2016 Bookish Recap Tag

Welcome to 2017! I can't believe it's already here. Kaitlyn from Twin Thoughts tagged me for this marvelous book-related tag started by Faith P. at Stories by Firefly. You know me, always ready to write about books. Thank you, Kaitlyn!

Rules

1. Include the above button in your post.
2. Answer the 11 questions.
3. Use as many book covers as you like.
4. Tag 5-10 people and notify them that they've been tagged.

 Questions

1. How many books did you read in 2016? (Exact if you know, or approximate if not.)

I do have an exact for this. I know what you're thinking: BOOK NERD! And you're right. :) The answer is 85 books.

2. Did you set a reading challenge for yourself and, if so, did you meet it?

 I had set a goal of 10 books a month, so 120 all year. But, life interfered.

3. What was your most read genre this year? Least read?

Most read: Fantasy (about 24) and historical fiction (about 20-25)

Least read:  Biographies (1) and romance (3)

4. What's five of your favorite books from 2016?

This is a terrible question. So I'll just pick my five top series. haha.

The Makilien Trilogy by Molly Evangeline

The Pirates and Faith series by Molly Evangeline

The Blades of Acktar by Tricia Mingerink

Ilyon Chronicles by Jaye L. Knight

Dragons in our Midst by Bryan Davis

Mark of the Lion Trilogy by Francine Rivers

What? I'm certain you counted wrong. There's only five series listed! :) Anyway, if you haven't heard of or read these series, you really need to. They're wonderful!

5. What's five of your least favorite books from 2016?

 Nobody kill me as I know these are some favorites.

Uncle Tom's Cabin, Harriet Beecher Stowe

Silas Marner, George Eliot

Shane, Jack Schaefer

Seal of the King, Ralph Smith

I personally wouldn't recommend any of these books to anyone. These were pretty much my only disappointing books throughout the year.

6. What new favorite author did you discover? (Not necessarily that the author is 'new', but that they became new to you this year.)

This was a very good reading year. I found my new favorite author—Tricia Mingerink, and for all intensive purposes I found my second-favorite author—Jaye L. Knight/Molly Evangeline. I actually found MANY new authors but these two are by far my favorites.

7. What's five of your favorite book covers from the year?

There were some really good ones! Here are a few.

Resistance, Jaye L. Knight

Courage, Molly Evangeline

The Pirate Daughter's Promise, Molly Evangeline

Deny, Tricia Mingerink

Defy, Tricia Mingerink

What? I'm not biased! Why would you say that?

8. How many books did you purchase for yourself in 2016? (Exact if you know, approximate if not.)

I bought more books for myself this year than any other year prior. That being said, I'm not sure. I got several of them free on Kindle and bought all my favorites in paper-back. Still, many of them were given to me for Christmas and my birthday. I'd have to say that I bought at least 20.

9. What's the longest book you read in 2016?

Unfortunately, it was also one of my least favorites. Ironic, I know. Seal of the King by Ralph Smith was 749 pages. Yes, you read that number correctly. The longest book I've ever read!

10. What's the shortest book you read in 2016?

Probably Jesseca Wheaton's Beyond the Horizon at 72 pages. I also read a few others that might have been slightly shorter.

11. What's your reading goal for 2017?

I'm not going to push myself since I have a super busy schedule, but I'm going to aim for last year's goal of 120. We'll see how I do!

I Tag

You! If you are reading this and have done the tag, leave me the link to your post and I'll go read it. If you haven't done this and don't have a blog, go ahead and leave me a comment with your answers! I love learning about your reading adventures!

I would say that this year, most of the books I read ranged from 300-400 pages, and I'm very happy with that number. So, while I didn't read quite the number of books I'd hoped to, I read plenty of pages. Here's the complete list of what I read if you are interested. Before you go, be sure to either answer the questions or recommend a book to me. Thanks!

