Always With a Book

In My Mailbox (83) 2.12.12

2012-02-12T07:29:00.000-05:00

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I'll post what books I've received either by mailbox/library/store.

For Review (0)

Library (3)

First Lady by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Glitter Baby by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Catch Me by Lisa Gardner

Purchased (5)

Pages of Sin by Kate Carlisle (e-book)

Ink, Red, Dead by Joanna Campbell Slan (e-book)

Kiki Lowenstein & the Secret Santa by Joanna Campbell Slan (e-book)

Kiki Lowenstein & the White Elephant by Joanna Campbell Slan (e-book)

Kiki Lowenstein & the Empty Heart by Joanna Campbell Slan (e-book)

Free Downloads (0)

Gifts/Borrowed from family member (0)

From Paperback Swap (0)

Won (0)

What's in your mailbox?

Review: Sew Deadly by Elizabeth Lynn Casey

2012-02-11T13:27:00.000-05:00

First line: She wasn't entirely sure whether it was the pull of the mahogany sewing box in the window or a much-needed respite from the endless barrage of curious glances, but either way, Elkin Antiques and Collectibles seemed as good a place as any for a momentary escape.

From the back cover: A sewing circle newcomer is on pins and needles...

Ever since she moved to Sweet Briar, South Carolina, Tori's been the talk of the tiny town. But she's been so busy adding a children's corner to the library, winning over the women of the sewing circle, and trying to forget her cheating ex that she hasn't had time to even baste together a pillow, never mind pay attention to the local gossip. Then she finds the town sweetheart dead at her back door, and everything else falls by the wayside...

Everyone believes the police investigator, who's just fixin' to link Tori to the murder in a love triangle gone bad through a handsome third-grade teacher. To clear her name, Tori will have to rely on her new sewing sisters and stitch together the truth - or else she'll be darned...

My thoughts: This is the first in Elizabeth Lynn Casey's Southern Sewing Circles Mystery series and it was a cute, quick, cozy mystery - a mystery that I was actually able to figure out before the end!

As a newcomer to town, as well as being a "Northerner," Tori is having a difficult time settling into her new home and making friends. An avid sewer, she is thrilled to be invited to join the local sewing circle, but is dismayed to discover the former librarian, the woman whose job Tori has just assumed, is also a member of the group. But the discomfort of trying to make new friends will soon be a minor inconvenience compared to what is about to turn Tori's life upside down. After finding the town's sweetheart dead behind the library, Tori is the number one suspect in the murder.

Sew Deadly is a fun read and it captures the true essence of being "Southern." I could imagine myself joining these ladies, as they sit on their front porches drinking sweet tea and eating homemade goodies. I can hear them discussing "newcomers" to their small town. The book has a wonderful sense of place and the characters of the town seem like your neighbors. I loved all of the bantering and found myself laughing out loud on more than one occasion. From sewing circles to the heritage day festival and a little bit of romance thrown in, I ended up reading this book in one day and I look forward to reading more of this series.

(I borrowed this book from the library.)

Books in this series:

Sew Deadly
Death Threads
Pinned for Murder
Deadly Notions
Dangerous Alterations
Reap What You Sew - due out April 2012

Review: Whispering Rock by Robyn Carr (e-book)

2012-02-11T09:03:00.000-05:00

First line: Mike Valenzuela was up and had his Jeep SUV packed long before sunrise.

Synopsis from Goodreads: The tightly knit community of Virgin River has been a safe haven for more than a few lost souls over the years—and there’s always room for one more...

A decorated U.S. Marine reservist, LAPD officer Mike Valenzuela was badly wounded in the line of duty, but has found hope and healing in Virgin River. When he agrees to become the town’s first cop, he does so knowing it’s time he settled down. Twice divorced and the lover of too many women, he secretly longs for the kind of commitment and happiness his marine buddies have found—a woman who can tie up his heart forever. He finds that woman in Brie Sheridan, a Sacramento prosecutor who understands his drive to protect and serve. Virgin River becomes a safe haven for Brie after nearly losing her life at the hands of a crazed criminal. Though tough and courageous, she’s got some fears she can’t escape—but now she has someone who will shower her just what it means to trust again.

Mike will do anything to help Brie free herself from painful memories. Passionate, strong and gentle, he vows to give back to her what she’s so selflessly given him—her heart, and with it, a new beginning.

My thoughts: This is the third book in Robyn Carr's Virgin River series and I thoroughly enjoyed visiting this little mountain town. I like how even though each book focuses on the romance of one couple, it is an on-going tale of the town of Virgin River as a whole. This means a lot of extended stories of old characters and the introduction of brand new ones - exactly the reason why I love reading series!

In Whispering Rock, the main focus is on the tender love story between Jack's former Marine buddy Mike Valenzuela and Jack's little sister and Sacramento attorney Brie. Both made brief appearances in the previous books, but now we get to find out their stories. Brie suffers a horrible trauma and, with Mike's help, comes to Virgin River to heal emotionally. With Mike's patience, devotion, understanding, and love, he helps Brie to trust and love again.

There are a few subplots in the book as well. The most significant ones being a teenage serial rapist that former cop Mike has a hand in investigating, and also a sad turn when another Marine buddy is killed in Iraq, leaving behind a distraught pregnant wife and a best friend from Oregon who both grieve him - do I dare hope that this is possibly a set-up for a future book?

I love visiting Virgin River - I feel that I have been given an opportunity to really know these characters and the town of Virgin River personally and am already looking forward to my next visit!

(I purchased this e-book.)

Books in this series:

Virgin River 11. Moonlight Road
Shelter Mountain 12. Midnight Confessions
Whispering Rock 13. Promise Canyon
A Virgin River Christmas 14. Wild Man Creek
Second Chance Pass 15. Harvest Moon
Temptation Ridge 16. Bring Me Home for Christmas
Paradise Valley 17. Hidden Summit
Under the Christmas Tree 18. Redwood Bend - due out Feb 2012
Forbidden Falls 19. Sunrise Point - due out Apr 2012
Angel's Peak

Review: Pleating for Mercy by Melissa Bourbon

2012-02-09T10:02:00.000-05:00

First line: Rumors about the Cassidy women and their magic had long swirled through Bliss, Texas, like a gathering tornado.

From the back cover: All the Cassidy women possess special gifts. Harlow Jane Cassidy's is creating beautiful dresses. But she's about to discover secrets in her own family and another gift - one that can reach beyond the grave...

When her great-grandmother passes away, Harlow leaves her job as a Manhattan fashion designer and moves back to Bliss, Texas. But soon after opening a custom dressmaking boutique in the old farmhouse she inherited, Harlow begins to feel an inexplicable presence...

One of her first clients is her childhood friend Josie, who needs a gown for her upcoming wedding. But when Josie's boss turns up dead, it starts to look as if the bride-to-be may be wearing handcuffs instead of a veil. Suddenly, Josie needs a lot more from Harlow than the perfect dress. Can Harlow find the real killer - with a little help from beyond?

My thoughts: This is the first in Melissa Bourbon's A Magical Dressmaking Mystery series and I found it to be a fun, quick read in what is quickly becoming one of my favorite genres, the cozy mystery.

According to the Cassidy family legend, Butch Cassidy made a wish in an Argentine fountain. He wished for good things for his descendants and his offspring have been blessed with a magic charm - Harlow's great grandmother got everything she wished for; her grandmother is a goat whisperer; and her mother has the touch with flowers and greenery. Harlow thought the gift passed over her until she realizes, with the help of her great-grandmother's spirit, what it is.

After inheriting her great grandmother's house, Harlow quits her job in NYC as a fashion designer and returns to Texas. She decides to put a large selection of buttons and bow and material to good use and opens a dress-making boutique in the old farmhouse. Her first client is a childhood friend who wants her to design a wedding dress - a great gig for just opening up - until a dead body shows up later that same evening on Harlow's property.

This was a great mystery that had me guessing throughout most of the book. Every time I thought I had it figured out, the direction took another turn and I was surprised when the killer was presented. I also enjoyed the story of the dressmaker and while this is not a skill I possess, I love reading about clothes and how they are created/designed. I am definitely drawn to books that involve vintage clothing/the creation of clothing, etc - and when the cover caught my eye at the bookstore, I knew I had to read this. I only wish we were given a photo of the dress Harlow created for her friend or at least a snap shot of her new boutique. I look forward to reading more about Harlow and her shop, along with whatever other mysteries she finds herself involved in.

(I purchased this book.)

Books in this series:

Pleating for Mercy
A Fitting End

Review: Private: #1 Suspect by James Patterson

2012-02-07T13:14:00.000-05:00

First line: A dark sedan turned off Pacific Coast Highway and slipped into the driveway of a gated Malibu beach house worth, had to be, seven or eight million.

From the inside cover: UNSOLVABLE CASES

Since former marine Jack Morgan started Private, it has become the world's most effective investigation firm - sought out by the famous and the powerful to discreetly handle their most intimate problems. Private's investigators are the smartest, the fastest, and the most technologically advanced in the world - and they always uncover the truth.

IMPOSSIBLE MURDERS

When his former lover is found murdered in Jack's bed, he is instantly the number one suspect. While Jack is under police investigation, the Mob strong-arms him into recovering $30 million in stolen pharmaceuticals for them. And the beautiful manager of a luxury hotel chain persuades him to quietly investigate a string of murders at her properties.

THE #1 SUSPECT IS JACK MORGAN

While Jack is fighting for his life, one of his most trusted colleagues threatens to leave Private, and Jack realizes he is confronting the cleverest and most powerful enemies yet. With more action, more intrigue, and most twists than ever before, Private: #1 Suspect is James Patterson at his unstoppable best.

