Finished Monthly Challenges

 Finished Monthly Challenges



2022 January Monthly Challenge



 
1. Happy January Birthday!:
❄️Read a book published in January, or read a book with red on the cover in honor of January's birthstone, the Garnet
 
2. Baby Names!: 
❄️Read a book that includes a character (doesn't need to be a MC) or is written by an author with one of the following popular baby names, or any variation or nickname of one of them (example using Robert: Robert, Rob, Bob, Roberta, Bobbie, Robertson, etc). Alternately, you may choose a book with a character, storyline, scene or cover art that somehow represents the name's meaning (in parentheses). Some of the meanings are pretty obscure, so feel free to be creative!
️
This month's names: Liam (With Gilded Helmet), Finn/Fynn (Fair), Abigail (Joy of the Father), Chloe (Verdant and Blooming).
 
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author - Emma Chase:
❄️Read one book written by Emma Chase or any author with her first or last name.
 
Fun Facts about Emma:
*Emma writes contemporary romance filled with humor, heat and heart.
*She lives in New Jersey with her husband, two children and two misbehaving dogs.
*She has a long-standing love/hate relationship with caffeine.
*Film rights for Royally Screwed and Tangled have been optioned!
 
❄️*You may also read a book set in New Jersey, or written by an author from New Jersey. You can also read a Contemporary Romance or a book with an animal or child or an active or excited character in the story or a book that has been or will be made into a film or tv show.
 
4. Jan 1- National Hangover Day-
❄️Read a story with an emotional or irritable character or a story that makes you emotional or makes you feel strongly in some way or read a longer book
 
5. National Soup Month-
❄️Read a story with a character with an illness or medical issue of some kind or a comfort read
 
6. Jan 6- Cuddle Up Day-
❄️Read a book with an embrace on the cover or in the story or book with friend(s) in it
 
7. Jan 13- Make Your Dreams Come True Day-
❄️Read a fairytale retelling or an insta-love story or a book with clouds or a moon or a sky on the cover
 
8. Jan 16- Appreciate A Dragon Day-
❄️Read a paranormal or fantasy story or a book with a 'fiery' character
 
9. Jan 20- Penguin Awareness Day-
❄️Read a book with black or white on the cover or a book with a setting in the Southern Hemisphere-(Australia, Antarctica, South America, Africa, Asia (several islands off the continental mainland)
 
10. Reader's Choice-
❄️Read any book of your choice!
 
1. Marriage or Ruin for the Heiress - Lauri Robinson (HH#1628 - January 2022) - Jan 2
2. A Proposal in Provence - Donna Alward (HR #4792 - Feb 2022) (verdant and blooming - perfume making) - Jan 25
3. A Child's Christmas Wish - Makenna Lee (HSE #2867 - Oct 2021) (child) - Jan 5
4. The Midwife's Miracle Twins - Caroline Anderson (HMED #1227 - Feb 2022) - Jan 9
5. Marriage Miracle in Emergency - Scarlet Wilson (HMED #1221 - Jan 2022) - Jan 4
6. A Bee in Her Bonnet - Sharon Buchbinder (CPC Publishing - Nov 2021) - Jan 18
7. Alaskan Christmas Escape - Juno Rushdan (HI #2041 - Dec 2021) (sky) - Jan 24
8. Code Name: Virgo - Janie Crouch (Calamitte Jane Publishing - Jan 2022) - Jan 18
9. Christmas Bodyguard - Rachel Lee (HI #2038 - Dec 2021) (white church) - Jan 31
10. The Penniless Debutante - Janice Preston (HH #1614 - Nov 2021) - Jan 3



2022 February Monthly Challenge



1. Happy February Birthday!:
💘Read a book published in February, or read a book with purple on the cover in honor of February's birthstone, the Amethyst.
 
2. Baby Names!
💘Read a book that includes a character (doesn't need to be a MC) or is written by an author with one of the following popular baby names, or any variation or nickname of one of them (example using Robert: Robert, Rob, Bob, Roberta, Bobbie, Robertson, etc). Alternately, you may choose a book with a character, plot, scene or cover art that somehow represents the name's meaning (in parentheses). Some of the meanings are pretty obscure, so feel free to be creative!
This month's names: Lily/Lilly (Lily Flower), Nadia (Hope), Nicholas (Victory of the People), Chase (Hunter).
 
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author – Eve Langlais:
💘Read one book written by Eve Langlais or any author with her first or last name. Link to Eve Langlais’ backlist - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
 
Fun Facts about Eve -
* Eve Langlais lives in Canada and is an International Bestselling author
* She writes Hot and Paranormal Romances
* She describes herself as having a twisted imagination and sarcastic sense of humor
* She loves video games, cooking and shopping at Walmart
* Eve writes many of her heroines as ‘curvy’ because curvy girls rock!
 
💘You may also read a book set in Canada, or by an author who is Canadian. You can also read any book shelved as paranormal or hot romance; or where a character plays video games; or with a character who is curvy. You may also read a book with a twist (your interpretation!)
 
4. February is Spunky Old Broads Month/Day February 1st is Spunky Old Broads Day and both the day and month exists to recognize and celebrate the Spunky Old Broads (S.O.B.s) and their accomplishments. When thinking about what an S.O.B should be, one thinks of: successful, independent, self-reliant, intelligent, outgoing and out-spoken, resourceful, bold, brave and anything but shy. S.O.B Day Founder, Dr. Gayle Carson said “I started this day because I found that once a woman hit 50, she was almost invisible and as a woman who keeps reinventing herself and is very active, I wanted to acknowledge that is not the truth!” I’m dedicating this month to the late, great Betty White, who was a spunky old broad if ever there was one! If you have the opportunity, may I recommend you give Betty White’s autobiographies, Here We Go Again: My Life in Television, or If You Ask Me? Try them in audible as Betty narrates them herself!
💘Read a book with a character or author you feel is (or will be someday be) a Spunky Old Broad; with a female on the cover; or is shelved as Chick Lit.
 
