It's hard to keep up when you read too much...

 I'm always so gun-ho at the beginning of the year. I make big plans and set lofty goals and inevitably, I miss a day or two and then give up. This time, it was a little different. I've already far exceeded my reading goal (141/100 books read in 2020 as of today); however, writing reviews of them didn't work out like I had planned. I was so focused (and still am in a way) about reading as much as I can as fast as I can that I haven't been leaving time to write (almost none).

I did a 30 day challenge in September do the following four things everyday:

1) Read for 1 hour (uninterrupted, and physical read, no audiobooks for this hour).

2) Write for 30 minutes a day. 

3) Listen to 1 podcast episode each day.

4) Walk for 30 minutes a day.

The walking and the reading were the easiest. I take my dog on 2 walks a day, so all I needed to do there was wake up a little earlier and walk a little longer. Taking an hour a day to read a physical book was so refreshing. I was reading faster than ever too!

The podcasts were great; however, I did notice that I didn't listen well on the weekends. I'm working through How Story Works by Chipperish Media, Revisionist History by Malcolm Gladwell, and David Tennant does a podcast with... because: David Tennant. There are others I want to listen to; however, I need to pace myself.

The writing was both good and bad. I wrote a fantastic poem at the very beginning and then I found myself not being able to live up to those expectations I set for myself. I did begin brain storming an idea for a book that I'm still very excited about. Have I pulled the trigger on that and kept writing past September? No, not really. But I haven't given up and that is something.

My friend Janice has been inspiring me a lot lately. She is writing her own book and just this past week went past the 50,000 word mark. She's working at it all of the time and is making huge progress. I hope to be a little more like her soon. I think part of that is that I need to get out of my head. I find myself giving up before I get started and that is not super helpful. 

Besides the September goals, I'm still working full time leading a team of medical coders. My 6th work anniversary is coming up in less than a month. I work with a great group of people and I'm thankful I have that in my life. 

A little over a week ago, the husband and I started house hunting for our first home and found one! The market is HOT in the middle Tennessee area and we lucked out and was able to go under contract with the house we wanted. We're in the middle of that for the next couple of months and then moving onto actually moving and the holidays and the new year... it's going to be busy. 

I will finally have an office (instead of a corner of the living room). I plan on making the time to write more. 2021 is my year. 2020 was just the preparation. Even if it's just thoughts I hope to write more here. 

I'm currently reading Cursed by Thomas Wheeler (I am NOT impressed) and Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade (I am SO impressed). 

How's life? What are you reading? What is one goal you made this year that you're not going to accomplish but will complete it in 2021?

-KM

Reflection: One of Those Days

Nothing bad happened today. I woke up sore but well rested. My knee hurt with every step I took, but that is a fairly normal experience. Kaylee and I took a walk in the rain a little after five in the morning. Because I'm a Patreon supporter of my favorite media company, Chipperish, I got to listen to an early access/sneak peak at the newest podcast Lani Diane Rich and Dr. Kelly Jones are doing called: "How Story Works: Conversations." I was just talking the other day to you about how I needed to find better guidance on writing and process-- well my friends, this is absolutely it. This dynamic duo are probably my favorite two pod-casters in the world (yes, even above David Tennant... mostly likely. Maybe... yes? We can discuss this later). This podcast not only gives me all of the feels, but it gives me the excitement to read what I love, write what I love, and live what I love. And that is a pretty freeing concept.

The dark and gloomy atmosphere here in Nashville really reflected my work day well. Nothing bad happened. My work was harder than usual which slowed me down which meant that I didn't hit my productivity for the day. Today was a quality day and that should even out in the end. I applied to a new position within my company that has left me anxious and excited. I don't know when the interviewing will begin, but I'm hoping in a few weeks. Who knows what life will be bringing my way in the coming months. I know that I am working hard toward a goal and I'm going to keep after it no matter what failure's come my way. I worked ten hours today which means another ten tomorrow and two fives on Thursday and Friday. It's only Tuesday and I'm halfway there.