My thoughts: This is the next book in James Patterson's Private series. There seems to be some debate as to whether this is the second book in the series or the third. There was a book called Private London that I guess was only published in the UK that on some sites is considered the second book, making Private: #1 Suspect the third book. Other sites are not including Private London, thus making Private: #1 Suspect the second book. I'm not sure, but either way, I read this one second and really enjoyed it.

In Private: #1 Suspect, Jack Morgan, owner of the Private enterprise is framed for the murder of an ex-girlfriend. At the same time, the firm has other cases they are involved in. They are investigating the theft of an enormous amount of drugs, the victim being the mob. They are on the hunt for a serial killer who targets men who call an escort service. A prostitute shows up at the hotel room and the john ends up strangled to death. And, they are called to look into a young movie star who may be guilty of statutory rape and murder.

In typical Patterson fashion, there are crazy twists and turns, much like a roller coaster, throughout the book and with the short chapters, you find yourself wanting to read just one more chapter until you realize that you are at the last page, most times in one sitting. While there are many characters in this book, employees of the firm as well as all the clients they are helping, it is the many plots going on at once that helps propel this book forward.

James Patterson is one of my favorite authors and I read most of his books. I am looking forward to the next book due out in the Private series, Private Games, as well as reading the UK book, Private London.

(I purchased this book.)

Books in this series:

Private
Private London
Private: #1 Suspect
Private Games - due out 2/13/12

Book Blogger Confessions #3 (2.6.12)

2012-02-06T11:59:00.003-05:00

Book Blogger Confession is a new blog meme hosted by Tiger of All Consuming Books and Karen of For What It's Worth. The meme will run on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month to discuss some of the frustrations that are unique to book bloggers.

You can read the introductory post here.

Q: Deadlines for reviewing and blogging. Do you set them? How do you keep them? What do you do if you can't meet a deadline?

I try to set very few deadlines for my blog. But I do have them. I enjoy participating in blog tours and in so doing, must adhere to a set date for the review. I usually do not have any problem with making these deadlines, as I am very careful with how much I schedule for myself. I have a calendar specifically for keeping track of book reviews and refer to it as I take on new blog tour requests. I keep this calendar right next to the computer and as I finish a book, always refer to it to decide if there are any books that need to be read before just randomly picking my next read. I also put a sticky on each review book I receive, with the date I got the book, the date the book review needs to be posted, anything else I am doing with the book - giveaway, guest post from author, etc. For some reason, I like to read the books for the blog tours near the date they are to be posted.

For books that I get to review that do not have set review dates, I try to get to them when I can. I do keep track of when they come in, putting a sticky on the cover with the date received. I always look at those books when I need a new book to read, but quite honestly, if I am not in the mood to read the book at that moment, I wait.

The only other books that could be considered "scheduled" books are those that I get out of the library and those for my book club. The library books are only considered "scheduled" books in that they need to go back on a certain date and sometimes cannot be renewed. As for my book club books, again like the books I read for blog tours, I tend to read them close to the day of our book club meeting so that the story-line stays fresh in my mind.

I tend to keep all my review books, scheduled or unscheduled, my library books and my book club books in one area of my book shelf and I put them in order of date needed to be read by. This helps me know if I can sneak in a "fun" book before having to read a "scheduled" book.

Of course, I haven't even mentioned the self-imposed deadlines that I create for myself when it comes to reading challenges. Always in the back of my mind is the question of whether the next book I read is going to help me reach my reading goals with the challenges I sign up for. It's not so bad with the year-long reading challenges, especially at this time of the year (December, on the other hand, gets a little crazy trying to make sure I am able to finish everything) but I also do some challenges that are only a few months long and for those ones, like the Spring Reading Thing or the Fall Into Reading challenges, I add another level to the challenge by creating a list of books to complete in those three months. I usually put down 20 -25 books and the list is comprised of review books that I already have scheduled during that time, library books I have out, book club books if they are already chosen for those months, books that will help me out with the other challenges I am participating in and some "fun" books either that I just want to read or that are coming out during that time period. Of course, I don't need to do this, but I do find it fun to try and achieve this goal each time.

The only other things that occur on my blog are the regular book reviews and memes that I like to participate in. With both these, I do not go crazy trying to get them done. The reviews get posted when I get to them. I do try to post at least two book reviews a week and sometimes I am able to get more than that posted, but if I don't get to them, I don't get to them...no big deal. As for the memes, I like to do the In My Mailbox on Sundays and It's Monday, What Are You Reading on Mondays. Again, if I get to them - great, but it's not the end of the world if I do not. I like the It's Monday meme, though, because it helps me organize what's going on and what I need to do as far as reviews...and it helps me stay on track.

These systems I have in place, however crazy or anal they might seem, work for me. Do I sometimes feel like pulling my hair out to get things done, yes, but I still do it over and over again.

What about you? How do you deal with deadlines?

It's Monday...What Are You Reading? (2.6.12)

2012-02-06T07:20:00.000-05:00

It’s Monday What Are you Reading , hosted by Sheila, is the perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs.

It was a quiet week with not too much going on reading-wise or blog-wise. Hopefully this coming week will be a bit more productive.

Books Completed last week:

Home at Rose Cottage by Sherryl Woods (e-book)
The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen (library book)

Reading Now:

Private London by James Patterson (mine)
A Virgin River Christmas by Robyn Carr (e-book)
Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker (library audio book)

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer (library book)
Heat Wave by Nancy Thayer (library audio book)

Reviews completed last week:

Tailspin by Catherine Coulter
The Summer Garden by Sherryl Woods

Other Posts related to books:

Author Interview (& Giveaway) - Sherryl Woods
In My Mailbox: 2.5.12
Monthly Giveaway- February

Books for which I need to finish reviews:

Private: #1 Suspect by James Patterson
Pleating for Mercy by Melissa Bourbon
Whispering Rock by Robyn Carr
Sew Deadly by Elizabeth Lynn Casey
Home at Rose Cottage by Sherryl Woods

Contest information:

The Summer Garden by Sherryl Woods - 1 copy available...ends 2/16
February Monthly Giveaway - 4 books up for grabs...ends 2/25

What about you? What does your reading week look like this week? Whatever it is, happy reading and have a good week!

Monthly Giveaway: February

2012-02-05T11:47:00.000-05:00

This month's selections are:

Stay

By: Alie Larkin

Format: Hardcover

My review

The Knitting Diaries

By: Debbie Macomber, Susan Mallery, Christina Skye

Format: Paperback

My review

Moonlight Cove

By: Sherryl Woods

Format: Paperback

My review

The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno

By: Eileen Bryson

Format: Hardcover
My review

How to enter:

This contest is open to entries from the U.S. only.

The deadline for entry is midnight, February 25th. I will draw the winners on February 26th and post the winners' names as soon as I have heard from all of them.

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Good Luck!!!

In My Mailbox (82) 2.5.12

2012-02-05T08:11:00.001-05:00

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I'll post what books I've received either by mailbox/library/store.

For Review (1)

By the King's Demand by Christine Trent

Library (3)

Heat Wave by Nancy Thayer (audio)

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker (audio)

The Silver Boat by Luanne Rice (audio)

Purchased (5)

The Last Queen by CW Gortner

All I Want Is You by Sherrill Bodine

Midnight Kiss by Robyn Carr, Jean Brashear, & Victoria Dahl (e-book)

Just one of the Guys by Kristan Higgins (e-book)

Catch of the Day by Kristan Higgins (e-book)

Free Downloads (0)

Gifts/Borrowed from family member (2)

Private London by James Patterson

Playing for the Ashes by Elizabeth George

From Paperback Swap (5)

Hold the Dream by Barbara Taylor Bradford

To Be the Best by Barbara Taylor Bradford

Unexpected Blessings by Barbara Taylor Bradford

Act of Will by Barbara Taylor Bradford

The School of Essential Ingredients by Erica Bauermeister

Won (0)

What's in your mailbox?

Author Interview: Sherryl Woods (and Giveaway!)

2012-02-03T00:01:00.000-05:00

I am pleased to welcome author Sherryl Woods to Always With a Book. Her latest book, The Summer Garden, is now available. You can read my review of her book and enter a giveaway for the book here.

Describe your book in five words or less.

Satisfying finale for the O'Briens!

How did the title for your book come about?

Several pivotal scenes in the book take place in Nell's beautiful garden. For me, The Summer Garden evoked that setting.

What was the inspiration behind your book?

Luke, the last of the O'Brien grandchildren, needed his own story. I wanted to explore what it would be like to be the youngest in a family of over-achievers and, of course, all readers of the series knew he couldn't possibly end up with the manipulative Kristen Lewis. In Moira, I hope I found the perfect challenging soulmate for him.

At what age did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I'm still trying to figure out if that's what I want to be. I certainly didn't have an inkling it was a possibility until I was into my 30s!

Who are some of your favorite authors?

I love lots of the writers who write books similar to mine -- family and community oriented stories with a distinct voice and some humor. Among my favorites are Jan Karon, Carla Neggers, Robyn Carr, Debbie Macomber, Susan Wiggs, JoAnn Ross. I also love a number of mystery series, including those by Sue Grafton, Earlene Fowler, Earl Emerson, and most recently Louise Penny.

What are some of your favorite books?

I suppose on my all-time favorite list I'd put Little Women and the Little House on the Prairie series, which take me back to the days when my Mom read to me. Recently I was blown away by The Help and sobbed my way through the closing pages of a wonderful upcoming book by Emilie Richards called One Mountain Away.

What are you currently reading?

Louise Penny's latest, A Trick of the Light. I just finished Lover's Leap by Emily March.

What advice do you have for people who want to get into the writing business?

