Conversations with Kav – End of Year Book Tag

Just a wee bit more End of the Year bookish chitchat. Feel free to join in by answering any (or all) of these questions in the comments. It’s fun to see what other readers’ bookish priorities are as we draw near to the close of another year.

Are there any books you started this year and want to finish?

Not any fiction that I can think of. Once I start a book, I either commit or DNF pretty quickly. So, if I’m committed, the book is read in a day or two – three at the most. If it’s DNFed, I don’t give it a second thought and move on.

It takes me longer to work my way through non-fiction books though. I’ve been reading ‘Hearing God : Developing a Conversational Relationship with God’ by Dallas Willard that I thought I’d have finished before the end of the year, but I’m not going to push myself so it will likely be a carry over. Lot’s of thought-provoking ideas that I need sit with and mull over before I continue reading.

Is there a new release you’re still waiting for this year?

YESSSSSS!!!!!!! ‘Cloaked in Beauty’ by Karen Witemeyer. I loved the first two books in her ‘Texas Every After’ series and this one is a Red Ridinghood retelling. Eepppp! I don’t think I’ve ever read a book based on this particular fairy tale so I’m excited to see the ways the author weaves the familiar parts into her unique reimagining. It comes out December 17.

What 3 books would you like to read before the end of the year?

Ummm….only three, eh? Okay, let’s see if I can be that concise:

Because it’s been on my TBR for months and everyone is raving about it: ‘Wedding at Sea‘ by Melissa Tagg. I know, I know, what have I been waiting for?!

Because it’s tradition to read a Julie Klassen book in December: “The Seaside Homecoming” — it just released this week. Eeeeppp!!!

Because I just picked it up from the library: ‘The Roads We Follow’ by Nicole Deese…yes, I know, another book that got away from me this year but it’s on my TBR now, right at the tippy top so it we’re getting closer….if I could just stop reading Christmas books long enough to look at anything else. Bwahahaha!

Is there a book that could surprise you and become a favourite?

Hmmm….I’m usually pretty secure in my picks but I’ve been exploring more clean rom/coms lately and I never know if I’ll jive with a new-to-me author until I give one of their books a try. That’s because the definition of ‘clean’ can vary quite a bit and I’m looking for the ones that fit my comfort level. So, another recent library acquisition on my TBR is ‘How to Kiss Your Grumpy Boss’ by Jenny Proctor. I’m excited to give this author a try and see is she becomes a fave.

What book have you been putting off reading this year?

Didn’t have to think twice about this answer. ‘Wishtress’ by Nadine Brandes. I have checked this book out of the library so many times, renewed it over and over again, returned it and then checked it out again. And repeat and repeat and repeat. I don’t know why I’m so reluctant. It has rave reviews from readers I trust, the story sounds intriguing, I’ve enjoyed other books by this author but still, here we are at the end of year and ‘Wishtress’ is back on my physical TBR valiantly battling her way to the top. I really need to give her a chance. Maybe it’s the fantasy aspect that gives me pause?

Have you already started making plans for the new year?

Wellll….I did go out and buy my reading and tracking journals. I’ll set them up sometime over the Christmas break and since Reader’s Choice Week will be upon us soon I’ll start plotting out the January, February and March 2025 new releases I will want to read. I’m very much a mood reader though, so I never really have any concrete reading plans.

29 thoughts on “Conversations with Kav – End of Year Book Tag”

  1. Are there any books you started this year and want to finish? — Yes, I have a couple of NF but they won’t be finished this year. I have a hard time reading NF in a timely manner. Or finishing them!

    As for CF, I have one. Due to Amazon Canada messing up my pre-order and having no stock, and then the Canadian postal strike, I was without Across the Ages by Gabrielle Meyer. I have a copy sitting in a postal sorting centre pile somewhere and who knows if and when it will ever arrive! I started listening to the Everand audiobook and I didn’t care for the narrator. A few days ago, I happened to spot a copy on the tiny rack of Living Books at our local grocery store, I nabbed it! It will also fulfill a prompt from one of my four reading challenges — “contains pirates.” Pirates aren’t my thing so I was glad a Timeless book had a timeline with pirates!

    Is there a new release you’re still waiting for this year? — Not that I know of. The only book I had chosen that is a December publication was Even if I Cry by Terrie Todd. She had asked me to be on her launch team so I had already read a ARC copy prior to this month. I still ordered the Kindle copy though. It just came out on Dec 06th, though the paperbacks released early. I have all of her books. She’s a fantastic, Canadian historical author.