My Reading Year

 

January (2,946 pages total)

1. Makilien Trilogy: Courage, Molly Evangeline (478 pages)

1. Makilien Trilogy: Trust, Molly Evangeline (331 pages)
2. Circle C Milestones: Heartbreak Trail, Susan K. Marlow (166 pages)
3. 'Nama Beach High: New Girl in Town, Nancy Rue (170 pages)
4. Pirates and Faith: The Pirate Daughter's Promise, Molly Evangeline (217 pages)
5. Pirates and Faith: Every Tear, Molly Evangeline (458 pages)
6. Circle C Milestones: The Last Ride, Susan K. Marlow (175 pages)
7. Red Rock Mysteries: Instant Menace, Jerry B. Jenkins and Chris Fabry (234 pages)
8. Red Rock Mysteries: Escaping Darkness, Jerry B. Jenkins and Chris Fabry (218 pages)
9. Uncle Tom's Cabin, Harriet Beecher Stowe (499 pages)

February (2,010 pages total)

1. Daughters of the Faith Series: Shadow of His Hand, Wendy Lawton (148 pages)
2. What About Cimmaron?, Lauraine Snelling (84 pages)
3. Sierra Jensen Series: In Your Dreams, Robin Jones Gunn (140 pages)
4. Forbidden Doors: The Guardian, Bill Myers (170 pages)
5. Red Rock Mysteries: Windy City Danger, Jerry B. Jenkins and Chris Fabry (234 pages)
6. Adventures of the Northwoods: The Disappearing Stranger, Lois W. Johnson (142 pages)
7. The Black Stallion: The Blood Bay Colt, Walter Farley (307 pages)
8. The Island Stallion: The Island Stallion's Fury, Walter Farley (190 pages)
9. Pirates and Faith: A Captain's Heart, Molly Evangeline (365 pages)
10. Golden Filly: The Race, Lauraine Snelling (123 pages)
11. Golden Filly: Eagles Wings, Lauraine Snelling (107 pages)

March (2,047 pages total)

1. Silas Marner, George Eliot (202 pages)
2. Golden Filly: Go for the Glory, Lauraine Snelling (126 pages)
3. Golden Filly: Kentucky Dreamer, Lauraine Snelling (130 pages)
4. Golden Filly: Call for Courage, Lauraine Snelling (122 pages)
5. Dear Enemy, Jack Cavanaugh (288 pages)
6. The Kingdom Series: Kingdom's Dawn, Chuck Black (145 pages)
7. Blessed Child, Ted Dekker and Bill Bright (349 pages)
8. Left Behind: Desecration, Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins (405 pages)
9. The Kingdom Series: Kingdom's Hope, Chuck Black (138 pages)
10. Adventures of the Northwoods: The Hidden Message, Lois Walfrid Johnson (142 pages)

April (2,016+ pages total)

1. The Blades of Acktar: Dare, Tricia Mingerink (334 pages)
2. Golden Filly: Shadow Over San Mateo, Lauraine Snelling (119 pages)
3. The Anne of Green Gables Novels: Anne of Green Gables, L. M. Montgomery (308 pages)
4. Song of the Desert, Katie Grace (307 pages)
5. Christian Heroes: Then and Now: Jacob Deshazer, Janet and Geoff Benge (219 pages)
6. The Hobbit, J. R. R. Tolkien (330 pages)
7. The Blades of Acktar: Deny, Tricia Mingerink (328 pages)
8. Kressler Kids Mysteries: The Mystery of the Midnight Tresspasser, Hosanna Emily (_ pages)
9. Golden Filly: Out of the Mist, Lauraine Snelling (116 pages)

May (1,428+ pages total)

1. The Oneness: Hive, Rachel Starr Thomson (__ pages)
2. The Oneness: Exile, Rachel Starr Thomson (230 pages)
3. Pirates and Faith: Finding Faith, Molly Evangeline (277 pages)
4. The Blades of Acktar: Defy, Tricia Mingerink (__ pages)
5. Shane, Jack Schaefer (151 pages)
6. Ilyon Chronicles: Resistance, Jaye L. Knight (478 pages)
7. Bonnets and Bugles Series: The Gallant Boys of Gettysburg, Gilbert Morris (168 pages)
8. Golden Filly: Second Wind, Lauraine Snelling (124 pages)

June (388 pages total)

