Finished Monthly Challenges
January Monthly Challenge
10/10
🍾 Read a book published in January, or read a book with red on the cover in honor of January's birthstone, the Garnet.
The Pierogi Peril - Geri Krotow (Severn House - Jan 2024) - Jan 4
2. January Month-Long Observance - National Mentoring Month (United States): National Mentoring Month is a month-long series of events designed to raise awareness of mentoring among young people and adults. Launched jointly in 2002 by the Harvard School of Public Health and MENTOR National, NMM is now celebrated by for-profit and non-profit organizations, governments, and individuals worldwide.
🍾 Read a book with a character who would be considered a mentor or one who has a mentor. You may also read a book that includes a teacher or student, has a school setting (any level), or where someone learns a new skill of any kind.
🍾 Read a book with a character who would be considered a mentor or one who has a mentor. You may also read a book that includes a teacher or student, has a school setting (any level), or where someone learns a new skill of any kind.
A Hideaway Wharf Holiday - Laurel Greer (HSE #3011 - Oct 2023) (diving instructor) - Jan 5
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) – Robyn Carr:
🍾 Read one book written by Robyn Carr or any author with her first or last name.
Fun facts about Robyn Carr:
* She currently lives in Nevada, where she’s “fallen in love” with the desert
* Robyn currently writes both romance and women’s fiction
* She is a RITA award-winner and recipient of the 2016 RWA Lifetime Achievement Award
* Two of her book series (Virgin River & Sullivan’s Crossing) have been made into TV shows
🍾 You may also read any book set in Nevada (or anywhere else with a desert), or a book written by any RITA award-winning author, or a book/series that was made into a television show or movie.
9/10
1. Happy February Birthday!:
💘Read a book published in February, or read a book with purple on the cover in honor of February's birthstone, the Amethyst.
2. February Month-Long Observance - Black History Month: Black History Month is an annual observance originating in the United States. It has received official recognition from governments in the United States and Canada, and more recently has been observed in Ireland and the United Kingdom. It began as a way of remembering important people and events in the history of the African diaspora. It is celebrated in February in the United States and Canada, while in Ireland and the United Kingdom it is observed in October.
💘Read a book with a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) character or a biracial relationship. You may also read a book with a mostly black or brown cover
🍾 Read one book written by Robyn Carr or any author with her first or last name.
* She currently lives in Nevada, where she’s “fallen in love” with the desert
* Robyn currently writes both romance and women’s fiction
* She is a RITA award-winner and recipient of the 2016 RWA Lifetime Achievement Award
* Two of her book series (Virgin River & Sullivan’s Crossing) have been made into TV shows
Operation Takedown - Justine Davis (HRS #2256 - Dec 2023) (RITA author) - Jan 1
4. New Year's Day – January 1: Starting with the nation of Samoa and ending near the uninhabited atoll of Baker Island, the world will ring in 2024 in one of the most celebrated holidays of the year.
🍾 Read a book that’s new to you in some way (series, author, genre, etc). You can also read a book where a character resolves to change something in their life, a book with a firework-worthy first kiss (your interpretation), or a book with the numbers 20 or 24 somewhere in its page count or publication date.
🍾 Read a book that’s new to you in some way (series, author, genre, etc). You can also read a book where a character resolves to change something in their life, a book with a firework-worthy first kiss (your interpretation), or a book with the numbers 20 or 24 somewhere in its page count or publication date.
Meadow Falls - Carolyn Brown (Montlake - Jan 2024) (change) - Jan 7
5. National Science Fiction Day – January 2: Celebrate the science fiction genre on a day that commemorates the birthday of famous hard science fiction writer Isaac Asimov.
🍾 Read a book that’s shelved on Goodreads as paranormal or science fiction. You can also read a book with something space-related (planets, stars, etc.) or technology-related (computers, robots, etc.) on its cover or a book with a character who works in a STEM profession.
🍾 Read a book that’s shelved on Goodreads as paranormal or science fiction. You can also read a book with something space-related (planets, stars, etc.) or technology-related (computers, robots, etc.) on its cover or a book with a character who works in a STEM profession.
Sharp Evidence - Julie Miller (HI #2192 - Jan 2024) (scientist) - Jan 20
6. National Clean Off Your Desk Day – January 8: On this day, unclutter and organize your workspace to get your new year off to a clean start!
🍾 Clean up that TBR list by reading a book from it. You can also read a book with a character who works a desk job or a book where a character cleans up their living area and/or life, whether it’s in the literal or emotional sense.
🍾 Clean up that TBR list by reading a book from it. You can also read a book with a character who works a desk job or a book where a character cleans up their living area and/or life, whether it’s in the literal or emotional sense.
Her New York Minute - Darby Baham (HSE #3032 - Feb 2024) (desk job) - Jan 16
7. National Michigan Day – January 18: As a Michigander, I had to include this one! 😉 In 1837, Michigan became the 26th state. One of eight Great Lakes states, it’s known for many things: the largest freshwater shoreline in the United States, Motown music, the Mackinac Bridge and Sleeping Bear Dunes, a town called Hell (which does, indeed, freeze over), Motor City, the Edmund Fitzgerald shipwreck, and much more!
🍾 Read a book set in any of the Great Lakes states (Illinois, Indiana, https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/10717.Books_Set_in_Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin) or written by a Michigan author. You can also read a book where a character goes boating or swimming, a book with the numbers 18 or 37 in the page count, or a book with a scene that makes you think of Michigan in some way.
🍾 Read a book set in any of the Great Lakes states (Illinois, Indiana, https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/10717.Books_Set_in_Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin) or written by a Michigan author. You can also read a book where a character goes boating or swimming, a book with the numbers 18 or 37 in the page count, or a book with a scene that makes you think of Michigan in some way.
Part of His Royal World - Nina Singh (HR #4887 - Feb 2024) (boating) - Jan 18
8. Backwards Day – January 31: On this day, partake in doing something in reverse just for the fun of it! New year, new backward you!
🍾 Read a book that’s opposite for you in some way: maybe a subgenre you wouldn’t typically read or a Christmas book—but in January. You can also read a book that shows the side or back profile of a person or animal (back, back of head, etc.) on the cover or a book where a character seems to do something backward (your interpretation), whether it’s something like their approach to a situation, wearing clothes inside out, or simply looking in a mirror.
🍾 Read a book that’s opposite for you in some way: maybe a subgenre you wouldn’t typically read or a Christmas book—but in January. You can also read a book that shows the side or back profile of a person or animal (back, back of head, etc.) on the cover or a book where a character seems to do something backward (your interpretation), whether it’s something like their approach to a situation, wearing clothes inside out, or simply looking in a mirror.
Claiming His Convenient Princess - Susan Meier (HR #4867 - Sept 2023) (back and side) - Jan 2
9. Silent Record Week: Commemorate the history of silent records by engaging in a quiet activity during the first week of January. As the author Victoria Wolff once said, “One must learn to be silent just as one must learn to talk.”
🍾 Read a book where a character engages in some quiet time by doing something such as meditation, reading, writing, or simply isolating themselves from others. You can also read a book with something on the cover that makes you think of silence or a book that you think would be good to spend some quiet time with.
🍾 Read a book where a character engages in some quiet time by doing something such as meditation, reading, writing, or simply isolating themselves from others. You can also read a book with something on the cover that makes you think of silence or a book that you think would be good to spend some quiet time with.
