Wrap Up of 2025 Alphabet Soup Reading Challenge

I came close to completing this challenge. Book titles beginning with the letters C, J, Q, T, U, X, Y, and Z were not read although I already have those books in my stash. Time ran out on me. I will read them next year. Links to the book reviews for the 18 books that I read can be found below.

A:  The Amish Quiltmaker's Unruly In-Law by Jennifer Beckstrand 

B:  Black is the Color by Julia Gofrorer

D:  Death at a Scottish Wedding by Lucy Connelly 

E:  Edge of Honor by Brad Thor 

F:  First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston 

G:  Ginseng Roots by Craig Thompson

H:  High Tea and Misdemeanors by Laura Childs 

I:   An Inside Job by Dan Silva 

K:  The Keeper of Lost Art by Laura Morrelli

L:  The Lindens by Barney Jeffries 

M: The Medici Return by Steve Berry 

N:  No Roast for the Weary by Cleo Coyle 

O:  Old Habits Die Hard by Melissa Westemeier 

P:  The Pot Thief Who Studied Calvin by J Michael Orenduff 

R:  Rising Sun Falling Rain by Trish Devine

S:  Sleep in Heavenly Pizza by Mindy Quigley 

V:  The Verifiers by Jan Pek 

W: The World's Fair Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini 

Favorite Book:  Ginseng Roots

Second Favorite Book:  The Keeper of Lost Art

Least Favorite Book:  Rising Sun Falling Rain

Wrap Up of 2025 New Release Reading Challenge

The New Release Challenge is an easy challenge for me as most of the books that I read are new releasees.  When I signed up a year ago I selected the New Release Veteran level of participation which required me to read 61 - 100 books. My talley for the year was just 51 books though so I missed my goal. Oh well. Better luck next year. Below is a list of the books that I read as well as links to their respective reviews.

The Saint Laurent Muse by CW Gortner

The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis

The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer

The Pot Thief Who Studied Calvin by J Michael Orenduff

The Medici Return by Steve Berry

Sugar Shack by Lucy Knisley

High Tea and Misdemeanors by Laura Childs

The Bard's Trail by Andy Regan

The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits by Wanda Brunstetter

The Amish Ballerina by Richelle Brunstetter

The Peacemaker by Wanda Brunstetter

Rising Sun Falling Rain by Trish Devine

Two Spinsters and a Madman by Eve Tarrington

War on Gaza by Joe Sacco

No Roast for the Weary by Cleo Coyle

The Sirens by Emilia Hart

Old Habits Die Hard by Melissa Westemeier 

The Chaiwallah by Tim Van Es

The Versailles Formula by Nancy Bilyeau

Knife Skills for the Beginner by Orlando Murrin

The Lost Girls by JM Cannon

The World's Fair Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini

The Retirement Plan by Sue Hincenbergs

The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown

The List by Steve Berry

The Keeper of Lost Art by Laura Morelli

Six Days in Bombay by Alka Joshii

Lincoln's Lady Spymaster by Gerri Willis

Spent by Alison Bechtel

Entitled by Andrew Lonnie

Save Her Life by Carolyn Arnold

Bad Lands by Preston and Child

Into the Leopard's Den by Harini Nagendra

The Crash by Freida McFadden

The Intruder by Freida McFadden

Part of the Solution by Elana Michelson

Edge of Honor by Brad Thor

The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry

The Last Patient by Tudor Alexander

All the Words We Know by Bruce Nash

The Christmas House by Beverly Lewis

Muybridge by Guy DeLisle

Kill Your Darlings by Peter Swanson

Ginseng Roots by Craig Thompson

An Inside Job by Dan Silva

Pain Killers: A Year in the ER by Rachel Callaghan

The Master Jeweler by Reina Dai Randel

The Pretender by Wanda Brunstetter

The Patchwork Players by Jennifer Chiaverini

The Baker of Lost Memories by Shirley Wachtel

Deeds Left Undone by Ellen Crosby

Favorite Book:  The Retirement Plan

Second Favorite Book:  The Master Jeweler

Honorable Mentions:  No Roast for the Weary,  Bad Lands, The Keeper of Lost Art and Into the Leopard's Den

Least Favorite Book:  All the Words We Know

Memoir Reading Challenge 2026

This is another challenge that I haven't participated in for awhile. I am signing up again because I have seen advertisements for memoirs that look interesting to me. I am expecting that I will only read the minimum 5 memoirs to finish the challenge. There are 34 categories of memoirs listed below. This challenge is hosted by Jamie at the Whatever I Think Of blog.

