Fall Reading Challenge Wrap Up

Well all good things must come to an end. And the Fall Reading Challenge is now over. How'd I do? Well I read all the books (18) on my list PLUS 31 more for a grand total of 49 books in 3 months!!!!!

Here's the list of the books I read for the challenge.

Here's a breakdown of the OTHER books that I read


Christian Fiction

• Waiting for Daybreak by Kathryn Cushman
• Rally 'Round the Flag by Jane Orcutt
• Spring is in the Air by Jane Orcutt
• The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner
• The Spirit of the Season by Dana Corbit
• Bon Appetit by Sandra Byrd
• The Pawn by Stephen James
• The Rook by Stephen James
• Out of Her Hands by Megan DiMaria
• Mystery at the Inn by Carolyne Aarsen
• Whisper Along the Rails by Judith Miller
• An Uncertain Dream by Judith Miller
• Violet Dawn by Brandilyn Collins
• All I Have to Give by Melody Carlson
• Going Going Gone by Jolyn and William Sharp
• In the Shadow of the Sun King by Golden Keyes Parsons
• It's Not About Me by Michelle Sutton
• Longings of the Heart by Bonnie Leon
• Faith of My Fathers by Lynn Austin
• When the Heart Cries by Cindy Woodsmall
• Kiss by Ted Dekker and Erin Healey
  

YA Fiction

• The Summer of Cotton Candy by Debbie Viguie
• The Fall of Candy Corn by Debbie Viguie
• Mixed Bags by Melody Carlson
• Stealing Bradford by Melody Carlson
  
• Claire by Lisi Harrison
• Last Christmas by Kate Brian
• Infamous by Cecily von Ziegesar
• Much Ado About Anne by Heather Vogel Frederick

Children's Fiction

• Fading Tracks by Kristi Holt
• Secrets for Sale by Kristi Holt

What was the best book you read this fall? Since I can never choose just one...The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner, Bon Apetit by Sandra Byrd, The Other Side of Darkness by Melody Carlson, Much Ado About Anne by Heather Vogel Patrick.

What book could you have done without? It took me FOREVER to read When the Heart Cries by Cindy Woodsmall. Not because the book was bad, but because I disagreed with the way the characters acted in the story. I could see the foreshadowing leading to pain for the main character so I kept dreading reading more of the story. It's a good book, but I don't think it's a favorite or reread for me. Same with The Outsider by Ann Gabhart. I didn't agree with the Shaker lifestyle so even though the story was good, it was hard to read.

Did you try out a new author this fall? If so, which one, and will you be reading that author again? Yes, I found a bunch of new authors. I think my favorite was probably In the Shadow of the Sun King by Golden Keyes Parsons. I really enjoyed reading this historical fiction book, probably one of the best I've read all year. I"ll be looking forward to when book 2 comes out next year.

If there were books you didn't finish, tell us why. Did you run out of time? Realize those books weren't worth it? I finished all my books this time around, but just barely! I had to stop reading for a month because of schoolwork. I just finished my last book on the original list yesterday!

Did you come across a book or two on other participants' lists that you're planning to add to your own to-be-read pile? Which ones? Enjoyed seeing all the other Christian fiction books on other TBR lists. Makes me want to go back and reread them again.

What did you learn -- about anything -- through this challenge? Maybe you learned something about yourself or your reading style, maybe you learned not to pick so many nonfiction books for a challenge, maybe you learned something from a book you read. Whatever it is, share! When one is in grad school and trying to plan a wedding, small list is essential! LOL, then when you have time to read other books you feel like you accomplish something! I always use the challenge as a way to finish my library books, and I had just moved and discovered a new library, with lots of new book!

What was the best part of the Fall Reading Challenge? Being able to finish up some series that I knew I would put off if I hadn't put them on the list.

Would you be interested in participating in another reading challenge this spring? Definitely. Will keep me straight on another library book pile. It's already starting to pile up again. Lol.

Any other thoughts, impressions, or comments. Thanks for hosting this Katrina!!!! Can't wait til spring!