5. February 4th: Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony The XXIV Winter Olympics begin on February 4th and end on February 20th in Beijing, China. Every four years, athletes from around the world compete for gold in 15 sports practiced on snow or ice, including skiing/snowboarding, figure skating, bobsledding and curling.
💘Read a book that is shelved as sport or sports romance; is set in winter; with something gold, silver or bronze on the cover; where someone travels or moves to a new place temporarily; or with a character who wins an award (your interpretation).
 
6. February 17th: Random Act of Kindness Day What comes around, goes around and kindness counts! “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone may do the same for you.” ~ Princess Diana. And you know what to do… perform one random act of kindness – or more – today, or any day!
💘Read a book with a cover color you feel is ‘happy’; with a character who performs a RAK for someone else or is considered kind; set in the UK (for Princess Di); or with the number 2 or 17 in the page count, series or publication date.
 
7. February 19th: Chocolate Mint Day Probably created by candy companies or chocolatiers, Chocolate Mint Day celebrates anything and everything that is chocolate mint flavored. Most common of these include ice cream, candies and desserts. There’s also gum and mints and lattes! Not everyone likes chocolate mint, but for Chocolate Mint lovers, this is truly a great day!
💘Read a book with a minty green cover; with the word ‘chocolate’ in the title, series or somewhere in the book; with food on the cover or in the story; or with a sweet character (your interpretation).
 
8. February 20th: Love Your Pet Day This is all about pampering and appreciating your pet. Whether it’s a dog, a cat, a fish, a snake, or your pet rock, give them lots of love and attention today. If you don’t have a pet, give some love to someone else’s pet OR maybe today is the day you stop by your local Humane Society and adopt a pet who needs you!
💘Read a book with an animal on the cover or in the story; with the word ‘love’ in the title, author name or series name; or where a character has an awakening, epiphany or receives a second chance (your interpretation).
 
9. February 26th: Carpe Diem Day Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift… that’s why they call it the present. Carpe Diem comes from the Roman poet Horace. It literally translates to “Pluck the day.” Over the years, this saying has morphed into “seize the day”, making the meaning much clearer. It means that you have today, right now, so make the best of it and enjoy this life you have while you can. Don’t wait and don’t hold back until tomorrow, it’s not a guarantee! Today is!
💘Read a book that has been on your TBR more than a year; with a smile or happy person on the cover; or shelved as mystery or thriller.
 
10. Reader's Choice:
💘Read any book of your choice.



1. The Heiress Gets a Duke - Harper St. George (Penguin - Feb 2021) - Feb 11
2. Her Undercover Refuge - Linda O. Johnston (HRS #2146 - Aug 2021) (Chase - name of town) - Feb 8 
3. Cold Case Witness - Melinda Di Lorenzo (HRS #2154 - Oct 2021) (set in Canada) - Feb 7
4. Their Reunion to Remember - Tina Beckett (HMED #1220 - Jan 2022) (female on cover) - Feb 25
5. K-9 Patrol - Julie Miller (HI #2034 - Nov 2021) (winter) - Feb 4
6. Montana Sanctuary - Josie Jade, Janie Crouch (Calamitte Jane Pub - Jan 2022) (kind) - Feb 2
7. Montana Secret Santa - Debra Salonen (Tule Publishing - Dec 2016) (Love in the Chocolate Shop series) - Feb 28
8. Operation Whistleblower - Justine Davis (HRS #2157 - Nov 2021) (dog on cover) - Feb 1
9. First Comes Baby... - Christine Rimmer (HSE #2894 - Mar 2022) (smiling baby) - Feb 17
10. Conspiracy in the Rockies - Cindi Myers (HI #2050 - Feb 2022) - Feb 18



2022 March Monthly Challenge


 
 
1. Happy March Birthday!
Read a book:
☘️published in March
☘️a light blue cover in honor of the March birthstone, the Aquamarine.
 
2. Baby Names!
Read a book:
☘️featuring a character (doesn't need to be a MC) or is written by an author with one of the following popular baby names, or any variation or nickname of one of them (example using Robert: Robert, Rob, Bob, Roberta, Bobbie, Robertson, etc).
☘️a character, plot, scene or cover art that somehow represents the name's meaning (in parentheses). Some of the meanings are pretty obscure, so feel free to be creative!
This month's names: Amelia/Emilia (Work), Ivy (Climbing Vine Plant), Felix (Happy and Prosperous), Jack (God is Gracious)..
 
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) - Lucy Lennox
Read a book:
☘️written by Lucy Lennox, or any author with her first or last name.
 
Fun Facts about Lucy Lennox:
-- Lucy didn't write her first novel until she was over 40 years old.
-- Her debut book BORROWING BLUE was published in 2016 and won her the A.C. Katt Gay Debut Novel Award
-- Lucy had a degree from Vanderbilt University in English Literature but it was the years and years of romance reading (many all night long) that most influenced her to begin writing.
-- Lucy writes gay romance with heart, humor, and heat!
-- She is married with three children and lives in the US.
 
