Home Feed
Home
Search
Search
Add Review, Blurb, Quote
Add
Activity
Activity
Profile
Profile
CogsOfEncouragement

CogsOfEncouragement

Joined June 2016

Stay up late reading. Regret it in the morning. Repeat.
review
CogsOfEncouragement
post image
Pickpick

I read this as a team book for a readathon this month. I had never heard of it, and learned some things about the Philippines I wouldn‘t have otherwise.

18 likes1 stack add
review
CogsOfEncouragement
post image
Pickpick

I began with St. Clair‘s Graham Brothers series, set in Sheet Cake, TX which is a spin off of this series. So now I‘m seeing how it all started. This is the second of the series and I plan to dive right into book three.

Read4life It‘s on my TBR. I really liked book 1. 7h
CogsOfEncouragement @Read4life I like the Sheet Cake series even better. 6h
29 likes2 comments
review
CogsOfEncouragement
post image
Panpan

This original 1931 version was a bit boring. Lots of the girls getting lost on the trails near the ranch, or getting caught in a storm. This felt more like a story with wild coincidences at the end rather than a mystery. Discussing it with the #NancyDrewBR is fun though and I certainly don‘t 👎🏻 that!

Librarybelle I‘m so curious about the 1931 version after reading the comments about it, just for a good comparison to the 1965! 2d
bookandbedandtea @Librarybelle I'm still planning to read the 60s version, since they were so different, but I'm not sure I'll manage. I feel really behind on a few group reads this month. 😵‍💫 I think the next one is the last that I have both versions of, so I want to try to experience both while I can. 🤞🏻 2d
30 likes3 comments
blurb
CogsOfEncouragement
post image

#NancyDrewBR Happy to finally have George and Bess in the mix!

1 out of every 671 baby boys and 1 out of every 254,212 baby girls born in 2021 are named George.
- baby name uniqueness analyzer, datayze.com

Librarybelle Yes! Good to see George and Bess! 6d
24 likes1 comment
review
CogsOfEncouragement
post image
Pickpick

Super fun banter and sweet friendships in this cliché rom-com. I look forward to the rest in the series for each friend to find her perfect match and HEA.

34 likes1 stack add
blurb
CogsOfEncouragement
Untitled | Unknown
post image

I love this question.
Have you read any of these? Sometimes we forget just how old these popular books are.

The Divine Comedy, Dante 1314
The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare 1600
Don Quixote, Cervantes 1605
The Sorrows of Young Werther, Wolfgang von Goethe, 1774
Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, 1791
Grimms Fairy Tales, 1812
Pride and Prejudice, Austen 1813
Frankenstein, Shelley 1818
#SundayFunday

CogsOfEncouragement The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Irving 1820
Oliver Twist, Dickens 1838
A Christmas Carol, Dickens 1843
The Three Musketeers, Dumas 1844
The Count of Monte Cristo, Dimas 1846
Vanity Fair, Thackeray 1847
Wuthering Heights, Brontë 1847
The Scarlet Letter, Hawthorne, 1850
Uncle Tom‘s Cabin, Stowe 1852
1w
CogsOfEncouragement Crime and Punishment, Dostoyevsky 1866
Little Women, Alcott 1868
Middlemarch, Eliot 1871
Around the World in Eighty Days, 1872
The Adventures of Huck Finn, Twain 1884
A Study in Scarlet, Doyle 1887
The Picture of Dorian Gray, Wilde 1890
1w
BookmarkTavern Very nice list! Thanks for sharing! 1w
23 likes3 comments
review
CogsOfEncouragement
post image
Pickpick

This sounded kinda interesting, found an audiobook for free so gave it a try. I enjoyed it way more than I anticipated. Low expectations win the day again.

review
CogsOfEncouragement
Untitled | Unknown
post image
Mehso-so

I started a holiday cozy series that begins with St Paddy‘s Day but bailed after two typo riddled chapters. This Farmers Market Sisters series about seven sisters begins at Valentine‘s Day, so I read that first. These are short, so I got through them quickly. They are a bit bland though. No fun banter - all the characters kinda take themselves a bit too seriously. Not sure I‘ll continue with the series.

blurb
CogsOfEncouragement
Untitled | Unknown
post image

#libraryhaul In prep for #NancyDrewBR and #TropeIcalReadathon on X(twitter)

review
CogsOfEncouragement
post image
Pickpick

Really enjoyed this as a BR with @StayCurious hosting for #Pemberlittens #JaneAdjacent
It was fun, with lots of Austen references.

