With the Goodreads Challenge I’ve been blogging about in my ► past posts.
To see all the books I’ve read and reviewed so far this year, go straight to my ► Goodreads Challenge 2023.
The summer months have slowed my reading down as we are spending more time outdoors. We’ve been on a few trips, but instead of reading, I’ve been drawing. That news is for another day, though.
I’ve checked out more books at our local library than I read. Two large novels were sent back. They were not at all my “cup of tea” but that’s okay. No offense to those authors, we can’t expect to connect with every book we pick up, right?
The books I did manage to read so far this past month are:
“Taste of Home All-American Cookbook: 370 Ways to Savor the Flavors of the USA, “by Taste of Home
For years, I subscribed to the “Taste of Home” magazine. So, when I saw this book at the library, I grabbed it up. I’m so glad I did!
“Taste of Home All-American Cookbook: 370 Ways to Savor the Flavors of the USA” is a great cookbook. I enjoyed all the small back stories from those who submitted recipes. This book would be a helpful edition to have on hand for everyday meals to large crowds, picnics and so much more.
“Kitty Confidential,” by Molly Fitz
Pet Whisperer P.I. #1 “Kitty Confidential,” by Molly Fitz was an engaging book and kept me on my toes on, “who done it?” If you like pets, in this case, cats, you will enjoy this one. I’m glad I found author Molly Fitz. Her writing is great, humorous and I have added her books to my “to read” list.
Now For Some Really Big News!
The proof to my fourteenth is on it’s way!! I’m so excited to see what it looks like.
I want to thank all my Beta Readers for looking it over. I appreciate you all!
Hopefully if all goes as planned, I’ll release it this fall. I’ll keep you posted.
What Are Your August Plans?
Are you getting in your last days of summer traveling?
Are you busy getting your kids ready for back to school?
Don’t forget to tell how you will spend Book Lovers Day 2023and what you have been reading.
We’d loved to hear from you. Leave us a note in the comment section. Always feel free to sign up to my “Books by Rose” site for more new to come, too!
Since I’ve started the Goodreads reading challenge in January 2023, many have asked me how I find the time to read.
I plan to read fifty books in 2023. I’ve always read a lot, but, I haven’t always kept track of those titles. I wish I had now.
Being a children’s author and illustrator, children’s books are always welcomed on my to-read list. I did find out, books under 100 pages are not applicable under the reading challenge. Once you read a book and review it, it automatically goes into your reading challenge shelf. I have since taken those books out, but they still remain on my shelves of my, “read” list and I have reviewed them.
Here are four tips I found helpful for getting those titles read.
My Favorite Reading Time
One of my favorite times to read is in the morning with my first cup of coffee.
My mind is fresh. If I’m reading a nonfiction book, I’m more apt to learn about what I’m reading. As you’ll see, I have some nonfiction books and more, on my list from Goodreads at the bottom of this post.
Find your favorite time to read and enjoy.
Image: Pexels – Vincenzo Malagoli
Appointments
If I know I have an appointment, I always take a book along. Kindle and audio books are great options for this, as well.
Have a book handy for appointments
Keep Books Close By
I keep a stack of my books handy to grab at any given time.
One can even get a few pages read waiting for dinner to be cooked.
If I know we are going somewhere, instead of getting involved in a big task, I take that time to get in a few more pages to read.
Keep books handy
Don’t Forget to Read Cookbooks
I love cookbooks, but the one’s I love the most are ones filled with stories and how recipes came about. You can learn a lot of history through stories shared in cookbooks.
Cookbooks
Before I get to those books I’ve read, I need to tell you about this…
What’s New at Books by Rose
My 13th book is live and we are having a wonderful book launch for 13 days. It’s so much fun! I appreciate all the wonderful people stopping by with their amazing comments. We have close to 175 names so far entered for prizes and we will have 13 winners. Don’t forget to stop by my “Books by Rose” Facebook page to check it out. Launch ends on the 12th of April and winners picked on the 13th of April!
Welcome, Big E’s Trick to Fishing
Big E’s Trick to Fishing
If you are unable to visit my book launch, you can take a look at Big E’s Picture Book here.
Drawing on The Dominant Eye: Decoding the Way We Perceive, Create, and Learn, by Betty Edwards.
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“Drawing on The Dominant Eye: Decoding the Way We Perceive, Create, and Learn,”
“Drawing on The Dominant Eye: Decoding the Way We Perceive, Create, and Learn,” by Betty Edwards was very interesting. If you studied art and science in high school or college, much of the information in this book will come back to you. Once learning the fundamentals on how our brains work, one can apply the drawing lessons towards the end of the book.”
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain: The Definitive Edition by Betty Edwards.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (I found this one so fascinating, too!)
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain: The Definitive Edition
“Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain: The Definitive Edition” by, Betty Edwards was an interesting book in which I learned a lot. This edition was written in 2012 and had been updated many times. Watch for the updated version.
Edwards explains, drawing is much like learning the ABC’s and learning to read. The more you practice, the better you will get. This goes for most tasks, though. If you are aware of the left/right brain theories, different parts of our brains are what helps us do the things we do in everyday life.
