When I can't decide what to read next, I like to visit my old friends of Redwall Country. The amount of time I spent in this world when I was younger! Of course I must have a snack while I read any of the series since the food/drink descriptions will keep your mouth watering. And finally - outdoor reading weather!

#Series #BookOne #OutdoorReading #Popcorn

Based on a true story - Agnes Magnúsdóttir is charged with murder and forced to live on a farm in Northern Iceland while she awaits her execution. It is a slow-paced, atmospherically written and the perfect book to read in the winter. There are a lot characters throughout the book so it isn't an easy book to put down for a while and pick back up. Reading the Q&A with the author at the end of book really shows you where her writing style came from.

We went from winter to false summer overnight. So I took advantage of the weather and got some reading in. We will start spring weather this week. Trying to get out of what seems to be an annual reading slump in March/April. Such a beautiful day for reading.

Inspired by @ShyBookOwl I've decided to munch on some popcorn while I start the tagged book. You don't find too many fiction books based in Iceland so I'm quite excited to dig into this one.

#PopcornAndBook #Iceland

Finished reading this book to our six year old and it was a hit. A perfect early chapter book while he transitions into chapter books. There were enough pictures to keep him engaged but not so many that he could figure out the whole story through them. He isn't a kid who loves reading so the fact that this book captures his attention is great for us! Hopefully he can read them himself one day. We've already started book number 2.

#RaisingReaders

A bit slower paced compared to most books I read - but I quite enjoyed this book. Any time the book was getting a bit too slow it seemed to pick up. The plot twist wasn't surprising to me but well written and still enjoyable. This book is full of strong women. It touches on many issues; pauper auctions, women's rights and the suffragette movement being the main ones. Three important issues that all should be educated on.

I've come down with a nasty cold so I'm going to start part III this evening in bed with a nice hot cup of tea. Even if I wasn't sick this is the best way to spend a Friday evening! Some relaxing down time after a hectic week at work. Also - why do so many books no longer have a table of contents? I love having a table of contents.

#BookAndTea #FridayEvening #BookInBed

While we loved Little Sunflower, Little Acorn and Little Snowflake - Little Comet fell short for us. The others are quite educational as you learn about the life cycle of the sunflower, acorn and snowflake. It didn't feel that there was as much learning in this book but you do get to zoom through space as a comet and learn the planets on the way. Our three year old clearly enjoys the illustrations!

#RaisingReaders #Comet #Space #Educational

It was a blustery day today which gives me all the reading feels! After some morning reading we took the kiddos skating and sledding (holiday that by some miracle my husband had off work) - and then it was time to start the tagged book. I'm a sucker for maps so this book started off well in my mind. Going to read a bit more now that the kiddos are asleep.

#BlusteryDay #HolidayReading #Canada #Map #MapsInBooks #ReadingTheAmericas2023

This book is character driven and while it seems many did not like Carrie Soto - I actually quite enjoyed her character. Soto is flawed in many ways but that is what makes this book such an enjoyable read. Would she have been as flawed if she had both parents growing up? Would she have had the same chance to grow if her father hadn't trained her the way he did? Is it so wrong to be so straight forward and cut through all the bull? A pick for me.

Nothing makes me happier than this picture. He wanted to get under the blanket with me and 'read' next to me. He is 6 and reading is not his strongest subject in school. At least he was flipping through the pictures and reading the odd word as he went through the book. He has only brought non-fiction books home from our local library and his school library - so nice to see him enjoying some fiction.

#RaisingReaders #ComicBook #MomAndSonReading

Starting the day with a book and another #AuthorAMonth read. In the past few years I've discovered that I enjoy watching the odd game of Tennis so I'm intrigued by this book.

#MorningReading #BlanketAndBook #CozyReading #Tennis

I honestly didn't know if I'd enjoy this book - but I'm happy to say I did. The story flowed well and it kept the pages turning. The characters were well rounded which I always love. It also highlighted my distaste for Hollywood and the culture that surrounds it - everything I think Hollywood is comes to life in this book. I will definitely read more books by this author.

#AuthorAMonth #BookSpin @Soubhiville @TheAromaofBooks

I spent the evening helping our 6 year old fill out 20 valentines cards and filling out another 25 cards for our 3 year old. So I've decided I'm going to end the evening by starting The Gullible Mick Riva section of the tagged book while drinking a delicious apple crumble porter. I'm enjoying the book more than I thought I would.

#BookAndBeer #CurrentlyReading #Porter #EveningReading

Haven't done much reading the last couple of weeks but got a book haul today from our local bookstore. Picked up a book for myself and three for the little guy. He is starting to get into longer stories so we are going to give these a try at bedtime reading.

#BookHaul #LocalBookStore #IndieBookStore #RaisingReaders

I decided to start with #AuthorAMonth this February. Enjoyed a greek salad, ginger ale and the beginnings of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo on my lunch at work today. Not very far into it yet but it is a pleasant read so far. I'm not a big fan of Hollywood so I'm curious to see to what extent I'll enjoy this book.

