Jan 1, 2022 | 52 Week Reading Challenge, Blog, January 2022
Happy New Year.
May this new year be one filled with good health, kindess, laughter, and a tribe that you can lean on. Many of you have had a hard time the past year or so, while others are moving along at full speed. Whatever pace your driving, whatever path you’ve taken, hopefully our roads will intersect somewhere along the way.
As we being 2022 I’m curious to know what your traditions are? Do you set goals for yourself? Do you make resolutions? Do you just say, “this year I will…” and let it be so? This year, for the first time I didn’t come up with a word or a resolution. I also didn’t need to set a goal to lose weight or be healthy as I conquered that a few months ago. Instead, I plan to continue my wellness journey so I can maintain the thirty plus pounds that lost, and hope to never see again. I will continue to do my best to add more hours of sleep, move daily, and focus on self care more than just a few times a week.
If you’re one of many looking to live healthier and need a cheerleader, please add me to your team. I know how difficult it is to focus on wellness, and will be there to support you in whatever challenges you set out so you can achieve them however long it takes. Should you find it difficult to set a goal or challenge, there is plenty of time to organize and begin. I hope that whatever road you take we meet along the way through books and things that bring joy to your life.
If reading more is one of your goals or challenges, you’re in luck! I’m bringing back my 52 Week Reading Challenge and plan to post weekly in The Book Baristas facebook group. If you joined us a few years ago, consider taking the challenge again and sharing your book adventures along the way. This year there are no pre-selected weekly books so make your lists and get ready to read all the books! Everything you need is in this post. There are fifty two boxes to check off in whatever order you wish. I plan to post over in my facebook group The Book Baristas what I’m reading this week, so be on the lookout for that.
Check out the table below for a few suggestions to kick start your reading challenge. Let the page turning begin!
A quick re-cap for newbies to make this a successful year and a fun challenge.
1. Download the awesome reading list and graphic.
2. Download the checklist for easy reference and book chat.
3. Grab a mug filled with your favaorite drink, make a plan and get ready to have fun. The best part about this challenge is that you don’t need to spend a dime. Check out your local library database, make a request to your social media friends or perhaps a family member or friend has the books you want. Should you wish to own your weekly reading selections, be sure to add them to a wishlist on your favorite e-retailer website so you don’t miss a sale or new release.
4. Are you a member of The Book Baristas on Facebook? We’d love to have you! It’s the place to be weekly to share and chat about what’ you’re reading each week. Don’t worry you don’t have to pop in every week, visit and share when you have a moment :).
5. Attention Authors and Publishers, if you and/or your book fit a challenge please reach out via e-mail or on social media to contact me.I hope you’ll stop by and see what we’re up to.
All are welcome and I hope you’ll share with your friends about the weekly fun over in my Facebook Group The Book Baristas. I can’t wait to chat about what you’re reading. Please download the graphic #amreading and add your title. ‘ll see you in The Book Baristas this Sunday.
Jan 12, 2020 | 52 Week Reading Challenge, Blog, January 2020
Another week, another new book. I hope you are all finding your groove with the challenge and enjoying the process. It’s not a competition, so if you are still reading keep going.
After all, the ultimate goal is to expand your literary library and hopefully find new authors and interests along the way.
For my debut author selection I chose Then, Now, Always by Mona Shroff. This debut book from Harlequin is a second chance romance, a celebration of family, passion for life and career, and dealing with difficult challenges.
Sam Hutcherson fell in love and knew Maya Rao was the one. Suddenly faced with having to choose between his family’s dreams and his own, he’s forced to make a choice. An unexpected moment changes everything and he wonders what went wrong. When life presents a second chance, will he find out the truth? One flip is all he needs, will he get it?
Maya Rao vowed to live her life differently and not depend on anyone else. If only her heart could be convinced. Family influences, expectations and family traditions will influence her hopes of finding love. Baking her heart into every bite she lives with purpose, but can she truly move forward from the one man who still has her heart?
From the moment I had the pleasure of witnessing Mona Shroff see and hold her book in person, I knew this book would be special. The details the publisher took to accurately reflect the book via the cover won me over. Folks, it’s beautiful and captures so, so much.
After reading this story I have a desire to learn so much about the world Maya and Sam shared, the one Mona created, the one I want to dive into. The details were infused, rich, and full of all the things. I enjoyed the pace and development of the characters and the way Mona used dual timelines kept the story moving between the past and present with precision and ease.
If you’re looking for a love story that is every bit satisfying and will be talked about for a long time, one-click and pre-order today. I can’t wait to see what Mona brings us next. I received an ARC from Harlequin for a fair and honest review. I can’t wait to share with family and friends, I hope you will too.
