I decided to participate in #14books14weeks hosted by @Liz_M I was thinking that it would be a good idea to read books received from different swaps😃But I chose only mysteries, thrillers, horror books received from swaps or gifts. The photo just show which ones I will read but not in that order. (Last books is The September House). I will read other books received from swaps but those are the ones chosen for this particular reading challenge 👌

😬Forgot to include this book for the month of February 2025 Book #9

What can I say about this book? For me was more like a reflection of these characters about themselves and life during their travel. A philosophical thinking, but didn‘t feel it like a novel with a plot. But judges have more literary experience than me. 😄 3.5⭐️ I liked it but didn‘t love it. Maybe a re-read? 🤷🏽‍♀️

February 2025
9 books read (#BookSpin ✅ #DoubleSpin ✅ #AuthorAMonth ✅ (forgot to include in the picture Orbital)
2, 547 pages
4⭐️ 📕 📕📕
3⭐️ 📕📕📕📕
2⭐️ 📕

Best Books: Martyr & Tuya (yours)

February 2025 Book #8 (last book read this month)

😬Another unpopular opinion🤷🏽‍♀️What is the purpose of this book? Margo tried to manage her dysfunctional parents by establishing emotional barriers. I still think she underestimate what happened with this professor. She tried to stand alone for herself and son by creating an “ethical kick-ass pimps of all time..” where “sex work can be a legitimate profession…then why not being a pimp?”⬇️

February 2025 Book #7

Sorry, unpopular opinion here. I think this book was overhyped for me. That situation at the hotel was so unrealistic to me. Then, we have a character not only with suicidal ideation but also a plan to do it and it was ignored? I have read books with morbid humor like Hagman by Maya Binyam but from the beginning you see the absurd tone. I didn‘t see that in this novel. It was tragic so sad her situation but ignored⬇️

February 2025 Book #5

I really enjoyed this book but I understand is not for everyone because is slow, maybe story was dragged a little bit and some convenient actions present that helped that ending. I usually don‘t like or enjoy stories about addictions, maybe too close to work, but there was something in the writing style that I loved, how author described the characters, that self talking, reflection, so deep, so many wonderful quotes⬇️

February 2025 Book #5

This is a collection of short stories, powerful ones in terms of topics. First book I read by this author and looking forward to read more books by her. However, my experience with short story collections is that I like some more that the others and this is not an exception. Also, some stories I saw them more narrative, informative than a short story per se. It was the same experience I had with In A Dream Hoyse ⬇️

February 2025 Book #4

Maybe I expected more from this book since it was recommended by YouTubers with I follow their recommendations, but not always we have the same taste in books, and this is an example. Loved and intrigued by the premise. But I felt disconnected with characters. I thought Irena was arrogant and thinks everyone needed to please her. Some of the translators invited to this event in Ireba‘s house had infatuated feelings 🙄⬇️

February 2025 Book #3

A contemporary chick lit where Felicia, an unsecured, immature character constantly take bad decisions that jeopardized her marriage, her emotional and physical security…and you, as a reader, will feel frustrated and mad during all this drama. Male figures here are terrible, abusive. Sexual abuse was minimized by family. Maybe the ending was a small step for Felicia start to grow up. Maybe this was the part that I liked⬇️

February 2025 Book #2 (book 1 in this duology)

I still think my favorite book is Elena Knows but this one was a great story. A thriller involving a triangle relationship. Only 162 pages and it was amazing of how many twists it has. Unlikable characters but so well described. I really like Claudia‘s writing style, how she develops these characters. However, there were some actions in our main character that I found unrealistic or too convenient⬇️

February 2025 Book read #1 😳😬🫣

I started this book inJanuary but finished it in February for in memory of @sharread #Sharreadathon @Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Book was picked from her litsy list.