#GingerAle #GreekSalad #LunchtimeReading #Hollywood

It was a quick read and beautifully written. The story of Fleur Pillager (told from her sister in laws point of view) and her need for revenge - as well as Nanapush and Margaret's 'love' story (more comedic). All the characters are well fleshed out and I can only imagine what reading the whole series would add to this book. The way revenge was handled throughout the book and the way it ends is magnificent. I absolutely loved this book.

Who doesn't love this book? Our 3 year old decided this was the book she was going to bring to preschool this past week for family literacy day - and I may have been more excited than she was. A fun rhyming book about Hairy Maclary from Donaldson's Dairy and all the other dogs around town.

#RaisingReaders #ToddlerBook #PictureBook #Rhyming

I'm just so excited that this little bookstore is still around. It isn't often you find a bookstore mainly dedicated to children and teenagers but Livres Babar has managed to stick around! My parents would take us every time we visited my aunt and uncle and I'd usually come out with a stack of 5-10 books! Livres Babar is located in Pointe-Claire, Quebec, Canada.

Congratulations @BennettBookworm on reaching 20K - and thank you for the #20kgiveaway

Picked this book up from the library for my #AuthorAMonth read. I didn't realize her books were so intertwined so hopefully this is a good read as a stand alone. It's going to be a perfect evening with a book, a blanket and a tea!

#HistoricalFiction #Tea #LondonTea

When the littles are sick you pull out all your Mr. Men and Little Miss. books to enjoy. I think we ended up reading most of the series today. We're only missing a few and oddly enough they were my favourites as a child...must have seen better days with how much I read them. Our 6 year old loves them and our 3 year old thinks all of them are hers! Mr. Tickle is a household favourite. Here we read Mr. Nervous.

#KidsBooks #MrMen #LittleMiss

I couldn't decide how I should rate this book. While the author does a great job of mixing a memoir with the science and culture of the Eel - some sections fell flat for me. With so little known about the Eel it felt like some of the book was just filler. I was particularly fascinated to learn about the culture of Eel fishing and the history behind it. It is also quite amazing how elusive the Eel has managed to be throughout history.

My new tradition is to make myself a lunch for work so I can sit in my office during lunch and take 30 minutes to read. So far, so good! Going to get in a few pages of this fascinating book on Eels today.

#Naturalitsy #Eels #Nonfiction #LunchTimeReading

Another historical fiction book that is so hard to read and digest but also so important. The story of a young slave girl in the South who must adapt to becoming a yellow wife while she does everything to protect her loved ones. The writing and the story wouldn't allow you to put the book down and it is extremely well researched. You can't help but connect with the characters. I can't fathom how humans are able to treat other humans in such a way.

Went to the library with the little guy this evening and picked out some books. He was able to get a couple of books on prehistoric ice age animals (he was been bugging us to learn more about them), his favourite - a Komodo Dragon and an animal battle book.

I was able to pick up a book for #naturalitsy and #AutherAMonth . I'm excited to dig into these books!

#LibraryHaul #NonFiction #KidsBooks

Spent the morning of New Years Day finishing up the tagged book. The book was well written but it was only so-so for me. I did get to learn a bit about the Italian Resistance during WWII which was interesting. It didn't feel like it needed the character in present time trying to figure out her families history - the book would have read well without it.

#JumpStart2023 #Readathon #WWII #Italy

@Clwojick @Lizpixie

Here is my January 2023 bookspin list. Hopefully I actually get to reading the chosen book in January!

#BookSpin

@TheAromaofBooks

Finally some time to read as my husband has an evening shift today. Going to sit down with The Secret Messenger and some delicious London Breakfast tea. It isn't a bad book but man am I struggling to get through this book. Can't wait to be spending this morning with a book and tea on this snowy day!

#LondonBreakfast #Tea #CurrentlyReading #BookAndTea #MorningReading #SnowyDay

We read this book tonight and our six year old quite enjoyed it. A fish who breaks an object and becomes frustrated and angry as the day goes on. With the help of his friends he learns that counting and using his words to express his emotions will gradually calm him down.

Loved how he gradually instead of instantly came down from his emotions. Great book to show our guy that it's ok to experience these emotions and how to come down from them.

These are the kids book hauls for Christmas this year. On the left are the books our almost 3 year old received and on the right our just turned 6 year old.

Our 6 year old is way more into non-fiction so the bottom two books are fact books on dinosaurs and space. He's also had a lot of trouble in the transition to grade one so we got him some books about emotions.

Our 3 year old just loves to always have a book.

#KidsBooks #BookHaul #Presents

I am in horrible need of a jump start to my reading. I'm determined to get back to reading one or two books a month (about all I have time for). May this kick me off in the right direction!

- Please, please, please finish The Secret Messenger so I can move on
- Bookspin Book
- Finish Yellow Wife (started on Christmas Eve)

#JumpStart2023 #ReadingGoals #Motivation #Readathon

Thank you @Clwojick and @Lizpixie for hosting.

