Cheli's 75 Book Challenge for 2020

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Cheli's 75 Book Challenge for 2020

1cyderry
Editado: Jan 13, 2020, 12:25 pm





I've been a member of 75ers since 2009. I wasn't on my 75 thread as often as I would have liked in 2019, so I'm going to try to do better this year.

Many of you may know me as the leader of the pack when it comes to ROOTing - Read Our Own Tomes - a group where we make a conscience effort to read the books that have been sitting on our shelves for too long - the shelves can be actual or virtual. So come and join us if your shelves are sagging under the weight of unread books!

One of my favorite says is "A room without books is like as body without a soul." Therefore, you will find books everywhere in my home but mostly located in my "library"

I love to read and I better get to it! Last year I had 676 on my TBRs, I did pretty well because my TBRs are now ONLY 580. At this rate it will take me around 7 years to get caught up, but that's only if I don't get anymore new books or ARCs. Fat chance of that happening. I guess I'll just have to keep suffering through, spending my time reading when not involved with family and friends.

t seems that the older I get the faster time flies and the more things I want to squeeze into my life. My Mom is still kicking at 95 and keeps me on my toes, my grandkids are growing so, of course, I need to see all that they are active in and being that they live several hours away, travel takes up time. (I do try to read in the car while Hubby Tim drives.) I still lead my Ladies Book Club once a month, and chair the annual fundraiser in May. So I'm hoping to get some reading done but not sure exactly how much I can expect. But you can be sure that my tablets are stuffed with e-books and my MP3 is stocked with audiobooks. As long as my batteries can be recharged, I'm good to go. I would like to get at least a few tree books (ARDs-Antique Reading Devices) off the TBR shelves as well.

To everyone


2drneutron
Dez 30, 2019, 9:24 pm

Welcome back!

3DianaNL
Dez 31, 2019, 5:38 am

Best wishes for 2020!

4PaulCranswick
Dez 31, 2019, 9:06 am



Another resolution is to keep up in 2020 with all my friends on LT. Happy New Year!

5Familyhistorian
Dez 31, 2019, 4:16 pm

Very impressive drop in your TBR's in 2019, Cheli. Good luck with your reading goals in 2020!

6FAMeulstee
Dez 31, 2019, 6:05 pm

Happy reading in 2020, Chèli!

7thornton37814
Dez 31, 2019, 11:52 pm

Hanging out my star!

8Berly
Jan 1, 2020, 12:49 am



Wishing you 12 months of success
52 weeks of laughter
366 days of fun (leap year!)
8,784 hours of joy
527,040 minutes of good luck
and 31,622,400 seconds of happiness!!

9cyderry
Jan 1, 2020, 12:39 pm

>8 Berly: glad you did the math!

Thank you and the best of 2020 to you, Kim!

10banjo123
Jan 1, 2020, 12:44 pm

happy reading in 20/20!

11jnwelch
Jan 2, 2020, 2:56 pm

Happy New Year, Cheli!

12cyderry
Jan 2, 2020, 11:02 pm

I finally managed to get everything set for 2020 today so now I can go and tally up my year end numbers for 2019.

13cyderry
Jan 3, 2020, 12:05 am

Did you have guests during the holidays, Answer the questions with titles of books you read in 2019

What would you call the event?
A Christmas Gathering
How did they find their way?
Golden Compass
How did they know they'd arrived?
A light in the Window
Any special activities?
Murder at Marble House
Did your guests stay over?
The Woman In Cabin 10
Were there servants to help?
Room Service
Was there turn down service?
In Peppermint Peril
How were the guests greeted?
Wine and Punishment
Was dinner held for late comers?
No More Time
And dinner was?
Eggs on Ice
In Want of a Knife
Broken Bone China
Afterward?
As the Christmas Cookie Crumbles
Dancing at Midnight

14thornton37814
Jan 3, 2020, 10:16 am

>13 cyderry: Oh, a new meme! How fun! Time to dig for answers.

15Berly
Jan 3, 2020, 8:32 pm

Love this new meme!! My fave answers are:

And dinner was?
Eggs on Ice
In Want of a Knife
Broken Bone China

LOL!!

16thornton37814
Jan 5, 2020, 6:53 am

>13 cyderry: Cheli, I had forgotten you picked Eggs on Ice for your dinner. I did the same. It was the best thing I had for the category. Hopefully I'll have better answers for it next year.

17PaulCranswick
Jan 11, 2020, 11:08 pm

>13 cyderry: I must see whether I can make my paltry reading last year provide a decent meme there.

Have a great weekend.

