Did anyone notice that I didn’t make any bookish resolutions this year? That is because I felt I failed miserably last year, and didn’t want to repeat my mistakes. The only challenge I met was the Goodreads challenge. 
All of my self-imposed challenges got lost by the wayside.
#1 Started 2017 with 70% and ended the year with 77% feedback ratio.
#2 I read SIX of the ten titles that have been on my NetGalley and Edelweiss lists the longest.
#3 I only read ONE of the titles on my personal TBR
I’m hoping that 2018 will see these resolutions realized, but I’m not holding my breath.
I was SO GOOD last year with my NetGalley requests. I wanted so badly to get that 80% badge. 
It just seemed that every time I got close, another few books would appear that I had to have, or a publisher sent me a widget that I couldn’t turn down. Weak right?
Well folks, you ain’t seen nothing yet! Talk about weak !!!!! Since I didn’t get the 80% badge, I lost all of my willpower and went on a requesting binge. Yup, you heard…
I received ELEVEN titles from NetGalley in January!
I was invited to read this title by Grand Central Publishing who kindly sent me a NetGalley widget to download the book.
I requested this one. It had these magic words in the blurb: policewoman and Lake District. I was, therefore… helpless…
I requested this one for the magic words “family secrets” and the stunning cover.
I requested this one because many of my fellow book bloggers have praised this author’s work. I have never read anything by Richard Parker, and thought this would be an excellent place to start…
That cover! An Irish setting… I thought it would be a great read for March and “Reading Ireland Month“.
I really enjoyed S.E. Lynes novel “Valentina”, so was intrigued with this title…
Grand Central Publishing sent me a NetGalley widget in the mail. I couldn’t help myself. It’s not my fault…
and… since UNBOUND so very generously granted me auto-approval for their titles in January, I went a little crazy and downloaded FOUR of their titles:
I heard SO much praise for this title in 2017 that I just had to know what the hype was about.
An old house, three generations, three wars…. a trio of timelines with a gothic atmosphere.
Touted as a literary mystery, this police procedural is set in Scotland.
A literary mystery with a hint of the supernatural running through it. This is a book I would probably not chosen for myself, but it was highly recommended by my fellow book blogger Amalia. Her review can be found here. I have a feeling that the cover of this one does it an injustice…
I got THREE digital titles from Edelweiss this month
I didn’t even have to request it. It was available for immediate download. What was I to do when it was just sitting there like that?????
I really enjoyed this author’s “Local girl missing”, so couldn’t help but request this one…
“Death at Whitewater Church” was available for automatic download, without requesting. The first in a series set in Ireland, I couldn’t resist.
So, in summation, I’ve lost all of my willpower and my TBR is overwhelming.
FOURTEEN more review commitments!
I saw this graphic on Facebook and just had to share it. It speaks for itself.
I’m thrilled to announce that Fictionophile now has 2,300 followers!
Thanks so much!
Fictionophile 
I do not set goals for reading, but I do decide on paths to take based on challenges. That way, my ADD does not mess up my goals. I think you did very well. I would love to get my 80% on Netgalley, but like you when I get close, I request more. I read a review and request, I get sent a widget, I jump, I get pre-approved, I request. One of these days. You look like you got some good ones to read though. Have fun.
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Even if you didn’t meet your 2017 goals, you made progress! And a 7% increase in your NG ratio is excellent. Truthfully, I wish I could tap into your resolve for last year. It being the 1st of the month, I’ve managed not to make any requests for the entire month. 😉 Honestly though, I’m going to try and control myself for all of February by channeling your 2017 will power. So on top of progress made, you’re an excellent influence!
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I think your response to the disappointment was absolutely the correct one. And going from 70% to 77% is very impressive!
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I was looking at The Pact book, but haven’t read the author so I’m happy that you had success with her. The Go Ask Fannie I was also eyeing on EW. Maybe I should just give it a go!
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Congratulations on your 2300 followers! Quite the achievement! But your goals? that was probably over-goaled and was one of my problems. Now I throttle back until the goals are way too easy–can’t fail. As for the books you’ve gotten–gees, just looking at the covers–wanted all of them. I can see why you couldn’t refuse. I couldn’t have either!
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I do love your attitude to not meeting that NG goal – I adored The Sewing Machine so can completely understand why you couldn’t miss that one – good luck with enjoying your reading in 2018 goals or no goals 😊
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I’m not surprised your fell hard. Most of those books sound brilliant. I shall look forwrad to your reviews on all 14! 😀
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Gosh, Lynne, you are doing great and just
three percent more and you will have NetGally’s
80% Badge. I loved looking at your new haul
of books but didn’t read further as I would
start adding to my list of books to buy at
Chapters!!!!! Since Christmas I have been on
a binge getting quite a few books on line and
at the book store!! I’m running out of room but
keep purchasing more! Would be worse though
if it was wine 🍷😊
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I was going to try to not have anymore than 20 titles at a time outstanding on NetGalley this year but I have also broken that commitment already in January! But 14, Wow! Some great reading there though. I may have to log in and check out The Missing Wife. I love that cover! 😊
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Zoe when I fall off the wagon, I fall HARD. LOL
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Congratulations on getting 2,300 followers! Looking forward to hearing what you think of your new reads.
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Thanks a lot. I’m sure I’ve bitten off more than I can chew…
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103 books – wow! Great results
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Thanks for emphasizing the positive rather than the negative. LOL
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I cannot wait to read you review on ”Mr Woodreave’s Reflection”’:)
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I’m looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the recommendation.
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