Read a book:
☘️published in 2016
☘️featuring a character who has changed careers or has some sort of new start in life
☘️that features a character that is LGBTQ+
☘️with a mom character or has children in the story
 
4. Irish American Heritage Month - celebrated by proclamation of the President and Congress in the United States to honor the achievements and contributions of Irish immigrants and their descendants living in the United States. It was first celebrated in 1991. The heritage month is in March to coincide with Saint Patrick's Day, the Irish national holiday on March 17.
Read a book:
☘️with a mostly green cover
☘️featuring characters or author that are Irish or of Irish descent
☘️set in Ireland (any portion)
 
5. National Craft Month - Learning a craft offers many benefits. Expressing one’s creativity provides stress relief and can lower blood pressure much like meditation. There’s natural positive reinforcement from learning a new skill. With each new step learned, the satisfaction from gaining the skill is rewarding. Most crafts require fine motor skills. Crafts teach young children these skills as well keep ours sharp as we age.
Read a book:
☘️featuring a character who does any kind of activity considered a craft (your interpretation)
☘️with a character who meditates or does some other stress-relieving activity
☘️with all the letters of CRAFT in the title, author or series name, may be combined
☘️featuring a character who learns something new
 
6. Celebrate Your Name Week (first week) - established in 1997 by American onomatology hobbyist Jerry Hill. Hill prescribed the first full week in March as a week for everyone worldwide to embrace and celebrate his or her name. It's also a week for appreciating names in general, and to have fun getting to know more about names. This week is set aside to participate in names-related hobbies, activities, and to take part in entertaining and enlightening names-related events.
Read a book:
☘️with a name in the title or where a character's name is somehow important in the story (your interpretation) or is given a name or nickname in the story
☘️featuring a character or author with a version of YOUR name OR a name you like and could see as your own
☘️first published in the 1990s
 
7. March 1: National Peanut Butter Lovers' Day - Today is a sticky day! This day salutes America's favorite sandwich spread. What kid didn't grow up loving a PB&J sandwich? Smooth Peanut Butter is by far the most popular. Crunchy peanut butter is also on the market, and is enjoyed by many. Peanut Butter is popular on crackers, celery and other "peanut butter" holders. It is also used in recipes for cookies and snacks. And, don't forget peanut butter candies, too!
Read a book:
☘️where the title starts with a letter in PEANUT BUTTER
☘️where a characters eats a meal
☘️you consider to be smooth (easy to read) or crunchy (takes extra energy to read)
☘️that is by a favorite author
 
8. March 6: Dentist's Day - Open your mouth and say "Aaaah!" This is a day to display a big, toothy grin. Your Dentist plays a role in that big, bright smile. He's an important person in keeping your smile bright, and your teeth and mouth healthy.
Read a book:
☘️with teeth showing on the cover (human or animal)
☘️with double letters in the title or author's name, as in the Es in TEETH
☘️with the word 'teeth' or 'tooth' in the text
 
9. March 21: World Poetry Day - UNESCO declared World Poetry Day at their 30th meeting in Paris in 1999. Poetry makes the world go round, making it a much better place in which to live. Poetry is an extremely important and powerful art form. When we think about poetry, romance and love is what first comes to mind for most people. But, poetry is so much more. Poetry is a linguistic expression of just about anything: feelings, emotions, values, hopes, dreams, messages, and more. It addresses, war, peace, sickness, health, fear, happiness, anxiety, to name just a few. Yes, poems are written about any subject you can imagine.
Read a book:
☘️featuring poems in some way - could be a poetry book or where a person writes poetry (musical lyrics count)
☘️with all the letters of POEM in the title, author or series name, may be combined
☘️includes a poem or verse in the story - this could include musical lyrics or the use of a verse in the structure of the book (epigraph or beginning of each chapter, etc.)
☘️with an emotional component - any emotion (happy, sad, amused, scared, etc.)
 
10. Reader's Choice -
☘️Read any book of your choice!


7. Silver Creek Bodyguard - Lindsay McKenna (Zebra - Apr 2022) (meals eaten/favorite author)  - Mar 7



 2022 April Monthly Challenge



 
1. Happy April Birthday!:
🐰Read a book published in April, or a book with a white cover in honor of April's birthstone, the Diamond.
 
2. Baby Names
🐰Read a book that includes a character (doesn't need to be a MC) or is written by an author with one of the following popular baby names, or any variation or nickname of one of them (example using Robert: Robert, Rob, Bob, Roberta, Bobbie, Robertson, etc). Alternately, you may choose a book with a character, plot, scene or cover art that somehow represents the name's meaning (in parentheses). Some of the meanings are pretty obscure, so feel free to be creative!
This month's names: Ava (Like a Bird), Benjamin (Son of My Right Hand), Milo (Soldier), Elizabeth (God is My Oath).
 
3. Featured Author Challenge - Avery Flynn:
🐰Read a book by this month's Featured Author, Avery Flynn, or by any author with one of her first or last names.
 
Fun Facts about Avery Flynn:
★ She writes contemporary romance often with humor.
★ She fell in love with romance reading Johanna Lindsey's Mallory series.
★ She has three slightly wild kids and a hockey-addicted husband.
★ She loves to write about smartass alpha heroes and heroines who are feisty, fierce, and fabulous.
 
🐰So you may also read any book by Johanna Lindsey. You can also read any book featuring children or sports or you can read any book shelved as Contemporary Romance or Humor.
 
4. Find a Rainbow Day - April 3: Rainbow flags are a symbol of LGBTQ+ Pride.
🐰Read a book featuring LGBTQ+ characters or romance. Or read a book with a multicolored cover.
 
5. Go for Broke Day - April 5:
🐰Read a book you actually paid for - one that made you part with some cold, hard moolah!
 
6. Zoo Lover's Day - April 8: Zoos are often more than a place just to see animals from around the world. They can be nature conservators and public educators. I have been very fortunate to have access to one of the greatest for most of my life - San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.
🐰Read a book with animals in the story or a shifter romance.
 
