Tag: Goodreads Challenge

My Wonderful Year With Books at Books by Rose

January 10, 2024 / rosieadmin / 9 Comments

A new year is always a great time to do some quiet reflections to gain perspective on how to move forward.

Join me and my author friends in this Blog Hop as we have our different journeys to report back to you. We hope you’ll join us with the following questions and let us know how your year went, as well.

Let’s Talk About Your Year

Please read the following questions and pick one, or two of them, and let us know how your year went in the comment section below.

* How would you describe 2023 in one word?

* What was your biggest challenge last year? How did you overcome it? What didn’t work? What life lesson did you learn from the experience that you’ll take with you in the new year?

* Describe the happiest day of 2023? What can you do to have more days like that in 2024?

* Name one change or difficult decision you made in 2023 that improved your life in a substantial way. What will you change this year to improve your life?

* What do you regret doing – or not doing – last year that you plan to stop/start doing in the new year?

* What were you most grateful for last year? What are you most excited about for this new year?

* What is the most courageous thing you did in 2023? How do you plan to push yourself out of your comfort zone in 2024?

* What was your biggest accomplishment in 2023? What do you want to accomplish this year?

Here’s Mine…

My biggest accomplishment in 2023?

New Releases

I released three new titles! One in the spring and two in the fall.

Goodreads Challenge

What a year in reading for me!

I made it to 50 books with it ending just in time for the holiday rush. Christmas Eve Eve, I finished my last book and was so relieved. Sure, I could have taken it to December 31th, but I knew there would be lots to do to wrap up 2023.

Here’s my last December 2023 Marathon of Titles I finished up…

A few of these last books were chosen because of the page numbers. As long as they were 100 pages or more, they counted towards the challenge. I really did enjoy them and will look for more of those this next year if I get in a bind again.

I’ve decided to only go for 40 books in 2024. The crunch time in getting them read, almost took the fun out of reading. That made me a little sad because I love looking forward to my reading time.

I will have to say, I did enjoy the books I read. Yes, there were a few you never saw on my list. If I felt at the beginning if a book was not going to be one I didn’t want to spend time with, it went into the return file. (I get most my books at our local library. I’ve also been lucky enough to find some in our Little Free Library my husband built for me in 2020.)

My 50 Books for the Goodreads Challenge

I didn’t review all these books yet, but I did rate them with stars. You can see more of those ratings ► here on Goodreads.

Like I said, loved them all, but my favorite ones?

Favorites

“Being Henry: The Fonz…and Beyond,” by Henry Winkler

“Being Henry: The Fonz . . . and Beyond,” by Henry Winkler is an entertaining book from start to finish. Winker writes this truthful, candid memoir of his life as an actor and more.
We all knew Henry Winkler as, “The Fonz,” on the sitcom, “Happy Days.” Mr. Winkler shows us his time during those years where he didn’t feel as cool as what we saw on screen.
Growing up, he never had the support of his parents due to his inability to succeed in school.
Back in those days, they didn’t know about dyslexia, which is a disability where spoken and/or written language is difficult for readers. It also can cause poor concentration, difficulty following instructions, forgetting words. This impacted most of his life.

I’m so glad he wrote this book. He will help inform adults about this issue as well as young children struggling with this. He also has a series of books for young readers with learning differences. which are funny and resourceful

I applaud Henry Winkler for writing this book. You will also enjoy how he writes this book in his own genuine voice.

2nd Place…

“Remarkably Bright Creatures,” by Shelby Van Pelt

“Remarkably Bright Creatures,” by Shelby Van Pelt was a book I enjoyed returning to each day.
When I told my sister it started out being narrated by an octopus, she laughed and said, “Hum, I’m not sure about that.” I told her, No, no, it has a great storyline intertwined as the chapters unfold.”
I received a hard copy of this book at our local library. There were no errors liked mentioned in the reviews. I highly recommend those that stopped reading it, to give it another try.
The characters were well developed, the settings were descriptive which made this story very visual.
I’m looking forward to more books written by this author.

