What's In A Name Four Reading Challenge

I have done this challenge every year since it started and I like it. It is fun to find books that fit in the category. Sometimes I even get stretched out of my reading comfort zone. lol :)


Welcome to the fourth What's in a Name Challenge! This challenge was originated by a young blogger named Annie, who hosted it for two years. When she decided to give up on being the host, I took over the challenge. Beth at Beth Fish Reads.
Here's How It Works

Between January 1 and December 31, 2011, read one book in each of the following categories:

A book with a number in the title: First to Die, Seven Up, Thirteen Reasons Why
A book with jewelry or a gem in the title: Diamond Ruby, Girl with a Pearl Earring, The Opal Deception
A book with a size in the title: Wide Sargasso Sea, Small Wars, Little Bee
A book with travel or movement in the title: Dead Witch Walking, Crawling with Zombies, Time Traveler's Wife
A book with evil in the title: Bad Marie, Fallen, Wicked Lovely
A book with a life stage in the title: No Country for Old Men, Brideshead Revisited, Bog Child
The book titles are just suggestions, you can read whatever book you want to fit the category.

Other Things to Know

Books may be any form (audio, print, e-book).
Books may overlap other challenges.
Books may not overlap categories; you need a different book for each category.
Creativity for matching the categories is not only allowed but encouraged.

You do not have to make a list of books before hand.
You do not have to read through the categories in any particular order.

1st in a Series Challenge 2011

I love series so I am signing up for the Series Expert: Read 12 books that are the first in any series.


Katy at A Few More Pages is hosting this challenge.

Guidelines for the 1st in a Series Challenge 2011


1. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate. If you're not a blogger, leave your information in the comments.

2. There are four levels for this challenge:

Series Novice: Read 3 books that are the first in any series.
Series Lover: Read 6 books that are the first in any series.
Series Expert: Read 12 books that are the first in any series.
Series Fanatic: Read 20 books that are the first in any series.
You can list your books in advance or just put them in a wrap up post. If you list them, feel free to change them as the mood takes you. Any genre counts.

3. The challenge runs from January 1 through December 31, 2011.

4. You can join anytime between now and December 31, 2011.

5. If you're a blogger, write up a sign-up post that includes the URL to this post so that others can join in. Feel free to use the button above. When you sign up in the Linky, put the direct link to your 1st in a Series Challenge sign-up post.

Men in Uniform Reading Challenge 2011

I cannot resist a man in uniform so I am signing up for the
Lieutenant – Read 6–10 men in uniform novels level.


Men in Uniform Reading Challenge
hosted by The Book Vixen
http://www.thebookvixen.com/


Details:

•Runs January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011(books read prior to 1/1/11 do not count towards the challenge). You can join at anytime – Sign up on The Book Vixen’s blog.
•The goal is to read as many novels that involve men in inform as you’d like. It can be a policeman, firefighter, paramedic, Army, Navy, Marine Corp., etc. – As long as the leading man wears some sort of uniform, it counts. See the different levels below and pick the one that works best for you. Nothing is set in stone; you can change levels at any time during the challenge.
•Books can be any format (bound, eBook, audio).
•Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are fine.
•You can list your books in advance or list them as you read them. It is not required that you review the books you read for this challenge but feel free to do so.
•Post this reading challenge on your blog so you can keep a list of the books you’ve read for this challenge. Please include a link back to this post so readers can join the challenge too.
•You do not have to be a book blogger to participate. You can keep tabs on books you’ve read for this challenge on Goodreads or LibraryThing if you’d like (maybe make a shelf for “Men in Uniform Reading Challenge”). If you are not on either of those sites then you can list the books you read for this challenge in the comments on my wrap-up post, which will be up at the end of 2011.


Levels:

Sergeant – Read 1–5 men in uniform novels
Lieutenant – Read 6–10 men in uniform novels
Captain – Read 11–15 men in uniform novels
Chief – Read 16+ men in uniform novels

2010 Reading Challenge Wrap Ups

I decided to do one more big post for reading challenge wrap ups because I am about to do separate ones for all the 2011 challenges I am signing up for.

Chunkster:
I ended up reading four books which satisfied this challenge. My favorites were A Civil Contract and Abbie Ann.

I read:
1. A Civil Contract by Georgette Heyer
2. The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
3. Abbie Ann by Sharlene MacLauren
4. A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman

Flashback:
I read ten books which fulfilled this challenge. My favorites were Sweet Memories, The Princess, and Cheryl Wyatt's books.