I liked this book, the world and character. A Rumplestiltskin retelling. However, didn‘t like much the ending, maybe I was expecting something more dramatic and dark due to the story. But still I liked it. 3.8/4 ⭐️

Thank you so much @Chrissyreadit Package arrived on time and it was perfect for Spring. I already light some candles following the instructions by saying some affirmations 🕯️ 🙌The other candle smells so good, that I haven‘t use it yet. I will use it later☺️The ornament is on my front door already. I‘m in the process to taste the coffee😋I will send you an email. I feel your gifts full of love with positive energy just like you are, Thank you😘

May the 4th (force) be with you! Here we are enjoying Star Wars music symphony saga

January 2025
Read: 11 books (Knitt one kill two was a mistake😳 I just finished that book today)
Pages: 3,410
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️2 books
⭐️⭐️⭐️6 books
⭐️⭐️-2 books
Bingo- ✅just one line no bingo in #ISpyBingo I
#BookSpin ✅
#DoubleSpin✅
Favorite Books: The Girl From the Grand Hotel and La Grieta Del Silencio

January 2025 Book #11
This retelling for me is poor integrating and even boring. I‘m not the target audience but didn‘t like it. However, the illustrations are beautiful made by the author. 2⭐️

January 2025 Book #10
I know this one didn‘t work for everyone but it worked for me. I liked the idea of a novel within a novel. The drama in the novel aunt Addie wrote was so silly, maybe too long but I lol. It was like watching the movie Clue but without a murder. When you thought you had the answer another ridiculous situation appeared. It was fun but the ending also has nostalgic, sad moments for aunt Addie. I like these covers😍 3⭐️

January 2025 Book #9
This is the conclusion (supposedly) of Mirren Triggs trilogy) I know first book is already translated (The Snow Girl) which is a Netflix series.
I liked the conclusion. At the end we see a mature Mirren who decides to make a choice in her relationship and life in general. The case in this story is so sad. A body was found with his “mouth sewn” and a father looking for his son who disappeared 30 years ago. 3.8/4⭐️

While everyone is posting their May tbr, I‘m still posting books read in January 😳🙄🤷🏽‍♀️☺️
January 2025 Book #8

I enjoyed this book inspired in real facts and real people. It motivated me to read about what happened in that period of time before WWII and about these characters. I couldn‘t put it down because I like novels inspired in this period of time. 3.8/4 ⭐️

I received my #CBBC box a week ago (Saturday). Sorry for posting late but I wasn‘t late to taste the coffee (using the mug) same day😋now almost gone☺️Same with chocolates 🍫 delicious, almost gone too mmm! 😋 I‘m using the Kitchen towels and tote is so pretty😍 Perfect for Spring. I has been using it too😃Thank you so much @mommamanzi I really have enjoyed your boxes with all these treats and extras. I‘m obsessed with items related with coffee🥰

January 2025 Book #7
My experience with short story collection is that like/enjoy some stories more than others just like this collection. Some of stories were so beautifully written, others in my humble opinion, were like beautiful expressions but didn‘t feel like a short story for me. 3.5⭐️

January 2025 Book#6
I think the opening of this story was amazing but then it was like forgotten, not well connected with the rest of the story. I liked the characters and the mystery/horror that was hidden in these mountains that seem possessed Nick. But then, the story was dragged to explain all this possession which concluded with an ambiguous open ending. I think the idea was terrific but maybe needed some editing? 3⭐️

January 2025 Book#5
Hard to believe that book with that cover would have many triggers: physical/sexual abuse. London XlX, family try to survive their extreme poverty environment with an abuse, alcoholic father who try to sell his daughter. Sylvia try to escape this world, try to find true love. My opinion is that story try to romanticize John‘s behavior who could be seen as a controlling person to justify his love for Sylvia? Abrupt happy ending?

January 2025 Book #4
Book 2 in A Year Round Christmas Mysteries series. Read for #CBBC 2025 @Mommamanzi
I liked this book 2 better that the first one. Also predictable but we see more drama, town gossip with funny scenes, expected in cozy mysteries☺️I think I will try book 3⭐️

January 2025 Book #3
I enjoyed this Christmas cozy mystery first book but didn‘t love it. Quite predictable, not at the beginning but in the middle of the story. Too slow but it is the first book in the series and I think it introduced well the characters. 2nd book in this series was chosen for #CBBC this year round so I decided to read book one first to continue with book 2😃👍 @Mommamanzi 2.8/3⭐️

January 2025 Book #2
Dimpsie invited some friends from the theater to spend Christmas with him in his castle located in a private island near to Edinburgh. Dimpsie was found dead near to the tree which appear to be an accidental death…Dun Dun Dunnnand the drama begins….
Quite predictable 😏 with some funny scenes but predictable. I enjoyed it as a holiday read. It should be a so-so but I usually enjoy these crime classic stories🤷🏽‍♀️3⭐️

Here I go again (like the song)😂
January 2025 Book #1
I don‘t know but there was something in the writing style that I couldn‘t connect well with the story or characters. I found it boring, even in the romance, repetitive. I struggled to finish it because I lost interest in the story in various occasions. However, the grief process parts were so well described and emotional😢 in general 3⭐️ for me.