3rd Place…

“The Maid,” Nita Prose

I enjoyed this book, even though it’s not one I’d normally read.
Molly in “The Maid,” was one I wanted to protect and cheer for throughout the story.
It was somewhat predictable at times, but a page turner to the very end.
I’m looking forward to more of Nita Prose’s books.

Other Books…

Art Books

What a fun year I had reading art books. I’m so excited to try out new techniques with all the new art supplies my family gifted me at Christmas. Keep watching for those.

Why So Many Cookbooks?

Our family was blessed with a new family member in January!

I knew I was going to cook for her family so mom and dad would have the time to not fret over, “what’s for dinner?”

We gifted ourselves a “Food Saver” for freezing meals. The cookbooks I devoured this past year had great tips and recipes.

What’s To Come From Books By Rose

Art, Audio Books and Remakes?

I know for sure, art and audio books will be a thing for me in 2024. I found the site to our local library to listen to books. Yes, those still count for the Goodreads Challenge.

Like I said, I received many art supplies over the holidays. So, I’m picturing listening to books and creating something, not sure what yet, ha! I guess I’ll see where the muses take me.

Another thought for 2024, and I want your opinions on this.

Making my “Maggie, Millie, and Merrie” books into a hardcover chapter book. Yes, I will still have the picture, illustrated books for younger readers. I’m thinking of using the same stories, tweaked a bit for higher readers and maybe an added story or additional activities? Please let me know what you think about this in the comment section below.

Tell Us About Your Plans For 2024!

Did you read a lot of books?

Authors, are you writing any new books you’d like to share?

Artists, what new projects can you share with us?

I hope you all have a wonderful 2024! May you have everything you want and need in this year to come.

As always,

Happy Reading!

Rosie

Don’t Forget To Read These Author’s Post…

► Author Sandra Bennett

► Author Julie Gorges

Holiday Frenzy and Crunch Time At Books By Rose

November 30, 2023 / rosieadmin / 4 Comments

The Holidays are here! Are you relaxed and ready or are you in a frenzy?

As I prepare this post for December, it makes me realize how the days are going fast, once again.

Some years, we are on top of things getting ready for the holidays. As you read below, you’ll find out what is working for us this year and what has not.

Shopping

We started our shopping this year the end of October. To be honest, I jot down things year round for ideas for this person and that one. For some reason though, those items don’t always seem to become the part of our Christmas shopping.

There’s just something about the holiday spirit that keeps you on your toes. Other responsibilities get added to the mix, and the next thing you know, you’re in a frenzy to get everything done on time. Phew, right?

We love to go to antique malls to find different and unique things for gifts for loved ones. There’s some crazy things out there folks! When we see something that we know our special loved ones will like, we snatch it up as fast as we can.

After that, we get very serious. We make sure we get something that is completely wanted by each family member. Once all that’s complete, our shopping is done.

Holiday Meals

Our holiday meals run pretty much the same every year. For example, If we know another family is hosting a turkey dinner around Thanksgiving, we fix something else.

This year, we repeated the tradition with BBQ Oven Baked Ribs. (Recipe below.)

I know everyone’s favorite foods, so adding those to the mix is how the meal is planned. That part is easy peasy. Now, cooking for triple people I’m used to is another story. Planning it out to even what dish is going to hold what is the ticket that saves me. Having containers ready for leftovers and “takeaways,” is another stress reliever for me.

Even though I tend to get a little stressed getting those last minute dishes finished and keeping everything hot, it all turns out and everyone is pleased. Thank you, family!

Oh, and our Christmas Eve Meal will be our go-to like it is every year. Velveeta Chicken (recipe below)

Other Goals I Got Myself Into

Book Projects

If you have been following along, I dedicated the whole month of October with two new releases.

► Storytime with Stella and Friends

► Writing with Stella and Friends: A Coloring and Ac tivity Book

One goal I clearly made this year is to have all my writing and illustrating done before November. I also told myself to not even think about creating a new storybook over the holidays. Now that one is super hard for me. I always have ideas for new books tumbling around in my head. This year, I jot them down and walk away. They will be there for me in 2024.