18cyderry
Editado: Jan 13, 2020, 12:17 pm

Saw this on Lori Thornton's thread:

2019 Year-End Meme:

Describe yourself: Ella Enchanted (I am a very blessed person)

Describe how you feel: Bear in Love (Still in love after 45 years)

Describe where you currently live: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children (I am strange)

Your favorite time of day is: Sifting Through Clues (love reading my cozies)

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: The Louvre (no need to say more)

Your favorite form of transportation: The Vanishing Man (Like Harry Potter, I want to be able to APPARATE!)

Your best friend is: Sweet Tea and Secrets (we love to go to the tea room and talk and talk!)

You and your friends are: Summer Guests

What’s the weather like: Tudor Dawn

Your fear: The Great Alone (I have separation anxiety)

What is the best advice you have to give: A Beginner's Guide to American Mah Jongg: How to Play the Game & Win

Thought for the day: Expiration Date (don't let any expiration date go by without action)

How you would like to die: Pinot Red or Dead? (Just slip away after a good glass of wine!)

Your soul’s present condition: Kingdom of the Blind (still trying to find my way)

What is life for you: Telephone Line (my mother calls constantly)

19thornton37814
Jan 13, 2020, 8:31 pm

>18 cyderry: Good answers.

20Whisper1
Jan 13, 2020, 8:33 pm

Hello Dear One! I look forward to learning what you are reading in 2020. Much Love sent to you!

21cyderry
Editado: Jan 20, 2020, 5:10 pm



Mine is Blue Cheese!

22alcottacre
Jan 20, 2020, 5:12 pm

Checking in on your thread for 2020, Cheli!

>21 cyderry: I am afraid I do not do cheese :(

23thornton37814
Jan 20, 2020, 8:04 pm

>21 cyderry: All of the above! LOL

24Berly
Jan 23, 2020, 4:34 am

>21 cyderry: ANY cheese!! We have a cheese tasting party every December. You have to bring a wrapped hunk of cheese and then when it is opened, tell a story about it, how it is made, where, etc. Then we do a taste test of all of them. We did it to introduce our kids and their friends to more sophisticated cheeses -- it's been hit! The friends are now asking when the party is. LOL

25cyderry
Jan 23, 2020, 10:47 pm

>24 Berly: Sounds delicious and tasty!

26Whisper1
Jan 23, 2020, 11:03 pm

>24 Berly: This sounds fun! I enjoy hearing about your family!

27tututhefirst
Jan 28, 2020, 10:09 am

Berly - what a super idea, altho I don't think I'd ever have trouble getting anyone in our family to try cheese.

28cyderry
Jan 28, 2020, 12:19 pm

>27 tututhefirst: At least not at my house!

29cyderry
Fev 19, 2020, 12:54 pm

Wow, I'm stunned. Sunday I flew back home from my cruise and left my tablet on the plane, I had been listening to a book. Thinking that nothing would come of it, I nevertheless filed a lost item report with United Airlines on Monday. Tuesday morning they informed me that they had it, and this morning it arrived at my home via FEDEX. It still had 50% charge left! Now I can finish my book!

Great job, United!

30thornton37814
Fev 19, 2020, 9:38 pm

>29 cyderry: Glad your tablet was returned!

31vancouverdeb
Fev 20, 2020, 5:40 am

Stopping by to say hi! Busy with your two young ones, I imagine.

32alcottacre
Fev 22, 2020, 1:59 pm

>29 cyderry: Hooray!! I told Kerry just the other day that if my tablet ever goes out it would immediately be replaced. Listening to audio books at work is the only thing that saves my sanity - and they are all on my tablet.

33PaulCranswick
Fev 23, 2020, 10:30 pm

>29 cyderry: That is pretty good, Cheli! I left my mobile phone in a Grab/Uber car the other day and also got it back. Maybe the world is becoming more honest!

34cyderry
Mar 6, 2020, 2:18 pm

35cyderry
Mar 9, 2020, 2:49 pm

I have been remiss in posting my reviews so I'm going to try to catch up some today.

36cyderry
Mar 9, 2020, 2:50 pm



Challenge Book # 1
Have a Deadly New Year ★★★½
Lynn Cahoon
Category - Cooks/caterers
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (A/U), BINGO DOG


This novella is a nice little fill-in for the Farm-to-Fork series with Angie Turner and the County Seat works catering a New Year's party for a dysfunctional Rock Band getting back together.
They are trapped at the homer of the band member host after one member is murdered and the snow has fallen. In no time at all Angie figures out it's solve the murder or be the next victim.

A fun series with good characters.

