HAPPILY EVER AFTER discussion

Hi all,
I thought it might be fun to do a Reading Challenge together :-)

The challenge is called:

A BOOK A MONTH KEEPS THE DOLDRUMS AWAY CHALLENGE

Or simply:

A BOOK A MONTH CHALLENGE

In this challenge you have to read one book each month matching any of the following prompts:

1) A Book a Month Keeps the Doldrums Away

Use a book that made you laugh, or at least, smile. If possible then please share the reason. Was it because of a particular scene, dialogue, action, or something else?

2) A Book in the Hand is Worth Two in the Store

Read a book that you already own but haven't read yet.

3) Do Judge a Book by Its Cover

Read a book whose cover or title you like. It's not necessary you read the book because of
its cover or title. However, there should be some specific reason for you to like the cover or title. If possible then please share the reason.

4) Have the Read of Your Life

Use a book you enjoyed immensely.

5) A Lone Word

—Read a book whose title consists of a single word.
—Or read a standalone book.

6) The More Words the Merrier

—Read a book whose title consists of more than three words. The articles (a, an, and the) should be considered as a part of the title.
—Or read a book that's part of a series. The series should contain more than three books.

7) Read the World

Read a book set in a different country, era, or culture from your own.

8) A Book in Need is a Friend Indeed

For the month you're unable to find a book matching any of the remaining prompts—read any book of your choice.

9) A Piece of Cake Read

Use a book you completed within three days.

10) Read Your Cup of Tea

—Read a book from an author you enjoy.
—Or read a book belonging to a genre you enjoy.

11) While the Cat's Away, the Bookworm Will Read

Use a book for which you neglected work or an important chore.

12) Follow in Your Friend's Booksteps

Read a book that one of your Goodreads friends has already read.

You have to select a different prompt each month in no particular order.

The challenge duration is one year.

You can start anytime and set your challenge duration from:

(a) the date you join, or
(b) the 1st of the month you join, or
(c) the 1st of January

You may backdate if you wish.

For example:

If you start the challenge on 17th Feb 2025 but set your challenge duration from 1st Feb 2025 to 31st Jan 2026. Then you can also use the books you read between 1st Feb 2025 to 16th Feb 2025.

Or if you start the challenge on 17th Feb 2025 but set your challenge duration from 1st Jan 2025 to 31st Dec 2025. Then you can also use the books you read between 1st Jan 2025 to 16th Feb 2025.

The books can be of any genre.

The books read for other challenges can be used here if they meet the requirements.

You would be using the same prompts for your next "A Book a Month Challenge" but you would have to read different books.

Interested in participating? If yes then copy the blank template below, paste it into a new comment, and start your challenge!

A BOOK A MONTH CHALLENGE #

Challenge Duration =
Progress = 0/12
Status =

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Wish you all the best and Happy Reading :-)

A BOOK A MONTH CHALLENGE # 1

Challenge Duration = Jan 1 - Dec 31, 2025
Progress = 9/12
Status = Ongoing

✅Month: January 2025
Prompt: (2) A Book in the Hand is Worth Two in the Store
Book: Edge of the Moon by Rebecca York - Comp. Jan 01, 2025
I had this book on my TBR bookshelf for several years and had not read it.

✅Month: February 2025
Prompt: (1) A Book a Month Keeps the Doldrums Away
Book: I Heard a Fly Buzz When I Died by Amanda Flower - Comp. Feb 14, 2025
The scene was one where Emily wanted Willa to go to a ball as her companion and had laid out 2 of her dresses for Willa to choose from. Emily is short while Willa is very tall. The conversation made me smile.

✅Month: March 2025
Prompt: (6) The More Words the Merrier
Book: All The Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman - Comp. Mar 07, 2025

✅ Month: April 2025
Prompt: (7) Read the World
Book: Season of Death by Will Thomas - set in London, England in Nov 1895 - Comp. April 03, 2025

✅Month: May 2025
Prompt: (12) Follow in Your Friend's Booksteps
Read a book that one of your Goodreads friends has already read.
Book: The Girls of Good Fortune by Kristina McMorris - Comp. May 02, 2025
Already read by Debra, Carolyn, MarilynW, and other GR friends

✅Month: June 2025
Prompt: (4) Have the Read of Your Life
Use a book you enjoyed immensely.
Book: Beyond Her Reach by Melinda Leigh - Comp. Jun 05, 2025

✅Month: July 2025
Prompt: 5) A Lone Word
—Read a book whose title consists of a single word.
—Or read a standalone book.
Book: Rage by Linda Castillo - Comp. July 03, 2025