I know I‘m super late posting this but I wanted to let you know that I‘m so grateful for the #LitsyLove Christmas cards I received last holiday. I have answering them at slow pace but I‘m using the bookmarks and the stickers are so useful because I have a couple of journals and they are perfect 😍 I‘m glad you liked the mini bookmarks @sleepswithbooks I know my address can be weird sometimes thank you for the stickers @BookwormAHN ⬇️

I opened this beautiful card yesterday pretending it was a San Valentine card since I was not going to receive one😜It was perfect, it had a message and a little card related with this month😍Thank you so much @Thebookhippie 🥰 I will like to try some of those recipes too😋 You are reading so many interesting books. I need to post my review of The Girl from The Grand Hotel which I enjoyed and need to read this month book. That PS message so sad 💔

I received this wonderful #CBBC package last week but I waited until yesterday to open it. I just pretended that it was like a San Valentine swap package 😜It was perfect because it had chocolates, cookies and a delicious coffee. I already tried it, well I already ate candies and cookies and made a coffee yesterday and today🍪🍫 ☕️😋Love the post it😍 Thank you @mommamanzi 🥰 The book sounds interesting. I have enjoyed this #CBBC round books🤗

#49bdaygiveaway
Happy Birthday @wanderinglynn 🥳🎂🎉🎊

I was out and arrived late and saved the best for last-open #LittleChristmasSwap box 🙌I‘m so happy with this package, the book😱I really wanted it excellent choice @dabbe 😘This is the first time I receive a book in that cute bag and is my first “corner” bookmark, so pretty 😍I saw them in instagram. The chocolate are in the fridge because I like that combination of mint and chocolate very cold😋The potato stix can is perfect for the weekend😋⬇️

2024 was a challenge year. Most of my readings were after March. Reading was a real tool used to manage and cope with my reality. It was so therapeutic that maybe that‘s it is why I am so motivated to read more books this year🙌But I establish realistic reading goals, 52 books to finish by the end of the year, at least one book per week. If I can read more, fine, but it‘s a realistic goal to me. 📚😌❤️❤️❤️

Last book comoleted December 2024 but it was not related with Christmas. Not in Litsy data base.
I should say that I was skeptical to buy this book because the author worked as a tv reporter in PR but I didn‘t like her style. I saw the cover and liked it, read the blurb and intrigued me but when I saw who the author was I had my doubts. I‘m glad I put aside my “prejudice” because I really liked this novel. ⬇️

🎅Christmas chronicles (bingo board-Santa Claus)
🎅Christmas chronicles 2 (bingo board-works Christmas magic)
🎅A Boy Called Christmas (bingo board- free space)
⛄️Hot Frosty-(bingo board-they finally kissed)
⬇️

Book 9 read December 2024

What did I read? 😳I wanted to love this book because I liked the movie adaptation which now I should watched it again to see if I have the same impression.

The story started pretty good and I would say I liked that sarcasm humor/funny tone. Some phrases were so reflective and I enjoyed those first characters. But then after the first part, this all drama was a chaos to me. ⬇️

I forgot to include this book read last August 2024: 3.8/4⭐️

First time published in 1921 and it describes so well the psychology abuse in a domestic relationship. The story is based on how this dysfunctional relationship is building up without alternatives to resolve or manage the situation. The reading can be hard and frustrating but we know the dynamics in this type of relationships are just like that or worst.

Good News! It‘s back….💡for how long? 🤷🏽‍♀️But I‘m charging everything to continue reading and look!!! 2024 closure is good…and also good premonition for what is going to happen in 2025 a wonderful reading time!!! I received TODAY, these two books I ordered. 😌📚🙌

The Three Wise Men figures will be there until mid of January. We continue the festivities 💃🏽 . Closure is with Las Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián, Old SJ (January16-19)🪇🪘🎤🎼

For those of you who celebrate this season, Feliz Año Nuevo 2025 (Happy New Year 2025). Wishing you and yours, health, love, harmony, peace, and also…many amazing books 📚 and splendid reading time😃🎉🎊. If you don‘t celebrate it..just relax and have a wonderful reading time🤗