Put your butt in a chair and write! Then be prepared to re-write. Listen with an open mind to criticism. And find one professional -- agent, editor or a fellow writer -- whose advice you trust implicitly. For me that's been my agent, Denise Marcil, with whom I've worked almost my entire career.

How do you keep your characters fresh after so many books?

Whenever I'm creating characters for a new book or series, I approach them as I would a person I've just met, slowly peeling back layers and getting to know them. The world is filled with fascinating people and, as I'm constantly reminded, each one has a unique background or perspective.

What is the hardest part of writing for you? What's the easiest?

Actually writing the story is the easiest. I love sitting down every day and getting caught up with my characters and the world they live in. The hardest is dealing with all of the many other aspects of publishing, all of which are incredibly important to the process of getting books into the store and sold.

What do you love to do when you're not writing?

My favorite things are reading, which there's never enough time to do, gardening, which also involves the dreaded weeding, and going to the movies. I also enjoy the hard-fought Scrabble games I play with friends on various vacations. Sadly, though, I'm an easy mark. I always lose.

You often write series/trilogies. Do you prefer that to stand-alone titles?

I absolutely love getting to create a world for a series or a trilogy and having the chance to go back and be with those characters over time. Once I've established that world and the people in it, the writing flows so much more quickly. That said, there are some stories that lend themselves to a stand-alone -- Flamingo Diner, Seaview Inn, Mending Fences to name a few. These all had serious topics that I felt worked most effectively in the stand-alone format.

Who is your favorite character from the Chesapeake Shores series?

I'd have to say Nell in many ways is my favorite. She's so strong and wise and non-judgmental. I've been fortunate to have some very wise older women in my life just like her.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway for this amazing book!

Review and Giveaway: The Summer Garden by Sherryl Woods

2012-02-02T00:01:00.001-05:00

First line: Maddening Moira was still in his head!

From the back cover: Falling for "Maddening Moira" O'Malley was the unexpected highlight of Luke O'Brien's Dublin holiday. So when she pays a surprise visit to Chesapeake Shores, Luke is thrilled...at first. A fling with this wild Irish rose is one thing, but forever? Maybe someday, but not when he's totally focused on establishing a business that will prove his mettle to his overachieving family.

Given Luke's reaction, Moira has some soul-searching of her own to do. Scarred by her father's abandonment, she wonders if Luke, with his playboy past, is truly the family man she longs for. Adding to her dilemma, she's offered an amazing chance at a dream career of her own.

Deep down, though, Moira knows home is the real prize, and that love can be every bit as enchanting as a summer garden.

My thoughts: This is the ninth book in Sherryl Wood's Chesapeake Shores series and according to the letter Sherryl included in the beginning of the book, quite possibly the final installment...I'm so sad!!! I love this series and have enjoyed getting to know the boisterous O'Brien family.

In The Summer Garden, the story starts off where the previous one, An O'Brien Family Christmas, left off. It focuses on the relationship that started between Luke and Moira while the entire O'Brien family was in Ireland, and continues Nell's relationship with Dillon back home in Chesapeake Shores. Luke stayed in Ireland a few weeks longer than the rest of the O'Brien clan, getting to know Moira and also looking into Irish Pubs. Luke decided to open an Irish pub back in Chesapeake Shores. He is the youngest O'Brien grandchild and so far has not found his passion for anything till now. Feeling under a lot of pressure because everyone in his family has succeeded, he wants his turn and feels that opening an Irish pub is the way to go.

Moira, still in Ireland trying to find her way in life, tags along with her grandfather when he comes to visit Nell O'Brien in America. The visit happens while Luke is in the midst of setting up his new business. Moira’s self-doubts and insecurities are exacerbated by Luke’s single minded goal of establishing his pub. She is impatient with the slow progression of their relationship and Luke’s inability to commit long term. Normally straight forward and forthright, Moira has a difficult time communicating her expectations to Luke. With a little advice from their grandparents, Luke and Moira learn the key to a successful relationship is balance and compromise.

I love how throughout the book, characters from previous series pop in with cameo appearances. The Summer Garden was a wonderful wrap up of the characters we have met along the way and while I am really going to miss visiting Chesapeake Shores, I am excited to see what new stories and families Sherryl Woods creates for us.

I received a complimentary copy of The Summer Garden by Sherryl Woods from Eric at Planned Television Arts.

Books in this series:

The Inn at Eagle Point 6. Moonlight Cove
Flowers on Main 7. Beach Lane
Harbor Lights 8. An O'Brien Family Christmas
A Chesapeake Shores Christmas 9. The Summer Garden
Driftwood Cottage

How to enter Giveaway:

This contest is open to entries from the U.S. and Canada only.

The deadline for entry is midnight, February 16th. I will draw the winner on February 17th and post the winner's name shortly after that.

Month in Review: January 2012

2012-02-01T08:32:00.004-05:00

Here are my reading stats for January!

Books read: 14

Books I read (reviewed ones have * and link to review; books not yet reviewed will be linked up once review is posted.)

Big Stone Gap* by Adriana Trigiani
Skirting the Grave* by Annette Blair
The Kitchen Daughter* by Jael McHenry
The Peach Keeper* by Sarah Addison Allen
Eve* by Iris Johansen
Quinn* by Iris Johansen
Bonnie* by Iris Johansen
Make, Take, Murder* by Joanna Campbell Slan
Tailspin* by Catherine Coulter
Private: #1 Suspect* by James Patterson
Pleating for Mercy* by Melissa Bourbon
Whispering Rock* by Robyn Carr
The Summer Garden* by Sherryl Woods
Sew Deadly* by Elizabeth Lynn Casey

Favorite Book of January:

The Kitchen Daughter by Jael McHenry

2012 Challenge Update:

100+ Reading Challenge -- Books Read: 13/100
Support Your Local Library Challenge -- Books Read: 7/37
Off the Shelf Reading Challenge -- Books Read: 3/30
E-Book Reading Challenge -- Books Read: 1/20
Historical Fiction Reading Challenge -- Books read: 0/15
First in a Series Challenge -- Series started: 4/6
Finish the Series Challenge -- Series completed: 1/3
Cruising Thru the Cozies Reading Challenge -- Books Read: 4/13+

January Giveaway Winners

2012-01-31T13:35:00.000-05:00

The winners of January's giveaway are:

Silver Girl

By: Elin Hilderbrand

Winner: Mamabunny

Mennonite in a Little Black Dress

By: Rhoda Janzen

Winner: Rachel W

What I Thought I Knew

By: Alice Eve Cohen

Winner: Tiffany Drew

Sand in My Eyes

By: Christine Lemmon

Winner: Margie

Thanks to all who entered and don't forget to stop by next month to see a new set of books up for grabs!

Review: Tailspin by Catherine Coulter

2012-01-30T16:00:00.002-05:00

First line: She thought she swallowed because her throat burned hot, as if splashed with sharp acid, but she wasn't sure because she couldn't think clearly.

From the back cover: FBI Special Agent Jackson Crowne is flying renowned psychiatrist Timothy MacLean to Washington, D.C. But they don't make it. FBI Special Agents Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock are sent to find out what happened. Crowne was able to crash land in Kentucky. The crash was witnessed by Rachael Abbott, a young woman on the run. Savich and Sherlock find MacLean comatose. They know that MacLean has dementia, his ability to maintain doctor-patient confidentiality badly compromised. MacLean's patients include Washington's elite. Is someone so desperate that they'd kill the doctor for what he knows?

My thoughts: This is the 12th book in Catherine Coulter's FBI Thriller series, a series that I haven't read in a long time but was able to jump right back into as I try to catch up. I have always enjoyed the FBI Team of Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock and this story was no exception.

This time, Savich and Sherlock are investigating two crimes. Dr. MacLean is a well-known psychiatrist; Rachael Abbott is a former senator’s lovechild. Both are being targeted by assassins. The point of view jumps back and forth among the four leading characters, Savich, Sherlock, Jackson Crowne and Rachael Abbott and with conspiracy theories, political secrets, dysfunctional families and assassins on the loose, Catherine Coulter provides an excellent plot weaved with suspense, mystery and romance. I liked the whole question of what could happen if damaging private information were to be leaked to the public. It makes you wonder just how private our private information really is.

I enjoyed getting back into the swing of things with the dynamic FBI team duo of Savich and Sherlock and am looking forward to reading the rest of this series.

(I borrowed this book from the library.)

Books in the series:

The Cove 9. Blowout
The Maze 10. Point Blank
The Target 11. Double Take
The Edge 12. Tailspin
Riptide 13. Knockout
Hemlock Bay 14. Whiplash
Eleventh Hour 15. Split Second
Blindside

It's Monday...What Are You Reading? (1.30.12)

2012-01-30T08:14:00.000-05:00

Well, I was able to get a ton of reviews done last week as well as some decent reading time in!!! My husband and I went up to our cabin for the weekend and it was really cold up there. I stayed in and read while hubby was out cutting trees and playing around with the dog. It was a great weekend - peaceful, relaxing and I was able to finish 2 books and start a third...that's my kind of weekend!

Books Completed last week:

Pleating for Mercy by Melissa Bourbon (mine)
Whispering Rock by Robyn Carr (e-book)
The Summer Garden by Sherryl Woods (review book)
Sew Deadly by Elizabeth Lynn Casey (library book)

Reading Now:

Home at Rose Cottage by Sherryl Woods (e-book)

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer (library book)
The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen (library book)

Reviews completed last week:

The Kitchen Daughter by Jael McHenry
The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen
Eve by Iris Johansen
Quinn by Iris Johansen
Bonnie by Iris Johansen
Make, Take, Murder by Joanna Campbell Slan

Other Posts related to books:

In My Mailbox: 1.29.12

Books for which I need to finish reviews:

Tailspin by Catherine Coulter
Private: #1 Suspect by James Patterson
Pleating for Mercy by Melissa Bourbon
Whispering Rock by Robyn Carr
The Summer Garden by Sherryl Woods
Sew Deadly by Elizabeth Lynn Casey

Contest information:

More giveaways coming soon!