Once Upon a Charming Bookshop - Heatherly Bell (HSE #3022 - Dec 2023) (reading) - Jan 10
10. Reader's Choice:
🍾 Read any book of your choice.
Accidentally His - Sabrina Jeffries (Kensington - Jan 2024) - Jan 11
February Monthly Challenge
🍾 Read any book of your choice.
💘Read a book published in February, or read a book with purple on the cover in honor of February's birthstone, the Amethyst.
💘Read a book with a BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) character or a biracial relationship. You may also read a book with a mostly black or brown cover
Sergeant Mack - Julie Miller (Ladytech Inc - Jan 2024) (brown cover) - Feb 23
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author - Jennifer Crusie:
💘Read one book written by Jennifer Crusie or any author with her first or last name. Link to Jennifer Crusie's backlist - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
Fun Facts about Jennifer-
* Jennifer was born and raised in a small town in Ohio
* She has multiple post-graduate degrees and taught for several years before quitting to devote herself full time to writing and to finishing the Ph.D. The fiction writing took off, and the PhD was never completed.
* Her first published title was Manhunting, and was published in 1993.
* Jennifer writes both solo and in collaboration with her long-time writing partner, Bob Mayer.
💘You may also read a book set in Ohio or by an author from Ohio, with a school setting or featuring a teacher or student, a book set in the 1990s, or a book that is a collaboration by two (or more) authors.
💘Read one book written by Jennifer Crusie or any author with her first or last name. Link to Jennifer Crusie's backlist - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
* Jennifer was born and raised in a small town in Ohio
* She has multiple post-graduate degrees and taught for several years before quitting to devote herself full time to writing and to finishing the Ph.D. The fiction writing took off, and the PhD was never completed.
* Her first published title was Manhunting, and was published in 1993.
* Jennifer writes both solo and in collaboration with her long-time writing partner, Bob Mayer.
💘You may also read a book set in Ohio or by an author from Ohio, with a school setting or featuring a teacher or student, a book set in the 1990s, or a book that is a collaboration by two (or more) authors.
The Maverick's Holiday Delivery - Christy Jeffries (HSE #3013 - Nov 2023) (teacher) - Feb 21
4. February 3 - The Day the Music Died - Commemorates the untimely death of singers Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper. These three Rock singers died in an airplane crash on February 3, 1959. at the height of their popularity.
💘Read a book featuring a musician, or in which music otherwise plays an important role. You may also read a book where someone travels by plane, or that includes a travel mishap/disaster (your interpretation...could be anything from a plane crash to a flat tire on the way to the grocery store).
💘Read a book featuring a musician, or in which music otherwise plays an important role. You may also read a book where someone travels by plane, or that includes a travel mishap/disaster (your interpretation...could be anything from a plane crash to a flat tire on the way to the grocery store).
Trapped in Texas - Barb Han (HI #2146 - June 2023) (singer/songwriter) - Feb 16
5. February 11 - Superbowl Sunday - Biggest (American) football game and second biggest party/snack day of the year.
💘Read a book featuring a professional athlete or other athletic person, or with an athletic-looking cover model. You may also read a book that includes a fun, happy gathering of good friends and/or family.
💘Read a book featuring a professional athlete or other athletic person, or with an athletic-looking cover model. You may also read a book that includes a fun, happy gathering of good friends and/or family.
The Summer Book Club - Susan Mallery (Canary Street Press - Feb 2024) (gathering) - Feb 28
6. February 13 - Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday - It’s time to party it up, and ….eat!! Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday is the day before Ash Wednesday. It is a day of celebrations and excessive food, drink and partying, as the following day is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent and a long fasting period for Christians.
💘Read a book that includes a huge celebration, a character who overindulges in some way, or is set in or written by an author from New Orleans, Lousiana or Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. You may also read a book with purple, green or gold on the cover.
💘Read a book that includes a huge celebration, a character who overindulges in some way, or is set in or written by an author from New Orleans, Lousiana or Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. You may also read a book with purple, green or gold on the cover.
Heart Like a Cowboy - Delores Fossen (HQN - Dec 2023) (green on the cover) - Feb 23
7. February 14 - Valentine's Day - A day celebrating lovers!
💘Read a book that is MPG romance, or that has a mostly red or pink cover.
MPG = Main Page Genre - the genres listed on the main book page below the book description.
💘Read a book that is MPG romance, or that has a mostly red or pink cover.
MPG = Main Page Genre - the genres listed on the main book page below the book description.
Ballerina and the Greek Billionaire - Suzanne Merchant (HR #4874 - Oct 2023) (MPG) - Feb 8
8. February 20 - Love Your Pet Day - People just love their pets, and this day is an easy excuse to spend time with them and give them lots of love and special treatment.
💘Read a book in which an animal plays a significant role...anything from a MC who is a shifter to a scene-stealing pet. You may also read a book that has an animal of any kind on the cover
💘Read a book in which an animal plays a significant role...anything from a MC who is a shifter to a scene-stealing pet. You may also read a book that has an animal of any kind on the cover
Must Love Bees - Sasha Summers (HQN - Jan 2023) (bee) - Feb 13
9. February 26 - Tell a Fairy Tale Day - This is the day to take time out to read a story to your kids or grandkids. If the kids aren’t around, it’s certainly okay to read them alone. Everybody loves a good fairy tale.
💘Read a book that is a fairy tale retelling or that has a child in the storyline. You may also read a book with a "cartoonish" cover (artist's renedring as opposed to a photograph)
💘Read a book that is a fairy tale retelling or that has a child in the storyline. You may also read a book with a "cartoonish" cover (artist's renedring as opposed to a photograph)
Their Secret Twins - Tara Taylor Quinn (HSE #2993 - July 2023) (children) - Feb 19
10. Reader's Choice:
💘Read any book of your choice.
💘Read any book of your choice.
March Monthly Challenge
9/10
🍀Read a book published in March, or a book with a light blue (or just blue) cover in honor of March's birthstone, the aquamarine.
Cinderella in the Spotlight - Sophie Pembroke (HR #4891 - Mar 2024) - Mar 4
2. March - Irish-American Heritage Month (United States): Irish American Heritage Month is celebrated in March every year and honors the achievements and contributions of Irish immigrants and their descendants living in the United States.
🍀Read a book set in Ireland, or with an Irish author or character. You may also read a book with a primarily green cover.
🍀Read a book set in Ireland, or with an Irish author or character. You may also read a book with a primarily green cover.
The Duke's Enforcer - C.H. Admirand (Dragonblade - Mar 2024) (Irish character) - Mar 19
3. Featured Author Challenge - Abbi Glines:
🍀Read a book by this month's Featured Author, Abbi Glines, or by any author with one of her first or last names.
Fun Facts about Abbi Glines:
★ She writes contemporary romance, frequently young adult or new adult in nature.
★ She was born in Alabama but lives in New England.
★ She believes in ghosts.
★ She never cooks unless you count baking holiday cookies.
🍀So you may also read any book set in the south (US) or in New England. You can also read any book featuring ghosts or cooking. Or you can read any book shelved as Contemporary Romance.
🍀Read a book by this month's Featured Author, Abbi Glines, or by any author with one of her first or last names.
Fun Facts about Abbi Glines:
★ She writes contemporary romance, frequently young adult or new adult in nature.
★ She was born in Alabama but lives in New England.
★ She believes in ghosts.
★ She never cooks unless you count baking holiday cookies.