    What 3 books would you like to read before the end of the year? —
    (1) Across the Ages by Gabrielle Meyer for a reading prompt and because I love the series. (2) With this Ring by Amy Clipston (I’m a Net Galley reader and it releases Jan. 14. (3) This isn’t one book but I need 5 more books to reach 50 new-to-me authors for 2024.

    Is there a book that could surprise you and become a favourite? — Probably one of my NTM reads that I have planned — all are Christmas reads. There’s romance, suspense, etc.

    What book have you been putting off reading this year? — I have procrastinated on Masterpiece by Francine Rivers for a few years now. It’s a huge book and I prefer books under 400-450 pages.

    Have you already started making plans for the new year? — Not much. I have certain books in mind that I want to get read in 2024. Some are favourite authors and I don’t know why I keep putting them off. Maybe because I am done, I can’t experience it for the first time again? I’m not sure. I love their writing so I need to suck it up and put my big girl pants on!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Good morning, Tammy. Today was a snow/sleet/freezing rain stay at home from church day. What did we do pre Covid when not all churches recorded their services?! 🙂

      We are like-minded about Non Fiction and I know so many people who only read NF. I can’t grasp that at all! Ugh to the postal strike — I have one book tied up in that though it’s supposed to be delivered by courier. Indigo says their regular couriers are so backed up it will take much longer. Sigh. And it’s a Christmas book I’m really looking forward to.

      I read the first few books by Terrie Reed and then I think she must have gone indie and I didn’t realize she had published any more books until recently. Another author we don’t see a whole lot of publicity about. But I really enjoyed the books I read so I’ll have to check into this upcoming one. Thanks for the tip.

      Hoorah for your impressive new-to-you author goals. So much fun discovering new faves, but then it adds to the pressure of keeping up with everyone! I have read Masterpiece and loved it. Very different from anything I’ve ever read before and it was my first Francine Rivers novel too. Happy Reading, Tammy!

      Like

      Reply

  2. Good Morning Kav! I love this end of the year inventory list, I think much the same as you do!

    *If I set a book down and don’t finish it, then that means I’m not going back to it and I don’t give it another thought. There are too many other books out their waiting their turn.

    Like you Cloaked in Beauty is my last big unreleased book to be read this year. Karen’s doing a fantastic job with her storybook retellings. I can’t imagine how she comes up with the western aspects, but she does and I love it.

    My 3 books to read before the end of the year are Christmas in the Castle Library which I’ll be starting today, Cornered (I was waiting for the price to come down and it finally has), and One Last Stand by Susan Warren.

    There could be a book out there that surprises me, but I won’t know until I read it 😉

    I have about a dozen books on my “maybe I’ll read it” list but I don’t feel any pressure about them. They are my back up list to my “must read” list. Multiple layers of book lists are how I plan 🙂

    Which leads me to the last question about plotting out 2025 and the answer is yes. I always have a list going for my favorite authors next releases. As of right now my list for 2025 includes January- Susan Warren, Laura Frantz, Elizabeth Camden February-Becky Wade, Sarah Monzon, March-Rebekah Millet, Melody Carlson, Lynn Blackburn, Susan Warren, and Susan Tuttle

    Have a great Sunday everyone!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

      1. Good morning, Tracey. I stayed home from church today, feeling mildly guilty but it snowed all last night and turned to freezing rain this morning so I watched online instead. Missed the ‘oomph’ of singing Christmas hymns in a congregation though.

        I’m sooo excited about Cloaked in Beauty. I’m going to try to save it for Christmas Day as a gift to myself but I don’t know if I’ll last that long. The perils of preordering. lol

        Whimper — Christmas in the Castle Library is the book that is in limbo due to our postal strike and I have no idea when I will get it. Likely not before Christmas. The other book I ordered with it was that Kristy Cambron contemporary indie book so that’s not as time sensitive. Ah well. At least I’ve been keeping myself busy with other Christmas novels.

        Ohhh — I like the idea of multiple layers of book lists — that way you are free to mood read. I’m funny in that I don’t like feeling compelled to read a book. Like even if I’ve requested a book on Net Galley and I am over the moon excited to be accepted as a reviewer, the second it’s in my lineup with the ‘must read now’ label, I start to drag my heels even though I really, really, really want to read the book. I’m so contrary!

        Eeppppp — you’re way ahead of me in sourcing out early 2025 releases. Can’t wait for Reader’s Choice Week to get caught up.

        Happy Reading, Tracey!