In my down times I was able to get a good solid chunk of reading into "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas, my daily 10 pages in "The Art of War for Writers" by James Scott Bell, and a large head start (about 150 pages) into "The Case for Jamie" by Brittany Cavallaro. After this blog post, I'm going to settle in for the night with my short stories collection in the Black Jewels world by Anne Bishop.

Today is Tennant Tuesday so I also listened to "David Tennant Does a Podcast with... Jon Hamm." I know almost nothing about most celebrities, so it is nice just hearing people's stories. Yes, I also enjoy the Scottish accent, but that's really besides the point. Or is it? :)

Evening walks with Kaylee were even wetter than this morning, but it was nice getting outside in the evening. We even started before night fell which is always a treat.

And now, I'm settled in for the night and relaxing before bed. I've been extra tired recently and was asleep last night before 9pm. I have a feeling tonight will be similar. I used to stay up until all hours of the night and sleep four hours. I can't do that any more. I love sleep too much. Wishing you all a pleasant night's sleep and a happy and productive tomorrow.

February 2020 TBR

Hello, February. It tends to be the coldest month of the year here in Tennessee. It is the month of love and self-love and lust and romance and happily ever afters and new beginnings whether with someone or on  your own. It is the month of candy and cards and flowers. It is the month of red and pink and white. It is a month of friendships and most importantly, it's a month for reading books. It is also leap year this year so we are graced with an extra day to read. Yay us!

Let's talk about goals for the month:

Planting Flowers: Positive self-talk will continue not only with myself, but about others with a special focus in building positive relationships at work. At least once a week I will take time just for myself and not feel guilty over it whether it be a walk without the dog or a bubble bath. 

Health and Wellness: This month is mostly a continuation of last. I want to eat as clean as possible and drink a ton of water. I will continue my Barre Blend (ballet meets yoga meets cardio meets pilates meets strength training) and my outdoor adventures with my pup, Kaylee. I'm looking forward to the days getting longer as I don't like walking in the dark  in the area where I live. If my knee starts feeling better, I might incorporate a little running with my daily dog walks. Kaylee loves to run.

Writing: I've been so inspired by this "Art of War for Writers" by James Scott Bell these past few weeks that I am going to cut my brainstorming phase down a little and start getting into writing scenes and really diving deep into who my Lead character is, her motivation, and where I want to take her. I normally would create biographies and do lots of planning, but I'm going to allow her to find herself in the dialogue and see where she takes me. This is all about her after all. 

Reading: Reading seems to be my biggest category and so far, its the category that I have achieved the most with. Last month I kicked my goals in the teeth. This month is a little different. The main reason is because I have a MASSIVE classic to cover for BBC and we're extending the read over at least two months. This book is of course The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas. This will be my first attempt at this monster and I am really enjoying it so far. It's very good, but I read classics at a much slower pace.

Minus when Count will be finished, there are 14 other books I would like to read this month. I have a small handful that I would like to get to but am not sure I will, and I have a bunch of lighter romance/comedy books to fill in any slums in my reading. As with last month, my first few days will be slower. I want to read these books for enjoyment, so if they're not bringing me joy, they will probably get DNF'd. Only time will tell there.

Currently Reading (as of Feb 01, 2020):

1) The Art of War for Writers by James Scott Bell
2) The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
3) Dreams Made Flesh (The Black Jewels, #5) by Anne Bishop
4) The Last of August (Charlotte Holmes, #2) by Brittany Cavallaro

Must reads for this month:

5) The Invisible Ring (The Black Jewels, #4) by Anne Bishop
6) A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
7) The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin
8) A Fatal Grace (Armand Gamache, #2) by Louise Penny
9) The Guinevere Deception by Kiersten White
10) Heartless by Marissa Meyer
11) Tangled Webs (The Black Jewels, #6) by Anne Bishop
12) The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli
13) The Case for Jamie (Charlotte Holmes, #3) by Brittany Cavallaro
14) A Question of Holmes (Charlotte Holmes, #4) by Brittany Cavallaro
15) The Beautiful by Renee Ahdieh

Books I'd really like to get to this month:

16) A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J Maas
17) The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith
18) To All The Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han

Bonus books if I get really ambitious this month and need more to read:

19) Something Borrowed by Emily Griffin
20) The Bride Test by Helen Hoang
21) Twisted Sisters by Jen Lancaster
22) Demon Glass by Rachel Hawkins
23) Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella
24) My (not so) Perfect Life by Sophie Kinsella
25) Life and Other Inconveniences by Kristan Higgins

Audio books expected in through my Libby app:

26) White Night (The Dresden Files, #9) by Jim Butcher

---




Of all of the books this month, as I have mentioned before, "The Count of Monte Cristo" is my biggest challenge and will likely hold the most feelings of accomplishment. I don't know how I have spent the majority of my adult life not getting spoiled of the plot of this book, but I am going in blind. So far, it's been the best way to go. No spoilers please!

Have you ever had a book that was extremely hyped and it leaves you anxious and itching to read it in one sitting? The following four books are the ones I am most excited to read this month:

A Beauty and the Beast retelling, because who wouldn't be down for that?

Book two in the Armand Gamache series. Possibly the BEST crime book series I have ever read. 

A King Arthur retelling from Guinevere's perspective. Badass.

Is this cover not gorgeous? New Orleans in 1872. City is ruled by the dead. Everything about this book feels dark and haunting. If I wasn't so excited to read it, I would probably wait until closer to Halloween! But alas, I will not be waiting.

The January Wrap Party

As in every year, January seems to last about four months. I put a lot on my plate as far as goals, and overall am very pleased with how the month has turned out. Because there is more positive than negative, I'm going to talk about my failures before my successes.

The only aspect of my monthly goals that I failed was my journey with 75 hard. The rules were simple: 2 45 minute workouts a day (one being outside), 1 gallon of water, 10 pages of self development book, stick to a pre-determined meal plan, and a daily progress selfie. A couple weeks ago, my husband and I had an unplanned cheat meal and I didn't finish my water for the day.

Whoops. Life happens. Mistakes happen. When you fail at this program you're supposed to start over again; however, I have decided not to. I'm still doing most of the requirements; however, I am just making them a part of my life instead of creating a finish line. My life has been happier since. The best thing I got out of this experiment was daily reading of self development books. I read Gretchen Rubin's "Better than Before" and have recently started reading through "The Art of War for Writers" by James Scott Bell. I am so excited to finally be reading writing books as it is absolutely expanding my mind and desire to continue to write.

Now, for the successes, and there are a few. At the beginning of the month I talked a bit about planting flowers, the concept of practicing positive self-talk/love. It wasn't a perfect month especially where my day job is concerned; however, the rest of my life has been on the up. I am learning to appreciate the small things that I do that are not only a positive in my own life, but in those around me. I have given myself the space and grace to pursue writing as an imperfect experience in order to fulfill lifelong dreams. But allowing myself the grace to make mistakes, I find myself more active in my writing environment and I look forward to continuing to water those flowers into bloom.

Writing is present in multiple ways. For starters, I've blogged everyday this month and in a lot of ways it has been easy. I find myself planning ahead and scheduling posts which allows me more freedom in my days. I have my Lead for my novel and will beginning free writing scenes to learn more about her personality and the journey she will be embarking on this year. Reading has also greatly enhanced both my ability and desire to write. I read and see examples of what I want to do (and what I don't want to do). I am looking forward to doing more writing exercises to develop myself and by practicing daily, I feel my growth as both a person and as a writer. This delights me. Heck, I've even got my short fan fiction planned for Alice's birthday in May. I am well on my way to achieving my goals for this year.

The biggest surprise for me in the month of January is how much I read. If you have been following along, or if we're friends on Good Reads (find me @ Shethinks23), then you know that in the month of January, I read 27 books. No, there is no typo there. I cannot even tell you how I managed this (well okay, audio books during my workouts/puppy walks), reading before work, after work, and before bed, but I also managed to work a full time job and live my life well.