37cyderry
Mar 9, 2020, 2:50 pm



Challenge Book # 2
The Book of Candlelight ★★★★
Ellery Adams
Category - bookstore/librarians
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (A/U), BINGO DOG


Miracle Springs has been overwhelmed with rain but because of it, business has been booming for Nora Pennington and she has need of some assistance. A kind elderly man, Sheldon, enters her store and they immediately take to each other. She hires Sheldon part-time to help and his insights to customers and marketing are tremendous. Nora is also upset not just by the weather but the death of a craftsman she met at the local flea market. Her instincts tell her that his death was not an accidental drowning but something more sinister and so she calls a meeting of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society to not just help the widow but also look into the death. Sheldon would fit in well with the society because he has secrets of his own.but where he's living,the Inn of Mist and Roses, proves to have vital clues as well.

Love this series because everyone has secrets that to them are reasons why others would avoid the4m but which when shown the light of day are not that horrible.:

38cyderry
Mar 9, 2020, 2:50 pm



Challenge Book # 3
In Cold Chamomile ★★★½
Joy Avon
Category - Tea Shops/coffee shops
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (A/U)


The Book Tea has been hired to cater a Valentine's charity event at the Haywood Hall in Heart's Harbor so Callie Aspen is busy spreading hearts and flowers everywhere. Aunt Iphy is stunned to see an olf flame while the local librarian is occupied arguing with the book appraiser that she hired. When the appraiser is later murdered, Callie can't understand why a stranger would be a target. Delving deeper into the relationships of the librarian, Aunt Iphy and the old flame, Callie wonders where it will all lead - shattered romances or shattered lives.

I loved seeing Aunt Iphy is the throws of a romance like a young girl, reminds us that we are never too old to love.

39cyderry
Mar 9, 2020, 2:51 pm



Challenge Book # 4
Theater Nights Are Murder ★★★★
Libby Klein
Category - Theater
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (A/U)


The Senior Center in Cape May is abuzz with the news that the Valentine production of Mamma Mia will have a real star! Royce Hanson,has retired from Broadway and is returning home to Cape May to star in the Senior Center's show but who will be his leading lady? Aunt Ginny was his girlfriend before he left for Broadway after high school but she is beat out by her former rival and is delegated to the scenery crew. Poppy is drafted for the lighting so she isn't needed at the start of rehearsals. She spends her time trying to decide between the two hunky guys who are vying for her affections. But then trouble starts to hit the stage. When old man falls from the catwalk and is found dead after lunch break, lights fall and iinjury the female lead, and Poppy isn't immune from danger either.

I love Poppy and Aunt Ginny and the ladies from the Senior Center! The characters are so much fun and the recipes that come along with the story sound so yummy!

Great addition to the series!

40cyderry
Mar 9, 2020, 2:51 pm



Challenge Book # 5
The Lady Risks All ★★★
Stephanie Laurens
Category - Aristocracy
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (A/U)


Miranda Clifford’s brother goes missing and the only person she thinks will be able to help her find him is the notorious neighbor, Roscoe. How Miranda, an unwed lady, manages to get herself into the situation of travel alone with an unmarried man, and thinking that she will just find her brother and bring him home is just a little hard to swallow. The characters were lack in full 3 dimensions and the story dragged. Not one of my favorites.

41cyderry
Mar 9, 2020, 2:51 pm



Challenge Book # 6
The Silent Patient ★★½
Alex Michaelides
Category - CRAFTS - (patient was an artist)
Other Challenges - BOOK Club, ALPHAKit (A/U)


Alicia Berenson is the silent patient. She was discovered with her husband's body (tied to a chair and his face blown off) holding the gun. She says not a word a d is sent to the Grove facility for the criminally insane after her conviction. Theo Faber is a psychotherapist who was drawn to this person who would not speak. The story is a little over the top IMO and the characters are a bit too stereotypical. Ending was a bit of a surprise.

42cyderry
Mar 9, 2020, 2:52 pm



Challenge Book # 7
Much Ado about Nutmeg ★★★
Sarah Fox
Category - restaurant
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (A/U)


Wildwood Cove is hosting the Golden Oldies Games (think Special Olympics for Seniors) but before the competition has started, one of the tennis players has been eliminated - permanently. Then a not so nice Sports reporter isa found dead. Marley from the Flip Side pancake house had met the tennis player and his wife and also seen and heard the reporter so she thinks that she'll try to figure out what happened to both.

