Finished Monthly Challenges

 Finished Monthly Challenges







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 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: Charles (Free Man), Archer (Bowman, One Who Excels at Archery), Lucy (Light), Emily (To Strive or Excel or Rival)

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author - Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick/Jayne Castle: 
⛄Read one book written by Jayne Ann Krentz (or any of her pseudonyms) or any author with her first or last name. Links to backlists - Jayne Ann Krentz, Amanda Quick, Jayne Castle

Fun Facts about Jayne Ann Krentz-

* Jayne Ann Krentz is the author of over 50 consecutive New York Times bestsellers
* She writes romantic-suspense in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle)
* Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian
* Ms. Krentz lives in Seattle, Washington

You may also read a book set in the Pacific Northwest ( Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana, northern California, British Columbia, and Alaska) , or by an author who is from the Pacific Northwest. You can also read any book with 50 or more ratings, or is shelved as Romantic Suspense or a book by any author who has won an award. 

4. January 1- New Year's Day:
⛄Read a book that is first in a series or is a new-to-you author.

5. January 8-National Bubble Bath Day: 
⛄Read a book that you think will relax you or read a book in a relaxing spot or a book with water on the cover.

6. January 15 - National Hat Day:
⛄Read a book with a hat or other head covering on the cover (i.e. helmet, scarf, crown) or a book set on a farm, ranch, construction site, or other place a hat/head covering would be worn.

7. January 20 - Penguin Awareness Day:
⛄Read a book with an animal in the story or a book with a character that is nurturing.

8. January 24 - Compliment Day:
⛄Read a book with a sweet-sounding title or a book with a word in the title that attracts you to it. (i.e. Ice Cream Lover, Honey, Baby, Sweetheart, Hot and Badgered)

9. Hot Tea Month:
⛄Read a book with a nosy character or a character in the food industry or a book with the letter 'T' in the title or author's name.

10. Reader's Choice: 
⛄Read any book of your choice!

3. Agent Under Siege - Lena Diaz (HI #1973 - Jan 2021) (romantic suspense) - Jan 3
9. The Duke and I - Julia Quinn (Avon - Jan 2000)  (nosy = Lady Whistledown) - Jan 12


February Monthly Challenge



1. Happy February Birthday!:
💘Read a book published in February, or read a book with a purple 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 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: Adam (Man Of The Earth), Lucas (From Lucania, Italy), Grace (Charm), Olivia (Ancestor's Descendant).

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) - Jill Shalvis:
💘Read one book written by Jill Shalvis, or any author with her first or last name.

Fun Facts about Jill Shalvis:
* Jill Shalvis lives in California
* She published her first novel in 1999
* She writes Contemporary Romance
* Jill won a RITA award for Simply Irresistible

💘You may also read a book set in California, or by an author who is from California. You can also read any book published in 1999, or is shelved as Contemporary Romance or a book by any author who has won a RITA award.

4. February is Great American Pie Month:
💘Read a book a book that includes the letters P I E in the author's name, book title, or series title. You can also read a book with a MC who is a baker or works in the food industry, or read a book with a page count that has the numbers: 3, 1, or 4.

5. February 1st is No Politics Day:
💘Read a book that is refreshing, turn off the TV, don't look at your social media, and stick your nose on a really good book. Reread a favorite or that new book from a favorite author!

6. February 11th is Make a Friend Day:
💘Ask one of your Goodreads friend to recommend a book to you. Or make a friend and ask whoever posts after you on this thread to choose a book from one of your chosen shelves (See post #3 for the list of people who are in this challenge). You may also read a book read by any participant of this challenge and rated 4 stars or higher, or a book that has been recommended to you in the past that you haven't managed to read yet.

7. February 14th is Valentine's Day:
💘Read a book that has something red, pink, or a heart on the cover. You can also read a book that has someone kissing/embracing on the cover, or a book that has a Valentine's Day theme.

8. February 16th is Mardi Gras. Laissez les bons temps rouler ~ Let the good times roll!:
💘Read a book that has a carnival, parade, or party scene. You can also read a book that has a yellow/gold, green, or purple cover, or a book that is set in a location that celebrates Mardi Gras (Louisiana, Alabama, Italy, Brazil, etc.)

9. February 26th is Tell a Fairy Tale Day:
💘Read a book that is based on a fairy tale or is a retelling of one. You can also read a book that has a fantasy genre, or my personal favorite - read a book that ends in "happily ever after"!

