Wrapping Up May 2020

Today’s post takes a look at what I read and posted in May, and considers whether or not I accomplished the goals I set for myself.

Books Completed in May:

1. The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James; Classic, Literary Fiction – ⭐⭐
2. Society Girl by Cecily Wolfe; Historical Fiction Short Story from the world of the Cliff Walk Courtships series (exclusive to author’s newsletter subscribers) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. When Christ Comes by Max Lucado; Nonfiction – Christianity, interpreting Revelation – ⭐⭐⭐
4. Live Again by Sarah Grace Gryz (Live Without You # 0.5); Contemporary Fiction Short Story (exclusive to author’s newsletter subscribers) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. The Rules of Love & Grammar by Mary Simses; Contemporary Fiction – ⭐⭐⭐ (Review Coming Soon)
6. The Betrothed by Kiera Cass; Young Adult Fantasy – ⭐⭐⭐ (Review Coming Soon)
7. The Treasure Hunt by Kate Willis; Contemporary Middle Grade Fiction (with a hint of Mystery) – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ My Review
8. Out of the Blue: New Short Fiction from Iceland ed. Helen Mitsios – ⭐⭐⭐ (Review Coming Soon)

 

Average Rating: 3.25⭐

Favorite Read This Month: The Treasure Hunt by Kate Willis

 

Books Read but Not Completed in May:

1. The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson; Historical Fiction
2. Exile (Keeper of the Lost Cities #2) by Shannon Messenger: Middle Grade Fantasy

 

May Goals Check-in (originally posted here:

• Never Say Goodbye by Sarah Grace Grzy – Christian Contemporary Fiction, Clean Romance – ❌
  • My copy still hasn’t arrived, despite being preordered, which is a bummer. But I’m looking forward to reading it as soon as it arrives!
• The Rules of Love and Grammar by Mary Simses – Contemporary Fiction – ✔
  • Review Coming Soon!
• Out of the Blue: New Short Fiction from Iceland by various authors, edited by Helen Mitsios – Short Story Collection – ✔
  • I intend to post a review soon, although there will be less analysis and more discussion in this one than usual since this is my first foray into Icelandic literature.
• Exile (Keeper of the Lost Cities #2) and Everblaze (Keeper #3) by Shannon Messenger – Middle Grade Fantasy via audio book – ❔
  • I listened to Exile on my commute to and from work nearly every day, and I have Everblaze checked out from the library and ready to go as soon as I finish Exile. The trouble I’m finding with an audiobook is you have no idea how long it truly is because you can’t watch the remaining pages shrink or even look at the table of contents! I’m up to chapter 63 – how many more can there be?
• A Christmas story – ❌
• A book set in South America, if I can find one – ❌
• After reading through the New Testament in April, I need to find a theology book or devotional to read in the mornings, but I don’t have anything specific in mind at the moment – ❌
  • Instead of a book, I used the website She Reads Truth this month. But, I also won a giveaway for a copy of Disruptive Witness by Alan Noble, which I intend to re-read soon.

🌼 Keep up with regular blogging schedule (at least 2 book reviews, 2 gardening check-ins, 2 Tackling the TBR posts, 4 linkups, and other posts to make about 15 posts total) – ✔

🌼 Look into the possibility of selling some of my knitting projects – coasters, mug cozies, bookmarks, etc. Set prices and determine what I am realistically capable of making. – ❌ (I ended up not having time for this)

🌼 Acclimate to the new way the library will work – ✔ And now it’s changing again today!

🌼 Wash and wax my car – ✔

🌼 Settle into a schedule that comfortably includes time for reading, blogging, crafting, gardening, and reflecting – ✔

 

Most Liked Post in May:

WWW Wednesday {5.13.2020}

 

Post with the Most Comments in May:

The Stuck at Home Book Tag

I’m pretty happy with my reading this month. It wasn’t exactly what I anticipated, and the only real stand-out from this month is The Treasure Hunt. It was still a good month, and I’m looking forward to what I will read next!

Because June marks halfway through the year, it’s time for a major check-in with my year-long reading goals. Rather than make this post unreasonably long, I will soon post it separately. I think I’m doing well on most things, although there are a few specifics that I am uncertain about.

Did you read anything interesting or exciting in May? Leave a comment about it or link to your post talking about it!

Until the next chapter,

Jana