Thankfully Reading Weekend Update: Saturday

I'm not getting as much reading in as I had originally hoped. However, keep in mind I have three kids and a hubby to take care of. I also have to go back to work on Monday after a week off and have been trying to clean up the house and catch up on some laundry. All excuses aside, here is where I currently stand...

1. Frostbite by Richelle Mead finished yesterday :)
   
2. Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead currently on page 300 of 443
   
3. 40 Loaves next to read once finished with Shadow Kiss...due for upcoming Blog Tour
   
4. How to Act Right When Your Spouse Acts Wrong
5. The Christmas Cookie Club

Thankfully Reading Weekend

Instead of joining in the crazy festivities that many will be involved in with Black Friday, I will be at home, curled up with some great books! I am not a shopper *gasp* unless, of course, it is for books!! I will be enjoying some great reads with my feet propped up, Diet Dr. Pepper at my bedside, while others are wearing out their shoes and spending all their hard earned money!! What a day!

This ideas was born out of Jenn's awesome mind and then a few more people jumped in. If you'd like to join in too, go sign up here and then comment here so I can read your posts too!!

Here's a list of a few books I hope to read...I'm not limiting myself to these or putting any demands on myself though...this is just my suggested list for now!

1. Frostbite by Richelle Mead
2. Shadow Kissed by Richelle Mead
3. 40 Loaves
4. How to Act Right When Your Spouse Acts Wrong
5. The Christmas Cookie Club

Joining in? Let me know!! Let's have fun during the weekend!

The REAL Christy Awards Challenge!!

A while back, I tried to issue a challenge to read the books on the Christy Awards list but it ended up being a personal challenge. Since then, I have found that others are interested in doing this. Amy, Deborah, and Shauna have created the official Christy Awards Reading Challenge and I intend on being a part of this one!

As with any great challenge, there are different levels of participation. I intend on doing the Perpetual Challenge, as I really want to read every book on this list. Here are the levels you can choose from...

Total Christian Fiction Newbie

This is only for those who have read no Christian fiction before...the challenge is to read one book from any of the Christy Awards Winners!

Baby Steps

1st Tier - 2009 Favorite Category Read All Nominated Books 3-4 books
2nd Tier - Any ONE Years Favorite Category - 3-4 Books or mix 3-4 winners from any category

It's All in the Winners

3rd Tier- 2009 Winners - 9
4th Tier- Any ONE Year's Winners 7-9 or mix'n'match 7-9 winners

Dedicated

5th Tier - Read 2009/or ANY Year All Books 36-40 Books

Hardcore

6rd Tier - Read all the nominees in your favorite category
7th Tier - Read all of the winners in every category

The Christy Challenge--Perpetual Challenge

Read all of the books nominated and awarded the Christy challenge throughout the course of your lifetime.

So, what books are on the list? Glad you asked...here they are! The ones I've read will be linked to my review, the ones that I own but haven't read yet will be in green. Good luck to all who participate and I hope we can all find a book from this list that will change our lives!

2000

Contemporary

A New Song by Jan Karon – WINNER
By the Light of a Thousand Stars by Jamie Langston Turner
Romey's Place by James Calvin Schapp

Futuristic

By Dawn's Early Light by Grant R. Jeffrey and Angela Hunt – WINNER
Apollyn by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
Assasins by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins

International Historical

Out of the Red Shadow by Anne de Graaf - WINNER
The Power and the Glory by Clint Kelly
Triump of the Soul by Michael R. Joens

North American Historical

The Meeting Place by Janette Oke and Davis Bunn – WINNER
The Dark Also Rises by Denise Williamson
For Whom the Star Shines by Linda Chaikin

Romance

Whispers from Yesterday by Robin Lee Hatcher – WINNER
Blue Mist on the Danube by Doris Elaine Fell
Surrender of the Heart by Sally John

Suspense

Final Witness by James Scott Bell – WINNER
The Chairman by Harry Kraus
A Ship Possessed by Alton Gansky

2001

Contemporary

Home to Harmony by Phillip Gulley – WINNER
The Trial by Robert Whitlow
The Book of Hours by T. Davis Bunn
Bookends by Liz Curtis Higgs