I love the characters and the setting but this plot left a bit to be desired IMO

43cyderry
Mar 9, 2020, 2:53 pm



Challenge Book # 8
Murder Can Mess Up Your Masterpiece ★★★
Rose Pressey
Category - arts and crafts
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (A/U)


I'm not sure that I'm really into a paranormal artist but it was interesting to read. In this first Haunted Craft Fair mystery, Celeste Cabot is an artist who seems to be able to paint spirits into her artwork, without knowing it. And in one instance, the spirit starts to haunt her literally stepping out of the portrait and helping her to find out who murdered the fair coordinator.

I think that I'll have to try one or two more of this series to see if this type of paranormal suits me.

44cyderry
Mar 9, 2020, 2:53 pm



Challenge Book # 9
Katherine of Aragon, The True Queen ★★½
Alison Weir
Category - aristocracy
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (A/U), Bingo Dog


I've been wanting to read this series for a long time, because I have been interested in British Royalty since a child and read the Last Plantagents by Thomas Costain. The BBC series on the 6 Wives of Henry VIII in the 70's was fantastic and only fueled my interest. So why did I have such a hard getting through this book? I got it out of the library 3 times and just couldn't get very far. But this time I promised myself that it would be different and I would finish it because I have the next 4 wives waiting to be read. I knew a little about Katherine of Aragon, but I'm not sure that I wanted to know as much as was included in this book.

I know that this author is very well thought of for historical accuracy and for bringing to life the people of the past, but this Katherine, IMHO, should have stayed buried. She was constantly complaining to people that she was put upon by Henry VII and when she did marry Henry VIII, she was constantly whining about how God wouldn't bless her with a healthy child and how Henry had a roving eye.

So many times while I was reading I just wanted to say "Suck it up, princess!"

Would I recommend this book, maybe if you know nothing of the period or the people, but otherwise it was extremely repetitive throughout.

45cyderry
Mar 9, 2020, 2:53 pm



Challenge Book # 10
Verse and Vengeance ★★★½
Amanda Flower
Category - Book stores
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (F/B)


Violet Waverly, the Caretaker of Charming Books in Cascade Springs, is settling in to her new position after completing her PhD. But it seems a bit strange that the reporter who was following her a few months ago trying to find her secret, has returned and is watching again. Violet's boyfriend, David Rainwater, chief of police, has asked her to ride with him in the bike race fundraiser and during the race, the reporter whizzes by and is found dead at the bottom of a windy curve. Was it something related to Violet that caused his death? The magical tree in the Bookshop seems to keep pointing her to Walt Whitman. What will Violet find in his poetry?

The writer has created a whimsical setting with believable characters as well as adding characters that add a touch of magic. Looking forward to visiting Cascade Springs often!

46cyderry
Mar 9, 2020, 2:54 pm



Challenge Book # 11
Verse and Vengeance ★★★½
Rochelle Alers
Category - Hoteliers
Other Challenges - ROOT Challenge, ALPHAKit (F/B)


Nydia Santiago, the accountant is the final member of the quartet of ladies that were dismissed from the bank in NYC and found a new friendship to replace their jobs. Hannah DuPont-Lowell had invited Tonya Martin, Jasmine Washington, and Nydia to join her in the new adventure since they were unemployed. She was going to convert her family home in New Orleans to a B&B. Everyone else succumbed to the attraction of the Big Easy including the romance that they all found there, but Nydia was hesitant. She had finally broken up with her no-good musician boyfriend and felt she wanted to stay in NYC but when she met Lamar Pierce while serving as Jasmine's maid of honor, New Orleans now had a greater appeal. She might have found a new forever home.

I loved this series and how each book centered on one of the ladies. These romances weren't about the young because each of the ladies was well-past the age of consent, but the stories are woven magnificently. Sorry to see the series end.

47cyderry
Mar 9, 2020, 2:54 pm



Challenge Book # 12
John Quincy Adams: A Public Life, a Private Life ★★★½
Paul C. Nagel
Category - Government
Other Challenges - LILIES


I re-read this book for my book club for February. We wanted to do something in honor of President's day and felt a look at a lesser known President would be good. - I originally read it in 2009 and felt I needed to refresh my memory. Then afterward when I read my review of the book from 2009, I realized that what I said then still was true today. So I am re-posting that review. That said I also felt that there were great comparisons between the ADAMS plural presidencies and the BUSH plural presidencies. Both sons were elected during contentious elections and served during a difficult time for the nation. Both fathers were not always popular.

Here is my review:

I have to admit that I knew hardly anything about John Quincy Adams (JQA) before I read this book. All I knew was that he was the 6th President of the United States and the son of John Adams, the 2nd President. I can no longer say that. This book was absolutely tremendous in telling the reader about the man, statesman, politician, son, husband, father, grandfather.
I won't try to convey all the information that Paul Nagel, the author, tries to give the reader. It would be impossible. What I will tell you is that this book tells you the history of the man, who was brilliant, strove for perfection in himself, was ambitious yet scholarly and poetic, who wanted only the best for the nation that his father helped to birth.

