Lori (thornton37814) Reads with Sherlock, Mr B, and Barney in 2018 - thread 6

     

Here are the boys on their recent trip to their Uncle Jim's in Mississippi. This is actually where they were born, although they were born in the big part of the shop on the other side of the door. Their mother was around some. I saw her a couple of times. This area, however, can keep them "inside" without danger of harm from other things since my sister-in-law won't allow them in the house. I take a cot so they can jump on it and get off the floor if they wish. I take their favorite scratching post and a few other toys. I'm not sure if I'm going to try this with a heater at Christmas or just spring for the hotel room. The hotel is not convenient though. Last year, it was warm enough they could have made it, but one never knows what Mississippi weather at Christmas will be like.

The next 24 posts will include my review of reading to this point. Message #26 is yours!

Books Read thru November 1, #1-10:

1. Where I Was From by Joan Didion - completed 1 Jan 2018
2. Pusserina the Wondercat by Kenneth B. Melvin; illustrated by Linda Albrecht - completed 1 Jan 2018
3. Raised Bed Gardening: How to Use Simple Raised Beds to Grow a Beautiful Vegetable Garden by Dane Alexander - completed 1 Jan 2018
4. The Ice Princess by Camilla Lackberg - completed 2 Jan 2018
5. Strawberry Yellow by Naomi Hirahara - completed 4 Jan 2018
6. Funeral Music by Morag Joss - completed 5 Jan 2018
7. Booked for Trouble by Eva Gates - completed 7 Jan 2018
8. The Toad Who Loved Tea by Faiz Kermani - completed 8 Jan 2018
9. Buried in the Country by Carola Dunn - completed 8 Jan 2018
10. I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith - completed 12 Jan 2018

Books Read thru November 1, #11-20:

11. Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens - completed 13 Jan 2018
12. Friends in High Places by Donna Leon - completed 15 Jan 2018
13. The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher: A Shocking Murder and the Undoing of a Great Victorian Detective by Kate Summerscale - completed 15 Jan 2018
14. Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley - completed 17 Jan 2018
15. Mary and Her Little Lamb by Will Moses - completed 17 Jan 2018
16. My Teacher by James Ransome - completed 17 Jan 2018
17. The Little Engine that Could by Watty Piper; illustrated by George & Doris Hauman - completed 17 Jan 2018
18. My Baby Blue Jays by John Berendt - completed 17 Jan 2018
19. There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed Some Books by Lucille Colandro - completed 17 Jan 2018
20. The Balfour Declaration: Sixty-Seven Words, 100 Years of Conflict by Elliot Jager - completed 19 Jan 2018

Books Read thru November 1, #21-30:

21. The Litttle Red Chairs by Edna O'Brien - completed 20 Jan 2018
22. Laughter and Early Sorrow: and Other Stories by Brett Busang - completed 20 Jan 2018
23. The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall - completed 21 Jan 2018
24. Dying in the Wool by Frances Brody - completed 25 Jan 2018
25. Hiding the Past by Nathan Dylan Goodwin - completted 27 Jan 2018
26. The Potter's Field by Andrea Camilleri - completed 29 Jan 2018
27. Life of Pi by Yann Martel - completed 1 Feb 2018
28. 'Over the Hills and Far Away': The Life of Beatrix Potter by Matthew Dennison - completed 1 Feb 2018
29. Planting Corn Belt Culture: The Impress of the Upland Southerner and Yankee in the Old Northwest by Richard Lyle Power - completed 1 Feb 2018
30. A Morbid Taste for Bones by Ellis Peters - completed 3 Feb 2018

Books Read thru November 1, #31-40:

31. Creole Holiday by Phyllis A. Whitney - completed 3 Feb 2018
32. Little Poems for Tiny Ears by Lin Oliver; illustrated by Tomie DePaolo - completed 4 Feb 2018
33. Three Little Kittens by Jerry Pinkney - completed 4 Feb 2018
34. The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter - completed 4 Feb 2018
35. Oh No, Gotta Go! by Susan Middleton Elya; illustrated by C. Brian Karas - completed 4 Feb 2018
36. The Gingerbread Man Loose on the Fire Truck by Laura Murray; illustrated by Mike Lowery - completed 4 Feb 2018
37. Goldilocks and the Three Bears by Jan Brett - completed 4 Feb 2018
38. The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats - completed 4 Feb 2018
39. The Puppy Who Went to School by Gail Herman; illustrated by Betina Ogden - completed 4 Feb 2018
40. Rhymes Round the World by Kay Chorao - completed 4 Feb 2018

Books Read thru November 1, #41-50:

41. Keri Tarr, Cat Detective by Wendy Lement; illustrated by Jeffrey Scott Burrows - completed 4 Feb 2018
42. Involuntary Witness by Gianrico Carofiglio - completed 6 Feb 2018
43. From Jerusalem to Timbuktu: A World Tour of the Spread of Christianity by Brian C. Stiller - completed 7 Feb 2018
44. Sugar and Iced by Jenn McKinlay - completed 10 Feb 2018
45. The Undoing of Saint Silvanus by Beth Moore - completed 11 Feb 2018
46. Folly by Stella Cameron - completed 12 Feb 2018
47. Better Off Read by Nora Page - completed 15 Feb 2018
48. The Story of Lucy Gault by William Trevor - completed 16 Feb 2018
49. The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead - completed 18 Feb 2018
50. A Necessary End by Peter Robinson - completed 19 Feb 2018

Books Read thru November 1, #51-60:

51. Old Bear and His Cub by Olivier Dunrea - completed 21 Feb 2018
52. Destination: Antarctica by Robert Swan - completed 21 Feb 2018
53. The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle - completed 21 Feb 2018
54. Ladybug Girl and Bingo by David Soman and Jacky Davis - completed 21 Feb 2018
55. Stand Tall, Molly Lou Melon by Patty Lovell; illustrated by David Catrow - completed 21 Feb 2018
56. A Visit to William Blake's Inn: Poems for Innocent and Experienced Travelers by Nancy Willard; illustrated by Alice Provensen and Martin Provensen - completed 21 Feb 2018
57. The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush by Tomie dePaola - completed 21 Feb 2018
58. Plenty of Love to Go Around by Emma Chichester Clark - completed 21 Feb 2018
59. Just One More by Jennifer Hansen Rolli - completed 21 Feb 2018
60. Taking Care of Mama by Mitra Modarressi - completed 21 Feb 2018

Books Read thru November 1, #61-70:

61. Good Morning, Digger by Anne Rockwell; illustrated by Melanie Hope Greenberg - completed 21 Feb 2018
62. Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans - completed 21 Feb 2018
63. Luke Goes to Bat by Rachel Isadora - completed 21 Feb 2018
64. Murder, She Knit by Peggy Ehrhart - completed 22 Feb 2018
65. Grand Canyon by Jason Chin - completed 22 Feb 2018
66. Portrait of a Murderer by Anne Meredith - completed 25 Feb 2018
67. In the Shadow of the Glacier by Vicki Delany - completed 27 Feb 2018
68. Slight Mourning by Catherine Aird - completed 27 Feb 2018
69. Walking on Edge: A Pilgrimage to Santiago by Reino Gevers - completed 1 Mar 2018
70. Foreign Bodies edited by Martin Edwards - completed 1 Mar 2018

Books Read thru August 1, #71-80:

71. Death by the Sea by Kathleen Bridge - completed 3 Mar 2018
72. Children of the Street by Kwei Quartey - completed 7 Mar 2018
73. The Crow Trap by Ann Cleeves - completed 7 Mar 2018
74. Death in a Strange Country by Donna Leon - completed 14 Mar 2018
75. The Birds of the Innocent Wood by Deirdre Madden - completed 15 Mar 2018
76. As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust by Alan Bradley - completed 15 Mar 2018
77. Murder at an Irish Wedding by Carlene O'Connor - completed 18 Mar 2018
78. In Pharaoh's Army: Memories of the Lost War by Tobias Wolff - completed 20 Mar 2018
79. The Mistletoe Murder: and Other Stories by P. D. James - completed 21 Mar 2018
80. The Lady Vanishes by Ethel Lina White - completed 24 Mar 2018

Books Read thru November 1, #81-90:

81. Our Hearts Were Young and Gay by Cornelia Otis Skinner and Emily Kimbrough - completed 26 Mar 2018
82. Macbeth by Jo Nesbo - completed 27 Mar 2018
83. The Hundred Penny Box by Sharon Bell Mathis; illustrated by Leo & Diane Dillon - completed 28 Mar 2018
84. Big Cat, Little Cat by Elisha Cooper - completed 28 Mar 2018
85. Necessary as Blood by Deborah Crombie - completed 31 Mar 2018
86. A Vicarage Reunion by Kate Hewitt - completed 31 Mar 2018
87. The Best Cook in the World: Tales from My Momma's Table by Rick Bragg - completed 31 Mar 2018
88. Beowulf: A New Verse Translation by Seamus Heaney - completed 1 Apr 2018
89. Bats in the Belfry by E. C. R. Lorac - completed 1 Apr 2018
90. Ice Cream Kitty by Nerina DiBenedetto; illustrated by Martha Houghton - completed 2 Apr 2018

Books Read thru November 1, #91-100:

91. Collected Poems in English and French by Samuel Beckett - completed 2 Apr 2018
92. The Family Tree Historical Newspapers Guide: How to Find Your Ancestors in Archived Newpapers by James M. Beidler - completed 3 Apr 2018
93. Endgame: A Play in One Act; Followed by: Act without Words: A Mime for One Player by Samuel Beckett - completed 4 Apr 2018
94. First Love and Other Shorts by Samuel Beckett - completed 6 Apr 2018
95. Fire in the Thatch by E. C. R. Lorac - completed 6 Apr 2018
96. The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street by Karina Yan Glaser - completed 9 Apr 2018
97. Umbrella by Taro Yashima - completed 10 Apr 2018
98. The Night of Four Hundred Rabbits by Elizabeth Peters - completed 10 Apr 2018
99. Horses Make a Landscape Look More Beautiful: Poems by Alice Walker - completed 11 Apr 2018
100. Revolutionary Petunias & Other Poems by Alice Walker - completed 11 Apr 2018

Books Read thru November 1, #101-110:

101. Fish Eyes: A Book You Can Count On by Lois Ehlert - completed 12 Apr 2018
102. Timothy Turtle by Alice Vaught Davis; illustrated by Guy Brown Wiser - completed 12 Apr 2018
103. Timothy Turtle by Al Graham; illustrated by Tony Palazzo - completed 12 Apr 2018
104. Walking Out: Poems by Betty Adcock - completed 12 Apr 2018
105. Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang: The Magical Car by Ian Fleming - completed 12 Apr 2018
106. The Spook in the Stacks by Eva Gates - completed 14 Apr 2018
107. Society in Early North Carolina: A Documentary History by Alan D. Watson - completed 14 Apr 2018
108. The Hanging Valley by Peter Robinson - completed 19 Apr 2018
109. Mad Hatters and March Hares: All-New Stories from the World of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland edited by Ellen Datlow - completed 19 Apr 2018
110. The Sayers Swindle by Victoria Abbott - completed 21 Apr 2018

Books Read thru November 1, #111-120:

111. Thus Was Adonis Murdered by Sarah Caudwell - completed 24 Apr 2018
112. Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace - completed 25 Apr 2018
113. Blackout by Ragnar Jonasson - completed 1 May 2018
114. The Final Solution by Michael Chabon - completed 6 May 2018
115. Wolf in the Snow by Matthew Cordell - completed 8 May 2018
116. Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut by Derrick Barnes; illustrated by Gordon C. James - completed 8 May 2018
117. A Different Pond by Bao Phi ; illustrated by Thi Bui - completed 8 May 2018
118. Murder at the Mansion by Sheila Connolly - completed 8 May 2018
119. The Secret, Book, and Scone Society by Ellery Adams - completed 17 May 2018
120. A Study in Charlotte by Brittany Cavallaro - completed 18 May 2018

Books Read thru November 1, #121-130:

121. The Museum of Literary Souls by John Connolly - completed 19 May 2018
122. Every Seven Years by Denise Mina - completed 19 May 2018
123. How to Read Poetry Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster - completed 21 May 2018
124. Snow in August by Pete Hamill - completed 23 May 2018
125. Appalachian Ghosts by Nancy Roberts ; photographs by Bruce Roberts - completed 23 May 2018
126. The Korean Cinderella by Shirley Climo ; illustrated by Ruth Heller - completed 23 May 2018
127. Two Queens of Heaven: Aphrodite, Demeter by Doris Gates ; illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman - completed 23 May 2018
128. The Story of Georgia's Boundaries: A Meeting of History and Geography by William J. Morton - completed 23 May 2018
129. An Early Wake by Sheila Connolly - completed 26 May 2018
130. Dressed for Death by Donna Leon - completed 27 May 2018

Books Read thru November 1, #131-140:

131. The Woman in Cabin 10 by Ruth Ware - completed 29 May 2018
132. Once in a Blue Moon Lodge by Lorna Landvik - completed 29 May 2018
133. Humming Words: A Collection of Poetry by Nancy Warwick - completed 29 May 2018
134. Murder on the Leviathan by Boris Akunin - completed 31 May 2018
135. Blood on the Tracks edited by Martin Edwards - completed 2 Jun 2018
136. Bad to the Bones by Rett MacPherson - completed 4 Jun 2018
137. The Man in My Basement by Walter Mosley - completed 5 Jun 2018
138. Steering the Craft by Ursula K. Le Guin - completed 5 Jun 2018
139. Unofficial Guide to Ancestry.com: How to Find Your Family History on the #1 Genealogy Website by Nancy Hendrickson - completed 6 Jun 2018
140. Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann - completed 7 Jun 2018

Books Read thru November 1, #141-150:

141. The Murders in the Rue Morgue by Edgar Allan Poe - completed 16 Jun 2018
142. Station to Station: Searching for Stories on the Great Western Line by James Attlee - completed 18 Jun 2018
143. Probable Claws by Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown - completed 21 Jun 2018
144. Gardenlust: A Botanical Tour of the World's Best New Gardens by Christopher Woods - completed 22 Jun 2018
145. Nocturne by Deborah Crombie - completed 22 Jun 2018
146. The Curio Dealer's Wife by I. J. Parker - completed 22 Jun 2018
147. The King's Justice by E. M. Powell - completed 23 Jun 2018
148. Ashes of London by Andrew Taylor - completed 27 Jun 2018
149. Weekend at Thrackley by Alan Melville - completed 1 Jul 2018
150. The Women in the Castle by Jessica Shattuck - completed 2 Jul 2018

Books Read thru November 1, #151-160:

151. Life's Extras by Archibald Rutledge; sketches by B. Hay Gilbert - completed 3 Jul 2018
152. No Mark Upon Her by Deborah Crombie - completed 4 Jul 2018
153. The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan - completed 5 Jul 2018
154. Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis - completed 7 Jul 2018
155. Death and Judgment by Donna Leon - completed 10 Jul 2018
156. The South by Colm Toibin - completed 12 Jul 2018
157. I Will Find You by Daniela Sacerdoti - completed 13 Jul 2018
158. Rain: Four Walks in English Weather by Melissa Harrison - completed 14 Jul 2018
159. On Reading Well: Finding the Good Life through Great Books by Karen Swallow Prior - completed 15 Jul 2018
160. The Adoptee's Guide to DNA Testing: How to Use Genetic Genealogy to Discover Your Long-Lost Family by Tamar Weinberg - completed 17 Jul 2018

Books Read thru November 1, #161-170:

161. Albion's Seed: Four British Folkways in America by David Hackett Fischer - completed 18 Jul 2018
162. Blue Water Hues by Vicki Delany - completed 19 Jul 2018
163. Murder with Lemon Tea Cakes by Karen Rose Smith - completed 23 Jul 2018
164. And Be a Villain by Rex Stout - completed 27 Jul 2018
165. A Faraway Island by Annika Thor - completed 28 Jul 2018
166. The Darkling Bride by Laura Andersen
167. The Library Book (editor is not clearly stated but appears to be Rebecca Gray, author of the foreward)
168. How to Catch a Bear Who Loves to Read by Andrew Katz and Juliana Leveille-Trudel; illustrated by Joseph Sherman
169. A Boy and a House by Maja Kastelic
170. The Zig Zag Girl by Elly Griffiths

Books Read thru November 1, #171-180:

171. The Murder of My Aunt by Richard Hull
172. Cold Earth by Ann Cleeves
173. The Alpine Xanadu by Mary Daheim
174. The Blackhouse by Peter May
175. Murder on Sisters' Row by Victoria Thompson
176. Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd by Alan Bradley
177. Harmless as Doves by P. L. Gaus
178. The Dark Monk by Oliver Potzsch
179. Westward the Tide by Louis L'Amour
180. Young Entry by Molly Keane

Books Read thru November 1, #181-190:

181. The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
182. The Lost World by Arthur Conan Doyle
183. Shelved Under Murder by Victoria Gilbert
184. The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa
185. Murder at Hawthorn Cottage by Betty Rowlands
186. Goodnight, Anne by Kallie George; illustrated by Geneviève Godbout
187. Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg Medina
188. The Best Donut Recipes in History: Secret Step-by-Step Formulas for Delicious Donuts Your Family Will Love by Jennifer Olson
189. Dutch Oven Cookbook: Easy Recipes about the Art of Slow Cooking by Philip Smith
190. The Pigeon Pie Mystery by Julia Stuart

Books Read thru November 1, #191-200:

191. The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
192. Abby Finds Her Calling by Naomi King
193. How Does My Fruit Grow? by Gerda Muller
194. The Lost Bird by Margaret Coel
195. Acqua Alta by Donna Leon
196. Taking the Arrow Out of the Heart by Alice Walker
197. A Christmas Revelation by Anne Perry
198. One Corpse Too Many by Ellis Peters
199. Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha by Roddy Doyle
200. Past Tense by Catherine Aird

Books Read thru November 1, #201-210:

201. The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy
202. Christmas Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke
203. Thomas Kinkade's Cape Light: A Christmas Secret by Katherine Spencer
204. A Shot in the Dark by Lynne Truss
205. The Illustrated History of the Snowman by Bob Eckstein
206. My Life in a Cat House: True Tales of Love, Laughter, and Living with Five Felines by Gwen Cooper
207. The Body on the Beach by Simon Brett
208. Good Tidings and Great Joy by Sarah Palin
209. Excursion to Tindari by Andrea Camilleri
210. Poems by W. B. Yeats

Books Read thru November 1, #211-220:

211. The 39 Steps by John Buchan
212. Ghostly: A Collection of Ghost Stories by Audrey Niffenegger
213. Snowflake in the Tea by Elena May
214. Hushed in Death by Stephen Kelly
215. In Harm's Way by Viveca Sten; translated by Marlaine Delargy
216. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
217. The Cornish Village School: Second Chances by Kitty Wilson
218. A Season of Grace by Lorraine Snelling
219. The Gods of Gotham by Lyndsay Faye
220. A Gift from the Comfort Food Cafe by Debbie Johnson

Books Read thru November 1, #221-225:

221. On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
222. Dr. Jo: How Sara Josephine Baker Saved the Lives of America's Children by Monica Kulling; illustrated by Julianna Swaney
223. Well-Read Black Girl: Finding Our Stories, Discovering Ourselves edited by Glory Edim
224. Past Reason Hated by Peter Robinson
225. The Seven Storey Mountain by Thomas Merton

2018 Abandoned Reads to Date:

1. Hidden Pasts by Clio Gray - abandoned 28 Jan 2018
2. Flat Broke with Two Goats: A Memoir of Appalachia by Jennifer McGaha - abandoned 12 Apr 2018
3. The Gathering by Anne Enright - abandoned 10 Jun 2018
4. The Cat Who Killed Lilian Jackson Braun by Robert Kaplow - abandoned 13 July 2018
5. Anything Is Possible by Elizabeth Strout - abandoned 6 Oct 2018

Happy new thread for the new month!

>26 quondame: Thanks! This is probably the one for the remainder of the year. I should report my first completion of November soon. I've got one more thing on the to-do list ahead of completing the read, but it should read fast--and I'm close to the end!

>27 thornton37814: I saved a page to read this morning from yesterday's book, when it became clear I wasn't about to put it down to complete something more for October TIOLI.

Happy new thread!

Happy new thread, Lori!

We got Hildy one of the heated "cat" beds because she is cold all the time, and at least two of the cats have given it a try as well. It doesn't get too hot, but holds just above their body temperature, I believe. There might be one large enough to accommodate all three of your boys, if they'd be willing to use it.

Happy new thread, Lori!

Congratulations, I saw you mentioned as one of the winners in the Halloween Haunt.

>28 quondame: LOL - I've saved the last chapter a time or two so it would go in the next month's challenge.

>29 drneutron: Thanks, Jim!

>30 harrygbutler: I'll have to check into that. I'm definitely planning to take their cat beds because it would be warmer than the flooring in the shop and more comfy than the cot.

>31 FAMeulstee: Yes, I did win. I chose a t-shirt. I wanted one of the TinyCAT ones, but I'm long-waisted, and the length of those seemed too short.

Happy new thread, Lori!

>33 brodiew2: Thank you!

226. The Christmas Star by Donna VanLiere

Date Completed: 1 Nov 2018

Category: Yellowstone National Park

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #8: Read a challenge that completes the phrase, "I am thankful for..."

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Gabe works at Grandon Elementary School. Amy begins volunteering at Glory's Place, an after-school program for children. Many of the children are in foster homes or have single-parent households. Maddie, a girl with cerebral palsy in foster care, is in both the school and program. She plays matchmaker, not knowing Gabe and Amy used to be married. Will Gabe and Amy reconcile? Maddie would like nothing better! While the ending will come as no surprise, it will still bring tears of joy to the reader! VanLiere's Christian faith shines through this novel. I won this through a GoodReads Giveaway. While an honest review was encouraged, it was not required.

Happy new thread, Lori. Always happy to see pictures of the boys! And you have been a reading machine!!

Happy new thread!

Lori--Happy new thread and congrats on finishing the Halloween Hunt! Do we get to see a picture of you in the T-shirt?

Happy New Thread, Lori.

Nice digs for the visiting boys. We're trying to find big, family places that take dogs for an eastern TN visit next year; our kids want to bring theirs. It ain't easy.

Found and starred!

>36 ronincats: Thanks! The boys are special. I exceeded my own expectations for the year so my new goal is to reach 250 by year's end.

>37 figsfromthistle: Thanks!

>38 Berly: It depends. I'll try to have one taken.

>39 jnwelch: With hotels, LaQuinta is usually the best option. I'm sure it is more difficult in the cabin rental market though. There's a really nice boarding facility for dogs between Jefferson City and Morristown (technically in Jefferson City because they incorporated everything along the highway) called All Dogs which has very nice runs and stuff for dogs. My friend always leaves her dog there when she can't take her dog along.

>40 fuzzi: Thanks! Just winding up the new year with this thread! At least I suspect it will be the final one.

227. The Lost City of the Monkey God by Douglas Preston

Date Completed: 3 Nov 2018

Category: Cornwall

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge 14: read a book which starts with the same letter as your first name or LT handle

Other Challenges: American Author Challenge - Narrative Nonfiction

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: Author Douglas Preston joined a group of scientists on an expedition to excavate T-1, one of the possible locations of the Lost City of the Monkey God, in Honduras. They used lidar to help locate prospective sites and then determined which of the most likely sites to excavate. While "T-2" was a larger site, T-1's location was important to the person organizing the expedition and became the focus. Their work was criticized by some in the archaeological community. Many members, including Preston and National Geographic photographer Dave Yoder, contracted a tropical parasitic disease. There are three main focuses to the book--the expedition itself, the reaction of the archaeological community to the expedition, and the discovery and treatment of leishmaniasis which affected many on the expedition. Several members of the team, including Preston and Yoder, returned to the site later to further excavate it and to try to come up with ways to safeguard the antiquities which were at risk. The book opened by scaring the wits out of readers in much the same manner they were scared by their guide as they prepared for their first trip to Honduras with tales of the deadly fer de lance snake. I debated abandoning the book then and there because I am so phobic about snakes, but once you got past the initial scare, the actual encounters themselves were not nearly as frightening to the listener. I do, however, now know I have no desire to visit Honduras because I don't want to encounter that snake nor do I wish to be exposed to the tropical disease. Readers are made aware the disease is now in Texas and Oklahoma, proceeding along a northeasterly route being carried by a species of rats and the sand flea. By the end of the 21st century, the disease is expected to be a problem for all the United States and parts of Canada, due to global warming. I listened to the audiobook narrated by Bill Mumy.

228. The Latecomers by Helen Klein Ross

Date Completed: 4 Nov 2018

Category: Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge 14: read a book which starts with the same letter as your first name or LT handle

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - H

Rating: 2.5 stars

Review: Bridey and Thom leave Ireland for America, planning to wed once they arrive. Thom dies aboard ship, and Bridey arrives in America pregnant. She considers returning to her family in Ireland, but remains. A young woman who helps Bridey helps her place the child with a Catholic charity and provides Bridey with a job. When the woman's own child dies in birth, she adopts from the charity with Bridey still working for the family. The bond between Bridey and Vincent is strong. Bridey returns to Ireland when the family's patriarch dies. The story follows several more generations in a somewhat chaotic matter. The flow between the older generation and the newer ones does not work well for the reader. Genetic genealogists will love the epilogue. The author provides historical notes and a good bibliography, features unusual for a novel. I really enjoyed Bridey and Thom's story, the story of Bridey's first days in America, and giving up the child for adoption. I even enjoyed some of Bridey's story after that point. Unfortunately, the more the story began to focus on the Hollingworth family, the less interested I became in the story being read. The character development that took place in the early generations did not extend to the later ones. Those generations felt rushed. What started as a good read became just a mediocre one for me. I received an electronic copy from the publishers through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.

229. Silent Night by Lara Hawthorne

Date Completed: 5 Nov 2018

Category: San Diego

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge 15: Read a book which doesn't just contain text (state the non-text element)

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - H

Rating: 4.5 stars

Review: I loved the illustrations in this picture book illustrated the beloved Christmas carol. While Mary and Joseph look more African than Jewish, the illustrations are charming, reflecting the peace of Christmas. I would eventually like to purchase my own copy, but for now I'll keep this one until it expires so I may enjoy it for this Christmas season. This was a "read now" title at NetGalley. I downloaded it with the expectation of writing an honest review. I would eventually like to purchase my own copy, but for now I'll keep this one until it expires so I may enjoy it for this Christmas season.

230. Native Americans State by State by Rick Sapp

Date Completed: 5 Nov 2018

Category: Amish Country

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge 15: Read a book which doesn't just contain text (state the non-text element)

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 4 stars

Review: This handy reference volume works well as a supplement to units on Native Americans for upper elementary and middle school social studies students. It is full of photographs, maps, and other illustrations to enhance understanding. For each state, Canadian province, and even the District of Columbia and some of the Caribbean territories of the United States, information regarding the native peoples to that area is supplied. Typical entries include meaning of the state's name, a brief description of the area's geography, a brief glimpse at the culture and lifestyle, Native languages spoken, housing types, contemporary peoples native to the area, a list of recognized tribes present in the area, a map showing where native populations reside, a timeline, a narrative, and some photographs depicting the people and their culture. Since most regions only receive four to six pages, with an occasional entry slightly longer, the author cannot include everything. However, it is a good introduction. The book would have been enhanced by including brief bibliographies for each region so students or teachers wishing to explore more could easily locate resources that work for the age group. This book should be in upper elementary and middle school libraries and in many public libraries. This was a "read now" title at NetGalley. I downloaded it with the expectation that I would write an honest review. The advance review copy was entitled North American Indian Tribes State-by-State, but it was published under the title Native Americans State by State. The cover does mention it "includes Canadian First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.

Happy new thread Lori my dear, I hope you had a good weekend and send love and hugs to you from both of us dear friend.

>47 johnsimpson: Thanks so much, John! I'll try to catch up on threads later this evening or tomorrow.