review
CogsOfEncouragement
Royal Valentine | Sariah Wilson
post image
Pickpick

Finished listening to The Improbable Meet-Cute Valentine‘s series. With Any Luck was fine, not my favorite trope. Royal Valentine was cute, but a bit predictable.

review
CogsOfEncouragement
The Sign of the Four | Sir Arthur Doyle
post image
Pickpick

Enjoyed this for the #NoPlaceLikeHolmes BR. I read it years ago and chose to do the reread with an audiobook. I give it 4⭐️. Again.
Still time to join us for The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, which is a short story collection. We discuss the first one Saturday 2/24.

dabbe 🤩🤩🤩 1mo
23 likes1 comment
review
CogsOfEncouragement
post image
Pickpick

I read this with the #RandomClassic group. It was my first time reading it. I really enjoyed it, and was surprised by the Christian themes. I had of course heard the title many times but had been unaware the author was an abolitionist. I‘ve read civil rights/social justice fiction and non-fiction books through the years that prepared me and I still learned a lot.

review
CogsOfEncouragement
The Mystery at Lilac Inn | Carolyn Keene
post image
Pickpick

Very enjoyable to read and then discuss with #NancyDrewBR

Librarybelle Yay!! 1mo
26 likes1 comment
blurb
CogsOfEncouragement
Untitled | Unknown
post image

1. Yes, with my husband.
2. see tagged books in comments
#Two4Tuesday

25 likes10 comments
review
CogsOfEncouragement
Apples Never Fall | Liane Moriarty
post image
Pickpick

Amazing. My fifth Moriarty, and I adore them all. High hopes for the upcoming series. #ReadBeforeWatching

Arvena Couldn't agree more :) 1mo
28 likes1 comment
blurb
CogsOfEncouragement
Untitled | Unknown
post image
blurb
CogsOfEncouragement
The Mystery at Lilac Inn | Carolyn Keene
post image

#FirstLineFridays Started this yesterday for #NancyDrewBR - Discussion 2/15 if you‘d like to join us.

BarkingMadRead I think my version is different, I could swear it started with Nancy in a canoe 1mo
CogsOfEncouragement @BarkingMadRead I have the 1930s version. 1mo
BarkingMadRead Ahhhhh mine is definitely the updated version, it has that obnoxious shiny cover 🤣 1mo
CogsOfEncouragement @BarkingMadRead The 1930s version of The Bungalow Mystery begins with Nancy and her friend who cannot swim in a canoe, a storm comes in… 1mo
26 likes1 stack add4 comments
blurb
CogsOfEncouragement
Untitled | Unknown
post image

In order to pick just three, I‘m picking three I don‘t see a ton of people talking about. I‘d love to see each of these adapted to a tv series.

Jaine Austen series by Laura Levine

Annabelle Archer, Wedding Planner Mysteries by Laura Durham

Cricket Crosby series by Liz Talley

dabbe Y'know, I did read one of the JANE AUSTEN ones and loved it. I'm putting her on the TBR. I've never heard of Annabelle Archer or Cricket Crosby, so I'm checking those out, too. Thanks for playing! ❤️💜🩷 1mo
CogsOfEncouragement @dabbe I hope you enjoy them. Annabelle Archer has a cast of likable characters and entertaining situations. Cricket is middle aged, sharp, and endearing. 1mo
dabbe @CogsOfEncouragement I think I'll love them! 🤩 1mo
18 likes3 comments
review
CogsOfEncouragement
post image
Pickpick

3rd in this Valentine series. Another super short, sweet romance.

30 likes1 stack add
review
CogsOfEncouragement
Worst Wingman Ever | Abby Jimenez
post image
Pickpick

Second of the six in the Improbable Meet-Cute Collection. Just 1h 20m. Available on kindle unlimited with the audio included. I liked this Valentine story too. Definitely continuing with the series.

blurb
CogsOfEncouragement
Miss Benson's Beetle | Rachel Joyce
post image

I love jewelry.
Miss Benson‘s Beetle.
My cousin works in a bookstore and recommended it to me because she thought I would enjoy it. She was right. #Two4Tuesday

review
CogsOfEncouragement
The Exception to the Rule | Christina Lauren
post image
Pickpick