Island Homecoming - Regan Black (Kindle Scribe - Nov 2023) (South Carolina) - Mar 4
4. Old Stuff Day - March 2:
🍀Read a book that has been on your shelves for a long time.
🍀Read a book that has been on your shelves for a long time.
The Accused - Jana DeLeon (HI #1441 - Aug 2013) - Mar 17
5. I Want You to Be Happy Day - March 3:
🍀Read a humorous romance.
🍀Read a humorous romance.
The Lyon's Paw - Jenna Jaxon (Dragonblade - Feb 2024) - Mar 11
6. If Pets Had Thumbs Day - March 3:
🍀Read a book with animals in the story or a shifter romance.
🍀Read a book with animals in the story or a shifter romance.
One Dangerous Night - Cathy Maxwell (HarperCollins - Apr 2024) (animal) - Mar 21
7. International Day of Awesomeness - March 10:
🍀Read a book that has a high rating on GR.
🍀Read a book that has a high rating on GR.
The Perfect Witness - Katie Mettner (HI #2203 - Mar 2024) (4.8) - Mar 14
8. Oscar Day - March 10:
🍀Read a book you think would make a good movie.
🍀Read a book you think would make a good movie.
The Masqueraders - Georgette Heyer (William Heinemann - 1928) - Mar 7
9. Extraterrestrial Abduction Day - March 20:
🍀Read a Sci-Fi or Fantasy Romance.
10. Reader’s Choice:
🍀Read any book of your choosing!
🍀Read a Sci-Fi or Fantasy Romance.
🍀Read any book of your choosing!
April Monthly Challenge
1. Happy April Birthday!:
☔Read a book published in April, or a book with a yellow cover in honor of April's birthstone, the diamond. Yellow canary diamonds are the most expensive and sought-after!
☔Read a book published in April, or a book with a yellow cover in honor of April's birthstone, the diamond. Yellow canary diamonds are the most expensive and sought-after!
Forbidden Nights With the Paramedic - Alison Roberts (HMED #1381 - Apr 2024) - Apr 4
2. April Month-Long Observance - Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month: Since its origin in 1986, the goal is to increase the level of interest, appreciation, and understanding of mathematics and statistics.
☔Read a book with a character who studies, teaches, or works in a STEM-related field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
☔Read a book with a character who studies, teaches, or works in a STEM-related field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics)
A Maverick's Holiday Homecoming - Brenda Harlen (HSE #3019 - Dec 2023) (marine biologist) - Apr 16
3. Featured Author Challenge - Sawyer Bennett: Read a book by this month's Featured Author, Sawyer Bennett, or any author with one of her first or last names.
Fun Facts about Sawyer Bennett:
★ She writes contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction
★ She is a former trial lawyer from North Carolina
★ She has one adorable daughter
★ She also has naughty dogs
☔So you may also read any book set in the United States. You can also read any book featuring a lawyer, a child or an animal. Or you can read any book shelved as Contemporary or Fantasy Romance.
★ She writes contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction
★ She is a former trial lawyer from North Carolina
★ She has one adorable daughter
★ She also has naughty dogs
☔So you may also read any book set in the United States. You can also read any book featuring a lawyer, a child or an animal. Or you can read any book shelved as Contemporary or Fantasy Romance.
A Puppy on the 34th Ward - Juliette Hyland (HMED #1352 - Nov 2023) (US/Contemporary) - Apr 12
4. April Fool's Day - April 1:
☔Read a book with a foolish or sneaky character or a book that is a stand-alone
☔Read a book with a foolish or sneaky character or a book that is a stand-alone
Tourist Season - Brenda Novak (Mira - Apr 2024) (stand-alone) - Apr 9
5. Find A Rainbow - April 3:
☔Read an LGBT romance or a book with several different colors on the cover
☔Read an LGBT romance or a book with several different colors on the cover
The Wild Lavender Bookshop - Jodi Thomas (Kensington - Apr 2024) (several colors) - Apr 17
6. Deep Dish Pizza Day - April 5:
☔Read a book set in the food or drink industry (farming counts) or a book written by an author with a deep backlist (many published books)
☔Read a book set in the food or drink industry (farming counts) or a book written by an author with a deep backlist (many published books)
Hotshot Hero for the Holidays - Lisa Childs (HRS #2257 - Dec 2023) (backlist - 106) - Apr 15
7. No Housework Day - April 7:
☔Read a book you would want to relax with, maybe in bed or on your porch or a book with a 'messy' character (your interpretation)
☔Read a book you would want to relax with, maybe in bed or on your porch or a book with a 'messy' character (your interpretation)
The Wedding Box - Toni Blake (Oliver Heber Books - Apr 2024) (relax with) - Apr 10
8. Walk on Your Wild Side Day - April 12:
☔Read a book you wouldn't normally pick up or a book that is or has been wildly popular
9. National Hanging Out Day - April 19:
☔Read a book with friends in the story or a book that has been 'hanging around' your tbr too long
10. Reader’s Choice:
☔Read any book of your choosing!
☔Read a book you wouldn't normally pick up or a book that is or has been wildly popular
☔Read a book with friends in the story or a book that has been 'hanging around' your tbr too long
☔Read any book of your choosing!
2024 May Monthly Challenge
💐Read a book published in May, or read a book with green on the cover in honor of May's birthstone, the Emerald.
💐Read a book with a character who is currently or formerly in the military, or who is a first responder.
A Second Summertime Courtship - Sandra Sookoo (Dragonblade - May 2024) (former military) - May 28
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author - L.A. Witt/Ann Gallagher/Lauren Gallagher/Lori A. Witt:
💐Read one book written by L.A. Witt under any of her various names, or any author with her first or last name. Links to backlists:
L.A. Witt - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
Ann Gallagher - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
Lauren Gallagher - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
Lori A. Witt - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
Fun Facts about L.A. Witt -
* She lives in Pittsburgh with her husband and cats
* She loves to attend Pittsburgh Penguin hockey games, and frequently yells enough to lose her voice.
* She uses pseudonyms to distinguish her various genres: L.A. Witt (most of her books) are gay romance and suspense; Ann Gallagher - LGBTQ+ sweet romances, asexual romances, and young adult; Lauren Gallagher - M/F, F/F, and bisexual romances; Lori A. Witt - mainstream science fiction, fantasy, and suspense.
💐You may also read a book set in Pennsylvania, or by an author who is from Pennsylvania. You can also read any book tagged LGBTQ (orany of its variations), Suspense, Sci-Fi, or Fantasy.
💐Read one book written by L.A. Witt under any of her various names, or any author with her first or last name. Links to backlists:
L.A. Witt - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
Ann Gallagher - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
Lauren Gallagher - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
Lori A. Witt - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
Fun Facts about L.A. Witt -
* She lives in Pittsburgh with her husband and cats
* She loves to attend Pittsburgh Penguin hockey games, and frequently yells enough to lose her voice.
* She uses pseudonyms to distinguish her various genres: L.A. Witt (most of her books) are gay romance and suspense; Ann Gallagher - LGBTQ+ sweet romances, asexual romances, and young adult; Lauren Gallagher - M/F, F/F, and bisexual romances; Lori A. Witt - mainstream science fiction, fantasy, and suspense.
💐Read a book in which siblings or other family members play an important role, or a book with very close friends (family by choice).
