, so I'll just say that I felt the book ended awkwardly and abruptly as if the author just ran out of steam or maybe had to finish writing to meet a deadline. I assume the story is continued in the author's Kevin Kearney mystery/thriller series. But a great ending with this third book would have made this book another 5-star read for me.
4 stars (1-star reduction for the what-the-heck ending)
Death in an English Cottage, by Sara RosettEntertaining 2nd book in the Murder on Location series.
3 stars
The Pioneers: The Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West, by David McCulloughThis is for my "Something New" challenge. I was out shopping at a flea market and came across this book; the cover drew me in, the author nearly clinched it (I love David McCullough) but the price of $1.50 sealed the deal!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book about the early settlements along the Ohio River, particularly because it focused on places I know fairly well due to my travels: Marietta, Cincinnati, Chilicothe, and Columbus Ohio.
As with all McCullough books, it was well-researched and entertainingly written.
4 stars
Final Witness, by James Scott BellI read this for my "To Read" list challenge.
Enjoyed this crime/suspense/courtroom novel . . . which is also Christian fiction. It is one of the best - if not THE very best - book of this genre I have read.
The crime/suspense aspect kept me turning the pages and kinda' looking over my shoulder the whole time. The bad guys were creepy, scary, unpredictable.
The spiritual aspect was well done also. A theme I found interesting was the power of speaking Scripture from the vantage point of a faith relationship with God.
To my mind, the depiction of the criminal defense attorney was not entirely believable, but overall this was an engaging and suspenseful tale.
4.5 stars
Under the Tulip Tree, by Michelle ShockleeI read this for my "To Read" list challenge.
Fascinating story about the documentation of the sad, disgraceful existence of slavery in the U.S. on the one hand. On the other hand, how interesting for me to learn that President Franklin Roosevelt commissioned the gathering of the first-hand experience of former slaves while they were still able to tell their stories. The stories these people told have great value in understanding and learning from our nation's history.
I liked this novel a lot; much of the history seemed authentic to me as I read the book, and then I saw in the author's notes that she had read many of those first-hand narratives herself so I guess that would account for it.
4 stars
Finished two more for my "To Read List" challenge:Death in a Stately Home, by Sara Rosett
Very enjoyable book in the series. An interesting mystery, with a bit of Jane Austin and a "Regency" event thrown in. A new character is skillfully added whom I hope will continue to be part of the story: the boyfriend's younger sister.
4 stars
I Declare War: Four Keys to Winning the Battle with Yourself, by Levi Lusko
Practical and thought-provoking.
4 stars
Karol wrote: "Under the Tulip Tree, by Michelle Shocklee"Need to read this book! Adding it to my tbr.
I’ve also just recently started another series by Sara Rosett (High Society Lady Detective). I like her writing.
Lillie wrote: "I’ve also just recently started another series by Sara Rosett (High Society Lady Detective). I like her writing.."Glad to find someone else who likes this author!
Another for my "To Read List" challenge:Death in an Elegant City, by Sara Rosett
A solid installment in this cozy mystery series. References to places where various of Jane Austen's writings continue . . . as do occasional references to Agatha Christie. I find the series a lot of fun to read.
4 stars
For my "To Read List" challenge:Menace at the Christmas Market, by Sara Rosett
Interesting novella that includes the concept of Jane Austin fan literature as well as a mystery.
3.5 stars
Came to the first "To Read List" challenge book that I removed.I tried to enjoy Book Lovers, by Emily Henry. I just didn't find myself enjoying the characters or getting into the story. So about 65 pages in I skipped to the end and read the last two chapters. At least I got a feel for the book and the author . . . and I have a hash mark for having addressed one more of my To Reads.
At this point, I've read nine books and removed one from my To Read List. That leaves 40 still to go so I'm going to have to pick the pace up a bit to reach my goal of 50 by the end of the year.
From my "Priority Reads" challenge:Maisie Dobbs, by Jacqueline Winspear
I absolutely loved reading this book, despite the straightforward presentation of the harsh realities of WWI. The story was intriguing, and I think the character study of Maisie Dobbs is one of the best I've read.
5 stars
Mod
Maisie Dobbs, by Jacqueline Winspear
I absolutely loved reading this book, despite the straightforward presentation of the harsh re..."