        Liked by 1 person

  3. Good morning, Kav! 🎵 Baby, it’s cold outside. 🎵

    Are there any books you started this year and want to finish?” No, once I start a book & put it down, I forget about it & move on to the next. I don’t think there’s any new releases I’m waiting for this year. Julie Klassen sent me The Seaside Homecoming in Nov so I finished that one (eep!) You’ll love it!

    What 3 books would you like to read before the end of the year?” I have Christmas with A Crank on my Kindle that I’d like to finish before Christmas, Specters in the Glass by end of year, and Bram Baxter Marries the Wrong Sister. There are others I can finish anytime. I don’t want to squeeze in too much by the end of the year. Even though I’m done with Christmas shopping I have to prepare list for food & fix it for Christmas Eve party at my house (gkids open gifts) & my extended family is having a Christmas party as well. I’m not certain I’ll be able to attend that, will see how pain issues go. The cold seems to just amp them up! And my b’day is coming up! 😃 I don’t have to do anything for that except be here. Not sure what hubby has up his sleeve. 🤔

    The book I’ve been putting off is Specters in the Glass bc I’m not sure if I can do creepy right now. I know that’s an unusual thing for me to say but I’m trying to keep it light before Christmas. lol I would like to have it read by the end of the year, though.

    Have you already started making plans for the new year? Oh, yes! Once I realized RCW is coming soon I started doing some research. Always look forward to Laura Frantz in Jan, Becky Wade has one coming out on Valentine’s Day, Rebekah Millet has a New Orleans sequel called Kate Landry Has a Plan, & Colleen Coble & Lynn Shannon have new suspense reads in the 1st quarter of 2025! It promises to be a good year in more ways than one!!

    Stay warm, Kav, and as always . . . happy reading!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Oops, I meant Specters in the Glass House, but I guess you knew that. I’ve been so distraught bc I couldn’t post a reply on here through any of the means given. Not FB, email, nothing. Got on my phone and it went through via FB. I was so relieved! Got on my phone and it went through via FB. I was so relieved!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. But that’s the problem with my phone. When I use voice text sometimes it repeats sentences. Ugh! It took me so long to get a post through today and it’s so gloomy outside, I feel like going back to bed and putting the covers over my head. But it’s more fun to read! 🤣

        Liked by 1 person

      2. First of all — sorry you had trouble posting a comment. 😦 Sooo frustrating when that happens! I’ve learned to copy and save a comment before hitting reply just in case.

        I love that we all seem to be decisive ‘love ’em or leave ’em’ kind of readers! And I’m thrilled you enjoyed The Seaside Homecoming so much. Not surprised, mind you. Really looking forward to starting that book very soon!

        I’m intrigued by the title, ” Bram Baxter Marries the Wrong Sister”, but is it overly Love triangle-y angsty? Sounds like it could be. I know you’ve said you’re impressed by this new-to-me author so I want to give one of her books a try and this does sound intriguing.

        Bwahahaha the Nancy Mehl/Jessica R. Patch reader says she can’t do creepy. But I see your point about keeping your reading light leading up to Christmas. I seem to have gone down a holiday rom/com, Regency romance rabbit hole lately, even though I love me some snowed in suspense. Maybe you can ring in the New Year with a Spectres.

        Now I’m getting excited for Readers’ Choice Week since you and Tracey seem to have a plan for your New Year reading. Woohoo, can’t wait!

        Happy Reading, Diane. Praying your pain lifts and you can enjoy your family gatherings this season.

        Like

      3. I’m so relieved I copied that long reply just in case. It must have something to do with my tablet bc it worked on my phone. I may have to start commenting on my PC so if you see me put in the comment section “testing” I’m on my computer. 😆 Not sure but I think Bram has crush-y dreams of being with someone & she becomes engaged, so to help out the woman’s sister he enters into a marriage of convenience. So I don’t think it’s a LT per se.

        I know. Isn’t that a crack up? No creepy til after Christmas. Maybe the day after? lol I’m probably going to need some help from our intrepid reporter, Tracey, for a 3rd choice on certain genre days. I usually don’t have any probs with contemporary fiction day, but some of the others I can only find 2 so far. I’m not done with my search yet, though. 😎

        Thanks so much for the prayers & the well wishes, Kav! 🩷

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Discovering new indie authors has opened up all kinds of new release possibilities when it comes to Contemporary Romance…if only there was an easy way to source that info!

        Like

      5. I know what you mean about indies. But you seem to be doing pretty well finding them. I hear about them on FB or Avid Readers of CF & that’s about it.