What I will also tell you is that there were so many moments in history that he touched and was part of and never received the credit that I think he deserved if what is in this book is true. I say that because most of the book is based on JQA's papers, journals, etc. and could be biased.
Did you know that he was part of the commission that handled the negotiations for the Louisiana Purchase, or that he headed the diplomatic corps that negotiated the treaty that ended the War of 1812? Did you know that he was Secretary of State at the time that Monroe Doctrine was issued (I believe he was the one that put the bug in Monroe's ear)?

All this said, I don't believe that he was meant to be President. Not that he wasn't qualified, he just didn't have the temperament for the political side of the job and the manner of his election (through the House of Representatives) didn't make it easier. After he was defeated for reelection by Andrew Jackson, he went on to a brilliant career in the House of Representatives and was responsible for the protection of the Smithson bequest to the United States which we now have as the Smithsonian Institute.

As for the book, it was tremendously informative but it got weighed down by too many excerpts from his journal and sometimes there was too much detail. All in all, I'd read it again if I knew nothing about the man, but now I think, I may know too much.

48thornton37814
Mar 10, 2020, 9:04 pm

Just seeing what all you've been reading lately. I've read one or two of those and plan to try a couple of those other series sometime.

49cyderry
Mar 11, 2020, 1:42 pm

Kind of in as reading funk. Usually by day 11 of a month, I've finished at least 3 books - nary a one so far this month. Can't seem to concentrate on reading, or maybe I just haven't chosen the right books. Will have to do better the rest of this month.

50thornton37814
Mar 11, 2020, 9:29 pm

>49 cyderry: Well, I've abandoned 2 this month. I've already tied abandoned reads with last year!

51cyderry
Mar 19, 2020, 9:51 am

Well, I finally finished my first book in March, but not progressing on the next.
I had a major emotional meltdown in the middle of the night - scared that my idiot husband was going to die! He refuses to stay home from work and then he was going to go play golf tomorrow. I told him if he played golf, to not bother to come home for at least two weeks because I didn't want to catch whatever he might bring home from the golf course. At least he's giving up golf for the foreseeable future.

52thornton37814
Mar 19, 2020, 11:10 am

>51 cyderry: As long as he doesn't get too close to others, walks the course, and uses his own balls and clubs, golf is probably safer than many sports. I wouldn't want someone to be using a community golf cart, etc. though.

53Berly
Mar 26, 2020, 12:24 am

>51 cyderry: Wishing you better luck with the books and your hubby! ; ) Hang in there.

54cyderry
Abr 3, 2020, 2:58 pm

Hoping everyone is staying home and staying healthy. What a great excuse we all have to just read but, alas, I have been in a reading funk for several weeks. Hoping a beautiful weekend will turn the tide.

55tututhefirst
Abr 4, 2020, 12:14 pm

THere's always MahJong

56PaulCranswick
Abr 5, 2020, 8:13 am

Have a lovely, peaceful, safe and healthy weekend, Cheli.

57alcottacre
Editado: Abr 5, 2020, 6:53 pm

>37 cyderry: >39 cyderry: I am going to have to check out those series. I have only read one book by Ellery Adams - it was a different series - and I cannot say that I was overly impressed. It sounds as though this series might be better.

Stay healthy and safe, Cheli!

58cyderry
Abr 6, 2020, 10:23 am

>57 alcottacre: I am especially fond of the series by Libby Klein because the author came and talked at my ladies book club. Every year the group would do a charity fundraiser Murder Mystery dinner and we tried to have our book selection be tied to the theme for the year. That year our theme was Murder High Reunion so we wanted a class reunion related book. I found Class Reunions Are Murder by Libby Klein and when I researched it, found that she lived in our area. I contacted her and she came to our book discussion and even brought us gluten free brownies which were delicious! All her books have recipes that are gluten free.

As for Ellery Adams, she has several different series and I like some more than others. My favorites are the Charmed Pie Shoppe and the Book Retreat Mysteries (reading the latest of this one right now!). Hope you find something that you enjoy!

Please stay safe, Stasia!

59cyderry
Abr 9, 2020, 2:10 pm

60PaulCranswick
Abr 12, 2020, 4:09 am



I wanted my message this year to be fairly universal in a time we all should be pulling together, whatever our beliefs. Happy Celebration, Happy Sunday, Cheli.

