2025 ...... My Life in Books

 I'm looking forward to another great year of reviewing in 2026.

I love this fun book tag created by Shellyrae @ Book'd Out and you can see her post HERE

 

The idea is to complete each prompt with a book that you have read in 2025.

I have linked each book to my review.

This is meant to be a fun tag and the answers do not reflect my enjoyment of the actual book.

2025 was the year of: The Reunion

In 2025 I wanted to be: The Sunbaker

In 2025 I was: Searching for Treasure

In 2025 I gained: An Invisible Tattoo

In 2025 I lost: My Hot Housemate

In 2025 I loved: The Bittersweet Bakery Cafe

In 2025 I hated: Dancing With Bees

In 2025 I learned: The Dressmaker's Secret

In 2025 I was surprised by: Eva Reddy's Trip of a Lifetime

In 2025 I went to: Rainbow Street

In 2025 I missed out on: The View From the Balcony

In 2025 my family where: Out of the Woods

In 2026 I hope: A New World Rises

If you think this looks like a fun tag why not check out Shellyrae's post here and join in with your own bookish answers. 

In 2024 ..... My Life in Books

In 2022 ..... My Life in Books

 

In 2020 ..... My Life in Books

2025 Edition of My Year in Books

My fun 2025 reading stats from Goodreads as at mid December. I've read two more books since then bringing my total to 129 books. I am not a fast reader but I read a lot of children's books which keeps the stats up.

I still have nine read books that I need to post reviews for and hope to catch up on them over the new year.

My blogging goals for 2026 are to host more giveaways. I will be trying to post one per month in the first week of each month. January's giveaway (coming soon) will be for a copy of Rumour Has It by Karly Lane. 

I am also looking into a paid email service which I'm hoping will show a bit more detail, rather than just sending a link to click. I'm currently on a free service.

I read so many great five star books but I think my most memorable book was Sins of the Father by John Byrnes. Click on cover to read my review.

Thank you to all my readers. I do appreciate you sticking with me through the years. Here's to a fabulous 2026 with more giveaways and a multitude of five star reads.

In 2024 ....... My Life in Books

 I love this fun book tag created by Shellyrae @ Book'd Out and you can see her post HERE

 

The idea is to complete each prompt with a book that you have read in 2024.

I have linked each book to my review.

 

 

2024 was the year of: Someone Else's Bucket List 

In 2024 I wanted to be: The Mistress of Dara Island

In 2024 I was: The Hidden Girl

In 2024 I gained: A Single Lifeline

In 2024 I lost: Prize Catch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 2024 I loved: The Venice Hotel

In 2024 I hated: The One That Got Away

In 2024 I learned: Stories My Grandmothers Didn't Tell Me

In 2024 I was surprised by: Shock Waves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 2024 I went to: Where the Dead Go

In 2024 I missed out on: All I Want for Christmas

In 2024 my family were: The Seachangers

In 2025 I hope for: Jack's Best Day Ever

 

If you think this looks like a fun tag why not check out Shellyrae's post here and join in with your own bookish answers. 

In 2022 ..... My Life in Books

 

In 2020 ..... My Life in Books

 

 

My Year in Books 2024 Edition

 Some fun little stats from Goodreads. 

These were from mid December so can probably add another book or two. I love how in the photo they have featured all the children's books. 🤣 I do read a lot of Children's books and that is why my reading stats are so high.

I usually finish with my favourite book of the year but I'm finding it hard to pick just one book this year. I read so many that blew me away. So I'm picking three top reads for me in 2024.

 

  

 

Wishing You a Merry 2024 Christmas from The Burgeoning Bookshelf

  A big thank you to all my followers for all your support. I appreciate every comment and giveaway entry. I hope to have more giveaways in 2025. I will be back soon with my 2024 challenge update (let's see how I went).

 

2024 was a big year with a new grandchild arriving in April and the wedding of my youngest child in July. We also have another grandchild due in January 2025. Nothing like getting the new year off to a good start.

 

Lately I've been binge reading Maya Linnell's books. I read four of her books back to back and enjoyed each one. If you are after I nice romance read for the holidays I would recommend any, or all, of Maya's books. They are a slow burn romance with a main focus on farming and small country communities. Reviews will be coming in the next week. I have also read a great Science Fiction book called eMortal by Steve Schafer which delves into AI and sentience. My review of that will be posted soon.