Futuristic

Transgression by Randall Ingermanson – WINNER
The Mark by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
Eli by Bill Myers

International Historical

Unashamed by Francine Rivers - WINNER
The Black Road by Stephen Lawhead
Unveiled by Francine Rivers

North American Historical

Edge of Honor by Gilbert Morris - WINNER
Reaping the Whirlwind by Rosey Dow
Passing by Samaria by Sharon Ewell Foster
Valley of the Shadow by Stephanie Grace Whitson

Romance

A Touch of Betrayal by Catherine Palmer - WINNER
Awakening Mercy by Angela Benson
True Devotion by Dee Henderson

Suspense

The Great Divide by T. Davis Bunn - WINNER
Blind Justice by James Scott Bell
Lethal Harvest by William Cutrer and Sandra Glahn

First Novel

Passing by Samaria by Sharon Ewell Foster - WINNER
Refiner's Fire by Sylvia Bambola
Winter Passing by Cindy McCormick Martinusen

2002

Contemporary

A Garden to Keep by Jamie Langston Turner – WINNER
Ain't No River by Sharon Ewell Foster
Carly's Song by Patricia Sprinkle

Futuristic

Oxygen by Randall Ingermanson and John Olson - WINNER
Desecration by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B. Jenkins
The Last Guardian by Shane Johnson

International Historical

While Mortals Sleep by John Cavanaugh – WINNER
Jerusalem's Heart by Bodie and Brock Thoene
Riona by Linda Windsor

North American Historical

Hidden Places by Lynn Austin – WINNER
Edge of Wilderness by Stephanie Grace Whitson
Highland Hopes by Gary Parker

Romance

The Guardian by Dee Henderson – WINNER
Spring Rain by Gayle Roper
The Truth Seeker by Dee Henderson
Wildflowers by Robin Jones Gunn

Suspense

Drummer in the Dark by T. Davis Bunn – WINNER
Out of the Shadows by Sigmund Brouwer
Sadie's Song by Linda Hall

Western

The Long Trail Home by Stephen Bly - WINNER
Picture Rock by Stephen Bly
Sea of Glory by Ken Wales and David Polling

2003

Allegory

Arena by Karen Hancock – WINNER
Covenant Child by Terri Blackstock
A Sword for the Immerland King by F. W. Faller

Contemporary

All the Way Home by Ann Tatlock – WINNER
Not a Sparrow Falls by Linda Nichols
Women's Intuition by Lisa Samson

Futuristic

Time Lottery by Nancy Moser – WINNER
The Fifth Man by John Olson and Randall Ingermanson
Ice by Shane Johnson

International Historical

His Watchful Eye by Jack Cavanaugh – WINNER
Hallelujah by J. Scott Featherstone
The Shadow Women by Angela Elwell Hunt

North American Historical

Candle in the Darkness by Lynn Austin - WINNER
The Tender Vine by Kristen Heitzmann
Virginia Autumn by Sara Mitchell

Romance

True Honor by Dee Henderson – WINNER
The Healer by Dee Henderson
Summer Shadows by Gayle Roper

Suspense

Directed Verdict by Randy Singer – WINNER
Crown of Thorns by Sigmund Brouwer
They Shall See God by Athol Dickson

Western

Toward a New Beginning by R. Williams Rogers – WINNER
Last of the Texas Camp by Stephen Bly
The Outlaw's Twin Sister by Stephen Bly

First Novel

A Place Called Wireglass by Michael Morris – WINNER
Daughter of China by C. Hope Flinchbaugh
Yucatan Deep by Tom Morrissey

2004

Allegory/Fantasy

The Light of Eidon by Karen Hancock – WINNER
Crying for a Vision by Walter Wangerin Jr
Dark Horse by John Fischer

Contemporary

Songbird by Lisa Samson – WINNER
Finding Alice by Melody Carlson
The Living End by Lisa Samson

Futuristic

Soon by Jerry B. Jenkins - WINNER
Apocalypse Dawn by Mel Odom
Armageddon by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B. Jenkins

Historical

Fire by Night by Lynn Austin- WINNER
Beyond the Sacred Page by Jack Cavanaugh
First Light by Bodie and Brock Thoene

Romance

Hideaway by Hannah Alexander – WINNER
Happily Ever After by Susan May Warren
Playing by Heart by Deborah Raney