I read:
1. Winter's Awakening by Shelley Sheppard Gray
2. Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman
3. Sweet Memories by LaVryle Spencer
4. In the Hand of the Goddess by Tamora Piece
5. The Woman who Rides Like a Man by Tamora Pierce
6. Lioness Rampant by Tamora Pierce
7. the Princess by Lori Wick
8. Alanna by Tamora Pierce
9. A Soldier's Promise by Cheryl Wyatt
10. A Soldier's Family by Cheryl Wyatt

First in a Series:
I read thirty nine books for this challenge which meet the requirements. I am not going to list them because there are so many. My favorites include The Callahans of Texas by Sharon Gillenwater, The Wings of Glory series by Sarah Sundin, the Maya Davis series by Erynn Mangum, Women of Justice series by Lynette Eason, Seasons of Sugarcreek by Shelley Shepard Gray, Seasons of the Tallgrass by Deborah Vogts, Side Roads series by Sally John, Lake Manawa Summers series by Lorna Seilstad, Time Scene Investigators series by Dr. Walt Larimore and Paul McCusker, and the Lost Cities series by T. L. Higley.

Library:
I read thirty books for this challenge which more than meet the twenty five I signed up to read. I love the library so I was excited to participate in this challenge.

Debut Author:
I finished sixty nine books for this challenge. I discovered some great new authors last year. A few that stand out looking at the list are Sarah Sundin, Sharon Gillenwater, Melanie Dobson, and Deborah Vogts.

Science:
I ended up reading three books I think will count for this challenge.
My favorites are one and two.

They are:
1. This is Your Brain in Love by Dr. Earl Henslin
2. The Pluto Files by Neil Degrasse Tyson
3. Green Like God by Jonathan Merritt

Christian Historical Fiction:
I read thirty five books that fall into the Christian Historical Fiction category in 2010. I am a little surprised at how many but it seems like the publishers put out a lot of them. I have a lot published last year that I have not finished yet. My favorites include both books by Sarah Sundin, Abbie Ann by Sharlene MacLaren, The Crimson Cipher by Susan Page Davis, Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad, While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin, and the Lightkeeper's Bride by Colleen Coble.

2010 Holiday Reading Challenge Wrap Up Post

Nely at All About N hosted this great reading challenge.
http://bookwormygirl.blogspot.com/

It really helped me finish up some Christmas themed books I had in my TBR. :)

I read:
1. The Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig
2. I'll Be Home for Christmas by Julie Cannon
3. Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita Paul
4. Holiday Havoc by Terri Reed and Stephanie Newton
5. Yuletide Cowboy by Debra Clopton
6. Mistletoe Prayers by Marta Perry and Betsy St. Amant
7. Winter Reunion by Roxanne Rustand
8. His Holiday Bride by Jillian Hart
9. Their First Noel by Annie Jones
10. Jingle Bell Blessings by Bonnie Winn
11. Yuletide Defender by Sandra Robbins
12. The Christmas Rescue by Laura Scott


Link to my original post:
http://abookloverforever.blogspot.com/2010/11/2010-holiday-reading-challenge.html

I Better Finish These Books in 2010 Challenge Wrap Up Post

This reading challenge is hosted by Diane (Biblophile). Her blog is http://bibliophilebythesea.blogspot.com/

I did not accomplish all my goals for this challenge. :(
I bolded the books I finished in my original list below. :)


My original post:

I have been thinking about this topic lately too. I have a stack of books I want to finish before we move into 2011. I also have a lot of reviews I want to write before the new year. I want to start fresh.

My list:
1. The Alaskan Bride min series by Various Authors
2. Uncertain Heart by Andrea Boeshaar
3. Almost Heaven by Chris Fabry
4. Betsy's Wedding by Maud Hart Lovelace
5. Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer
6. Hatteras Girl by Alice Wisler
7. A Long long time ago and essentially true by Brigid Pasulka
8. Amy Inspired by Bethany Pierce
9. The Lightkeeper's Bride by Colleen Coble
10. Love Finds You in Charm Ohio by Annalisa Daugherty
11. An Honest Love by Kathleen Fuller
12. Anna's Return by Marta Perry
13. The Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig
14. Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck
15. Angel Song by Shelia Walsh and Kathryn Cushman
16. The Tapestry of Love by Rosy Thornton