1. The Revelation Chronicles: Will's Purpose, Randolph Kay (388 pages)

July (2,314 pages total)

1. Cedar River Daydreams: Unheard Voices, Judy Baer (140 pages)
2. Mark of the Lion: A Voice in the Wind, Francine Rivers (507 pages)
3. Golden Filly: Close Call, Lauraine Snelling (128 pages)
4. Mark of the Lion: An Echo in the Darkness, Francine Rivers (442 pages)
5. Golden Filly: The Winner's Circle, Lauraine Snelling (127 pages)
6. Mark of the Lion: As Sure as the Dawn, Francine Rivers (473 pages)
7. Adventures of the Northwoods: The Creeping Shadows, Lois Walfrid Johnson (160 pages)
8. Out from Egypt: Counted With the Stars, Connilyn Cossette (337 pages)

August (1,230 pages total)

1. A Seven Wonders Novel: City of the Dead, T. L. Higley (380 pages)
2. Cedar River Daydreams: Trouble with a Capital “T”, Judy Baer (139 pages)
3. Cedar River Daydreams: Journey to Nowhere, Judy Baer (126 pages)
4. Cedar River Daydreams: More Than Friends, Judy Baer (122 pages)
5. A Question of Honor, Jesseca Wheaton (150 pages)
6. Ilyon Chronicles: Half-Blood, Jaye L. Knight (130 pages)
7. And the Bride Wore White: Seven Secrets to Sexual Purity, Dannah Gresh (183 pages)

September (1,707 pages total + X)

1. The Seventh Dimension: The Door, Lorilyn Roberts (231 pages)
2. The Lost Girl of Astor Street, Stepanie Morrill (345 pages)
3. Failstate: Failstate, John W. Otte (426 pages)
4. Dragons in Our Midst: Raising Dragons, Bryan Davis (371 pages)
5. Dragon Keeper Chronicles: Dragon Spell, Donita K. Paul (334 pages)
6. X (Courtship book)

October (1,319 pages total)

1. Follower of the Word: Daughter of Light, Morgan L. Busse (376 pages)
2. Light of Loian: A Light in the Darkness, Heather Sutherlin (215 pages)
3. Dragon Keeper Chronicles: Dragon Quest, Donita K. Paul (349 pages)
4. A Seven Wonders Novel: Guardian of the Flame, T. L. Higley (379 pages)

November (2,271 pages total)

1. Montana Skies Series: McKenzie, Penny Zeller (314 pages)
2. Dragons in Our Midst: The Candlestone, Bryan Davis (388 pages)
3. Dragons in Our Midst: Circles of Seven, Bryan Davis (434 pages)
4. The Wanderer Series: Seen, Heather Sutherlin (139 pages)
5. Thrilling Action and Adventure Fiction Book: Seal of the King, Ralph Smith (749 pages)
6. Cedar River Daydreams: Never Too Late, Judy Baer (121 pages)
7. Cedar River Daydreams: A Special Kind of Love, Judy Baer (126 pages)

December (1,077 pages total)

1. Madman, Tracy Groot (316 pages)
2. Men of the Saddle: The Drifter, Lori Copeland (279 pages)
3. Beyond the Horizon, Jesseca Wheaton (72 pages)
4. Chiveis Trilogy: The Sword, Bryan M. Litfin (410 pages)
   
   
   Thanks for reading! Have a blessed week!

Favorite Books

A huge group of bloggers are participating in a book party at Rebekah Morris's blog "Read Another Page." It goes on until this Friday, the 30th. Six blogs (including Rebekah Morris's) are posting their top five favorite books in two genres each day. Every day they offer a prize, and to top it all off, there is an amazing grand prize. You can enter in numerous ways. I'm having a blast at the party so far, and I'd highly recommend heading over there to join in the fun!

Since this has thrown me into a bookish mood (which I'm always in anyways), I'm going to post a few of my favorite books in the mystery, historical fiction, and spiritual warfare genres. Enjoy and be sure to enter the giveaway!