Suspense/Mystery

Thr3e by Ted Dekker – WINNER
Into the Nevernight by Anne de Graaf
The Lies of Saints by Sigmund Brouwer
Steal Away by Linda Hall

First Novel

Welcome to Fred by Brad Whittington - WINNER
Flabbergasted by Ray Blackston
The Yada Yada Prayer Group by Neta Jackson

2005

First Novel

The Mending String by Cliff Coon – WINNER
The Dead Don't Dance by Charles Martin
There is a Wilderness by Mark McAllister

General

Bad Ground by W. Dale Cramer – WINNER
No Dark Valley by Jamie Langton Turner
Tiger Lillie by Lisa Samson

Historical
King's Ransom by Jan Beazley and Thom Lemmons – WINNER
Retribution by Randall Ingermason
Third Watch by Bodie and Brock Thoene

Romance

Secrets by Kristen Heitzmann – WINNER
Wild Heather by Catherine Palmer
Winter Winds by Gayle Roper

Suspense

Tiger in the Shadows by Debbie Wilson – WINNER
The Assignment by Mark Andrew Olsen
River's Edge by Terri Blackstock

Visonary

The Shadow Within by Karen Hancock – WINNER
Beyond the Summerland by L.B. Graham
Dragonspell by Donita K. Paul

2006

Contemporary (Standalone)

Levi's Will by W. Dale Cramer – WINNER
Grace at Low Tide by Beth Webb Hart
Wrapped in Rain by Charles Martin

Contemporary (Series, Sequels and Novellas)

The Road to Home by Vanessa Del Fabbro – WINNER
Living With Fred by Brad Whittington
Moment of Truth by Sally John

Historical

Whence Came a Prince by Liz Curtis Higgs – WINNER
Glimpses of Paradise by James Scott Bell
The Nobel Fugitive by T. Davis and Isabella Bunn

Romance

A Bride Most Begrudging by Deeanne Gist – WINNER
Chateau of Echoes by Siri L. Mitchell
In Sheep's Clothing by Susan May Warren

Suspense

River Rising by Athol Dickson – WINNER
Comes a Horseman by Robert Liparulo
Last Light by Terri Blackstock

Visionary

Shadow Over Kiriatch by Karen Hancock - WINNER
Legend of the Emerald Rose by Linda Winchman
The Presence by Bill Myers

First Novel

This Heavy Silence by Nicole Mazzarella – WINNER
Like a Watered Garden by Patti Hill
The Road Home by Vanessa Del Fabbro

2007

Contemporary (Stand alone)

Winter Birds by Jamie Langston Turner – WINNER
Dwelling Places by Vinita Hampton Wright
Straight Up by Lisa Samson

Contemporary (Series, Sequels and Novellas)

The Brethren by Beverly Lewis – WINNER
Escape from Fred by Brad Whittington
The Proof by Austin Boyd

Historical

Madman by Tracy Groot - WINNER
Glastonbury Tor by LeAnne Hardy
Grace in Thine Eyes by Liz Curtis Higgs
Pieces of Silver by Maureen Lang

Lits

Sisterchicks in Gondolas by Robin Jones Gunn – WINNER
The Cubicle Next Door by Siri Mitchell
Everything's Coming Up Josey by Susan May Warren

Romance

The Measure of a Lady by Deeanne Gist - WINNER
Monday Morning Faith by Lori Copeland
The Redemption by M.L. Tyndall

Suspense

Plague Maker by Tim Downs – WINNER
The Begotten by Lisa. T. Bergren
The Hidden by Kathryn Mackel

First Novel

Where Mercy Flows by Karen Harter – WINNER
Watching the Tree Limbs by Mary DeMuth
William Henry is a Fine Name by Cathy Gohlke

Young Adult

William Henry is a Fine Name by Cathy Gohlke- WINNER
Bad Idea by Todd and Jedd Hafer
The Way of the Wilderness by Jonathan Rogers

2008

Contemporary (Standalone)

Chasing Fireflies by Charles Martin – WINNER
In High Places by Tom Morrissey
Quaker Summer by Lisa Samson

Contemporary (Series, Sequels and Novellas)

Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon – WINNER
A Time to Mend by Sally John and Gary Smalley
What Lies Within by Karen Ball

Historical

A Proper Pursuit by Lynn Austin – WINNER
Lady of Milkweed Manor by Julie Klassen
Tendering the Storm by Jan Kirkpatrick

Lits

Hallie's Heart by Shelly Beach – WINNER
Doesn't She Look Natural by Angela Hunt
Let Them Eat Cake by Sandra Byrd
Trophy Wives Club by Kristin Billerbeck

Romance

Remembered by Tamera Alexander – WINNER
Lightning and Lace by Diann Mills
Remember to Forget by Deborah Raney

Suspense

The Cure by Athol Dickson – WINNER
My Hands Came Away Red by Lisa McKay
The Pawn by Stephen James

Visionary

Scarlet by Stephen Lawhead – WINNER
Auralia's Colors by Jeffrey Overstreet
The Restorer by Sharon Hinck

First Novel

The Stones Cry Out by Sibella Giorello - WINNER
Auralia's Colors by Jeffrey Overstreet
Demon: A Memoir by Tosca Lee

Young Adult

Hollywood Nobody by Lisa Samson – WINNER
In Between by Jenny B. Jones
Maggie Come Lately by Michelle Buckman

2009

Contemporary Romance

Beyond the Night by Marlo Schalesky – WINNER
Finding Stefanie by Susan May Warren
Zoe and Nicky: A Novel in Black and White by Claudia Mair Burney

Contemporary Series, Sequels and Novellas

You Had Me at Goodbye by Tracey Bateman – WINNER
Sisterchicks Go Brit by Robin Jones Gunn
Summer Snow by Nicole Baart

Contemporary Standalone

Dogwood by Chris Fabry – WINNER
Embrace Me by Lisa Samson
Tuesday Night at the Blue Moon by Debbie Fuller Thomas

First Novel

Blue Hole Back Home by Joy Jordan-Lake - WINNER
Rain Song by Alice J. Wisler
Safe at Home by Richard Doster

Historical

Until We Reach Home by Lynn Austin – WINNER
Shadow of Colossus by TL Higley
Washington's Lady by Nancy Moser

Historical Romance

From a Distance by Tamera Alexander - WINNER
Calico Canyon by Mary Connealy
The Moon in the Mango Tree by Pamela Binnings Ewen

Suspense

The Rook by Steven James – WINNER
By Reason of Insanity by Randy Singer
Winter Haven by Athol Dickson

Visionary

Vanish by Tom Pawlik – WINNER
The Battle for the Vast Dominion by George Bryan Polivka
Shade by John D. Olson

Young Adult

I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires by Cathy Gohlke – WINNER
The Fruit of My Lipstick by Shelley Adina
On the Edge of the Sea of Darkness by Andrew Peterson

The next big challenge...where to start!?!?!

August Book Challenge

Hosted by Pizza's Book Discussion

The goal of this challenge is to see who can read the most books. I more than likely won't even come close to winning, but I thought I'd give it a go and see what happens. I'm going to set a goal of 4 books for myself...one a week since school starts on August 3. I will have already been there for 2 weeks but the first 4 weeks of school are pretty busy so I don't want to overdo it. I will be happy if I meet my goal of 4!! :)

I'll be posting the books I read in August here. To sign up, click here.

My List:
1. The Reluctant Cowgirl by Christine Lynxwiler
2. Damas, Dramas, and Ana Ruiz by Belinda Acosta
3. North! Or Be Eaten by Andrew Peterson
4. Summer of Two Wishes by Julia London
5. How It Ends by Laura Weiner (I BEAT MY RECORD!) I'm so happy! :)
6. City of Bones by Casandra Clare
7. Cowboy Christmas by Mary Conneally
8. Horrid Henry Tricks the Tooth Fairy by Francesca Simon

Be sure to check back in on my progress! :)

Christy Awards and a Reading Challenge

As I type this, the Christy Awards are currently underway. I am going to challenge myself to read each of these books in the coming year. These were the finalists. Once the winners are announced, I'll post on that as well. Winners are posted in red.