This year, it is my desire to not only tackle my TBR (to be read) list from my home library, but to continue/get current or finish series' that I've started either this year or prior years. Below you will see the books that I've read this month, and tomorrow you will be my February 2020 TBR list, which is going to be slightly different due to a MASSIVE classic I plan on reading. Because when I read classics, I read so slowly. I know it's hard to believe after the month I've had, but trust me... it's true! If you look back at my January 2020 TBR list, it will show that I read every single book on that list. YAY ME! :)

Favorite book of January 2020: Becoming by Michelle Obama
Favorite series of January 2020: The Black Jewels Trilogy by Anne Bishop
Least favorite book of January 2020: Based on ratings, probably both novella's by Victoria Aveyard; however, probably The Path Made Clear by Oprah Winfrey mostly because it just wasn't what I was hoping it to be.

Books read (in order) for January 2020

1. Becoming by Michelle Obama
2. Daughter of the Blood (The Black Jewels, #1) by Anne Bishop
3. Wildflower by Drew Barrymore
4. The Path Made Clear: Discovering Your Life's Direction and Purpose by Oprah Winfrey
5. Wishful Drinking by Carrie Fisher
6. Shockaholic by Carrie Fisher
7. Postcards from the Edge by Carrie Fisher
8. The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher
9. Heir to the Shadows (The Black Jewels, #2) by Anne Bishop
10. Queen of the Darkness (The Black Jewels, #3) by Anne Bishop
11. The Elite (The Selection, #2) by Kiera Cass
12. Queen Song (Red Queen, #0.1) by Victoria Aveyard
13. Steel Scars (Red Queen, #0.2) by Victoria Aveyard
14. The One (The Selection, #3) by Kiera Cass
15. Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
16. The Heir (The Selection, #4) by Kiera Cass
17. The Crown (The Selection, #5) by Kiera Cass
18. The Prince (The Selection, #0.5) by Kiera Cass
19. The Guard (The Selection, #2.5) by Kiera Cass
20. Better than Before: Mastering the Habits of Our Everyday Lives by Gretchen Rubin
21. The Favorite (The Selection, #3.5) by Kiera Cass
22. The Dream Theives (The Raven Cycle, #2) by Maggie Stiefvater
23. The Hazel Wood (The Hazel Wood, #1) by Melissa Albert
24. The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton
25. Blue Lily, Lily Blue (The Raven Cycle, #3) by Maggie Stiefvater
26. Twisted Twenty-Six (Stephanie Plum, #26) by Janet Evanovich
27. The Raven King (The Raven Cycle, #4) by Maggie Stiefvater

If you've made it this far in my blog, hi! I hope you're doing well. How are your goals going? Are you making progress? What has been the biggest challenge? Your biggest success? Please remember that goals are not set in stone. You can adjust them at any time. Your desires change. The amount of free time you have in a day can change. Your dreams can change. Goal setting is ultimately about making a plan and achieving your dreams. If things are not jiving right, redo the goals, but never give up on the desires of your heart.  You are worth it.

The Crown by Kiera Cass

"The Crown" by Kiera Cass is the book end of The Selection series (Although there is a full length companion book called "Happily Ever After" and two novella #0.5 and #2.5 are also available). I rated this book four out of five stars. I will talk about the series as a whole after I have finished Happily.

In the wake of Eadlyn's mother's heart attack, and her father (the king) decides to say by her side, Eadlyn, even with all of her other duties, becomes reagent queen while her mother's life is in balance. If being interim queen wasn't enough, Eadlyn still needed to settle on a husband and winner of the selection.

I think the tension from outside forces was pretty non-existent, and that was something that had previously interested me. I wanted to know the people of the former castes not just the royals. Those outside stories mattered and they only touched on them briefly.

What I liked the most is that I wasn't 100% sure who Eadlyn was going to pick for at least the first half of the book. At the beginning of "The Heir" I instantly rolled my eyes and wondered if this was going to be enemies to lovers story between her and Kyle, where the love of her life is right under her nose; however, how focused they became on Kyle's desire to get out of the palace and implementing his talents with architecture.

