The Borrowed Rose's 2020 Reading List

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Happy New Year, 2020!

Last year I decided to track what I read each month.  As I review the list, I realize that I don't have quite as much diversity in my genre selections as I'd like.  So this year, I'm taking a new approach to grow the variety of genres that I ingest.  Sure, I'll still throw in random picks, because, you know, you get an itch for a particular something every once in a while.

I have a monthly list of books I'll be tackling for general fiction and a few "business" selections.  I also have 12 Beauty and the Beast choices, that I'd love to share with you.  I typically lean towards retellings that are fantasy in nature. This year, I'd like to read a few retellings that are yes, fantastical, because the fairy tale is that, but in a different setting--contemporary, for example.

So, in no particular order:
updated 6/28/20

  • Of Beast and Beauty by Stacey Jay - read
  • Masque by W.R. Gringell - read
  • Lord of Scoundrels by Loretta Chase
  • Beauty & the Billionaire by Lauren Landish - read
  • Beauty & the Dragon - Melody Rose
  • The Lost Letter by Mimi Matthews - read
  • If you Deceive by Kresley Cole - read
  • Vixen and the Vet by Katy Regnery
  • Beau & the Beast by Kay Simons
  • Heart's Blood by Juliette Marillier - read
  • Belle:  An Amish Retelling by Sarah Price - read
  • The Bloody Chamber by Angel Carter (a dark retelling to read in October)

I'll let you know if there are any in particular that really catch my fancy.  I've also been taking light notes about how retellings incorporate, reflect or use the core elements that make it a Beauty and the Beast tale, such as the beast transforming, father's situation, roses, etc.  After a year of paying attention to Beauty and the Beast retellings, I'm more sensitive to how a story reflects those elements.

Have you put thought into your book selections this year?  If so, I'd love to hear about it.

Read on!

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