2015 Reading and Writing and Blogging OH MY

2014 wasn't a bad year but wasn't a great year either. It was just one of those years that was. I completed a lot of goals while starting others. Kiddo finished kindergarten and started first grade while playing t-ball, soccer and basket ball. We went on our first cruise with my husbands family and made it back safely (though sick). But now 2015 is here!

Reading

I wanted to read 60 books and I did. Plus some. I ended the year with 137 books read (not counting the ones that aren't published yet). In 2015 I'm aiming for 80 books and if I reach that early I'll adjust my goal.

Writing

I put my last complete novel (One More Summer) on the shelf after a round of querying. I got a few partial and full requests but nothing came of those. I started and completed my third novel (When The Wind Blows). I'm debating on waiting for more notes or reading it again myself and going from there. I love this book and want to see it succeed but I also don't want to put it out in the world before its ready. My goal for this year is to start and finish my fourth novel (Falling Slowly) and, if I complete it, start another (What If I Was Nothing).

My critique partner, Jessica Leake, and I have made goals for ourselves. I want to complete Falling Slowly by March 20th (before kiddo’s spring break) which means I need to write 780 words a day to finish on time.

Blogging

I really slacked on blogging this year. The most I did was Ready? Set. Write! and my monthly book updates. This year I want to do more weekly blogging by sticking with What's Up Wednesday? as well as keep up my monthly reading wrap-ups.

December Reads 2014

A few years back I tried book blogging. I suck at it because I can’t just review the book. I want to ramble on for pages and pages or can’t find any words at all. Last year I decided to use Katy Upperman’s idea (it’s okay, she doesn’t mind). Each month I do a mini review of the books I read that month. No picking and choosing, every single book. 2014 ended with 12 books bringing my total to 137 for the year. I'd started out with wanting to read 60 books but when I met that before June I upped it. And upped it. And upped it again.

I with a book like The List existed when I was in high school. What these girls went through and learned throughout this book would be great for teen girls today.

I didn't start this series until until a month before the last book but I'm glad I did. Such a fast paced, thrilling book. 

I saw Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist when the movie first came out but didn't realize it was a book. Even through I knew what would happen I enjoyed seeing it from the perspective of each character.

I wasn't a fan of Naomi & Ely's No Kiss List. To me there were too many different Points of View for one book. I wish they had stuck with just Naomi and Ely.

Sinner was exactly what I expected from Maggie. Her characters stayed true from book to book and this was no exception. I love that we even got a glimpse of Grace and Sam.

All I can say about this book was what was Cassidy thinking (even though I love when characters throw us off) and that I needed book three ASAP when I was done.

I adored Dash & LIly's Book of Dares. Both characters were different and wonderful and I enjoyed following them on their crazy journey.

Sweet, cute read though I found it a little predictable. But I liked where it ended.

Such a great series! I couldn't wait for each book to be released. Loved how it all turned out!!

Though I liked some stories more than others it was a great read overall.

THIS BOOK! I have to say one of the best reads of 2014! I borrowed an ARC of the book but ended up buying my own. Can't wait for the second book in March.

I really enjoyed Vitro though I was hoping for a little more romance.

November Reads 2014

A few years back I tried book blogging. I suck at it because I can’t just review the book. I want to ramble on for pages and pages or can’t find any words at all. So earlier this year I decided to use Katy Upperman’s idea (it’s okay, she doesn’t mind). Each month I do a mini review of the books I read that month. No picking and choosing, every single book.

 I have very mixed feelings about Insomnia.

 I really enjoyed Joyride. It had just the right amount of romance while not being too over the top. The pranks were fun, very real to life. And the MC, Carly, was spunky and self reliant. She felt very real, down-to-earth. It's also set in my county so that's all kinds of fun.

Very fun, fast follow up to More than Music.

Confession...I had NO idea this series was more than a trilogy. I was getting annoyed because I wasn't getting any answers. I was just over half-way done when I looked it up and saw there's another book due out next year. But, it was just as good as the other books and I can't wait for the next one.

Rites of Passage holds a special place in my heart. I'm lucky enough to be one of Joy's CPs and got to read the early drafts. It was neat to read the final and see what changed since the first draft. I didn't think she could make the book even better but it was incredible. One of my favorite books this year.

I wasn't sold on All Broke Down right away but after a while the characters grew on me and I couldn't help but fall into the world of Rusk University.

I've been wanting to read Sinner since it came out this summer but I wanted to re-read the series first. I forgot how much I love the world of Mercy Falls. Shiver is by far my favorite of the series and Forever my least favorite. I'm hoping Sinner wraps the series up nicely.

VIP completely drew me in. When I got to the end I wanted it to keep going. So glad to see the next two Acts are out next month.

Loved this series.