Cookie cutter isn't the word I am looking for; however, by the end of the novel, it seems that Eadlyn gets all sorts of happily ever afters, and although this is a novel and fantasy... it still feels super unrealistic. Bad guy out witted. She gets to be queen and marry the one she loves. All is right with the world. Happy. Happy. Happy.

Don't get me wrong, I still loved it. I think the later half of the series really hones in on true emotions and there were lots of times where my heart strings were pulled tight that a tear or two slipped from my eyes. Another quick read, but quite enjoyable overall.

January Progress Report

We are nearly three weeks into the new year, and I am still going strong. Writing my goals down and how I am going to accomplish them has been a game changer for me this year. I know exactly what I want and I know what I need to do to accomplish them.

Let's consider this an update of sorts, a mid-month progress report.

Writing: I've maintained my blog posting to every day, even on days I absolutely did not want to write or look at a computer screen. A great example was last night. Let me tell you, even the idea of opening my computer was off putting to me. But I had made myself a promise, and I deserved to hold myself to the promise of writing. I'd only be disappointing myself otherwise, and I'm worth more than that.

Novel brain storming has been a little slower than I would like; however, I did give myself 75 days of planning so official novel writing won't begin until the middle of March. My plan; however, is to have a full outline before the focused writing starts.

I also have a drabble about Bucky Barnes to complete before my friend's birthday in May. That one should be interesting. She'll appreciate seeing it in writing that after two years I'm finally committing to writing it AND I've given myself a deadline. What have I gotten myself into...

Reading: I've been kicking ass at reading. As of today, I've read 17 books in 19 days. I have one that only has about 50 pages left too. I've added a few unplanned reads along the way, but I'm still pushing to get to the rest of the to be read list I created for January.

What do I have left? I have the three remaining books from The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater and The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton. Four books is totally doable. I think I will also throw in the three novellas that are attached to The Selection series if I can manage it. I know this is a lot, but "The Hazel Wood" by Melissa Albert is also looming in my mind. I've heard mixed reviews about it, but I am still interested.

I haven't even begun to think about what will be on my February TBR list aside from the BBC (Badassery Book Club) read of The Count of Monte Cristo. We have a three month time limit read on it since it's massive... but part of me wants to do it all in one month. If I do that though, I might not read anything else.

Health/Wellness: I've changed my eating habits yet again. Well, not changed... just refined. I'm getting better with my portion sizes and I'm very pleased to be eating very clean. My body seems to like it for the most part. I've also got a daily vegan chocolate and banana smoothie with unsweetened vanilla almond milk that I adore! Eating can still be fun even when you eat healthy.

Fitness: I am still going strong on my 75 hard journey. It's mentally gotten tougher as I feel exhausted all of the time. Two work outs a day is a lot when you don't have a ton of spare time. My pup; however, is enjoying her longer walk in the evening. I'm also doing a Barre Blend workout everyday as well. What I'm loving about this is that it's reintroducing me to ballet. I haven't danced in about 25 years, and I didn't realize how much I miss it. It kicks my butt each and everyday, but I love how quickly my balance and strength is improving (I have a LONG way to go). I'm in the middle of my second week of that.

Planting Flowers: Positive self-talk hasn't been 100% over the past three weeks, but I didn't expect it to. I am; however, greatly improving in that department. I am an intelligent and capable woman and can do anything I put my mind to. See y'all, I did that with a straight face! Progress.

Ultimately, this year is starting out so incredibly strong. I have had some really good boundary work with some of my closer relationships and I'm learning to open up more and allow vulnerability into my life. I'm excited to finish this month off strong and head into our leap year month.

I'm not really a sports fan... but... TITAN UP!

The Heir by Kiera Cass

*NOTE* This review contains spoilers from previous books... and this one.

"The Heir" by Kiera Cass is the fourth installment of The Selection series. This book takes place 18 plus years after America and Maxon get married and become the king and queen and is centered around their daughter Eadlyn. Even though America and Maxon got rid of the caste system soon after their reign began, an uprising has started and they are looking for ways to rally the country together again.

