2022 Four Moon Reading Challenge

 2022 Four Moon Reading Challenge

Hi everyone, thank you so much for visiting my blog! Today I am beyond excited to be introducing the very first Four Moon Reading Challenge. This is the first reading challenge I've ever created so even if you don't participate I appreciate you even taking the time to visit this post. If you choose to participate and/or post any content on social media please use the hashtag #fourmoonreadingchallenge so I can send some love your way.

Below are a list of the prompts for the challenge. Feel free to do as many or as few of the prompts as you like. Any format of book is perfectly fine. I'm not going to police your reading so if you feel it counts then it counts.

The Challenge will run from January 1 2022 until December 31 2022. If you start a book in 2021 and finish it in 2022 and want to count it that's totally fine. Just have fun!

Without further waiting, here is the prompt list (with explanations where necessary):

1. A book about or involving a lie

2. A book with a moon or stars on the cover

3. A book chosen by a child (this could be literally any book. Children's books, comic books etc.)

4. A book out of season (literally any book that takes place in a season you aren't in when you read it)

5. A book with less than 1000 ratings on GoodReads

6. A book with a beautiful cover

7. A book with an insect on the cover

8. A book that looks like another book you've read (just a book that has a visual similarity to another book you've read at some point in time)

9. Read the first book in a trilogy (does not have to be the same trilogy as prompts 10 & 11)

10. Read the second book in a trilogy (does not have to be the same trilogy as prompts 9 & 11)

11. Read the third book in a trilogy ((does not have to be the same trilogy as prompts 9 & 10)

12. Has less than 3 colors on the cover

13. Newest book on your TBR shelf (the newest book you acquired as a gift  bought yourself or borrowed from the library)

14. On your bookshelf or TBR for 2+ years

15. A book involving a family (could involve any family dynamic)

16. Written by an author you love

17. Written by an author you've never read before

18. A book with a textured cover (where the cover has parts on it that are raised so you can feel them)

19. Flip A Coin (choose two books then flip a coin to see which one to read)

20. Has a number in the title

21. Has your favorite fictitious character in it (could be anything nonhuman that doesn't actually exist in the real world)

22. Read a book about adoption

23. Has your favorite color on the cover

24. Has an interesting title (any book where the title intrigues you)

25. Read a book then leave a review (literally any book where you leave a review, the review can be as long or as short as you want)

26. A book that fits a prompt for another reading challenge

27. A book featuring music

28. A book on a sensitive subject (this is any topic you believe is a sensitive subject, do not read something that is going to trigger you, this is just a reading challenge to try and help broaden your reading)

29. A book that has won the GoodReads Choice Awards (any year, any topic)

30. A retelling

31. A book released 5+ years ago

32. Read a middle grade book

33. A book with an even number of pages

34. A book you bought because of social media

35. A book about or involving cooking 

36. A book with all the colors of the rainbow on the cover (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)

37. A book with a 40+ year old main character

38. A book that has pictures

39. Has one of the four elements on the cover (earth, air, water, fire, the sky would work for the air element)

40. A nonfiction book on a person or subject you know nothing about.

I'm sure you noticed there are no queer, poc, indigenous or disability rep as one of the prompts. I didn't add them because you can find representation for all the above groups to fit all of these prompts and I encourage you to do so.

If you've made it to the end, thank you so much for reading. If you decide to participate let me know. I'd love to know what books you're choosing or would recommend for each prompt.

See you on the moon! XO

Links:

Storygraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reading_challenges/838ac83b-ee6f-400e-9e19-06d7c7955fe8

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/1176262-four-moon-reading-challenge

Printable PDF: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zRfBWp4IXJRsdTc66rQ_-LHy4WlL1PDJ/view?usp=sharing

The Custard Corpses by M.J. Porter REVIEW

The Custard Corpses

by M.J. Porter

🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑

Synopsis

The Custard Corpses, a delicious 1940s mystery.

Birmingham, England, 1943.

While the whine of the air raid sirens might no longer be rousing him from bed every night, a two-decade-old unsolved murder case will ensure that Chief Inspector Mason of Erdington Police Station is about to suffer more sleepless nights.

Young Robert McFarlane’s body was found outside the local church hall on 30th September 1923. But, his cause of death was drowning, and he’d been missing for three days before his body was found. No one was ever arrested for the crime. No answers could ever be given to the grieving family. The unsolved case has haunted Mason ever since.

But, the chance discovery of another victim, with worrying parallels, sets Mason, and his constable, O’Rourke, on a journey that will take them back over twenty-five years, the chance to finally solve the case, while all around them the uncertainty of war continues, impossible to ignore.