10. Reader's Choice:
💘Read any book of your choice!


1. Hunted in Conard County - Rachel Lee (HRS #2125 - Feb 2021) - Feb 2
2. A Nice Day for a Cowboy Wedding - Nicole Helm (Kensington - Sept 2018) (Shane/Rancher - Man of the Earth) - Feb 6
3. The Marine Makes Amends - Victoria Pade (HSE #2812 - Jan 2021) (cont. romance) - Feb 10
4. Back in the Texan's Bed - Naima Simone (HD #2785 - Feb 2021) (chef) - Feb 3
5. A Family for the Titanic Survivor - Lauri Robinson (HH #1554 - Jan 2021) - Feb 8
6. Runaway Princess Bride - Lenora Worth (Tule - Aug 2018) - Feb 9
7. Healed with a Kiss - Sharon Buchbinder (CPC Publishing - Feb 2021) (Valentine's Day) - Feb 4
8. Handsome Cowboy - Lori Wilde, Liz Alvin (Epiphany Orchards Press - Aug 2019) (Homecoming parade) - Feb 11
9. Dead Man District - Julie Miller (HI #1975 - Jan 2021) (Beauty and the Beast-ish) - Feb 8
10. Do or Die - Suzanne Brockmann (Ballantine - Feb 2014) - Feb 13



 March Monthly Challenge



1. Happy March Birthday!
Read a book:
☘️published in March
☘️with 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).
☘️with a character 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: Charlotte (Free), Sophia/Sofia (Wisdom), Ethan (Firm, Strong), Jackson/Jaxon (Son of Jack/John).

3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) - Kristen Callihan
Read a book:
☘️written by Kristen Callihan, or any author with her first or last name.

Fun Facts about Kristen Callihan:
-- Kristen is a three-time RITA nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer’s Choice awards.
-- Her debut book FIRELIGHT was named a best book best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher’s Weekly and best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA.
-- Kristen is a child of the 80s, which means she's worn neon skirts, black lace gloves, and combat boots although never all at once and can quote John Hughes movies with the best of them.
-- She lives in the Washington, DC, with her husband and two children.

Read a book:
☘️published in 2012
☘️has won an award
☘️with a character who wears any of the 80s items mentioned above: something neon, something lacy, or boots
☘️first published in the 80s
☘️with a main character who is married.

4. Red Cross Month - More than 75 years ago, March was first proclaimed Red Cross Month in 1943 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to raise awareness of the organization and its humanitarian mission.
Read a book:
☘️with red cover
☘️with a cross shape on the cover
☘️has a humanitarian character.

5. Music in Our Schools Month - For more than 30 years, March has been officially designated by the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) for the observance of Music In Our Schools Month® (MIOSM®). This is the time of year when music education becomes the focus of schools across the US in order to raise awareness of the importance of music education for all children – and to remind citizens that school is where all children should have access to music.
Read a book:
☘️with a musical instrument on the cover (or other means of enjoying music like a record player)
☘️tagged music/musical
☘️with a character who is musical (plays an instrument, likes to sing, part of a band, etc)
☘️with a teacher or student as an important character.

6. March 1: National Pig Day - recognizes and gives thanks to domesticated pigs. For some unknown reason, big, pot-bellied pigs seen in zoos, are often the symbol of the day. Pigs are clever and intelligent animals. But, most people are unaware of this high level of intelligence. They can be taught to do tricks. Some people even keep them as pets. Today is a day to give pigs the respect that they deserve.
Read a book:
☘️with all the letters of PIG in the title or author's name (any order)
☘️with a pig in the story
☘️with a character who has any pet.

7. March 4: Hug a GI Day - Today is a day that we all can embrace. Give a great big hug to any and all GIs you see today. The men and women in our armed forces deserve our thanks and appreciation. GI's perform an invaluable service to our country. They risk their lives for our freedom, and to keep us safe. A simple hug is a small thanks for this vital service to our country. While the intention of this day is directed at GI's, there is nothing wrong with giving a hug and a thank you to members of other branches of the military on this day.
Read a book:
☘️with a military or veteran character (any branch, any country)
☘️starting with the letter G or I
☘️tagged military
☘️with an embrace on the cover.