This sweet romance is behind closed doors with enough sweetness to put a pink blush on your cheeks and leave your heart full of joy. Warm, sensual, and delicious. Go. Now. Pre-order. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts once you’ve read this too!
What book did you read this week? I hope you were able to read and enjoy the adventure. Did you listen to an audio book? I can’t wait to hear what you read.
Get your copy here:
Books I Love A Latte participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click on the link and purchase the featured book and/or anything else during that shopping session, Books I Love A Latte will receive a small percentage between 2-6%. Any profit earned from this transaction is given directly back to readers via giveaways (gift cards, books, etc.) Thank you in advance.
Thank you in advance for your continued support.
If you’re taking this journey with us, welcome. I’m looking forward to selecting books that educate, enlighten and hopefully bring change in a positive way. While romance is still near and dear to my heart a lot of things have happened in the community over the past week that show we all need to continue to research, educate and inspire change.
To share in our fun please use the hashtag #TheBookBaristasRC2020
A quick re-cap for newbies to make this a successful year and a fun challenge. Check out the 52 Week Reading Challenge Page on the blog for more information.
Jan 5, 2020 | 52 Week Reading Challenge, Blog, MK Meredith
Welcome to the first week in the 52 Week Reading Challenge. For my selection in the Self Help book genre I chose Not Your Usual Boob by MK Meredith.
Wait, before you send me messages, no I do not have not have breast cancer. No one in my family is currently receiving treatment. In fact, that’s exactly why I am reading it.
Years ago, my mother-in-law went through breast cancer and has since passed away. While she’s been gone over five years, I remember being with her after her treatments. I remember trying hard to find the right words to explain to my young children why she was sick, and working through my own emotions as my husband watched his mother battle cancer.
If you’re looking for a breast cancer book that’s a no-nonsense approach with the gritty truth and a lot of humor this book is for you. The overall theme of this book is that breast cancer sucks but you are strong enough to not let it suck all the wind out of you. You can battle this with small steps. One at a time. MK is a brave warrior and the way she tackled her diagnosis and treatment is not for everyone.
MK has family history that impacts her decisions and determination to fight strong. This book is written with honesty, bravery, and courage. I love that she posed for the cover, it’s real and so is this book.
When faced with difficult decisions I will take some of what MK stated to heart, and appreciate her candid honesty of what she went through as I see my doctors for any ailments I have. I could relate to a few things in the book and appreciate the way she presents the information in her own style. We can all benefit from the questions to ask, the support network to create, and the transparency that many don’t feel is necessary with friends and loved ones. If you’re one to keep everything health related close to the vest, I respect your decision. We all need to respect the choices people make and the plans they set. Be strong, be loud, and stick with your plan.
The book is easy to read and she is very truthful of how this impacted all aspects of her life from the physical impact to the emotional change with her husband and family.
I hope that if you are currently receiving treatment or know someone who is you’ll consider getting them this book. There is a disclaimer that pictures are posted at the back, I’m sure to someone going through this, they will be helpful.
Be your own advocate and demand answers when you think there should be something more. Don’t settle and most of all love yourself no matter what. You are worth it.
For added measure I must share that MK’s romance books are also worth the read. Check out her fiction backlist here:
What book did you read this week? I hope you were able to read and enjoy the adventure. Did you listen to an audio book? I can’t wait to hear what you read.
Get your copy here:
Books I Love A Latte participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you click on the link and purchase the featured book and/or anything else during that shopping session, Books I Love A Latte will receive a small percentage between 2-6%. Any profit earned from this transaction is given directly back to readers via giveaways (gift cards, books, etc.) Thank you in advance.
Thank you in advance for your continued support.
If you’re taking this journey with us, welcome. I’m looking forward to selecting books that educate, enlighten and hopefully bring change in a positive way. While romance is still near and dear to my heart a lot of things have happened in the community over the past week that show we all need to continue to research, educate and inspire change.
I also found a few other books that might be of interest for this weeks selection here:
To share in our fun please use the hashtag #TheBookBaristasRC2020
A quick re-cap for newbies to make this a successful year and a fun challenge. Check out the 52 Week Reading Challenge Page on the blog for more information.
Jan 1, 2020 | 52 Week Reading Challenge, Blog, January 2020
Happy New Year.
I hope that 2020 is a year of hope, friendship, adventure, and success for you in achieving your goals. Taking the first step towards a goal can be difficult and challenging for many. If you find yourself unable to make a list, don’t panic. There is plenty of time to organize your list and take that first step.
No journey is the same. There are multiple paths to completing your journey and I hope that whatever road you take leads you to your final destination.
If one of those goals is to read more books, I hope you’ll join the 52 Week Reading Challenge with The Book Baristas. If you’re reading this for the first time I’m including the tools you’ll need to participate. While I’m following the list in order, feel free to tick the boxes as you wish.