For the longest time, mystery was my favorite genre. Lately, historical fiction and fantasy have overruled it, but I still love to immerse myself in a great mystery novel. I am, however, struggling to find good, clean, mysteries for teen readers such as myself. I love ones that keep you guessing and send shivers up your spine. Any recommendations? Following are some of my favorites from a few years ago.

The "Red Rock Mysteries" series by Jerry B. Jenkins and Chris Fabry are wonderful adventures full of twists and turns. I've thoroughly enjoyed each one I've read; my only complaint is that they are over too quickly!

Another series I re-read repeatedly when I was younger was the "No Place Like Holmes" books by Jason Lethcoe. They keep you flipping pages and are just the type that I described above. I wish they were written for my age level!

Yet a third series of delightful mysteries is the "Adventures of the Northwoods" by Lois Walfrid Johnson. They also qualify as historical fiction, set in Wisconsin. I really had fun with both the mystery, and the struggles of the times.

An abundance of these novels decorate my shelves. I can't get enough of good historical fiction. I don't have a specific time period that I enjoy most; I'll read whatever time period I can get my hands on!

At the end of 2015, I discovered Molly Evangeline and her first series, "Pirates and Faith." They are an exciting series set in the Caribbean Sea, 1702. I also appreciated the length of each book; there's nothing better than a good, long book that you can escape to!

Recently, I discovered book one in the "Out From Egypt" series by Connilyn Cossette. Counted With the Stars follows an Egyptian woman through the plagues and the Exodus. It contains a very unique perspective that I enjoyed. I don't agree with all the aspects of the book, but for the most part, it was in sync with the Biblical account.

Francine River's series, "The Mark of the Lion" is powerful! I did a post on how it affected me that you can read HERE. This is set a little after the time of Jesus in Rome and Ephesus. It is graphic, but an amazing series nonetheless.

On a lighter note, I also had fun reading the "Black Stallion" series by Walter Farley, and am now re-reading it with my sister. For anyone who loves horses, these novels are a must!

I've had a great time reading all of Susan Marlow's novels. She has several series for various age groups. Each series is centered around tomboy Andrea Carter living in Fresno, California in the 1880s. My favorite of her series is "Circle C Adventures."

Lastly, Lauraine Snelling wrote a short novel taking place during the Mount St. Helens eruption called "What about Cimmaron?" I enjoyed the unique perspective of the characters.

I don't think that this is technically a "genre," but for my purposes it is. I haven't read too many of these, but I'll share the ones that I have because I've loved them!

Rachel Starr Thomson has a series called "The Oneness." While I've only read the first few, I've been intrigued by the way that the author portrays the spiritual realm.

I've read multiple books by Josh McDowell that are also jam-packed full of the spiritual. To name a few in "The Powerlink Chronicles:" Under Siege, The Deceivers, and Truth Slayers. All were very challenging. I'd recommend all three for teens and adults—mostly teens.

Perhaps this has helped you find more books to add to your to-be-read list. I hope so! If you have read any of the above mentioned books, I'd enjoy hearing your thoughts on them. What are your favorite books in these genres? I'd love to hear your input and make sure you go enter that giveaway right away!

Favorite Books

Awhile back I was tagged to answer a few questions about my favorite books/series/authors, etc. I'd love to hear your answers to these questions too! Enjoy!
 

What are your top two favorite books?

Makilien Trilogy

I don't think that I could pick—honestly. But if I had to choose some of my favorites would be The Pirate Daughter's Promise, Every Tear, Truth, Courage, and Trust, all by Molly Evangeline. Also Heartbreak Trail, by Susan Marlow and a not-yet-published book by a friend. (You know who you are :D)

What are your top two favorite series?

Probably the Makilien Trilogy by Molly Evangeline and the Circle C books by Susan K. Marlow. However, there are many, many series that rank high on my list of favorites. They would include the whole Black Stallion and Island Stallion series by Walter Farley and the Pirates and Faith series by Molly Evangeline. I also really like the Golden Filly series by Lauraine Snelling. The Chronicles of Narnia are also high on my list with the Left Behind series.

Who is your favorite fictional character?

