My year in books for 2019 and 2020's TBR list

My TBR list received a considerable dent this year but the influx of new books also grew. 

I discovered an old post on my blog today and realised that I am still behind.  Even after reaching my goal on Goodreads of reading a 100 books and surpassing it I remain behind. Even with these books, I mention in this post I still have several lists to get through. 

Do you guys also keep lists somewhere other than Goodreads? 

I have sorted my planner, planned almost aggressively and tried to stick to it but there was always room for another to fit in. I am not sure if I must be ashamed or laugh about it. But that's the life of a dedicated reader I suppose. 

So here is an updated list of the old ones back in 2018. If you have followed this blog you would recognise some of them. There are a few books that I didn't finish - some books were just that bad. This doesn't happen often and it is a shame but I can only take it that far and rather give a bad review delete it completely. Some I went ahead and bought the rest of the series, and read it. Meaning the list had to wait. 

Each of us understands what books mean to us and why it is important to have them in our lives. Without them, we feel lost, missing something bigger than ourselves... forming a big part of our ideas, thoughts and yes, the way forward. 

My wish is that your own list grows with rapid awareness of all the literature available and be inspired in your daily walk. May you find peace within the pages of each book and find your own purpose.

Do you have a list that you can share? 

                                            BOOKS TO REVIEW 

 

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Here are some of my books for next year 

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Love beyond Time by Bethany Claire: A review

It began nearly four hundred years ago. The Conall clan and all their people were murdered in a surprise attack, their beloved castle and all evidence of who destroyed them burned to the ground with their bodies. In the centuries following, archaeologists searched through the ruins looking for any evidence of what or who had caused the untimely demise of such a powerful Scottish clan. All efforts were fruitless until a spell put in place by an ancient Conall ancestor finally began to work its magic...

Texas kindergarten teacher, Brielle Montgomery, finds comfort in the mundane routines of her life, but when her archaeologist mother asks her to accompany her on a dig in Scotland, she decides to step out of her comfort zone. Once in Scotland, they discover a secret spell room below the castle ruins, and Bri finds herself transported back in time and suddenly married to the castle's ill-fated Laird. Now, she must work to change the fate of his people, all while trying to find a way to return to her home and century. But with each passing day, Bri finds herself falling more deeply in love with her new husband. If she can find a spell to bring her home, will she use it? And if she stays, will it ultimately mean her own death as well?

Goodreads

I downloaded this book during a promotion on Amazon.

A good story, filled with mystery and deceit. 1645 would not have ended well for the Conall clan if it was not for Adelle and Bri. A tale filled with romance that stretched beyond time.

I found the book at times repetitive and to much tell instead of show. Stating obvious stopped the flow at times. Otherwise a good plot with beautiful scenes. The Laird of Conall was, in the beginning, a real hothead, not listening at all. I found it irritating but later he became a leader with good qualities ready to lead. Mary's character was a bit overbearing, giving to much away. It felt at times as if the author thought we could not discern for ourselves and that a Mary should explain it to us. She became more a pain in the story than a supporter. Maybe it was intended, not sure.

But, it is a good book I can recommend to lovers of time-travel and mystery. 

Fundraising and distribution of books - An author's dream.

Fundraising is a difficult medium but yet attainable. You are pioneered into a new bracket which #empowers you to build on your own dreams. 

Our #Dreams shapes us. Dreams Empower us to take the next step and be the person we have envisioned. I have many dreams but the reason for this fundraising is to accomplish one of the many. I am in no position to go to any financial institution to get the required amount I need for the #distribution of my books. The reason I am #exposing myself to every reader who shares the same heart as me. Like-minded in our quest to hold a #book of our own on our hands. 

Words are the common bond that helps us to accomplish and reach out. #Words bring comfort, healing and are in general a blessing. But words can also break and destroy. In books, we learn the trappings, social skills, and reactions when faced with different scenarios. It enables us to become better. It is then that we walk in our creative #purpose. The motivational directives we receive gives us the courage to walk the road of life. I have found that even the #unexpected reads prepare me whether it is fiction or non-fiction. 