The Gift - Julie Garwood (Pocket - Jan 1991) (siblings) - May 6
5. May 4 - Star Wars Day:
💐Read a book that is tagged Sci-Fi or Fantasy, or one that has a good vs evil storyline (your interpretation).
6. May 4 - Kentucky Derby Day:
💐Read a book in which an animal plays an important role (shifters count!) or one with an animal on the cover. Or you can read a book with a character that loves fashion or that has a hat on the cover.
💐Read a book that is tagged Sci-Fi or Fantasy, or one that has a good vs evil storyline (your interpretation).
💐Read a book in which an animal plays an important role (shifters count!) or one with an animal on the cover. Or you can read a book with a character that loves fashion or that has a hat on the cover.
Secrets in the Little Irish Village - Michelle Vernal (Bookouture - May 2024) (klepto kitty) - May 22
7. May 11 - Eat What You Want Day:
💐Read a book with a character and/or storyline involved in the food or beverage industry (farm to table), or that has food on the cover.
💐Read a book with a character and/or storyline involved in the food or beverage industry (farm to table), or that has food on the cover.
What Ales the Earl - Sally MacKenzie (Zebra - Aug 2018) (brewer) - May 15
8. May 16 - National Bike to Work Day:
💐Read a sports romance or any book with an athletic character, or that has a workplace setting/plot.
💐Read a sports romance or any book with an athletic character, or that has a workplace setting/plot.
Unbuttoning the Bachelor Doc - Deanne Anders (HMED #1394 - June 2024) (worklplace) - May 31
9. May 20 - Be a Millionaire Day :
💐Read a book with a wealthy character, or where a MC's financial situation is important to the storyline in any way.
💐Read a book with a wealthy character, or where a MC's financial situation is important to the storyline in any way.
Her Private Security Detail - Patricia Sargeant (HRS #2282 - June 2024) - May 31
10. Reader's Choice:
💐Read any book of your choice.
💐Read any book of your choice.
2024 June Monthly Challenge
Read a book:
❇️published in June
The Love Shack - Lori Foster (Canary Street - June 2024) - June 17
❇️with white or black on the cover in honor of June's birthstone, the Pearl
2. June Month-Long Observance ▻ LGBT Pride Month ▻ Often shortened to Pride Month, this is a month, typically June, dedicated to celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) pride. Pride Month began after the Stonewall riots, a series of gay liberation protests in 1969.
Read a book:
❇️with an LGBTQ+ character
❇️with a cover that shows multiple colors of the rainbow
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) ▻ Marie Force/M.S. Force
Read a book:
❇️written by Marie Force, or any author with her first or last name. Links to backlists -
▻ Marie Force - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/1508588.Marie_Force
▻ M.S. Force - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/13592090.M_S_Force
Fun Facts about Marie Force:
▻ She is from Rhode Island and grew up with her family on a boat in Middletown, RI. Yes, on a boat!
▻ She majored in journalism and worked for a small community newspaper out of college until her marriage to a "Navy guy" after which she lived all over the world and US, wherever he was stationed.
▻ Her first published book was the standalone Line of Scrimmage, a sports romance, but she is the author of two long-standing series: Gansett Island a community-oriented contemporary romance series and Fatal, a romantic suspense series focused on a single couple (and their family). Both of these are favorites of mine!
▻ Her books have landed her on the New York Times bestseller list over 30 times along with being a USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller.
Read a book:
❇️with a boat or a body of water on the cover
❇️with a military mc (can be a veteran) or with a mc who travels
❇️with white or black on the cover in honor of June's birthstone, the Pearl
Read a book:
❇️with an LGBTQ+ character
❇️with a cover that shows multiple colors of the rainbow
Read a book:
❇️written by Marie Force, or any author with her first or last name. Links to backlists -
▻ Marie Force - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/1508588.Marie_Force
▻ M.S. Force - https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/13592090.M_S_Force
▻ She is from Rhode Island and grew up with her family on a boat in Middletown, RI. Yes, on a boat!
▻ She majored in journalism and worked for a small community newspaper out of college until her marriage to a "Navy guy" after which she lived all over the world and US, wherever he was stationed.
▻ Her first published book was the standalone Line of Scrimmage, a sports romance, but she is the author of two long-standing series: Gansett Island a community-oriented contemporary romance series and Fatal, a romantic suspense series focused on a single couple (and their family). Both of these are favorites of mine!
▻ Her books have landed her on the New York Times bestseller list over 30 times along with being a USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller.
❇️with a boat or a body of water on the cover
❇️with a military mc (can be a veteran) or with a mc who travels
Three Cowboys and a Bride - Kate Pearce (Zebra - May 2024) (veteran) - June 9
❇️tagged sports/sports romance, contemporary romance, family or suspense/romantic suspense
❇️by another author also listed on one of the best-seller lists from above or any best-seller list
4. Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month ▻ June is recognized as Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month to bring attention to and spread the word about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related conditions. The Alzheimer’s Association states that worldwide, there are more than 55 million people who are living with Alzheimer’s or some other form of dementia. Throughout the month, the Alzheimer’s Association encourages people around the globe to support the movement by wearing purple and training their brains to fight the disease.
Read a book:
❇️where memory plays a role in the story
❇️tagged mental health (or similar/related tag) or featuring someone working in the mental health industry (psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, etc) or a researcher in the mental health field
❇️tagged sports/sports romance, contemporary romance, family or suspense/romantic suspense
❇️by another author also listed on one of the best-seller lists from above or any best-seller list
Read a book:
❇️where memory plays a role in the story
❇️tagged mental health (or similar/related tag) or featuring someone working in the mental health industry (psychiatrist, psychologist, therapist, etc) or a researcher in the mental health field
Last Chance Investigation - Tara Taylor Quinn (HRS #2252 - Nov 2023) (psychiatrist) - June 5
❇️with purple on the cover
5. National Gardening Week ▻ 1st Week ▻ This week is both a celebration and an educational opportunity. Gardening is one of the most popular hobbies: This week is a great opportunity to get out into your garden and tend to it, along with enjoying your garden’s peacefulness and beauty. Regardless of whether your garden is big or small, show it off to family and gardening friends.
Read a book:
❇️with the word GARDEN in the text
❇️with purple on the cover
Read a book:
❇️with the word GARDEN in the text
Their Fairy Tale India Escape - Ruby Basu (HR #4889 - Feb 2024) (nearby public garden - pg 112) - June 7
❇️with a gardener character as their job or their hobby
❇️with plant(s) or flower(s) on the cover
6. June 1 ▻ World Milk Day ▻ Milk, it does a body good. This day was created by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations to promote the industry and the goodness of milk. Each year a theme is established and dairy companies and organizations create educational programs, seminars, and other efforts to improve the dairy industry around the theme. And if you are lactose intolerant? Enjoy the many options available that are lactose-free!
Read a book:
❇️with a white or light cover (like milk)
❇️where a character consumes milk or other dairy products (for example: could be a yogurt smoothie, ice-cream, or even cheese!)
❇️with all the letters of MILK in the title
7. June 12 ▻ Red Rose Day ▻ This is a day to enjoy and appreciate America’s favorite flower… the red rose. A red rose signifies love and a June setting for Red Rose Day is very appropriate, as this is by far the most popular month for weddings.
Read a book:
❇️with a mostly red cover
❇️with ROSE in the text
❇️where a wedding takes place
❇️with a gardener character as their job or their hobby
❇️with plant(s) or flower(s) on the cover
Read a book:
❇️with a white or light cover (like milk)
❇️where a character consumes milk or other dairy products (for example: could be a yogurt smoothie, ice-cream, or even cheese!)