What about you? What does your reading week look like this week? Whatever it is, happy reading and have a good week!

Review: Make, Take, Murder by Joanna Campbell Slan

2012-01-30T08:02:00.000-05:00

First line: I was rummaging around the trash Dumpster searching for my lost paycheck, when I reached down and grabbed Cindy Gambrowski's severed leg.

From the back cover: Dumpster diving for her lost paycheck is definitely the low point of Kiki Lowenstein's day - that is, until she finds a severed leg thrown in with the trash. Who'd toss a body part in the garbage outside the scrapbook crafts store where Kiki works?

Accompanying the grisly "gift" is a creepy computerized voice message, a warning to the store's "rich and snotty" female shoppers. Kiki soon discovers that the leg belonged to Cindy Gambrowski, a customer with a tyrannical and violent husband - who's now harassing Kiki. Combing through Cindy's scrapbook projects for hidden clues, Kiki tries to find the killer. Was it a crime of marital malice, or did someone else beat Cindy's husband to the punch?

My thoughts: This is the 4th book in Joanna Campbell Slan's Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-n-Craft Mystery series. Normally the books are pretty light-hearted - well as light-hearted as you can get in a murder mystery. This one is a little different. The overall theme is pretty dark and there are a lot of serious topics discussed such as cancer, infidelity, and domestic violence. While this series is still considered "cozy", the subject matter in this particular installment is serious and eye-opening.

When Kiki discovers a severed leg in her dumpster at work, she is set on a roller coaster ride to find out who it belongs to, and why it was left in her dumpster. When the owner of the leg is confirmed as one of her customers Kiki is determined to bring the killer to justice. She starts looking into things while running the scrapbook store during the busy holiday season, and during all this, she copes with a hostile co-worker whose history forms part of the plot of the book.

Not everything is resolved at the end of the book, making me anxious to read more about Kiki in her next book. Joanna Campbell Slan deals with some heavy issues in this story, but does it in such as way as to make the reader stop and think - what would we do in the same situation.

(I borrowed this book from the library.)

Books in this series:

Paper, Scissors, Death
Cut, Crop and Die
Photo, Snap, Shot
Make, Take, Murder
Ready, Scrap, Shoot - to be released in April, 2012

In My Mailbox (81) 1.29.12

2012-01-29T06:00:00.001-05:00

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I'll post what books I've received either by mailbox/library/store.

For Review (1)

The Summer Garden by Sherryl Woods

Library (3)

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer

The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen

Sew Deadly by Elizabeth Lynn Casey

Purchased (8)

Only Us: A Fool's Gold Holiday by Susan Mallery (e-book)

Spying in High Heels by Gemma Halliday (e-book)

Second Chance Pass by Robyn Carr (e-book)

Temptation Ridge by Robyn Carr (e-book)

Paradise Valley by Robyn Carr (e-book)

My One and Only by Kristan Higgins (e-book)

All I Ever Wanted by Kristan Higgins (e-book)

That Holiday Feeling by Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods, Robyn Carr (e-book)

Free Downloads (0)

Borrowed from family member (0)

From Paperback Swap (0)

Won (0)

What's in your mailbox?

Review: Bonnie by Iris Johansen

2012-01-27T09:49:00.000-05:00

First line: "What star is that, Mama?"

From the inside cover: When Eve Duncan gave birth to her daughter, she experienced a love she never knew existed. Nothing would stand in the way of giving Bonnie a wonderful life - until the unthinkable happened and the seven-year-old vanished into thin air. Eve found herself in the throes of a nightmare from which there was no escape. But a new Eve emerged: a woman who would use her remarkable talent as a forensic sculptor to help others find closure in the face of tragedy. Now with the help of her beloved Joe Quinn and CIA agent Catherine Ling, Eve has come closer than ever to the truth. But the deeper she digs, the more she realizes that Bonnie's father is a key player in solving this monstrous puzzle. And that Bonnie's disappearance was not as random as everyone always believed...

My thoughts: I have been reading Iris Johansen for so long I don't remember when I started, but I do remember picking up that first book of hers, The Killing Game, and becoming totally enthralled. I loved it and then went back to read the first one in the Eve Duncan series and have gone on to read every other book in the series as well as some of her stand alones. I find Iris Johansen to be one of those writers that I can't seem to get enough of.

The unsolved disappearance of Eve's daughter Bonnie years ago has literally haunted her and has always been the unresolved issue in her life. In this special trilogy about Eve, Quinn, and Bonnie, we are able to learn about the backgrounds of the characters and the events that led up to Bonnie's disappearance.

Bonnie begins with a touching flashback describing the last night shared between Eve and Bonnie. Then the book moves quickly to the chase. Joe, Eve, Catherine Ling and John Gallo resume their hunt with a quick and exciting pace. Eve is eventually taken away from the others and is forcibly led through a Georgia state park. During this journey there are moments of hope and anticipation. There are also moments of despair and disbelief. Through it all Eve learns exactly what happened to Bonnie that last day in the park and let me tell you, it was heart-wrenching. I was never particularly happy with the paranormal aspect that came later in the series but it makes sense here and adds to the satisfying conclusion.

For Eve's sake, I am glad that she (and as a result, us as the readers) finally have the closure about what happened to Bonnie. I hope, though, that this doesn't mean the end of the Eve Duncan series...that would be very unfortunate. Iris Johansen creates some interesting chemistry between her newest characters, Catherine Ling and John Gallo, and I would love to see what comes of that in the future. I would also like to see how Eve and Joe deal with their relationship now that Bonnie's disappearance no longer hangs over them.

As I mentioned in my review of Eve, I purposely waited until all three books were released before reading them and I am so glad I did...the first two left the reader with quite the cliff-hanger and the third tied up a lot of the loose ends.

(I borrowed this book from the library.)

Books in this series:

Eve
Quinn
Bonnie

Review: Quinn by Iris Johansen

2012-01-26T15:12:00.003-05:00

First line: Stop me.

From the inside cover: As a former Navy Seal turned cop, Joe Quinn has seen the face of evil and knows just how deadly it can be. When he first met Eve Duncan, he never expected to fall in love with a woman whose life would be defined by her dual desires to bring home her missing daughter and discover the truth behind her disappearance - no matter how devastating. With the help of CIA agent Catherine Ling, they make a shocking discovery that sheds new light on young Bonnie's abduction and puts Quinn squarely in the crosshairs of danger. Eve's first love, John Gallo, a soldier supposedly killed in the line of duty, is very much alive - and very much a threat.

Emotionally charged, with one shock after another, Quinn reveals the electricity of Joe and Eve's first connection, and how they fell in love in the midst of haunting tragedy. As their search takes them deeper and deeper into a web of murder and madness, Joe and Eve must confront their most primal fears...and test their resolve to uncover the ultimate bone-chilling truth.

My thoughts: This is the second in Iris Johansen's Eve trilogy. The purpose of this trilogy was to answer the question that readers have been dying to know in the Eve Duncan series - what happened to Eve's daughter Bonnie.

In this book, we get to go back in time to when Eve and Joe first met and follow them as their relationship develops. The story goes back to when Bonnie was first abducted and Joe Quinn makes his appearance in Eve's life. We get Joe's perspective of what was happening during those early days and how he fell for Eve almost instantly. Since her disappearance, Eve has always been able to "see" Bonnie and it wasn't until many years later that Joe was able to "see" her, too. As he lies in his hospital bed at the beginning of this story, he is with Bonnie, trying to figure out if he will join her or go back to Eve.

The story then brings the reader to the present where Quinn, Eve, and CIA agent Catherine Ling continue to pursue John Gallo, Bonnie's father, who is believed to have knowledge about who kidnapped her many years ago. There is quite a lot of time devoted to Catherine and Gallo - perhaps there is a new relationship worth pursuing in subsequent books?

As I mentioned in my review of Eve, the first book in this trilogy, I waited to read this series until I had all three books at once. With the first two books ending with crazy cliff hangers, I am definitely glad I did.

(I borrowed this book from the library.)

Books in this series:

Eve
Quinn
Bonnie

Review: Eve by Iris Johansen

2012-01-25T17:56:00.006-05:00

First line: Two minutes.

From the inside cover: Eve Duncan's mission in life is to bring closure to the families who have experienced the agony of a missing child. As a forensic sculptor, she is able to piece together bones, create a face, and match a name to a child who would have otherwise gone unidentified. Eve is brilliant, driven, and tormented - because her own daughter, Bonnie, was taken from her years ago. Now, with the help of CIA agent Catherine Ling, a startling piece of evidence is uncovered in the quest to find Bonnie, leading to a connection that had been all but buried.

Catherine challenges Eve with a name: John Gallo, a man from Eve's own past, seemingly raised from the dead, whose whereabouts are unknown. Could Gallo be the missing piece to the puzzle that has haunted Eve for years? Why was he in Atlanta just before Bonnie's disappearance? And what kind of darkness was he hiding. With a brilliant narrative that exposes Eve Duncan's early life, exploring her history and motivations like no other novel before, Eve reveals long-guarded secrets and is guaranteed to keep Johansen fans holding their breath for more.

My thoughts: I have been reading Iris Johansen's Eve Duncan series for years now and I have absolutely love each one of them. The stories are suspenseful and full of crazy twists and turns and throughout the entire series (16 books to date) there has always been one unanswered question: What happened to Eve's daughter Bonnie?