Rules:

1. To participate, you must read a minimum of five memoirs from any of the categories listed. One book can only count for one category. 

2. Re-reads are acceptable. 

3. All book formats count. 

4. Books must be read on or after January 1, 2026 to count.

5. Challenge runs from January 1 to December 31, 2026.

6. Books may cross over to other challenges in which you are participating. 

7. Books must be labeled as memoirs to count. 

8. You do not need a blog to sign up. You may keep tract of your progress on Goodreads, Amazon or other similar sites with a shelf dedicated to this challenge. Or sign up on Youtube, Facebook, X, or Bluesky. Sign up below in the comments of the challenge post.

Here are the categories:

Mental Illness Memoir: 

Other Illness Memoir:

Political Memoir:  

Food Memoir: 

Animal Memoir: 

Music Memoir: 

Travel Memoir:

Written by a person of color: 

Written by a woman: 

Written by a person who identifies as LGBTQIA: 

Written by an actor or a comedian: 

Written by an author or journalist: 

Written by any other celebrity:

Written by someone under 40: 

Written by someone over 40: 

Written by someone from a country different from your own: 

 One you find thought-provoking: 

 Made into a movie: 

 Graphic novel memoir: 

 Bestselling memoir: 

 Humorous memoir: 

 Fictional memoir: 

 In translation:

 Won an award: 

 Published in 2026: 

 Published in 2025 or earlier: 

 Under 300 pages: 

 Over 300 pages: 

 One you want to re-read: 

 On a favorite topic: 

 By a favorite celebrity: 

 Free choice: 

 Free choice: 

 Free choice:

If you need reading ideas, here are some links to get started:

Goodreads: Best Memoir/Autobiography

Goodreads: Memoirs by Women 

B&N 50 Essential Memoirs

2026 New Release Reading Challenge

I will be rejoining the New Release Reading Challenge in 2026. Sign-ups opened today at the Chocolate Lady's Book Review Blog. Since most of the books I read in any given year are new releases this should be an easy challenge to complete. My participation level is New Release Veteran which requires me to read 61 - 100 books. 

Challenge Rules 

1) The challenge runs the calendar year from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026.

2) Books must be published in 2026.

3) Books can count towards more than one challenge, meme, book-tag, or book-list.

4) The minimum length for a book to qualify is 100 pages and can be in any format such as physical, e-book, ARC or audiobook, in any genre (including graphic novels and comics), set in any era (past, present, or future), and written for any reading age group.

5) You don’t have to be a book blogger to participate, you can link to your review on Goodreads or Booklikes or anywhere that you post a review of a newly released book.

6) If you want to spread the love, please use #2026NewReleaseChallenge on any and all social media sites where you promote your reviews.

7) There is a Facebook Group for the New Release Challenge, to have a place where we can keep up with each other, cheer each other on, and get to know each other better. It is also a place where we can help each other find even more new releases. For those of you who have already participated, it’s the same group as before.

8) You can also link to your review on Goodreads or Booklikes or anywhere that you post a review of a newly released book.

9) There are five levels in the New Release Challenge:

1-30 books per year – New Release Newbie

31-60 books per year – New Release Pro

61-100 books per year – New Release Veteran (my personal goal)

101-200 books per year – New Release Enthusiast

200+ books per year – New Release Obsessed

Please consider joining the challenge with me. It's a fun way to find new books that interest you. You can sign up for the challenge here.

Wrap Up of 2025 Finishing the Series Reading Challenge

Most of the books that I read for this challenge are the most recent book published in several series that I have been reading for years.. However, two authors have had additional books published in their series. I signed up for the challenge a year ago agreeing to read 9 to 12 series. I ended up reading 21 books from 15 series. Please see the below links to read my reviews.

Death at a Scottish Wedding by Lucy Connelly

High Tea and Misdemeanors by Laura Childs 

No Roast for the Weary by Cleo Coyle

The Way of the Wicked by Mel Starr

Bad Lands by Preston and Child 

Edge of Honor by Brad Thor

Into the Leopard's Den by Harini Nagendra 

An Inside Job by Dan Silva

Deeds Left Undone by Ellen Crosby

The Pretender by Wanda Brunstetter 

The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown 

Jennifer Beckstrand

The Amish Quiltmaker's Unconventional Niece by Jennifer Beckstrand 

The Amish Quiltmaker's Unruly In-Law by Jennifer Beckstrand 

Steve Berry

The Medici Return 

The List 

Jennifer Chiaverini 

The Patchwork Players

The World's Fair Quilt

Gary McAvoy

The Petrus Prophecy

The Confessions of Pope Joan 

The Celestial Guardian 

The Apostle Conspiracy 

Favorite Book: Bad Lands

Second Favorite Book: No Roast for the Weary 

Least Favorite Book: The Patchwork Players

Wrap Up of 2025 Net Galley and Edelweiss Reading Challenge

I expected to read many more books from Net Galley this year. I got bogged down with an impressive reading plan that ended up fizzling out. However, every book I read for this challenge was enjoyable.!