❇️with all the letters of MILK in the title
Read a book:
❇️with a mostly red cover
❇️with ROSE in the text
❇️where a wedding takes place
How to Tame a King – Juliette Hyland (HR #4906 – June 2024) (wedding) - June 2
8. June 16 ▻ Father's Day ▻ This is a day to enjoy time with Dad and appreciate all he does. A "Dad" is the person who cares and provides for us. It is the man who helps to set the standards, the family values and the example. So, "Dad" can be step-fathers and other men who willingly and eagerly accept and cherish the role. Whether biological, adopted or informally, if they are a father figure to you, give him some recognition today and don’t hesitate to call him “Dad”.
Read a book:
❇️with male model on the cover
❇️featuring a character who is a father or acts as a father in some capacity
Read a book:
❇️with male model on the cover
❇️featuring a character who is a father or acts as a father in some capacity
15 Summers Later - RaeAnne Thayne (Canary Street Press -June 2024) (father) - June 20
❇️with one of the author's initials in FATHER
9. June 24 ▻ International Fairy Day ▻ Today we celebrate these tiny, magical, and mystical beings. Fairies, or Faeries as they are called in some parts of the world, are fascinating to people young and not so young alike. These creatures are elusive and sometimes downright sneaky. And if you catch one, they will bring you luck or fortune. In some form or another, fairies have captivated us for hundreds of years. Fairies first appeared in European countries back in the Middle Ages. They can also be found in Greek Mythology. Fairies are not limited to children’s fairy tales. And of course, they are real!
Read a book:
❇️tagged as fairy, faery, fairytale or fantasy
❇️featuring a fae creature (based on the book's (author's) interpretation)
❇️with a magical cover (your interpretation)
10. Reader's Choice
❇️Read any book of your choice!
❇️with one of the author's initials in FATHER
Read a book:
❇️tagged as fairy, faery, fairytale or fantasy
❇️featuring a fae creature (based on the book's (author's) interpretation)
❇️with a magical cover (your interpretation)
❇️Read any book of your choice!
2024 July Monthly Challenge
🧨Read a book published in July, or read a book with a red cover in honor of July's birthstone, the Ruby.
Saved by the Lyon - Laura Landon (Dragonblade - July 2024) - July 14
2. July Month-Long Observance - Dog Days of Summer
The dog days or dog days of summer are the hot, sultry days of summer. They were historically the period following the heliacal rising of the star system Sirius (known colloquially as the "Dog Star"), which Hellenistic astrology connected with heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy, fever, mad dogs, and bad luck. They are now taken to be the hottest, most uncomfortable part of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
🧨Read a book set in the summer or in a hot climate, or you may read a book with a dog on the cover or in the storyline.
The dog days or dog days of summer are the hot, sultry days of summer. They were historically the period following the heliacal rising of the star system Sirius (known colloquially as the "Dog Star"), which Hellenistic astrology connected with heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy, fever, mad dogs, and bad luck. They are now taken to be the hottest, most uncomfortable part of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.
🧨Read a book set in the summer or in a hot climate, or you may read a book with a dog on the cover or in the storyline.
Operation Rafe's Redemption - Justine Davis (HRS #2268 - Mar 2024) (dog) - July 10
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) - Rachel Van Dyken:
🧨Read one book written by Rachel Van Dyken, or any author with her first or last name.
Fun Facts about Rachel Van Dyken:
* Rachel is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY Bestselling author of Regency and Contemporary Romance
* When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks
* Rachel lives in Idaho with her family
* She can be found plotting her next book while watching guilty-pleasure TV
🧨You may also read a book that has been or will be made into a movie or tv show. You can read any book shelved as Contemporary or Historical Romance or a book by any author who has been on any bestseller list.
🧨Read one book written by Rachel Van Dyken, or any author with her first or last name.
* Rachel is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA TODAY Bestselling author of Regency and Contemporary Romance
* When she's not writing you can find her drinking coffee at Starbucks
* Rachel lives in Idaho with her family
* She can be found plotting her next book while watching guilty-pleasure TV
The Lyon and His Promise - Sherry Ewing (Dragonblade - June 2024) (historical romance) - July 6
4. I Forgot Day- July 2nd-
🧨Read a book with a character who has amnesia or a book that has been lingering on your TBR for too long or a book with an older character
🧨Read a book with a character who has amnesia or a book that has been lingering on your TBR for too long or a book with an older character
River Justice - B.J. Daniels (HQN - Aug 2024) (older character) - July 22
5. Body Painting Day- July 8th-
🧨Read a book that is set in NY or is written by an author from NY or a book with any amount of skin showing on the cover or a book with an artistic character
🧨Read a book that is set in NY or is written by an author from NY or a book with any amount of skin showing on the cover or a book with an artistic character
Threats in the Deep - Addison Fox (HRS #2288 - Aug 2024) (set in New York) - July 5
6. National Drive-Thru Day- July 24th-
🧨Read a book with food in the story or on the cover or a book with a vehicle on the cover or a book that you would consider a 'quick read'
🧨Read a book with food in the story or on the cover or a book with a vehicle on the cover or a book that you would consider a 'quick read'
Murderous Intent - Rachel Lee (HI #2211 - May 2024) (food in the story) - July 17
7. National Lipstick Day- July 29th-
🧨Read a book with lips on the cover or a book with a character in the medical field (mouth-to-mouth may be needed!) or a book someone told you about (word of mouth)
🧨Read a book with lips on the cover or a book with a character in the medical field (mouth-to-mouth may be needed!) or a book someone told you about (word of mouth)
Her Grace's Daring Proposal - Joanna Johnson (HH #1734 - July 2023) (lips on cover) - July 30
8. Water gun Fight Day- July 30th-
🧨Read a book with a weapon on the cover or in the story, or a book with a military or law enforcement character (active duty or retired) in the story
🧨Read a book with a weapon on the cover or in the story, or a book with a military or law enforcement character (active duty or retired) in the story
Wyoming Mountain Investigation - Juno Rushdan (HI #2230 - Aug 2024) (law enforcement) - July 3
9. Family Golf Month-
🧨Read a Sports Romance or a book with an athletic character or a book with family in the story or a book that you would consider 'low-angst'
🧨Read a Sports Romance or a book with an athletic character or a book with family in the story or a book that you would consider 'low-angst'
Redeeming the Maverick - Christine Rimmer (HQN - Aug 2024) (family) - July 12
10. Reader's Choice:
🧨Read any book of your choice.
🧨Read any book of your choice.
August Monthly Challenge
8/10
🏅 Read a book published in August, or read a book with green on the cover in honor of August's birthstone, the Peridot.
Liberating the Lady of Loughmoe - C.H. Admirand (Dragonblade - Aug 2024) - Aug 9
2. August Month-Long Observance - Happiness Happens Month: August 1 marks the start of Happiness Happens Month, a time to celebrate and appreciate all of life's joys! This month was created in 1999 by the Secret Society of Happy People, which encourages everyone to focus on the positive aspects of life. The goal is to spread happiness throughout the world and remind people that they should be grateful for everything they have. So, get ready to smile and enjoy this special month by indulging in activities that make you happy and spreading joy wherever you go!
🏅Read a humorous book, or any book that you're sure will make you smile!
