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2026 Bookish Books Reading Challenge (hosted by Yours Truly)

My Progress:


30 / 30 bookish books. 100% done!

2026 Cover Lovers Reading Challenge (hosted by Yours Truly)

2026 Cover Lovers Reading Challenge (hosted by Yours Truly)

My Progress:


46 / 50 books. 92% done!

2026 Literary Escapes Challenge

- Alabama
- Alaska (1)
- Arizona (2)
- Arkansas (1)
- California (8)
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- Delaware
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- Washington, D.C.*

International:

- Australia (7)
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- England (24)
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- France (1)
- Ireland (3)
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- Mexico (1)
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My Progress:


43 / 51 states. 84% done!

2026 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

My Progress:


25 / 25 books. 100% done!

2026 POPSUGAR Reading Challenge

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34 / 50 books. 68% done!

Booklist Queen's 2026 Reading Challenge

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40 / 52 books. 77% done!

2026 52 Club Reading Challenge

My Progress:


37 / 52 books. 71% done!

2026 Build Your Library Reading Challenge

My Progress:


25 / 40 books. 63% done!

2026 Craving for Cozies Reading Challenge

My Progress:


30 / 51 cozies. 59% done!

2026 Medical Examiner Mystery Reading Challenge

2026 Mount TBR Reading Challenge

My Progress


25 / 25 books. 100% done!

2026 Around the Year in 52 Books Reading Challenge

My Progress


45 / 52 books. 87% done!

Shelf Reflection Candy Reading Challenge for Kids (and Adults)

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59 / 65 books. 91% done!

2026 Countdown Reading Challenge

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55 / 55 books. 100% done!

2026 Series Reading Challenge


25 / 36 books. 69% done!

Dragon Rambles' Law of Fives Bingo

Dragon Rambles' Law of Fives Bingo

My Progress:


74 / 125 books. 59% done!

2026 Southern Literary Reading Challenge

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18 / 20 books. 90% done!

2026 Reading Challenge (by Linz the Bookworm)

My Progress:


41 / 60 books. 68% done!

2026 Pioneer Book Reading Challenge

2026 Pioneer Book Reading Challenge

My Progress:


10 / 40 books. 25% done!

European Reading Challenge 2026

My Progress:


7 / 50 books. 14% done!

2017 Pick Your Poison Reading Challenge (retired challenge - doing old boards for fun)

My Progress:


80 / 125 books. 64% done!

2026 Reading Challenge Addict Reading Challenge

My Progress:


4 / 5 challenges. 80% done!

The 100 Most Common Last Names in the U.S. Reading Challenge

My Progress:


98 / 100 names. 98% done!

The Life Skills Reading Challenge

My Progress:


76 / 80 skills. 95% done!
Showing posts with label Canada. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Canada. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Top Ten Tuesday: The Most Memorable Places I've Visited


Today's Top Ten Tuesday prompt is: Non-bookish Freebie. You can make a list about literally anything as long as it doesn't have to do with books (unless you really want it to be about books—that's okay, too). My mind always goes blank when confronted with freebie topics, especially if they're not about reading, so I did a slight twist on Jana's idea from the last time we did this prompt: Top Ten Most Memorable Places I've Visited. In the many years I've been doing TTT, this is a topic I've never done. Woo hoo!

As always, this fun weekly blogging event is hosted by the lovely Jana over at That Artsy Reader Girl.

Top Ten Most Memorable Places I've Visited

I'm not the most well-traveled person in the world, but I added it up and, not counting the United States where I live, I've visited nine countries (eleven if you add in airport layovers in Peru and Japan). I'll cross two more—Jordan and Israel—off in December, provided our tour doesn't get cancelled. In addition, I've been to 33 of the 50 U.S. states, plus Washington, D.C. In October, I'll be visiting three new-to-me Southern states, which will put me at 36. I've been around a little bit, so I thought it would be fun to share the ten most memorable places I've visited in my country and around the world. In no particular order, they are:


1. The Columbia River Gorge (southwestern Washington and northwestern Oregon, U.S.A.)—I'm a bit biased having been born and reared in this GORGEous National Scenic Area, but it really is a stunning place featuring majestic Mt. Hood, the glittering Columbia River, lush forests, gushing waterfalls, and more.

