The Book Date – Celebrating Books and Reading

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started on J Kaye’s blog and then was hosted by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn here at The Book Date.

Jen Vincent, Teach Mentor Texts, and Kellee of Unleashing Readers decided to give It’s Monday! a kidlit focus. If you read and review books in children’s literature – picture books, chapter books, middle grade novels, young adult novels or anything in those genres – join them.

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Well what happened to the week. It sped by. I went to lunch with two of my sisters. That day it was pouring with rain. Opposite the tennis courts at Waikanae Beach I was told. After standing in shelter I decided I was at the wrong place. Phone calls resulted in confirmation of that so I sloshed through water (wearing jandals (flip flops or whatever you call them) which were good for this). Finally found the place somewhat wet, but still enjoyed the lunch!

Wishing you all who celebrate Christmas a time of family and peace and love. All the blessings. I’ll be joining one of my sister’s family for a good part of the day.

What I read last week:

Only completed this book for review which I enjoyed.

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What I am reading now:

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And listening to…

Up next:

Might as well continue to read a bit about the season! This is on my Kobo.

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Last Week’s Posts

Speccy Reading Challenge 2026

Non Fiction Reading Challenge 2026

Short Reviews of Recent Reads. The House in the Cerulean Sea. Quicksilver. The Lost Bookshop.

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Short Reviews of Recent Reads

December 21, 2025 Kathryn

book cover The House in the Cerulean Sea

Published: Macmillan Digital audio
Date: 2024
Source: Audible.com.au
Narrator: Daniel Henning
Length: 12 hrs 11 min

I enjoyed this book, the narrator really brought it alive with his voices. Linus is sort of living in a strange dystopian like world where upper management must be obeyed. He is sent to a magical island where magical children of various kinds are cared for by Mr. Arthur. He has about four weeks to investigate and report back to upper management how the orphanage is going. Over time all his pre conceived thoughts about the world and himself change. Linus finds that the children who are supposedly difficult and dangerous are really loveable beings with needs and gifts of their own. Linus finds out that rules and regulations aren’t always the be all and end all. It turns out there is a relationship there too for Arthur and Linus. I think the audio is the way to go for reading this book.

Quicksilver

Published: Podium Audio

Date: 2024

Source: Audible

Narrator: Stella Bloom Anthony Palmini

Length: 20hrs 41 min

After a couple of chapters I wanted to return this book, I wasn’t grabbed by it. However I’d bought it in a sale not with a credit so… I kept listening. Now I loved Fourth Wing but I still didn’t fall for this book and its characters like I did with that one. However because I finished the book out, I did become involved and to some extent was intrigued and captured by it. The narration was very good. I’ll probably want to know what happens next, but maybe a library copy in due time. I have one on hold at the library but will be a while for it wends my way.

The Lost Bookshop

Published: Harper Collins UK

Date: 2023

Source: Libby

Well what a fascinating story. Is it magical realism or fantasy? More like fantasy set in a very realistic world – a mixture. It made me angry – Opaline’s story, so sad, her story was set in the 1920’s when women still had few rights. In the present time a story of rare books and a quest to find a second unpublished work by Emily Brontë. And a little romance. I liked the characters, I liked the plot although found it a bit long. Of course the house was amazing and definitely fantastical.

Reading challenge

Non Fiction Reading Challenge

December 21, 2025 Kathryn

Non Fiction challenge badge

Hosted by Shellyrae over at Book’d Out

HOW IT WORKS

You can select, read and review a book from the categories listed below during the year for a total of up to 12 books; OR select, read and review any nonfiction book. A book may be in print, electronic or audio format.

Choose a goal:

Nonfiction Nipper: Read & review 3 books, from any 3 listed categories

Nonfiction Nibbler: Read & review 6 books, from any 6 listed categories

Nonfiction Nosher: Read & review 12 books, one for each category

Nonfiction Grazer: Read & review any nonfiction book. Set your own goal, or none at all, just share the nonfiction you read through the year.

Categories:

History
Memoir/Biography
True Crime
Science
Health
Food
South East Asia
Humour (Humor)
Lost or found
Television
Subculture
Published in 2026

Nonfiction Nipper: Read & review 3 books, from any 3 listed categories will be my choice from this list of categories and will likely go with

Memoir/Biography
Health
Published in 2026

I will also include Nonfiction Grazer: Read & review any nonfiction book. Set your own goal, or none at all, just share the nonfiction you read through the year.