Road Trip Rivalry - Mona Shroff (HSE #3058 - Sept 2024) - Aug 15
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) – Darynda Jones: Read one book written by Darynda Jones or any author with her first or last name.
Fun facts about Darynda Jones:
* She currently lives in New Mexico, known as the “Land of Enchantment”
* Darynda has written paranormal romantic thrillers and police procedural mysteries
* She is a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author, and won both Golden Heart and RITA awards
* One of her children was born Deaf; Darynda later earned a degree in Sign Language Interpreting
🏅 You may also read any book set in New Mexico; a paranormal or thriller romance; a book written by any bestselling author or RITA award winner; or a book with a Deaf character.
4. Summer Olympics: The Games of the XXXIII Olympiad are held in Paris, France this summer between July 26 through August 11. Celebrate this world competition through the power of reading!
🏅 Read a book categorized on Goodreads as a sports romance, a book where a character is a former athlete, or a book with a competition or physical activity anywhere in the story. You can also read a book set in France or a book with the number 33 anywhere in the page count.
* She currently lives in New Mexico, known as the “Land of Enchantment”
* Darynda has written paranormal romantic thrillers and police procedural mysteries
* She is a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author, and won both Golden Heart and RITA awards
* One of her children was born Deaf; Darynda later earned a degree in Sign Language Interpreting
No Turning Back - Lindsay McKenna (HI #2217 - June 2024) (skiing) - Aug 5
5. Friendship Day – August 4: On the first Sunday each August we celebrate our bonds with friends, whether old or new. Grab a coffee together, send a friendly note, or just be ready to hang with your best buds!
🏅 Read a book that features a strong friendship or friend group (family can be friends too!), or a book with friends who reconnect after years apart. You can also read a book with a friends-to-lovers trope, or a book recommended by a friend.
The Cottage on Pelican Bay - Brenda Jackson (HQN - Sept 2024) (friend group) - Aug 27
6. Social Engineering Day – August 6: 2024 marks the first National Social Engineering Day, which aims to raise awareness of social engineering threats and help promote better cybersecurity practices. Stay informed in today’s digital world to better protect yourself and your data.
🏅 Read a book with a character who works in any computer information technology field, whether they’re a website or app developer, game dev, cybersecurity expert, or maybe even a hacker! You can also read a book where technology plays a role, or a book categorized on Goodreads as science fiction.
7. Relaxation Day – August 15: Kick back with a book and relax! If you have something to do, it can surely wait for tomorrow.
🏅 Read a book where the characters spend time lazing around or doing a relaxing activity. You can also read a novella, a book with a summer-inspired cover (your interpretation), or a comfort-read from a favorite author.
Pregnancy Surprise with the Greek Surgeon - Luana DaRosa (HMED #1414 - Sept 2024) (relaxing activity) - Aug 23
8. According to Hoyle Day – August 29: On this day, people are encouraged to follow the rules and regulations as they pay tribute to Edmond Hoyle, the Englishman believed to be the first technical writer of early card and board games, such as Whist, Chess, and Backgammon.
🏅 Read a book where the characters play a card or board game, or a book featuring a place where such games are played (like a gaming hell or casino). You can also read a book with a character who likes to follow the rules, a book set in England, or a book whose author’s initials include E or H.
🏅 Read a book where the characters play a card or board game, or a book featuring a place where such games are played (like a gaming hell or casino). You can also read a book with a character who likes to follow the rules, a book set in England, or a book whose author’s initials include E or H.
The Lyon's Golden Touch - Sara Adrien (Dragonblade - July 2024) (gaming hell) - Aug 2
9. Stop on Red Week: During the first full week in August, Stop on Red Week promotes safe driving and educates the public about the dangers of running red lights and stop signs. In the year 1915, the first stop sign appeared in Detroit, Michigan and was formerly adopted in the 1920s.
🏅 Read a book where a character drives or is in a car accident (backstory accidents count). You can also read a book with the numbers 19 or 15 anywhere in the page count or publication year, a book set in Michigan, or a book with red on the cover.
🏅 Read a book where a character drives or is in a car accident (backstory accidents count). You can also read a book with the numbers 19 or 15 anywhere in the page count or publication year, a book set in Michigan, or a book with red on the cover.
Last Mission - Lisa Childs (HRS #2292 - Sept 2024) (Michigan) - Aug 13
10. Reader's Choice:
🏅 Read any book of your choice.
🏅 Read any book of your choice.
🏫Read a book published in September, or read a book with blue on the cover in honor of September's birthstone, the Sapphire.
The Duke's Rapier - C.H. Admirand (Dragonblade - Sept 2024) - Sept 27
2. September Month-Long Observance - Classical Music Month: Celebration of Classical Music Month started in 1994 by President Bill Clinton, who declared every September as Classical Music Month. His proclamation stated, “Classical music is a celebration of artistic excellence… This month we exalt the many talented composers, conductors, and musicians who bring classical music to our ears… Music is a unifying force in our world, bringing people together across vast cultural and geographical divisions.”
🏫Read a book with an artistic character of any kind...performing artist, painter, sculptor, etc.
🏫Read a book with an artistic character of any kind...performing artist, painter, sculptor, etc.
Colorado Kidnapping - Cindi Myers (HI #2242 - Oct 2024) (graphic arts) - Sept 15
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) author - Jennifer Probst:
🏫Read one book written by Jennifer Probst or any author with her first or last name.
Fun Facts about Jennifer:
* Jennifer lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley in upstate New York, where her family keeps her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean.
*She holds a masters in English Literature
* She wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since.
* She writes Contemporary Romance
* Her works have been translated into over a dozen languages and sold over a million copies.
🏫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 that has been translated from the original to a different language, involves children in the storyline, or is shelved as Contemporary Romance.
🏫Read one book written by Jennifer Probst or any author with her first or last name.
* Jennifer lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley in upstate New York, where her family keeps her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean.
*She holds a masters in English Literature
* She wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since.
* She writes Contemporary Romance
* Her works have been translated into over a dozen languages and sold over a million copies.
Cowboying Up - Delores Fossen (HQN - Oct 2024) - Sept 21
4. Sept 1 - National Little Black Dress Day:
🏫Read a book with at least one person on the cover that you would consider to be "dressed up". Or you may read a book with a character involved in the fashion industry, or who enjoys shopping for clothes. You may also read a book with a mostly dark/black cover.
🏫Read a book with at least one person on the cover that you would consider to be "dressed up". Or you may read a book with a character involved in the fashion industry, or who enjoys shopping for clothes. You may also read a book with a mostly dark/black cover.
The Little Irish Farm - Michelle Vernal (Bookouture - Aug 2024) (shop for vintage clothes) - Sept 6
5. Sept 4 - National Skyscraper Day:
🏫Read a book with a large/tall building or cityscape on the cover. Or you may read a book that is set in a large city.
🏫Read a book with a large/tall building or cityscape on the cover. Or you may read a book that is set in a large city.
The Lyon's Saving Grace - C.H. Admirand (Dragonblade - Aug 2024) (London) - Sept 1
6. Sept 15 - Make a Hat Day:
🏫Read a book with a hat or other head covering on the cover, or a book with a character with an occupation that is commonly associated with some sort of head covering (police, military, construction worker, many athletes, etc.)
🏫Read a book with a hat or other head covering on the cover, or a book with a character with an occupation that is commonly associated with some sort of head covering (police, military, construction worker, many athletes, etc.)