First of six in The Improbable Meet-Cute Collection; a cute and short Valentine YA. Available on kindleunlimited with the audio included. I plan to listen to the rest through the month.

review
CogsOfEncouragement
The No-Show | Beth O'Leary
post image
Pickpick

Woven together in the most lovely way. Perfect read for Valentine‘s Day.

blurb
CogsOfEncouragement
Apples Never Fall | Liane Moriarty
post image
review
CogsOfEncouragement
Book Smart | Smartypants Romance, Amanda Pennington
post image
Pickpick

Very fun, sweet romance. I think this was on my tbr since last February or so. Set in winter, perfect time to read it.

29 likes1 stack add
blurb
CogsOfEncouragement
Book Smart | Smartypants Romance, Amanda Pennington
post image

#FirstLineFridays

I‘m halfway through and enjoying it.

BethM Accurate 😂 2mo
29 likes1 comment
review
CogsOfEncouragement
post image
Pickpick

Cute read with likable characters. The editing is pretty bad. I‘m willing to read the next in the series in spite of that.

blurb
CogsOfEncouragement
Untitled | Unknown
post image

Happy Saturday Littens! I often read ebooks on my kindle app. I turn off the popular highlights feature, but wonder how many of you leave it on. What do you like about this feature?

5feet.of.fury I leave it on, but it never even occurred to me to try to turn it off. I don‘t think I really get anything out of it though 2mo
WorldsOkayestStepMom I've turned it off on mine. 2mo
CoffeeAndABook I leave it turned on - most of the time I just ignore it but sometimes it does highlight something I might have missed 🤷🏼‍♀️ 2mo
See All 7 Comments
julesG The one "feature" I turned off first. It feels like reading a book where someone had a field day with highlighter pens. My brain gets hung up on why someone would highlight particular passages. 2mo
CogsOfEncouragement @CoffeeAndABook Ah, I can see that. 2mo
CogsOfEncouragement @WorldsOkayestStepMom @julesG I find it distracting. I got a new device and had to fix the setting. Seeing input from @CoffeeAndABook I could see turning them on after reading a difficult book and looking back at the highlights if I want to chew on it some more. I don‘t want to read it fresh with other‘s highlights though. 2mo
AnnR I usually turn it off. Just on occasion I turn it back on for specific titles, after I have read the book. 2mo
21 likes7 comments
blurb
CogsOfEncouragement
post image

Anyone else read books their kids are assigned in school? I‘m starting this one I‘ve never read to be able to talk about it with my son. I‘ve read some other really good books I never got around to by doing this.

25 likes1 stack add
review
CogsOfEncouragement
The bungalow mystery | Carolyn Keene, Russell H. Tandy
post image
Pickpick

Finished the 3rd book of the series, and ready for the discussion with #NancyDrewBR hosted by @LibraryBelle tomorrow.
Fun to reminisce with these elementary school favorites.

robinb ♥️ Nancy…and that cover! 2mo
CogsOfEncouragement @robinb My local library has a few of these with the 1930s covers. 2mo
robinb @CogsOfEncouragement So cool and classic. 😊 2mo
Librarybelle Gotta love the 1930 cover! 2mo
31 likes4 comments
review
CogsOfEncouragement
A Study in Scarlet | Arthur Conan Doyle
post image
Pickpick

Enjoyed this the first time in 2015.
Did a reread via audiobook for the #NoPlaceLikeHolmes BR with @dabbe @cuilin this month. Definitely long enough in between to appreciate it again.

dabbe Can‘t wait to discuss! 💜🩶💜 2mo
Cuilin 👍🕵️‍♂️ 2mo
30 likes2 comments
review
CogsOfEncouragement
post image
Pickpick

Just the audiobook to start while putting away the Christmas decorations. A perfect feel good read for January.