Reading Challenge in Goodreads

If you follow my page on a regular basis, you know I’ve made the commitment to read 50 books in 2023 and record them in Goodreads. I thought at the time, “that won’t be hard, I love to read!”

Well, let me tell you, those numbers snuck up in me. It’s really my fault though, I’m guilty of getting the biggest books possible! Ha! Next year, I’m watching those page numbers. As I’m writing this, I currently have four books sitting next to me which I’m reading. Each morning, I read a chapter of each book as I’m drinking my coffee. Since I get most of my books at our local library, that keeps me on track too…unless I want to pay the late fee, which I rarely do. After these title are read, I’ll be up to 42 books with 8 more to go in December. I hope I make it!

If you are interested in the books I’ve read so far, you can check them out ► here.

I plan to give my most recent books I’ve read proper reviews when I have time.

Tell Us How You Handle Your Holidays. Let’s Hear From You!

Do you plan way ahead with events for November and December or do you take things as they come?

What other goals are you trying to catch up on?

Have you ever eliminated goals you had to stay caught up?

Wishing you all a wonderful, fun, safe and stress free holiday season.

As always,

Happy Reading!

Rosie

As Promised…Oven Baked BBQ Ribs and Velveeta Chicken

I have shared both of these recipes in the past, but wanted to share for my new fans attending my page. I hope you will enjoy these recipes as much as our family does.

Easy Oven Baked Tender Baby Back Ribs

One slab, Baby Back Ribs, back membrane removed for the best tender bites!

Regular mustard and seasonings of your choice.

Directions:

Rub in mustard and seasonings on both sides.

Wrap in foil so juices won’t escape.

Bake at 275° for 3 hours.

Turn oven up to 400° (No need to preheat.)

Cut open foil, add your favorite BBQ sauce mixed with a small splash of liquid smoke. Bake for 25-30 more minutes.

Then, broil 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens, or however you like it.

Set on plate and cool in the refrigerator overnight. (The meat will literally fall off the bone if you don’t. If you like it that way, you can shred it up for sandwiches.)

Cut apart the next day. Heat in microwave for a few minutes when ready to eat.

Velveeta Chicken

Here’s the basic recipe, but I always double it for our crowd. Plus, they love the leftovers.

1 large chicken, cooked, deboned and cut into bite size pieces.

1 box of chicken flavored stuffing, prepared according to directions

1 can of cream of chicken soup

1/2 can of milk

1/4 block of Velveeta Cheese, sliced thin

Directions:

Boil, stew, or roast a whole chicken.

Place the cooked cut up chicken in an 9 x 12, sprayed pan

In a sauce pan, add soup, milk, and sliced Velveeta cheese. Stir over low heat until blended and cheese is melted. Add a splash of milk if it seems too thick. (You will want a mixture that resembles pancake batter consistency.)

Meanwhile, prepare the box of stuffing according to the directions.

Spoon the cheesy soup mixture over the chicken.

Add stuffing to the top in an even layer.

Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until bubbly hot.

Before you go, incase you missed my November news, click on the image below.

“Bookish News”

Bookish News and More at Books by Rose

November 2, 2023 / rosieadmin / 8 Comments

Happy November 2023!

First, here’s some bookish news from October. Also, I hope to hear about what books you have been reading and what plans you have for November 2023.

Let’s get started…

My Recent Book Launch

If you been following page for some time now, you know I just finished a twenty day book launch for my 15th book. What fun we had! I miss my people already and am so very thankful to all those who showed up. 💗

We had these Amazon Ecard winners! Yay! Congratulations everyone! Happy shopping and I hope you get something for yourself or someone you love.

Missed My Book Launch?

If you missed my book launch, we were celebrating these two new books.

(Click on the image below for a closer look on Amazon. Feel free to look around for some of my other titles while you are there, too.)

More Bookish News

Have you heard of the award winning and loving ► children’s author, Mrs. D? She’s amazing and I was given the opportunity to read three of her latest books. Here they are with my reviews.

On Amazon – ► A heartwarming story young and independent readers will love!