231. Barking with the Big Dogs: On Writing and Reading Books for Children by Natalie Babbitt

Date Completed: 5 Nov 2018

Category: Bahamas

TIOLI Challenge: None

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: This interesting collection of essays written by author Natalie Babbitt, best known for Tuck Everlasting, reflects her views on books, literature, and writing. One gains insight into the author and her work by understanding what her likes and dislikes are. She always writes for a fifth grader, yet her books are enjoyed by younger and older children as well as adults. She really doesn't enjoy classic literature that much, but she's married to a husband who does. She wasn't that great of a student, yet her books are read by schoolchildren all over. Readers will appreciate these essays. I received an electronic galley from the publishers through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Happy new thread

>50 paulstalder: Thanks!

Happy New Thread, Lori. Sorry, for the delay getting over here. Good review of Monkey God. That were some terrifying things in that book and I loved it. Ideal NNF.

Happy new thread, Lori. 225 books??!!! Wow, you have read up a storm this year.

>52 msf59: No problem, Mark. It was a good fit for the category!

>53 tymfos: Yes. I think I'll make it to 250 for the year easily. I have several children's books from NetGalley that I'll be adding a little at a time as I read them. I'm making myself finish my current print book before I move on. I may finish it during lunch today. I will likely finish an audiobook tomorrow although I suppose there's a chance I could finish it today. I have several other books to read.

232. No Graves as Yet by Anne Perry

Date Completed: 8 Nov 2018

Category: Cork, Ireland

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #3: Read a book with a World War 1 connection

Other Challenges: British Author Challenge - World War I

Rating: 2.5 stars

Review: The Reavley siblings--Joseph, Matthew, and Judith--are devastated by the death of their parents in an automobile accident. When the scene is examined, it appears their demise may have been aided by parties unknown to them. Mr. Reavley planned to share a document of world significance with his son Matthew who works in intelligence. Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassination occurs early in the story. Soon another friend is killed. Joseph, a Cambridge professor and clergyman, takes a lead role investigating. With a mixture of cozy and espionage genres, this novel just doesn't achieve success in either genre. It's too political for lovers of cozies and too quaint for readers of espionage. Perry's Inspector Monk series is for more enjoyable.

233. The Lily Pond by Annika Thor

Date Completed: 8 Nov 2018

Category: Charleston

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge 14: read a book which starts with the same letter as your first name or LT handle

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - T

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Stephanie goes to the mainland to attend grammar school. Her younger sister Nellie remains on the island. Stephanie lives with the doctor's family who visited on the island, but she's not really treated as a family member, taking her meals in the kitchen. She's glad the other two girls from the island are in the other class. Stephanie has a crush on Sven, the son in the family with whom she resides. She befriends a girl from a poor family. Sven takes Stephanie on a tour around town, showing her a lily pond which is in front of wealthy families' homes when she arrives. She knows it is a place she'll visit often. It was the perfect title for this book since she visits there regularly to reflect and ponder. Her parents are still in Vienna, hoping to secure passage to America. I don't want to give too much away. It's a great installment in the series. I'm glad someone decided to make these available in English. I listened to the audiobook.

234. An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapeña

Date Completed: 8 Nov 2018

Category: Quebec City

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge 18: read a book with a body part in the author's name

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 3 stars

Review: Mitchell's Inn is a family-owned guest house in New York's Catskills. Although half the scheduled guests cancel their weekend plans due to the snowstorm, several others brave the weather for the weekend retreat promising no wifi. Most staff cannot get to the inn either, leaving the owner/chef and his son to serve the guests. An intended bride is found dead at the bottom of the stairs. Most assume she fell, but David, an attorney, recognizes foul play when he sees it and knows she was murdered. Suspicion focuses on the groom-to-be, especially since they were heard arguing. Soon another corpse is found. Guests are frightened, knowing a killer is in their midst. With power outages and no way to reach law enforcement, residents are on their own until help can be called. Reminiscent of Agatha Christie's Mousetrap, it's an enjoyable read. Some of the action seems a bit contrived, but it did not mar my enjoyment of it.

>56 thornton37814: I have A Faraway Island on my TBR shelves. I think I might just get it read this year!

>58 fuzzi: I really enjoyed it when I listened to it. The 3rd in series was available to "suggest" on Overdrive for one of my libraries--the one that accepts suggestions. Since they have the first two, I'm hoping they'll add this one. The 4th in the series was only $2.99 at Amazon, so I went on and purchased it. Hopefully I'll read both next year.

235. Alycat and the Friendship Friday by Alysson Foti Bourque; illustrated by Chiara Civati

Date Completed: 9 Nov 2018

Category: Boston

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge 15: Read a book which doesn't just contain text

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 2.5 stars

Review: Alycat's class will visit a doctor's office. A new student arrives. When Alycat's friend offers to let the new student sit with her on the bus, Alycat feels left out until she comes up with a way to include all three of them. Illustrations and text are mediocre. The book does provide instructions for making the friendship bracelets Alycat designed. I received an electronic copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.

236. Little White Fish and the Beautiful Sea by Guido Van Genechten

Date Completed: 9 Nov 2018

Category: Yellowstone National Park

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge 15: Read a book which doesn't just contain text

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Octopus asks Little White Fish what is the most beautiful thing in the sea. Before Little White Fish answers, the other marine animals answer. Little White Fish's answer, of course, steals the show! The illustrations are beautifully drawn. It's certain to please young readers. I received an electronic copy through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.

Happy newish thread, Lori. Looks like you will make 250 by the end of the year with no problem.

>62 Familyhistorian: I don't think it will be too difficult to hit the 250 mark!

I was about to give up on my Irish author challenge audiobook. I decided to read reviews of it before abandoning it, and I fear I may miss something that ends up being enjoyable even though the book is HORRIBLE at this point. I'm almost done with the 4th of 14 sections. I think I may switch to e-book. That way I can speed-read through parts that are dragging. There is no way I can stand much more in audio. I guess I can try alternating between the two, but I doubt I'll continue with the audio at all.

When I heard about the fire destroying Paradise, California, I knew one of Mom's first cousins lived there. I was not sure if he'd died in the last couple of years or not. I found a cousin who said he died in July. She was glad her great uncle Jimmy had not lived to see the fire.

>65 thornton37814: I saw videos on the web about Paradise, what a terrible loss.

>66 fuzzi: It really was terrible.

Lori, You read so very many books thus far this year! Congratulations.

>68 Whisper1: Yes. I've read a lot!

237. The Significance of Singleness: A Theological Vision for the Future of the Church by Christina S. Hitchcock

Date Completed: 10 Nov 2018

Category: Cornwall

TIOLI Challenge: None

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - T & H

Rating: 2.5 stars

Review: Christina Hitchcock, who is no longer single herself, attempts to provide a theology for singleness for 21st century Evangelicals. While she is correct that 20th and 21st century Evangelical leaders encourage marriage, she may be drawing conclusions in their attitudes toward singles with which the leaders themselves would challenge. Certainly many singles are lonely and friendless in churches. They can't be friends with married members of the opposite sex without being accused of trying to come between the person and spouse. They can't be friends with members of their own sex in the 21st century without people wondering if they are homosexual. People automatically assume a relationship if befriending a single member of the opposite sex. It's a lose-lose-lose situation all around. Hitchcock upholds three historic women as "role models"--Macrina, Perpetua, and Lottie Moon. Hitchcock's entire theology seems to be based on her idea that single people are called to serve God in a more profound way. Everyone is called to serve God--not just single people. Not all single people are called to be missionaries. Her use of the ancient saints fails to add anything to her argument as most Evangelical readers lack familiarity with the figures--and even her efforts to introduce them do not particularly make the readers want to be like them. It's unfortunate the book was written for an academic audience. The laity of the church needs to be reminded single people are human. Churches quit trying to minister to singles. Many of them simply encourage them to go into classes composed primarily of married persons. The lonely single remains lonely because the couples gravitate toward each other, failing to include the single. Secondly, the author fails to acknowledge the range of singles. Some have never been married--and that number is on the rise. Some are divorced. Among the divorced, some have children and some do not. Some are widowed. Ministering to single people is difficult because of the variety of ages and causes for the singleness. Her singleness theology is only geared toward the "single, never married" crowd. I was hopeful this book might contain something that will help the church minister to the needs of a diverse group of singles. Instead, I suspect we'll continue to see the church missing on opportunities to minister to this group and to see the number of single persons in churches dwindle in spite of a growing demographic. I received an electronic copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.

238. Jingle Bells by James Pierpont; illustrated by Jade Goegebuer

Date Completed: 10 Nov 2018

Category: Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge 15: Read a book which doesn't just contain text

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 1 star

Review: I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, but unfortunately the formatting was so terrible the book was unreadable. You could only make out parts of a few words. Illustrations seen were mediocre. (This review pertains to the edition published by Xist and illustrated by Jade Goegebuer. I noticed someone has combined editions of this work to include multiple illustrators.)

239. A Day in the Life of a Raindrop by Stephen D. Dunn; illustrated by Dejah Moore

Date Completed: 10 Nov 2018

Category: San Diego

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge 15: Read a book which doesn't just contain text

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 3 stars

Review: A cute book rhyming book showing a raindrop's contemplation as it goes through the day. Unfortunately some of the rhymes took incorrect forms of words in an attempt to make the rhyme fit. Illustrations were okay but not spectacular. I received an electronic copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

240. The Wonder by Emma Donoghue

Date Completed: 10 Nov 2018

Category: Amish Country

TIOLI Challenge: None

Other Challenges: Irish Author Challenge

Rating: 2 stars

Review: A nurse and a nun are called to watch over an Irish girl who has not eaten in four months. The girl, when questioned, says she lives on manna from heaven. It is their job to determine if she has a food source. Lib, the nurse who trained under Florence Nightingale, is certain the girl does because of indications she has; however, they go for days without finding it. Soon the girl's vitals begin declining, and Lib is certain death is imminent. Will anyone, including the young girl, listen to her? I began listening to this book in audio format, but it was too long and drawn out and going no place--very little action and far too much repetition of the same plot. I paused to read reviews and decided to continue but to switch to print. The book is far more tolerable in print than in audio. It's still not a very interesting book overall. Donoghue is capable of better writing than this book which falls flat. The storyline is a stretch, and the ending makes the reader scratch his head.

Hi Lori!

>43 thornton37814: Excellent review. I read this book last May. You liked it just a bit more than I did with your 3.5 to my 3.

>74 karenmarie: It had been on my TBR list for awhile. When I was seeking an audiobook, it was available, so I gave it a whirl.

I do that with books too, with them languishing for a while, then me deciding to give 'em a whirl. I don't remember if I've asked you this question before - do you abandon books or finish them if you start them?

>76 karenmarie: I've abandoned 5 this year, I think. I usually finish them, but sometimes I just can't handle one any longer. One of my recent reads would have been abandoned if I'd continued it in audio format, but I switched to e-book and managed to get through it. I still didn't enjoy it that much, but I can say I finished it. Most books I abandon are due to too much profanity or too explicit sexuality-related matter.

>70 thornton37814: Too bad that book didn't have a more encompassing view of singles, Lori. We seem to be lumped together but really achieve the single state from different angles and at different ages.

>78 Familyhistorian: Yes. I was pretty disappointed in it.

I'm working on a reclassification project at work. Today an early work by James Patterson crossed my desk. It was co-authored with Peter May and entitled The Day America Told the Truth. It's a book on public opinion. The blurb tells us "James Patterson is the chairman of J. Walter Thompson and one of the most highly respected writers in advertising. He is also the author of six novels, including an Edgar Award winner, The Thomas Berryman Number. I had no idea he got his start in advertising. It's kind of fun to find this one from "before he was famous."

>80 thornton37814: I like finding stuff like that.

Lori

I love your reviews. You really are a good writer! It is sad that you've gone through so many clunkers. I hope that soon a good book will come your way.

It is cold and overcast here with the air feeling like the promise of snow. I am so happy I retired. I have an acupressure session at 10:00. More than another thing, these sessions help the pain. I have to pay out of pocket now that I am on Medicare. My university health coverage was good, but in checking my records, I found that I spent almost $3,000 out of pocket before Medicare. That, plus $250 for insurance, leads me to believe that the acupressure session will be affordable. Lehigh's coverage was great, but costly both to me and to the university. I paid $250 and they paid $550 each month for the high end PPO Blue Cross plan.

Navigating through all these medicare and prescription plans, as well as supplemental coverage is such a difficult process. I really don't think it should be this hard.

I hope your day is a good one.

>81 fuzzi: It is kind of fun!

>82 Whisper1: I work hard editing myself. LOL As far as the headaches for Medicare and Medicare supplements, it's hard because the government is involved. ;-) At least that's what I've always been told!

Lori, my job before I retired (that has a nice ring to it), was overseeing the student publications in the Department of Journalism. Increasingly I felt that social media is the bane of good writing. Students wrote emails to me without capitalizing. And, when I would critique a written paper, and it was returned, I found this "my bad" at the top of the paper.

Yikes, where in the world does this come from?

You are an excellent writer. I think you may have liked my job.

>84 Whisper1: Thanks!

241. Murder at the Mill by M. B. Shaw

Date Completed: 15 Nov 2018

Category: Bahamas

TIOLI Challenge: None

Other Challenges: MysteryCAT - Cozy

Rating: 2 stars

Review: Iris, an artist, arrives to paint a portrait of Dom Weatherby, and finds him dead following a party on Christmas day. At first the local officers presume it to be suicide but when the toxicology report shows chloroform, she knows her hunch it was murder is correct. What follows is a rather convoluted plot. Although the book improves as it goes along, I failed to connect with the amateur sleuth and the official investigators seemed too far removed from the investigation. Another thread follows an older case which was determined to be suicide but provides motive for the current one. Iris also determines a wrong conclusion in that case, finding the guilty party. The similar circumstances make the plot too unrealistic. I received an advance electronic copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

242. Talking to the Dead by Harry Bingham

Date Completed: 17 Nov 2018

Category: Cork, Ireland

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge 14: read a book which starts with the same letter as your first name or LT handle

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - T & H

Rating: 2 stars

Review: D. C. Fiona Griffiths is a junior member of the police but works to get herself assigned to a murder inquiry involving a prostitute and her daughter even while finishing up work on an embezzlement case. She doesn't follow orders very well and is a bit of a "loose cannon." Throughout the book, hints are made of a psychological issue from her teen years. After the case is wrapped up, far too long is spent revealing that psychological issue. I had a love/hate relationship with the protagonist, but decided it was mostly hate. The author spent far too much time on things other than the investigation itself. It sometimes made it difficult sorting the wheat from the chaff. This police detective acts as stupidly as many amateur sleuths in cozy mysteries. However, the feel of this novel was far from cozy. I wonder if future installments, after Griffiths works through her issues, might improve, but I'm not inclined to try them. I listened to the audio version read by Siriol Jenkins.