I've read a couple in this series and enjoyed them both. I need to get back to it.
Karol wrote: "From my "Priority Reads" challenge:Maisie Dobbs, by Jacqueline Winspear
I absolutely loved reading this book, despite the straightforward presentation of the harsh re..."
The Maisie Dobbs series is wonderful. You remind me that I need to get back to them.
Bill wrote: "I've read a couple in this series and enjoyed them both. I need to get back to it.."Michelle wrote: "The Maisie Dobbs series is wonderful. You remind me that I need to get back to them..."
Yes, you'd better get going on that! :-)
I've had this book on my mind to read for such a long time, and I am glad I finally got around to it. I do plan to continue into the series, probably at least one or two more this year.
Well, I've reduced my To Read List by two more! Both are by Harry Kraus, an M.D. turned medical crime author. His books were highly recommended by a friend several years ago, so I grabbed a couple that I saw at a yard sale. I will say . . . I am glad I didn't pay full price.I read Serenity, by Harry Kraus and kept hoping it would make sense. Sadly, there was a lot about the plot that was just plain stupid and totally unbelievable. Not much depth in the characters, either.
So - in addition to finishing Serenity (because it meets one of the criteria for the Motley reading challenge), I removed Stainless Steel Hearts by the same author from my To Read list.
Love the idea of whittling down the tbr, wish I knew how, lol. Cause every time I take something off, I add 3 more
Lillie wrote: "Love the idea of whittling down the tbr, wish I knew how, lol. Cause every time I take something off, I add 3 more"In my case, I think it's a symptom of old age, LOL. I'm wanting to downsize everything and have less to deal with!
I enjoyed Book Lovers on audio. Maybe it's just not for you. Can't read them all!I like the Maisie Dobbs series as well though I've only read 8 or 9. Have one I've been meaning to get to for awhile. Maybe soon!
Patricia wrote: "I enjoyed Book Lovers on audio. Maybe it's just not for you. Can't read them all!I like the Maisie Dobbs series as well though I've only read 8 or 9. Have one I've been meaning to get to..."
Yeah, I was surprised I didn't like Book Lovers . . . could've been my mood. I might try the author again some other time. But yes - there are so many authors and books to get to!
For my Something New challenge:The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder, by C.L. Miller
This book was a delight for me, an antique hunter who was in the business for a while! I've gotta' say I saw some questionable dealings among fellow hunters but the scale in this novel was unreal.
I liked the book quite a lot, including the mystery aspect as well as the the main character and her mother. I don't have anything negative at all to say about the book. Looking forward to reading the second book in the series!
3.5 stars
Karol wrote: "For my Something New challenge:The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder, by C.L. Miller
This book was a delight for me, an antique hunter who was in the business f..."
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! The second was fun too. Looking forward to seeing your thoughts on it.
A boost to my "To Read" challenge - deciding to remove from the list or read 50 this year.I have recently read two books, and I have also removed three because I'm just not finding enthusiasm to pick those up. So, a total of 5, or 10%, all in a week!
The two I read:
The Holy Spirit: Activating God's Power in Your Life, by Billy Graham
I picked this one of a few years ago at a yard sale. I found this to be a very helpful book.
Death in an English Garden, by Sara Rosett
I have been really enjoying this series by Sara Rosett. Each book has to do with location scouting for documentaries based on books by Jane Austen. I found this one to be my favorite in the series so far. (One more to go, and I think I will have read all the books in this series published by the author as of right now).
Two more for my To Read List challenge:Thanksgiving Prayer, by Debbie Macomber An OK book . . . comfort romance would be what I'd call this genre. A little too sweet, though.
Death at an English Wedding, by Sara Rosett
A satisfying end to an enjoyable series.
Another for my To Read List challenge:A Handful of Heaven, by Jillian Hart
A very sweet, clean romance. Better than many in this genre.
With this, I have read or removed 20 books from my To Read List. I am looking forward to being "freed" from the list when I reach my goal of 50 . . . which now seems more doable than it did a few weeks ago.
Karol wrote: "Death at an English Wedding, by Sara RosettA satisfying end to an enjoyable series."