Have a wonderful Christmas and I hope you find a favourite book, or two, under the Christmas tree.

 

 

Wishing you a Merry Christmas from The Burgeoning Bookshelf - 2023

 A big thank you to all my followers for all your support. I will be back soon with my 2023 challenge update (let's see how I went). Until then have a wonderful Christmas and I hope you find a favourite book, or two, under the Christmas tree.

 

I know, on my last review, I promised that a giveaway would be coming soon and I haven't forgotten. Last week I was struck down by the dreaded Covid and spent a few days in hospital so all my reading and reviewing has been sidelined while I rest and recover. 

Not having read anything for well over a week I started on Jo Dixon's latest offering A Shadow at the Door (which will be released on 3rd January 2024) and I can assure you it's going to be another massive hit for Jo. Jo's debut was The House of Now and Then which I rated 5 stars.

Happy New Year 2023!

 Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2023

May your year be filled with family, friends and five star reads. 

 

In 2022..... My Life in Books

 

 

I love this fun book tag created by Shellyrae @ Book'd Out and you can see her post HERE

 

The idea is to complete each prompt with a book that you have read in 2022.

2022 was the year of: The Way it is Now

In 2022 I wanted to be: The Brightest Star

In 2022 I was: The Understudy

In 2022 I gained: A Recipe for Family

In 2022 I lost: The Postcard from Italy

In 2022 I loved: The Last Summer

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 2022 I hated: Keeping Up Appearances

In 2022 I learned: The Raven's Song

In 2022 I was surprised by: Lily Harford's Last Request

In 2022 I went to:The Wattle Seed Inn

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 2022 I missed out on: The Reunion

In 2022 my family were: A Family of Strangers

in 2023 I hope for: A Little Spark

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you think this looks like a fun tag why not check out Shellyrae's post here and join in with your own bookish answers. 

My Life in Books... 2020

 

Wishing you a Merry Christmas from The Burgeoning Bookshelf - 2022

A big thank you to all my followers for all your support. I will be back soon with my 2022 challenge update (let's see how I went). Until then have a wonderful Christmas and I hope you find a favourite book, or two, under the Christmas tree.

 

Goodreads: Year in Books Meme 2021

 

 

This is my year in books 2021!

 

I read 26,618 pages over 109 books 

________________________________________________________

Longest book                                                     Shortest book

576                                                                     20

pages                                                                  pages

 

                                                    

 

__________________________________________________________

 

Average book length in 2021 was 241 pages 

 

____________________________________________________________

Most popular                                                                          Least popular

321,215                                                                                   0

people also shelved                                                               People also shelved

 

________________________________________________________________

 

My average rating for 2021 was 4.3 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 

________________________________________________

 

 My favourite book of 2021 was....  

 

I read 109 books in 2021 of which 49 were 5 star reads.
I have to admit of those 5 star reads 14 were children’s books. I can't really pick a stand out favourite this year, I loved so many.

_______________________________________________

The year in books meme is hosted by Bite Into Books so head over and see her post. Why not join in and post a link to your year in books.   

 

======================================================

 

 I read 67 books by Australian authors and of these 56 were female authors.

I big thanks to everyone who supported my blog, my subscribers, readers, those that left a comment and the wonderful publishers and authors who supply the books for reviews and giveaways.

I'm looking forward to more great books, reviews, giveaways, memes and bookish tags during 2022.  

 

💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

 

 

Wishing you a Merry Christmas from The Burgeoning Bookshelf - 2021

 

Tasmania's International Crime and Mystery Literary Festival - Sat 27 & Sun 28 Nov 2021, Online

 

Tasmania's International Crime and Mystery Literary Festival

 

TAF2021 - CSI: TASMANIA

 

Terror Australis Readers and Writers Festival is excited to announce Tasmania's first  international crime and mystery literary festival.

The awe-inspiring line-up of more than 35 writers of crime and mystery includes:

·      David Heska Wanbli Weiden, TAF2021 International Guest of Honour,

·      Ann Cleeves, TAF2021 Mistress of Mystery,

·      Val McDermid, TAF2021 Queen of Crime,

·      Liz Nugent, TAF2021 Prime Suspect,

·      Garry Disher, TAF2021 Australian Guest of Honour,

·      Naomi Hirahara,

·      Abir Mukherjee,

·      Vanda Symon,

                      ·      J.P. Pomare, 

                ·      Anita Heiss.