243. The Taco Stand by Tim S. Vasquez; illustrated by Linda Kay Ost

Date Completed: 17 Nov 2018

Category: Charleston

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge 16: Read a book where the number of words in the title matches the numbers 867-5309 in rolling order

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - T

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Isabel enjoys preparing food for her family. She even makes extra tacos her children can sell to passers-by on the street. One day a man in a business suit visits the taco stand, making Isabel a business proposal. Will she take him up on the offer or choose to spend time with her family? I loved the message the book conveyed. Money cannot buy happiness. The illustrations were colorful, fitting the book. The book contains a glossary of Mexican food terms. I received an electronic copy from the publisher through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.

244. Muddy: The Raccoon Who Stole Dishes by Griffin Ondaatje and Linda Wolfsgruber

Date Completed: 17 Nov 2018

Category: Quebec City

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #11: Read a book where the title contains something illegal

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 3 stars

Review: While most of the raccoons learned it is best to leave the garbage on the other side of the river alone, Muddy braves it each night. The other raccoons fear it will get him into big trouble. One day he crosses the river, goes into the restaurant, steals a plate, and pushes it across the river, heaping the plate with others he's stolen. The other raccoons help him wash the dishes and return all the plates, clearing the restaurant in the process. This book, first published in Switzerland, offers nice illustrations, but the story may not resonate with some readers.I received an advance electronic copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

245. Book Love by Debbie Tung

Date Completed: 17 Nov 2018

Category: Boston

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge 15: Read a book which doesn't just contain text

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - T

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Cartoonist Debbie Tung's book will be adored by bibliophiles everywhere. It's not really a graphic novel. It's more of a collection of thoughts on books and reading with some of them serialized over several pages. It makes a perfect gift for the book lover. I received an electronic copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.

Hi Lori!

>87 thornton37814: You will probably not like the series any more than you do now. I personally like it but can see that it might be too violent and graphic for many people. Have you ever looked at the 'Will You Like It?' test on the book (work) page? It said I'd like it with a high degree of probability. I'd be surprised if it said the same for you.

>91 karenmarie: I will trust your judgment. It says I will like it with a high degree of confidence. However, it may be based on books in my library--and there are lots in there I didn't like. It needs to compare to the ratings!

246. Midwife of Borneo: The True Story of a Geordie Pioneer by Wendy Grey Rogerson and Barbara Fox

Date Completed: 19 Nov 2018

Category: Yellowstone National Park

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge 15: Read a book which doesn't just contain text

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Wendy Grey, a Northumberland vicar's daughter, studied nursing to become a medical missionary. She answered a call to Borneo, working at an Anglican mission. Shortly after her arrival, she found herself performing a surgery with a doctor's phone directions. She relates other stories from her time in Borneo, including a suitor whose beliefs did not match hers very strongly. At the end of three years, she returned to England, intending to take another post in a more moderate climate. God had other plans for her. I enjoyed this medical missionary story. Photographs illustrating the text and helping put names with faces were included. I received an electronic copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Abandoned Book Alert



Abandoned Book #6: The Christmas Forest by Rebecca Boxall

Date Abandoned: 20 Nov 2018

Category: Harlan, Kentucky

Review: Abandoned book. Enid suffers with Asperger's Syndrome and is invited to spend Christmas in Australia with Fred. Her sister Bess encourages her to leave her comfort zone and accompany him. Will she do it? The book's premise was strong, but the narrative lacked continuity. About 60% into the book, I finally called it quits. I received an electronic copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

>94 thornton37814: abandoned?? How cruel... ;)

>95 fuzzi: Yes. I noticed at GoodReads someone else thought the writing was horrible and difficult to follow. Others loved it. It is an Amazon imprint though, so I suppose it is basically "self-published."

247. The Arsenal Stadium Mystery by Leonard Gribble

Date Completed: 23 Nov 2018

Category: Cornwall

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #12: Read a book with stripes on the cover

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 4 stars

Review: When a soccer player collapses and dies at a London stadium, it is up to Inspector Slade to catch the killer. He always gets his man. With little cooperation from those most likely to know anything useful, it is challenging. The man was not popular, and motives or potential motives abound. Slade suspects the murder is connected to the death of a girl a few years ago. He just needs to make the puzzle pieces fit . . . and he finally does. I enjoyed this Golden Age mystery and would love to read more books with Inspector Slade. I received an advance electronic copy from the publisher through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.

248. Brunetti's Venice: Walks with the City's Best-Loved Detective by Toni Sepeda

Date Completed: 23 Nov 2018

Category: Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge 16: Read a book where the number of words in the title matches the numbers 867-5309 in rolling order

Other Challenges: Two Guidos (substitute for previously read book)

Rating: 3 stars

Review: If you plan a visit to Venice and want to see the places in Leon's Brunetti books, this volume might be a useful guide. Sepeda provides a dozen walks and a tour of the canal's islands along with snippets from the books showing Brunetti's activity along the way. However, if you are an armchair traveler like myself, you are likely to be disappointed. There are no photographs. Maps are included. Donna Leon wrote the introduction. It's a good companion to the books, but the book's lack of photographs likely limited the audience to only series fans who are going to Venice or to the few die-hard fans who will purchase everything connected to Brunetti.

249. The Division Bell Mystery by Ellen Wilkinson

Date Completed: 24 Nov 2018

Category: San Diego

TIOLI Challenge: None

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: A gun's discharge disturbs those dining in a parliamentary dining room. They find an American capitalist who is a Parliamentary member's guest dead. At first glance, it appears a suicide, but a robbery attempt in his rooms, further investigation, and his granddaughter's insistence he would not end his own life make them suspect homicide. With no one else in the room and no way for someone to leave without being seen by the member of parliament discovering the corpse, how did the murderer get away? The room is sealed. Jenks, who had been assigned to the businessman, turns up dead in the robbery attempt. A notebook written in cipher by the American was among his effects. How did he gain possession of it? It's an interesting whodunit from the golden age of mysteries. The author, a parliamentary member, provided glimpses into the life of a member of the House of Commons. I received an advance electronic copy from the publisher through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.

250. The Monkhood of All Believers: The Monastic Foundation of Christian Spirituality by Greg Peters

Date Completed: 24 Nov 2018

Category: Amish Country

TIOLI Challenge: None

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 3 stars

Review: Greg Peters, an Evangelical turned Anglican, believes the principles behind monasticism apply to all believers, not just to those who choose a cloistered life. Written for an academic audience, rather than a lay audience, the author includes illustrations from many fathers of the church. He uses Martin Luther from the Reformation period. The book includes nearly 800 endnotes and an extensive bibliography. Although published by a traditional Evangelical publisher, the book is more likely to resonate with a more moderate audience. I suspect a similar book aimed at a lay audience would sell well. I received an advance electronic copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

251. Christmas on the Island by Jenny Colgan

Date Completed: 26 Nov 2018

Category: Bahamas

TIOLI Challenge: None

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 3 stars

Review: Set on the fictional Scottish Isle of Mure, Colgan's Christmas novel features multiple story lines. Flora discovers she will give birth to Joel's child. A Syrian immigrant doctor falls for the schoolteacher even though his wife may not be dead. Colton's estranged brother visits the island and is forced to deal with Colton's marriage to husband Fintan and Colton's impending death from cancer. Ultimately the novel tried to deal with too many things and handled all of them poorly. Setting is the novel's greatest asset and pushes the rating up a bit. I received a copy through LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program in exchange for an honest review.

>98 thornton37814: Dang! I got all excited, but no photos? So disappointing.

>102 Berly: It was very disappointing.

252. When the English Fall by David Williams

Date Completed: 28 Nov 2018

Category: Amish Country

TIOLI Challenge: None

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 5 stars

Review: What would happen if something catastrophic knocked out the power grid and caused even vehicles and farm equipment to fail? An Amish farmer's daughter seemed to know the English would fall. Told through the farmer's diary, readers see life day by day as his daughter predicts the catastrophe, as the catastrophe unfolds, and as the crisis worsens. I am not a fan of science fiction or dystopian literature, but I loved this book! I listened to the audio book narrated by Eric Michael Summerer whose voice was a perfect fit for the character. While the ending left the reader with all sorts of questions, it was the perfect place to end the story, encouraging the reader to ponder not only the events of the book, but also the events yet to come. This book will probably be among my top reads of the year, and perhaps my favorite.

>104 thornton37814: That sure sounds like the emberverse, starting with Dies the Fire. But yes, the Amish would be another way to look at the fallout from the failure of 20th century+ technologies.

>105 quondame: I'm not familiar with Emberverse. I really enjoyed this When the English Fall.

253. The Chateau by the River by Chloe Duval

Date Completed: 29 Nov 2018

Category: Cork, Ireland

TIOLI Challenge: None

Other Challenges None

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: Consisting of two parallel stories featuring Chandeniers, a French castle, Chateau by the River offers a glimpse into the lives of the castle owners by their future wives. In the present, Alexandra meets current owner Eric when she stays in France to conduct genealogical research on her family which came from the castle following a business trip. The castle burned and was never restored. Eric's father intended to do so, but he died before seeing it through, and Eric was unable to continue his father's efforts due to inheritance taxes and other things eating up the funding. In the past, Gabrielle, a bookseller's daughter, meets Thomas d'Arcy, the castle's owner. He'd inherited the castle although his father was really not a d'Arcy at all. Alexandra discovers Gabrielle's diary. Both couples faced problems brought on by others interested in marrying the woman. The present story involves locating funding for restoring the castle. Alexandra's determination at finding a source eventually pays off. While I enjoyed the romances, I enjoyed the genealogical research angle most, particularly delving into the castle's history and the family history. Genealogists who read romance novels will find this one appealing. I received a Kindle edition of the book from the publisher through GoodReads with the hopes of a review, although one was not required.

254. The Cat in the Christmas Tree: A Magical Tail by Peter Scottsdale

Date Completed: 29 Nov 2018

Category: Charleston

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge 16: Read a book where the number of words in the title matches the numbers 867-5309 in rolling order

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - T

Rating: 2 stars

Review: This chapter books shares the story of a mischievous black kitten named Shadow. Shadow keeps getting in trouble with Nathan's parents Justen and Sara. They threaten to send him back to the SPCA after Christmas. Fortunately the magical tree intervenes. The story itself was okay, but I was disappointed in the illustrations. Chapter books don't contain as many illustrations nor the illustration quality of picture books, but this one's would not please children at all. They all look pretty much like public domain .gif files. I love cats -- and I love cats in Christmas trees, but this book simply fails to capture the magic. I received an electronic copy through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.

255. Milk Soaps: 35 Skin-Nourishing Recipes for Making Milk-Enriched Soaps, from Goat to Almond by Anne-Marie Faiola

Date Completed: 29 Nov 2018

Category: Quebec City

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #8: Read a book that completes the phrase, "I am thankful for..."

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 4 stars

Review: If you are interested in making soaps, look no further than this guide by Anne-Marie Faiola. She gives step-by-step instructions, each of which is accompanied by a photographic illustration. The soaps range in creation difficulty from fairly simple to very complex. She explains differences in ingredients and explains chemical reactions and textures that might be achieved. She even includes a section at the end which anticipates questions users might have, such as the need for distilled water versus tap water. The milks used in recipes include mammals, such as cows and goats, nuts, and grains. She explains the process of creating milk from the last two sources. She discusses molds, from simple disposable ones to more elaborate ones. She provides lists of "kitchen tools" soapmakers need. The soaps are lovely and would make wonderful gifts. It's a fascinating book, but I'm a bit intimidated by it, probably because of the complexity of some of the more advanced recipes. Workman Publishing sent me an email offering me an egalley of the book which was offered through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

256. Crazy Cat Lady by Agnes Loonstra and Ester Scholten

Date Completed: 1 Dec 2018

Category: Boston

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #11: Make it a short read (150 pgs or less)

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - C

Rating: 4 stars

Review: This is a perfect gift book for a cat-loving female like myself! The illustrations and text provide content to which we can relate. Workman Publishing invited me to download an electronic copy which was delivered through NetGalley. NetGalley's terms expect an honest review in exchange for electronic galleys.

257. Crazy Plant Lady by Isabel Serna

Date Completed: 1 Dec 2018

Category: Yellowstone National Park

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #11: Make it a short read (150 pgs or less)

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - C

Rating: 3 stars

Review: I might have enjoyed this book more if I were truly a crazy plant lady, but I'm more of a crazy cat lady, and one illustration said "Plant lady is the new cat lady," a sentiment with which I strongly disagree. The book seemed more repetitive than the cat lady volume. The illustrations are nice, and it's a gift book I'm sure plant ladies will enjoy. Workman Publishing invited me to download an electronic galley through NetGalley. NetGalley's terms expect an honest review for e-galleys received.

Reading up a storm, I see, Lori.

Have a lovely Sunday. xx

>112 PaulCranswick: These last few have been "quick reads." Good way to add to the total. I did finish a real one last night that I haven't added yet. I finished it after I went to bed.

258. The Forbidden Place by Susanne Jansson; translated by Rachel Willson-Broyles

Date Completed: 1 Dec 2018

Category: Cornwall

TIOLI Challenge: None

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - W

Rating: 2.5 stars

Review: Nathalie, a biology major, returned to her Swedish hometown where her parents died in what was believed to be a murder-suicide. She's come to study the plant life in the bog. Things change when she finds a friend seriously injured and left for dead in the bog. Soon bodies are discovered in the bog. I was disappointed in this book. The solution was pretty obvious. While the police are present in the investigation, I never got a real feel for their work on the case. The novel seemed too focused on other aspects. While the author tried to provide a dark atmosphere, she never really achieved it. If you are looking for good "dark" Scandicrime, look elsewhere. I received an electronic copy through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.