61cyderry
Abr 12, 2020, 5:04 pm

>60 PaulCranswick: Same to you. Hoping you are safe and healthy and will soon be able to enjoy Spring with all its blessings!

62cyderry
Editado: Jun 11, 2020, 2:05 pm

How brilliant is this? Look closely at the titles.



I guess they took away the picture.

63alcottacre
Abr 13, 2020, 12:43 pm

>57 alcottacre: That is so cool about Libby Klein!

>59 cyderry: I have been going a lot of places here lately. The weekly Readathons are certainly helping.

>62 cyderry: That is brilliant!

64cyderry
Editado: Jun 11, 2020, 2:06 pm

Do you think you could social distance in this library?

65PaulCranswick
Abr 25, 2020, 1:11 am

I wouldn't care - I would be in heaven!

66alcottacre
Abr 27, 2020, 6:19 pm

>64 cyderry: They could not pry me out with a crowbar!

67drneutron
Abr 28, 2020, 10:15 am

That. Is amazing.

68cyderry
Abr 28, 2020, 11:40 am

>64 cyderry: This is amazing.... puts my one wall library to shame.

69Berly
Jun 8, 2020, 4:04 pm

Hey! WHere'd you go? Are you lost in the book shelves?

70cyderry
Jun 9, 2020, 8:58 am

>69 Berly: Under house arrest due to Covid19, of course. Constantly on the phone with my Mom who is in lockdown at her assisted living facility. So since she can't get out to talk to anyone else, I get her phone calls all day long.

Trying to get some reading done in between calls.
Usually by this time of the year I've read 50-60 books, no not this year. I just broke the 35 mark.

I'll be lucky if I get to 75 if things don't change much.

I need to find a place to hide in my library.

71thornton37814
Editado: Jun 9, 2020, 9:00 am

It has been a long time since you posted. I hope you are okay. ETA: Looks like I cross-posted with your sighting!

72cyderry
Editado: Jun 9, 2020, 9:12 am

Just so everyone doesn't worry about me too much, my husband and I are fine. I have been what I call "under house arrest" because of COVID19.

I entered the house on Friday March 13th after getting a hair cut didn't emerge again until May25th. It was our wedding anniversary and my husband, Tim, wanted to play golf. So, I ventured out and rode the golf cart with him. Then I returned to the house. I have been out a few times to the doctor (eyes and knee) but otherwise, I have stayed home. While here we have been doing some work on the house and last Wednesday we finished up the projects (paint, new curtains, etc.) Now, I just need to put everything back together.

As I said above, I'm way behind on my reading because of keeping my Mom's spirits up, and I've also noticed that my attention span is lagging. I'm trying to catch up on my reading, but everyone knows that those books just keep piling up, waiting to be read.

Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy.

73cyderry
Jun 10, 2020, 12:05 pm

Something else besides Mom that has distracted me from my reading is the work that we've been having done in the house. We've lived here 35 years and replaced the carpet a couple of times but decided that for resale value to install hardwoods on the main level. So we had the front of the house done 2 years ago and now was time to finish. The entire first floor either had no furniture (had to be moved out to put down the new floors) or it had extra furniture from the other rooms.
I personally hid away in my library upstairs and let Tim take care of supervising the work (since he was home anyway) Now that the workmen are basically done, we are trying to get the rooms put back together. I ordered 2 new recliners with heat and massage (can't wait for these to get here), new curtains, and a new area rug. The rug came but it was the wrong color and wrong size, but Tim likes it and the one I ordered is no longer available. So I'm stuck with it.

What do you think?

74Whisper1
Jun 10, 2020, 12:23 pm

I love the new rug! And, the hardwood floors look beautiful. I miss you and hope to call this week. Much Love!

75cyderry
Editado: Jun 11, 2020, 3:36 pm

I realize that I have failed to continue posting my reviews for the last few months so here are some quick notes. There are reviews on each of the books.

Bookmarked for Murder ★★★½
A Better Man ★★★½
Michelangelo : the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel ★★★★½
Time's Convert ★★★½
A Field Guide to Homicide ★★★½
Coconut Layer Cake Murder ★★★
Guilty as Charred ★★★★
Stayin' Alive ★★★★
Shredding the Evidence ★★★★
Murder in the Storybook Cottage ★★★★
Murder with Clotted Cream ★★★★
On Tuesdays, They Played Mah Jongg ★★★
A Sprinkling of Murder ★★★★
Botched Butterscotch ★★★
Been There, Married That ★
Sauvigone for Good ★★★½
Study In Scarlet Women ★★★½
Southern Harm ★★★
Statue of Limitations ★★★
Riviera Gold ★★★★
Prologue to Murder (Bookstore Mystery) ★★★
Death on the Page ★★★½
Peach Clobbered: A Georgia B&B Mystery ★★★

My favorites so far, of these, Stayin' Alive and Murder in the Storybook Cottage

76cyderry
Jun 14, 2020, 9:56 pm

77alcottacre
Jun 19, 2020, 4:23 pm

>76 cyderry: I love that!