I hope you’ve selected a book and are enjoying it, if not I hope you’ll share as we gather to chat in the group later this weekend.
The beauty of discussing books is that it’s subjective and everyone is going to have a unique spin on the message and meaning. For this weeks selection I decided to read Not Your Usual Boob by MK Meredith. The reason I chose this book is because many people I know are either survivors, or currently going through treatment now. I wanted to read this book and share the information to those who might find it helpful. I will be reading other self-help books if time permits.
Get your copy here:
If you’re taking this journey with us, welcome. I’m looking forward to selecting books that educate, enlighten and hopefully bring change in a positive way. While romance is still near and dear to my heart a lot of things have happened in the community over the past week that show we all need to continue to research, educate and inspire change.
I also found a few other books that might be of interest for this weeks selection here:
To share in our fun please use the hashtag #TheBookBaristasRC2020
A quick re-cap for newbies to make this a successful year and a fun challenge.
1. Download the awesome reading list and graphic.
2. Download the checklist for easy reference and book chat.
3. Start researching so you can either get those books from the library, borrow from a family member or friend, or be able to purchase when a sale hits on your favorite e-retailer.
4. Join The Book Baristas on Facebook to find the post where we’ll be sharing and chatting about the weekly selections.
5. If you’re an author and you and/or your book fit the weekly selection please feel free to contact me for my weekly post.
I hope you’ll stop by and see what we’re up to.
All are welcome and I hope you’ll pass this along. I plan to chat about the weekly choice in my Facebook Group The Book Baristas. Not a member? Join and get ready to take a step in completing hopefully one of your goals for 2020 and make a few friends along the way.
I can’t wait to see what you’re reading. Please download the graphic #amreading and add your title. We can’t wait to see what you selected.
Hope you are enjoying your selection and I’ll see you in The Book Baristas this Sunday.
Dec 29, 2019 | 52 Week Reading Challenge, Blog, December 2019
For many of you, setting goals is easy. For others, you’re still not ready to put pen to paper and commit. I am a little of both sometimes so hopefully however you plot and plan next year will be amazing.
If reading all the books was one of your goals, I hope you finished all the books that were on your bookshelf or in your e-reader that you downloaded. Always wanted to read more but not sure where to start?
Today I’m working on my goals for 2020 and reading more books is on my list. While I read and review for my blog, I want to read with purpose. Ask questions, engage with readers and authors, and hopefully help others discover new genres and authors.
It’s with that in mind that I am excited to announce the first annual 52 Week Reading Challenge. It’s time to step outside the genre you usually read and dive into books that will educate, enlighten and hopefully bring change in a positive way. While romance is still near and dear to my heart a lot of things have happened in the community over the past week that show we all need to continue to research, educate and inspire change.
If you’re still reading I’m hoping you’ve made a choice to commit and participate. Now, it’s time to tackle the following steps to make this a successful year and a fun challenge.
1. Download the awesome reading list.
2. Download the checklist for easy reference and book chat.
3. Start researching so you can either get those books from the library, borrow from a family member or friend, or be able to purchase when a sale hits on your favorite e-retailer.
4. Join The Book Baristas on Facebook to find the post where we’ll be sharing and chatting about the weekly selections.
5. If you’re an author and you and/or your book fit the weekly selection please feel free to contact me for my weekly post.
While there is no rule to reading in order, I will be sharing my weekly selections in the order on the list. If you’re a rebel reader and have a different way, awesome. Hopefully our paths will cross at some point. You are still welcome in the group and I hope that you’ll share your selections with us.
The purpose is to encourage you to read and discover the joy in new book adventures. There are 48 weekly ideas leaving 6 weeks for you at the end to make your own choices as the year comes to a close. I hope this will help reduce the stress and pressure of participating. For many, the holiday season from Thanksgiving to the New Year is challenging and I want you all to complete the challenges.
I hope you’ll stop by and see what we’re up to.
All are welcome and I hope you’ll pass this along. I plan to chat about the weekly choice in my Facebook Group The Book Baristas. Not a member? Join and get ready to take a step in completing hopefully one of your goals for 2020 and make a few friends along the way.
I can’t wait to see what you’re reading. Each week posts will go live on Sundays with my reading selection of the week and a list of other books you may find of interest. If you have suggestions that are not on my list, please comment and I’ll add them to the post.
The reason I chose this book is because many people I know are either survivors or going through treatment now. I wanted to read this book and share the information to those who might find it helpful. I will be reading other self-help books if time permits.
Get your copy here:
Need other suggestions? Try theses…
To share in our fun please use the hashtag #TheBookBaristasRC2020
