September was a very busy month with finishing up the garden (early this year), temps turning cool, and fewer sunny days. I know many of you love the fall colors and relief from summer high temperatures, but for me it’s a herald of the coming winter–NOT something I look forward to.

My big bookish news, of course, was the achievement of the 500 reviews badge from NetGalley. That required a concentrated effort this year after I determined I could achieve the badge this year. Having done so, I can relax a little now and get back to more diversity.

Together we read or listened to seventeen books in September from NetGalley, as well as audiobooks and a couple author requests.

1. The Double Agent by William Christie (CE review)
2. The Italian Daughter by Soraya Lane (CE review)
3. The Dutch House by Ann Patchett (audiobook)
4. Half Notes from Berlin by B V Glants (CE review)
5. Ellis River by Nicki Ehrlich (5* CE review)
6. Painting with Fire by Amanda Hughes (5*)
7. Dancing in the River by George Lee
8. The War Librarian by Addison Armstrong (audiobook)
9. The Last Dollar Princess by Linda Bennett Pennell (CE review)
10. The Ways We Hide by Kristina McMorris (5* CE review)
11. The Quarryman’s Girl by Melanie Forde (5*)
12. Dog Friendly by Victoria Schade (audiobook)
13. Cosmic Trap by Matt Cost (author request-CE review))
14. Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout (CE review)
15. What Divides Us by Jean Grainger (author request)
16. The New Neighbor by Karen Cleveland (audiobook)
17. The Keepsake by Julie Brooks

YAY! The CE and I both had two books that we felt warranted five stars—a first. My stars went to two of my favorite authors, Amanda Hughes and Melanie Forde. I love the books by these ladies and highly recommend them (my review links above). And I must mention again the audiobook read by Tom Hanks, The Dutch House (link to my review above). The entertainment value!—my gosh—the man can read!

Have you read any of the above? Agree with us?

Reading Challenges

My challenges—behind again. My challenges for 2022 are all listed and linked in the widget column on the right. Hopefully can get them caught up soon. You can always check out their progress by clicking the Reading Challenges page. I’m now at 82% of the Goodreads Challenge of 180 books at 149 and achieved my Audiobook Challenge of 30, the Historical Reading Challenge of 25, and the NetGalley Challenge of 75.

The upper Midwest—*deep and heavy sigh*—an ecosystem of its own–turning cool enough by the middle of September to warrant at least a sweater. Bye-bye summer, it was way too short and sweet this year.

Welcome to my new followers and as always I appreciate those who continue to read, like, share, and comment—especially comment! How are you doing with your challenges? Let me know if you saw something above that got your interest.

©2022 V Williams