In Eve, we find out more about Eve's early life - her meeting Bonnie's father John Gallo (another mystery solved) and their tumultuous time together. It picks up right where Chasing the Night leaves off and we get a glimpse into Eve's background as a teenager and the conception of Bonnie, the little girl that is behind everything that Eve does. The story starts in the present and then goes back to when Eve was 16. After filling us in on what happened during that time, the story moves back to the present when Gallo reappears in Eve's life and then the hunt for him after he takes off.

The question throughout the book is the same as in all Eve Duncan novels - who killed Bonnie. In this novel we look at Gallo; Black, a psychopathic pedophile killer who is an assassin for the CIA; and Queen, a rogue CIA agent who controls both of them.

I devoured this book and I knew I wouldn't want to wait at all before reading the next book, so I decided to wait until the library had all three books available at the same time and then read them one after the other. It was well worth the wait, especially with the crazy cliff hangers at the end of the first two.

(I borrowed this book from the library.)

Books in this series:

Review: The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen (audio book)

2012-01-25T09:43:00.000-05:00

From the back of the audio case: Thirty-year-old Willa Jackson hails from a fine old Southern family that met with financial ruin generations ago. The Blue Ridge Madam - once Walls of Water's grandest home - has stood for years as a lonely monument to misfortune and scandal. And Willa herself has long strived to build a life beyond the brooding Jackson family shadow.

No easy task in a town shaped by years of tradition. But Willa has lately learned that an old classmate - socialite Paxton Osgood - has restored the Blue Ridge Madam to her former glory. Maybe the troubled past can be laid to rest while something new and wonderful rises from its ashes. But what rises instead is a skeleton, found buried beneath the property's lone peach tree. The bones are not all that lay hidden. Long-kept secrets surrounding the troubling remains have also come to light, seemingly heralded by a spate of sudden strange occurrences throughout the town.

Now, thrust together in an unlikely friendship, untied by a full-blooded mystery, Willa and Paxton must confront the dangerous passions and tragic betrayals that once bound their families - and uncover truths of the long-dead to touch the hearts and souls of the living.

Read by: Karen White

My thoughts: This is the first book by Sarah Addison Allen that I've read (or in this case, listened to) and I loved it. The story had me hooked from the opening lines and I couldn't wait to see what would happen next, especially when the secrets started coming to light.

The Peach Keeper is set around The Blue Ridge Madam - a mansion in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina that was built by Willa Jackson's once well-to-do family. The house is being restored as a historic bed and breakfast by Paxton Osgood and along with the restoration comes the unearthing of some long-ago secrets. It also brings together four people who weren't exactly the best of friends in high school - Willa was the silent class joker; Paxton was the goody goody popular girl; Sebastian was the oddball outcast; and Colin, Paxton's twin, was the slightly stiff hunk. Fast forward to today, when they are all in their 30s and their lives are now intertwined.

Filled with a little mystery, a little magic, and a little romance, it is easy to become completely absorbed in the story. The characters are truly likeable and I enjoyed how it goes back and forth between Willa and Paxton's point of view. I am definitely going to be picking up Sarah Addison Allen's other books - I have one sitting on my shelf and cannot wait to start reading it.

(I borrowed this audio book from the library.)

Review: The Kitchen Daughter by Jael McHenry

2012-01-23T13:29:00.000-05:00

First line: Bad things come in threes.

From the back cover: After the unexpected death of her parents, shy and sheltered Ginny Selvaggio, a young woman with Asperger's syndrome, seeks comfort in the kitchen. The rich aroma of ribollita, painstakingly recreated from her Italian grandmother's handwritten recipe, calms her senses. But it also draws an unexpected visitor - the ghost of Nonna herself - and Ginny soon discovers she has the power to call forth the spirit of any dead person whose dish she prepares. As her pragmatic sister pushes her to sell the only home she's ever known, Ginny finds evidence of a provocative riddle from her parents' past that could be the key to her uncertain future. But can she cook up a dish that will bring them back long enough to help her solve it? Not to be rad on an empty stomach, The Kitchen Daughter is an "intelligent and moving" (Publishers Weekly) debut from a brilliant new literary talent that considers the question: What does it really mean to be normal?

My thoughts: This is the type of book that grabs hold of you and you don't want it to end. I was immediately enthralled with the characters and despite the fact that the book delves into some magical realism, which I don't particularly care for, in this case, it worked to enhance to story.

The Kitchen Daughter is a story with ghosts, but it's not a "ghost story." It's a story about somebody with a syndrome, but that syndrome is not the focus of the story; rather, it provides the lens through which the story is seen. And finally, it's a story about food, written with such obvious passion and expertise that you swear you can smell the food being described. As Ginny struggles with expressing her feelings to her sister, she discovers family secrets hidden in her home. Wishing to find answers to her questions, she continues cooking, finding recipes from her mother and father which enable her to speak with them. What their answers reveal teach Ginny more about herself than anything else and she learns that "normal" is different for everyone.

I really enjoyed this story and loved all the recipes that are included. While I am not much of a cook, I love reading about characters and their passion with cooking...it inspires me to want to learn more. I hope to see more from this author.

I received a complimentary copy of The Kitchen Daughter by Jael McHenry from Ayelet at Simon and Schuster

It's Monday...What Are You Reading? (1.23.12)

2012-01-23T09:29:00.000-05:00

Last week was one of those weeks where I didn't feel up to writing reviews and so once again I have quite a back log of reviews to get done. I did manage to get a lot of reading done, though, so I guess it was a somewhat productive week.

Books Completed last week:

Bonnie by Iris Johansen (library book)
Make, Take, Murder by Joanna Campbell Slan (library book)
Tailspin by Catherine Coulter (library book)
Private: #1 Suspect by James Patterson (mine)

Reading Now:

Pleating for Mercy by Melissa Bourbon (mine)

Whispering Rock by Robyn Carr (e-book)
Home at Rose Cottage by Sherryl Woods (e-book)

Reviews completed last week:

None

Other Posts related to books:

Book Blogger Confessions: #2 - Reading/Blogging Slumps
In My Mailbox: 1.22.12

Books for which I need to finish reviews:

The Kitchen Daughter by Jael McHenry
The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen
Eve by Iris Johansen
Quinn by Iris Johansen
Bonnie by Iris Johansen
Make, Take, Murder by Joanna Campbell Slan
Tailspin by Catherine Coulter
Private: #1 Suspect by James Patterson

Contest information:

January Giveaway - 4 books available, 4 winners. Ends Jan. 25th

What about you? What does your reading week look like this week? Whatever it is, happy reading and have a good week!

In My Mailbox (80) 1.22.12

2012-01-22T09:22:00.000-05:00

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I'll post what books I've received either by mailbox/library/store.

For Review:

Agony of Leaves

by Laura Childs

This is the latest in Laura Child's Tea Shop Mystery series and I cannot wait to read it.

Purchased:

Infidel

by Ayaan Hirsi Ali

This is our book club pick for February - I've heard great things about this one.

Mrs. Kennedy: The Missing History of the Kennedy Years

by Barbara Leaming

I have a crazy obsession with the Kennedy's and I couldn't resist picking this one up.

Always the Wedding Planner, Never the Bride (e-book)

by Sandra Bricker

This looks like a fun read. I have the first one, Always the Baker, Never the Bride on my Nook and am looking forward to reading both.

What's in your mailbox?

Book Blogger Confessions #2 (1.16.12)

2012-01-16T13:28:00.000-05:00

You can read the introductory post here.

Q: Have you ever had reading/blogging slumps? How do you work through them or work around them?

I can't remember the last time I had a reading slump. For me the problem is more that I run into times when I don't get any reading in because too much else is going on in life. There may be a few days where I just don't find any time during the day to read and then I end up so tired that when I get in to bed to read, I only get a few pages done. Luckily for me, this doesn't happen to often.

As far as blogging slumps - I've found myself in a few. The first time it happened, I had been trying to post something every day and just simply burned out. I then realized that it was ok not to post every day, which is really just a personal choice, but one you have to be able to live with. I also stopped participating in all the memes I used to do. I was trying to do almost one every day. Doing all these memes when I first started blogging did help, as it allowed me to find some really good blogs out there that I still follow today. I just realized that it would stress me out if I couldn't get to the meme or commenting on other blogs who were doing the meme. So then I stopped with the memes and just concentrated on posting book reviews. That became another stress because then if I didn't get a chance to write up so many reviews each week, I felt I was neglecting my blog. My solution was to pick a few memes that I would be ok with missing if life got in the way and I try to post a review or two each week - nothing set in stone. Since deciding on this plan, it doesn't stress me out if I don't get to my blog for a few days.

I never want blogging to become a "I need to blog" type of hobby. I want it to be fun and for the most part it is. I enjoy getting review books and posting my thoughts, but recently I have cut back on taking too many review requests. I have so many books on my shelves that I have not had time to read yet and this year I am focusing on reading them. I think this will also help to prevent any reading or blogging slumps. I am free to pick what I want to read when I want and then I feel that my reviews are that much easier to get done.

So what about you? Do you find yourself in the occasional reading or blogging slump? If so, what do you do to get out of it?

It's Monday...What Are You Reading? (1.16.12)

2012-01-16T07:10:00.000-05:00

It was a pretty quiet week and I got a bit of reading in. Now that winter has made it's presence known in the Northeast, I plan on staying in more and reading more!