For bookworms, it is important to hold a physical book in their hands instead of reading it on an electronic device. A book is #authentic. It fits perfectly into your life; you can sit anywhere and enjoy the feel and smell of it while turning the page. With a book in hand, you are never alone. A true companion that never judges or condemns you. It gives you identity, joy and lifts your spirit. It inspires us and keeps us on our toes. It is an #intimate journey that no one can understand except another bookworm. It is #designed with the sole purpose to center us and entertain us. People that read are richer than those that don't read.

Books are my creative purpose. I am #passionate about books. My entire life circles around it. Since a young age, I was reading. My very first book was a historical documentary about Hiroshima. I was 13years old. I discovered a world outside my world which elevated me. I discovered Konsalik in our local library and read all his books which were translated into Afrikaans. From there on I discovered more authors and became engrossed with books. Then I learned to read English and my world expanded even more. I have filled diaries - boxes full of diaries - with thoughts, experiences, feelings, and views. 

The writing process #enables me to speak what is in my heart and to reach people on a one to one basis. Our #voices are the very echoes of our hearts. At the age of forty-five, I started to write seriously. During that difficult time when I lost all earthly possessions, it grounded me like nothing else. Words became my solace and comfort. Creating characters and stories gives me the endorsement to walk this life with confidence. Our words bring worlds together creating new worlds so where we get lost in the stories of fictional people. It gives us meaning and clarity in our own search. Without books, our lives would be empty.

Since 2012, when my first book, A Pirate’s Wife was published I had this dream to hold my own book in my hands, but it never realized. I have walked a road of discouragement and pain. I have made mistakes but each step after that empowered me. I have published 3 after that and is busy with book number 5. I have written short stories, articles, and motivational articles. I have been a radio presenter where I talked to single women. Through it all I empowered myself but the financial side kept on being a dream. With your donation, I will achieve not only the printing of my books but it will help me to move towards another goal of mine, financial independence. 

In August of this year (2019) I had the opportunity to distribute my books through a well-known distributor in my country, South Africa. For a self-published author, this doesn't happen. And they not only opened the doors for me but to every client, I brought in. I was excited and apprehensive at the same time but continued in faith. I signed the contract and proclaimed this my year to see it happen. 

The pre-orders make it possible for me to accomplish it but I need to print these books. The account is on me. The cost of all four books is R65 000 excluding VAT, which is a total of R74 750. To me, it is a staggering amount. Since I am busy with book 5, which is a 200k book, proofreading and printing costs would be just as expensive. This is the reason I started with the fundraising. In my search to achieve this goal, I have read many testimonies on how it helped and opened doors to them. 

My story is not unique but the fact that I refuse to sit down and stay down sets me apart from others. This is a learning curve for me. To get out of your box and think differently is a whole new experience, especially when you don't like to talk about yourself. I definitely learn to be more open and out there; marketing myself. A big step in an even bigger world when there is so much competition. Your donation will empower me and enable me to achieve more than just the print of the book. It will set me on the path of financial independence so that I can continue on this road with confidence.

Lynelle's Books
A Pirate's Wife - Historical Fiction - Free in Kindle
Bella's Choice - Contemporary Romance - $1.99 in Kindle
Blood Mines - Futuristic Thriller - $1.99 Kindle
GedagteKringe - Afrikaanse Bundel - Free in Kindle 

Currently, I am busy with Love at war. It consists of three parts that take you from the streets of Pretoria to Iraq and Sudan and end in the United States. It is a mixture of interesting characters, each dealing with their own inner pain. It is close to finish and will then be sent to a proofreader. 

This is not the final cover.

Part 1 - Hope in conflict

Part 2 - Love at War

Part 3 - Faith Justified

By clicking on the Gogetfunding link you will be taken directly to the site. 

I have posted more photos and links on there for your convenience.

You have a choice to donate via PayPal or Visa.

 Thank you for your donation. 

My dream of being a bestselling author is just a paperback away.

Books are essential to our everyday life.

For bookworms, it is important to hold a physical book in their hands instead of reading it on an electronic device. I know, as a book reviewer I oblige authors and read in the various formats available on my laptop. It is easier and quicker, but it is not the same. A book is authentic. It fits perfectly into your life; you can sit anywhere and enjoy the feel and smell of it while turning the page.

Since 2012, when my first book, A Pirate’s Wife was published I had this dream to hold my own book in my hands, but it never realized. No matter how much I tried to find a permanent position or tried to save it stayed a dream.