Purchase Link: mybook.to/TheCustardCorpses

Review

Thank you to the author and Rachel's Random Resources for having me on this blog tour. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

In The Custard Corpses, Chief Inspector Mason investigates an old homicide case that was never solved. While investigating this case one thing leads to another and soon more cold cases are being connected to this one. Things continue to get stranger until certain connections are made that take these cases to a whole new level.

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The concept is interesting. The twists and reveals were clever. The writing is well done. It's wrapped up very nicely. It really was a juicy mystery just waiting to tickle your tastebuds.

If you're looking for a historical mystery dripped in dessert than this may be the book you're looking for.

As a warning I will say the victims in this book are children however nothing violent happens in the book. When the story opens the victims are already deceased and the case has been marked cold for years.

Author Bio

I'm an author of historical fiction (Early English, Vikings and the British Isles as a whole before the Norman Conquest) and fantasy (Viking age/dragon-themed). I’ve recently written a relatively modern mystery novel set in 1943. I was born in the old Mercian kingdom at some point since 1066. Raised in the shadow of a strange little building, told from a very young age that it housed the bones of long-dead Kings of Mercia and that our garden was littered with old pieces of pottery from a long-ago battle, it's little wonder that my curiosity in Early England ran riot. I can only blame my parents!

I write A LOT. You've been warned!

Find me at www.mjporterauthor.com and @coloursofunison on twitter.


Social Media Links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/coloursofunison

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m_j_porter/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7163404.M_J_Porter

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/coloursofunison/_saved/


Giveaway to Win 2 x copies of The Custard Corpses (Open INT)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.


http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494455/

Erma Does The Math by Ann Strawn REVIEW

Erma Does The Math

by Ann Strawn

Synopsis

When Tameka visits her elderly aunt, birthday gift in hand, quirky Aunt Erma puts her to work. As she hangs an old photo Tameka discovers that the women in the picture are 1940’s-era human computers at Langley Jet Propulsion Lab and that her auntie was one of them! She has lots of questions, but Aunt Erma’s price for answers is one math problem each. Tameka keeps up, but the problems get more complex with each question. Remembering the gift, Tameka convinces her auntie to open it. The contents make them both laugh and realize that they’ve learned something about each other.

Purchase Links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Erma-Does-Math-Ann-Strawn/dp/0578742691

US - https://www.amazon.com/Erma-Does-Math-Ann-Strawn/dp/0578742691

CA - https://www.amazon.ca/Erma-Does-Math-Ann-Strawn/dp/0578742691

Review

Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources and the author for having me on this blog tour. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Erma Does The Math is an adorable story about Erma Tynes Walker who was a human computer at Langley Airforce Base. This truly interesting story is told in a way that children will be able to understand and enjoy. The bright illustrations and adorable characters grab your attention and bring life into the story. As we read along we do some math problems and learn about what it was like to be a human computer.

There are a lot of things you and your child can enjoy about this book. It's a great choice for the math lovers, the history lovers, the books lovers.. heck, this book is a great choice for everybody!

 

Author Bio

Ann Strawn lives in Renton Washington with her husband of 34 years, daughter and family dog. She makes her living as a middle school science teacher and truly enjoys the company of kids and teens. She considers her job total immersion training for writing her middle grade novels, THE DOWNLOAD and THE UPDATE.

Ann’s most current project is a picture book about her great aunt Erma Tynes Walker who was a human computer at Langley Airforce Base. Besides writing Ann also enjoys crochet and just hanging out with her family.

Heard it in a Love Song by Tracey Garvis Graves REVIEW

Heard it in a Love Song

by Tracey Garvis Graves

🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑

Synopsis

Layla Hilding is thirty-five and recently divorced. Struggling to break free from the past—her glory days as the lead singer in a band and a ten-year marriage to a man who never put her first—Layla’s newly found independence feels a lot like loneliness.

Then there’s Josh, the single dad whose daughter attends the elementary school where Layla teaches music. Recently separated, he’s still processing the end of his twenty-year marriage to his high school sweetheart. He chats with Layla every morning at school and finds himself thinking about her more and more.

Equally cautious and confused about dating in a world that favors apps over meeting organically, Layla and Josh decide to be friends with the potential for something more. Sounds sensible and way too simple—but when two people are on the rebound, is it heartbreak or happiness that’s a love song away?