The Saint Laurent Muse by C.W. Gortner 

The Art Collector by Susan Bacon

Shadows of Marrakech by Phillip Brebner

Sugar Shack by Lucy Knisley

The Versailles Formula by Nancy Bilyeau 

Favorite Book: Shadows of Marrakesh

Second Favorite Book: Sugar Shack  

Least Favorite Book: The Versailles Formula 

2025 Non-Fiction Reader Challenge Wrap Up

When I signed up for this challenge a year ago, I selected the Nonfiction Nosher level of participation. The Nonfiction Nosher level required me to read 12 nonfiction books. I don't read much nonfiction but I believed that I could accomplish it. Unfortunately, I only read 6 books, even though I purchased a few additional books to read. I will save them for 2026.

Bible Translations for Everyone by Tim Wildsmith 

Plan Red: China's Plan to Destroy America by Gordon Chang 

Delicious by Susan Goldman Rubin

The Fourth Turning by Neil Howe

Muybridge by Guy DeLisle

Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York by Andrew Lownie

Favorite Book:  Bible Translations for Everyone

Second Favorite Book:  Muybridge; graphic biography

Least Favorite Book:  The Fourth Turning; so boring!

Wrap-Up of 2025 Calendar of Crime Reading Challenge

The Calendar of Crime Reading Challenge requires participants to read one book each month from among several categories such as publication month. I was not able to finish the challenge due to several life challenges that I had to deal with. However, I was lucky to read several fantastic novels. If you wish to read reviews of the books that I read, feel free to click on the links.

The Fury by Alex Michaelides

Fake by Erica Katz

Two Spinsters and a Madman by Eve Tarrington

High Tea and Misdemeanors by Laura Childs 

No Roast for the Weary by Cleo Coyle

The Retirement Plan by Sue Hincenbergs

Bad Lands by Preston and Child 

Edge of Honor by Brad Thor 

Into the Leopard's Den by Harini Nagendra 

The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown 

The Intruder by Freida McFadden 

Favorite Book:  The Retirement Plan: 3 wives get together and plan to kill their husbands for the insurance money. What they don't know is that their husbands are planning to kill them too. I found this plot hilarious!

Second Favorite Book:  No Roast for the Weary

Least Favorite Book:  The Fury

2025 Cruisin' Through the Cozies Reading Challenge Wrap Up

When I signed up for this challenge at the Snoop Level, I agreed to read 10 cozies.  I more than met the challenge by reading 23 books. Through this challenge I found two new (to me) authors that are now favorites. Lucy Connelly writes two series that I read: the Scottish Isles Mysteries and the Mercy McCarthy Mysteries. Mindy Quigley writes the Deep Dish Pizza Mysteries. Click on the. links below to read the reviews of the cozies that I read this year.

Death at a Scottish Wedding by Lucy Connelly 

Sleep in Heavenly Pizza by Mindy Quigley

The Pot Thief Who Studied Calvin by J Michael Orenduff 

High Tea and Misdemeanors by Laura Childs 

The Peacemaker by Wanda Brunstetter 

Lava Cakes and Lies by Nova Walsh

Two Spinsters and a Madman by Eve Tarrington

The Amish Quiltmaker's Unconventional Niece by Jennifer Beckstrand

The Amish Quiltmaker's Unruly In-Law by Jennifer Beckstrand

The Rise and Fall of Miss Fannie's Biscuits by Wanda Brunstetter 

Everything Bundt the Truth by Karen Whalen

No Roast for the Weary by Cleo Coyle

Old Habits Die Hard by Melissa Westemeier

Knife Skills for the Beginner by Orlando Murrin

The World's Fair Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini 

The Patchwork Players by Jennifer Chiaverini

The Pot Thief Who Studied Ptolemy by J Michael Orenduff

The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagorus by J Michael Orenduff 