8. March 14: National Pi Day - Can't let this awesome foodie or mathie day go by unnoticed! National Pi Day celebrates Pi, a mathematical concept and a number that never ends....at least no one and no computer has found the end yet. Often, we round it off to 3.14. If you are a mathematician, this is your day. For many National Pi Day is a celebration of mathematics. And, more specifically.... it celebrates "Pi".
Read a book:
☘️with a pie (or other food item) on the cover - if you're really good, with a Pi symbol on the cover
☘️with any of the numbers 3.14 in the page count
☘️with a mathematician or scientist character (or just a really smart character).

9. March 31: World Backup Day - World Backup Day serves as a very important reminder to secure vital files, by making a back up copy. In today's world, nearly everything is on an electronic file stored in your cell phone or computer. At the same time, life is so busy and fast paced, that many of us do not take the time to back up our files. Just imagine how you'd feel, if you do not have those precious photos stored in a back up file or up in The Cloud. So, this special day encourages us to stop and back up all of our files. Yes, do it now. It only takes a few minutes.
Read a book:
☘️with the 'back' of something or someone on the cover
☘️with a character who uses a computer
☘️where someone loses something important to them.

10. Reader's Choice -
☘️Read any book of your choice!




April Monthly Challenge



 
1. Happy April Birthday!
🐰Read a book published in April, or read a book with a white cover in honor of the April 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 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: Alexander (Defender of the People), Emma (Universal), Henry (Ruler of the Home), Scarlett (Red).
 
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) - Eloisa James: 
🐰Read one book written by Eloisa James, or any author with her first or last name.
Link to Eloisa James' backlist - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
 
Fun Facts about Eloisa James:
She is a Shakespeare professor
Graduated from Harvard and has a Ph.D from Yale
Spends her summers in Italy with her husband’s family
She also wrote a bestselling memoir called Paris in Love, about the year her family spent in Paris.
 
🐰You may also read a historical romance, a book featuring a character who is a teacher or professor, a fairy tale retelling, or a book that takes place in Italy or France.
 
4. April is Stress Awareness Month: We are all living with a bit of extra stress these days so use some time in April to kick back and destress.
🐰Read a book by a favorite author, or a book that you feel will be a great escape from everyday stresses.
 
5. The first week of April is Library Week: We all love our libraries and many of us have fond memories of the times we have spent there. For some of us (myself included) right now we can only visit our libraries virtually, or do curbside pickup.
🐰Read a book you borrowed from the library or any other source (physically or digitally), or read a book that takes place in a library or a bookshop, or a book about books.
 
6. April 7th - World Health Day: Sponsored by United Nations World Health Organization (WHO), World Health Day focuses upon a different health theme each year. It is an international event to emphasize and work on important health issues or problems. Many countries around the world participate. This day celebrates the anniversary of the founding of the UN's World Health Organization on April 7, 1948.
🐰Read a book featuring a character in the medical field or a book that has a 4 or an 8 in the page count.
 
7. April 11th - National Pet Day: If you have a pet or not, most people do love animals. For those of you who do have furry friends at home, this is the day to celebrate that! Take them for a walk and give extra belly rubs or treats. For those who don’t have a pet and are thinking about getting one, perhaps today would be a great day to visit your local animal shelter and adopt!
🐰Read a book featuring an animal on the cover or in the storyline. Or read a book you ‘adopted’ based on a recommendation from a friend or any other source.
 
8. April 19th - National Garlic Day: I don’t know about you, but I do love garlic! No matter if it’s in pasta, pizza or crunchy garlic bread (yum!) it’s a favorite of mine. It is used in recipes around the world. Native to Asia, garlic has been used medicinally for thousands of years. And, Garlic is believed to ward off evil spirits. What's Halloween without a strand of garlic around your neck, to keep the vampires away? About the only negative thing you can say about garlic, is that it can negatively affect an otherwise romantic evening. And, that's not a problem, if the both of you eat garlic.
🐰Read a book with food on the cover or with someone in the food industry in the story. Or you could read a story featuring a vampire.
 
9. April 26th - Hug an Australian Day: Go ahead and give a big bear hug to any and all Australians today. Show an Australian how much we love them. This is a great opportunity for you to do your part in improving international relations. And hugs benefit the receiver as well as the giver.
🐰Read a book by an Australian author, or that takes place in Australia. Or read a book with an embrace on the cover.
 