Books Completed last week:

The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen (library audio book)
Eve by Iris Johansen (library book)
Quinn by Iris Johansen (library book)

Reading Now:

Bonnie by Iris Johansen (library book)

Make, Take, Murder by Joanna Campbell Slan (library book)
Tailspin by Catherine Coulter (library book)
Mr. Darcy Takes Wife by Linda Berdoll (library audio book)

Reviews completed last week:

Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
Skirting the Grave by Annette Blair

Other Posts related to books:

In My Mailbox: 1.15.12

Books for which I need to finish reviews:

The Kitchen Daughter by Jael McHenry
The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen
Eve by Iris Johansen
Quinn by Iris Johansen

Contest information:

January Giveaway - 4 books available, 4 winners. Ends Jan. 25th

What about you? What does your reading week look like this week? Whatever it is, happy reading and have a good week!

In My Mailbox (79) 1.15.12

2012-01-15T14:26:00.000-05:00

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I'll post what books I've received either by mailbox/library/store.

Purchased:

The Winter Palace (e-book)

by Eva Stachniak

Another book about Catherine the Great...very excited to read this.

The 7th Month (e-book)

by Lisa Gardner

Special e-book to hold me over til the next Detective Warren book comes out.

What's in your mailbox?

Review: Skirting the Grave by Annette Blair

2012-01-13T11:58:00.000-05:00

First line: Eve Meyers, my BFF, a gothic fashionista with a steampunk edge, tall in her black and brass Lindi Buckle Leather Booties, invaded my vintage dress shop with mischief aforethought.

From the back cover: Even though Maddie is swamped running Vintage Magic and dealing with the consequences of the visions she gets from certain of her fashion treasures, she's agreed to plan her sister Sherri's baby shower and mentor a design intern. But when Maddie goes to the Mystic train station to pick up her new student, she finds a murder scene instead. The victim: intern Isobel York. Cause of death: suspicious circumstances.

Later that evening, a woman claiming to be Isobel appears on her doorstep, and Maddie knows it's not just a case of "whodunit" but "who-is-it." Luckily a gift of lusciously luxe vintage clothes offers clues, and though the '50s wardrobe and accessories are to die for, Maddie is determined to iron out the wrinkles before the murderer can return to put an end to a promising fashion career...

My thoughts: This is the fourth book in Annette Blair's Vintage Magic Mystery series and I found it to be a quick, fun read. I love the fashion descriptions and the storyline of Maddie being able to "read" fashions. And author Annette Blair has a way of describing the vintage fashion that makes me long to go and shop at Maddie's store.

In this installment, Maddie reluctantly takes on an intern that her do-gooder sister, Brandy, foists on her. Maddie goes to pick Isobel York up at the train station only to find her dead and the police already there, including Lytton Warner, lead detective and a man from her childhood that she is attracted to. Although there are no obvious signs of murder, Werner and Maddie are both sure Isobel has been killed. Maddie is perplexed though because Isobel is wearing very ordinary clothes and is not the fashionista that she was led to believe her new intern was. Then, to only add to the confusion, Isobel shows up later that night on Maddie's doorstep, along with Maddie's on again-off again love interest Nick Jaconetti.

The rest of the book has twists and turns as to who has been murdered and why. It also deals with the love triangle that Maddie has recently found herself in, between herself, Nick and Werner. And of course, there is lots of fashion. In this case, the fashion is from the 1950s, so Maddie's flashbacks take her back to a time of car hops, which was fun to read about. The problem of having these flashbacks is that only two people really know about this gift Maddie has, so she has to be careful how she drops these clues she learns that she knows will help solve the case.

I really enjoy reading this series and am excited to see how the love triangle continues to play out as well as what other fashions Maddie gets her hands on. The next installment, Cloaked in Malice, comes out this summer and I can't wait!

(I purchased this book.)

Review: Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani

2012-01-11T12:05:00.000-05:00

First line: This will be a good weekend for reading.

From the back cover: Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, the tiny town of Big Stone Gap is home to some of the most charming eccentrics in the state. Ave Maria Mulligan is the town's self-proclaimed spinster, a thirty-five-year-old pharmacist with a "mountain girl's body and a flat behind." She lives an amiable life with good friends and lots of hobbies until the fateful day in 1978 when she suddenly discovers that she's not who she always thought she was. Before she can blink, Ave's fielding marriage proposals, fighting off greedy family members, organizing a celebration for visiting celebrities, and planning the trip of a lifetime - a trip that could change her view of the world and her own place in it forever. Brimming with humor and wise notions of small-town life, Big Stone Gap is a gem of a book with a giant heart.

My thoughts: I first came across Adriana Trigiani when I found her book, Very Valentine, in the library. I picked that one up, loved it and then read the next one in the series, Brava Valentine. I found her writing to be refreshing and her stories engaging. I have since read a few other of her books and then last year, I got the four books of the Big Stone Gap series.

Big Stone Gap is a romantic novel that makes you yearn for the traditional values of the past. Filled with honor, chivalry and small-town life, it is easy to get pulled in and feel that you are right there in the town of Big Stone Gap. Ave Maria is the main character and the one who is narrating the story. She is a young woman who is the town pharmacist and the "unmarried" one. She is happy with her life but misses her mother who passed away and left her with a secret regarding who her real father is. The story unfolds from there as Ave Maria confronts her feelings of love for a man who is almost too good to be true. The people of Big Stone Gap will have you laughing and cheering their antics.

There are many threads throughout this story, which helps to keep the pace moving. It also highlights all the different relationships that are out there, and we get a look at each one - mother/daughter, father/daughter, men and women as friends, men and women as more than friends, and the different types of relationships that exist between girlfriends.

I enjoyed my visit to Big Stone Gap and look forward to reading the next in this series, Big Cherry Holler.

(I got this book from Paperback Swap.)

It's Monday...What Are You Reading? (1.9.12)

2012-01-09T06:40:00.000-05:00

It was a good week...I got some reading time in, I did some reviews, and I signed up for all the challenges I want to do for this year. These challenges are really going to be what drives my reading for the year, with the primary goal being to read all those books I have sitting on my bookshelves that have not yet been read!

Books Completed last week:

Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani (mine)
Skirting the Grave by Annette Blair (mine)
The Kitchen Daughter by Jael McHenry (review book)

Reading Now:

Eve by Iris Johansen (library book)
The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen (library audio book)

Quinn by Iris Johansen (library book)
Bonnie by Iris Johansen (library book)
Mr. Darcy Takes Wife by Linda Berdoll (library audio book)

Reviews completed last week:

On Strike for Christmas by Sheila Roberts
Kismet by Carly Phillips
Death by Diamonds by Annette Blair

Other Posts related to books:

Book Blogger Confessions #1
January Giveaway: 4 books for grabs, 4 winners. Ends Jan. 25th
In My Mailbox: 1.8.12
I also posted all the pages for the challenges I signed up for - 8 challenges! (They are all listed in the side bar.)

Books for which I need to finish reviews:

Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
Skirting the Grave by Annette Blair
The Kitchen Daughter by Jael McHenry

Contest information:

January Giveaway - 4 books available, 4 winners. Ends Jan. 25th

What about you? What does your reading week look like this week? Whatever it is, happy reading and have a good week!

In My Mailbox (78) 1.8.12

2012-01-08T08:22:00.000-05:00

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I'll post what books I've received either by mailbox/library/store.

Purchased:

Private #1 Suspects

by James Patterson

New James Patterson book - of course I bought it!!!

At the King's Pleasure

by Kate Emerson

The 4th in Kate Emerson's Secrets of the Tudor Court.

From the library:

Eve

by Iris Johansen

This is the 1st book in Iris Johansen's Eve Duncan trilogy and I can't wait to start it.

Quinn

by Iris Johansen

The second in the Eve Duncan trilogy.

Bonnie

by Iris Johansen

The third in the Eve Duncan trilogy - they were all at the library and I wanted to be able to read them one after the other so I picked them all up!

Tailspin

by Catherine Coulter

This is the 12th in Catherine Coulter's FBI series and I am desperately trying to get caught up.

The Peach Keeper (audio)

by Sarah Addison Allen

I've heard great things about this author.

Mr. Darcy Takes a Wife (audio)

by Linda Berdoll

This is supposed to be the sequel to Pride and Prejudice, one of my all-time favorite books!

Make, Take, Murder

by Joanna Campbell Slan

This is the latest in Joanna Campbell Slan's Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-n-Craft Mystery series.

What's in your mailbox?

Monthly Giveaway: January (CLOSED)

2012-01-07T13:38:00.001-05:00

Back by popular demand, here are this month's selections:

Silver Girl

By: Elin Hilderbrand

Format: Audio

My review

Mennonite in a Little Black Dress

By: Rhoda Janzen

Format: Paperback

My review

What I Thought I Knew

By: Alice Eve Cohen

Format: Paperback

My review

Sand in My Eyes

By: Christine Lemmon

Format: Paperback

My review

How to enter:

This contest is open to entries from the U.S. only.

The deadline for entry is midnight, January 25th. I will draw the winners on January 26th and post the winners' names as soon as I have heard from all of them.

FORM CLOSED

Good Luck!!!

Review: Death by Diamonds by Annette Blair

2012-01-07T08:23:00.001-05:00

First line: As I drove to work that morning, I remembered the dream I'd had last night: Me as a toddle being passed between my mother and Aunt Fiona, the two of them dancing and chanting in rhyme beside the Mystic River beneath a full and magical moon.

From the back cover: Madeira loves her Vintage Magic boutique, but the visions she gets from the garments can be hard to handle, especially when she knows the garments' owner. At first she's thrilled to receive a package containing the beautifully bejeweled dress she designed for actress and old friend Dominique Delong while in fashion school. But the dress comes with a disturbing note from Dominique, who it seems took her last bow under very mysterious circumstances. Now Maddie needs to use her second sight to shine a spotlight on the actress's entire entourage - including a bitter ex, a rival ingenue, and a very catty "best friend" - and make sure that this was the killer's final act.