Deeds Left Undone by Ellen Crosby

The Amish Ballerina by Richelle Brunstetter 

The Pretender by Wanda Brunstetter 

The Christmas House by Beverly Lewis

The Irish Bookshop Murder by Lucy Connelly

Favorite Book:  No Roast for the Weary

Second Favorite Book:  High Tea and Misdemeanors

Least Favorite Book:  Two Spinsters and a Madman

2026 Creativity Reading Challenge

I have participated in this challenge in the past but not in 2025. I am signing up again even though I don't read too many books on arts and crafts because I prefer DVDs. The types of books I have read in the past for the challenge include topics such as colored pencils, watercolors, weaving and spinning (spinning fiber into yarn). This challenge is about reading books on creativity, art, crafts, writing, film making, photography, cosmetology, DIY, cooking, music and any other topic that helps you live a more creative life. It is hosted by Jamie Ghione at the Whatever I Think Of blog. She has a huge list of 2026 reading challenges that bloggers should check out. I haven't seen a similar list anywhere as of today. Jamie also attaches links to books that can help you participate in a challenge that are comprehensive. 

Challenge Guidelines

• Runs from January 1 to December 31, 2026. 
• There are no levels of participation. Read as many books as you want.
• Books may be nonfiction, memoir, how-to, self help, coffee table books, instructional, picture books, and even fictional books if they are about people who are creative.
• You may include books of any format including traditional books, ebooks or audiobooks
• You may reread books. 
• There will not be any links to post your reviews on her blog. 
• Books may count towards other reading challenges in which you are participating.
• Sign ups can the made  in the comments of the challenge post 

Need ideas for reading? Here are some links to get started:

40 of the Best Books to Unlock Your Creativity

Fiction Books Involving Art 

11 Essential Art History Books

2026 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

I love the historical fiction challenge.  Sign-ups are now open for the 2026 challenge and I signed up immediately.  It is once again being hosted by the Intrepid Reader blog.  The host does a great job of posting monthly links for reviews as well as posting an end of month summary of the challenge. While I failed miserably with the challenge in 2025, I am going to sign up again at the Ancient History level which requires me to read 25 books. 

Challenge Rules

 

1. The challenge runs from January 1 through December 31, 2026.

2. Any sub-genre of historical fiction is accepted (Historical Romance, Historical Mystery, Historical Fantasy, Young Adult, History/Non-Fiction, etc.). 

3. You need to choose a participation level:

Participation Levels

20th Century Reader - 2 books

Victorian Reader - 5 books

Renaissance Reader - 10 books

Medieval - 15 books

Ancient History - 25 books.  (my level of participation)

Prehistoric - 50+ books

4. If you don't have a blog you can post a link to your review if it's posted on Goodreads, Facebook, Instagram or Amazon, or you can add your book title and thoughts in the comment section if you wish.

5. To join the challenge you only need to make a post about it, add your link in Mr. Linky in the challenge post. 

2025 Key Word Reading Challenge Wrap Up

I was unable to complete the challenge. It's the first time that I have ever not finished it. Life got in the way, unfortunately. However, I did read a few wonderful books for the challenge. If you are interested, you can click on the links below to read my reviews.

The Vanishing Hour by Seraphina Glass

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

The Guests by Adrienne Leigh

The Wife Upstairs by Freida McFadden 

The Lost Girls by JM Cannon

Save Her Life by Carolyn Arnold

The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry

All the Words We Know by Bruce Nash 

The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward 

Favorite Book: The Vanishing Hour

Second Favorite Book:  The Last House on Needless Street

Least Favorite Book:  All the Words We Know

Wrap Up of 2025 Cloak and Dagger Reading Challenge

I have been participating in the Cloak and Dagger Reading Challenge for years. This challenge, as well as the historical fiction challenge, are my favorite challenges. I joined the challenge at the Inspector level of participation which required me to read 26 to 35 books. By the end of the year I managed to read 51 mysteries so this was a successful challenge. Please see below a list of the books I  read along with links to their respective reviews.