I hope you and your mom are both doing well at keeping each other's spirits up.

78cyderry
Jun 20, 2020, 3:16 pm

>77 alcottacre:
I'm finally feeling that the world is headed back to some semblance of normal - I got my hair cut and my nails done! Now if I could see my Mom I'd really feel better, but since her assisted living facility is still in "lockdown" I have to wait. The worst part is that she has some health issues and so when she goes to the treatment center for care, when she returns, they put her in quarantine for 10 days. She'll probably be in quarantine for the rest of the summer.

79cyderry
Jul 4, 2020, 11:45 am

Wishing everyone a healthy and happy 4th!


80PaulCranswick
Jul 4, 2020, 11:18 pm

In this difficult year with an unprecedented pandemic and where the ills of the past intrude sadly upon the present there must still be room for positivity. Be rightly proud of your country. To all my American friends, enjoy your 4th of July weekend.

81cyderry
Jul 5, 2020, 10:31 am

>80 PaulCranswick: Thank you Paul.

I really didn't do much different this year other than not having friends over for a cookout or going to their homes. I rarely go to the big events with the large crowds because, as I get older, I can't handle all that noise.

This year I had the "freedom" to do exactly what I wanted - sit back with my feet up and read a good book!

82cyderry
Jul 14, 2020, 12:39 pm

I just realized that this past week I marked my 2,000th book in my catalog as READ.

I'm pretty impressed with myself.

83FAMeulstee
Jul 14, 2020, 5:15 pm

>82 cyderry: Congratulations with this milestone, Chèli!

84cyderry
Jul 18, 2020, 3:12 pm

85PaulCranswick
Ago 3, 2020, 11:07 am

>84 cyderry: I like that, Cheli.

86cyderry
Ago 24, 2020, 11:40 pm

I am so excited! I requested the newest Louise Penny book from NetGalley's new Audiobook feature never thinking that I'd get it, but I did!

I started it tonight!

87cyderry
Set 8, 2020, 9:42 pm

I've been doing a lot of reading the last few weeks, but I think that will change for a while. My Mom passed away this evening, suddenly. Even though she was 95, I guess I'm still a bit shocked. Can't seem to get through a single Paragraph.

88FAMeulstee
Set 12, 2020, 6:53 pm

>87 cyderry: Sorry you lost your mother, Chèli, my condolences.

89thornton37814
Set 13, 2020, 10:17 am

>87 cyderry: Sorry about the loss of your mom. Prayers for you and your family. It's never easy to lose a mom, and you'll miss her the rest of your life. Take it easy. You'll eventually be able to read again.

90lkernagh
Set 20, 2020, 7:18 pm

My condolences on the loss of your mother, Chèli.

91cyderry
Set 25, 2020, 10:48 pm

Again, here is the update of the books I've read leading up to #75!

Anne Boleyn, A King's Obsession: A Novel ★★★½
Rosie Effect ★★½
King's Justice ★★★½
Murder Most Maine ★★★★
Pies before Guys ★★★
Killer Queen ★★★★½
Murder in the Wine Country ★★★½
Body in the Wetlands ★★★½
Deep Fried Revenge ★★★★
Body in the gravel ★★★★
Murder in the Secret Maze ★★★
Body in the Apartment ★★★½
Divide and Concord ★★★½
Seaside Café ★★★★
Dark Queen Rising ★
Lily and the Octopus ★★★
Playing the Devil ★★★★
Murder at Royale Court ★★★★
Murder at Beechwood ★★★
Checked Out for Murder ★★★½
On Borrowed Crime: A Jane Doe Book Club Mystery ★★★
Cast Iron Alibi ★★★½
Still Knife Painting ★★
Proof of Murder ★★★★
Death of a Blueberry Tart ★★★½
One Fatal Flaw ★★★
Be Our Ghost ★★★
Out of the Picture ★★★★
Poppy Harmon and the Hung Jury ★★★★
Penned In ★★★
All the Devils are Here ★★★★½
Study in Murder ★★★★
Craks in a Marriage ★★★
A Devious Lot ★★★
Mums and Mayhem ★★★★
Bidder End ★★★½
Murder at Rough Point ★★★★
Marshmallow Malice ★★★★
Special Blend of Murder ★★★½
# 75! Wine Tastings Are Murder ★★★★

The best - Killer Queen and All the Devils are Here

92drneutron
Set 26, 2020, 3:42 pm

Congrats!