Runners-up in Oregon: the rugged coast, especially Astoria and Tillamook


2. Basilique du Sacré-CÅ“ur de Montmarte (Paris, France)—This beautiful basilica sits atop a hill, giving it a sweeping view of Paris, especially if you climb up the steep, claustrophobic stairs to the dome. The view at the top is almost as breath-stealing as the hike to get there!

Runner-up in Paris: the Palace of Versailles


3. Boracay Island (the Philippines)—White sand beaches, crystal clear water, swaying palm trees...what could be more relaxing? Ahhh...take me back!

Runner-up in the Philippines: Camiguin Island


4. Capilano Suspension Bridge (Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)—My maternal grandmother's second husband (who also happened to by my grandfather's first cousin) was Canadian. They lived in the Vancouver area before he died in the early 1990s, so I visited them there many times as a kid. This suspension bridge and the park that surrounds it was one of my family's favorite attractions there.

Runner-up in Canada: beautiful Victoria, British Columbia


5. Vietnam Veterans Memorial (Washington, D.C., U.S.A.)—Washington, D.C., is full of interesting, important sites, but the one that stands out to me is this one. My uncle was killed in the war when he was just 22 and seeing his name on that vast wall along with all the other fallen soldiers is just...sobering. I've been there twice and was equally moved by the experience both times.

Runner-up in Washington, D.C.: the gorgeous Library of Congress 


6. Whitby (England, Yorkshire, U.K.)—My mother's maiden name is Whitby and, while none of us has ever been able to make a connection between the city and our family, she has always wanted to check it out. I have, too, so last year on a trip to the U.K., my husband and I made a point to stop there. We spent a fun day exploring the old town, strolling its cobblestone streets, shopping in cute boutiques, climbing the 199 steps to see the Abbey ruins and cemetery, and enjoying the stunning views from up high.

Runners-up in England: Chester, the Lake District, and the Dales


7. Dunn's River Falls (Ocho Rios, Jamaica)—This mighty waterfall is a big tourist attraction and, no wonder, it's awesome!

Runner-up in Jamaica: the beaches (I haven't seen much of Jamaica, honestly. Both times I've been there, I mostly stuck around the resort.)


8. Castell Conwy (Conwy, Wales, U.K.)—After a whirlwind two-week family trip to England, Scotland, Wales, and Paris in 2021, I asked my kids what their favorite part of our vacation was and they both said Castell Conwy. Conwy is a vibrant market town with a scenic riverside setting. My kids had a blast running all over the grounds of Castell Conwy, exploring the ruins. The views from the castle's towers are simply spectacular.

Runner-up in Wales: Snowdonia


9. Culzean Castle (Ayrshire, Scotland, U.K.)—My father's ancestors come from the proud Clan Kennedy of Ayrshire. Of all the clan's castles, Culzean is the grandest and most beautiful. Its clifftop setting is as picturesque as can be.

Runners-up in Ayrshire: Dunure Castle and Turnberry Lighthouse (even though its owned by He Who Shall Not Be Named, the grounds are open to the public and the views are stunning)


10. Salto del Laja/Laja Falls (south central Chile)—Although the most memorable site I visited in Chile was the El Chiflon del Diablo under-the-ocean mine in Lota, it was an uncomfortable and rather terrifying experience, so I'm going to highlight this lovely waterfall instead. It was much more pleasant. 

Runner-up in Chile: the scenic Bio Bio River, which reminds me of the Columbia River (see #1)

There you go, ten of the most memorable places I've been. Have you traveled to any of them? Where are the most memorable spots you have visited? I'd love to know. Leave me a comment on this post and I will gladly return the favor on your blog.

Happy TTT!

Photo credits: Almost all of these photos were taken by my husband.

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Top Ten Tuesday: Places I've Visited So Often In Books That I Might As Well Live There


Since travelling has been so restricted of late, I'm sure I'm not the only one who's itching to jet off to some exotic locale just for a change of scenery!  I've done a little bit of world traversing in real life, but I've experienced a whole lot more through books.  As Emily Dickinson famously wrote, "There is no frigate like a book to take us lands away..."  