Pirates and Faith Series

Other than Amber or Maddie, the main characters in two of my own stories, it would have to be either Andrea Carter from the Circle C series mentioned above, or Makilien from the Makilien Trilogy also mentioned above.

If any one of your favorite books could be made into a movie which one would you want it to be?

I would personally love to direct a movie of the Makilien Trilogy myself (then I would be certain that it would be made right!) The others that I would really like to see would be good movies of each of the books in the Chronicles of Narnia.

What is your favorite genre to read?

I don't have any one particular favorites. I like reading contemporary, mystery, somewhat fantasy (to the extent of The Lord of the Rings). Mostly, I love adventure and if I can find that in a historical fiction novel, a well-written biography in novel form, or anywhere else, I'll read it!

Do you have a favorite author?

This is a DANGEROUS question to ask a book lover. Very, very dangerous. So, the answer is no. I do not have A favorite author. I have many. So, now you get my list . . . hang on tight and don't fall asleep on me!

1. I have to start with my Grandpa, Randall Reinstedt. He writes fascinating California history books. And no, I am not just being partial. I really do enjoy what he writes!
2. I enjoy anything by Jerry B. Jenkins
3. A new author that I discovered and LOVE is Molly Evangeline, aka. Jaye L. Knight
4. Lauraine Snelling
5. Susan K. Marlow
6. Walter Farley
7. Jesseca Dawn
8. Rebekah Eddy
9. Dandi Daley Mackall
10. Wendy Lawton

So there you are with some of my all time favorite authors! Of course, I could go on to list many, many more but that would make this post way too long. Thanks for hanging with me!

Is there a book that you can hardly wait for it to come out?

Well, for starters, The Silent Blade, and A Question of Honor, by Jesseca Dawn. Also, the fourth book in the Circle C Milestones series by Susan K. Marlow. I am also eager for the third book in the Ilyon Chronicles series by Jaye L. Knight.
 

What was one of your favorite childhood books?

The many books written by Bill Peet. They are fun childrens' stories mostly about animals. Another book that was special to my mom and me was "The Kissing Hand."

What was one of you favorite books when you were late elementary to middle school age?

I really like/liked the High Hurdles series by Lauraine Snelling. I read the entire 10 book series twice! I also like/liked the Trixie Belden series, Red Rock Mysteries, and the Wormling series in addition to the Winnie the Horse Gentler series.

What is your favorite book of the Bible?
I really like 1 and 2 Timothy because it is a reminder to me that even young people can do great things for God!

Thanks for reading, Everyone! I hope that you have a great rest of the week! I'd love to hear your answers to these questions. Do you enjoy reading any of the above authors/books/series mentioned? If you haven't heard of some of these authors, I highly recommend them. God bless you!

My short story: Aunt Rebecca Moves In

At the end of last year I entered a short story writing contest through an author I really like, Susan Marlow, using the characters from her stories. I didn't win but I would like to share my story with you all. Visit this link to read it and I would love to hear what you think in the comments on my blog!

For those of you not familiar with Susan's stories, I really like all of her books and would highly recommend them. They are a Christian series based in the 1800s for teens. The main character, Andrea Carter, who prefers to be called "Andi" as she is just a tomboy on her family's ranch, doesn't get along with her proper city aunt, Aunt Rebecca.

If you have any questions just ask away!

Are you a writer. . .?

Here's a fun quiz that I used with permission. Have fun!

You know you're a writer when...