Then, in August of this year (2019) I had the opportunity to distribute my books through a well-known distributor in my country, South Africa. And they not only opened the doors for me but to every client, I brought in. I was excited and apprehensive at the same time when I plunged ahead. In faith, I signed the contract and proclaimed this my year to see it happen.

Since then I could print a few books of each but like with everything else you need to sell quantities to really make money from it. Since this is my only source of income, I am moving ahead to get the ball rolling. My clients are already in the network while I sit on the sidelines wishing, I could print my books. This is where my quest for fundraising comes in.

I started with the fundraising in October 2019 but since it didn’t reach the required amount, I decided to extend it without a deadline until the target has been reached, including my new book's distribution costs as well.

   

 

This is a learning curve for me. To get out of your box and think differently is a whole new experience, especially when you don't like to talk about yourself. But circumstances forced me to do this, even if I don't like it. I definitely learn to be more open and out there, marketing myself. A big step in an even bigger world when there is so much competition. 

Lynelle's Books

A Pirate's Wife - Historical Fiction - Free in Kindle
Bella's Choice - Contemporary Romance - $1.99 in Kindle
Blood Mines - Futuristic Thriller - $1.99 Kindle
GedagteKringe - Afrikaanse Bundel - Free in Kindle 

24 Slides.com

Here are the rewards when you contribute to this live event.

(Please note that the exchange rate given was on the day it was converted. Verify it again.) $1 = R14.75 05 November 2019

Every dollar or Rand will bring me closer to the realization of having my book not only in my hands but every other readers' hand that like to hold their own book.

Donate $5.00 (R75) Or More Every five dollars you give you will be mentioned in my books.

Donate $70.00 (R1 025) Or More Receive 2 Books of your choice, signed

Donate $75.00 (R1 110) Or More You can take part in the new cover changes for Blood Mines and receive a copy.

Donate $150.00 (R2 215) Or More Receive all 4 books, signed

Donate $500.00 (R7 380) Or More Be a character in my new book, Love at War, A Family Trilogy.

This is not the final cover.

Donate $1000.00 (R14 755) Or More Be a character and receive all 4 published books plus the newest one, Love at War, A Family Trilogy.

Love at War consists of three parts

Part 1 - Hope in conflict

Part 2 - Love at War

Part 3 - Faith Justified

It is an inspirational story and quite long. I require a few characters. But the story is basically ready and in need of a good proofreader. 

By clicking on the Gogetfunding link you will be taken directly to the site. 

I have posted more photos and links on there for your convenience.

You have a choice to donate via PayPal or Visa.

It is easy and safe.

 Thank you for considering and donating. 

The Vagabond by Frank Rautenbach

F

rank Rautenbach het Suid-Afrika vir Los Angeles verlaat met sterre in sy oë. Na suksesvolle sukses met Egoli, 7de laan en films soos Geloof soos Aartappels en die Bang Bang-klub, het hy gedink die wêreld was sy oester. Na jare van probeer en meer as 10 000 kilometer rite na een mislukte oudisie na die ander moes Frank 'n behoorlike werk kry wat kos op sy tafel kon sit. Hy het uiteindelik 'n taxi bestuurder in Los Angeles geword, en toe die werk verloor. Uiteindelik het Frank ʼn kerk skoonmaker geword. Maar Frank het verraai gevoel, God het hom ʼn lewe van oorvloed belowe, waarom het hy dit nog nie ontvang nie? Frank het gevoel dat al God se beloftes tot niks gekom het nie, hy was kwaad en skaam. Frank moes leer dat hy nie God kon vra om al hierdie drome waar te maak nie. Hy is in God se diens en nie andersom nie. Die lewe gaan nie oor hom nie, dit gaan oor God. Soek eers die koningkryk van God en die res sal bygevoeg word. ‘n Inspireerende verhaal waarby ons almal iets kan leer.

Goodreads / Amazon

Synopsis

After starring in TV series like Egoli, 7de Laan and movies like The Bang Bang Club and Faith like Potatoes, Frank Rautenbach left for Hollywood, Los Angeles, with big dreams. However, after driving more than 10 000 kilometers from one failed audition to the next, Frank had to find a job - a proper job to put food on the table. Had all God's promises come to nothing? The Vagabond is Frank's searingly honest story of falling down and standing up again, showing that we will find our true joy only in the real and living God.