7. International Plant Appreciation Day -April 13: The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance also curates a lot of plant species!
🐰Read a book with at least one plant on the cover.
 
8. Bat Appreciation Day -April 17: Personally, I am a big fan of bats and how they help control the insect population! (Living in a rural area, the bugs are more than plentiful!) 
🐰Read a Paranormal Romance or a book with scary or evil characters.
 
9. Lover's Day - April 23: Let's keep this one simple -
🐰read a romance!
 
10. Reader’s Choice:
🐰Read any book of your choosing!

5.



2022 May Monthly Challenge


 
1. Happy May Birthday!
🌺Read a book published in May, or read a book with a Green cover in honor of the May birthstone, the Emerald.
 
2. Baby Names!
🌺Read a book that includes a character (doesn't need to be a MC) or is written by an author with one of the following popular baby names, or any variation or nickname of one of them (example using Robert: Robert, Rob, Bob, Roberta, Bobbie, Robertson, etc). Alternately, you may choose a book with a character, plot, scene or cover art that somehow represents the name's meaning (in parentheses). Some of the meanings are pretty obscure, so feel free to be creative!
This month's names: Natalie (Born on Christmas Day), Rose (Rose), Thomas (A Twin), Xander (Defender of the People).
 
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) - Kerrigan Byrne:
🌺Read one book written by Kerrigan Byrne, or any author with her first or last name.
 
Fun Facts about Kerrigan Byrne:
* Kerrigan lives in a small Victorian coastal town on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.
*Her stories span the spectrum of romantic fiction from historical to paranormal to romantic suspense, but always include memorable and sexy Celtic heroes.
* She decided she wanted to be a romance novelist when she was 13 years old.
* Before transitioning to writing full-time Kerrigan did many things to pay the bills, including law enforcement and belly dance instructor.
*When she’s not writing you can find her sailing, beach combing, kayaking, hiking, or visiting wineries, breweries, and restaurants with friends.
🌺You may also read a book set in a small town or in Washington State, or by an author who is from Washington. Or you may read a book that is tagged as Historical Romance, Paranormal Romance, or Romantic Suspense or that has a character who enjoys outdoor activities or is a "foodie".
 
4. May 4 - Star Wars Day
🌺Read a book tagged as Science Fiction, Fantasy or Paranormal, or with siblings in the storyline, or a night sky on the cover.
 
5. May 6 - Military Spouses Day
🌺Read a book with a character that is current or former military, or with a married couple as main characters.
 
6. May 8 - Mother's Day/Lilac Sunday - Forever tied together in my mind because lilacs were my mother's favorite flower 🥰
🌺Read a book with a mother and/or a child (or a pregnancy) in the storyline, or with flowers on the cover.
 
7. May 25 - Victoria Day (Canada)
🌺Read a book with a Canadian character, author, or setting, or with a primarily red and/or white cover.
 
8. May 26 - Sally Ride Day
🌺Read a book that has a female character in a traditionally male-dominated profession, or any prominent character (male or female) in a STEM profession (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).
 
9. Fourth Week - Emergency Medical Services Week
🌺Read a book with a main character who is in the medical field or is a first responder (police, firefighter, paramedic, etc.)
 
10. Reader's Choice:
🌺Read any book of your choice.

7.


 2022 June Monthly Challenge



1. Happy June Birthday!
Read a book:
🐞published in June
🐞with white or black on the cover in honor of June's birthstone, the Pearl
The Friendship Pact - Jill Shalvis (Avon - June 2022) - June 14
 
2. Baby Names!
Read a book:
🐞that includes a character (doesn't need to be a MC) or is written by an author with one of the following popular baby names, or any variation or nickname of one of them (example using Robert: Robert, Rob, Bob, Roberta, Bobbie, Robertson, etc).
🐞with a character, plot, scene or cover art that somehow represents the name's meaning (in parentheses). Some of the meanings are pretty obscure, so feel free to be creative!
This month's names: William (With Gilded Helmet), Violet (Purple/Blue Flower), Ella (Young Girl), Isaac (He Will Laugh)
Riverbend Reunion - Carolyn Brown (Montlake - June 2022) (Isaac) - June 10 
 
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) - Lily Morton
Read a book:
🐞written by Lily Morton or any author with her first or last name.
 
Fun Facts about Lily Morton:
-- Lily Morton writes gay romance stories and novels
-- She lives in England with her husband and two children
-- She loves chocolate and Baileys and the best of all creations – chocolate Baileys!
-- And her lifetime’s ambition is to have a bath in peace without being shouted at by one of her family.
 
Read a book:
🐞with a character that identifies as LGBTQ+ (or any variation of same)
🐞with a brown cover, food or drink on the cover or with the word CHOCOLATE in the text
🐞set in the UK
🐞where a character takes a bath to relax or does some other activity to relieve stress
When I Found You - Brenda Novak (Mira - July 2021) (bath) - June 2
 
4. Great Outdoors Month - a month-long celebration of the outdoors encouraging everyone to embrace the outdoor spirit and head outside into the natural world.
Read a book:
🐞with an outdoor scene on the cover
My Highland Rogue - Karen Ranney (Avon - Aug 2020) - June 2
🐞featuring characters who like to do outdoor activities
🐞with the word OUTDOOR in the text
 
5. Rose Month - June is the ideal month to celebrate roses as they’re in full bloom during this season. Roses have long held a special place in everyone’s hearts and hold a prominent place in history as well. They have been used to show affection towards another person or as symbols in wars, weddings, etc. In the United States, the rose is a state flower of five states. This beautiful flower has surely earned its place in everyone’s minds and hearts.
Read a book:
🐞with flowers on the cover
🐞where a character works with flowers or receives flowers as a gift
The Debutante's Secret - Sophia James (HH #1659 - July 2022) - June 21
🐞with the word ROSE in the text
 