I'm not going to lie, that sentence makes me want to read the whole series just because I know it ends (and I like the author's writing). I've been reading series with 20+ books in them and I'm fatigued, lol
Removed a couple more from my To Read list - these were free books from years ago. I tried to read the first one, but it is several books into a series about the Civil War from the Confederate perspective. It took a while to figure out who was who, but then I quickly realized that one of the characters was a knock-off of Rhett Butler from Gone with the Wind. I put up with the blockade running bachelor and gambler for a while, but when he bought a red petticoat for the mammy of a southern plantation (great scene in the Gone with the Wind movie), I decided to stop.(Wall of Fire and Stars in Their Courses, by Gilbert Morris)
OMG, your reason for abandoning the series about the Civil War from the Confederate perspective made me laugh aloud. Far too similar! I think I will give the Appamattox Saga a miss at this time also. :-)
Lea wrote: "OMG, your reason for abandoning the series about the Civil War from the Confederate perspective made me laugh aloud. Far too similar! I think I will give the Appamattox Saga a miss at this time also. :-)."Good choice, Lea!
I can't believe it took me until the 18th of April to have a finish for the month! Too much going on right now . . .I did read another from my "To Read" list: Horse, by Geraldine Brooks. I liked, but did not love this novel. I didn't like going back and forth between the time periods (Civil War Era and current times, mostly, then throwing in some chapters from the mid 1950's). I also could have done without the romance-with-an-agenda between the two modern characters, Jess and Theo. I found it distracting and it took away from the storyline in my opinion.
I did really enjoy reading about "Lexington", the famous horse named for the town it came from, and considered the greatest race horse of all time for decades (some might even make that case today).
Really bad reading month for me . . . lots of work being done with respect to my mother's estate so down time has been limited. However, I do have a couple more to add for this month, bringing the April total to 3 books:A Traitor in Whitehall, by Julia Kelly (Something New challenge)
The protagonist was interesting, as was the setting: Churchill's War Rooms. The historical aspect of the story was so interesting, and I can't imagine having to live in London during those times. The mystery aspect was ok. Usually when there is an amateur sleuth the authorities handling the investigation naturally tend to shut the sleuth out. In this book, the protagonist gets herself on the inside and actively working with a professional. I suspended my disbelief, rolled with it, and enjoyed this novel a lot!
Tidewater Summer, by Jo Huddleston (To Read List challenge)
I'm thinking this novel might have been a free or very inexpensive book? Never heard of this author before. It took place on a North Carolina island in the 1950's. The writing style bugged me and the plausibility of the story felt weak . . . but I found enough interest to read to the end anyway.
Karol wrote: "A Traitor in Whitehall, by Julia Kelly (Something New challenge)The protagonist was interesting, as was the setting: Churchill's War Rooms. The historical aspect of the story was so interesting, and I can't imagine having to live in London during those times. The mystery aspect was ok. Usually when there is an amateur sleuth the authorities handling the investigation naturally tend to shut the sleuth out. In this book, the protagonist gets herself on the inside and actively working with a professional. I suspended my disbelief, rolled with it, and enjoyed this novel a lot!
"
Glad you liked it! I usually have to suspend belief on a lot of these type of books because really? But once I let go, they can be fun.
Sounds like you've been in the thick of things. I'm sorry about your mom :(
Lillie wrote: "Karol wrote: "A Traitor in Whitehall, by Julia Kelly (Something New challenge)Sounds like you've been in the thick of things. I'm sorry about your mom :( "
Thanks, Lillie.
Lending a Paw, by Laurie CassThis is for my "Something New" challenge:
Cozy mystery with an engaging main character, an interesting little town set in a Michigan tourist area, and a cute feline companion. And, of course, a bookmobile!
The Small Woman, by Alan BurgessI loved this book! The 1958 movie "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" was based on the book (the movie was recommended to me and loaned to me by a friend) After watching the movie I just had to read the real story. I was surprised how well the book was written and how honest it was about the culture in remote Chinese villages in the 1930's, and the horrors of war and resulting poverty of the people as the Japanese military came in to conquer and control the area. The small woman herself, Gladys Aylward, was so inspiring to read about as she served as a very loving missionary to the people of these Chinese villages. Her main focus was helping the people in very tangible ways, especially the children who lost so much in the war. She even became a naturalized citizen of China to show her wish to identify with them and adopt their culture while still holding to her personal religious beliefs. Such a fascinating woman and story.