I hope to read 12 in all NF books during the year. As I have other books I may want to read I am not choosing any category for the these. So 3 from the categories and 9 undefined books in Non Fiction.

Reading challenge, Review

Speccy Reading Challenge 2026

December 21, 2025 Kathryn

challenge badge

The Speccy Fiction Challenge at Shellyrae’s Book’d Out

HOW IT WORKS

Choose a goal and you can select, read and review a book from any of the categories listed below during the year; OR select, read and review any speculative fiction book. You can adjust your goal whenever you like. A review can be 3 words or 3000 words. A book may be in print, electronic or audio format.

Spectator: Read & review any speculative fiction book. Set your own goal, or none at all, just share what you read through the year.

Squint: Read & review 3 books, from any 3 listed categories

Stare: Read & review 6 books, from any 6 listed categories

Survey: Read & review 12 books, one for each category

CATEGORIES:

Published in 2026
A speculative novella (less than 250pgs)
A translated speculative novel
The first book in a speculative fiction duology/trilogy/series
Romantic speculative fiction
Speculative fiction that features a creature (animal/monster)
A cozy fantasy novel
Dark Fantasy
A fantasy based on myth, legend or folklore
A scifi that takes place on a spaceship or space station
Dystopian
A scifi featuring conscious technology

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

Read a book, post a review, share your review with other challenge participants by including your name or blog name and the category with a direct link to your review in the Linky provided by Shellyrae. Please take the time to visit a few links and leave a comment after adding yours!

My Commitment

I will challenge myself to the Stare level: Read & review 6 books, from any 6 listed categories

Categories that appeal to me.

Published in 2026
A speculative novella (less than 250 pages)
A translated speculative novel
The first book in speculative fiction in a duology/ trilogies /series
Romantic speculative fiction
Speculative fiction that features a creature (animal/monster

I will also participate in the Spectator level. Read and review any speculative fiction book. I’d like to read another 6 books that don’t necessarily fit the above categories.

Review

The Lighthouse at the Cove

December 18, 2025December 18, 2025 Kathryn

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Published: Thomas Nelson
Date: 2nd December 2025
Source:

After a painful breakup and a stalled career, journalist Kaiah Ross sets out on a reporting road trip down the East Coast, hoping the miles will help her find her way again. But when car trouble strands her in the postcard-perfect town of Coral Cove, she’s forced to stop running–and unexpectedly finds herself drawn into a life that feels like something out of a dream.

Reid Turner has spent years putting others first–his career as a firefighter, his spirited young daughter, Piper, and the small town he’s always called home. The last thing he’s looking for is a relationship. But from the moment Kaiah arrives, her kindness, warmth, and quiet strength stir something in him he thought was long buried.

When Kaiah agrees to help promote the town’s annual “Light the Dark” Festival–a celebration meant to save Coral Cove’s historic lighthouse–what begins as a simple arrangement quickly turns into something more. Late nights of planning under string lights, shared laughter over coffee, and quiet, heartfelt moments with Piper begin to weave Kaiah into the fabric of Reid’s life . . . and into his heart.

But just as love begins to blossom, Kaiah is faced with an offer that could relaunch her career and take her far from Coral Cove. Now, she’s forced to choose between the life she thought she wanted and the unexpected love that’s given her a glimpse of home.

The Lighthouse at the Cove is a really heart warming story, one of second chances, new hope and a community working together. There is a really sweet romance, that is totally closed door.

Kaiah has been hurt by her ex, not missing him so much as missing George their dog, her ex took off with him with no discussion. As Piper summed the ex up – mean. Who is Piper? She is the six year old daughter of Reid. Reid rescued Kaiah when she was flailing about when her car had broken down in Coral Cove.

When Kaia’s car will take time to be fixed she stays in the garage apartment belonging to Reid. Soon she and Piper are bonded. That part is really delightful. Piper was my very favorite character. She was a big part of this story. She has the biggest heart and is so outgoing and positive. Her mother and Reid’s wife died in an accident so Piper is motherless, although she does have a great aunt, Reid’s twin sister. If you don’t like children in romance books then this one is not for you, but I happen to like a book more when there is a character like Piper in it.

The town Coral Cove is a bit down on their luck, and the historical lighthouse has seen better days. With Kaiah’s help and written articles about the town they plan and execute a wonderful week long festival. But then the car is fixed, the ex and George turn up. What will Kaiah choose?She has to really consider and find her true self. Very satisfying as she chose what really mattered to her.