6. Lightning Safety Week (last week) - All thunderstorms share a dangerous threat: lightning. Lightning is unpredictable, occurring at any time and striking up to 10-15 miles away from the storm. National Lightning Safety Awareness Week was started in 2001 to raise awareness and educate about the dangers of lightning. Since then, U.S. lightning fatalities have dropped from about 55 per year to less than 30.
Read a book:
🐞with lightning or any stormy/weather-related scene on the cover
🐞where a character learns something new (your interpretation)
Sandpiper Island - Donna Kauffman (Kensington - July 2014) (about puffins) - June 6
🐞with the word LIGHTNING in the text
 
7. June 4: Hug Your Cat Day - Cat lovers can really get into this day. If you're a cat lover, you can really appreciate the warm, cozy feeling you get when you curl up on a couch or chair, and hug your cat. The only problem is, your cat will most likely only allow a brief hug before sauntering away. If your cat is a true hugger, count your blessings.
Read a book:
🐞with a feline on the cover or featured in the story (shifters allowed)
🐞with people hugging or embracing on the cover
🐞with the word CAT or FELINE in the text
Heidi - Johanna Spyri (Neeland Media - Dec 2009) - June 8
 
8. June 9: National Strawberry Rhubarb Pie Day - Enjoy a slice of a pie you may never have tried before. While Strawberry Rhubarb Pie has a long history, dating back to the 1800s, not too many people have ever tried it. The rhubarb plant has a long, thick, edible stem with good flavor, but a tart taste. Rhubarb recipes use sugar to sweeten it and mixing with strawberries makes for a delicious sweet and sour pie!
Read a book:
🐞with a sweet or sour character (your interpretation)
🐞with a mostly red cover
🐞with the word STRAWBERRY or RHUBARB in the text
Summer Nights with the Maverick - Christine Rimmer (HSE #2917 - July 2022) (strawberry - loc 1650) - June 16
 
9. June 23: World Rainforest Day - A recently established special holiday created in 2017 to raise awareness of the importance of rainforests around the world for the health of the Earth, and ultimately for your health, too. About 20% of the oxygen we breathe, comes from rainforests. They offer many other benefits, including absorption of harmful carbon dioxide, and stabilizing climates. Most people think of the Amazon or tropical areas for rainforests. But rainforests actually exist all over the world including Alaska, Canada and the Appalachians.
Read a book:
🐞with trees on the cover or a forest (any kind) in the story
Decoy Training - Caridad Pineiro (HI #2062 - Apr 2022) (trees) - June 12
🐞set in Alaska, Canada, the Eastern United States or South America
🐞with the word FOREST in the text
 
10. Reader's Choice -
🐞Read any book of your choice!



July Monthly Challenge





1. Happy July Birthday! 
🎇Read a book published in July, or read a book with red on the cover in honor of July’s birthstone, the Ruby.
Montana Mystery - Josie Jade, Janie Crouch (Calamittie Jane Pub - July 2022) - July 8
 
2. Baby Names! Read a book that includes a character (doesn’t need to be an MC) or is written by an author with one of the following popular baby names, or any variation or nickname of one of them (example using Robert: Robert, Rob, Bob, Roberta, Bobbie, Robertson, etc). Alternately, you may choose a book with a character, plot, scene or cover art that somehow represents the name’s meaning (in parentheses). Some of the meanings are pretty obscure, so feel free to be creative! 
🎇This month’s names: Caleb (Whole Hearted), Isabella (God is My Oath), Kaden (Fighter), Stella (Star).
 
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) - Kylie Scott: 
🎇Read one book written by Kylie Scott, or any author with her first or last name.
 
Fun Facts about Kylie Scott:
🔹 Kylie was born in Australia
🔹 She was twice named Favourite Australian Romance Author
🔹 She is a long time fan of romance, rock music, and B-grade horror films
🔹 Kylie is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today best-selling, Audie Award winning Romance author

🎇You may also read a book set in Australia, or by an author who is from Australia. You can also read any book featuring musicians, is shelved as Contemporary Romance, or a book by any author who has won an Audie award.
In the Ring with the Maverick - Kathy Douglass (HSE #2924 - Aug 2022) (contemporary romance) - July 17
 
4. Family Fun Month: July is Family Fun Month. With the current price of gas, you may choose to stay close to home. But, whether you live in the southern or northern hemisphere, make sure to take some time to relax and have fun. 
🎇Read a book:
🔹 With children
The Princess and the Single Dad - Jessica Gilmore (HR #4816 - Aug 2022) - July 13
🔹 Where some sort of family is included in the storyline
🔹 Where the MC takes a vacation or other trip
 
5. National Blueberry & National Peach Months: It’s time to celebrate fruits! Here in Michigan our orchards and groves produce luscious fruits all summer. And some of my favorite memories are of picking wild blueberries in northern Ontario. 
🎇Read at book:
🔹 With either blue or peach/orange on the cover
🔹 With a character’s name that begins with either B or P
The Viking's Stolen Princess - Sarah Rodi (HH #1622 - Dec 2021) (Brand) - July 5
🔹 With any sort of fruit on the cover
 
6. Culinary Arts Month: It’s Culinary Arts Month - I love books with delicious food descriptions. 
🎇Read a book:
🔹 With a chef, baker, foodie, culinary student, restaurant reviewer, or anyone else in the food industry
🔹 With food on the cover
🔹 With the author’s first or last name that contains the letters F, O, or D
Snowflake Bay - Donna Kauffman (Kensington - Sept 2015) - June 12
 
