I have not been successful in trying to get any time reading in lately but I'm making time today.

Couple chapters while little man munches some breakfast with his tablet. So far this morning I have learned that I race cars wrong, the tv has to be on cartoons even though he isn't watching it and I'm never allowed to be the blue truck. But he went potty by himself so I'm taking what I can get today 🤣

#PickYourBattles #SendCoffee

Attempting to get a few pages in while the psychos psycho 🤣🤣

Took a step back from reading challenges last month and think I'm skipping out this month as well. We have been adjusting to new schedules and are finding that what little spare time we have these days are better spent destressing and enjoying things just for the sheer fun of it.

I had some holds come in today so tonight we ignore the housework and veg out.

#FuckItFriday #ChillNight #ItWillStillBeThereTomorrow #QualityTime

Finally! Into February!

@shadowspeak17 You really have a knack for the strange and unusual don't you?

I finished last night and I'm still reeling trying to sort it out. Bearifully written cosmic horror that takes a deep dive into grief and a resulting haunting the MC can't hide from. Is it literal? Psychological? Spiritual? I have no idea but I wouldn't mind annotating a copy and trying to find out!

Great pick

#AuldLangSpine @monalyisha

And finally, the last book for January!

I may have an unhealthy facination with the FLDS and Warren Jeffs but this one is a must read! You don't really learn much different in the way this branch was run but the way Rebecca Musser handled herself over time and the bravery she showed in speaking out is admirable. I hope this book was freeing and she continues to heal ❤️

#Bookspinbingo #Jumpstart2023 @Clwojick @Lizpixie @TheAromaofBooks

Absolutely not.

If this wasn't for book club I would have bailed on page 2

The Cain and Abel story was fine on it's own but the "You're going to change but it's God's will and I have to protect you and by the way, the change makes you unbelievably horny and the only cure is sex with everything" trope is just....ugh.

Thanks, I'll pass

#BookspinBingo #Jumpstart2023 #SeriesLove2023
@TheAromaofBooks @Clwojick @Lizpixie @Andrew65 @TheSpineView

This has been on my shelf for a thousand years and I'm happy to have finally gotten to it. Beautifully written story of hardship, abuse and heartbreak. I'm not sure why it took me so long

#Jumpstart2023 #BookspinBingo #ISpyBingo #TrappedOnAnIsland #Pantone2023 #BookChain
@TheAromaofBooks @Clwojick @Lizpixie @aperfectmjk

All the YES for my boy #JDBarker ? I know this one sat forever but I'm so thrilled to have finally gotten to it.

The audiobook is definitely the way to go. It's capitvating and creepy. I loved the nod to Stephen King as well. I listened to it in a day.

"Clickety Click Click..."

#Jumpstart2023 #BookspinBingo #Pantone2023 #TrappedOnAnIsland
@Clwojick @Lizpixie @TheAromaofBooks @aperfectmjk

With a mystery to solve that hits a little closer to home and the race to get the smoking hot Son of Satan before anyone else this second installment is more fun than the first.

#Jumpstart2023 #SeriesLove2023 #ISpyBingo #Mist #Pantone2023 #BackListReadathon #DaryndaJones #BookspinBingo
@TheAromaofBooks @Clwojick @Lizpixie @Andrew65 @TheSpineView

This colour fits so muc better in person 🤷‍♀️

I focused on #DaryndaJones for January's #BacklistReadathon and I never picked this series up before.

Inherited house, hot handyman, random cat, family secrets....it has the makings of Cozy Hallmark and that's just not for me. This would be great for those who want a tamer, more middle-aged Charley Davidson....with less chaos and less fun

I have no interest in continuing the series

Remember that time I was going to update all January's reads and challenges? Yeah, I haven't finished that. Moving on! 😅

Reread. Witty. Funny. Sarcastic. Sexy. Grim Reaper. Ghosts. Murder. Read it!

Is there really anything more you need to know about this book? 🤣🤣

#Jumpstart2023 #SeriesLove2023 #ReadySetRead #BacklistReadathon #Pantone2023 #BookspinBingo #DaryndaJones

@Clwojick @TheAromaofBooks @Lizpixie @Andrew65 @TheSpineView

So happy to have finally read this! I've always come back to this story over the years but never made it to the book. Definitely written in a way that can make you feel how unsettled this family was. Do I believe this really happened or was it all a hoax? Meh, I'm pretty set on my mind I think but it's still one hell of a story!