This was my Christmas book haul from family this year. Pretty good haul if I may say so myself. I usually only get books and a jigsaw puzzle as that's all I really want if they insist on getting me something. Hopefully I find the time to read some of them this year.

#ChristmasBookHaul #BookHaul #Presents #2022

Wow - thank you so much for such a thoughtful #JolabokaflodSwap ! It means the world to me that you went out of your way to find some nut free chocolate - and you can bet I'll be using the business card to order from the shop! Also - chocolate pretzels 😍!! I can't thank you enough @CuriousG - you've been more than kind with your package! I can't wait to dive into this book!

And thank you for organizing @MaleficentBookDragon 🙂

#JolabokaflodSwap is going out just as I received my package! I believe it should arrive by end of week.

@MaleficentBookDragon

Really trying to push myself to find more time to read as we head into the last month of 2022. Hopefully I can finish my current read this month and kick December off with whatever book gets picked.

Thanks for hosting #bookspin @TheAromaofBooks

About time I get back into reading again - I miss it and need to find time for it! I would love to get through The Secret Messenger during this readathon.

#Readathon #NovelNovember @Andrew65

So excited to sign up for this swap. We love to do this with our kids every Christmas Eve and I can't wait to enjoy this with a fellow Litsy member as well! This is such an amazing tradition!

Thank you so much for hosting #JolabokaflodSwap @MaleficentBookDragon

It is time to start another historical fiction book - this time we are in Venice during WWII. I'm interested to see where this book goes as I haven't found many books that explore Italy during WWII. We have some perfect reading weather where we live with some cool autumn air.

#LongWeekendReading #HistoricalFiction #Italy #Venice #EarlyAutumnReading

Stopped at the bookstore and a store to buy some Autumn candles after the little guys swim class today. I haven't heard too much on any of these books and I picked them up based on the back cover blurbs. Seems like they are three very different books. Autumn is not only my favourite season but also my favourite time of the year to read! I know we're still in August - but come on Autumn!!

#AutumnReading #Candles #Leaves #HoneycrispApple

This is the fictional story of Ana, the wife of Jesus. She is intelligent, strong, bold and brave - and I instantly fell in love with her. To be a woman in that time would have taken a strong soul. Kidd writes with a beautiful descriptive style throughout the book. The characters, even the minor ones, are well fleshed out and you feel as you are there with them. Side note: I also want to learn more about how ink was made in the time period.

Our family vacation continues and the kiddos are down for a nap after our family outing. Now some time to continue reading The Book Of Longings with some strawberry tea. I'm almost a quarter the way through and I'm enjoying thr book so far. I've grown quite fond of the main character!

#ColdTea #Strawberry #VacationReading #MainCharacterLove

Picked this book up on a whim. I hadn't heard of it but it peaked my interest while I was browsing at the bookstore. Going to start it while I sip on my dragonfruit tea.

#ColdTea #Dragonfruit #VacationReading

Starting this chunkster with my first outdoor read of 2022. It's a beautiful Spring evening where we are. Also enjoying a drink while I dive into the book.

#Chunkster #ChunksterChallenge2022 #ReadingOutside #BookAndDrink

@Amiable

Stopped in at our local book shop today and picked up these two books. I thought another Kristin Harmel book would be a good pick since I loved her last one. Hadn't heard of The Last Beekeeper but thought I'd give it a shot. It's a very small book shop so choices are somewhat limited.

#TBR #ShopLocal #LocalBookStore #SupportLocal #HistoricalFiction

A story about a woman who grows up in the forest and uses her knowledge to help some of the Jewish refugees fleeing the war. It is well written, well researched and a different take on WWII. It's a book you won't want to put down even if parts are hard to read. A story that shows us that goodness that can come out of the darkest of places.

#AwesomeApril #Readathon #WWII #Forest #HistoricalFiction

@Andrew65

I seem to be speeding through this book. I'm really enjoying the book and don't want to put it down. Can't wait to see what the last third brings.

#AwesomeApril #Readathon

#aestheticallymatched

The picture on the left reminds me of colonialism which is a large theme in this book. The picture on the right represents many of the toxic ways of living that many turn a blind eye too within the book.

@Clwojick

Hoping to really dive into some reading with this readathon!

📕Finish The Forest of Vanishing Stars.
📘Start on my chunkster for the year - The Evening and the Morning.
📙Get back into reading daily even if I only have time for a page or two.

Thank you so much for hosting @Andrew65! These readathons are always fun!

#AwesomeApril #Readathon #Chunkster #ChunksterChallenge2022 #ReadMore

Starting The Forest Of Vanishing Stars on this rainy evening. Perfect way to end the day!

#RainyReading #Fiction #WWII #Forest

A story about a 12 year old boy who survives a plane crash and his journey throughout his teenage years as he learns to deal with his emotions. The book goes back and forth between the boy's story and the stories behind some of the characters in the crash. This book was ok but I didn't love it. The writing didn't draw me into the emotions I was expecting and I just didn't connect with the characters.

#Family #Fiction #Teenager #Emotions