My thoughts: This is the third book in Annette Blair's Vintage Magic Mystery series and it was a fun, quick read. Despite the fact that I do not usually care for the paranormal, in this case, it works. Madeira's psychic gift of "reading" clothes while wearing or touching them adds a unique touch to the storyline as does the appearance of the resident ghost, Dante, who lives in Mad's vintage shop.

In Death by Diamonds, Mad ends up in New York for much of the novel in an attempt to solve her old friend Dominique's death. There, she uncovers plenty of murder suspects: Dom's current understudy; Dom's ex-husband, who may well inherit the business they jointly own; a jealous rival; Dom's personal chef, who wanted her to set him up in his own restaurant; Dom's toy boy; and just about anyone who knew about the missing diamonds Dom wore on stage. Along for the ride to NY are her best friend, Eve; her on-again-off-again steamy love interest FBI agent Nick Jaconetti; and Detective Lytton Werner, the local sheriff who Mad has a sort of love-hate relationship with.

The descriptions of the vintage fashions and the fashion quotes that precede each chapter are probably my favorite part of this series. And now that we seem to have a love triangle going on between Mad, Werner and Nick, especially after the "thermonuclear kiss," I am eager to get my hands on the next book in the series, Skirting the Grave, to see how it plays out.

(I purchased this book.)

Review: Kismet by Carly Phillips (e-book)

2012-01-07T01:53:00.000-05:00

First line: On a mission, Elisabetta Gardelli walked into Consign or Design, a small shop off Main Street in downtown Serendipity known for high-end outfits bought on consignment and unique items crafted by the owner, April Mancini.

Synopsis from GoodReads: Elisabetta Gardelli thought she'd spend her days serving coffee and writing obits for the town paper. But then an unexpected opportunity results in her dream job as a real journalist for the News Journal. Now, divorced and determined to make it on her own, Lissa is assigned to write a series of interviews about entrepreneurs who’ve made their mark at an impressively young age. First up? Wall Street mogul Trevor Dane - Lissa's first love. Lissa hasn't seen Trevor since he left the small town of Serendipity to earn his spot on the right side of the tracks. Ten years have passed but neither has really moved from their super-passionate teenage affair - or the heartbreak that followed. This reunion can be their second chance or it can provide much needed closure. It all depends on Trevor. Can he forgive Lissa or will the past continue to stand in their way?

My Thoughts: This novella is part of Carly Phillips' newest series, Serendipity. It is a story about second-chance love and even though it is a story story, it is still filled with the steaminess that I have come to love and expect when reading Carly Phillips.

Finally making a name for herself as a journalist, Elisabetta starts a new series about entrepreneurs who have made it to the top at a young age. The one thing she wasn't expecting was to have to interview her very first love Trevor Dane. Elisabetta and Trevor were an item in high school and then fate stepped in the way and things ended. Neither has seen or heard from the other since then and when they are face-to-face again for that first time, sparks fly. Will they be able to get past what happened in high school and find a way to be together now?

Carly Phillips gives us an emotional story about love, heartbreak and forgiveness and despite the fact that the story was a short one, it is still easy to get wrapped up in the characters. This was a fun, short visit to Serendipity and I cannot wait to visit again with the next book in the series, Destiny.

(I purchased this e-book.)

Review: On Strike for Christmas by Sheila Roberts

2012-01-04T08:38:00.000-05:00

First line: Glen Fredericks slapped the back of his last departing Thanksgiving dinner guest.

From the back cover: At Christmastime, it seems as though a woman's work is never done. Trimming the tree, mailing the cards, schlepping to the mall, wrapping gifts - bah, humbug! So this year, Joy and Laura and the rest of their knitting group decide to go on strike. If their husbands and families want a nice holiday - filled with parties, decorations, and presents - well, they'll just have to do it themselves. The boycott soon takes on a life of its own when a reporter picks up the story and more women join in. But a Christmas Day approaches, Joy, Laura, and their husbands confront larger issues in their marriages and discover that a little holiday magic is exactly what they need to come together.

My thoughts: This was a funny, heartwarming novel that touches the very core of the Christmas spirit. It is a tale about women who go on strike in order to make their husbands realize all that goes into having festive holidays. One husband loves huge seasonal parties as long as he is just the participant; another hates big holiday affairs to the chagrin of his fun loving wife. Still others are stingy, and even some too afraid to welcome back the holiday after losing loved ones. This is a smart, sassy, witty look at the craziness we women tend to impose upon ourselves during the holidays. Though it is light reading, there is a gentle message - respect, love and understanding are priceless and highly sought-out gifts, not only at Christmas but year round.

I enjoy reading Sheila Roberts and love that she always includes little messages in her books. I think I've now read everything she has published to date and look forward to seeing what she writes next.

(I got this book from Paperback Swap.)

Book Blogger Confessions #1 (1.3.12)

2012-01-03T13:41:00.000-05:00

I'm a little late with this post, but I am really excited to participate in this new meme and I would love to hear your thoughts on your book blogging journey - either leave a comment or if you participated in the meme, leave a link to your post.

Welcome to the very first Book Blogger Confessions, a meme co-hosted with Tiger from All-Consuming Books and Karen at For What It's Worth Reviews. The meme will run on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month to discuss some of the frustrations that are unique to book bloggers.

You can read the introductory post here.

If you want to participate just one of the buttons and include it in your post with a link to either All Consuming Books or For What It's Worth. They will be providing a linky at the end of their posts so people can "hop" to see all the participants answers.

Q: How has the "job" of book blogging changed your reading habits? Both pro and con.

THE GOOD:

For me, book blogging has been a great journey. I have always been an avid reader and love finding new authors and then sharing that with others. Since I started book blogging, I have come across so many new books and authors that I might not have picked up. I believe this is in large part to the book blogging community - we all share the same passion for books and love sharing our thoughts on what we read. I feel that I have connected to these other book bloggers and really look to them for their thoughts on books.

Because I have my book blog, I actually feel productive if I spend a whole day reading or working on my blog. Especially when I have lots of review tours scheduled, I am ecstatic if I can devote a whole day to reading. But even if I can't devote the whole day, I do try to fit in at least an hour a day (not counting the time I spend reading before bed) to read. To me, this is an ideal job, and I would love nothing more than to spend all my time reading/blogging.

Another part of book blogging that I have come to enjoy is all the challenges out there. I love participating in these - they are fun and have helped me to read off that never-ending TBR pile that always seems to grow and never shrink. This year in particular I picked challenges that will help me with some personal reading goals I have - start some series I've been wanting to, catch up on other series that I've started but fallen behind on, use my Nook more, etc. I am amazed at just how many challenges are out there. I don't think I would have thought of some of these challenges and kept track of them on my own if it were not for my blog.

THE BAD:

At times, though, I do feel as if blogging is almost like a full-time job. Not that anyone is watching over my every step, but I always feel bad if I don't post something every single day. Of course, there are many times when I don't post everyday, but I really just need to be OK with that. I love participating in some of the weekly memes and I love reading what everyone else does for the memes. It's the reviews that sometimes become the chore. I think I need to rethink my reviewing format to make it easier for me.

Before book blogging, I would choose my next book to read by whatever I felt interested in at that time, or I would go through all my library books so that I could return them on time. Now, when I am ready to select my next book to read, I have to think about what books I have scheduled for reviews. Sometimes this makes selecting the next book easy, but at times it has been challenging because I might not be in the mood for a particular book, but if I don't start it at that moment, I might not finish it before I need to post the review.

What about you? How have your reading habits been changed during your time as a book blogger?

2012 Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge

2012-01-03T08:43:00.007-05:00

The Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge is hosted by Socrates' Book Reviews and it goes from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012. I love reading cozy mysteries and think this will be a fun challenge to join!

I'm joining at the Super Sleuth level, which means I need to read at least 13 cozy mysteries in 2012. I'll keep track of them here along with links to the reviews.

Skirting the Grave by Annette Blair (Vintage Magic Mystery #4)
Make, Take, Murder by Joanna Campbell Slan (A Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-N-Craft Mystery #4)
Pleating for Mercy by Melissa Bourbon (A Magical Dressmaking Mystery #1)
Sew Deadly by Elizabeth Lynn Casey (Southern Sewing Circle Mystery #1)

2012 Finish the Series Reading Challenge

2012-01-03T08:39:00.008-05:00

The Finish the Series Reading Challenge is hosted by Socrates' Book Reviews, and it goes from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012. I love reading series and have quite a few that I really need to catch up on.

I'm joining at the Level 3, which means I need to complete three or more series (and hopefully I'll be able to do more!). I'll keep track of them here and I'll also link my reviews once they are posted.

These are the series I am hoping to finish:

The Millennium Trilogy by Stieg Larsson (need to read 2)
The FBI Thriller series by Catherine Coulter (need to read 4)

Tailspin (#12)

The Virgin River series by Robyn Carr (need to read 16)

Whispering Rock (#3)

I will add the books that I read in each series after I finish them...hopefully I will be successful with this challenge!

***Additional series that I completed:

Eve, Quinn and Bonnie by Iris Johansen (3 books)

2012 1st in a Series Reading Challenge

2012-01-03T08:36:00.009-05:00

The 2012 1st in a Series Reading Challenge is hosted by Bibliophile By the Sea, and it goes from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012. I have quite a few series that I've been wanting to start and this is the perfect challenge to help me along.

I'll be joining at the Series Lover level, which means that I have to start 6 series. I'll keep track of them here. I'll also link my reviews to the list.

Here are the series I am hoping to start:

Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles series by Tess Gerritsen

The Surgeon

The Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich
Magical Dressmaking mysteries by Melissa Bourbon

Pleating for Mercy

Piece of Cake mysteries by Jaclyn Brady
Elm Creek Quilts series by Jennifer Chiaverini
Tess Monaghan series by Laura Lippman

I will add the titles and reviews of each book that I read after I finish them...hopefully I will be successful with this challenge!