She suggests to forget the noisy chatter in your mind and draw what you see. Pay attention to negative space, positive forms, angles, proportions and so much more. Once the techniques in his book are applied with the important information given, most will find themselves a much better artist.”
Billy Miller Makes a Wish by, Kevin Henkes
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“Billy Miller Makes a Wish”
“Readers 6-8 years old will enjoy the real life events of Billy Miller written by Kevin Henkes. “Billy Makes a Wish” is a story that will engage young readers. A perfect read aloud for further discussions on various topics.” ***(A bit of a spoiler alert. Since death may be a sensitive subject for young readers, caretakers may want to read this book first.)***
The Best is Yet to Come by Debbie Macomber
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“The Best is Yet to Come”
“I’ve read quite a few of author Debbie Macomber books and her 2022 release, “The Best Is Yet to Come,” did not disappoint. Although this is an adult romance book, I think it’s safe to add it as an YA book, as well. The twists and turns were interesting and the outcome of the plot towards the high school issue was a surprise. Readers will also enjoy this clean romance as Cade and Hope move through their relationship throughout the story.”
Starfish by Lisa Fipps
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“Starfish”
“Starfish,” By Lisa Fipps is an easy to read free-verse novel.
“It may be a painful subject for some, but the level of content is one that should be considered for discussion among readers. I was so saddened by the mother’s take on her daughter’s weight. Thank goodness she had her father, a few friends and, of course her, therapist on her side. Bullying is the strong subject here and should not be taken lightly.”
101 Lasagnas & Other Layered Casseroles by, Julia Rutland
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“101 Lasagnas & Other Layered Casseroles”
“If you like the concept of layered meals like Lasagna, you will enjoy this book by, Julia Rutland. “101 Lasagnas & Other Layered Casseroles,” is filled with a variety of options. I especially liked the non-tomato based recipes. The quick and easy instructions will please even the first time cook.”
The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Come and Get It! Simple, Scrumptious Recipes for Crazy Busy Lives by, Ree Drummond
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“The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Come and Get It! Simple, Scrumptious Recipes for Crazy Busy Lives“
“I enjoyed Ree Drumond’s easy to follow cookbook, “The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Come and Get It! Simple, Scrumptious Recipes for Crazy Busy Lives.” There are step by step photos with instructions to go along with each recipe. She has great stories about living on a ranch with her family and animals. I loved the photographs, as well. A perfect cookbook to refer to time and time again.”
What’s To Come…
I’m halfway through illustrating another Picture Book. I hope to get back to it in May. You all will enjoy this helpful, funny story for young readers. Okay, I’d better go before I say anymore. Excited for this next one, too! 😃😊
That’s all for this month. I hope you all have a wonderful April.
Let us know what has been keeping you busy. Any new projects? We’d love to hear from you.
I have been meaning to get more serious with the challenges they have each year in my Goodreads account. This year, I decided to give it my best shot.
The other day, I spent most of the morning cleaning up my Goodreads list of books. It’s hard to believe I’ve neglected to follow up on some of my books from 2017.
I had so much fun adding them to my physical list. I actually went a little overboard. I call it “Hold Happy at the Library.” Oops, a whole bunch of them came all at once.
PS. That little black ball of fur is one of my reading buddies, our sweet Jeter. It’s cold here in the Midwest so she was happy to find this warm little spot of sunshine.
Reading!
I will be back these next several months to talk about the books I’ve read. Keep watching if you are looking for book suggestions.
Oh, I forgot to tell you. My goal is to read 50 in 2023. That sounds like a lot, but I made this goal many years ago and made it. I only wished I would have kept that list.
Books I’ve Read So Far This Year
(Reviews for these books are in my Goodreads account)
A wonderful, easy to follow, step by step to sewing for newbies.
Craft For You To Make
Okay, I have to admit, I’m cheating here sharing last years Valentine’s Day craft. I don’t think you’ll mind seeing it again, though. It was a big hit last year and it brought lots of smiles when we gave our cards out on February 14, 2022.
Just paint or draw this on any paper or cardstock. Use your imagination on more things to include. Maybe a house in the background? Add a few animals?
I loved taking our sons the first Wednesday for story time every month. We would bring home a stack of books. I was able to continue this tradition with our grandson when he was younger, too. I hope you get to make it to your local library. Most branches will have lots of fun of activities, I’m sure.
My book coming this spring/summer has been sent to my Beta Readers and what great feedback I’ve received. A few more tweaks and it will be ready. Keep watching. You know me, I always love to throw big parties when I release a new book. I’ll have to put my thinking cap on for this one.
Don’t forget, books make great gifts for holidays or any day. I hope you will give the gift of reading to those you love.
If you have not seen all my books before now, click on the poster below to check them out.
“Give the Gift to Reading”
More Authors For You to Check Out
Speaking of books, here are a few of my author friend’s books you will want to check out, too. Sorry I can’t include them all. I sure wish I could.
If you are an author reading this, please leave your name and website in the comment section for us to check out your books, as well.
