We had a great response to our first What’s On Your Bookshelf Challenge? in August. This month, I was not well for about two weeks which gave me plenty of time to read – the perfect medicine! I read a variety of books which are listed below, some I enjoyed but there were a couple that for some reason just didn’t resonate with me, even though they had good reviews. It shows that we are all individuals and the world would certainly be a boring place if we all liked the same thing!
I often talk about doing things that bring you joy and reading does that for me. Most afternoons you will find me curled up reading which has become a new (almost) daily ritual.
Don’t forget to copy the #whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge contributor badge at the end of the post.
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
As if we need a reason……however there are many benefits of reading books.
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
This month I decided to put the spotlight on one of my favorite authors, who also happens to be a friend of mine. Joanne Tracey (Jo), lives on the Sunshine Coast and is also one of the co-hosts for What’s On Your Bookshelf?
Jo does have a day job, but her dream is to become a full-time author and she is well on her way to achieving that.
As you can see, Jo has written several books and I was honoured to receive an advance copy of her latest book ‘The Little Cafe by the Lake’ which is scheduled for release November 4, 2021. I loved it and I think it is my favourite. You can find Jo at her website www.joannetracey.com
Why do I enjoy Jo’s books?
- They are easy to read and her stories are believable and flow – just like Jo who has an easy going personality and she is also a great baker! (I interviewed Jo for my Women Living Well After 50 Podcast in Season 1 Episode 13 – Dream of Writing a Book? and she shared her story of how she came to writing)
- Jo sets her books in places she has visited and also includes her love of baking in some way. I’ve also visited some of the places especially set in New Zealand and love being taken back to some favourite spots I’ve visited.
BOOKCLUB
In my online Bookclub, we are studying the Bronte Sisters and have just finished The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte. I’ve not written a review as yet but our discussions were certainly lively. You might like to read this article Where to Start with the Bronte Sisters.
BOOKS I’VE READ DURING AUGUST/SEPTEMBER
WHAT’S ON YOUR BOOKSHELF GUIDELINES:
What: What’s On Your Bookshelf (#whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge).
When: Third Thursday PM (Northern Hemisphere)/ Third Friday AM (Southern Hemisphere).
Why: Share a love of reading.
Where: Blog, Blog Comments, Instagram or other Social Media.
Who: This linkup is open to everyone.
How: You can share in the comments, with a blog post, or on other social media of your choice. Include the hashtag #Whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge so that we can find you and include your link in our posts.
Be a proud contributor to #whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge
To show our appreciation to all participants, contributors are welcome to display this badge on their blog, website or social media.
Sharing what’s on their bookshelf this month
Take a moment to link through to see what my co-hosts and others have written……
Deb from Deb’s World
Jo from AndAnways
Donna from Retirement Reflections
Now over to you – will you join us?
Deb, Donna, Jo and I hope that you will join us in this new series! If you have any questions just ask us. You can also link to any, or all of our posts, with a pingback, that way we get to see your posts quicker!
Don’t forget to tell me about the book(s) you’re reading at the moment! See you next month!
16 Comments
Hi Sue, I’m so happy to see you mentioned Jo’s books here in your post, as did I!! She is a fabulous writer and I love reading her stories which always make me smile and cry at times!
I love that graphic about the benefits of reading and it’s so true isn’t it. Reading is a great stress reliever for me too and my sunroom is perfect for an afternoon of relaxing with a good book. I’ve read some of the ones you’ve mentioned! Another great edition for our #whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge
I haven’t read any of those but I did just finish Kate Grenville’s Always Greener, which I loved. I do love the info graphic. Anthony Horowitz’s series is really lifting my spirits in lockdown. Can’t recommend them enough – funny and crime. Perfect imaginary world. #Whatsonyourbookshelfchallenge
Hi Sue the graphic about reading is great and so true. I have the Kate Grenville book in my TBR list. I’m ashamed to say I have not read Jo’s books, just due to my list being so long. I have downloaded three and you’ve now reminded me so I will put them to the top of the list.
Hi, Sue – I agree with other commenters. That ‘Benefits of Reading Graphic’ is spot-on! Thank you for sharing.
I also wholeheartedly echo your thoughts about Jo Tracey’s books. Like you, I’ve read every single one of them (some twice) and absolutely LOVED them all.
I’m so sorry that you weren’t feel well at the beginning of this month. I hope that you are feeing much better now. (Sending big, warm, healing hugs!)
Like others, I love the graphic. I need to have a look at some of these books, and must pick up one of Jo’s books. Here is my not-so-good reading this month
https://basia329.wordpress.com/2021/09/17/whats-on-your-bookshelf-2/
Hi Sue, I hope you’re feeling much better now. That info graphic is right on. I’ve read Jo’s Happily Ever After and look forward to reading her subsequent novels.
Here’s my contribution for WOYBS#2: https://natalietheexplorer.home.blog/2021/09/17/recent-reads-and-golden-finds/
Wow! So many good suggestions! I am loving this challenge. Can’t participate this month, but looking forward to joining you lovelies in the months to come. Thanks!
Deb
I look forward to having you join us when you can Deb. x
What a great shout-out and bookshelf article, Sue. I do hope you’re feeling better. Toni x
Thanks Toni, I’m on the mend but have been down with a bad cold again this week.
I really enjoy Jo’s books too! They are fun and light and the characters are so sweet and real.
I’m blushing!
Sue, I didn’t intend to join in on this challenge (as I’ not sure how to even join it), and then did a blog post on a book I read! https://retirementtransition.blog/2021/09/13/thinking-inspired-by-we-are-all-perfectly-fine%ef%bf%bc/
I’ve read a number of Jo’s books and have enjoyed them all. Right now, I’m into a series of non-fiction books. Doing a bit of social isolation again (unfortunately Covid cases here are really spiking again), so I’m in a learning mode again.
Thanks for your comments…and for linking up this month. Heading over for a read.
Hi Patricia, I’ve not been well so apologies for the late reply. It isn’t really a traditional link up but thanks for sharing your link in the comments. Take care, COVID has taken over two of our States in Australia and this week where I live we have had 6 new cases.
You brought tears to my eyes!!!!! Thank you so much. On your recommendation, I have The Women’s Pages on reserve at the library. I used to be a massive Emily Giffin fan, but haven’t read The Ties That Bind.