Reading Challenges Update 1

Yes! I've been reading books. Not all for challenges, but a few. Some I'm still getting through, but they will be read before the year is out.

I thought I'd do an update for both challenges - 2015 TBR Pile Challenge and 2015 Bingo Reading Challenge.

First up is the 2015 TBR Pile Challenge.



I'll get on with what I've read shortly, but there has been one change. Two books on the pile have been removed from the challenge. My sister read the books before I did, and recommended that I don't read them. Her opinion is one that I highly value and listen to, so I won't be reading Strong and Stubborn by Kelly Eileen Hake and An Honest Heart by Kaye Dacus. This means there are now a total of 18 books for the challenge.

So far I have finished 3 books and am currently in the process of reading 3 others (those 3 are all non-fiction and at least 2 are devotional books that I read a small section of each day).

The 3 books I have finished are:

• Light Force by Brother Andrew and Al Janssen (this one was one that I didn't read in last year's challenge)
• Finding Spiritual Whitespace by Bonnie Gray
• The Land Uncharted by Keely Brooke Keith

I found Light Force to be really interesting. It is a sequel to Brother Andrew's first book - God's Smuggler - and talks about what he has been doing since the publishing of that book made it impossible for him to continue his ministry in Europe. I found it most interesting the way his ministry focus has changed to focus on Palestinians - both Christians and Muslims - and the way his life has impacted world leaders and the influence he has had on the way Palestinian Christians have outreached to their own community, particularly in the face of war and terrorism.

Reading Finding Spiritual Whitespace has become part of a study for me, this year, on what true spiritual rest is. Over a few week I was often left with the thought that rest was important in my life and wanted to discover how I could rest in the middle of a busy life. Many people have a word for the year, and this year my word is REST. I'm not talking about getting enough sleep (although that is important), but true rest that is offered by God. The journey is not over, even though I have finished this book - there is still much more to learn on this topic.

So with these 3 books read and 2 books off the list for good, I'm at 3 out of 18 read.

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And now for the 2105 Bingo Reading Challenge.

My Bingo card has just one book read, but I'm working on how to read a few more. I will have one other square filled soon (thanks to a book I got to review).

The book I read for a genre that I don't normally read was The Land Uncharted by Keely Brooke Keith. It was a science-fiction book, and that is something I really don't usually read, but you might have read the blog tour and review post I did about it. Yes, it made it on both of my challenges for the year! But that's not against the rules.

So that's where I'm at with my reading challenges this year. Stay tuned for further updates, reviews and whatever else I think about and post!

Go To Movies

Do you have any movies that are your "go to" movies?
By this I mean when you don't know what to watch or your have particular emotions going on or there is a particular event happening - are there movies that you just watch at those times?

I have a few - depending on what's happening.

Sabrina is one of the movies I watch when I'm feeling lonely or just don't know what else to watch. I've probably watched it at least 10 times.

Triple Cross is another of my "I don't know what else to watch" movies - I watch this one when I want a little more action (plus I like Christopher Plummer).

Mr Magorium's Wonder Emporium is the movie I watch when I'm unsure of what is going on in my life or I'm really feeling down.

Muppet Christmas Carol I watch when I need a little bit of Christmas! Any time of year is good, and I love the songs (I also have the soundtrack!!).

And this is what I watch around Valentines day - mainly because I really don't like Valentines Day (not having a significant other is the reason for this).

How about you?

Are there movies you watch time and time again for a variety of reasons?

ACRBA Tour - The Land Uncharted by Keely Brooke Keith

2 - 6 February 2015

Australian Christian Readers Blog Alliance

is introducing

The Land Uncharted 
Edenbrooke Press

October 2014

By

Keely Brooke Keith

About the Book:

Lydia Colburn is a young physician dedicated to serving her village in the Land, a landmass in the South Atlantic Ocean undetectable to the outside world. When injured fighter pilot Connor Bradshaw’s parachute carries him from the war engulfing the 2025 world to her hidden land, his presence threatens her plans, her family, and the survival of her preindustrial society. 

As Connor searches for a way to return to his squadron, his fascination with life in the Land makes him protective of Lydia and her peaceful homeland, and Lydia’s attraction to Connor stirs desires she never anticipated. Written like a historical, set like a scifi, and filled with romance, The Land Uncharted weaves adventure and love in this suspenseful story of a hidden land.

About the Author

Keely Brooke Keith, author of the Uncharted series, is a bass guitarist and frequently performs and tours with her husband, singer/songwriter John Martin Keith. When she isn’t writing stories or playing bass, Keely enjoys dancing, having coffee with friends, and sifting through vintage books at antique stores. Keely resides on a hilltop south of Nashville with her husband and their daughter, Rachel.

My Thoughts
I wasn't sure of this book initially and how to describe it. Keely describes it best (of course it is her book):
"The Land Uncharted is written with the feel of historical fiction, set like science fiction, and of course there is romance."
I generally don't read science fiction, but this definitely felt more like historical fiction, so I did, in fact, enjoy reading it.
The story ticked so many boxes - good characters and character development, a bit of mystery, romance (but not over the top), and an ending that gets you hanging out for the next book in the series.

Keep up the good work Keely!