Princess Eadlyn has no need for a husband and fully intends to reign alone when it is her time. In order to bring joy and unity back into the country, she has agreed to a selection of her own. Thirty five young men from across the country (and beyond) are selected and Eadlyn is full of ideas about how to make them run.

In the midst of dating and keeping up with her duties, Eadlyn has to face adversity and very real fear. Her twin brother (born seven minutes after her), Ahren elopes with his French princess, and her mother, America suffers a life threatening heart attack.

I rated this book four out of five stars. The time jump confused me going into this book as I was fully expecting more America and Maxon. I didn't mind Eadlyn's attitude and behavior because it allowed for a decent progression throughout the novel. It's clear that there is more to this story and look forward to reading the next in the series, "The Crown." (16/100)

The Elite by Kiera Cass

It's been months since I read the first book in The Selection series and I am so glad I am back. "The Elite" is book two in the series and is focused on the remaining six young women from the original cast of 36. Readers have called this a cross between "The Hunger Games" series and the television show "The Bachelor." I've never watched "The Bachelor"; however, I understand the premise, and I think that is an accurate description.

We have the dystopian world that is what remains of the United States after World War IV with a numbered caste system and a king and queen for rulers instead of a presidency. There are Northern and Southern rebels that have an unknown agenda but continue to attack the palace. That is the Hunger Games portion. The Bachelor aspect has to do with the girls that apply to be a part of what is called "the selection" in order to be in the running to be princess, and to marry the handsome Prince Maxon.




The stakes have been raised in this second novel as the threat of rebel attack is ever present as well as the elimination of girl after girl. I both appreciate and am annoyed by our protagonist, America. She is fiery, fiercely loyal; however, gets caught up in just a little too much pettiness for my tastes.


Ultimately, this is an easy read and for me is considered the purest definition of a guilty pleasure. There is a love triangle, and in pretty much every aspect, it's pretty annoying; however, it does not deter from my enjoyment of this book. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars.

I'm thankful I own the final three books in this series, because I will be starting "The One" tonight.

In The Books: Week One Done

Well friend, we are officially in our second week of the year. How have your resolutions been going? Have you made any yet? If not, it's not too late! It doesn't need to be the start of a new year to set some goals and create good habits. Here's a brief recap on mine:

Reading: I'll be the first to admit that I've surprised myself. It is January 9th and I have completed 9 books. Of the nine, four of them were on my January TBR list. This means I still have nine or ten on that list, but I am working toward my goals. It won't stay this productive as my writing schedule increases; however, I love getting a good jump start to reaching my goals.

Writing: Obviously I've been blogging regularly (yay). Over this next week I will be delving into brainstorming and outlining for my novel. I've been on the edge of procrastination here (focusing on the blog), but I am well withing my time-frame to begin the project.

Self-love/planting flowers: This one has been particularly good for me. I have a great small group of people that are encouraging me on a daily basis and at the bottom of my planner each day, I will plant little flowers for myself. They are reminders of different aspects of me that are good (physically, mentally, etc). I find that starting my day off in this positive manner tends to lead myself into a more positive day. It's not a perfect system, but I am getting a lot out of it.

75 Hard: This has been fun. The hardest thing has been drinking a gallon of water a day. Last night I was grumbling in bed because I wanted to sleep but I hadn't finished my water yet. I am proud of myself for never missing a day. Reading "Better than Before" by Gretchen Rubin has been good. Ten minutes of self development reading a day is barely a few pages. Even if it takes longer than ten minutes, I try to read at least 10-15 pages a day. I'd like to read two self development books over the course of this program. Yoga has been great for my first workout and I've taken my dog on 45 minute walks in the evening every day. She enjoys it too. I have a new set of work outs that I will be trying in replacement of yoga starting tomorrow (don't tell Gretchen Rubin about my tomorrow comment... she'd have something to say about that).

Weekly goal: Get better about writing my to do lists the night before. I really like the concept of just getting up and going. When I have to start first by making a list, everything takes a little longer and I lose some of that initial excitement to get things going.

What is something that you would like to improve upon this week? What can you do to actually achieve that goal?