10. Reader's Choice:
🐰Read any book of your choice. 




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 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: 🌷🌷
* Dominic/k (Of the Lord)
* Hannah (Grace)
* Logan (Little Hollow)
* Maya (Good Mother, Illusion, Water)
 
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) – Kaje Harper:
🌷 Read one book written by Kaje Harper, or any author with her first or last name.
 
* Kaje Harper was born in Montreal and now lives in Minnesota
* She primarily writes M/M romance
* Kaje has “a weakness for closeted cops with honest hearts, and teachers who speak their minds”
* She moderates and posts YA short stories to the Goodreads YA LGBT Books group
 
🌷 You may also read a book set in either Montreal or Minnesota, or by an author who is from Montreal or Minnesota. You can also read any LGBTQ+ book, novella, or short story collection, or read a book with a cop or teacher as the main character.
 
4. National Paranormal Day – May 3: The paranormal describes anything that can’t be ordinarily explained by scientific means, such as hauntings, spirits, extraterrestrials, and even clairvoyance. National Paranormal Day celebrates those who believe in paranormal activities and encourages them to share their experiences with each other.
🌷 Read a book categorized on Goodreads as paranormal, or a book that mentions a haunted location or an otherworldly being.
🌷 You can also read a book with a spooky cover (your interpretation), a book in which a character dies or is dead, or a book where a character inherits something from the dead (i.e., house, riches, family heirloom, etc).
 
5. National Space Day – May 7: On the first Friday in each May, we celebrate the achievements, benefits, and opportunities from our exploration and use of space. National Space Day is used to promote STEM education and encourage future careers in science-related fields.
🌷 Read a book with a character who works in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, or math).
🌷 You can also read a book where a character’s hobby is STEM-related (i.e., observing the stars or writing computer programs), a book where a character observes the night sky, or a book with one or more celestial objects on its cover (i.e., stars, moon, planet).
 
6. International Nurses Day – May 12: This day, celebrated on the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birthday in 1820, honors the many contributions that nurses make to society. These dedicated health care workers provide a wide variety of care, from doctors’ offices, to hospitals, to late-term care facilities, to the front lines.
🌷 Read a book with a character who is a nurse or other health care worker, or a book with a character that works in a health care facility.
🌷 You can also read a book set in the 1800s, a book where a character or one of their family/friends is hospitalized or received medical care, a book with white on the cover, or a book with either snakes or wings on its cover (both are featured in the caduceus, the symbol for nursing).
 
7. Geek Pride Day – May 25: Geeks are a passionate, diverse crowd whose interests include genres such as science fiction, fantasy, and steampunk, collectibles, anything tech, cosplay, graphic novels, zombies, and so much more. Famous geeks include some inventors: Thomas Edison, Steve Wozniak, and Benjamin Franklin!
🌷 Read a book where a character uses technology, or a book where a character is either an inventor, video gamers, or uses a computer at work.
🌷 You can also read a book that is categorized as steampunk on Goodreads, a book with anything that looks “techy” or “geeky” on the cover (your interpretation), or read a graphic novel.
 
8. Small Business Week: Around the world, small businesses are essential to a thriving community. In America, more than half of the country’s workforce is employed by a small business owner. Though many small businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic, their adaptation to a constantly changing environment shows just how innovative these owners can be.
🌷 Read a book with a character who owns a small business, is working on a business idea/plan, or is an entrepreneur.
🌷 You can also read a book where a character goes shopping, a book with a building on its cover, or a book with a character that can adapt well to change (your interpretation).
 
9. Date Your Mate Month: May is the time to keep your relationship fresh with the one you love. Our normal day-to-day lives can make us put the importance of love and intimacy aside. Have a quiet dinner together, go for evening walks, ride bikes, or talk under the stars as you focus on that loving connection.
🌷 Read a book with a character who begins dating or being intimate with a past lover or spouse, or goes out on a date with a long-time partner.
🌷 You can also read a book with a red cover, a book with hearts or a couple doing something intimate on the cover, or read a “fated mate” romance book.
 
10. Reader's Choice:
🌷 Read any book of your choice.


June Monthly Challenge



1. Happy June Birthday!:
☀️Read a book published in June, or a book with a white or black cover in honor of June's birthstone, the Pearl.

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 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: Eli (Height), Sadie (Princess), Roman (From Rome, Italy), Zoe (Life).
 
