You all know me by now~ I LOVE TO READ!  So, when I saw that Trish over at A Joyful Heart was hosting this Winter Reading Challenge, I really had no choice but to participate.  I'm going to be reading anyway, so I might as well set some goals for myself.  Most of my reading revolves around my reviews.  Here's my list of books to be read before March 17th (when the challenge closes):

1. Captivating by John & Staci Eldredge~ seriously, how long has this book been "on my nightstand"?!  I really do pick it up and read parts of it here and there~ I promise!  I just can't seem to read through it.  The truth of the matter is that I'll always pick a fiction book over non-fiction.  When I saw that Lisa Whelchel was using this book for her latest Mom Time Book Club, I decided to join in~ maybe I'll actually get it finished! *I took this book off "my nightstand" here on my blog.  I'm feeling overwhelmed with all my reading and reviewing and something just had to go.  I know I'll actually sit down and finish this book sometime, but now isn't the time.
2. Masterpiece of Joy by Bobbi Grubb~ this is my current read.  I'm about 1/2 way through this book where Bobbi shares her adoption story.  Watch my blog for an up-and-coming review of this book. *I finished this book and posted a review here.
3. 101 Cups of Water by C.D.Baker~ this book is a devotional-type book.  I'm reading through it and will be featuring a review as well as a few words from the author and a book giveaway on my blog on Monday, January 21st.  You may have heard this book promoted on your local radio station~ if so, be sure to come back here and sign up for your chance to win a copy! *another book finished~ go here for the giveaway information~ entries accepted through 1/22.
4. Sisters, Ink by Rebeca Seitz~ I'm really excited about this  book as it just looks plain fun!  The cover appeals to me as it reminds me of a scrapbook page~ done up in shades of brown, light blue, and lime green.  Doesn't that just scream fun to you?!  Check back on February 1st~ I'll be posting the first chapter here on my blog~ with a review to follow on the 6th. *finished this one~ watch for the review on February 6th.
5. Healing Stones by Stephen Arterburn & Nancy Rue~ I've been familiar with Nancy Rue's books for the teen set, but haven't read anything she's written for adults~ I'm anxious to read this book, which is #1 in a series called Sullivan Crisp.  I'll share my thoughts on this one on February 11th.  *this was an excellent book!  I posted a review on February 11th.
6. Stuck in the Middle by Virginia Smith~ I recently read another of Virginia's book and enjoyed it, so I'm looking forward to this one too.  Check back on February 27th for my thoughts and more information about this  book.  *this book will be the CFBA featured book TOMORROW, so watch for it. 
7. The Middle Place  by Kelly Corrigan~ this book is a memoir, mostly about being in that place where you're a parent and a child at the same time.  This one looks like it could be a tear-jerker.  I'll be sharing my thoughts on this one~ just haven't set a date in stone yet. *I'm sorry to report that I didn't like this book, so I didn't finish it!  I did post my thoughts on it here on my blog.  I ended up giving it away on Bookmooch. 
8. The Restorer by Sharon Hinck~ ok, this one might be a hard read for me, so don't hate me if I can't get through it~ remember; me and fantasy don't always mix too well~ but, alas, I am determined to try!  If you love fantasy, check back on March 1st for the first chapter of this book.  *I'm crossing this one off even though I didn't read it.  I did post the first chapter of this one on March 1st (but the book came late and I didn't have time to read it before that time).
9. Only Uni by Camy Tang~ I'm anxious to read the 2nd installment in Camy's Sushi for One series. Not only will I be sharing my thoughts on this book on March 15th, but Camy has agreed to do a Guest Blog Spot here on my blog in honor of my birthday~ March 20th, which just so happens to also be the first day of spring!  I'm sure she'll come up with something clever and fun, so be sure to come and visit that day!  Maybe I'll even have a birthday gift to give away to my readers!    *this was a great follow up to Camy's first book Sushi for One.  I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to Camy's guest post here on my blog~ less than a month away!
10. Truffles by the Sea by Julie Carobini~ this one looks like another very fun book!  Anything involving the beach and chocolate has got to be a good read!  I'll be sure to let you know my thoughts on March 5th. *I just finished this one the other night.  Very good.  I have my thoughts saved in draft form~ come back to read them on the 5th!
11. The Perfect Life by Robin Lee Hatcher~ I always enjoy Robin's books and this one looks like it will be another good one.  Wanna know more?  Check back on March 10th.  *Excellent book~ review was posted on March 10th, along with a fun interview with the author.
12. Sweet Caroline by Rachel Hauck~ for now, I'll call this the "last book" in my Winter Reading Challenge, and I'll share my thoughts on March 12th.  *Review was posted~ I enjoyed this book also.
13. Death of a Six-Foot Teddy Bear by Sharon Dunn~ book tour and giveaway coming on February 18th *OK, this book wasn't really what I expected.  I shared my thoughts, along with a contest on the 18th~ only one person signed up~ nobody must have been too attracted to this one! 
14. Closer Than Your Skin by Susan D. Hill~ book tour and giveaway coming on February 25th *this was a really good book.  I would encourage anyone reading this post to go and sign up for my giveaway~ you have until Thursday morning to sign up~ I have 2 copies to give away!
15. The Next Level by David Gregory~  I finished this one in just one day.  I'll be sharing my thoughts and  giving away 1 copy on March 10th.  Be sure to check  back!
16. Lucky Foot Stables Series (books 1-3) by JoAnn S. Dawson~ I received these  books for review and also got an extra set to give away during my upcoming COUNTDOWN TO SPRING CONTEST.  Check back for the details in March (next week!)  Gracie and I are reading through these together during our school reading time.  *Gracie and I finished the first book in this series and have started on the second one.  Review to be posted today, or sometime this week.

And, I'm thinking that will be quite enough to keep me busy for the winter.  If not, I have some other books on my shelf that are waiting to be read.  If I get to any of them, I'll be sure to come back and edit this list.  Sometime, on or before March 17th, I'll share my final thoughts on the challenge. 

Edited 1/20/08~ I have a few more books to add to this list.   I'm going to cross out the ones that I've finished since posting this, and add comments. 

Edited 2/26/08~ I have more books to cross off~ and a few more to add.  Wow, I'm really doing quite well with the Winter Challenge!  So many books, so little time!

Edited 3/17/08~ As the Winter Reading Challenge comes to a close, I wanted to take one last time to update my list.  I pretty much met my goal of reading all the books on my list for winter.  Now, it's time to be starting my list for Spring!

Share Your Thoughts

Jan. 13, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by crysnrod

Wow Heidi that is a great list! I just got a book today and that one book will probably take me all winter! LOL
Love ya,
Crystal

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Jan. 20, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

That is a very wonderful list! Good luck with finishing everything and gleaning something from each choice!

Blessings,

Sherry

http://bestofallbooks.blogspot.com/2008/01/winter-reading-challenge.html

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Jan. 26, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by andijeane

Wow - that's quite a list! Captivating is on my reading wish list, and I keep forgetting to get it. I saw a few other titles that look really good too. Thanks for sharing!

Andrea
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/andijeane/466498/

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Feb. 11, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Trish @ A Joyful Heart

Heidi, wow! I'm impressed ~ you have a great list. Thanks for participating in the Winter Reading Challenge!

Blessings,
Trish

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