Complete List of Books I read in 2010

I have already posted my favorites for the year but this is a list of everything that I ended up reading. I read 254 books which is a lot less than the 298 I read last year but I feel blessed to have finished that many with my reading slump. I also listened to one audio book I did not count in my final numbers. It was The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society and I loved it so much I bought it. :)


January
1. Her Forever Cowboy by Debra Clopton
2. The Silent Governess by Julie Klassen
3. Love Finds You In Holiday, Florida by Sandra Bricker
4. Camp Club Girls and the Mystery at Discovery Lake by Renae Brumbaugh
5. Sydney's DC Discovery by Jean Fischer
6. The Doctor's Perfect Match by Irene Hannon
7. The One Day Way by Chantel Hobbs (Non fiction)
8. This Is Your Brain in Love by Dr. Earl Henslin (Nonfiction)
9. After Dark by Haruki Murakami
10. The Mountain Beyond by Terry Miller (Memoir)
11. The Cowboy's Christmas Miracle by Raeanne Thayne
12. Lavender Morning by Jude Deveraux
13. Screen Play by Chris Coppernoll
14. Thicker Than Blood by C. J. Darlington
15. Jane of Lantern Hill by L. M. Montgomery
16. The Choice by Suzanne Woods Fisher
17. A Lady Like Sarah by Margaret Brownley
18. Endless Night by Dana Mentink
19. Jenna's Cowboy by Sharon Gillenwater
20. The Betrayal of the Blood Lily by Lauren Willig
21. Kelly's Chance by Wanda Brunstetter
22. Becca by the Book by Lauren Jensen Walker
23. Angel's Den by Jamie Carie
24. The Simple Life by Thom and Art Rainer (Nonfiction)
25. Never Say Never by Lisa Wingate
26. Third Time's a Charm by Virginia Smith
February
27. A Valentine's Wish by Betsy St. Amant
28. Twice in a Lifetime by Marta Perry
29. Heart of the Matter by Marta Perry
30. Anything but Normal by Melody Carlson
31. Walking on Broken Glass by Christa Allan
32. On Wings of Love by Kim Watters
33. Double Trouble by Susan May Warren
34. Hometown Promise by Merrillee Whren
35. Smoke Screen by Stephanie Newton
36. A Kiss for Cade by Lori Copeland
37. Swinging on a Star by Janice Thompson
38. Days of Gold by Jude Deveraux
39. The Pastor's Wife by Jennifer Allee
40. Devil's Food Cake by Josi Kilpack
41. Beguiled by Deeanne Gist and J. Mark Bertrand
42. Anna Meets Her Match by Arlene James
43. A Match Made in Texas by Arlene James
44. The Convenient Marriage by Georgetter Heyer
45. The House in Grosvenor Square by Linore Rose Burkard
46. Cowgirl at Heart by Christine Lynxwiler
47. the Clouds Roll Away by Sibella Giorello
48. Out With the In Crowd by Stephanie Morrill
49. Burn by Ted Dekker and Erin Healy
50. My Deadly Valentine by Valerie Hansen and Lynette Eason
51. The Flower of Grass by James E. Robinson
52. Mending Fences by Jenna Mindel
53. Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke
54. Once In A Blue Moon by Leanna Ellis
55. The Country House Courtship by Linore Rose Burkard
56. The Lord is My Shepherd by Debbie Viguie
March
57. A Civil Contract by Georgette Heyer
58. A Place to Call Home by Kathryn Springer
59. His Texas Bride by Deb Kastner
60. The Pluto Files by Neil DeGrasee Tyson (Nonfiction)
61. Almost Home by Pam Jenoff
62. Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn
63. Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart by Beth Patillo
64. Katie's Redemption by Patricia Davids
65. The Cowboy's Courtship by Brenda Minton
66. Bayou Betrayal by Robin Carrol
67. Dead Reckoning by Ronie Kendig
68. A Distant Melody by Sarah Sundin
69. A Soldier's Promise by Cheryl Wyatt (Reread)
70. A Soldier's Family by Cheryl Wyatt (Reread)
71. Ready Made Family by Cheryl Wyatt
72. A Soldier's Reunion by Cheryl Wyatt
73. Soldier Daddy by Cheryl Wyatt
74. A Soldier's Devotion by Cheryl Wyatt
75. Second Chance Family by Margaret Daley
76. A Case for Love by Kaye Dacus
77. High Plains Bride by Valerie Hanson
78. Heartland Wedding by Renee Ryan
79. Kansas Courtship by Victoria Bylin