7. Work-a-holics Day - July 5: While the US and Canada continue to celebrate their countries today, many folks are still working. 
🎇Read a book:
🔹 That includes scenes of one of the MCs at work
The Accidental Newlywed Game - Jaci Burton (Penguin - July 2022) - July 1
🔹 That includes a character who works too much
🔹 With a character who works in a blue-collar job
 
8. International Kissing Day: July 6 is International Kissing Day. “Is this a kissing book?” (The Princess Bride) This seems like the perfect holiday for our group. 
🎇Read a Kissing Book this month! That could include any traditional romance with kissing, but could also include chaste kisses, friendly kisses, or kisses among family.
Last of the Red-Hot Cowboys - Tina Leonard (Random House - June 2014) - July 6
 
9. Moon Day: July 20 is Moon Day. Celebrate the beauty of the nighttime this month. 
🎇Read a book:
🔹 With a moon or night scene on the cover
🔹 That includes scenes that take place at night
One-Night Fling in Positano - Ann McIntosh (HMED #1263 -Aug 2022) - July 14
🔹 With shifters of any sort
 
10. Reader’s Choice: 
🎇Read any book of your choice.


 August Monthly Challenge



10/10

1. Happy August Birthday!
☀️Read a book published in August, or read a book with green on the cover in honor of August's birthstone, the Peridot.
The Scoundrel's Daughter - Anne Gracie (Penguin - Aug 2021) - Aug 9
 
2. Baby Names! Read a book that includes a character (doesn't need to be a MC) or is written by an author with one of the following popular baby names, or any variation or nickname of one of them (example using Robert: Robert, Rob, Bob, Roberta, Bobbie, Robertson, etc). Alternately, you may choose a book with a character, plot, scene or cover art that somehow represents the name's meaning (in parentheses). Some of the meanings are pretty obscure, so feel free to be creative!
☀️This month's names: Audrey (Noble Strength), Iris (Colorful, Rainbow), Leo (Lion), Luke (Person from Lucania).
Stalking Colton's Family - Geri Krotow (HRS #2179 - May 2022) (Iris) - Aug 2
 
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) - Lorraine Heath:
☀️Read one book written by Lorraine Heath, or any author with her first or last name.
 
Fun Facts about Lorraine Heath:
 
* Ms. Heath is the author of more than 60 novels, she writes historical and contemporary romance for adults and historical romance for teen readers. Under the names and Rachel Hawthorne ,Jade Parker, she writes popular contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance for teens readers. She also writes young adult novels with her son under the name J.A. London
* Her novels have been recognized with numerous industry awards and have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA TODAY and the New York Times.
*Lorraine was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, but soon after moved to Texas
* She is the daughter of a British beauty who won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero, (the Joker on the original Batman TV series)
 
☀️You may also read a book set in Texas or by a author from Texas. You may also read a book who has a famous parent, who has an evil character in story (your interpretation), a second book in a series, or a young adult romance.
Anyone but a Fortune - Judy Duarte (HSE #2893 - Mar 2022) (Texas setting) - Aug 3
 
4. August 1, 1779 - Birthday of Francis Scott Key, author of the national anthem-was an American lawyer and author; Died at the age of 63 in Maryland, US
☀️Read a book with a Lawyer or Author in story or 6 or 3 in page count or set in Maryland.
The Rancher's Reckoning - Joanne Rock (HD #2864 - Apr 2022) (writing book) - Aug 5
 
5. August 4, 1900 - Birthday of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother of England:
☀️Read a book set in England, with Royalty in story, or with a mother in the story.
 
6. National Kool-Aid Day: This holiday is observed on the second Friday in August. There were six original flavors: cherry, grape, lemon, orange, root beer and raspberry.
☀️Read a book with 1 of these flavors in story (word hunt). A Flavor in the title. With number 6 in publication date. Read a book with any 2 of the associated colors (red, purple, yellow, orange, brown) on the cover.
Lady Armstrong's Scandalous Awakening - Marguerite Kaye (HH #1642 - Apr 2022) (cherry) - Aug 2
 
7. National Roller Coaster Day: This holiday is always celebrated on August 16. On June 16, 1884, Coney Island, NY opened one of America's first roller coasters.
☀️Read a book with a fair, or a carnival in the story. Set in New York or on an Island.
The Hawaiian Quilt - Wanda E. Brunstetter; Jean Brunstetter (Barbour - Sept 2016) (Kauai, Hawaii) - Aug 27
 
8. National Mountain Climbing Day: This holiday is always observed on August 1. Everyone should climb a mountain at least once in their lives.
☀️Read a book with a mountain on the cover or set in the mountains. Read a book with an athletic character.
Out of the Blue - B.J. Daniels (HQN - Jan 2022) - Aug 3
 
9. National Middle Child's Day: This holiday is always held on the second Saturday in August. The middle child tends to be more introverted, quieter, perhaps a bit of a loner.
☀️Read a book with a character who is the middle child, or a trait of a middle child (your interpretation). Read a book in the middle of a series.
Rivalry at Play - Nadine Gonzalez (HD #2887 - Aug 2022) (Book 4 of 6) - Aug 6
 
10. Reader’s Choice.
☀️Read any book of your Choice.



September Monthly Challenge




1. Happy September Birthday! -
💎Read a book published in September, or read a book with blue on the cover in honor of September's birthstone, the Sapphire.
The Big Island Killer - R. Barri Flowers (HI #2095 - Sept 2022) - Sept 1
 
2. Baby Names!
💎Read a book that includes a character (doesn't need to be a MC) or is written by an author with one of the following popular baby names, or any variation or nickname of one of them (example using Robert: Robert, Rob, Bob, Roberta, Bobbie, Robertson, etc). Alternately, you may choose a book with a character, plot, scene or cover art that somehow represents the name's meaning (in parentheses). Some of the meanings are pretty obscure, so feel free to be creative! 
This month's names: Aiden/Aidan (Little Fire), Owen (The Yew Tree or Youth), Claire (Illustrious, Enlightened), Zoey (Life).
Steeped to Death - Gretchen Rue (Crooked Lane Books - Sept 2022) (Owen) - Sept 9
 
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) - Kim Fielding:
💎Read one book written by Kim Fielding, or any author with her first or last name.
 