#BookspinBingo #ReadySetRead #Pantone2023 #Jumpstart2023 #TrappedOnAnIsland

This was on my list for a billion years and did not disappoint. I may have a "slight" obsession with the FLDS and Warren Jeffs so a new insight is always welcome. I do feel this went more into the history of the religion and not as much into the crime commited so I wish I would have seen more of that though

#Pantone2023 #ReadySetRead #BookChain #AuldLangSpine #BookspinBingo #Jumpstart2023

I swear these colours match better on the paper 😂

Huge controversy over this one but I enjoyed it. I don't see the blatantant slander that it's been cracked up to - just a man telling *HIS* story. Some great anecdotes, some less than needed 🥶🥶 but an all out prettt good read

#Pantone2023 #Jumpstart2023 #BookspinBingo #ISpyBingo #Celebrity
@Clwojick @TheAromaofBooks @Lizpixie

I have absolutely no idea WTF this was but I liked it and I think I had it somewhat sorted by the end? Maybe? Possibly?

That's it. That's the review 🤣🤣

I was sure the colours matched a lot more than it looks like it does in this picture but I'm keeping it anyway 🤷‍♀️

#Pantone2023 #Jumpstart2023 #BookspinBingo #AuldLangSpine
@Clwojick @TheAromaofBooks @Lizpixie @monalyisha @shadowspeak17

Let's see if I can get January's reads and challenges updated finally

I found this pretty good but not great. I have mixed feelings about the entire Diana drama in the first place and this book was definitely meant to be one-sided. It's just as I expected it to be 🤷‍♀️

#ISpyBingo #Hand #Jumpstart2023 #bookspinbingo @Clwojick @TheAromaofBooks @Lizpixie

@aperfectmjk I had to throw a little love-ish into your island reads this month but not too much!

I went with books I've read and enjoyed (I'm sure you can guess which ones 🤣) and one I hear good things about.

The Alina Jacobs I picked for two reasons:

It sounds like a cheesy Halloween Hallmark movie and that might be fun

And

The title sounds dirty and my inner 12 year old self can't stop giggling

Hope you enjoy!!

#TrappedonAnIsland

I've been horrible at posting reviews this month for all my challenges but I'm hoping to get them all done tomorrow 🙈

@shadowspeak17 I had a blast going through your #AuldLangSpine choices! I didn't get to as many as I liked but I'll be continuing the list over the course of the year

Really, really enjoyed Subdivision - as crazy as it was and Under The Banner of Heaven. Still working on the tagged book but loving it so far. Great picks!!

Nothing like spending a little quality time together on a Saturday night 🤣🤣🤣

#couplegoals #doyourownthing #itstillcounts #atleastweareinthesameroom

Working on getting a couple chapters in while little man plays with his stickers and wall mural.

This book might be a DNF for me. Reading for book club but it's really not my kind of read. See if it can hold my interest for longer than 5 minutes.

Take two!

Still have to sort the #Pantone2023 books into their colours. Updates to come!

#bookchain #2023ReadySetRead #Jumpstart2023 #ISpyBingo #BacklistReadathon

@Clwojick @TheAromaofBooks @Lizpixie

Finally taking the time today to get my #bulletjournal pages done so I can update some challenges. I think I have my layouts the way I want them. Still working on a few but I'm happy so far!! Will post updates soon!

#bookspinbingo #serieslove2023 #auldlangspine #trappedonanisland

@TheAromaofBooks @Andrew65 @TheSpineView @aperfectmjk @shadowspeak17

Ever be in the mood for something specific to read but you aren't exactly sure what that is or if you have it? That's me tonight. After a long, long scouring of the shelves I found an old favourite I haven't resd in years. Thinking it might just hit the spot tonight!!

Please ignore the giant pile of stuffies. I know Pooh Bear is judging me but they belong upstairs and that's just too far right now 🤣

#MoodReader #ReadingBuddies #JudgementalBear

Congrats on your milestone and Happy Birthday month @wanderinglynn

So generous to celebrate by giving 😁

I have chosen the tagged book as one I would love to receive because I think it's the only one I'm missing from the set!!