I must confess reading has slowed a bit this week. I'm listening to an audiobook and am nearing completion of it. It will probably be completed tomorrow on the ride hom. However, I made a major genealogical breakthrough this week so I've worked more on that than reading. I might finish a novel tomorrow also.

The major genealogical breakthrough came by working with some of dad's matches. I identified a couple to whom we were definitely related. I looked at the matches and knew on which set of his great grandparents to focus. Then I began working with records in the area where the couple resided and found a marriage record confirming my hunch on the female maiden name. This tied her to the couple I believe are her parents but who could possibly be paternal grandparents. I need to work it a bit more. She is either one of their last children or first grandchildren. Either is possible. I've done research on them. I need to do a lot of work on their descendants to make sure she is a child and not a grandchild, but the DNA is really suggesting she is their child. I'll know more as I work with more records. Right now I've got land records, pension files, military bounty land records, census, and few odd records. Another genealogist worked on another line with the surname in some of the same counties so her research notes will be helpful. I actually personally contacted her as I was nearing the breakthrough. She is glad I'll be the genealogist to sort out the line. (It's really that bad.) There are all sorts of undocumented claims made as you look at trees. I'm pretty sure the claims are fictitious. I'll know after I work on it some more. I reported my breakthrough on Facebook, and another genealogist congratulated me because when you've been researching as long as I have, those major breakthroughs are few and far between! Even though DNA was used, the paper trail needs to be there too, and it was found--FINALLY!

259. Wednesday's Child by Peter Robinson

Date Completed: 6 Dec 2018

Category: Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

TIOLI Challenge: None

Other Challenges: British Author Challenge - Series; AlphaKIT - C & W

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: A child is abducted from her home. Her mother doesn't really love her, and her live-in boyfriend is known to the police. The child's clothes are found by a couple near an old mine; however, the body the police discover belongs to a gardener. Because of an old case, Supt. Gristhorpe takes an active role in the child's disappearance and assigns the gardener to Inspector Banks. They are fairly certain the two cases are linked, but how and why? This one kept me interested. I especially enjoyed Gristhorpe's involvement in the case. The other team members (Richmond, Susan, and Hatchley) make appearances, but their roles are far less than normal. It's a good solid installment in the series, even if the subject matter is not all that pleasant. I listened to the audio version narrated by James Langton who does an excellent job with this series.

>115 thornton37814: I'm not much of a genealogy hound, but I can certainly understand your excitement at your discovery--congratulations!

Karen O.

>117 klobrien2: Thanks! Big discoveries like this one don't take place that often when you've been researching awhile.

260. The Belting Inheritance by Julian Symons

Date Completed: 6 Dec 2018

Category: San Diego

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #5: Read a book that features Red, Green, White, Silver or Gold in the Title or as the Main Color of the Cover

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 3 stars

Review: A woman who bore four sons expects to die soon. Two of the sons were declared dead in the war. The other two live. A man claiming to be her son David shows up. Is he who he states he is? The woman believes he is. The two sons do not. Will the sons be able to prove he's an impostor before she dies--or will the alleged son inherit with a changed will? It's a pleasant way to spend a few hours. I either read this book previously or one with a very similar plot because the plot seemed familiar all the way along to the ending. I received an advance copy from the publisher through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.

Hi Lori!

>92 thornton37814: There are entirely too many books out there to spend time on a series that you give a ** rating to the first, so not reading any more of the series is probably a very good idea for you. Since I retired I culled almost all the 2 star and below books from my shelves, but still have a lot of unread books that skew the results, I would imagine. I go with my gut on a book or series and even if a bunch of LTers love it, I still check it against what I think I might like. And then, if I don’t like it once I’ve started it, I abandon it with glee.

>94 thornton37814: Good for you. Bad writing shouldn’t be rewarded.

>110 thornton37814: Does the book have a definition for Crazy Cat Lady? I subscribe to the theory that it is one more cat than I have. *smile*

>115 thornton37814: Congrats on your major genealogical breakthrough!

>120 karenmarie: Of course, it defines "crazy cat lady". 1. archaic: twentieth century for an older single woman who lives alone with a large number of cats, to which she is thought to be obsessively devoted. 2. A person who knows how amazingly awesome cats are and owns at least one.

>115 thornton37814: That's so exciting! I picked up a loose thread by chance in my family "tapestry" this week, and must get to work following it back. It could fill in a lot of missing data, if it doesn't just break off. So far I haven't used the DNA connections, although I have heard stories now from several people about how useful it can be.

Happy Sunday, Lori.

>122 laytonwoman3rd: This was one of those New Ancestor Discoveries. I'm sure it probably changed to a DNA circle. Most of my New Ancestor Discoveries have been spouses of siblings of my ancestors rather than direct connections.

>123 Ameise1: It's a snowy one here, but we've got a layer of ice under that snow. I'm not sure if I'll make it in to open the library this afternoon or not. It depends on what happens between now and then. At the moment, it's coming down very fast and hard.

>125 thornton37814: Oh no! Ice under snow is terrible. Be careful when you're out on foot.

>126 Ameise1: At the moment, I'm staying inside. A librarian who lives within walking distance is going to open. I'm monitoring the electronic reference. We'll probably mostly staff with student workers once we see what current coverage is and where we need to call in someone.

261. A Noble Radiance by Donna Leon

Date Completed: 9 Dec 2018

Category: Amish Country

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #13: Read a book for the 50 states challenge (semi-rolling)

Other Challenges: Two Guidos

Rating: 3 stars

Review: Commissario Brunetti investigates a body discovered by a farmer plowing his field. A ring bearing the Lorenzoni family's crest suggests the corpse's identity as the son and heir who disappeared more than a year ago. Dental records confirm the conclusion. Several things suggest the crime's responsibility lay in a family member's hands. While there's nothing really wrong with the mystery, it lacks the depth of earlier installments and misses the opportunity to showcase Venice. The case was just too straightforward and obvious. It lacked the turns and twists to make it a compelling read. in the spirit of Christmas, I'm erring on the side of generosity with my star rating. It probably deserves 2.5 stars, but earns 3.

262. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde

Date Completed: 9 Dec 2018

Category: Bahamas

TIOLI Challenge: None

Other Challenges: MysteryCAT - Fantastical mysteries

Rating: 2 stars

Review: While I appreciated the literary allusions and some of the humor, I did not enjoy this book. The time travel aspects just did not work for me, especially in a work of espionage. I'm not a fan of science fiction and fantasy, and my feelings toward this book affirm that when so many others love it. The only reason I stuck with the book was because I needed to read something to fit this month's MysteryCAT and suspected I would not like anything else any better.

Hi Lori. I love the pics of the boys up at the top. :-)

>129 thornton37814: That one fell into the DNF pile for me. It has gotten lots of reader love but it wasn't my thing.

>115 thornton37814: "...I made a major genealogical breakthrough this week so I've worked more on that than reading."
Well, that is cool. It's good to have more than just reading to keep us engaged and interested! I don't comment on it often but I think your genealogy work is interesting and it seems just plain meaningful.

>130 EBT1002: Thanks, Ellen. I'm working on documenting some of it, but I'm taking my time. I've got a couple of things I want to retrieve before I get too far into the process so I know exactly what has been written in publication concerning the ancestor. It's easy to see the issues with the online stuff, but my case will also need to address more traditional publications. Re Fforde's book: I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who found the book not to their liking.

263. Jesus and the Jewish Roots of Mary: Unveiling the Mother of the Messiah by Brant Pitre

Date Completed: 9 Dec 2018

Category: Cork, Ireland

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #12: Read a book with a title built around the word 'of' (Special thanks to Lyzard for accepting this one which stretches it a bit.)

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 2 stars

Review: Before I begin this review, I want to mention that I'm a Protestant and a seminary graduate. The review is written from my theological perspective. I know some will disagree with my thoughts on the book. That's okay. We can just agree to disagree. Now for the review: I looked forward to a book on the Jewishness of Scripture; however, this book, published by a traditionally Evangelical publisher and written by a Catholic, fails because of flawed theology. It venerates the Virgin Mary rather than glorifying God and Christ. I'm very disappointed this publishing house abandoned its roots. I'm thankful to attend a church where the pastor rightly divides the Word of God and brings out the Jewish context of the Scriptures while emphasizing the One who is worthy of worship -- and it's not Mary. This review is based on an advance electronic copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.

Hi Lori!

>121 thornton37814: I subscribe to the 2nd of those definitions!

>133 karenmarie: I think one can become a Crazy Cat Lady with only one, but I'm definitely one now with 3. I really wish I could adopt just about every shelter cat I see pictured, but I know my financial limits! Having more than two makes it difficult when one travels although I've found many will bend the 2 rule to allow 3 cats whereas they might not allow 3 dogs. These places just ask that you don't tell anyone so I won't name specific places.

264. The Sea by John Banville

Date Completed: 10 Dec 2018

Category: Charleston

TIOLI Challenge: None

Other Challenges: Irish Author Challenge

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Banville's Booker-winning work relates the story of a man who revisits the place he spent childhood holidays. Memories come flooding back to him as he grieves the recent loss of his wife. The story's words seem carefully chosen, allowing the reader to savor their use. While he mainly reflects on the past, he interacts a little with the present. It is easy to see why this book earned the Booker Prize.

Lori...I am so impressed by the sheer amount of books you read this year. How did you find the time? I hope to read more in 2019 with the fact that retirement should bring more energy and time.

All good wishes for a wonderful Christmas!

>136 Whisper1: I've been listening to books as I drive. I've read quite a few shorter books and picture books. The adult books still far outnumber the picture books. It helps to have cats who enjoy sitting on your lap so that you feel guilty if you disturb them . . . so you keep on reading.

265. Western Writers of America Cookbook edited by Sherry Monahan and Nancy Plain

Date Completed: 11 Dec 2018

Category: Quebec City

TIOLI Challenge: None

Other Challenges: AlphaKit - C & W

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: This recipe collection includes a brief recipe introduction telling a story or associated memory for each contribution. Readers will likely be disappointed no photographs of the foods grace the pages. Photographs and brief biographies of contributing authors appear after the recipe section and before the credits and index. Many recipes are similar to recipes already in my collection, but there are a few "new-to-me" recipes that sound interesting enough to try. I recognized Sandra Dallas, Stephen Bly, Anne Hillerman, and a couple other contributors, but most recipes came from unknown-to-me authors. Writing tips from some authors are interspersed throughout the book. Western readers who enjoy cooking as well as cookbook collectors will enjoy this volume. I won a copy of the book through a GoodReads giveaway. Winners are encouraged but not required to write reviews.

266. How to Live with a Calculating Cat by Eric Gurney

Date Completed: 11 Dec 2018

Category: Boston

TIOLI Challenge: None

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - C

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: This is a fun book and quick and easy read for any cat lover. The book was originally published in 1962. The humor is dated by today's standards, but it is still quite enjoyable.

>139 thornton37814: oh, I used to have that book, loved it!

There's a companion book How To Live With a Neurotic Dog which I also liked.

267. 101 Quick & Easy Cupcake and Muffin Recipes by Victoria Steele

Date Completed: 12 Dec 2018

Category: Yellowstone National Park

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #11: Make it a short read (150 pgs or less)

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - C

Rating: 4 stars

Review: A nice assortment of cupcake and muffin recipes. Some include healthier ingredients such as bran, zucchini, carrots, etc. A vegan cupcake option is included. It also includes several frosting recipes. I appreciated the fact the author included tips on where certain ingredients such as root beer extract could be found. She also included general tips about decorating cupcakes at the front. Eventually I will try some of these recipes!

>140 fuzzi: It was on sale for Kindle recently so I picked up a copy. I couldn't resist the title!

268. Christmas Gifts in Jars: Create Beautifully Simple Holiday Gifts in Jars that Friends and Family Will Love by Aubrey Azzaro

Date Completed: 12 Dec 2018

Category: Cornwall

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #9: Read a book with a cover you dislike

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - C

Rating: 2.5 stars

Review: This is a very short book with a few ideas for creating jar gifts. The non-food items really did not appeal to me, but several of the food mixes in jars would make nice gifts. I would prefer more recipes with alternatives. The book included a list of all things you needed for your gifting station, but it assumed you would be using both the food and non-food items. I would prefer not to see the items needed only for the non-food gifts I am unlikely to need. While it was a nice gesture to include the list, it needed some additional clarification so persons don't over-purchase. I believe I'm more likely to use recipes I've found for similar Mason Jar gifts via Pinterest than those in this small collection.

269. Something Read, Something Dead by Eva Gates

Date Completed: 14 Dec 2018

Category: Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

TIOLI Challenge: None

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: The lighthouse has a crack threatening continuing library operations unless significant funds are raised. Josie's upcoming wedding brings in distant relatives from New Orleans who think she's way behind on her wedding planning and try to take over. When one of them shows up dead, Josie becomes a suspect. The state police send in their own detective since the local law enforcement know the main suspect too well. Officer Watson doesn't even try to dissuade Lucy from her investigation in his usual manner. The action takes place during winter when tourism is slow on the Outer Banks. I figured this one out much earlier than Lucy did, but it didn't stop me from enjoying my trip to the Outer Banks with the enjoyable cast of characters, including Charlie the lighthouse cat. I received an advance electronic copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

270. DIY Christmas Gifts: Make Beautiful, Simple, Memorable Christmas Presents for Friends and Family by DIY Guides

Date Completed: 14 Dec 2018

Category: San Diego

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #8: Read a book with a winter holiday in the title

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - C

Rating: 2 stars

Review: This is a nice little introduction to a few types of gifts that might be made; however, the instructions are not detailed enough when present and non-existent in some instances. I downloaded this one several years ago on Kindle, probably on a day it was offered free. I will be disappointed if I go back in my records and discover I paid money for this one. It's worth downloading for the ideas if it is free, but if it is not, find something with useful instructions.

Getting ready to head out to sing in our church's Living Christmas Tree the next three nights (Friday-Sunday the 14th-16th). It will be at 7 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (which is UTC -5). It streams live at First Baptist Church of Morristown (Tennessee) on both our web site and Facebook pages. (If it isn't at the First Baptist Church of Morristown FB page, try First Baptist Church, Morristown, TN. They use both pages, and I'm not sure which one they'll update. It makes it confusing!