1You see someone on TV who you think looks just like one of your characters.
2 You read a book and are certain that writer ripped you off, somehow.
3 You think of your characters as your friends.
4 You reenact a scene from your story and do the dialogue for all the characters.
5 You watch a movie with your friends and you can't stop saying, "I'm totally using that line in my book."
6 Your mood depends on what's going on in your book.
7 You'd rather write than watch TV.
8You cry while you write a sad scene in your story.
9 You get mad when someone says they think you should make your favorite character die.
10 You get so excited when you're assigned a two week research paper.
11 You dream about your story/stories.
12 You dream about your bad guy character trying to kill you.
13 The kids of your mom's friend go home and ask their mom to rent the movie you were telling them about, when in reality you were just telling them a story.
14 You do hands-on research to figure out how it would feel to be your character in whatever situation you're researching.
15 You model your child character after the kid you babysit.
16 You get mad when your character makes the wrong decision.
17 You can't stand the naughty kids in the books you read, but you love writing those kids to torment your characters.
18 You play your stories.
19You wish you could live in the imaginary world sometimes.
20 When people ask you what your favorite book character is you tell them the one from your own book.
21 You have actually emailed the FBI to ask them questions for your story.
22 You get really excited about research.
23 You borrow tons of books from the library to get inspiration or ideas for scenes in your stories.
24 You rewrite movies/books/TV shows to the way you like them.
25 You sometimes wonder if your characters are controlling the stories, not you. 
26 You own an outfit just like the one your character wears.
27 You write your own commercials for your stories.
28 You find that you can't remember what was from your stories and what was real when you're recalling life events.
29 You actually can't stand to let your favorite bad guy die and you bring him back again...and again and again and again formany sequels.
30 Your friends think you're talking about real people when you're actually talking about your characters.
Grade yourself!
1-5: You like to make up stories a lot but find that it's hard to actually finish something and often you find yourself having to push yourself to sit down and write.
5-10: You enjoy writing and do it in your spare time, though during school you don't usually find the inspiration to write and would rather be doing something else.

10-15: You love to write and try to do it as much as you can, though many times you take several week breaks. When Writer's Block hits you're really stuck.

15-20: You love to write and often start many, many stories that you can't possibly finish, thus frustrating yourself and never actually getting things done except those stories you really put a lot of effort into.

 20-25: You really love writing and just can't get enough of it- you write something every single day and eighty percent of the time finish what you write, though you do have a lot of abandoned stories or just ideas that someday you may or may not write. You rarely get Writer's Block and have over ten stories finished.
25-29: You LOVE writing so much and are constantly typing up a new idea or story or something and can't stop creating new things. You finish most of what you write and then start something new, often tackling three part series in a matter of weeks. Your biggest problem is jumping from story to story to story, though you do finish most of what you write you often reread what you wrote a month before and then rewrite the whole story.
All 30: You're hooked. You think, breathe and live your stories. Often you have to take a break from writing so you don't mix reality with the imaginary, but your mind is always returning to that one scene or story you were going to write. You are constantly seeing people in stores that look like your characters and suspiciously considering that perhaps they escaped your book.

Comment in the comments and let me know what category you fall into.

P.S.

Jesseca Dawn and Susan Marlow, thanks for allowing me to use this.

A Wonderful Weekend

Susan Marlow and myself at the convention.

Thursday, my family and I started on our trip to a homeschool convention in Modesto. Our first stop was at a friends' house in Gilroy. They helped Mom with ideas for homeschool, made us barrel cooked chicken, took us to see their horse, and just loved on us. I had a blast (thank you sooo much!)!!! :) The next morning we met Grandma and continued on our way.

Barrel chicken.

When we all arrived at the convention we set up the Ghost Town Publications booth with most of my grandpa's books. That day I also met one of my favorite authors, Susan K. Marlow. I was honored to be able to share with Susan about some of writing projects that I'm working on. I spent both days (the convention was only two days) either working at my grandparents booth, or at Susan Marlow's booth talking (not to mention the many hours spent at the hotel pool!). Both nights we stayed at the next door hotel.

I was extremely impressed with the politeness of the homeschooled kids working there. They were serving by bringing carts around to all the exhibitors. They also, the first day, set out a buffet lunch “behind the scenes” for the exhibitors. The second day they set out a buffet breakfast as well as bringing sandwiches, chips, and soft drinks around to the exhibitors for lunch.

The large sailboat that went past.

Yesterday, we (Grandma, my family and I) came home to my grandparents' house and spent the night. Tonight we will spend the night again before heading home. Just now, out my grandparents' window, we saw a HUGE sailboat with sails that must have been 30 feet high (not exaggerating!!!).

Although I had a wonderful time, I am anxious to get home. Thanks Susan, for not tiring of my frequent visits and sharing with me! Thanks Grandpa and Grandma, for always loving on me and my family!