Let Me Call You Sweetheart - Nancy Gideon (SIM #851 - Apr 1998) (police) - Sept 2
7. Sept 20 - National Pepperoni Pizza Day, National String Cheese Day, National Fried Rice Day, National Punch Day, National Queso Day:
🏫Read a book in which the food and/or beverage industry is featured...anything from farm to table. You may also read a book with food on the cover, or a book in which someone indulges in a "guilty pleasure" (your interpretation).
🏫Read a book in which the food and/or beverage industry is featured...anything from farm to table. You may also read a book with food on the cover, or a book in which someone indulges in a "guilty pleasure" (your interpretation).
Welcome Home, Katie Gallagher - Seana Kelly (HS #2091 - July 2017) (opens a diner) - Sept 9
8. Sept 21 - Responsible Dog Ownership Day:
🏫Read a book with an animal on the cover or in the storyline (shifters count!)
🏫Read a book with an animal on the cover or in the storyline (shifters count!)
Flirting with the Past - Kaylie Newell (HSE #3063 - Oct 2024) (dog) - Sept 25
9. Sept 27 - Ancestor Appreciation Day:
🏫Read a book that includes multiple generations in a family, or an "old" character (your interpretation, and long-lived/immortal paranormal characters count).
🏫Read a book that includes multiple generations in a family, or an "old" character (your interpretation, and long-lived/immortal paranormal characters count).
The Bookshop of Hidden Dreams - Karen Hawkins (Gallery Books - Aug 2024) (multiple generations) - Sept 18
10. Reader's Choice:
🏫Read any book of your choice.
🏫Read any book of your choice.
2024 October Monthly Challenge
Read a book:
🎃 published in October
Bargaining with the Lady of Merewood - C.H. Admirand (Dragonblade - Oct 2024) - Oct 11
🎃 with a multi-colored cover in honor of October's birthstone, the Opal
2. October Month-Long Observance ▻ National Book Month ▻ Created in 2003 by the National Book Foundation, National Book Month is held each October. The month-long celebration focuses on the importance of reading, writing and literature. In mid-October, the National Book Awards announces the year’s finalists, celebrating the country’s best books and authors.
Read a book:
🎃 that is in some way a new experience for you - new to you author, new series, new genre, try an audiobook if you've never listened to one, whatever you like, just something a bit new and different
🎃 with a multi-colored cover in honor of October's birthstone, the Opal
Read a book:
🎃 that is in some way a new experience for you - new to you author, new series, new genre, try an audiobook if you've never listened to one, whatever you like, just something a bit new and different
Fa-la-la-la Faking It - Teri Wilson (HSE #3067 - Nov 2024) (new series) - Oct 22
🎃 that is an old favorite!
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) ▻ Karen Marie Moning
Read a book:
🎃 written by Karen Marie Moning, or any author with her first or last name.
Fun Facts about: Karen Marie Moning
▻ Moved to self-sustaining farm in Indiana when she was 6 years old
▻ Worked as bartender and computer consultant while attending college
▻ Decided against a law career after interning at a criminal attorney firm and instead worked in the litigation department for an insurance company for the next 10 years
▻ Finally at age 30, decided she would do what she always wanted: write fiction novels. Her novels are fantasy/paranormal in both historical and contemporary settings.
Read a book:
🎃 set in the US midwest: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin
🎃 in the fantasy, paranormal or historical genres
🎃 with a character who works as a lawyer or for a lawyer, is a bartender or in a similar field or works with computers
🎃 that is an old favorite!
Read a book:
🎃 written by Karen Marie Moning, or any author with her first or last name.
▻ Moved to self-sustaining farm in Indiana when she was 6 years old
▻ Worked as bartender and computer consultant while attending college
▻ Decided against a law career after interning at a criminal attorney firm and instead worked in the litigation department for an insurance company for the next 10 years
▻ Finally at age 30, decided she would do what she always wanted: write fiction novels. Her novels are fantasy/paranormal in both historical and contemporary settings.
Read a book:
🎃 set in the US midwest: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin
🎃 in the fantasy, paranormal or historical genres
🎃 with a character who works as a lawyer or for a lawyer, is a bartender or in a similar field or works with computers
Alaskan Blackout - Joanne Rock (HD #2967 - Sept 2023) (bartender) - Oct 6
4. Adopt a Shelter Dog Month ▻ ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) sponsors this event to promote the adoption of dogs from local shelters.
Read a book:
🎃 with a dog on the cover
🎃 where the main character has any sort of domestic pet
Read a book:
🎃 with a dog on the cover
🎃 where the main character has any sort of domestic pet
Saving Christmas in the Little Irish Village - Michelle Vernal (Bookouture - Oct 2024) (dog) - Oct 4
🎃 with the word SHELTER in the text or with a title starting with any letter in the word SHELTER
5. Fire Prevention Week ▻ Week 2 ▻ Since 1922, the NFPA has sponsored the public observance of Fire Prevention Week. In 1925, President Calvin Coolidge proclaimed Fire Prevention Week a national observance, making it the longest-running public health observance in our country. During Fire Prevention Week, children, adults, and teachers learn how to stay safe in case of a fire. Fire Prevention Week is observed each year during the week of October 9th in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871, and caused devastating damage.
Read a book:
🎃 with fire or flames on the cover
🎃 with all the letters of FIRE in the title/subtitle, series or author name
🎃 where something is burned (in fire or like a burned dinner) or there is any type of fire in the story (candles burning, a campfire, etc. all count)
🎃 with the word SHELTER in the text or with a title starting with any letter in the word SHELTER
Read a book:
🎃 with fire or flames on the cover
🎃 with all the letters of FIRE in the title/subtitle, series or author name
🎃 where something is burned (in fire or like a burned dinner) or there is any type of fire in the story (candles burning, a campfire, etc. all count)
A Viking Heir to Bind Them - Michelle Styles (HH #1748 - Sept 2023) (fire in fireplace) - Oct 8
6. October 1 ▻ International Coffee Day ▻ This day celebrates one of the world’s favorite hot beverages, which is enjoyed and celebrated around the world. Call it what you like: coffee, Java, a cup of Joe, or any of dozens of names. Billions of people around the world drink billions of cups of coffee daily.
Read a book:
🎃 where someone consumes coffee or has a mostly brown cover
Read a book:
🎃 where someone consumes coffee or has a mostly brown cover
Danger in the Depths - Addison Fox (HRS #2240 - Aug 2023) (drinks coffee) - Oct 7
🎃 set in a country known for producing coffee: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...
🎃 that is highly popular with more than 10,000 ratings on Goodreads or with a character whose names starts with J (for Joe or Java!)
7. October 4 ▻ World Smile Day ▻ This holiday is on the first Friday in October every year. It celebrates the ever-popular yellow smiley. The smiley face became so popular, that the U.S. Post Office issued a stamp with the smiley face. The intent of World Smile Day is to do an act of kindness or help one person to smile. Why not do both!?
Read a book:
🎃 that has something yellow on the cover
🎃 where a cover model is smiling or laughing
🎃 set in a country known for producing coffee: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...
🎃 that is highly popular with more than 10,000 ratings on Goodreads or with a character whose names starts with J (for Joe or Java!)