#IMWAYR

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

December 15, 2025December 15, 2025 Kathryn

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The week sped by again! We have had a week of lovely sunny warm weather. Saturday I went into the city and then a friend and I went across the harbour on the ferry, had lunch and a walk and came back on the ferry and then I drove home. It was really lovely. Photo is from the restaurant looking out on the harbour. We were outside. You can’t see them but there were people swimming and later we saw a whole lot of yachts out for the afternoon.

photo of Wellington harbour NZ

Friday I had a lovely zoom meeting with some quilters in the USA, something I always enjoy.

I decided to do two reading challenges for 2026. I haven’t done any for a few years now, but I will take on these two and have posts ready to go.

What I read last week:

What I am reading now:

Paperback from the Library

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And listening to

Up next:

Review book and then one I just bought

Last Week’s Posts

Love Unscripted. Denise Hunter

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Review

Love Unscripted. Denise Hunter

December 11, 2025 Kathryn

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Published: Thomas Nelson
Date: March 12 2024
Narrator: Kathleen McInerney
Length: 9hrs 28 min
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

Fresh off the heels of a bad breakup, Chloe Anderson poured her heart into penning the perfect boyfriend—and the result was an off-the-charts debut beach read that resonated with women worldwide. Now, Chloe’s scripted hero is headed for Hollywood, with her book destined to become a major motion picture.

When Chloe gets wind that silver screen bad boy Liam Hamilton has been cast as the ideal-in-every-way hero of her novel, she’s horrified by the film director’s choice. How could a player like Liam possibly do Chloe’s perfect hero justice? Unafraid to speak her mind, Chloe lets her executive producer know she’s one hundred percent opposed to the casting. And oops—the call is on speakerphone, where the annoyingly attractive Hollywood star hears Chloe’s unbridled outrage firsthand.

With Liam’s reputation already on the rocks, his agent concocts a PR plan to upgrade Liam’s image while putting the story—and the film—in the spotlight. The catch? During the movie’s filming in Chloe’s cute hometown of Stillwater, North Carolina, Chloe and Liam will fake a wholesome, committed relationship. Both stand to gain something from the arrangement. Liam’s fans will see him in a new light, while Chloe can boost her struggling social media following and further her writing career. What could possibly go wrong?

Love Unscripted by Denise Hunter was a delightful relaxing listen. Kathleen McInerney narrated it perfectly.

On the face of it the story seems like a plot I have read before, however Denise Hunter brings her own twist to it. Small town girl meets big time Hollywood actor, and plan a fake relationship that turns into one real one. Of course it doesn’t go smoothly. There are some ups and downs that keep the interest for the reader all the way through.

I liked the two main characters, Chloe and Liam. They were both good likeable people, but like most of us they had some baggage in their lives that provided some road blocks for them. Yet as it all worked through they dealt with them in totally realistic ways, with courage.

This is a romance story, completely closed door which I appreciated. Chloe has a brother and there is a second romance that is very sweet. So I recommend this audiobook to anyone that enjoys romance.

#IMWAYR

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

December 8, 2025December 8, 2025 Kathryn

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Another week flies by. I didn’t get that much reading done, finished my audiobooks but the Louise Penny book took careful reading. I am though almost finished with the Rhys Bowen book.

We certainly have moved to summer, still low temps here around 21C which is about 70F. And night temps that don’t fall that much, with humidity.

Thursday I found out from my medical rooms after a blood test that I have wandered into pre-diabetes. I was pretty horrified, so after a visit with the nurse and then going to the library and picking up some books and joining a few FB groups I hope I can bring the number down. I am already lactose intolerant and need to follow a fodmap path, so just something else to keep an eye on. I have started making changes and I so hope it helps.

What I read last week:

What I am reading now:

book cover

Listening to…

Up next:

I have a wealth of books to read from he library and books arriving from being pre-ordered. And a few review books now overdue. What to read?

I think I will get this review book out of the way.

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Last Week’s Posts

November Reading Wrap

A Wonderful Christmas Crime Jacqueline Frost

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Review

A Wonderful Christmas Crime. Jacqueline Frost

December 4, 2025 Kathryn

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Published : Crooked Lane Books
Date: October 21st 2025
Source: Publisher via NetGalley

As Christmas descends on Mistletoe, Maine, Holly White has an extra gift for the season: a new baby on the way. Her husband, Sheriff Evan Gray, has been worried about her elevated blood pressure, and Holly has agreed to take this year easy. Being idle has never been one of Holly’s gifts, so when Evan surprises her with tickets to the town-wide dinner, she and her many cravings thank him. But when a thief tries and fails to steal an antique ornament from the dinner’s holiday display, it’s clear that someone is on the naughty list.