80. Dad in Training by Gail Gaymer Martin
81. McKenzie's Montana Mystery by Shari Barr
82. Alexis and the Sacramento Surprise by Erica Rodgers
83. The Hero Next Door by Irene Hannon
84. Songbird Under a German Moon by Tricia Goyer
85. Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman
86. Rodeo Sweetheart by Betsy St. Amant
87. The Cinderella List by Judy Baer
88. Asking for Trouble by Sandra Byrd
April
89. Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Grace Whitson
90. Through Thick and Thin by Sandra Byrd
91. Heading Home by Renee Riva
92. Cool Beans by Erynn Mangum
93. Too Close to Home by Lynette Eason
94. A Stranger's Wish by Gayle Roper
95. Never Let Me Go by Erin Healey
96. Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze
97. In Harm's Way by Irene Hannon
98. Wonders Never Cease by Tim Downs
99. Hiking Through by Paul V. Stutzman (Non fiction)
100. Winter's Awakening by Shelley Shepard Gray
101. Spring's Renewal by Shelley Shepard Gray
102. No Hope for Gomez! by Graham Parke
103. The Anonymous Bride by Vickie McDonough
May 104. The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
105. Love Will Keep Us Together by Anne Dayton and May Vanderbilt
106. Maggie Rose by Sharlene MacLaren
107. It Had to Be You by Janice Thompson
108. Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes
109. A Silent Fury by Lynette Eason
110. Witness to Murder by Jill Elizabeth Nelson
111. More Than Great Riches by Jan Washburn
112. Face of Betrayal by Lis Wiehl and April Henry
113. This Fine Life by Eva Marie Everson
114. A Matter of Character by Robin Lee Hatcher
115. For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn (NF)
116. Deadly Disclosures by Julie Cave
117. The Bridegrooms by Allison Pittman
118. So Over My Head by Jenny B. Jones
119. A Daughter's Legacy by Virgina Smith
120. Evidence of Murder by Jill Elizabeth Nelson
121. Steadfast Soldier by Cheryl Wyatt
122. Cowboy for Keeps by Debra Clopton
123. Nowhere, Carolina by Tamara Leigh
124. Abbie Ann by Sharlene MacLaren
125. Hurricanes in Paradise by Denise Hildreth
June126. Green Like God by Jonathan Merrill NF
127. Not a Sparrow Falls by Linda Nichols
128. Texas Roads by Cathy Bryant
129. Dying to Live by Clive Calver NF
130. The Man Who Loved Books Too Much by Allison Hoover Bartlett NF
131. A Hopeful Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer
132. Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson
133. Snow Melts in Spring by Deborah Vogts
134. Seeds of Summer by Deborah Vogts
135. The Six Liter Club by Harry Kraus
136. The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews
137. A Tailor Made Bride by Karen Whitemeyer
138. Ransome's Honor by Kaye Dacus
139. The Princess by Lori Wick (Reread)
140. I'll Mature When I'm Dead by Dave Barry NF
141. The BabySitters Club The Summer Before by Ann Martin
142. The Case of the Missing Books by Ian Sansom
143. Marcelo in the Real World by Francisco Stork
144. Twin Targets by Marta Perry
145. Killer Headline by Debby Giusti
146. The Mailbox by Marybeth Whalen
147. Simple Secrets by Nancy Mehl
July
148. Sarah's Garden by Kelly Long
149. Tomorrow We Die by Shawn Grady
150. Alanna by Tamora Pierce (Reread)
151. So Over It by Stephanie Morrill
152. Unwilling Warrior by Andrea Boeshaar
153. Motorcycles, Sushi, and One Strange Book by Nancy Rue
154. Boyfriends, Burritos, and an Ocean of Trouble by Nancy Rue
155. Cowboy Protector by Margaret Daley
156. Deadly Vows by Shirlee McCoy
157. Fatal Secrets by Barbara Phinney
158. Risky Reunion by Lenora Worth
159. Covert Pursuit by Terri Reed
160. Back on Murder by J. Mark Bertrand
161. Flashpoint by Stephanie Newton
162. Touching the Clouds by Bonnie Leon
163. Resurrection in May by Lisa Samson
164. Perfectly Dateless by Kristin Billerbeck
165. Latte Daze by Erynn Mangum
166. A Hidden Affair by Pam Jenoff
167. In the Hand of the Godess by Tamora Pierce (Reread)