Thank you for the opportunity!

#300KBirthdayGiveaway

I've been having a hard time getting into reading this month. Last month I didn't feel like it and this month I just can't get anything to stick. I must have started half a dozen already and can't get past the first couple chapters on either so tonight I'm picking up an old favourite that hasn't been on my radar in years. Hopefully a reread with kick start my month!

#BookAndBath #FeelingSlumpy

@Read4life The island is calling and it comes stocked with some books to keep you busy until rescue comes!

I wasn't familiar with your picks but after reading some reviews and blurbs I hope these choices make your island stay more enjoyable!

#TrappedOnAnIsland @aperfectmjk

For my first #BookspinBingo of 2023 I'm leaving it pretty open-ended. I have an idea of what I want to read but I'm liking the option of changing my mind.

Here's to a new year of reading!

@TheAromaofBooks

I'm getting prepped for #Jumpstart2023

No goals for me this year but I'm going to work on my #AuldLangSpine picks, whatever gets chosen for #TrappedOnAnIsland and I threw in a couple that I just want to read.

Will I change my choices over the month? More than likely but I've been waiting for the beginning of the year to start these so I'm feeling good about my choices.

@Clwojick @Lizpixie

As the year closes and a new one opens its doors I've started to think of what I want in 2023.

For my #ReadingGoals I hope to focus more on quality instead of quantity. I am not aiming for a number but more for what speaks to me. I still plan to participate in challenges but I will be more low-key and not stress over it. This past year I haven't enjoyed reading as much as usual and I want to get that feeling back 😁

Ashley I feel soooo spoiled this morning! This is an amazing #CreepyChristmas package! That needlepoint is gorgeous and I can't wait to find somewhere to put it! The books are so on point (I ❤️ TJ Payne and can't wait to dig in) and I adore the Serial Killer trivia! I need to know where you got the blind pack. I got Beetlejuice and I'm in ❤️. I need to get Gizmo and Spike now!

Thank you so much. It made my day 🥰

@Frasdawg @teebe

Finally getting around to opening my #CreepyChristmas package. What a week it's been!

Look at that amazing wrap job 😍😍 I almost don't even want to open it.

@Frasdawg @teebe

If there is one thing I hate, it's cleaning my upstairs bathroom. Others don't bother me but this one just never seems to look clean due to age and old staining that I've never been able to remove. It's disheartening and puts me off as I like to see progress when I do things

Today, I realized that it doesn't matter. Just because no one else will notice doesn't mean that I won't and I hand scrubbed every inch. To me, it's a job well done

Did I mention that I finally read a book this month? 😱

Yesterday was another recharge day and I felt that I needed to really get into something. I read the entire book in one day!

I actually really liked this. I always felt that Tom went off the radar after HP but always seemed to try and capitalize off it and now I have a much better understanding why. Draco always was a favourite of mine!

If nothing else, I accomplished one closet, one dresser and some shelves today. A local Recovery Centre is opening up next week and sent out a request for book donations so I had to deliver. I feel good knowing these will be going somewhere desperately needed and glad that I managed to do something useful today 🥰

#BookUnHaul

Vacation means you can make a giant plate of cheesy nachos at 10am and ignore all your responsibilities without feeling guilty about it 🤣

I'm finally making a little bit of progress on the only book I've attempted to pick up all month. Hoping to make a decent dent in it today and try to get back into my reading mood by the New Year.

I "may" have gotten a little spoiled with some #bookishgifts from my family for Xmas. I've been having a hard time this past year and the holiday spirit didn't find me but it really made my day to feel seen this year. All the coziness with pillows, blanket hoodies, blankets and chocolate and gift cards for books! Plus my absolutely gorgeous new quited bags! They are my favourites and I use them until there is nothing left ?

⬇️⬇️⬇️

Finally got a chance to open my #jolabokaflod packages from @BookishMadHatter and @TheKidUpstairs It has been a whirlwind of a day and I let the toddler help me open these so I may have some of the chocolate mixed up 🤣🤣 Thank you both SO much for the thoughtful treats. I am super pumped for the books and can't wait to dive in! And all that minty goodness....nom nom nom! I hope you both have an amazing holiday!!!