I live in one of the municipalities without electricity since 5:49 am☹️They are working on that but you never know when🤷🏽‍♀️A different celebration and⬇️

@mommamanzi The #CBBC arrived last Tuesday December 24th but I opened it the 25th just to give me the sensation that I received a Christmas present☺️I loved everything. That Christmas ornament is so pretty! I‘m seriously considering to buy a very small tree or something where I can place these bookish ornaments. They should, deserve to be displayed the whole year😃The snowman mug is a little cracked but I saved the snowman ⛄️ 🙌⬇️

9th book read November 2024

Roy is in route to his fields thinking about his daughter wedding when he saw half of dozen vultures…he approached expecting to see a dead animal but what he discovered was a…body. Who is the person found? Nothing has happened in Fairhill, Vermont before but this body will not be the only discovery..other persons in this small town have secrets and dark personalities😳

8th book read November 2024

Beautifully written but so sad. It is the situation of this family struggling and trying to survive during the depression era. The story is narrated by Margaret one of the Haldmarnes daughters. The author describes the environment so well during this period of time, the poverty situation, racism, mental health, etc. no happy endings, no hopes just the real situation that permeated at that time⬇️

7th book read November 2024 Read to commemorate the National American Indian Heritage Month.

I enjoyed this story and it was so interesting to go beyond the novel. I found myself looking information about Ojibwe. Author‘s brief note at the end of the book informs about the violence that is still present against Native women. There were sad parts but also hope. I don‘t know but the pace was a little slow and found some ⬇️

6th book read November 2024

Wow! Fascinated nonfiction book about how “conservation became a movement for the protection of all species including human”.

This book made me feel angry and sad about the atrocities made in the past that put in extinction many species. Things that I was not aware, things I ignored, shame on me, because these actions put in danger these species and I admire led some of these actions in the fashion world😔⬇️

5th book read November 2024 First book I read by this author, I know…late to the party😳😂
I don‘t like much magical realism and here I am…with another book with magical realism😳🤷🏽‍♀️

As previous book, I liked the story and characters, also the romance. But once again, how things are resolved using or empowering the magical realism style, for me is so unrealistic. We wish things could be resolved like that. ⬇️

4th book read November 2024

Another book read for #CBBC Another gorgeous cover.

I enjoyed this story. Dual timelines about this hidden bookstore and a possible “lost manuscript “ by Bronte. However, this story has magical realism which is not my thing and sometimes I have difficulty to interpret it. But there is a character related with this literary “technical? Style? Which I liked. I liked the mystery,and characters. ⬇️

3rd book read November 2024

Second book in the Dream Harbor series
I liked more than the first book but not as much as the third one which I already reviewed. The third one was my favorite one so far. But this story was charming. Hazel was finding secret messages hidden in some books. At the begging she was upset because books were “used” hast not been paid but then she intrigued…messages seem to be related with herself, things she wanted to⬇️

Second book read November 2024

Second book in this Gilded duology of Rumpelstiltskin retelling.

Liked it but not loving it. Again, I think the story was dragged just to justify a second book?😕This is so common now🫤Because of this dragging story there were parts I was interested and others that I was bored because of this repetitive pattern when the story is dragged.
Love both editions.

/3.5⭐️

First book completed-November 2024. I started this book late on October but it is a long one so I finished it on November. Three editions? Well I knew I will like the story😜Did I mention I need😳😜the Spanish edition from Alma publishing? It is so pretty😍 Im a book collector😌
confess that I was so interested at the beginning of the book but there were some parts that I felt bored. But there were only few pages because I was intrigued again⬇️

Book 11 and last book read -September 2024. This was part of #CBBC @Avanders @mommamanzi

The story have some similar elements with previous book read: Ella wants to brake up with her last relationship, kind of friends with privileges, not compromise and things at work haven‘t gone as expected. Then she decided to go to her parents home for some time until she can stabilize her situation. The difference in this story is that there is magic⬇️

Book 10 read September 2024

I enjoyed more this second book in the The Warm Days of Autumn series. After Lily lost her job, broke up with opportunistic boyfriend, she decided to go back to her parents house until she stabilizes again. Back there she worked in the guesthouse which belongs to her uncle.

It was cute her relationship with her parents, specially with her father,. He was funny and charm. So supportive. A story of second chance love⬇️