The thief manages to escape, but after dinner, Holly spots their lifeless body. It’s clear that someone in town was keen to kill them. Evan is less than jolly to find his wife at the scene of yet another holiday homicide and asks her to promise that she’ll leave the investigating to the police. But Holly has never been one to turn down a challenge and has to get creative with the help of a few of her friends in order to find this killer.

Will she and her friends be able to stop the killer and uncover the motive behind the attempted robbery, or will the killer strike again and paint the town a bloody red?

Would you like a book that is full of Christmas love and family and great community spirit? Well this is a Christmas book to fulfil all that. Well there is a murder added in, but really it doesn’t take away from all that is Christmas in Mistletoe, Maine. It is all that I imagine a white Christmas could be.

There is snow, fantastic food, games of all kinds and friends who love to get together and support each other. Holly is determined that this Christmas that that’s all it will be as she is pregnant and is being really careful about the baby. In fact she is being “baby sat” by family and friends to ensure that’s so. But you know Holly if you have read the previous books, she is like a magnet to murderers and so it doesn’t quite work out like she hoped.

I loved the feel of the book, the great spirit that abounds, all the lesser characters who contribute to making Christmas sparkle. I loved the ending and the promise of new life and possibly even a new home. And who knows Cookie might find love. I’ll have to wait and see!

Month in Review

November Reading Wrap

December 3, 2025December 2, 2025 Kathryn

Total books read this month: 15

Winding down for 2025. I have only about 7 or 8 books to read in December to meet my 200 goal on Goodreads.

Book Ratings

The Exception to the Rule. Audiobook – short story. 4.45 stars

A Discovery of Witches. Kobo read. 4.45 stars
There’s Something about Mira. Audiobook. 4.65
The House on the Cerulean Sea. Audiobook. 4.45
Murder on the Clock. Review book. 4.25 stars
Broken Dreams. Audiobook. 3.25 stars
The Last Time I Was Me. Kindle own. 4.85 stars
The Lost Bookshop Kobo-Libby. 3.85 stars
Home to the Heart Country. Review. 4 stars
The Wattle Seed Inn. Audiobook – mine. 4.75 stars
Quicksilver. Audiobook – mine. 4 stars.
Did You Miss Me. Kindle -own. 4.25 stars
A Wonderful Christmas Crime. Review. 4.25 stars
Broken Silence. Novella. Kindle-mine. 3.75 stars
Flowers from the Doctor. Kindle-mine. 3.5 stars Nostalgia read.

New to me authors:

TJ Klune*
Deborah Harkness*
Evie Woods*
Libby Iriks *
Callie Hart*

Authors would want to read again*

Settings

USA 6
England/Scotland/France/USA 1
USA/India 1
Fantasy setting 2
Ireland 2
Australia 2
England 1

Genres

Fantasy 3
Contemporary Romance 6
Cozy Mystery 2
Romantasy 1
Romantic suspense 2
Historical romance 1

Top Book for November

No 5 star book for November. Some of the above I enjoyed very much but no one that stands high above the rest.

Looking forward to publishing in December.

And these four I have pre-ordered!

2025 Reading Goals check

25 in 25 books that I own and on a list in my reading journal. One more read now 17/25

Emilie Richard Reader Challenge.

One Word Title: Quicksilver

Slow Reading book – 25 minutes about a day.

War and Peace. This is going to be a skim read to the finish.

Updated Goals from July 1st 2025. Book Buying.

Only use the one credit a month I have at Audible. Join Audible Au.

My first month back at Audible.com after a three month break. Has been good because I have caught up on many of the sale books. So from now on just the one audio credit a month. No sales.

2. Audible.com.au continues to be good value and any sale books will be bought there plus the one credit.

My Friends a sale audiobook and The Seven Rings one credit.

Always check library before buying a book. Check Kobo before buying from Amazon.

Waiting for From Cradle to Grave by Rhys Bowen to come in from Libby. I have The Black Wolf – Louise Penny from the library but will buy my own copy when price decreases.

Buy Up to 5+ Books after checks.

No print books bought this month.

I did get some Kindle books! But oops I had bought Did You Miss Me? on Kobo as well and only just realised.