Today's Top Ten Tuesday topic concerns Places In Books Where I'd Want to Live.  Since I read mostly mystery/thriller type books, this is kind of a tough one!  I've learned through many a murder mystery (especially cozies) that no place in the world is entirely safe and idyllic.  Murder and mayhem can happen anywhere—even in sleepy little towns where nothing ever happens.  So, I'm going to twist today's TTT a little bit and tell you about the Top Ten Places I Visit So Often in Books That I Might As Well Live There.  Since I read mostly realistic fiction, I'm going to concentrate on places that actually exist on the map (no Narnia or Hogwarts this time around, I'm afraid).  

If you want to join in the TTT fun, click on over to That Artsy Reader Girl for all the details.

Top Ten Places I Visit So Often in Books That I Might As Well Live There:


1.  Scotland—I have strong Scottish roots, so it's no surprise that I love to connect with the country through fiction.  If all goes well, I'll be there in person this Fall.  Can't wait to finally see its beauty with my own eyes!  Favorite Scottish Authors/Authors Who Write About Scotland:  Jenny Colgan, Peter May, Anna Lee Huber, etc.


2.  Canada—My American grandmother lived in the Vancouver area while I was growing up, so I've been to the Great White North many times.  I'd love to visit other parts of the country, however, including Prince Edward Island (famously portrayed in the Anne of Green Gables series), Nova Scotia (where my Scottish ancestors landed after leaving their homeland), Quebec (Three Pines is fictional, but still...), Banff, and more.  Favorite Canadian Authors/Authors Who Write About Canada:  L.M. Montgomery, Louise Penny, Kelley Armstrong, etc.


3.  Maine, U.S.A.—Although I have stepped foot in Maine, it was only just over the border.  We spent about an hour there, most of which was in an International House of Pancakes (IHOP) restaurant.  I know there's more to see in The Pine Tree State than waffles!  Books always make it sound like a moody, broody, mysterious place.  Its craggy coastline looks amazingly beautiful in pictures.  Just the other day, my husband and I started planning a trip to visit Maine (where he has ancestral roots) and Nova Scotia (where I do).  Famous Maine Authors/Authors Who Write About Maine:  Stephen King, Cynthia Lord, Rory Power, Sarah Graves, etc.  


4.  Antarctica—Okay, so I've actually only read a few books set in Antarctica and it's not a place I would actually want to visit or live (because I'm a big wimp and also, brrrrrrr), BUT it's a fascinating land to investigate from the safety of my nice, warm home.  Its rugged, dangerous landscape makes a perfect setting for the mysteries, thrillers, and survival novels I love so much.  Favorite Antarctica books:  The Split by Sharon Bolton and My Last Continent by Midge Raymond


5.  Australia—Although a lot of the Australia books I've read are gritty mysteries set against a dry, dusty Down Under backdrop that is perfect for murder, mayhem, and apocalyptic disasters, I know there's a lot more to this wondrous country.  I'd love to see its unique landscape, wildlife, and culture for myself.  Favorite Australian Authors/Authors Who Write About Australia:  Jane Harper, Liane Moriarty, Tea Cooper, Kate Morton, etc.


6.  Ohio, U.S.A.—I do have ancestral roots in Ohio, but it's mere coincidence (or is it??) that I spend a lot of my reading hours in The Buckeye State.  Several of my favorite cozy and historical mystery series are set here.  I've been to northern Ohio, but my ancestors settled more to the south, so there are still places in the state I'd like to visit.  Favorite Ohioan Authors/Authors Who Write About Ohio:  Amanda Flower, Vivien Chien, Jess Montgomery, etc.


7.  North Carolina, U.S.A.—This is a state in which I have no roots and to which I have never gone.  Somehow, though, I end up reading a lot of books set here.  Why is North Carolina such a popular fictional setting?  Not a clue.  Favorite North Carolinan Authors/Authors Who Write About North Carolina:  Diane Chamberlain, Cindy Baldwin, Charles Frazier, etc. 