The Fury by Alex Michaelides

Death at a Scottish Wedding by Lucy Connelly 

Sleep in Heavenly Pizza by Mindy Quigley

The Verifiers by Jan Pek

The Vanishing Hour by Seraphina Glass 

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

Fake by Erica Katz

The Pot Thief Who Studied Calvin by J Michael Orenduff

The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Phifer 

An Irish Bookshop Murder by Lucy Connelly 

The Art Collector by Susan Bacon

The Petrus Prophecy by Gary McAvoy 

The Medici Return by Steve Berry 

Shadows of Marrakech by Phillip Brebner 

The Bard's Trail by Andy Regan 

High Crimes and Misdemeanors by Laura Childs 

Lava Cakes and Lies by Nova Walsh

The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown 

The Guests by Adrienne Leigh

Everything Bundt the Truth by Karen Whalen

No Roast for the Weary by Cleo Coyle 

The Wife Upstairs by Freida McFadden 

This Family Lies by JM Cannon 

The Confessions of Pope Joan by Gary McAvoy 

This Blood Runs by JM Cannon 

The List by Steve Berry 

Deeds Left Undone by Ellen Crosby 

The Apostle Conspiracy by Gary McAvoy 

Old Habits Die Hard by Melissa Westemeier

The Celestial Guardian by Gary McAvoy 

Knife Skills for the Beginner by Orlando Murrin 

The Lost Girls by JM Cannon 

The Retirement Plan by Sue Hincenbergs

The Keeper of Lost Art by Laura Morelli 

Save Her Life by Carolyn Arnold 

The Doctor's Secret by Cole Baxter 

The Pot Thief Who Studied Pythagorus by J Michael Orenduff

The Intruder by Freida 

The Crash by Freida McFadden 

The Highgate Cemetery Murder by Irina Shapiroo

Into the Leopard's Den by Harini Nagendra 

Part of the Solution by Elana Michelson 

Edge of Honor by Brad Thor 

The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry 

The Last Patient by Tudor Alexander 

Kill Your Darlings by Peter Swanson 

Bad Lands by Preston and Child 

An Inside Job by Dan Silva 

The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward 

All the Words We Know by Bruce Nash

The Pot Thief Who Studied Ptolemy by J Michael Orenduff

Favorite Book: The Last House on Needless Street 

Second Favorite Book:  The Retirement Plan 

Least Favorite Book:  The Fury 

2025 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge Wrap-Up

I normally read 100+ historical fiction novels every year. 2025 was an anomaly. With only nineteen books read, I am sorely behind in my reading of this genre. There were several top notch books though. You can read my reviews by clicking on the link for each book.

The Keeper of Lost Art by Laura Morelli

Six Days in Bombay by Alka Joshi

The Last Patient by Tudor Alexander

The Highgate Cemetery Murder by Irina Shapiro

The Baker of Lost Memories by Shirley Wachtel

Into the Leopard's Den by Harini Nagendra

The Master Jeweller by Reina Dai Randel

The Story She Left Behind by Patti Callahan Henry

Lincoln's Lady Spymaster by Gerri Willis

The Way of the Wicked by Mel Starr

The Secret Keeper by Renita D'Silva

Lotus Shoes by Jane Yang

The Sirens by Emilia Hart

The Versailles Formula by Nancy Bilyeau

Rising Sun Falling Rain by Trish Devine 

The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis

The St. Laurent Muse by C.W. Gortner

The Vanishing Bookstore by Helen Fifer

The Lindens by Barney Jeffries

Favorite Book: The Master Jeweller 

Second Favorite Book: The Keeper of Lost Art 

Honorable Mentions:  The Lindens, Six Days in Bombay, and The Vanishing Bookstore 

Least Favorite Book:  The Sirens 

2026 Cloak and Dagger Reading Challenge

The Cloak and Dagger Reading Challenge is my favorite reading challenge. In 2025 I read over 50 mysteries which might be an all time high for me. Sign ups are open now for the challenge. It is hosted by Carol at the Carol's Notebook blog. I am signing up at the Special Agent level which requires me to read between 36 and 55 books. 

Challenge Rules:

1. You can read any book that is from the mystery/suspense/thriller/crime/true crime genres. Any sub-genres are welcome as long as they incorporate one of these genres.

2. You don’t need a blog to participate but you do need a place to post your reviews to link up. (blog, Goodreads, Instagram, etc.)

3. Make a goal post and link it back to the challenge post with your goal for this challenge.

4. Books need to be at least 100 pages long. Please no short stories.

5. Crossovers with other challenges are fine.

6. The Challenge will run from Jan. 1st to Dec. 31st. (Sign up ends March 15.)

7. We still have our facebook group so if you haven’t joined we would love for you to! Here’s the group’s link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/350512171977943/. It’s a closed group so just ask to join and we’ll let you in.

8. There will be a monthly link-up so we can see what everyone’s reading – and probably add some to our own tbr lists. At the halfway mark and at the end there will be a giveaway for those participating.

9. We’ll continue to use the hashtag #CloakDaggerChal.

Levels:

5-15 books – Amateur sleuth

16-25 books – Detective

26-35 books – Inspector

36 – 55 books – Special agent (my level of participation)

56+ books – Sherlock Holmes – This is my goal for the year.

10. The challenge on The StoryGraph: https://app.thestorygraph.com/reading_challenges/5b26b77d-0129-4022-93b5-baae5815a06f