        Liked by 1 person

  4. I have Wedding at Sea checked out from the library, I was hoping to read all the series (I own book 2), but I think I want to send it back so I can just focus on Christmas stories the rest of the year. Speaking of, if you get a chance to read Waiting for Gilbert by Tasha Hackett-DO IT! I am LOVING this one!! It is hilarious, and sweet and all the things.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. All my Christmas reading has pushed back some of the books I planned on getting to the last couple of months. I think this is the most Christmas books I’ve ever read in a year! And you just had to go and toss another one my one. Waiting for Gilbert sounds ideal Sigh, and I took the bait. Just downloaded my audible copy. All the Anne references in the synopsis totally sold me! Thanks…I think. 🙂 Happy Reading, Cindy!

      Like

      Reply

      1. Oh Kav, it is amazing! I have an ecopy, but I NEED a paperback for my keeper shelf, LOL! I put it on my Amazon wishlist, so someday 😉 I am not even finished with it yet and I am already ready to read it again, and I am not a huge re-reader! I hope it is just as good in Audible!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Eeeepp — you’ve got me all excited. I’ll start it tomorrow. I’m listening to A Yuletide Carol right now — Regency Christmas story. I should have picked Waiting for Gilbert first, but now I’m committed to my Regency heroine at her god mother’s house party, sooooo….

        Like

  5. Oooh, I want to read Wishtress so badly! I’ve recently read my first book by Nadine Brandes (Fawkes) and I was blown away! I expected to like it, but I didn’t know just how much😍 So more of her books are now DEFINITELY on my radar😁

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I know — Fawkes was fantastic! And Romanov was really good too — a little darker, maybe, but she’s such an imaginative author so why am I dragging with Wishtress? It’s on my TBR pile now and I am not letting her get away this time. Happy Reading, Elly!

      Like

      Reply

  6. Like you, I am very much looking forward to the new Karen Witemeyer release. Also, I took advantage of some Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales and purchased four books for my keeper shelf. Looking forward to later reading, I just reviewed my library holds list. I have The Seaside Homecoming by Julie Klassen, Zeus by W. Bruce Cameron, and a bestselling memoir. It may be late December or January when those actually become available. I rarely pick up a book I put down originally for various reasons. I read mostly fiction but do enjoy learning via good NF.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. I kind of have a separate TBR just for my library books — why do holds always come together in a clump?! I love that your library is so up to date with Julie Klassen books. You inspired me! I actually checked out a memoir — or biography — on C S Lewis. My church library has a really good collection so I thought that might be a way to ease myself into Non Fiction reading. Must remember to make that a goal for 2025. Happy Reading, CC!

      Like

      Reply

  7. Great conversation!! I’m going to try to answer all the questions 🙂

    1. Are there any books you started this year and want to finish?

    Like you Kav, I don’t ever NOT finish a book…unless I can’t get into it or some other reason I DNF. Once I start a book, I read it until it’s done 🙂

    2. Is there a new release you’re still waiting for this year?

    YES!!!! I really, really, really want to read Julie Klassen’s newest one “The Seaside Homecoming”….I know it’s already out but I haven’t obtained a copy yet. I’m dying to know the conclusion of this series….I hate that we had to wait a WHOLE YEAR for it lol!! I’ll probably borrow the eBook from my library….after all the bajillons of other readers get done with it!! There’s like a very loooooong line to wait for it 😀

    3. What 3 books would you like to read before the end of the year?

    The Seaside Homecoming by Julie Klassen, Into the Sunset by Mary Connealy & Of Gold and Shadows by Michelle Griep. That being said…..I’m currently distracted by CHRISTMAS books!!! Specifically all the ones I’ve borrowed from KU (heehee!!) So I don’t think I’ll reach this goal until sometime next year 🙂

    4. Is there a book that could surprise you and become a favourite?

    Huh, I don’t even know how to answer that one. Like you, I already have by TBR pile well established ahead of time with very few “surprise” books sneaking their way in. Sometimes though, I stumble upon books borrowed from Kindle Unlimited that have become “favorites”!

    5. What book have you been putting off reading this year?

    Specters in the Glass House by Jaime Jo Wright. I’ve borrowed it so many times just to return it again! It’s not because I don’t love her writing, because I do, but her books scare me a bit….lol!! Even though I know what to expect….I still hesitate with this one. I can’t tell you why either LOL!