168. The Woman Who Rides Like a Man by Tamora Pierce (Reread)
169. Lioness Rampant by Tamora Pierce (Reread)
170. Ransomed Dreams by Sally John
171. Licensed for Trouble by Susan May Warren
172. Nightshade by Ronie Kendig
173. The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake by Aimee Bender
174. Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer Holm
175. The Family Greene by Ann Rinaldi
August
176. Fatal Loyalty by Sue Duffy
177. Bellwether by Connie Willis
178. Forgotten by Melody Carlson
179. Anna Finch and the Hired Gun by Kathleen Y'Barbo
180. Postcards from a Dead Girl by Kirk Farber
181. Crazy Love by Francis Chan
182. The Guardian's Honor by Marta Perry
183. The Crimson Cipher by Susan Page Davis
184. Life in Defiance by Mary Demuth
185. Shades of Morning by Marlo Schaleskey
186. Summer at Tiffany by Marjorie Hart
187. TSI:The Gabon Virus by Paul McCusker and Walt Larimore
188. Wedding Cake Wishes by Dana Corbit
189. TSI:The Influenza Bomb by Paul McCusker and Walt Larimore
190. Protective Custody by Lynette Eason
191. Sweet Memories by Lavyrle Spencer
192. Tender Vow by Sharlene MacLaren
193. The Butterfly Effect by Andy Andrews
194. Amish Proverbs by Suzanne Woods Fisher
195. Bride in Training by Gail Gaymer Martin
September
196. Baby Makes a Match by Arlene James
197. Love Me Tender by Janice Hanna
198. The Improper Life of Bezellia Grove by Susan Gregg Gilmore
199. Cousin Kate by Georgette Heyer
200. Love Finds a Home by Kathryn Springer
201. The Bridge of Peace by Cindy Woodsmall
202. Making Waves by Lorna Seilstad
203. Autumn's Promise by Shelley Shepard Gray
204. The Black Madonna by Davis Bunn
205. Immanuel's Veins by Ted Dekker
206. Petra by T. L. Higley
207. A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman
208. A Very Private Grave by Donna Fletcher Crow
209. Listen by Rene Gutteridge
210. Love, Charleston by Beth Webb Hart
211. A Memory Between Us by Sarah Sundin
212. Judgment Day by Wanda Dyson
213. The Mayan Apocalypse by Mark Hitchock and Alton Gansky
October
214. Goodness Gracious Green by Judy Christie
215. The House on Malcolm Street by Leisha Kelly
216. The Wife's Tale by Lori Lansens
217. Within My Heart by Tamara Alexander
218. Dark Road to Darjeeling by Deanna Raybourn
219. While We're Far Apart by Lynn Austin
220. Don't Look Back by Lynette Eason
221. Emily's Chance by Sharon Gillenwater
222. Lydia's Charm by Wanda Brunstetter
223. Heaven to Betsy by Maud Hart Lovelace
224. Betsy In Spite of Herself by Maud Hart Lovelace
225. Betsy Was a Junior by Maud Hart Lovelace
226. Betsy and Joe by Maud Hart Lovelace
November
227. Betsy and the Great World by Maud Hart Lovelace
228. This Time for Keeps by Jenna Mills
229. The Portrait by Hazel Statham
230. Calling the Shots by Ellen Hartman
231. The Silent Order by Melanie Dobson
232. Gingerbread Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke
233. The Lightkeeper's Bride by Colleen Coble
234. Divine Appointments by Charlene Baumbich
235. Betsy's Wedding by Maud Hart Lovelace
236. Love Finds You in Charm, Ohio by Annalisa Daughtry
237. An Honest Love by Kathleen Fuller
238. Anna's Return by Marta Perry
239. Winter's Awakening by Shelley Shepard Gray
240. Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman
241. Emily of Deep Valley by Maud Hart Lovelace
242. The Mischief of the Mistletoe by Lauren Willig
December
243. I'll Be Home for Christmas by Julie Cannon
244. Dining with Joy by Rachel Hauck
245. Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita Paul
246. Holiday Havoc by Terri Reed and Stephanie Newton
247. Yuletide Cowboy by Debra Clopton
248. Mistletoe Prayers by Marta Perry and Betsy St. Amant
249. Winter Reunion by Roxanne Rustand
250. His Holiday Bride by Jillian Hart
251. Their First Noel by Annie Jones
252. Jingle Bell Blessings by Bonnie K. Winn
253. Yuletide Defender by Sandra Robbins
254. The Christmas Rescue by Laura Scott