I wish I would have had a story like, “Kitten in the Window (Kitten’s Stories Book 1,)” by Mrs. D and illustrated by Saima Malik when I was growing up with all the litters of kitten we had over the years.

We all have our own distinctiveness, whether it be in size, appearance, ability, communication style, or even coloration.
When the sweet calico kitten in this story stood out from her large litter, appearing completely different from her siblings, she had many questions. Feeling disheartened, her mama cat taught her a valuable lesson: every living being on Earth possesses their own distinctiveness that is worthy of celebration.

With its vibrant illustrations and empowering message, this charming children’s book encourages love, acceptance, and the celebration of individuality.

I highly recommend this story for read a louds at home and in the classrooms.

On Amazon ► Based on a true story young readers will love.

“The Day Before Thanksgiving (Kitten’s Stories Book 2,)” written by Mrs. D and illustrated Saima Malik is another adorable tale about an old outside cat and it’s pre-Thanksgiving adventure.

The day before Thanksgiving, a curious little kitten observes the autumn leaves gracefully floating among the autumn skies outside. The day is filled with anticipation and joy, until he witnesses the old outside cat from his window, who unfortunately finds himself a challenging situation. Caught with the surprise of a wild turkey, the old cat’s hunting endeavors take a turn for the worse. Will he survive this great predicament?

I highly recommend this holiday Thanksgiving story for readers at home or in the classrooms.

On Amazon ► Christmas themed story for young and independent readers.

An adorable little kitten couldn’t contain her excitement as she meets a beautiful real Christmas tree waiting to be adorned with decorations in the corner of their garage. She spots an old Christmas tree neglected, abandoned and forgotten in a mass of past years decorations. Which one will be picked?
The illustrations are stunning and are absolutely breathtaking.
“Forgotten Christmas Tree (Kitten’s Stories Book 3,)” written by Mrs. D. and illustrated by Saima Malik has done it again in this cute Kitten series.

Goodreads Challenge Books

Since October, I’ve read the following books for the Goodreads Challenge. (The above children’s books did not count towards the challenge since they were not at least 100 pages.)

I have 14 more books to read before December 31, 2023. Do you think I’ll make it? I sure hope so.

Even though, “The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy (The Penderwicks, #1,”) by Jeanne Birdsall’s is for ages 8 to 12, I really enjoyed this book. I’m looking forward to reading the second one, now.
It’s a magical tale of a fun summer vacation of four sisters and the characters they meet.
I highly recommend these books for home and classroom read a louds.

When You Care Enough: The Story of Hallmark Cards and Its Founder by Joyce C. Hall, Curtiss Anderson, Dr. Franklin D. Murphy (Foreword)

This book was originally published in 1979. It’s a large, 260 page hardcover book, which would make a great coffee table book.

Since I live in Kansas City, MO, I have known about this greeting card business, Hallmark cards, since their home office is here along with “Halls,” “The Hallmark Channel,” and the shopping center, “Crown Center” became so famous.

If you’d like to learn how Joyce C. Hall started his business and enjoy learning about a “rags to riches” story, you will want to read this one. This was an interesting book and I learned so much from this iconic salesman and his team. He was a man of integrity and ran his company just the same. He valued his employees and his family the most.

Another Barbie Book…

After reading the Ruth Handler’s story about how she invented Barbie, I found this great book to add to my reading list. “Dressing Barbie: A Celebration of the Clothes That Made America’s Favorite Doll and the Incredible Woman Behind Them,” by designer and author Carol Spencer.
This is a large hardcover book with beautiful designs by Spencer. The stories, which spanned over many decades, tells how each outfit inspired the changing times. I found it interesting and fun to read. If you are a Barbie fan, here’s another must read.

I’ve always loved everything Barbie but I still haven’t seen the 2023 movie.

If you have watched it, what were your thoughts? Yay or nah?

Currently Reading…

Hello Beautiful, by Ann Napolitano – (Adult book)

Now, Let’s Hear From You!

What books have you’ve been reading that you’d like to share?

If you celebrate Thanksgiving here in the USA, what plans do you have?

I wish you all a happy holiday. Stay safe and happy travels!

As always,

Happy Reading,

~Rosie