*** Additional 1st books that I read

The Eve, Quinn, Bonnie series by Iris Johansen

Eve

Southern Sewing Circle Mystery series by Elizabeth Lynn Casey

Sew Deadly

Big Stone Gap series by Adriana Trigiani

Big Stone Gap

2012 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

2012-01-03T08:33:00.001-05:00

The Historical Fiction Reading Challenge is hosted by Historical Tapestry, and it goes from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012. I participated in this challenge last year and ended up reading 13 historical fiction books so I am going to push myself to read a few more this year.

I'm joining at the Undoubtedly Obsessed level, which means I need to read at least 15 historical fiction books in 2012. I'll keep track of them here.

2012 E-Book Reading Challenge

2012-01-03T08:24:00.004-05:00

The 2012 E-Book Reading Challenge is hosted by Bumps in the Road (The Eclectic Bookshelf), and it goes from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012. I have a Nook and am hoping to get to all the books I've added to it over the past year.

I'm joining at the Jumbo Size level, which means I need to read at least 20 e-books in 2012. I'll keep track of them here.

Whispering Rock by Robyn Carr
Home at Rose Cottage by Sherryl Woods
The Seventh Month by Lisa Gardner

2012 Off the Shelf Reading Challenge

2012-01-03T08:16:00.008-05:00

The 2012 Off the Shelf is hosted by Bookish Ardour, and it goes from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012. I participated in a similar challenge last year and it helped me get through the many books I have sitting on my book shelves. At last count, I have about 150 books on my shelves that I have not read yet.

I'm joining at the Making a Dint level, which means that I need to read at least 30 books from my book shelves. I'll keep track of them here. I'll also link my reviews to the list.

Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
Skirting the Grave by Annette Blair
Pleating for Mercy by Melissa Bourbon

2012 Support Your Local Library Challenge

2012-01-03T08:14:00.012-05:00

The 2012 Support Your Local Library Challenge is hosted by The Eclectic Bookshelf, and it goes from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012. I love my local library and love doing this challenge. This is my third year participating!

I'm joining at Level 4, which means I need to borrow at least 37 books from the library in 2012. I'll keep track of them here along with links to the reviews.

The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen (audio)
Eve by Iris Johansen
Quinn by Iris Johansen
Bonnie by Iris Johansen
Make, Take, Murder by Joanna Campbell Slan
Tailspin by Catherin Coulter
Sew Deadly by Elizabeth Lynn Casey
The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen
The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker (audio)

2012 100+ Books in a Year Reading Challenge

2012-01-03T08:12:00.018-05:00

The 2012 100+ Books in a Year Reading Challenge is hosted by Book Chick City, and it goes from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012. I participated in this last year and ended up reading 123 books - I'm hoping to surpass that number this year.

***For this challenge, I am only including physical books/e-books that I've read...I am not including audio.

I'll keep track of what I read here along with links to the reviews.

Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
Skirting the Grave by Annette Blair
The Kitchen Daughter by Jael McHenry
Eve by Iris Johansen
Quinn by Iris Johansen
Bonnie by Iris Johansen
Make, Take, Murder by Joanna Campbell Slan
Tailspin by Catherine Coulter
Private: #1 Suspect by James Patterson
Pleating for Mercy by Melissa Bourbon
Whispering Rock by Robyn Carr (e-book)
The Summer Garden by Sherryl Woods
Sew Deadly by Elizabeth Lynn Casey
Home at Rose Cottage by Sherryl Woods (e-book)
The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen
Private London by James Patterson
The Seventh Month by Lisa Gardner (e-book)

It's Monday...What Are You Reading? (1.2.12)

2012-01-02T08:49:00.000-05:00

Last week, I was a review writing machine...I can't believe I managed to get seven reviews done - the end of the year was a great motivator to catch up! Later today I will be posting all the challenges I am participating in and these will help drive the books I choose to read in this new year.

Books Completed last week:

The Next Always by Nora Roberts (library book)
On Strike for Christmas by Sheila Roberts (mine)
Kismet by Carly Phillips (e-book)
Death by Diamonds by Annette Blair (mine)

Reading Now:

Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani (mine)

The Kitchen Daughter by Jael McHenry (review book)
Alex Cross Trial by James Patterson (mine)

Reviews completed last week:

Secrets of the Tudor Court: Between Two Queens by Kate Emerson
Knit the Season by Kate Jabobs
Secrets of the Tudor Court: By Royal Decree by Kate Emerson
Still Alice by Lisa Genova
The Nine Lives of Christmas by Sheila Roberts
Shanghai Girls by Lisa See
The Next Always by Nora Roberts

Other Posts related to books:

Month in Review: December 2011
Year in Review: 2011
2012 Goals for Reading/Blogging/Life in General

Books for which I need to finish reviews:

On Strike for Christmas by Sheila Roberts
Kismet by Carly Phillips
Death by Diamonds by Annette Blair

Contest information:

None at this time

What about you? What does your reading week look like this week? Whatever it is, happy reading and have a good week!

2012 Goals for Reading/Blogging/Life in General

2012-01-01T17:27:00.000-05:00

I've seen a few other blogs put down their goals for this new year and I thought I would do the same. Part of the reason for doing this is that my life as I know it is about to change half way through the year - a change that I am eagerly awaiting...I am pregnant with my first child. Due to this, I realize that I might not have as much time to devote to just reading or even to my blog as I have for the past two years. I do not plan on giving up reading or blogging, but will probably not be taking on as many reviews this year (especially in the latter half of the year) and at times, my posts might be sporadic.

Of course, reading will continue to be a major part of my life and I hope to instill my love of reading into my child's life as well. I foresee possibly incorporating reading to baby as either an extension of this blog or creating an entirely separate blog...still playing around with this and luckily I have time!

Reading Goals:

Reading Challenges - I really enjoy participating in these (posts will go up in the next few days of the challenges I am signing up for) and I have picked ones this year that I really want to do.
My bookshelves - I am going to concentrate on reading the books I already have. To this end, quite a few of the reading challenges I will be participating in lend themselves to this.

Blogging Goals:

Reviews - I am hoping to stay current with my reviews. I might change up the format of these - at times I feel writing reviews becomes a chore.
Commenting - I am hoping to be more diligent on responding to comments left on my blog as well as commenting on all the blogs I follow.

Personal Goals:

Exercise - I enjoy working out and this year it's even more important that I continue to make this a priority in my life as I progress through my pregnancy.
Organization - I really need to work on keeping my house, and subsequently my life, organized...with baby coming this June, I really want to make sure everything has a place and my life is as clutter-free as it can be.

I have really come to enjoy blogging and look forward to this upcoming year. It promises to be an exciting year and I hope you, my readers, continue to visit and share this journey with me.

Year in Review: 2011

2012-01-01T09:49:00.000-05:00

2011 has been a great year. I've been blogging for almost two years now and am always humbled when I read your comments and see that I have new followers. I have been introduced to so many great authors and books as a result of blogging. Thank you to all who visit my blog.

So, here are my stats for 2011. Overall, I completed 145 books (that includes audio books) which is the most I have ever read in one year! I also participated in some fun challenges that caused me to alter some of my reading habits - all for the good.

Challenges participated in that have ended:

2011 100+ Reading Challenge

Goal: 100+ books

Completed: 123 books (did not include audio books in this challenge)

Support Your Library Challenge

Goal: 50 library books

Completed: 50 books

Spring Reading Thing Challenge (Mar 20 - Jun 20)

Goal: 20 books

Completed: 18/20 books plus 14 additional books not on original list

Fall Into Reading Challenge (Sept 23 - Dec 21)

Goal: 25 books

Completed: 24/25 books plus 9 additional books not on original list

James Patterson Reading Challenge II (ended Aug 31, 2011)

Goal: 10 books

Completed: 10 books

E-Book Reading Challenge

Goal: 12

Completed: 12

Reading From My Shelves Project

Goal: 25

Completed: 24 (I am in the middle of book 25)

Audio Book Challenge

Goal: 20

Completed: 23

Historical Fiction Reading Challenge

Goal: 10

Completed: 13

Cruisin' Thru The Cozies Reading Challenge

Goal: 13

Completed: 18

In the next few days I will be adding the challenges that I plan on participating in during 2012.

Thank you again to all my readers - I love reading and sharing with you my thoughts on the books I read. I also love reading all your blogs. I look forward to seeing what 2012 brings for my reading.

Month in Review: December 2011

2011-12-31T16:53:00.000-05:00

Here are my reading stats for December!

Books read: 10

Books I read (reviewed ones have * and link to review; books not yet reviewed will be linked up once review is posted.)

Inseparable* by Dora Heldt
Knit the Season* by Kate Jacobs
Secrets of the Tudor Court: By Royal Decree* by Kate Emerson
Still Alice* by Lisa Genova
The Nine Lives of Christmas* by Sheila Roberts
Shanghai Girls* by Lisa See
The Next Always* by Nora Roberts
On Strike for Christmas by Sheila Roberts
Kismet by Carly Phillips
Death by Diamonds by Annette Blair

Favorite Book of December:

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

2011 Challenge Update:

100+ Reading Challenge -- Books Read: 123/100
Support Your Local Library Challenge -- Books Read: 20/50
E-Book Reading Challenge -- Books Read: 12/12
Reading From My Shelves Project -- Books Read: 24/25
Audio Book Challenge -- Books Read: 23/20
Historical Reading Challenge -- Books read: 13/10
Cruising Thru the Cozies Reading Challenge -- Books Read: 18/13+