✅Month: August 2025
Prompt: (11) While the Cat's Away, the Bookworm Will Read
Book: Framed in Death by J.D. Robb - Comp. Aug 03, 2025

✅Month : September 2025
Prompt: (9) A Piece of Cake Read - Use a book you completed within three days
Book: Victim #8 by Traci Hunter Abramson - Started and Completed on Sept 01, 2025

(3) Month: 2025
Prompt: Do Judge a Book by Its Cover
Book:

(8) Month: 2025
Prompt: A Book in Need is a Friend Indeed
Book:

(10) Month: 2025
Prompt: Read Your Cup of Tea
Book:

A BOOK A MONTH CHALLENGE #1

Challenge Duration = 1st February 2025 to 31st January 2026
Progress = 5/12
Status = Ongoing

(1)
Month: February 2025
Prompt: A Lone Word
Book: Abandon by Carla Neggers

(2)
Month: March 2025
Prompt: Follow in Your Friend's Booksteps
Book: A Killer's Code by Isabella Maldonado
I added it to my TBR list based on Pam's review :-)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
It's the third book of the Daniela Vega Series. I first read A Forgotten Kill—the second book—and then this one. Enjoyed them both :-)

(3)
Month: April 2025
Prompt: The More Words the Merrier
Book: Save Her from Evil by Melinda Woodhall

(4)
Month: May 2025
Prompt: Read the World
Book: A Merciful Truth by Kendra Elliot

(5)
Month: June 2025
Prompt: A Book in the Hand is Worth Two in the Store
Book: Thirst for Sin by Kennedy Layne
It's the first book of the Touch of Evil Series. I bought a set of the first three books in October 2024 but didn't get a chance to read them till now.

(6)
Month: July 2025
Prompt:
Book:

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Month: August 2025
Prompt:
Book:

(8)
Month: September 2025
Prompt:
Book:

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Month: October 2025
Prompt:
Book:

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Month: November 2025
Prompt:
Book:

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Month: December 2025
Prompt:
Book:

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Month: January 2026
Prompt:
Book:

*******

My Monthly TBR Books & Actual Reads:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

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My Challenges:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

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My Challenge Journey:

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

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Okay... I'm game for another...
A Book a Month Keeps the Doldrums Away Challenge | A Book a Month Challenge

Start: 250101 | End: 251231 | Progress/Status: 08/12

* In this challenge you have to read one book each month matching any of the listed prompts.
* You have to select a different prompt each month in no particular order.
* The challenge duration is one year.
* You can start anytime and set your challenge duration from:
* The books can be of any genre.
* The books read for other challenges can be used here if they meet the requirements.
* You would be using the same prompts for your next "A Book a Month Challenge" but you would have to read different books.

PROMPTS:
✔️ A Book a Month Keeps the Doldrums Away | ** MAY **
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎Use a book that made you laugh, or at least, smile. If possible then please share the reason. Was it because of a particular scene, dialogue, action, or something else?
✔️ A Book in the Hand is Worth Two in the Store | ** MARCH **
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎Read a book that you already own but haven't read yet.
✔️ Do Judge a Book by Its Cover | ** JUNE **
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎Read a book whose cover or title you like. It's not necessary you read the book because of its cover or title. However, there should be some specific reason for you to like the cover or title. If possible, please share the reason
✔️ Have the Read of Your Life | ** APRIL **
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎Use a book you enjoyed immensely
✔️ A Lone Word | ** JANUARY **
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎Read a book whose title consists of a single word --OR--
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎Read a standalone book
🔴 The More Words the Merrier
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎Read a book whose title consists of more than three words. The articles (a, an, and the) should be considered as a part of the title --OR--
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎Read a book that's part of a series. The series should contain more than three books
🔴 Read the World
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎Read a book set in a different country, era, or culture from your own
🔴 A Book in Need is a Friend Indeed
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎For the month you're unable to find a book matching any of the remaining prompts—read any book of your choice
✔️ A Piece of Cake Read | ** FEBRUARY **
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎Use a book you completed within three days
🔴 Read Your Cup of Tea
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎Read a book from an author you enjoy --OR--
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎Read a book belonging to a genre you enjoy
✔️ While the Cat's Away, the Bookworm Will Read | ** JULY **
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎Use a book for which you neglected work or an important chore
✔️ Follow in Your Friend's Booksteps | ** AUGUST **
‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎Read a book that one of your Goodreads friends has already read

01. January 2025: A Lone Word
Book: Grouch-ish by L.B. Dunbar | series: Holiday Hotties (Romance) | Finished: 250111
Most likely the only book I'll read that fits the prompt.