Read a book:
🎃 that has something yellow on the cover
🎃 where a cover model is smiling or laughing
A Naval Surgeon to Fight For - Carla Kelly (HH #1814 - Sept 2024) (smiling) - Oct 15
🎃 that makes you smile (your interpretation)
8. October 12 ▻ National Motorcycle Ride Day ▻ This holiday is observed on the second Saturday in October. The open road beckons for one last ride before the long winter season. Grab a couple of buddies and take off for parts unknown.
Read a book:
🎃 that includes a group of friends or features any kind of club (like a motorcycle club)
🎃 that makes you smile (your interpretation)
Read a book:
🎃 that includes a group of friends or features any kind of club (like a motorcycle club)
Hero's Prize - Janie Crouch (Calamitte Jane Pub - Sept 2024) - Oct 2
🎃 with a road on the cover or any kind of motor vehicle on the cover
🎃 set in the Autumn season or has autumnal colors on the cover (reds, oranges, yellows, browns)
9. October 17 ▻ Wear Something Gaudy Day ▻ This is your chance to really stick out in a crowd. The roots of this day go back to the hit 1970’s television comedy show “Three’s Company”. Larry Dallas (played by Richard Kline), one of the characters on the show, declared a Wear Something Gaudy Day. It’s amazing how something like a television show can cause a new holiday to be born. The word “gaudy” refers to something bright, cheap, showy, outlandish, or otherwise not in good taste. Have a little fun on this day. For just one day, forego fashion and style. Pick out clothes to wear today, that do not match, ones with colors that clash. If you look at them and say “I wouldn’t be caught dead in that”, then it’s the perfect outfit for this day.
Read a book:
🎃 with a gaudy, loud colorful cover (your interpretation)
🎃 with a road on the cover or any kind of motor vehicle on the cover
🎃 set in the Autumn season or has autumnal colors on the cover (reds, oranges, yellows, browns)
Read a book:
🎃 with a gaudy, loud colorful cover (your interpretation)
Blame it on Vegas - Kira Sinclair (HD #2892 - Aug 2022) - Oct 21
🎃 with a movie or TV tie-in
🎃 with a character considered loud or gaudy (again, your interpretation)
10. Reader's Choice
🎃 Read any book of your choice!
🎃 with a movie or TV tie-in
🎃 with a character considered loud or gaudy (again, your interpretation)
🎃 Read any book of your choice!
November Monthly Challenge
10/10
1. Happy November Birthday!:
🍂 Read a book published in November, or read a book with yellow on the cover in honor of November's birthstone, the Topaz.
🍂 Read a book that includes a male character who is dealing with some sort of health issue (physical or mental). You may also read a book featuring a male cover model with facial hair.
A Firefighter's Hidden Truth - Tara Taylor Quinn (HRS #2245 - Sept 2023) (memory loss) - Nov 8
3. Featured Author Challenge (FAC) – Sarah Mayberry:
🍂Read one book written by Sarah Mayberry or any author with her first or last name.
The Maui Effect - Sara Ackerman (Mira - Nov 2024) - Nov 13
Fun facts about Sarah Mayberry:
* She was born in Melbourne, Australia, and spent time in New Zealand before moving back to Australia
* Sarah is a former journalist, magazine writer, and television storyliner and scriptwriter
* In her free time, she enjoys reading, going to the movies, sewing, and cooking for friends
* Sarah won Australian Romance Readers Awards in both 2014 and 2015
🍂 You may also read any book set in Australia or New Zealand, a book shelved as contemporary romance on Goodreads, a book with a character who works in any media or entertainment industry, or a book by any romance award-winning author.
4. National Author’s Day – November 1: First proposed by the Bement Illinois Book Club in 1928, National Author’s Day is when we celebrate all the great authors out there. Whether they’ve published one book or one hundred, give them recognition for their hard work!
🍂Read a book where a character writes something (a letter, a book, etc), a book set in Illinois, or a book where a character attends some sort of club or society meeting. You can also read any book by a popular, favorite, or new-to-you author.
* She was born in Melbourne, Australia, and spent time in New Zealand before moving back to Australia
* Sarah is a former journalist, magazine writer, and television storyliner and scriptwriter
* In her free time, she enjoys reading, going to the movies, sewing, and cooking for friends
* Sarah won Australian Romance Readers Awards in both 2014 and 2015
🍂Read a book where a character writes something (a letter, a book, etc), a book set in Illinois, or a book where a character attends some sort of club or society meeting. You can also read any book by a popular, favorite, or new-to-you author.
The Lyon's Alliance - Ruth A. Casie (Dragonblade - Nov 2024) (society meeting) - Nov 14
5. Love Your Red Hair Day – November 5: This annual day celebrates the beauty of red hair each November. With only 2% of the world population now rocking natural red waves, let them fly on this special day!
🍂 Read a book that features a red-headed character. You can also read a book with red on its cover, or with the letters of the word RED anywhere in its title.
🍂 Read a book that features a red-headed character. You can also read a book with red on its cover, or with the letters of the word RED anywhere in its title.
The Party Line - Carolyn Brown (Montlake - Nov 2024) (red head) - Nov 5
6. National STEAM Day – November 8: Established in 2015, this special day inspires children to pursue their interests in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
🍂 Read a book that has a child who enjoys learning; or a book with a character who has hobbies, works, or teaches in any of the STEAM fields. You can also read a book with a spy-like character or involves any sort of mission, in a nod to the Netflix STEAM original series, Project Mc2; or a book with the numbers 20 or 15 anywhere in its page count or publication year.
Cinderella's Billion-Dollar Invitation - Michele Renae (HR #4888 - Feb 2024) (STEAM - programming) - Nov 19
7. Play Monopoly Day – November 19: On this day we recognize one of the most iconic board games: Monopoly! First designed by Elizabeth Magie in 1902, the game has since been played by more than 500 million people since 1935.
🍂 Read a book with a main character who works in finance or owns either a residential or hotel property. You can also read a book with a wealthy main character, a book where the characters play a game, or a book that has anything in it resembling one of the Monopoly game tokens (boots, dogs, race cars, etc).
🍂 Read a book with a main character who works in finance or owns either a residential or hotel property. You can also read a book with a wealthy main character, a book where the characters play a game, or a book that has anything in it resembling one of the Monopoly game tokens (boots, dogs, race cars, etc).
K-9 Defender - Julie Miller (HI #2245 - Sept 2024) (dog) - Nov 15
8. Thanksgiving (US) – November 28: On the fourth Thursday each November, Americans celebrate Thanksgiving by enjoying good food with their families and friends!
🍂 Read a book where characters celebrate Thanksgiving or meet with family/friends for dinner. You can also read a book categorized on Goodreads as sports romance to commemorate Thanksgiving Day football games, a book where a character eats any food typically associated with the holiday (turkey, pie, potatoes, etc), or a book with brown anywhere on its cover.
Montana Heat - Josie Jade (Calamitte Jane Pub - Nov 2024) (friends dinner) - Nov 9
9. Chemistry Week (UK): During the first full week this November, Chemistry Week (UK) celebrates the chemical sciences with the 2024 theme of “chemistry is shaping the future.” The impact of chemistry – from the development of medicines, to solutions to water and energy problems, to even the manufacturing process of our clothing – touches all aspects of our lives. In 1993, this weekly holiday became an annual celebration.
🍂 Read a book with a character who works in a medical, science, or manufacturing profession. You can also read a book set in any United Kingdom country (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland), a book where someone takes an environmentally-friendly action (such as recycling), or a book with the numbers of 19 or 93 anywhere in its page count or publication year.
🍂 Read any book of your choice.
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