>146 thornton37814: Have fun, Lori! Thanks for letting us know; I'll try to check it out.

I found you! I found you!! Hi Lori.

#239 has the most charming title of all time: A Day in the Life of a Raindrop and I'm a wee tiny bit bummed it wasn't a better read.

#255 Milk Soaps is another great title, and I'm a big fan of milk soaps in general.

*smooch*

>146 thornton37814: saw this too late, but will look you up tomorrow!

>147 harrygbutler: Hope you enjoy it.

>148 richardderus: You might enjoy the Milk Soaps book if you want to try making some. They progressively increase in difficulty, I think.

>149 fuzzi: It's probably best to see it tomorrow or Sunday. Tonight felt more like dress rehearsal since Sunday night's walk-through was cancelled and we tried to combine the walk-through and dress rehearsal Wednesday night. I run screens in the choir room, but since I'm in the tree, I don't during the performance, and the guy running them did not have enough practice. He messed the choir up more than once tonight. On older songs we were fine, but there were a couple, he got folks confused by skipping too far ahead.

271. The Big Jones Cookbook: Recipes for Savoring the Heritage of Regional Southern Cooking by Paul Fehribach

Date Completed: 15 Dec 2018

Category: Amish Country

TIOLI Challenge: None

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - C

Rating: 4 stars

Review: When I read the introduction, discovering the author of this volume grew up in the north, I was skeptical of his ability to write a cookbook on Southern cuisine. I discovered his passion for eating fresh food came from time spent at his grandparents' Indiana farm. He likes to think he developed his love for Southern cuisine which also tended to use local ingredients from time spent there. He often gives dishes a bit of a chef's twist which probably does not settle well with some Southerners, but his Chicago audience might not like the food that came off grandma's table quite as much. His best dishes are the ones that stick to the simplicity of a true Southern home cook. When he ventures into dishes such as Duck Confit, he's venturing into fancy restaurant cuisine that most Southern farm folks wouldn't know. I'm impressed with the number of older cookbooks which influenced his style and the way he has seriously studied Southern cuisine to try to remain somewhat true to the style. This was a free ebook download from University of Chicago Press in December 2018. Nothing was expected in exchange for the download.

>115 thornton37814: Wonderful to hear about your genealogy break through, Lori. They are few and far between but huge when they happen! I hope the living Christmas Tree is going well.

>152 Familyhistorian: I think night 2 went better than the first night. Of course, that's to be expected given we had to combine the walk-through with the dress-rehearsal because of snow on the night of the walk-through. That's the night we usually work out issues with the drama and staging, especially anything related to timing or lighting.

272. DNA Testing Guide Book: Using DNA Testing to Analyze Family History Genealogy, Classify and Measure Ethnic Ancestry Research, and Discover Who You Are and Where You Come From by James Francis

Date Completed: 16 Dec 2018

Category: Bahamas

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #5: Read a book that features Red, Green, White, Silver or Gold in the Title or as the Main Color of the Cover

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 2 stars

Review: I picked up this book a few years ago when it was offered through Amazon either free or cheap. I never got around to reading it. Although it includes some information about DNA testing for genealogy, it's not really the book's main focus, in spite of its title. Far more time was spent discussing paternity issues than genealogical uses of DNA. The author begins using abbreviations without ever explaining to the reader what those abbreviations are. Much of the technical jargon will lose lay people in search of information on direct-to-consumer DNA testing. He never really addresses companies offering genetic genealogy tests. He also never addresses tools that can help in analysis of DNA--and there were several around when the book was written. Of course, the book is now dated because of the ever-evolving DNA industry. The book needed better proofreading. Persons in search of a good primer on DNA testing are better served by Blaine T. Bettinger's The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy or Blaine T. Bettinger and Debbie Parker Wayne's Genetic Genealogy in Practice.

273. Gifts in Jars: Recipes for Easy, Delicious, Inexpensive DIY Gifts in Jars by Margaret Lowe

Date Completed: 16 Dec 2018

Category: Cork, Ireland

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #11: Make it a short read (150 pgs or less)

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 4 stars

Review: For the small size of this volume, it contains a lot of useful recipes for jar gifts. My biggest criticism is the lack of photographs. Most people should be able to find something in each category they might enjoy creating for someone on their gift list.

274. Amazing Pre-Made Freezer Meals: Delicious, Fast & Easy Freezer Meals for People with Busy Lives by Sonia Maxwell

Date Completed: 16 Dec 2018

Category: Charleston

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #5: Read a book that features Red, Green, White, Silver or Gold in the Title or as the Main Color of the Cover

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 1.5 stars

Review: Not all the recipes in this small e-book require freezing. Some are simply refrigerated overnight. The title, in that sense, is a misnomer. The book contains a very small amount of recipes, and only about three are true freezer meals. I downloaded this free from Amazon at some time in the past. I'm glad I did not pay money for it. Not recommended.

275. Camping Recipes: Foil Packet Cooking by Bonnie Scott

Date Completed: 16 Dec 2018

Category: Quebec City

TIOLI Challenge: None

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - C

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: This handy collection of recipes, primarily intended for those doing outdoor camping, expands the typical camping menu by showing what can be done with foil packets. Some tips in the front of the book offer suggestions about how much foil to use, how to fold the foil, and recommended cooking times to meet recommended internal temperatures for meats. Like many small electronic cookbooks, it is light on photography of completed items. Each recipe also includes directions for oven baking, making the book more versatile.

If you haven't figured it out yet, I'm going through my Kindle app to find some quick reads which helps get rid of some of my backlog of TBR titles but helps enhance my overall total. I've decided 300 (a quadruple) for the year is not out of the question for this year if I can find these. I've got 2 e-books underway. I've got a couple of other books underway. I've got two year-long reads. So if I finish those underway, I only have 19 more to go! Surely I can read 2 or 3 quickies a day to achieve this on most days until the end of the year!

276. Alaskan Holiday by Debbie Macomber

Date Completed: 16 Dec 2018

Category: Boston

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #2: Read a book by an author you've read before, but haven't read in 2018 (so at least 11 months ago)

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 4 stars

Review: There's just something about a nice clean love story at Christmas, and Debbie Macomber knows how to write them. Josie goes to work as a seasonal chef for an Alaskan lodge just below the arctic circle. She meets Palmer, a sword-maker. He pierces her heart. He proposes the night before she is to leave, but she needs a chance to be Chef Anton's sous chef. She misses her plane that will eventually take her back to Seattle, but Palmer arranges for her to get back to Seattle. Palmer's older friend Jack is the biggest fan of Josie's cooking and tries to help Jack come up with ways to win her back. Will they succeed? I'm sure you already know it's a "happily ever after ending," but I'll let you discover how it unfolds.

The short Kindlebook dodge is *inspired* Lori. Brava for decluttering the device and pumping up the stats.

>155 thornton37814: That looks like fun.

>159 thornton37814: That looks like fun, too! :-D

Hi there, Lori! I don't know how i missed this new thread! Soooo happy very belated new thread! Here I am, reading children's books to reach 75 and you're closing in on 300! congrats! that is amazing!

>160 richardderus: I thought it was a good thing to do!

>161 EBT1002: I thought that jar one had some good ideas that were actually usable, and I usually love Debbie Macomber's Christmas book. I picked it up off the shelf at the library before I left Wednesday.

>162 Carmenere: That's okay. I have quite a few children's books in mine and now all these short books too! Although to be honest one of these short ones does say it has 156 pages. However, its nature made it a quick read.

277. Love, Splat by Rob Scotton

Date Completed: 16 Dec 2018

Category: Yellowstone National Park

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #2: Read a book by an author you've read before, but haven't read in 2018 (so at least 11 months ago)

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: I'm a huge fan of Splat, the Cat, mainly because Splat is a cat! In this one, Splat wants to give a Valentine to Kitten but is a little intimidated especially when another cat vows his love for Kitten too. It's a cute story!

As I was posting the review, Barney stood on my Kindle and looked like he was trying to turn the pages to the Splat book. He and Sherlock were right beside me, so I read it to the two of them. The listened to the story of Splat very intently! I may have to read more cat books to my fur boys!

278. Family Story Toolkit: Using Nonfiction, Creative Nonfiction, & Fiction to Tell Your Stories by Stephanie Pitcher Fishman

Date Completed: 16 Dec 2018

Category: Cornwall

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #9: Read a book with a cover you dislike

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - C

Rating: 2 stars

Review: Overly simplistic and too short to be useful, this guide does not prepare readers to write their family story. While the author utilized a few sources in one version of the story she told, she never addressed citation. Because of the brevity of the book and each story, she missed opportunities to develop the story. She never really fleshed out the man whose story she told. Give this title a pass. Several guides to writing genealogies exist, and many outstanding examples exist in genealogical publications or books which would-be writers will find more valuable in their efforts.

>144 thornton37814: I'm looking forward to that Eva Gates mystery. I like that series. Got a Net Galley copy of it.

>167 lindapanzo: That's where I got mine. I enjoy that series. It doesn't drive me crazy like some of the newer cozy series, and it's a fun setting--lighthouses, libraries, bakeries, and the Outer Banks.

>150 thornton37814: Hi, Lori! I was able to watch part of the living Christmas tree livestream yesterday. Very good, and quite festive!

>169 harrygbutler: I'm glad you enjoyed what you saw!

279. Low Carb Slow Cooker: Deliciously Simple Low Carb Recipes for Healthy Living by Sara Banks

Date Completed: 18 Dec 2018

Category: Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #11: Make it a short read (150 pgs or less)

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - C

Rating: 2 stars

Review: Author Sara Banks offers carb-friendly recipes for slow cookers. She believes slow cooking is a great way to prepare healthy meals. One thing was abundantly clear to me. Banks is a fan of the mushroom. I really do not enjoy the texture and prefer to avoid them. I can eat them, but I do not enjoy eating them. Many recipes called for cream soups with cream of mushroom probably being the most frequent. Needless to say, I did not find very many usable recipes for myself. The two or three which interested me were dishes already in my crockpot repertoire. The book is short. It might yield a few recipes for those interested, and it was free for Kindle when I downloaded it and still was when I checked today.

280. After You're Gone: Future Proofing Your Genealogy Research by Thomas MacEntee

Date Completed: 18 Dec 2018

Category: San Diego

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #11: Make it a short read (150 pgs or less)

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 3 stars

Review: If you have been involved in genealogy, reading genealogical magazines, watching webinars, and attending conferences for awhile, you will find very little new content here. The book functions as a compendium of resources with some added narrative. MacEntee discusses donations to repositories and a few other options, but the short book assumes no other family members shares your genealogical interest. Detail is lacking, particularly on the best option of all--writing and publishing your documented family story. Almost all genealogical repositories accept published books within the scope of their collection. The author puts perhaps too much emphasis on digitization and digital technologies in an era in which technology changes rapidly. A balance is necessary. Still the book is helpful for beginning genealogists.

281. Grandma's Secret 52 Sunday Recipes: Nan's Perfection by Kath Collins

Date Completed: 18 Dec 2018

Category: Amish Country

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #13: Read a book for the 50 states challenge (semi-rolling)

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - C

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: Collins shares a few memories of growing up in Kentucky which influenced her love for cooking. She shares lots of tips throughout the book. The recipes are mostly items one would find in Southern and Midwestern kitchens. Although the book's title implies the recipes are for Sunday which implies fried chicken or roast with new potatoes and carrots for many Southerners, the collection is much broader including things such as fudge mostly associated with holidays and chili which is good for any day. Photographs of completed dishes and an index would enhance the collection. There are some issues with formatting, probably caused by transfer to a different platform without good editing. It is not a large collection, but it's a good collection.

282. The Case of the Gilded Fly by Edmund Crispin

Date Completed: 18 Dec 2018

Category: Bahamas

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #6: Read a book that you planned to read in 2018, but didn't read yet

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - C

Rating: 2 stars

Review: This somewhat intellectual "locked room" mystery features a professor solving the murder of an actress with a bad reputation when it comes to men. The police believe it to be a case of suicide, but Gervase Fen makes a compelling case for why it is not. This tedious and boring book contains attempts at humor. The characters grated on my nerves, partly because I disliked the "theatrical" setting, and partly because of their unlikable natures. Even the professor himself fails to engage the reader. I kept plugging away at it, hoping the book would improve. In the end I wished I returned this one to my friend long ago unread.

Carrie (cbl_tn) and I got together this evening. The original plans included eating together, but she didn't feel well, so we only exchanged gifts and opened our Santa Swap and SantaThing packages since I'm leaving tomorrow and she's flying out Saturday. We also brought some of the books we'd recently read we thought the other might enjoy reading.

So these are the opened books I brought home:

Watts, Williams, Vaughn, and Taylor: Pioneer Families of Johnson County, Arkansas by Clarence R. Williams, Ed.D and Katala A. Williams, Ed.D. (Santa Swap from Berly) - I'm really excited about this one. I only added this one to my wish list recently. I wanted to see what was included on my newly found ancestor. I only glanced at it tonight, but I'm glad to see the authors realized same name people were being confused. I can't wait to dig a little deeper. Of course, I'll do my own research because they didn't document it to current standards, but I am excited to have this one in my library.
Resorting to Murder: Holiday Mysteries edited by Martin Edwards (Santa Swap from Berly) - She knows me well. I love these British Library mysteries.
Farm to Fork: Cooking Local, Cooking Fresh by Emeril Lagasse (Santa Swap from Berly) - I glanced through this one. It has some great recipes! I miss seeing Emeril on TV. He was my mom's favorite on Food Network when she was alive.
The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd (SantaThing from hazel1123) - Although not on my radar, this one is historical fiction and set in Charleston, so it should be a good read.
The Grass Is Singing by Doris Lessing (SantaThing from hazel1123) - This one is from my Christmas 2018 wish list. I'm glad I got it. I'm very glad I got this one instead of the one she originally picked. I was told what it was, and the "little bird" who told Loranne I wouldn't like it was correct. The original selection would have probably been taken to the used bookstore for trade unread once I read the synopsis.
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese (SantaThing from hazel1123) - This one was in my library TBR list although I'd been considering removing it because other things seem more compelling. It was originally a book bullet from someone. Hopefully I'll enjoy it.
I Could Pee on This and Other Poems by Cats by Francesco Marciuliano (gift from cbl_tn) - It's cat poems. What can you say but "Meow."
199 Cemeteries to See Before You Die by Loren Rhoads (gift from cbl_tn) - I only have 186 to go!
Mrs. Pollifax on the China Station by Dorothy Gilman (borrowed from cbl_tn) - Hoping the cozy version of espionage is okay. I'll give it a try.
Mort Ziff Is Not Dead by Cary Fagan (borrowed from cbl_tn) - It's a YA mystery and should read quickly.
The Dead Can Wait by Robert Ryan (borrowed from cbl_tn) - Historical mystery that sounds good.