                             
                             Candice Fox

 

 

"We’re still pinching ourselves in disbelief at the incredible line-up of local, Australian and international best-selling authors who’ve joined us this year," the Festival’s Director, Dr L.J.M. Owen said

With lively panel discussions, author interviews, intimate book clubs and writing masterclasses, TAF2021's 'CSI: TASMANIA' offers something for everyone.

"It's not just for readers of crime and mystery," Dr Owen said. "Anyone with an interest in books, reading, writing or the publishing industry will find something to suit them."


The two day program, which runs across the last weekend of November, offers in-depth interviews with authors like Ann Cleeves, Garry Disher and Val McDermid, and panel discussions with authors such as Anita Heiss, R.W.R. McDonald, and Sulari Gentill.

"During our online digital weekend we'll share the love of Tasmanian, Australian and international crime and mystery fiction with an audience tuning in from around the world," Dr Owen said.

The panel sessions will explore questions including why the Tasmanian landscape inspires so much brilliant crime and mystery fiction.

"We're also offering 20 Book Clubs and Writing Masterclasses with some of Australia's most loved writers, for instance Candice Fox, Debra Oswald and Meg Keneally," Dr Owen said.

Originally, a second weekend of live panel discussions in Huonville was also planned for November.

"Unfortunately, the recent snap lockdown meant we had to suspend having a live audience in early November. It's an unfortunate loss, as we were on course to make a solid contribution to local economic recovery from two devastating bushfire seasons followed by the pandemic. While sad for everyone involved, the good news is that we've shifted a number of the panels across to feature at the digital weekend at no extra cost to ticket buyers," Dr Owen said.

Pivoting to hold the panel sessions online instead of live was made possible by the festival's existing work to digitally transform.

"Earlier this year, the festival won a 3 year, $120,000 grant, from the Regional Arts Fund to undertake digital transformation of its events," Dr Owen said.

In a state where just 50% of the adult population is functionally literate, the project aims to support the ongoing development of the local literary sector, facilitate external professional development opportunities, and support continuing community engagement in literature.

"The work we'd already undertaken as part of the project meant we could make the shift from in-person to online in a matter of days," Dr Owen said.

TICKETS ARE NOW ON SALE

Earlybird Digital Weekend Passes to CSI: TASMANIA are now on sale. Priced at $90, each pass includes 15 author interviews and discussion panels, as well as two free Book Clubs or Writing Mini Masterclasses (subject to availability).

"It's fantastic value and highly accessible. With the expanded program, this means the 15 sessions are costing just $6 each, and will be available on demand until 2022. So if you love crime or mystery fiction, we hope to share this amazing weekend with you.”

https://www.facebook.com/TerrorAustralisFestival

T:  @TerrorAustFest  Please use the hashtag #TerrorAustFest

FB: @TerrorAustralisFestival   Please do not use hashtags on Facebook

I: @terroraustralisfestival  Please use the hashtag #TerrorAustFest

 

 

 

 

Happy New Year

 Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2021

May your year be filled with family, friends and five star reads.

Goodreads: Year in Books Meme 2020

 

This is my journey in books for 2020!

 

 

 

I read 32,440 pages over 114 books 

________________________________________________________

Longest book

813

pages

 

Shortest Book

28

pages

________________________________________

 

Average book length in 2020 was 284 pages 

 

_____________________________________

 

 

 Most Popular

 3,443,844

 people also shelved                                                                     

 

 

                                                                             

 

 

 

 

Least Popular

0 people

also shelved

 ________________________________________________________________

 

 

My average rating for 2020 was

4.3⭐⭐⭐⭐

 

____________________________________

 

My favourite book of 2020 was

 

  

   _______________________________________________

 

The year in books meme is hosted by Bite Into Books so head over and see her post. Why not join in and post a link to your year in books.   

 

==============================================

I think 2020 was a difficult year for all of us and if I had to think of a bright side it would be that I managed to get extra reading time whilst we were all in lockdown.
I'm looking forward to more great books, reviews, giveaways, memes and bookish tags during 2021.
I big thanks to everyone who supported my blog, my subscribers, readers, those that left a comment and the wonderful publishers and authors who supply the books for reviews and giveaways.

 

💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