Fun Facts about Kim Fielding:
* Kim Fielding is an award-winning author of LGBT fiction in a variety of genres
* She lives in California
* She loves to travel and has visited 24 countries, all in North America or Europe
* She is a university professor and a member of the Nebraska State Bar
 
💎You may also read a book set in North America or Europe, or that includes an LGBT character. Or you may read any book with a character who is a teacher or an attorney, or that has won an award.
The Wishing Quilt - Jodi Thomas, Lori Wilde, Patience Griffin (Kensington - Aug 2022) - When You Wish Upon a Quilt by Patience Griffin (quilting teacher) - Sept 5
 
4. September 1st: In the Harry Potter series, Hogwart’s Express takes first-years to Hogwarts on September 1st.
💎Read a romance involving a wizard, witch, or other paranormal character or featuring a train scene. You can also read a romance set in a school or an academy or with a character who is a student or teacher.
Finding Fortune's Secret - Allison Leigh (HSE #2911 - June 2022) (student) - Sept 6
 
5. September 4th: It’s Beyonce’s birthday! She is a famous American singer best known for her mega-hit “Single Ladies.”
💎Read a romance with a character who is single in the beginning of the story.
A Fortune in the Family - Kathy Douglass (HSE #2906 - May 2022) - Sept 2
 
6. September 6th is National Read a Book Day:
💎Read a romance that features a library or a writer. You may also read a romance with books on the cover, or a romance book you borrowed (from any source).
From Feuding to Falling - Jules Bennett (HD #2852 - Feb 2022) (borrowed/library) - Sept 9
 
7. September 16th is Working Parents Day:
💎Read a romance featuring a parent, or an office-based romance.
Foothills Field Search - Maggie Wells (HI #2074 - June 2022) (parent) - Sept 7
 
8. From September 8-18th the Toronto Film Festival will be celebrating Canadian films in Toronto, Canada.
💎Read a romance that features an actor (or other performing artist), is set in Canada, or is by a Canadian author.
Million-Dollar Consequences - Jessica Lemmon (HD #2879 - June 2022) (actor) - Sept 14
 
9. September 29th is Michaelmas: Michaelmas began as a harvest festival honouring the archangel Michael.
💎Read a romance that is set in Autumn or has an Autumn scene on the cover, or has angels on the cover or in the storyline. You may also read a romance that features an agricultural worker.
Her Hometown Man - Shannon Stacey (HSE #2882 - Jan 2022) (autumn scene on cover) - Sept 11
 
10. Reader's Choice:
💎Read any book of your choice.


October Monthly Challenge

 
1. Happy October Birthday!:
🎃Read a book published in October, or read a book with a multi-colored cover in honor of October's birthstone, the Opal.
The Highlander's Holiday Wife - Vanessa Kelly (Zebra - Oct 2022) - Oct 20
 
2. Baby Names!:
🎃Read a book that includes a character (doesn't need to be a MC) or is written by an author with one of the following popular baby names, or any variation or nickname of one of them (example using Robert: Robert, Rob, Bob, Roberta, Bobbie, Robertson, etc). Alternately, you may choose a book with a character, plot, scene or cover art that somehow represents the name's meaning (in parentheses).
Some of the meanings are pretty obscure, so feel free to be creative!
 
This month's names: Nathan (He Gave), Phoebe (Bright, Shining), Caroline (Free/Beautiful Woman), Edward (Wealthy Guardian).
Montana Storm - Josie Jade, Janie Crouch (Calamitte Jane Pub - Oct 2022) (Nathan) - Oct 16
 
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) - Kristen Painter:
🎃Read one book written by Kristen Painter, or any author with her first or last name.
 
Fun Facts about Kristen Painter:
* Prior to becoming a full-time author Kristen Painter worked as a college English teacher and World Teachers' Day is held annually on October 5th.
* She published her first novel in 2011. Number 11 symbol depicts the equality of men and women.
* She is an award-winning Paranormal Romance writer and one of her series features a town where Halloween is celebrated 365 days a year.
* She is obsessed by cats (and shoes) and it’s National Black Cat Day on October 27th. Black cats need a little positive PR
 
🎃You may also read a book featuring a professor or teacher or first published in 2011 or shelved as MF Romance, or shelved as Paranormal Romance. You may also read a book featuring a cat or kitten or any feline animal. (Bonus for any black cat or Panther or other black feline).
Snowflakes and Secrets in the Scottish Highlands - Donna Ashcroft (Bookouture - Oct 2022) (cat) - Oct 24
 
4. Fall is an old love affair: Fall is the end of many things but it can also represent the beginning.
🎃Read a book about second chances : second chance of love, or another start at some friendship or featuring something learned or a change from some mistakes
The Viking She Would Have Married - Lucy Morris (HH #1657 - June 2022) (second chance romance) - Oct 1
 
5. International Coffee Day on October 1st: Coffee is currently the most popular beverage in America, with 60% of Americans choosing coffee each day as their most necessary drink—even more than tap water. Coffee grown worldwide can trace its heritage back to 800 A.D in Ethiopia. Then spread slower worldwide in the last 5 centuries.
🎃Read a book where someone is addicted to coffee, or with a coffee on the cover or simply with beige, brown and/or black colours, (coffee palette) on the cover.
Wyoming Winter Rescue - Juno Rushdan (HI #2108 - Nov 2022) (coffee colors) - Oct 28
 