I finished an audio book last night and a couple of short books the night before. I should finish another audio book en route to Mississippi. I need to play catch up on reviews when I get a chance at my brother's house tonight.

Find the Light—Reflect the Light—Be the Light

Happy Yule 2018!

>176 thornton37814: safe travels!

>177 richardderus: love those ornaments, they remind me of the ones we had on our tree when I was a child.

>177 richardderus: Thank, Richard! We used to have one set of ornaments like those. Most of ours were the older red, green, and gold glass bulbs. I remember when we purchased a set of these for $1 for the entire box of ornaments!

>178 fuzzi: Thanks. I arrived safely, but it poured down rain the entire drive. I also was in heavy traffic that caused the trip to be an hour and a half longer than usual.

283. One Day Crocheting Projects: Over 15 Fun & Quick Crochet Projects by Elizabeth Taylor

Date Completed: 19 Dec 2018

Category: Cork, Ireland

TIOLI Challenge: None

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - C

Rating: 3 stars

Review: My crochet skills are very limited. The projects in this do look interesting and varied; however, the instructions provided on the various stitches don't illustrated how to do the stitches as many other books do.

284. Afghan Crochet Projects: Learn to Crochet Fun & Easy Afghan Projects by Elizabeth Taylor

Date Completed: 19 Dec 2018

Category: Charleston

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #11: Make it a short read (150 pgs or less)

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - C

Rating: 1 star

Review: Misadvertised. This book may be labeled "crochet projects," but when the instructions of many of the projects include "knit" and "purl," it no longer becomes crochet. Stitches were not illustrated--simply explained.

285. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Date Completed: 20 Dec 2018

Category: Quebec City

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #16: Read a book in which moral values and beliefs are an issue in some way

Other Challenges: American Author Challenge

Rating: 2 stars

Review: I read this book in print years ago. I didn't really enjoy it that much then. This time I listened to the audio version narrated by Anthony Heald. As much as I wanted to like the book better, I didn't. I just hate the characters and do not relate to them. While I recognize the writing is quite good, I simply do not like the story.

286. The Devil's Highway by Luis Alberto Urrea

Date Completed: 21 Dec 2018

Category: Boston

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #13: Read a book for the 50 states challenge (semi-rolling)

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 3 stars

Review: This book would presents a look at the immigration issue by telling the story of a group of walkers who died in or survived a Mexican border crossing in which they "got lost" and suffered greatly in the Arizona desert. The immigration issue is a complex issue, and this book certainly describes a horrific experience. It paints a picture that will stay with the reader long after they complete the book. I listened to the audio version produced by Hachette and offered through the summer AudioSync program. Unfortunately the narrator read too slowly for me, and his voice was not expressive enough in places. He tried to create expression through pauses rather than vocal inflections.

287. Macbeth by William Shakespeare

Date Completed: 21 Dec 2018

Category: Yellowstone National Park

TIOLI Challenge: None

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - W

Rating: 4 stars

Review: I found the audio version by L. A. Theatre Works entertaining. I would prefer to watch the play, but that's difficult to do when driving on the highway. This audio version kept me entertained. I've seen other versions of the play and prefer other voices for some of the roles, but once I had the characters sorted, I was able to follow along with this classic work which is one of my favorite Shakespeare plays. (5 stars for the play; 3.5 for the performance)

Hoping your holidays are filled with good friends and good books

>182 thornton37814: I had the same reaction to The Great Gatsby: they were all rotten people, and I have no interest in revisiting the story.

>184 thornton37814: Macbeth is my favorite Shakespeare play. I listened to an audio version narrated by Alan Cumming, who did all of the characters in his thick Scottish accent. It was a lot of fun.

>185 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda!

>186 fuzzi: I at least tried a different format. It still didn't work. I doubt I'll revisit it again.

>187 LibraryLover23: Macbeth is one of my favorites. It's probably a draw between it and The Taming of the Shrew.

288. Death by Chocolate Cherry Cheesecake by Sarah Graves

Date Completed: 22 Dec 2018

Category: Cornwall

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #10: A Book Bullet Read a book mentioned on another member's thread or a book with Book or Bullet, in any language, in the title

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - C

Rating: 2.5 stars

Review: Jacobia "Jake" and Ellie open a new bakery in Eastport, Maine. When they arrive to make cherry cheesecakes for a town celebration, they find someone in their chocolate. The state police suspect Ellie. Jake and Ellie set out to find the real person responsible. Although the first in a series, I felt lost on this one because the characters referred to other mysteries they solved. Only after reading another review did I realize the same characters appeared in a previous cozy series and just "got a new job." Unfortunately for those of us who did not read the previous series, nothing helped warm us to the characters, and we missed out on a lot of character development. The plot seemed quite convoluted. The persons who did it were far too obvious as well. While I may eventually read future installments, I will not rush to do so.

>190 figsfromthistle: Thank you!

Have a great holiday with the family, Lori! And thanks for your participation in the AAC, through the years. It was a nice run and I am sure Linda will do a fine job, carrying it forward.

Hi Lori, we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and festive season and send seasonal love and hugs from both of us dear friend.

the light is born (a nativity scene from Riehen)
Wish you a happy Christmas time

>192 msf59: I'm sure she will do a great job too. I'll probably only join in on the months where something is on my TBR list next year as I really want to be "challenge free." I've felt I had too many challenges this year and didn't read enough of what I wanted to read. I'm probably going to far by not intentionally trying to do any of them next year, but at least it will free me to read what I want so I won't have the excuse to fall back on if I am "led astray".

>193 johnsimpson: Thanks so much. I hope you have a great holiday too.

>194 paulstalder: Thanks, Paul!

289. The Christmas Pony by Arlen Blumhagen

Date Completed: 23 Dec 2018

Category: Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

TIOLI Challenge: None

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - C

Rating: 3 stars

Review: Siblings wish for a pony year-after-year for Christmas or any other holiday. Finally they get their wish a few days before Christmas one year, but the pony goes missing. The children go in search of it, ending up lost in the forest. Their parents get help from the sheriff's department in organizing a search-and-rescue party for the children. I won't give away the outcome of those efforts or whether they pony is found.

>196 thornton37814: Thanks, Ellen! Meowy Christmas to you too!

290. The Christmas Tree Tangle by Margaret Mahy; illustrated by Anthony Kerins

Date Completed: 23 Dec 2018

Category: San Diego

TIOLI Challenge: None

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - C

Rating: 3 stars

Review: This is a cute book that follows a progression. It's not very believable though. The illustrations are nothing special. It's cute if you want a rhyming Christmas book with animals. I read this book in December 2016, and this review is from then. I did not write a new one.

291. Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore

Date Completed: 23 Dec 2018

Category: Amish Country

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #8: Read a book with a winter holiday in the title

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - C

Rating: 5 stars

Review: Someone commented earlier today on a book you had to read every Christmas. It made me think of this classic poem which I read every year as a child. I actually had the entire poem memorized as a young child because I'd read it so often from an illustrated children's edition. I feel the need to issue a word of caution. The Project Gutenberg edition was available for download and reading from my library; however, the formatting is awful. It misses letters and entire phrases. Fortunately I knew the missing words and phrases, but others probably don't. Please skip that edition!

292. Mort Ziff Is Not Dead by Cary Fagan

Date Completed: 23 Dec 2018

Category: Bahamas

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #13: Read a book for the 50 states challenge (semi-rolling)

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: When Canadian youngster Norman Fishbein wins a $1000 in a contest in 1965, he decides he wants to spend the money on a family vacation to Miami Beach. Three all male siblings meet three all female siblings and the competition begins. Mort Ziff is a comedian playing at the resort hotel in which the families stay. The parents thought he was long dead, but he's just somewhat down on his luck. Norman and Amy Horvath try to help save Mort's job. It's a cute story, somewhat reminiscent of The Brady Bunch.

>202 Ameise1: Thanks, Barbara!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season!

I must share the cat antics of the morning. At my brother's house, the cats stay in a room of the shop. The room has lots of windows looking outside as well as one looking inside the shop itself. I very carefully outfitted the room for them this trip. I brought their beds from home and a cot on which to put them. I also brought a folding lawn chair where I could sit. There were a couple of spare chairs, a spare nightstand, and a couple of large boxes in the room. I also brought their favorite tall scratching post. It's not the easiest to transport, but since it is their favorite, I usually travel with it. This morning as I was out feeding and petting the cats, their younger sister (or perhaps half-sister, although given the resemblance to Barney, they likely had the same father) came up to the window from the shop side and peered in at them. Sherlock was on the windowsill. Barney was looking and thinking about joining Sherlock but I think he knew Sherlock would have likely made him jump right back down. Mr. B was rubbing against my legs and being petted. The sister started trying to get in through the window. She was hissing through the window too. She started pushing against it hoping to get in. It didn't scare Sherlock at all nor did it scare Barney who just kept staring. Mr. B figured out something was going on and went over and sat and stared at their sister alongside Barney. The sister just kept staring. My boys decided to show her how nice it was to be petted by humans. Since she won't let a human next to her, she just watched in fascination. I think she was shocked nothing bad was happening and that they seemed to love it. She was still watching when I needed to go back inside. I went over to put the litter I'd scooped in the trash can and looked directly at her. She didn't run. Maybe my cats can teach their sister a few things about how nice it is to be loved by a pet human while they are visiting. I was quite entertained for 20 minutes or so!

>204 Deern: Thanks, Nathalie! Hope you have a good one also!

I am hopelessly behind on threads but didn't want to miss the change to wish you a wonderful season of peace and light and a magical new year!

Merry Christmas!

>207 witchyrichy: Thank you! Wishing you happy holidays too!

>208 nittnut: Merry Christmas to you also!

I won't get them reviewed this evening, but I finished two today and may finish a third before I go to bed. I basically need to read 3 more to hit the magic number (since I'm including the one I should finish this evening or early tomorrow and the two year-long reads). It's doable!

Merry Christmas to you and yours, Lori! Enjoy your trip!

>175 thornton37814: I hope you like the Mrs Pollifax book, Lori. I really enjoyed the series.

I hope you have a wonderful family Christmas!

>210 thornton37814: How cool! Make the magic 300, Lori, with time to spare. Best Yule gift ever.

Happy holidays, Lori.

ROLL ON 300

Rooting for 300, Lori!

I haven't been around much, but I wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas - even if a bit late!

>115 thornton37814: Congratulations on your breakthrough!

>205 thornton37814: What a great story - maybe she'll give petting a try.

Here's hoping for 300!

Best wishes to you for a very merry Christmas!

You have had an amazing year of good reading, Lori. I am such a slacker. Haha. I love how you take your cats back to their birthplace…and give them such good care. Also happy you got together with Carrie before your left Tennessee. May your new year be filled with good books and visits with good friends!

>211 harrygbutler: Thanks! That is a classic cover!

>212 Familyhistorian: I will try to tackle it before too long.

>213 richardderus: I'm doing pretty well. I have 4 completions I need to review--hopefully later today. I may have a fifth completion later today. With the 2 year-long reads, that only leaves one to go!

>214 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul! This will be my first time to hit 300!

>215 FAMeulstee: It will happen. I'm approaching 299 now.

>216 Dejah_Thoris: She did let me feed her. She's getting braver.

>217 AMQS: Thanks! Hope your holiday was great!

>218 Donna828: Thanks for the Snoopy greetings! The boys are doing pretty well. They miss being with me all the time as much as I miss being with them, but I'm spending quite a bit of time out there with them.

293. Santa Puppy by Lynn Cahoon

Date Completed: 24 Dec 2018

Category: Cork, Ireland

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #11: Make it a short read (150 pgs or less)

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - C

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: This novella fits the bill if seeking a heartwarming Christmas story. Jill Gardner hopes many dogs will receive forever homes at the adoption event at her store. A dog found next to his owner's body on the beach wears a collar with a safe deposit key. The police believe the key will lead to the owner's identity and next of kin. The novella takes place near Christmas, and the Christmas tree lot is busy with Jill, the police, and others purchasing holiday trees. I don't want to divulge too much of the plot. I have not read others in this series, but this makes a light cozy holiday story.

294. Gone Before Christmas by Charles Finch

Date Completed: 24 Dec 2018

Category: Charleston

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #8: Read a book with a winter holiday in the title

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - C

Rating: 2 stars

Review: I did not enjoy this book, but it is likely because I read only one book in the series (a later installment which I also did not really like that much). I simply did not follow the action very well. Someone was missing, but that's about all I figured out.

295. What Child Is This by Rhys Bowen

Date Completed: 24 Dec 2018

Category: Quebec City

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #11: Make it a short read (150 pgs or less)

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - C & W

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: Set during the Blitz in World War II London, Maggie and Jack Harris lose their home on Christmas eve. Amazingly they find a home open and a boy home alone. Maggie tries to dissuade him, but Jack still has some tendencies to steal what he believes will not be missed. However, they do need a place to stay overnight, and the open home which has food is preferable to a park. I don't want to spoil it too much, but it is an enjoyable historical short story.

296. In Dark Company by Linda Castillo

Date Completed: 24 Dec 2018

Category: Amish Country

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #11: Make it a short read (150 pgs or less)

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - C

Rating: 4 stars

Review: A woman dressed in clothing similar to Amish, yet somewhat different, shows up at a home in the wee hours of the morning. She knows only she was running from someone and was terrified. Kate Burkholder investigates and tries to protect the woman from the unknown threat. A trip to toe heritage center proves helpful in establishing her identity and her story. This short story maintained my interest. I've wanted to try this series, but the first installment is never available. It's definitely a series I want to read as I found the short story very enjoyable.