This book was for my "Something New" challenge which originally was stated: Read at least 6 books that I find browsing at libraries or bookstores, or which are recommended to me. Well, this was the sixth book so I guess that challenge is met . . . HOWEVER, it is still fairly early in the year and my other challenges are going well. So I am modifying this challenge upwards by 10 to 16 books.
To the Land of Long Lost Friends, by Alexander McCall Smith - for my "To Read List" challenge.It has been a long time since I've taken a trip to Botswana to meet with Mma Ramotswe. Six years, in fact. I am not sure why I set this series aside for so long, but I am happy I picked it back up.
In this particular book I saw a special poignancy around the Mma Ramotswe's family relationships and in extending herself to a child in need. There were some laugh-out-loud parts of the book, too, mostly around employees Charlie and Mma Makutsie. So, it made me laugh and it made my cry. Great stuff!
Karol wrote: "To the Land of Long Lost Friends, by Alexander McCall Smith - for my "To Read List" challenge.It has been a long time since I've taken a trip to Botswana to meet wit..."
Such a wonderful series. True comfort reads. You are reminding me that I need to get back to Mma Ramotswe.
On The Same Page
Books mentioned in this topic
Karen: A Brother Remembers (other topics)Karen: A Brother Remembers (other topics)
Winning Hearts (other topics)
Scalia: Rise to Greatness, 1936-1986 (other topics)
Spying on the South: An Odyssey Across the American Divide (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Kelsey Grammer (other topics)Kelsey Grammer (other topics)
Lora Avery (other topics)
Agatha Christie (other topics)
Helen Simonson (other topics)
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Priority Reads (challenge #1) - Challenge Complete
1.
Backlands: A Novel of the American West, by Michael McGarrityFinished 1/25/20252.
The Last Ranch: A Novel of the New American West, by Michael McGarrityFinished 2/2/20253.
Maisie Dobbs, by Jacqueline WinspearFinished 3/14/20254.
Cinder, by Marissa Meyerfinished 7/21/20255.
Crafty Cat Crimes: 100 Tiny Cat Tale Mysteriesfinished 7/13/2025To-Read List (challenge #2)
Read or remove the 50 books from my To-Read list as of the end of 2024. (Original goal was 30 oldest . . . increased to 50 but for any time before 2025, not necessarily just the oldest)
1. The White Lady, by Jacqueline Winspear, finished 1/16/2025
2. Death in an English Cottage, by Sara Rosett, finished 2/6/2025
3. How I Saved the World, by Jesse Watters, finished 2/16/2025
4. Final Witness, by James Scott Bell, finished 2/18/2025
5. Under the Tulip Tree, by Michelle Shocklee, finished 3/4/2025
6. Death in a Stately Home, by Sara Rosett, 3/6/2025
7. I Declare War: Four Keys to Winning the Battle with Yourself, by Levi Lusko, 3/6/2025
8. Death in an Elegant City, by Sara Rosett, 3/11/2025
9. Menace at the Christmas Market, by Sara Rosett, 3/12/2025
10. Did Not Finish/Removed from list: Book Lovers, by Emily Henry
11. Serenity, by Harry Kraus, 3/17/2025
12. Did Not Finish/Removed from list Stainless Steel Hearts, by Harry Kraus
13. The Holy Spirit: Activating God's Power in Your Life, by Billy Graham, 3/26/2025
14. Death in an English Garden, by Sara Rosett, 3/28/2025
15. Did Not Finish/Removed from list The Heiress, by Rachel Hawkins
16. Did Not Finish/Removed from list Magpie Murders, by Anthony Horowitz
17. Did Not Finish/Removed from list Empowered: More of Him for All of You, by Mary Carver
18. Death at an English Wedding, by Sara Rosett, 3/29/2025
19. Thanksgiving Prayer, by Debbie Macomber, 3/30/2025
20. A Handful of Heaven, by Jillian Hart, 3/31/2025