02. February 2025: A Piece of Cake Read
Book: Sterling Fight by L.B. Dunbar | series: Sterling Falls (Romance) | Finished: 250202
This took only a few hours to read. I started it on 02/01/25 and finished just after midnight.

03. March 2025: A Book in the Hand is Worth Two in the Store
Book: Murder in the Meditation by Kari Lee Townsend | series: Fortune Teller/Sunny Meadows (Mystery) | Finished: 250322
I've had this book in my files since 2021. I really don't know why I didn't get to it sooner. I enjoy the series and this was a fun read with a good mystery.

04. April 2025: Have the Read of Your Life
Book: No Roast for the Weary by Cleo Coyle | series: Coffeehouse (Mystery) | Finished: 250404
While it's not the "read of my life," it is the best book I've read this year--and most likely still will be by year's end. This is one of my favorite series because the authors craft a great mystery with red herrings and clues. It's placed in a "world" of great characters, including a great protagonist (Clare Cosi); a posse that includes the baristas and staff that work with her at The Village Blend, her ex-husband (and business partner), her detective fiancé and a few of the cops that work with him (now and then), her ex mother-in-law (and friend, also a part owner in the business--she used to own it), daughter Joy (now and then, she runs their DC location); the city (NYC) itself, and it's variety of characters, people from all walks of life. The cozy side of the series involves mainly Clare's life, but her baristas, ex, etc. all get their stories, too. I have yet to be disappointed in any book in this series. I just finished this and already want the next--which probably won't come for a year to two. So so so good!!

05. May 2025: A Book a Month Keeps the Doldrums Away
Book: The Case of the Ghost of Christmas Morning by P.J. Fitzsimmons | series: Anty Boisjoly (Mystery) | Finished: 250519
This book is laugh-out-loud hilarious. The series' mysteries are intriguing in that how-could-they-have-done-it way. The cozy story is fun and witty. Anthony "Anty" Boisjoly is a riot! This mystery involved his Aunty Boisjoly, an extremely shy woman who spends a lot of time hiding in the curtains "inspecting them for moths." I love his valet, Vickers, who hears all and knows much--even if he forgets the tea service when he serves tea and falls asleep in the linen closet. (Vickers was Andy's father's valet, and I believe his father's before him.) I will continue reading this series for the sheer joy. If you’re a fan of P. G. Wodehouse or even just good mysteries wrapped in witty banter, you’ll like this series. So fun.

06. June 2025: Do Judge a Book by Its Cover
Book: Stalker by Piper Stone | series: Legacy of Kings (Romance) | Finished: 250605
The cover (** see below **) did not make me read the book; it's the third book in a series I was already reading. However, I really love this cover from an artistic point of view. It instantly sets a mood... I love the colors and the shading/shadowing in this picture. The combinations of purple hues from the darker bluish/black/grayish purples to the pinkish-purple used for the title all work well together. Even the bluish-red "spotlighting" of the model adds to the broodiness. The fact that the model is hot and sexy doesn't hurt!! This is artwork I would frame and hang on a wall. It's fantastic. The cover design is by Korey Mae Johnson. (I do like the artistry of the other covers in the series, but book 03 is my favorite!)

My only negative is the author's name is too white. While it stands out, I'd have preferred a darker tone... light black (charcoal)/darker gray, maybe.

07. July 2025: While the Cat's Away, the Bookworm Will Read
Book: Various by Sara Fields | series: Boston Kings (Romance) | Finished: 250705-10
I’d list one book, but I’ve just procrastinated a job I’m working for five days of hot romance! There are 8 books to date in this series. I saw the description of one of the later books and wanted to read it, but my series OCD wouldn't let me. I had the series TBRed, so I started at book one and read all eight available to date--yes, the entire series--over the last five days. I’m listing this now because I really need to get back to the work I’ve been shirking. =o)

08. August 2025: Follow in Your Friend's Booksteps
Deadly Drafts by Courtny Bradley | series: Literary Stitches (Mystery) | Finished: 250810
I was introduced to this book by beachbum bookworm (Tiffany) when she listed it in her YouTube post NEW COZY MYSTERY Releases Part 2... (May 11, 2025). I TBRed it. She followed that up with a short video review Deadly Drafts by Courtny Bradley... (May 27, 2025), then with a more formal review in her May COZY MYSTERY Wrap Up... (June 12. 2025). I've linked her YouTube channel below. Tiffany rated it “5 cups of coffee,” her highest rating. I planned to read it in July, but wound up shirking work with the Boston Kings instead. I picked it up Sunday, reading and finishing it in a couple of hours. It’s an enjoyable read with good characters that I want to know more about and see “grow” though the series.