Look out tomorrow for my review on "Heir to the Shadows" by Anne Bishop tomorrow morning.

January 2020 TBR

Good Evening, lovelies! I hope everyone is holding strong on their new years resolutions/goals. Day two is nearly in the books and I am happy to report despite my everlasting cold and my ten hour work day that I've read some in all three of my first books of the year (because I can't be normal and just read one at a time).

"Better than Before" by Gretchen Rubin is my least captivating book so far; however, that is mainly due to the fact that I am only reading for ten minutes a day. Which means, I am on page 15. Yup, I'm really rocking my 2020 reading schedule. Of the four tendencies theory Rubin proposes, I am most certainly an obliger. I focus on making others happy before myself. I will help the outside before I help myself. This is something that I need to work to balance better, and I am hoping that as I progress through this book, it will open my eyes to opportunities.

Y'all, "Becoming" by Michelle Obama is incredible. I'm borrowing this audio book through the Nashville Public Library's app, "Libby." Becoming is read by the author, and let me tell you... it is something very special. Michelle Obama is an amazing story teller, and the story she has to tell is important. I am excited to learn from and be inspired by one of the strongest and most intelligent women on the planet. As of this post, I'm nearly a third of the way into the book.

The slow burn of these three books has been "Daughter of the Blood" by Anne Bishop. It's a dark fantasy set across many realms of light and darkness. The blood magic is nothing like I have ever read before. It is dark and mysterious and intriguing. This is not for the feint of heart. I came across a passage this evening that really took me from serious interest to "I don't want to put this down" kind of reading. Here is the passage that was a game changer for me:

"You cannot prevent the ssmall sspiralss, the flashess of anger. You cannot prevent her from sspiraling down to her core. All the Blood needs to desscend from time to time. But the maelsstrom..." Draca slipped her hands into the sleeves of her robe. "Sshield her, Ssaetan. Sshield her with your sstrength and your love and perhapss it will never happen." "And if it does?" Saetan asked hoarsely.
"It will be the end of the Blood."

I absolutely know that this won't be as impactful to those who haven't read this book before. But let me tell you. Shit is getting real and I cannot wait to find out what happens next.

Well, now that my current reads update is out of the way, let's talk about why we are really here: My January 2020 TBR list. If you don't know, TBR means "To Be Read". This list is mostly my wish list of novels that I would like to read. The list may change depending on my mood, and sometimes life happens and the ten books you wanted to read turns into two.

You obviously know my first three; however, for completion's sake, I will include them all (in no particular order):

1) Becoming by Michelle Obama (audio book borrowed from the Libby app)

2) Better than Before by Gretchen Rubin (husband picked this one up when we were in Bath, England last month).

3) Daughter of the Blood (Book one of the Black Jewels trilogy) by Anne Bishop (birthday gift from Alice)

4) The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater (Christmas 2019 gift from Steve)

5) Blue Lily, Lily Blue by Maggie Stiefvater (Christmas 2019 gift from Steve)

6) The Raven King by Maggie Stiefvater (Christmas 2019 gift from Steve)

7) The Elite by Kiera Cass (Amazon)

8) The One by Kiera Cass (Amazon)

9) The Heir by Kiera Cass (Amazon)

10) The Crown by Kiera Cass (Amazon

11) Wildflower by Drew Barrymore (audio book borrowed from the Libby app)

12) The Strange and Beautiful Sorrow of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton (Birthday 2019 gift from Steve)

13) Heir to the Shadows (Book two of the Black Jewels trilogy) by Anne Bishop (Birthday 2019 gift from Alice)

14) Queen of the Darkness (Book three of the Black Jewels trilogy) by Anne Bishop (Birthday 2019 gift from Alice)

That's all I have planned for now. Its day two and I already feel a little behind. I'm looking forward to creating a reading schedule this weekend. Structure and I work really well together. When I set these micro-goals, it motivates me to not only achieve them, but find ways to blow the goals out of the water.




What is on your January TBR list? What is one book you read last year that you think everyone should read? Looking forward to your lists and your recommendations!