3. Featured Author Challenge - Thea Harrison:
☀️Read a book by this month's Featured Author, Thea Harrison, or by any author with one of her first or last names.
 
Fun Facts about Thea Harrison:
★ She writes paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and other stuff.
★ Her Elder Races series began in May, 2011.
★ She lives in Colorado, but had moved for a time to Costa Rica!
★ If you check our her social media (she is currently on hiatus though), you will see she has a thing for dragons.
 
☀️So you may also read any book set in Colorado or Costa Rica. You can also read any book published in 2011. Or you can read any book shelved as Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy or one that features dragons.
 
4. Dare Day - June 1:
☀️Dare you to read a New-to-You Author or New-to- You series!
 
5. National Trails Day - June 5: Sunshine, fresh air and only the occasional hiker to interrupt your reading - sounds pretty perfect to me!
☀️Read a book featuring an outdoorsy character or a cover that shows the great outdoors!
 
6. Best Friends Day - June 8: Without GR friends, how would find out about all the good books?!
☀️Read a book that has friendship as part of the story.
 
7. Red Rose Day - June 12: Nothing says love like a red rose! And since it's also June...
☀️Read a book that contains a wedding or proposal. Or you can read a book with a red or floral cover.
 
8. Smile Power Day - June 15: Couldn't we all use more smiles these days? Especially after more than a year of mask-wearing!
☀️Read a book with a smile on the cover. Or you can read a humorous book or rom-com.
 
9. Finally Summer Day - June 20: It's almost here and things are looking up!
☀️Read a book you could consider a good 'beach read'.
 
10. Reader’s Choice:
☀️Read any book of your choosing!




2021 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.
 
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 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:
David (Beloved)
Genevieve (Woman of the Family)
Isabelle (God is My Oath)
Michael (Who is Like God?)
 
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author Vi Keeland - :
🗽Read one book written by Vi Keeland or any author with her first or last name. Link to backlist - Vi Keeland's Backlist
 
Fun Facts about Vi Keeland-
* Vi's titles have appeared in over one hundred Bestseller lists and are currently translated in twenty-six languages.
* She writes 'romances that make you blush'
* Her worst subject...Science... and she married a Science teacher!
* She lives in New York
 
🗽You may also read a book set in New York, or by an author who is from New York. You can also read any book with 100 or more ratings, or is shelved as 'sexy', 'erotic', or 'hot' or a book with a nerdy or geeky character.
 
4. July 2 - World UFO Day:
🗽Read a sci-fi or paranormal book or a book with a sky on the cover
 
5. July 4 - Independence Day in the USA:
🗽Read a stand-alone book or a book with red, white or blue on the cover.
 
6. July 6 - International Kissing Day:
🗽Read a book with lips on the cover or a book with a kissing scene in the story.
 
7. July 10 - Don't Step On a Bee Day:
🗽Read a book with a character who has a painful past, or has caused pain to someone else or a book with yellow or black on the cover.
 
8. July 29 - National Chicken Wing Day:
🗽Read a book set in the food or drink industry or a book with an animal on the cover or in the story.
 
9. National Ice Cream Month:
🗽Read a book that might make you scream with happiness that you have time to read it or a book set in a warm month or a warm climate.
 
10. Reader's Choice:
🗽Read any book of your choice.


3.



 2021 August Monthly Challenge



 
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.
 
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 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:
* Miles/Myles (Soldier)
* Layla (Night, Black)
* Gabriel (God is My Strength)
* Nora/Norah (Honor).
 
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author – Jewel E. Ann:
☀️Read one book written by Jewel E. Ann or any author with her first or last name. Link to backlist - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
 
Fun Facts about Jewel E. Ann-
* Jewel E. Ann was a dental hygienist before writing full time
* She published her first novel in 2014
* She writes Contemporary Romance
* Jewel E. Ann's website is based in Indiana.
 
☀️Alternatively you may also read a book:
* featuring a main character in the medical profession
* published in 2014
* shelved as Contemporary Romance
* set in Indiana, or by an author who is from Indiana.
 
4. 3 August - Children's Day (Tuvalu):
Tuvalu is an island country in the Polynesian region.
☀️Read a book:
* that features a child/children
* set on a island
* set in the southern hemisphere
* has an apostrophe in the book title or series title.
 