6. National Coming Out Day on October 11th: Day of awareness to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
🎃Read a book with a LGBT theme or character (MC or not), or a book where someone overcomes their fears or a life challenge as you may interpret it. Or read a book with a rainbow of colours on the cover.
The Rebel's Return - Nadine Gonzalez (HD #2857 - Mar 2022) (secondary character Dan) - Oct 3
 
7. National New Friends Day on October 19th: While old friends are staples, there’s always room to make new connections. You never know where you’ll find a new best friend. Time for celebrating the potential for friendship everywhere you go.
🎃Read a book where someone finds a new friend, or a friendship is evolving (friends to lovers?), or read a book that features someone with a bright and lively personality. You can also choose to read a book with a yellow cover, known as a synonym of friendship.
The Christmas Cottage - Christine Rimmer (HSE #2941 - Nov 2022) (new friends then lovers) - Oct 25
 
8. National Apple Day is held on October 21st and National Pumpkin Day is held on October 26th: As Fall takes hold, there’s apples and pumpkins everywhere you look. It is time to enjoy fall's bounty with more than a dozen delicious recipes using pumpkin or apples.
🎃Read a book with a fruit on the cover, bonus for an apple or pumpkin. Or read a book with a cover in red, gold, green, and/or orange, also colours of Fall leaves. You may also read a book with a character in the medical field, or with an illness or injury (An apple a day keeps the doctor away!)
Hotshot Hero on the Edge - Lisa Childs (HRS #2197 - Sept 2022) (nurse) - Oct 4
 
9. Halloween Trick or Treat on October 31st: Carved pumpkins, scary costumes, haunted attractions and sweets… Sweet or Scare up the Halloween spirit !
🎃Read a book with sweet moments or with something sweet in or on the cover, or read a book with something scary (it could be about vampires, ghosts, thunderstorms, a serial killer, anything you feel scary)
The Marriage Mandate - Shannon McKenna (HD #2894 - Sept 2022) (sweet moments) - Oct 10
 
10. Reader's Choice:
🎃Read any book of your choice.



November Monthly Challenge



 
1. Happy November Birthday! 
🦃Read a book published in November, or read a book with a Yellow/Gold cover in honor of the November birthstone, the Topaz.
His Christmas Guardian - Cindy Dees (HRS #2205 - Nov 2022) - Nov 8
 
2. Baby Names! Read a book that includes a character (doesn't need to be a MC) or is written by an author with one of the following popular baby names, or any variation or nickname of one of them (example using Robert: Robert, Rob, Bob, Roberta, Bobbie, Robertson, etc). Alternately, you may choose a book with a character, plot, scene or cover art that somehow represents the name's meaning (in parentheses). Some of the meanings are pretty obscure, so feel free to be creative!
🦃This month's names: Maeve (Intoxicating), Esme (Loved), Jonah (A Dove), Zachary (God Has Remembered).
The Wish List - Michelle Major (HQN - Oct 2022) (Zach) - Nov 7
 
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) - Shana Galen:
🦃Read one book written by Shana Galen, or any author with her first or last name.
 
Fun Facts about Shana Galen:
* Shana is a three-time Rita award nominee.
* She is a former middle- and high-school level English teacher in Houston, TX, but now writes full time.
* She writes primarily Regency Romance.
* Shana is married and has a daughter who she says is a romance heroine in the making!
 
🦃You may also read a book that has won or been nominated for an award, or that is tagged as Historical Romance. You may also read a book featuring a teacher or student (or any child), or a book set in Texas.
The Cowboy Cookie Challenge - Lori Wilde (Avon - Nov 2022) (Texas) - Nov 3
 
4. November 5 - Book Lovers Day 
🦃Reread a book that you loved, or read a book by an author you love.
The Outlaw's Claim - Brenda Jackson (HD #2905 - Nov 2022) (author) - Nov 9
 
5. November 6 - Marooned without a Compass Day 
🦃Read a book where a character is lost or stranded somewhere, or feels somehow trapped (open to interpretation...trapped in a dead-end job would work, for example). You may also read a book that is tagged Mystery or Suspense.
Six Days to Live - Lisa Dodson (HRS #2206 - Nov 2022) (suspense) - Nov 4
 
6. November 11 - Veteran's Day/Armistice Day/Remembrance Day
🦃Read a book that includes a character that is current or former military or first responder.
The Captain's Christmas Homecoming - Lauri Robinson (HH #1688 - Nov 2022) (former military) - Nov 10
 
7. November 15 - America Recycles Day 
🦃Read a book that you borrowed or received used in some way - a book that has been recycled (libraries and KU count). Or you may read a book that you plan on passing on in some way (recycling) after you've read it... and since so many of us read digitally now and those books are harder to pass on, this includes passing on a recommendation. 😀
Canyon Kidnapping - Cindi Myers (HI #2110 - Dec 2022) (recommended) - Nov 30
 
8. November 17 - Homemade Bread Day
🦃Read a book with food on the cover or a character connected with the food industry in some way (anywhere from farm to table). Or you may read a book that you consider a comfort read.
The Amish Quiltmaker's Unconventional Niece - Jennifer Beckstrand (Kensington - Nov 2022) (potato farmer) - Nov 5
 
9. November 28 - Red Planet Day 
🦃Read a book tagged Sci-Fi or Fantasy, or a book that has a red cover or something round on the cover.
Dragonflight - Anne McCaffrey (Ballantine - July 1968) - Nov 22
 
10. Reader's Choice:
🦃Read any book of your choice. 

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