24 likes1 stack add
blurb
CogsOfEncouragement
post image

Just a couple chapters in, but enjoying the start of this cozy series. #FirstLineFridays

25 likes1 stack add
blurb
CogsOfEncouragement
post image

Listening while I undertake the bummer that is putting away Christmas decorations. Seems like a happy combo.

blurb
CogsOfEncouragement
Untitled | Unknown
post image

I had such a wonderful time participating in #WinterGames with the #SnowAngels

I enjoyed a ton of holiday books, movies, crafts, and baking, as well as the bookish games provided by our clever hosts.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! @Clwojick @StayCurious @Emilymdxn @kwmg40 @Texreader @5feet.of.fury @Nessavamusic @sblbooks @MsRadioSilence @bekakins

Texreader Whoohoo! Happy new year!! 3mo
Nessavamusic Great job! Happy New Year 🎆 3mo
sblbooks Happy New Year to you.🎊 3mo
See All 6 Comments
Clwojick Well done! Thank you for participating this year! ❤ 3mo
bekakins Happy new year!!! 3mo
kwmg40 Happy new year to you too! It was great being part of #snowangels with you! 3mo
21 likes6 comments
review
CogsOfEncouragement
post image
Pickpick

Spend New Year‘s Eve with eighty-five year old Lillian. She walks to a few destinations but mostly takes us along Memory Lane most lovely. My last read for #WinterGames #SnowAngels

25 likes1 stack add
blurb
CogsOfEncouragement
Untitled | Unknown
post image

So many good books in 2023, here are some highlights.
Happy New Year!

TheBookgeekFrau Happy new year🎊 3mo
18 likes1 comment
review
CogsOfEncouragement
post image
Pickpick

I read the first two novellas in the Enchanted series the last two Decembers. This final novella in the trilogy is a sweet finale. #WinterGames #SnowAngels

blurb
CogsOfEncouragement
Silent Night | Mary Higgins Clark
post image

A good holiday, mild suspense novel.
@aperfectmjk did you get around to this one? I give it 3/5 stars. #WinterGames #SnowAngels

22 likes1 stack add
blurb
CogsOfEncouragement
post image

I have two more holiday books I hope to finish for the end of #WinterGames and I went to the library today to be ready for #RandomClassic chapter a day hosted by @TheAromaOfBooks and #NancyDrewBR 15th of the month discussion hosted by @LibraryBelle The tagged book has been on my New Year‘s TBR for a couple years; rec by Modern Mrs. Darcy. I started it today while running errands, and like it so far.

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! I'm excited about delving into Uncle Tom's Cabin. And Nancy Drew No. 3!! 3mo
Librarybelle I loved Lillian Boxfish! 3mo
21 likes2 comments
review
CogsOfEncouragement
post image
Pickpick

Happy holiday romance. Kate Forster did an impressive job providing accents for female Brit, male Aussie, female French, and more.
#WinterGames #SnowAngels

blurb
CogsOfEncouragement
post image

Looking forward to reading this for the first time. #RandomClassic chapter a day BR hosted by @TheAromaofBooks starting January 1.

TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! I'm really excited to reread this one - I have only vague memories from my high school read! 3mo
19 likes1 stack add1 comment
blurb
CogsOfEncouragement
Untitled | Unknown
post image

A bookish gift from my darling daughter.
Merry Christmas Littens

TheBookgeekFrau Merry Christmas 🎄🎅🏼 3mo
emz711 Oooo! 3mo
32 likes2 comments
blurb
CogsOfEncouragement
Silent Night | Mary Higgins Clark
post image

I think I will be able to squeeze in some reading with these as my #weekendreads #WinterGames #SnowAngels

blurb
CogsOfEncouragement
Untitled | Unknown
post image

Edit: This game has been extended through the end of the month. #WinterGames #SnowAngels

review
CogsOfEncouragement
post image
Pickpick

Just 65 pages, and cuts to the heart.
#WinterGames #SnowAngels

review
CogsOfEncouragement
Hatchet | Gary Paulsen
post image
Pickpick

Listened with my son. We started it during Thanksgiving break, took a long intermission and picked it up again for his winter break. A woman I know suggested it for us. I didn‘t know what to expect. I liked it.

Tamra We read this aloud in the car on a vacation and I loved it! 3mo
dabbe DOGSONG is my favorite of his. Loved this one, too. 😍 3mo
24 likes2 comments
blurb
CogsOfEncouragement
Untitled | Unknown
post image

I listened to S1 and most of S2 of this crime fiction podcast at the end of November. I just listened to the last mystery and it leaves us on a cliffhanger. Sure hope they give us S3 next year. #WinterGames #SnowAngels

review
CogsOfEncouragement
The Christmas Escape | Sarah Morgan
post image
Pickpick

I really enjoyed the #SnowAngels team book. Family, personal growth, romance, a cozy holiday, and humor. Great December pick. #WinterGames