5. 10 August - Heroes Day (Zimbabwe):
☀️Read a book:
* featuring a hero ~ your interpretation, e.g. military, police, firefighter, doctor, superhero, accountant, whatever!
* with a title starting with J, K, Q, U, V, X, Y or Z.
You may ignore The, A and An when searching for the first letter in the title.
 
6. The official flower for August is the gladiolus:
The gladiolus is the signature flower of Dame Edna Everage. The purple-haired 'Dame' is the alter ego of Barry Humphries - an Australian actor, artist, author, comedian and satirist.
☀️Read a book:
* that has flowers or the color purple on the cover
* where the MC dresses in drag (man or woman), or is in disguise/undercover
* the author or MC's first or last name starts with the letter E
* shelved 'humor' or 'funny'.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dame_Ed...
 
7. 13 August - my birthday!! So let's have a celebration of ME: 😂🤣
☀️Read a book that has one of the following attributes:
* set in Australia or written by an Australian author
* MC works/owns/runs a business
* MC lives in a rural/regional area e.g. set on a ranch/farm, in a small town or in the wilderness
* an MM (gay) romance given that is my predominant reading genre.
 
8. 27 August - National Burger Day (UK):
☀️Read a book:
* set in the UK
* that features a foodie MC (chef, nutritionist, general food lover etc)
* with a cover that makes you drool (your interpretation 😉)
 
9. August is also known as the 'Dog Days of Summer':
Sadly this isn't about pooches but about the star Sirius, also known as the dog star, which rose at the same time as sunrise during the month of August in ancient Roman times.
☀️Read a book:
* featuring a pet
* with a shifter MC
* with an MC who is famous (a star)
* with the sun, moon or stars on the cover.
 
10. Reader's Choice:
☀️Read any book of your choice.




2021 September Monthly Challenge



 
1. Happy September Birthday!
🚌 Read a book published in September, or read a book with a Blue cover in honor of the September birthstone, the Sapphire.
 
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 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:
Adelaide (Of Noble Kin),
Asher (Blessed, Happy),
Luna (The Moon),
Sebastian (Venerable).
 
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) - Sarah MacLean:
🚌Read one book written by Sarah MacLean, or any author with her first or last name.
Link to Sarah MacLean's backlist - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list....
 
Fun Facts about Sarah MacLean:
* Sarah lives in New York City
*She writes primarily Historical Romance and is a strong advocate for the Romance genre.
* She published her first novel in 2009
* She is a graduate of Smith College and Harvard University
* Sarah is a 2 time RITA award winner for A Rogue by Any Other Name in 2013 and No Good Duke Goes Unpunished in 2014
 
🚌You may also read a book set in New York (city or state), or by an author who is from New York. You can also read any book published in 2009, or that is shelved as Historical Romance or has a college setting, or a book that has won (or been nominated for) any award.
 
4. Baby Safety Month:
🚌 Read a book with a pregnancy, baby, or older child in the storyline.
 
5. Chicken Month and Happy Cat Month:
🚌 Read a book with an animal in the storyline or on the cover (Shifters count!)
 
6. Better Breakfast Month:
🚌Read a book with a character that has some connection to the food industry, or that has a yummy cover (your interpretation).
 
7. Classical Music Month:
🚌 Read a book with a talented or artistic character, or with a cover that you consider beautiful.
 
8. Honey Month:
🚌 Read a book with a sweet character or storyline (your interpretation), or a book with a happy ending.
 
9. Little League Month:
🚌 Read a sports romance, or a book with a fit or athletic character in the story or on the cover.
 
10. Reader's Choice:
🚌 Read any book of your choice.


7. The Inheritance - JoAnn Ross (HQN - Sept 2021) (writer/photographer) - Sept 2



 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.
 
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 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:
Ophelia (Helper),
Alice (From Nobility),
Levi (Joined in Harmony),
Noah (Rest, Peace).
 
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author - Lynsay Sands:
👻Read one book written by Lynsay Sands or any author with her first or last name. Link to backlists - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
 
Fun Facts about Lynsay:
* She writes historical romances as well as paranormal romances
* To date, she has published 33 books in her Argeneau series
* She enjoys writing humor into her books
* Her first novel was published in 1997
 
👻You can also read a book that is shelved as historical romance or paranormal romance. Read a book in a series that is longer than 10 books, or a book published in 1997. Or you can read a book that you think is humorous.
 
4. October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month: Adopt don’t shop!
👻Read a book with a dog or cat on the cover, or read a book featuring an adoption storyline (whether that be animal or human), or a book that you either picked up from your library or got second hand.
 