Review

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Heard it in a Love Song is a slow burn romance. While that's not really my preference it was still an enjoyable read. My biggest issue is how long it was. I feel like there's so much that could have been left out without messing up the book. For example, we are given the full story of the relationship between Layla and her ex-husband from their meeting to their breakup with all the details. We are also given all the details of Layla's new love interest and his ex-wife. And those are just back stories that have no pull to the main story line. It was all just too much for me and by the time it was over I was just thankful it was done.

I liked Layla as a main character. I think her growth was really good and her personality was very attractive. Certain things about her kind of reminded me of Daisy Jones without the drugs and drama.

I recommend this book to people who enjoy long, slow paced romances that give you all the juicy details. From the meet ups to the break ups there is nothing left for you to wonder about.

Gilded by Marissa Meyer REVIEW

Gilded

by Marissa Meyer

🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕

Synopsis

Long ago cursed by the god of lies, a poor miller's daughter has developed a talent for spinning stories that are fantastical and spellbinding and entirely untrue.

Or so everyone believes.

When one of Serilda's outlandish tales draws the attention of the sinister Erlking and his undead hunters, she finds herself swept away into a grim world where ghouls and phantoms prowl the earth and hollow-eyed ravens track her every move. The king orders Serilda to complete the impossible task of spinning straw into gold, or be killed for telling falsehoods. In her desperation, Serilda unwittingly summons a mysterious boy to her aid. He agrees to help her… for a price. Love isn't meant to be part of the bargain.

Soon Serilda realizes that there is more than one secret hidden in the castle walls, including an ancient curse that must be broken if she hopes to end the tyranny of the king and his wild hunt forever.

Review

Thank you to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.What could possibly be better than a Rumpelstiltskin retelling?

A Rumpelstiltskin retelling written by retelling Queen Marissa Meyer with her classic flair for juicy drama and writing style that captures you inside its magic. **Cue Happy Dance**

I enjoyed this book so much. I ended up starting it one day and staying up late the next night to finish it because I just couldn't wait another day to find out how it ended. Who needs sleep when you're hopelessly lost inside a story with suspence, magic, thrills and secrets anyways?

As expected, the writing is amazing. The pacing is perfect. It was fast paced even when very little was happening. Every piece of the story was important. There was no word vomit or filler.

I adored Serilda as a main character. I just loved her spunk and her spirit. The side characters were so well done. Each character had an important part in the story no matter how small it was. I loved that we don't get weighed down with a huge mess of characters but rather get to focus on a select few. It allows us to really appreciate each one of them as individuals.

Please tell me this is a series. I really hope this is a series. It feels like it should be a series. I need more from this story, these characters, this world! I just need more. Like soon, please!

Purchase Links:

CA - https://www.amazon.ca/Gilded/dp/B08XK52WQ2/ref=mp_s_a_1_1

US - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=gilded+marissa+meyer&crid=3MOSDIN6Y2V3K&sprefix=gilded%2Caps%2C142&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_6

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Bar by Isabella May REVIEW

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Bar

by Isabella May

🌕🌕🌕🌑🌑

River and Alice miss Somerset. Christmas isn’t Christmas without family and friends, even when you live in quaint Cornwall.

When River’s Aunt Sheba dies unexpectedly, leaving him her ancient VW campervan, nostalgia nudges him and Alice back to Glastonbury - and the surrounding villages - to rediscover their roots whilst serving the most decadent hot chocolate and delectable gingerbread from their renovated ‘bar on wheels’.

A bar on wheels complete with a fold-up stage to host local talent competitions rivaling anything Simon Cowell could dream up, even if he’d gorged on a truckle of Cheddar cheese!

As the villagers sip their cocoa and ice their gingerbread houses amidst the festive backdrop of song, dance, and slightly more unconventional talents, River and Alice find themselves in an unexpected race against time:

Zara, their chocolate supplier is leaving Glastonbury on the twelfth day of Christmas, keen to put a string of disastrous relationships behind her to make a fresh start.

Bruno, their gregarious and gorgeous baking supplier is secretly smitten with Zara - ticking every box on her New Year’s wish list.

If only they can get them together for one experimental kiss under the mistletoe...

They’ve even enlisted their customers’ help in their mission to wrap this budding romance up in all the jingle bells and whistles. How hard can it be?

So, ho, ho VERY tricky, as it turns out...

Purchase Link: mybook.to/twinkletwinklelittleb

Review

Thank you to the author and Rachel's Random Resources for having me on this blog tour. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Twinkle Twinkle Little Bar is an adorably cute story that is as tasty as hot chocolate. We've got some friends, some food, some drama and of course, some love all wrapped and rolled into a sweet story. The characters are a fun, likeable cast. To me, the cast seemed like they could have their own TV show. This could easily be drawn out into a 6 part Christmas special.. or a movie, dealers choice!