93FAMeulstee
Out 2, 2020, 4:37 pm

>91 cyderry: Congratulations on reaching 75, Chèli!

94thornton37814
Out 4, 2020, 8:13 am

Congrats on reaching the magic number!

95PaulCranswick
Nov 6, 2020, 10:47 pm

I am very late to get to your thread, Cheli both to express my sadness at the passing of your mum as well as to say well done on passing 75 books.

I hope that you are ok. xx

96cyderry
Editado: Nov 7, 2020, 12:05 pm

>95 PaulCranswick: Paul, thank you so much for your kind words. I still miss her even though I hadn't been able to be with her since March (d*** coronavirus) but I did talk to her several times a day to try to keep her spirits up, so I seem to have more time on my hands now. My friends have been wonderful in taking on the task of keeping my spirits up, but I know the coming weeks with the holidays will be a big change and not being able to be with family as much makes it even harder. Usually my husband & I visit our grandkids in Richmond for Thanksgiving, but not this year. We will have a virtual dessert visit instead but that doesn't make up for all the missed kisses and hugs, tickles and laughter. My husband lost his sister this time last year so her daughter is kind of in the same boat and has decided to spend the holidays with us. I can't wait for this all to be over and our family and friends can see each other in reality again.

On a lighter note, I have had more reading time and am close to reaching the 100 book mark for 2020! I will have to find room on my shelves from Mom's stash, however.

97PaulCranswick
Nov 21, 2020, 7:27 am

>96 cyderry: The stewardship of your Mom's collection will help remind you of her as well as giving you much pleasure too.

I do hope that Thanksgiving will result in a sort of togetherness for you and yours virtual or otherwise. x

98PaulCranswick
Nov 26, 2020, 10:05 pm



This Brit wishes to express his thanks for the warmth and friendship that has helped sustain him in this group, Cheli.

99cyderry
Nov 26, 2020, 11:44 pm

>98 PaulCranswick: Thank you, Paul.

I think that the group has been good for me, keeping me focused on something that is good as well as the kind support at tough times.

I hope that all my friends are buoyed up by our joint efforts.

100PaulCranswick
Dez 4, 2020, 11:58 pm

Wishing you a wonderful weekend, Cheli.

101cyderry
Dez 12, 2020, 2:25 pm

102FAMeulstee
Dez 14, 2020, 10:32 am

>101 cyderry: Indeed, Chèli.
Buying not as many books as I did in my younger years, but still very happy when I add a book to my collection :-)

103Berly
Dez 24, 2020, 7:15 pm

>101 cyderry: Exactly!!!



Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May 2021 bring you less need for masks, loads of peace and joy, good health and, of course, books!

104PaulCranswick
Dez 25, 2020, 2:53 am



I hope you get some of those at least, Cheli, as we all look forward to a better 2021.

105cyderry
Dez 26, 2020, 11:24 am

>104 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul! I had a lovely day spent with my sweet hubbie and his even sweeter sister. We're the only family members still in Maryland so we spend a lot of time together. She was at our house for Thanksgiving and we went to hers for Christmas. While we were there, we ZOOMED the other family members in Florida, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Saw all my grandkids!

Hope you had an equally enjoyable holiday!

106PaulCranswick
Jan 1, 2021, 12:11 am



Cheli

As the year turns, friendship continues

107cyderry
Editado: Jan 3, 2021, 1:29 pm

Year-End Reading Meme: How to Throw A Party

What would you call the event? Theater Nights Are Murder
How did the guests find their way? Deck the Hallways
How did they know they'd arrived? The Book of Candlelight
Any special activities? Strega Nona's Magic Lessons
Did your guests stay over? Bridal Suite
Were there servants to help? Lily and the Octopus
Was there turn down service? Avenging Angels
How were the guests greeted? Dead in the Doorway
Was dinner held for late comers? Chili Cauldron Curse
And dinner was? Waffle Lot Of Murder
Afterwards? Murder at the Opera

108cyderry
Jan 3, 2021, 1:31 pm

Here are my final numbers for 2020:

eBooks 96
audiobooks 20
ARDs 6

fiction: 12
non-fiction: 5
Mysteries in a series
firsts 23
seconds 13
thirds 15
moreseries 54

female author: (%) 93%
male author: (%) 7%

paper book: (%) 5%
audiobook: (%) 16%
ebook: (%) 79%

completed: 98%
abandoned: 2%

ratings (4* and above): 36