Contemporary Romance

Beyond the Night

by Marlo Schalesky (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)

Finding Stefanie

by Susan May Warren (Tyndale House Publishers)

Zora and Nicky: A Novel in Black and White

by Claudia Mair Burney (David C. Cook)

Contemporary Series, Sequels, and Novellas

Sisterchicks Go Brit!

by Robin Jones Gunn (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)

Summer Snow

by Nicole Baart (Tyndale House Publisher)

You Had Me at Good-bye

by Tracey Bateman (FaithWords)

Contemporary Standalone

Dogwood

by Chris Fabry (Tyndale House Publishers)

Embrace Me

by Lisa Samson (Thomas Nelson)

Tuesday Night at the Blue Moon

by Debbie Fuller Thomas (Moody Publishers)

First Novel

Blue Hole Back Home

by Joy Jordan-Lake (David C. Cook)

Rain Song

by Alice J. Wisler (Bethany House Publishers)

Safe at Home

by Richard Doster (David C. Cook)

Historical

Shadow of Colossus

by T.L. Higley ( B&H Publishing Group)

Until We Reach Home

by Lynn Austin (Bethany House Publishers) Lynn has been awarded more Christy awards than any other author! Congrats Lynn!

Washington’s Lady

by Nancy Moser (Bethany House Publishers)

Historical Romance

Calico Canyon

by Mary Connealy (Barbour Publishers)

From a Distance

by Tamera Alexander (Bethany House Publishers)

The Moon in the Mango Tree

by Pamela Binnings Ewen (B&H Publishing Group)

Suspense

By Reason of Insanity

by Randy Singer (Tyndale House Publishers)

The Rook

by Steven James (Revell)

Winter Haven

by Athol Dickson (Bethany House Publishers)

Visionary

The Battle for Vast Dominion

by George Bryan Polivka (Harvest House Publishers)

Shade

by John B. Olson (B&H Publishing Group)

Vanish I've read this one!! WooHoo!! It's awesome! See my review.

by Tom Pawlik (Tyndale House Publishers)

Young Adult

The Fruit of My Lipstick

by Shelley Adina (FaithWords)

I Have Seen Him in the Watchfires

by Cathy Gohlke (Moody Publishers)

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness

by Andrew Peterson (WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group)

I'd love to have you join me in my reading challenge!! If you'd like to join, please leave a comment so we can encourage each other! :)

My First Book Challenge: Sookie Stackhouse Reading Challenge

Welcome to the Sookie Stackhouse Reading Challenge!

Beth, from Beth Fish Reads, is sponsoring this wonderful challenge!! I'm very excited because this is my very first official reading challenge!! I already own all of these books, so now I just have to work them into my reading schedule.

Here's your chance to catch up on Sookie and all her friends -- living and undead, fully human and not.

It's easy, it's fun, it's for you! And you have an entire year to complete the challenge.

The Rules:

1. Between July 1, 2009, and June 30, 2010, catch up on Charlaine Harris's Southern Vampire series. No matter if you're starting with book 1 or book 8, you have a year to read all about Sookie. Read Sookie in print, listen to the audio, read an eBook -- format is not an issue.

2. Sign up using Mr. Linky. Put your name in the top box. For the bottom box, please use the URL that links specifically to your blog post about this challenge, not to your blog's home page. (You can get this link on Beth's page)

3. After July 4, Beth will create a post with another Mr. Linky where you can link your reviews so everyone can read them track your progress.

4. If you don't have a blog and want to join in, sign up in the comments here. Later, let us know about your progress by leaving comments on the review link page.

The Books:

Dead Until Dark
Living Dead in Dallas
Club Dead
Dead to the World
Dead as a Doornail
Definitely Dead
All Together Dead
From Dead to Worse
Dead and Gone

EDIT: Don't miss the chance to win the first seven books from Melissa at Melissa's Bookshelf. Thanks, Melissa!!

EDIT #2: if you're on Twitter, the challenge is using the hashtag #SookieSRC (for Sookie Stackhouse Reading Challenge). Feel free to join in #SookieSRC conversations whenever you see them.

EDIT #3: Don't miss the chance to win the first season of True Blood! Michelle of GalleySmith is offering incentive to get you through this challenge: Sookie on your big-screen TV. Thanks Michelle!!

There are also Sookie and gang short stories and an up-coming anthology! For more, see Charlaine Harris's website.