This is the perfect read for the romantic foodie in your life. And if you are a romantic foodie then grab a snack, cuddle up and pass away the day with this sweet story.

Author Bio

Isabella May lives in (mostly) sunny Andalusia, Spain with her husband, daughter and son, creatively inspired by the mountains and the sea. She grew up on Glastonbury's ley lines and loves to feature her quirky English hometown in her stories.

After a degree in Modern Languages and European Studies at UWE, Bristol (and a year working abroad in Bordeaux and Stuttgart), Isabella bagged an extremely jammy and fascinating job in children's publishing... selling foreign rights for novelty, board, pop-up and non-fiction books all over the world; in every language from Icelandic to Korean, Bahasa Indonesian to Papiamento!

All of which has fuelled her curiosity and love of international food and travel - both feature extensively in her cross-genre novels, fused with a dollop of romcom, and a sprinkle of magical realism.

Isabella is also a Level 4 Pranic Healer and a stillbirth mum.

Social Media Links

www.isabellamayauthor.com

Twitter - @IsabellaMayBks

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/IsabellaMayAuthor/

Instagram - @isabella_may_author

You've Reached Sam by Dustin Thao REVIEW

 You've Reached Sam

by Dustin Thao

🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑

Synopsis

Seventeen-year-old Julie has her future all planned out—move out of her small town with her boyfriend Sam, attend college in the city, spend a summer in Japan. But then Sam dies. And everything changes.

Heartbroken, Julie skips his funeral, throws out his things, and tries everything to forget him and the tragic way he died. But a message Sam left behind in her yearbook forces back memories. Desperate to hear his voice one more time, Julie calls Sam’s cellphone just to listen to his voicemail.

And Sam picks up the phone.

In a miraculous turn of events, Julie’s been given a second chance at goodbye. The connection is temporary. But hearing Sam’s voice makes her fall for him all over again, and with each call it becomes harder to let him go. However, keeping her otherworldly calls with Sam a secret isn’t easy, especially when Julie witnesses the suffering Sam’s family is going through. Unable to stand by the sidelines and watch their shared loved ones in pain, Julie is torn between spilling the truth about her calls with Sam and risking their connection and losing him forever.

Publication Date: November 9, 2021
 

Review

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really enjoyed this one. I thought the relationship between Julie and Sam was really sweet. You can really feel how much they loved each other. Throughout the story we move through the grieving process with Julie. Through thoughtful and intelligent writing we are able to fully grasp Julie's range of emotions. Thao wastes no time grabbing us by the heart and squeezing it until it almost crushes us before allowing us to slowly start healing. I went through so many emotions reading this book. It was like whatever Julie felt, I felt.

The only thing I didn't enjoy was the length. I feel like this could have been a bit shorter and been just as good. It dragged for me, not enough that I stopped caring about the characters but enough that by the time it was over I was glad to be finished it while still having enjoyed the journey.

If you're looking for a story about heartbreak and healing this could be exactly what you're looking for.

The Nest by Kenneth Oppel REVIEW

 The Nest

by Kenneth Oppel

🌕🌕🌕🌕🌕

Synopsis

For some kids summer is a sun-soaked season of fun. But for Steve, it’s just another season of worries. Worries about his sick newborn baby brother who is fighting to survive, worries about his parents who are struggling to cope, even worries about the wasp’s nest looming ominously from the eaves. So when a mysterious wasp queen invades his dreams, offering to “fix” the baby, Steve thinks his prayers have been answered.

All he has to do is say “Yes.” But “yes” is a powerful word. It is also a dangerous one. And once it is uttered, can it be taken back?

Review

When I started reading The Nest, I couldn't help but wonder what I had gotten myself into. By the time I got to chapter 4 I was hooked!

The Nest is a super quick read. Not only is it a rather short book but it's also fast paced and it flies by so quickly when you're reading it. The concept is a little weird and a little gross but so awesome. Wasps are a big focus of the story, so if they bother you .. well don't say you weren't warned.

Oppel is a very talented story teller. I ate up this book like candy. I became so captivated by the story I was just lost in it. I couldn't wait to find out how everything would play out. I wasn't sure if what was happening was real or all in someone's imagination. It's the perfect line of creepy and weird. While I didn't find it scary per se, it was absolutely fascinating!

This is a great choice for those who are looking for creepy but not scary. It's not a complicated story as it is a middle grade, so it's great for anyone over 10.