Inver

Jealous.... you three meeting up again.

I liked 'Gold' and 'Midwives' (think I read this one twice, once my accident but good second time too). I can't remember much about 'Drowning Ruth', so obviously one that didn't make an impact.

'Life After You' by Lucie Brownlee 'Life after you'....the title says it all really. Lucie, the author, husband dies suddenly at 37. She is left with their young daughter. Family and friends are there for support. This is a very honest and heart breaking account of how she coped and came to terms with losing him. It takes us through all the emotions of grief and that there is no set time limit on how we deal with such a dramatic loss. She tells it like it is and often put questions in my mind as to how I would cope if put in this situation, which could happen to any one of us at any time. Not entirely a cheerful read but then again life isn't always like that. This is a 'real life' memoir. 3/5

I think I've read 3 out of your above list...Gold, Midwives, and Drowning Ruth. Good stash there...

Thanks Claire. Having already added to the list I might even change some I don't think I'll manage to do if I think of something else for an idea.

Hoorah...managed 3 so far, but I'm sure it will get more difficult.

'The Black House' by Peter May This is a new author for me, but I bought my hubby this trilogy a few years ago and he enjoyed them and said worth a read. He was right I did enjoy it. It is a bit of a bleak read, but involves past and present chapters. I did wonder where it was all going at one point, but found it a page turner. Fin takes us on a journey through a difficult childhood, his friendships with Artair and Marsaili. Born on Lewis, he now returns as a Detective Inspector to investigate a murder, possibly related to one of similar description in Edinburgh. It can be a bit of a gloomy read but such is the setting for how the plot plays out. A well researched book about the tradition of going to 'An Ageir' for the birds....but what is the connection with the murder of 'Angel' Macritchie? Truths and secrets unfold in this gripping crime novel, but there is more to it, coming of age, first loves, friendships made and lost. I look forward to reading the other two 'The Lewis Man' and 'The Chess Men'. 4/5

I've only ever read the first one...

A lovely Boe gin with tonic and lemon...

Oh how lovely you did something pretty with the card Kay....thank you.

I'm reading The Black House just now by Peter May. Gave hubby the trilogy few years ago and thought I would give them a go...enjoying it so far.

Oops...here I go again, not finishing one book before I start another, but I had to....you see I needed a thinner book to put in my bag to take in to town with me so I had something to read when I stopped for a coffee...! 'Life After You' by Lucie Brownlee

What a final between Rafa and Roger...amazing stuff.

Oh what a wonderful looking home you are going to have...love the porch and all that lovely wood inside. It looks very well kept...how exciting for you. And happy reading in 2017.

We just had a bit of snow tonight, but now turned to rain...supposed to be sunny tomorrow...watch this space

I've added another 4 Hayley....I like things to be a round number. I pinched it from you, but I might change things though if I find other categories.

Shame Johanna Konta didn't make the final....but when those Williams sisters are playing, hardly anyone else gets a shout. The men's final tomorrow should be a good one though Federer v Nadal ..... wonder if it will be a 5 setter. Hayley I have been getting up at stupid o'clock to watch games I've wanted to see.

Glad you enjoyed the Chris Cleave Hayley. I've read 'The Other Hand' and 'Gold' (I have Gold if you wanted to borrow). I too enjoyed his writing. This one sounds good too.

Olivander is not more....I light a wand....RIP John Hurt

A book you read in school A book from your childhood A book published over 100 years ago A book published in the last year A non-fiction book - 'The Penguin Lessons' by Tom Michell (Jan 2017) A book written by a male author - 'Rough Music' by Patrick Gale A book written by a female author - 'Song of the Skylark' by Erica James A book by someone who isn’t a writer (think Paul Kalathani or Richard Branson) A book that became/is becoming a film A book published in the 20th Century A book set in your hometown/region A book with someone’s name in the title - 'Harry the Poisonous Centipede's Big Adventure' by Lynn Reid Banks A book with a number in the title - '6 Rainier Drive' by Debbie Macomber (Jan 2017) A book with a character with your first name A book someone else recommended to you - 'The Bees' by Laline Paull A book with over 500 pages - 'House Rules' by Jodi Picoult A book you can finish in a day - 'Harry the Poisonous Centipede' by Lynne Reid Banks A previously banned book A book with a one-word title - 'Reflection' by Diane Chamberlain A book translated from another language A book that will improve a specific area of your life A memoir or journal - 'Life After You' by Lucie Brownlee (Feb 2017) A book written by someone younger than you A book somewhere you have visited/or a place name in title - 'A Week in Paris' by Rachel Hore An award-winning book A self-published book A book with a season in the title A book with a colour in the title - 'The Black House' by Peter May (Feb 2017) A book with a café/tearoom/restaurant theme 'The Beach Cafe' by Lucy Diamond (Jan '18) A book with an animal/bird either in title/character 'The Nightingale' by Kristin Hannah

This reading challenge will be on going and I may add or change the list as I think of others to add or take away. I feel this won't be completed in the year hence the on going part... I look forward to trying to find books related to the list.

2016 Books 'Pandora's Box' by Giselle Green - review here 'If My Father Loved Me' by Rosie Thomas - review here

'6 Ranier Drive' by Debbie Macomber I wanted an easy read so this fitted the bill. One of the Cedar Cove series, #6. I think I have read another of this series so I remembered some of the characters. Good to have a who is who at the beginning of the book as I kept forgetting the relationships to the characters. It was an OK read based on who set fire to 'The Lighthouse' restaurant and interlinked with other storylines. Enjoyable enough but given there are a lot more in the series I won't go out of my way to read all the rest, even if there are a few storylines that will continue. If I come across another by accident, then so be it. I didn't dislike the book as I do enjoy Debbie Macomber reads. 3/5 (I can add this to the 'number' book in my reading challenge)

Having ordered it Claire I had no idea of the font size before hand....have to wear my most recent prescription specs for this one...

Took myself to see La La Land yesterday, was ok...escapism, but I was expecting it to be more of a modern old fashioned type musical but it wasn't really. Don't really know why it is up for so many nominations!