297. Homeward Hound by Rita Mae Brown

Date Completed: 26 Dec 2018

Category: Boston

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #14: Read a book where the title includes the words home, heart, or holiday

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 3 stars

Review: The Christmas hunt, shortened by the arrival of a monster snowstorm, ends with the disappearance of a man involved with an unpopular pipeline. He's missing and presumed dead when they are able to begin the search after the storm, but instead of his body, they find the body of another man. Slowly the missing man's body parts begin turning up. Pretty soon it becomes clear that someone quite familiar with the fox club's hunting grounds must be the murderer. I've only read about one other installment in this series and found it difficult to follow, even with the aid of the cast of characters and fox hunting vocabulary in the front of the volume. Because some animals had human-sounding names (and some people animal-sounding ones), I found it difficult to distinguish their voices even though the animals' speech was italicized. This one was similar, but I managed to stay afloat a bit better than in the previous one. What I really did enjoy about this was the frequent references to Virginia's history. If I read other installments, it will be because of the historical gems rather than the fox-hunting plot. I received a copy through LibraryThing Early Reviewers' program with the expectation of an honest review.

I completed #298 tonight, but I won't review it until at least tomorrow night. I'm still sorting out what I think about it.

I do believe you will hit the incredible number 300! Go, Lori, go!!

>228 Berly: The 298th last night made 300 guaranteed since my devotion book and Bible will be 299 and 300.

298. Cold, Cold Heart by Karin Slaughter

Date Completed: 27 Dec 2018

Category: Yellowstone National Park

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #14: Read a book where the title includes the words home, heart, or holiday

Other Challenges: AlphaKIT - C

Rating: 3 stars

Review: This short story is a tale of revenge. John and Pam were former husband and wife. He calls her to his death bed. Although Pam was the more highly educated, John was the more successful of the two. When married, he tried to control her life and was unfaithful to their relationship. Their troubled son Zachary died in an automobile accident. I'll let you read how this short story plays out. While I didn't love this very dark story, I didn't hate it.

>198 thornton37814: Our veterinarian here in Pullman has this on their changeable sign out front:

"Meowy Christmas and Puppy New Year" -- I like it. :-)

And thank you, thank you, thank you!! for the books, bookmarks, and chocolate, Lori. I was so excited to see both of those books under my tree!!

>205 thornton37814: I enjoyed your cat story. My mother has been recovering from a broken hip and stayed a few days at my brother's house, her cottage is a short walk away on the same rural property. Her cat came over and took over the lounge where my mother spent most of her time, growling at the other cats when they came in the room and dominating their feed time. My sister-in-law feeds about 4 cats, a couple are neighbouring cats that spend a lot of time at her house. Now that my mother is back in the cottage, her cat refuses to enter and spends all its time on the verandah, sleeping on a cushion and eating meals out there. I just spent 6 days there and could not entice that cat inside. She's still very friendly but shoots like a rocket out of the house at first chance if you bring her in.

Happy New Year - I made some more family history progress last week for my husband after a good DNA match turned up. I wasn't that into DNA but it has been a boon for his research. I had hoped to make progress with my mother's Irish family background while I was with her, but she knows so little more than she's already told me. Still she often comes out with family stories that I haven't heard before or I first heard when a child and had forgotten.

>231 EBT1002: I definitely picked both from your wish list. They are both books that were actually on my own radar too. If I'd already made my white chocolate pretzels, you would have gotten a bag of those too. I got those bookmarks to go in the LT Christmas card exchange, but I couldn't resist sending you a couple!

>232 avatiakh: You may need to look at some of the techniques used for adoptees and DNA research on that Irish line. At this year's NGS conference, Angie Bush showed one way she uses. There are also several new DNA techniques and tools that are quite useful in figuring out how your DNA matches are related to one another. You might want to sign up for Blaine Bettinger's Genetic Genealogy Tips and Techniques Facebook page which often includes posts about some of these.

Thanks for these hints. I'll take a look or rather get my husband to look for me. He manages about 40 DNA accounts by now.

>234 avatiakh: He may already follow some of these if he manages that many accounts.

299. Murder at Cape Three Points by Kwei Quartey

Date Completed: 30 Dec 2018

Category: Cornwall

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #6: Read a book that you planned to read in 2018, but didn't read yet

Other Challenges: AlphaKit - C

Rating: 4 stars

Review: A woman asks for someone else to look into the deaths of her aunt and uncle when their murder remains unsolved after four months from local investigators. Darko Dawson is called from his son's surgical bed to return to investigate the murder. The woman's uncle and aunt were important in rearing her. Their bodies were found afloat in a boat near an oil platform off Cape Three Points. Both were shot, and her uncle was decapitated. Is it some sort of ritual killing? Is it business-related? Is it politically motivated? Is there a police coverup? All of these questions must be answered before Darko and his partner, the chief inspector's relative, resolve the crime. The Ghana setting makes this a very interesting series. Dawson is a likable, but flawed, detective. I listened to the audiobook read by Dominic Hoffman who does an acceptable but not outstanding job with the narration.

300. The Edge of the World: How the North Sea Made Us Who We Are by Michael Pye

Date Completed: 30 Dec 2018

Category: Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #12: Read a book with a title built around the word 'of'

Other Challenges: Nonfiction Challenge - Year in Review; AlphaKIT - W

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Michael Pye offers essays on Northern Europe, specifically the areas bordering the North Sea, in this collection. The time periods covered include the Medieval Period and Renaissance. Each essay covers a different aspect of culture although minimal overlap exists. A European genealogist recommended this book, and it is quite useful from the social history aspect for the region and times covered. I learned quite a bit about Medieval culture. I'm interested in reading more about Medieval Europe, and many of the end notes include interesting resources.

Congratulations on reaching 4 x 75, Lori!

Hi Lori my dear, congrats on hitting 300 books read, (4x75) wow. We would like to wish you a very happy new year and hope that 2019 is a good one, sending love and hugs to you from both of us dear friend.

>238 FAMeulstee: >239 johnsimpson: Thanks. I'll have two over with the two I'll add in a bit. They are completed, but I'm just awaiting the biscuits to cook so I can eat breakfast. Because of all the rain at my brother's, we are staggering showers as their septic system can't handle the rain plus showers close to one another. Since my brother goes out to chat with his men friends at a local restaurant for breakfast, I let him and my sister-in-law who had to work today get theirs first.

I wish you a very Happy New Year! I hope the year is filled with all the things that make you happy, your loving animals, and lots of time to read.

All Good Wishes in 2019.

>241 Whisper1: Thanks so much! I hope I have time to make the rounds to wish everyone a Happy New Year later today!

301. The Songs of Jesus: A Year of Daily Devotions in the Psalms by Timothy Keller and Kathy Keller

Date Completed: 31 Dec 2018

Category: San Diego

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #16: Read a book in which moral values and beliefs are an issue in some way

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Tim and Kathy Keller provide insights and meditations on the Psalms. I enjoy Bible reading plans which include a daily Psalm. This book allowed me to read a bit from the Psalms daily while choosing a year-long Bible plan which did not include one. I enjoyed the insights on some days more than others. The acknowledgements told of life issues that almost resulted in the book's failure to be completed on time. Some manuscripts were rejected. The final one was edited extensively to get it to make it the proper length. One cannot help but wonder what insightful nuggets may have been eliminated in the revision process. While I did not agree theologically on every devotion, particularly on the interpretation of things relating to the nation of Israel, it provided more depth than many devotion books. Fortunately the ones on which I agreed, far outnumbered the others.

302. Ryrie Study Bible: New American Standard Bible

Date Completed: 31 Dec 2018

Category: Amish Country

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #16: Read a book in which moral values and beliefs are an issue in some way

Other Challenges: None

Rating: 5 stars

Review: The New American Standard Bible is my favorite English language translation of the Bible. I appreciate the way it tries to stay close to the original languages in structure so we catch some of the nuances translations which are looser do not provide. Some say it makes it less readable, but I think it makes it a perfect Bible for in depth Bible study. The Ryrie Study Bible provides additional tools to assist in studying the Bible and is one of the better study Bibles available for this translation.

I do not anticipate any more completions this year. I suspect Louise Penny's Glass Houses will be my first book completion of 2019. I may complete an article or two before I finish it. It depends on how much reading time I have the next couple of days while still visiting family.

Hope you have as great a 2019 as you did in 2018! 300 books, amazing!

>246 ChelleBearss: It really is. 302 is a new record for me. I don't think I'll read that many next year, but it's because I want to get caught up on periodical reading.

Hi Lori!

No chance at all of getting caught up, but congrats on a fabulous reading year.



Wishing you a new year filled with joy, happiness, laughter, and all the wonderful books you could wish for.

Murder at Cape Three Points by Kwei Quartey is now on my tbr pile. Thanks for your great review!

>248 karenmarie: Thanks!

>249 brodiew2: Thank you!

>250 Whisper1: I love the series. I think its setting makes it a little different!

Happy New Year from one cat lover and family history researcher to another. I think I better start reading more cat books. I've had a hold on Hiro Arikawa at the library for the one copy for quite a while. I just checked and I'm #19 on the holds. sigh.

Congratulations on passing 300 books, Lori — an impressive total!

>252 RBeffa: That is so discouraging when you are down so far. I was 20-something on one the other day. The question is whether I can hold off that long!

>253 harrygbutler: Thanks, Harry. It's a record for me!

More than 300! Way to go, Lori. And Happy 2019!

>255 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe!

Happy New Year's Eve!! And congrats on passing 300! WOW.

>256 thornton37814: Thanks, Kim!

I still get a kick out of your Louis L'Amour is my distant cousin discovery. My wife has a lot of family roots in NC and TN. Among other things she is a Boone descendant (she comes from Squire Boone m Sarah Morgan), and we work on her family history all the time. Some of her important lines are Lorance/Lawrence, Eggers (Joannah in NC, 1788-?) is her 4th gg, Landrine is J's father), lotsa Greer, Wilcoxson, all sorts of other names Reece, May, Main, Greene. What are your big name lines there?

I went through all the books I read to determine the best of 2018. These are listed in order of completion. Children's books are not included although a couple of those received 5 stars.

5 Star Reads
1. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
2. No Mark Upon Her by Deborah Crombie
3. Albion's Seed: Four British Folkways in America by David Hackett Fischer
4. When the English Fall by David Williams
5. Ryrie Study Bible: New American Standard Bible

I think my favorite was When the English Fall by David Williams.

4.5 Star Reads
1. Life of Pi by Yann Martel
2. The Story of Lucy Gault by William Trevor
3. As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust by Alan Bradley
4. Necessary as Blood by Deborah Crombie
5. Beowulf: A New Verse Tradition by Seamus Heaney
6. Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann
7. The Darkling Bride by Laura Andersen
8. The Gods of Gotham by Lyndsay Faye

>259 RBeffa: I have lots of lines that go back to NC and only a few in TN. Some of the main NC ones are Allred, Aldridge, Cockrell, Winstead, Pridgen, Thornton, and Hester. TN is mostly Mosely and Harris. A branch of my Fowlkes family was in TN although my line appears to have come directly to Mississippi.

>261 thornton37814: My wife's mother worked on her family tree for maybe 20 years and made numerous trips back east researching things. When she passed on she had something like 53,000 people in this super extended out tree. We have added quite a few more. So with that in mind, she has no Allred, she has 68 Aldridge (primarily Watauga), no Cockrell, 1 Winstead (Jacquelyn who married a 4th cousin), no Pridgen, 6 Thornton and they are probably all marriage names - the closest obvious one to me is America Thornton who married a 3rd great uncle of hers) and Cynthia Arzella Thornton who married a different 3rd great uncle, a Morrison which is another of her primary namelines. Two Hesters, very very distant who married Stanberry's.

I like to joke that my wife is related to half the people in some counties.

2018 Year-End Meme

With 302 books completed (and 5 abandoned reads), it was difficult to choose. I actually was choosing between 11 on one of these and could have entered additional options on my paper as I was choosing. In other words, even though I added honorable mentions for some categories, there were still others included in my handwritten selections that didn't make this final list!

Describe Yourself: Keri Tarr, Cat Detective
Honorable mention: The Best Cook in the World
Describe How You Feel: Flat Broke with Two Goats
Describe Where You Currently Live: My Life in a Cat House
Honorable mention: The South
If You Could Go Anywhere, Where Would You Go: Over the Hills and Far Away
Honorable mention: Where I Was From
Honorable mention: A Visit to William Blake's Inn
Your Favorite Form of Transportation: Steering the Craft
Honorable Mention: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: The Magical Car
Your Best Friend is: The Ice Princess
You and Your Friends are: Friends in High Places
What's the Weather Like: Rain
You Fear: A Shot in the Dark
Honorable Mention: The Spook in the Stacks
What's the Best Advice Your Have to Give: Anything Is Possible
Thought for the Day: Horses Make a Landscape Look More Beautiful
How I Would Like to Die: Dying in the Wool
My Soul's Present Condition: Gardenlust

>262 RBeffa: My Aldridge is the Wilkes County line. They were in Virginia beforehand and moved to Alabama. My Thornton line is the less common Quaker line. Most Thorntons seem to come from the Virginia Luke and Mark Thornton lines. Winstead was in the Nash County area.

>264 thornton37814: Those don't look likely for us. Oh well.

>260 thornton37814: I think I need to add When The English Fall to my future reads list.

>265 RBeffa: It was dystopian so I was surprised I liked it that much. That's not a genre I tend to like.

Congratulations on reading 302, Lori. I hope you have a Happy New Year!

>268 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg!

Thought I'd sneak a speak, Lori, since I see that you were just here.
I'm awed by your reading record. Long may it thrive, and you too!
Happy 2019!

>270 LizzieD: I doubt I'll ever match it, but I'll always know I did it one year!

>271 Storeetllr: Thanks!

Congratulations on your triple book century, Lori!

Thanks for the tip on Kindle singles, but I still didn't manage to get my first 75 this year.

>273 humouress: Hopefully next year you can do it with a little assistance from those short reads as needed!