21. Did Not Finish/Removed from list: Wall of Fire, by Gilbert Morris
22. Did Not Finish/Removed from list: Stars in Their Courses, by Gilbert Morris
23. Horse, by Geraldine Brooks, 4/18/2025
24. Tidewater Summer, by Jo Huddleston, 4/30/2025
25. Of Literature and Lattes, by Katherine Reay, 5/21/2025
26. Did Not Finish/Removed from list: The Summer Queen, by Elizabeth Chadwick
27. Did Not Finish/Removed from list: The Winter Crown, by Elizabeth Chadwick
28. Did Not Finish/Removed from list: The Autumn Throne, by Elizabeth Chadwick
29. Did Not Finish/Removed from list: The German Wife, by Kelly Rimmer
30. Did Not Finish/Removed from list: Dakota Home, by Debbie Macomber
31. Did Not Finish/Removed from list: Always Dakota, by Debbie Macomber
32. Birds of a Feather, by Jacqueline Winspear, 7/4/2025
33. The Body in the Transept, by Jeanne M. Dams
34. Trouble In The Town Hall, by Jeanne M. Dams
35. Did Not Finish/Removed from List: Holy Terror in the Hebrides, by Jeanne M. Dams
36. Did Not Finish/Removed from List: Malice In Miniature, by Jeanne M. Dams
37. Did Not Finish/Removed from List: The Victim In Victoria Station, by Jeanne M. Dams
38. Drool Baby, by C.A. Newsome, 8/8/2025
39. Did Not Finish/Removed from List: Maximum Security, by C.A. Newsome
40. Scalia: Rise to Greatness, 1936-1986, by James Rosen, 8/20/2025
41. The Murder on the Links, by Agatha Christie, 8/22/2025
42. Confederates in the Attic: Dispatches from the Unfinished Civil War, by Tony Horwitz, 8/27/2025
43. Did Not Finish/Removed from List: Spying on the South: An Odyssey Across the American Divide, by Tony Horwitz
44. Winning Hearts, by Debbie Macomber, 8/25/2025
Something New (challenge #3)
Read at least 16 books that I find browsing at libraries or bookstores, or which are recommended to me.
1. Confronting the Presidents: No Spin Assessments from Washington to Biden, by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Duggan 1/7/2024
2. The Pioneers: The Heroic Story of the Settlers Who Brought the American Ideal West, by David McCullough 2/20/2025
3. The Antique Hunter's Guide to Murder, by C.L. Miller, 3/21/2025
4. A Traitor in Whitehall, by Julia Kelly, 4/26/2025
5. Lending a Paw, by Laurie Cass, 5/3/2025
6. The Small Woman, by Alan Burgess, 5/6/2025
7. Tailing a Tabby, by Laurie Cass, 6/30/2025
8. Soap: Making It, Enjoying It, by Ann Bramson, 7/11/2025
9. All the Way: A Biography of Frank Sinatra, by Michael Freedland, 7/19/2025
10. Betrayal at Blackthorn Park, by Julia Kelly, 8/3/2025
11. Butler: The Untold Story of the Near Assassination of Donald Trump and the Fight for America's Heartland, by Salena Zito, 8/6/2025
12. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, by L. Frank Baum, 8/9/2025
13. Wilderness Paths and Desert Streams, by Lora Avery, 8/26/2025
14. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, by Helen Simonson, 8/31/2025
15. Karen: A Brother Remembers, by Kelsey Grammer, 9/5/2025
Series Challenge - Read at least 15 books from series I started before 2025. This additional challenge is for series books that I have not included in my To Read list.
1. To the Land of Long Lost Friends, by Alexander McCall Smith, 5/11/2025
2. Thereby Hangs a Tail, by Spencer Quinn, 5/15/2025
3. A Trick of the Light, by Louise Penny, 5/25/2025
4. How to Raise an Elephant, by Alexander McCall Smith, 5/29/2025
5. The Soulmate, by Sally Hepworth, 6/4/2025
6. The Joy and Light Bus Company, by Alexander McCall Smith, 6/8/2025
7. Missing and Endangered, by J.A. Jance, 6/11/2025
8. To Fetch a Thief, by Spencer Quinn, 6/18/2025
9. The Beautiful Mystery, by Louise Penny, 6/27/2025
10. Blessing of the Lost Girls, by J.A. Jance, 7/28/2025