    P.S. I don’t read fantasy so I doubt I would ever pick up a CF one! Even before I became a Christian, I could never get into fantasy books *shurgs*

    6. Have you already started making plans for the new year?

    Well, another question that’s hard to answer LOL! I have made tentative plans for the books I want to read next year….but I can tell you, it doesn’t always work out that way. Too many books & too little time. 😀

    My goal as always each year, is to whittle away at all the HUNDREDS of physical books on my shelf & NOT borrow new ones. Yea….that works really well doesn’t it (not sarcastic at all, ‘eh)?? 😀

    Hope you enjoyed my answers! Just like you and other readers, I love seeing the differing and alike we are as a group of dedicated book lovers 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    2. There are too many books to waste our time on ones that don’t grab our interest. DNF is solid bibliophile strategy. 🙂

      We share the same must read new release! And you’re right, it’s hard to wait a whole year for the next Julie Klassen book, especially when it’s in a series. I’ve read really great things about ‘The Seaside Homecoming’ and I can’t wait to dive in…if only I could pry myself away from Christmas books!

      Eeeeeppp, I just checked out Of Gold and Shadows from the library yesterday! Another book I can’t wait to get to. I bet you discover a lot of surprise indie authors on Kindle Unlimited. That’s a great way to meet new authors.

      I used to read a lot of fantasy when I was a kid and teen and continued with YA rinto adulthood but then they started to have questionable content and that stopped me. I do enjoy a ‘light’ fantasy, I just hesitate to reach for them now for some reason. Maybe it’s the gloomier winter days that is messing with your Spectres reading. Gets darker earlier — very atmospheric but also a little creepy. 🙂

      Wow — 100s of unread books. I’m not quite that bad…though I have maybe 10 audio books waiting to be listened to which is very unusual to me and I still have one hoopla credit left and we’re a week into the month! – also not like me. Then there’s my library pile. And I have two unread physical books I bought but that’s it for my unread books.

      Happy Reading, Trixi, it has been fun getting to know your bookish self better.

      Like

      Reply

  8. Here’s a chance to get really wordy-nerdy! I hope I don’t have a character limit to comment because I think I can answer them all.

    Are there any books you started this year and want to finish?

    What 3 books would you like to read before the end of the year?

    (I’m combining these two questions)

    Cornered by Natalie Walters but I have 2 checked out library books and a Christmas novella that aren’t started but will fall into this category: Low Country Lost by T I Lowe, I Think I was Murdered by Colleen Coble and Rick Acker and Secrets in the Snowstorm by Miranda D. Nelson.

    What book have you been putting off reading this year?

    The Warsaw Sisters by Amanda Barratt but I just bought the Audible, so there’s an incentive. I have no idea why I put it off.

    Have you already started making plans for the new year

    Ha Ha…..yes indeed!

    The Indigo Heiress by Laura Frantz (Jan)

    When Stars Light the Sky by Elizabeth Camden (Jan) (still need to read her new contemporary Summerlin Groves from September)

    Storm Warning by Elizabeth Goddard (Feb)

    Midnight on the Scottish Shore by Sarah Sundin (Feb)

    Break My Fall by Lynn H. Blackburn (March)

    Shattered Sanctuary by Nancy Mehl (March)

    The Curious Inheritance of Blakeley House – Joanna Davidson Politano (April)

    Some Like It Scot by Pepper Basham (April)

    And I was not quite as wordy as I thought! I didn’t have any DNF’s this year but decided to slog through a few less than stellar (in my own opinion) ones that really surprised me because they were well liked. Maybe I was just in a reading slump. I definitely did not read as much this year, as it was a tough family year with the bright spot of my sons wedding. I’m on track to read 65 books this year (more if I complete the ones in the first question) but that does include my Chronological Daily Bible reading.

    Happy Reading to All!!!!!

    Like

    Reply

  9. Bwahahaha! ‘Wordy-nerdy’ I love it!!!! I really loved the novellas in Cornered. I hope these authors make this an annual tradition! Ohhh — The Warsaw Sisters — I was a little wary of it too when I first got it. I think because I knew it would be a heart breaker and you definitely have to be in the right frame of mind to dive into a book like that. It’s excellent, though.

    Eeeeppppp!!! That list of soon to be releases. I can’t even….I need smelling salts and a lie down on my fainting couch after reading that line up! Taking notes, Perrianne!

    It’s such a drag when real life messes up our reading life! Yay for 65 books read. You obviously made the most of the reading time you had.

    Like

    Reply

    1. I forgot my surprise favorite! Carrie Turansky’s A Token of Love….ohhhhh so good. She always writes a intriguing novel, but this one tugs at your heartstrings.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a comment