5. October is National Book Month: Here is a celebration I can get behind! We all have the favorites that we tend to gravitate towards, but it’s often fun to find a new favorite.
👻Let’s celebrate the love of books by reading a book by a new-to-you author, or a book featuring a character who works with books (an author, bookseller, or librarian), or a book that has been sitting on your TBR for more than a year.
 
6. October 11th - Canadian Thanksgiving: Or as we Canadian’s call it… Thanksgiving. It is held on the second Monday in October and celebrates the harvest and other blessings of the last year.
👻Read a book that is set in Canada or by a Canadian author, a book that features food or has a foodie character (chef, baker, or runs a restaurant for example). Or you can read a book that you are thankful for.
 
7. October 12th - Old Farmers Day: While the origins of the holiday are unknown, Old Farmers Day is celebrated by many as a throwback to sustainable and farm-to-table farming practices of the old days.
👻Read a book that takes place on a farm or a ranch, or a book with a MC who is a cowboy or cowgirl, or read a book by an ‘old’ favorite author.
 
8. October 16th & 17th - The New York Sheep and Wool Festival: Knitters and other fiber artists gather every year for this festival held every October in Rhinebeck, New York. I have been going for years but missed it the last few due to the pandemic. It has been a yearly event since 1980 and draws about 12,000 annually.
👻Read a book with a MC who is a crafter (knitting, crochet, quilting, etc). Or you can read a book that takes place in New York State or a book published in the 1980s or that has more than 10,000 ratings.
 
9. October 31st - Halloween: My favorite holiday of the year and it’s a favorite for young and old alike. What’s not to love about dressing in costume, getting treats, and playing a few (harmless) tricks. Seeing the glowing jack o lanterns on porches, and hearing the crunch of leaves under your feet just adds to the delight of the season.
👻Read a paranormal romance or a book featuring a ‘scary’ character, (your interpretation).. Or you can read a book that you feel is a treat or a book that has children in it. Or a book that has a very autumn feeling cover.
 
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 cover in honor of November's birthstone, the Topaz.
 
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 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:
Silas (Man of the Forest),
Aaron (Exalted, Strong),
Madeline/Madeleine (Woman of Magdala),
Vivienne/Vivian (Alive).
 
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) - Samantha Towle:
🦃Read one book written by Samantha Towle, or any author with her first or last name.
Link to Samantha Towle's backlist - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
 
Fun Facts about Samantha Towle:
* Samantha Towle lives in East Yorkshire (UK)
* She began her first novel in 2008 (while on maternity leave)
* She writes Contemporary Romance (as well as Paranormal Romance)
* Samantha was 27 the first time she flew on a plane
 
🦃You may also read a book set in the United Kingdom, or by an author who is from the United Kingdom. You can also read any book published in 2008, or is shelved as Contemporary Romance or a book where the MC is on a plane (either flying somewhere or is a pilot, flight attendant, etc.).
 
4. November is National Novel Writing Month.
🦃Read a book that has a title that starts with N, W, or M. You can also read a book from a new-to-you author, or try a book from an author who is writing their debut novel!
 
5. November 1st is All Saint's Day.
🦃 Read a book that has a character that is a "saint" (your interpretation). You can also read a book that has a 1 in the page count or a book that is first in a series.
 
6. November 9th is National Young Readers Day.
🦃Read a book that is shelved as Young Adult. You can also read a book that has children in it or a book where the MC works with books (bookstore, library, etc.).
 
7. November 11th is Veteran's Day.
🦃Read a book with a character that is a veteran (or still on active duty) - can be any member of the Armed Forces. You can also read a book that has a red, white, or blue cover or a book that includes the letters V E T in the author's name, book title, or series title.
 
8. November 15th is Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day.
🦃Read a book that has been on your TBR for a while - it's time to clean it out! You can also read a book that either has some type of food or cleaning supply on the cover; or a book that has a MC that works in the food or cleaning industry.
 
9. November 25th is Thanksgiving in the US.
🦃Read a book that you're thankful for (either because it's from a favorite author, you've been wanting to read it for a while, or you got it for free). You can also read a book with a Native American character or a book that is 4th in a series since Thanksgiving is always on the fourth Thursday of the month.
 
10. Reader's Choice:
🦃Read any book of your choice!

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