@MaleficentBookDragon

Going on 19hrs without power....on Xmas Eve. The house isn't clean, the gifts aren't wrapped but Santa is coming either way!! Luckily, the generator is enough to keep us warm, somewhat fed and entertained for a while so we aren't going too nuts 🤣🤣

Hope everyone who celebrates has an amazing holiday!! Stay warm and stay safe 🥰🥰

I waited as long as I could but today's my last day before vacation so I can't wait anymore.

I know it's supposed to be secret but @DinoMom your #CreepyChristmas is on its way! It's more Christmas than creepy right now because the rest of the gift hasn't come in yet. I'll send it out whenever it makes it's appearance. I'm expecting it will be in the New Year. But something's better than nothing, right?

@teebe

Forgot to post in all the chaos of the weekend but my #Jolabokaflod packages are out and on their way! I did ship later than I should have but both show delivery on Wednesday so they should definitely make it to their homes in time for the holidays 🎄

@MaleficentBookDragon

Finally managed to get to the library today to pick up my loans that were ready. They only keep them a week and I didn't want to get them while I was sick so I lucked out that they were still there.

Most of these are my #AuldLangSpine picks (which are freaking HUGE!!) So those will sit for a while but I'm excited to start the tagged.

Still not in much of a reading mood but hope that will change over the holidays

@monalyisha @shadowspeak17

Forgot to post this the other day. My head is still quite foggy 😅

My #jolabokaflod showed up in all it's beauty. I think it's from you Megan? @TheKidUpstairs @MaleficentBookDragon

I still haven't gotten my packages out yet but the last thing I was waiting for came yesterday so hopefully I can get out to the post tomorrow!

@teebe Sorry for the delay in posting. After almost a full 3 years, the deaded sickness finally caught me and I have been down and out in exile all week 🤧😷

I'm not sure what day this came in but it is here and set aside safely. I'm finally starting to feel a bit more normal so I hope I can get my package put together and out before the end of the week.

#creepychristmas

For today's #AdventRecommeds I give you...the book I refused to read when everyone was talking about it only to pick it up at random while it was less popular.

I HATE the cover. I can't use buttons anymore because it weirds me out now. The book? Was it tough to read? Yes. Is it triggering for some? Absolutely yes. Are there scenes I wish I never read? Scarred for life. Could I stop listening? Fuck No!

Was it worth it? Hell yes

@emilyrose_x

@shadowspeak17 I got your list and I have to say, I am intrigued!

This is my 4th or 5th year doing this (how many has it been?) and @monalyisha hasn't steered me wrong yet so I'm trusting the process. Other than the tagged, which I'm super excited for, and Jane Eyre I have heard of none of these books. I've read some blurbs and I'm excited to get started.

Looking forward to the New Year! Hope my list is as exciting for you!!

#AuldLangSpine

Had my work Xmas party last night and ended up having a great time but stayed up way past my bedtime 🤣

It's a quiet morning with my favourite holiday movie and my book. It's due on Tuesday and I've hardly cracked it. Time to get some serious time in!

Luckily I cleaned last night before heading out so as long the boy is amused for a while I have nothing else that needs to be done!

#LazySundays #BeProactive #QuietDays

Ok hear me out.

This is weird because it's not a recommendation because this is a good book because...I mean, come on 🤣 BUT this was the perfect book for that time where you don't want to read anything of substance and need an absolute dumpster fire to get you through to your next read. Pulled me right out of a slump.

Bonus points for not aging well considering the shit show going on now!

#AdventRecommends #Day3 #TeamChristine
@emilyrose_x

Flipping through the months at random I absolutely loved this book! I think this take on Frankenstein was unique and a lot of fun. Plus I absolutely love the author and will pretty much read anything she puts out at this point.

#AdventRecommends #Day2
@emilyrose_x

Playing a little catch up this morning because this past week was BRUTAL!

This was the first book I read this year and I flew through it. It just captivated me and kept me wanting to continue. I hope the year finishes on the same sort of high note!

#AdventRecommends #Day1
@emilyrose_x

The picture cut off but it doesn't matter 🤣

The tree has been taken out of the box and set up but it hasn't been fluffed or decorated yet. I'll get to it....someday.

It will look much prettier soon....promise 😅

#WinterReadathon #WinterReadathonDailyChallenge

@Andrew65