8.  England—Many Americans have a strong connection to England and I'm no exception (24% of my DNA, says Ancestry).  I've traveled all over the country, from London to Cornwall to the Isle of Man to Liverpool.  At least in books.  In September (fingers crossed), I'll visit the Motherland for real for the first time in my life.  Yippee!  Favorite English Authors/Authors Who Write About England:  Gilly Macmillan, Ruth Ware, Sharon Bolton, Elly Griffiths, etc.


9.  Ireland—With a maiden name like Kennedy, you'd think I'd be more Irish than I am (20%).  Still, I've always loved reading about The Emerald Isle.  Everything—from its craggy landscape to its dreary weather to its rich culture—just speaks to my soul.  It's not on the itinerary for our upcoming U.K. trip, but hopefully I'll get there someday!  Favorite Irish Authors/Authors Who Write About Ireland:  Tana French, Jane Casey, Dervla McTiernan, Maeve Binchy, etc.


10.  New York, U.S.A.—If you take a gander at my right sidebar, you'll see that I keep track of the places where the books I read are set.  Guess which U.S. state I've visited most in fiction?  New York!  Tons of books are set there, which really isn't surprising since it's such a colorful, diverse place.  I've been to NYC (noisy) and upstate (peaceful) and I can't think of any other place in the state that I really want to go.  I did recently discover the Shauna Merchant mystery series by Tessa Wegert, though, and the Thousand Islands region sounds lovely.  Favorite New York Authors/Authors Who Write About New York:  Tessa Wegert, Jacqueline Woodson, Riley Sager, Carol GoodmanA.J. Finn, etc.

There you go with the ten places I visit so often in my reading that I might as well live there!  Which locales do you enjoy reading about?  Which other books/series/authors do you love that fit the categories above?  I'd truly love to know.  Leave me a comment on this post and I will gladly return the favor on your blog.

Happy TTT!       

Monday, October 10, 2011

Caution: Don't Blink, You Might Miss Something

(Image from Barnes & Noble)

Living on the streets of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, has taught 16-year-old Brent Conboy (aka "Blink") a thing or two. Like how to score a free breakfast. Picking uneaten morsels off room service trays left outside hotel room doors is lucrative enough to take the risk of getting caught. One day, though, he bites off more than he can chew. A lot more. After witnessing what turns out to be the kidnapping of an important CEO, Blink makes a crucial mistake: he gets involved.

Blink's not sure what exactly he saw outside of the CEO's hotel room, but it didn't look to him like Jack Niven was taken by force. The businessman appeared to be calm, unharmed. That's all Blink means to tell Jack's daughter when she calls on the Blackberry her father left behind - he doesn't want to start talking to her, doesn't want to be confiding in her, and, most of all, doesn't want to trust her. Except he does. As much as Blink needs to walk away, he has to help Alyson Niven find her father and not just because he feels bad for her, but because she'll pay him to do it.

Things get even more complicated when Blink meets Kitty "Caution" Pettigrew, a snarky 16-year-old on the run from her drug dealer boyfriend. Kitty's got all the street smarts Blink lacks and she's willing to help him find Niven. For a price. Without her, he may not be able to pull the whole thing off. But can he trust yet another girl he hardly knows? Or will his plan backfire, landing Blink in jail or worse - six feet under?

Blink & Caution, a new YA novel by prolific children's writer Tim Wynne-Jones, is one of those can't-put-it-down, edge-of-your-seat thrill rides that leaves you breathless with all its heart-stopping twists and turns. And yet, it's not the adrenaline rush that makes the book so compelling. It's the intertwining stories of Blink and Caution, two wounded souls who find redemption in each other. Although the mystery itself gets predictable, I enjoyed Blink & Caution's quick pace, the characters, and the storytelling (although the voice in Blink's sections takes a little getting used to). I haven't read anything else by Wynne-Jones, but that's about to change.

(Readalikes: Reminded me a little bit of The Client by John Grisham)

Grade: B

If this were a movie, it would be rated: R for strong language, violence, and some sexual innuendo/content

To the FTC, with love: I received an ARC of Blink & Caution from the generous folks at Candlewick Press. Thank you!

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