*beachbum bookworm YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theBeachbumb...

I may change things up if better books fit the prompts better as I go. Hoping my reads fit a few different prompts!

06. June prompt: Do Judge a Book by Its Cover Love the colors; love the model... Broody AND Yummy! Cover Design by Korey Mae Johnson. All three covers shown below with 03 blown up.
** **

A BOOK A MONTH CHALLENGE #

Challenge Duration = April 1, 2025 - March 31, 2026
Progress = 5/12
Status = Ongoing

(1)
Month: April
Prompt: #9 Use a book you completed within three days.
Book: All Systems Red by Martha Wells

(2)
Month: May
Prompt: #4 Use a book you enjoyed immensely.
Book: Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson

(3)
Month: June
Prompt: #3 Do Judge a Book by Its Cover
Book: God Bless This Mess: Learning to Live and Love Through Life's Best (and Worst) Moments by Hannah Brown

(4)
Month: July
Prompt: #2) A Book in the Hand is Worth Two in the Store
Read a book that you already own but haven't read yet.
Book: Annie Bot by Sierra Greer

(5)
Month: August
Prompt: 1) A Book a Month Keeps the Doldrums Away
Use a book that made you laugh, or at least, smile. If possible then please share the reason. Was it because of a particular scene, dialogue, action, or something else?
Book: Artificial Condition by Martha Wells

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Prompts:
✓1) A Book a Month Keeps the Doldrums Away
Use a book that made you laugh, or at least, smile. If possible then please share the reason. Was it because of a particular scene, dialogue, action, or something else?

✓2) A Book in the Hand is Worth Two in the Store
Read a book that you already own but haven't read yet.

✓3) Do Judge a Book by Its Cover
Read a book whose cover or title you like. It's not necessary you read the book because of
its cover or title. However, there should be some specific reason for you to like the cover or title. If possible then please share the reason.

✓4) Have the Read of Your Life
Use a book you enjoyed immensely.

5) A Lone Word
—Read a book whose title consists of a single word.
—Or read a standalone book.

6) The More Words the Merrier
—Read a book whose title consists of more than three words. The articles (a, an, and the) should be considered as a part of the title.
—Or read a book that's part of a series. The series should contain more than three books.

7) Read the World
Read a book set in a different country, era, or culture from your own.

8) A Book in Need is a Friend Indeed
For the month you're unable to find a book matching any of the remaining prompts—read any book of your choice.

✓9) A Piece of Cake Read
Use a book you completed within three days.

10) Read Your Cup of Tea
—Read a book from an author you enjoy.
—Or read a book belonging to a genre you enjoy.

11) While the Cat's Away, the Bookworm Will Read
Use a book for which you neglected work or an important chore.

12) Follow in Your Friend's Booksteps
Read a book that one of your Goodreads friends has already read.

A BOOK A MONTH KEEPS THE DOLDRUMS AWAY
Challenge Duration = May 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026

Progress = 1/12
Status =

1) A Book a Month Keeps the Doldrums Away
RAB that made you laugh, or at least, smile. If possible then please share the reason. Was it because of a particular scene, dialogue, action, or something else?

2) A Book in the Hand is Worth Two in the Store
RAB that you already own but haven't read yet.

3) Do Judge a Book by Its Cover
RAB whose cover or title you like. It's not necessary you read the book because of its cover or title. However, there should be some specific reason for you to like the cover or title. If possible then please share the reason.

4) Have the Read of Your Life
RAB you enjoyed immensely.

5) A Lone Word
—RAB whose title consists of a single word.
—Or read a standalone book.

✓ 6) The More Words the Merrier
—RAB whose title consists of more than three words. You Like It Darker - 5/9/25

7) Read the World
RAB set in a different country, era, or culture from your own.

8) A Book in Need is a Friend Indeed
For the month you're unable to find a book matching any of the remaining prompts—read any book of your choice.

9) A Piece of Cake Read
RAB you completed within three days.

10) Read Your Cup of Tea
—RAB from an author you enjoy.
—Or RAB belonging to a genre you enjoy.

11) While the Cat's Away, the Bookworm Will Read
RAB for which you neglected work or an important chore.

12) Follow in Your Friend's Booksteps
RAB that one of your Goodreads friends has already read.

You have to select a different prompt each month in no particular order.


(1)
Month: May
Prompt: # 6 - RAB whose title consists of more than three words.
Book: You Like It Darker


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