Tuesday Thingers

Today's question:

Holiday gift-giving. Do you give books for the holidays? Did you participate in LT's SantaThing, either this year or last, or in other blogging gift exchanges? Were you happy with what you received?

I do give books for the holidays! I love to give books to children, especially. I figure if they already have the book, Mom can re-gift it at the next birthday party! I also give books to friends, usually a favorite of mine that I read that year or a book that might interest them. Giftcards are also great for people who read a lot & you are not sure which book to get them. I did participate in LT's SantaThing this year. I got 1 book I already had and 1 that I am excited to read:)

We have a winner!!!

Congratulations to our winner of Matrimony... Melissa of Shhh I'm Reading...!!! I hope you enjoy the book and thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway.

Tuesday Thingers

Most of us book bloggers like to write book reviews- if we don't love to write book reviews- but here's today's question. When it comes to LT (and your blog), do you review every book you read? Do you just review Early Reviewers or ARCs? Do you review only if you like a book, or only if you feel like you have to? How soon after reading do you post your review? Do you post them other places- other social networking sites, Amazon, etc.?

I do not review every book I read. Some books I read only for myself and do not always feel the need to write a review. I always review my Early Reviewers books and get those reviews done as soon as I can! I go back and forth between ARCs and regular books, reading and reviewing. I write and post my review as soon as I can after I finish the book while it is still fresh in my mind. I usually only post on LibraryThing and on my blog. Once in a while, I will post somewhere else, like Amazon.

Book Giveaway!!!

Joshua Henkin is generously offering a SIGNED copy of his latest book, Matrimony, to one lucky winner just in time for the holiday season! (Matrimony would make a great Christmas gift!!!) Matrimony is a New York Times Notable book and one of my favorite books from this year. My review follows, below giveaway...

The Details: This giveaway is open to anyone WORLDWIDE and ends Sunday, December 14th at midnight. To enter simply leave a comment on this post, and for an extra entry post my giveaway on your blog.

For other reviews on Matrimony check out these posts:
The Literate Housewife
The 3 R's: Reading, 'Riting, and Randomness
She is Too Fond of Books
Age 30 - A Year of Books
Books and Cooks
Reading Room
Bookfoolery and Babble
A Reader's Journal
B&B Ex Libris
Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin'?
Shelf Life
The Boston Bibliophile
Trish's Reading Nook
Musings of a Bookish Kitty

Here are some of Josh’s guest posts that may be of interest:
Books on the Brain
Planet BooksMusings of a Bookish Kitty
The Elegant Variation

To read more about Matrimony and Joshua Henkin visit his website. Joshua is available for book group discussions and you can find a reading group contact form and reading group guide here. You can also watch a video of Joshua...http://www.joshuahenkin.com/video/

Matrimony

LibraryThing book review...

Matrimony by Joshua Henkin

Julian meets Mia while both are freshmen at Graymont College. He also meets good friend,Carter, while in a writing workshop. Carter meets Pilar in the cafeteria and a foursome is formed. All four spend lots of time together becoming couples and good friends. We see them progress through college into real life and all that goes with it.

I found this book interesting and I was very drawn into the lives of the characters. I could really relate to all of them, it all seemed very real and down to earth to me. It was like they were my friends, I could have been right there with them. A very enjoyable read, very quick. I would definitely recommend this book to others, married or not!

Dirt: An American Campaign

LibraryThing book review...

Dirt: An American Campaign

By Mark LaFlamme

Dirt begins with Calvin Cotton taking his wife's body from her tomb and going on a little trip with her. Calvin's father, Governor Frank Cotton, is a contender for the White House and cannot have any type of scandal during his campaign. Governor Cotton calls for a little help with his son, a fella by the name of Thomas Cashman. Cashman, in turn, gets some help from author, Billy Baylor. Baylor has written many stories about obsessive love and Cashman believes he can be a help with the situation. The pair follow Calvin around trying to solve the problem, while Governor Cotton continues on with his campaigning.

Dirt is very different, but I enjoyed it. I would classify it as a political thriller... I liked the thriller part, but could have lived without all the politics. The characters are very memorable, as are some of the things they do. The plot moved along quickly and I definitely wanted to find out what happened in the end. A nice change from what I usually read.

Tuesday Thingers

What's the most popular book in your library? Have you read it? What did you think? How many users have it?

My answer: The most popular book in my library is The Da Vinci Code, by Dan Brown. I heard SO much about this book that I finally gave in and read it. I enjoyed it, but it is not one of my all-time favorite books. 6,828 other LibraryThingers have the book, and it's been reviewed 595 times with an average rating of 3 and a half stars. The Da Vinci Code is also the 3rd most reviewed book, interesting...

Grace

LibraryThing book review...
Grace by Richard Paul Evans

Eric is having a tough time after a recent move, his father not being able to work due to an injury, and just the normal teenage stuff. He works part-time at a burger joint to help out and this is where he meets Grace, while she is digging in a dumpster for food. He is kind and invites her into the restaurant to eat. They talk and Grace tells Eric that she is a runaway. He tells her she can stay in the clubhouse on his parents' property and she accepts. Grace and Eric's lives will never be the same after this Christmas...

I truly love books by Richard Paul Evans and this one is no exception. It is a tender story that brought out all my emotions. I felt for Eric and for Grace, both had tough choices to make. The only problem I had with the book was how come neither Eric or Grace told the authorities what had really happened with her step-dad? That part was unbelievable to me, but otherwise a very touching Christmas story.

WOW!

Holly at Writer's Block Reviews has given me the "I love your blog award"!!! Thanks so much, what a nice surprise! It is always good to get recognized for doing something that you love:)

NOW, here are my nominees...

1. Love to Read-Melanie's book blog is one of the very 1st that I ever read, loved it then, still love it!

2. J. Kaye's Book Blog- I always enjoy J. Kaye's blog, her reviews, & her comments!

3. Bookish Ruth-Ruth has lots of great information on her blog, along with great book recommendations:)

4. Musings of a Bookish Kitty-Wendy has a fun book blog with lots of great reviews (and we both happen to love cats!)

5. Up for Grabs...ME, ME, Pretty Please Pick Me! -Love this blog & love all the giveaways!

6. The Boston Bibliphile -This is another great book blog, one I have been reading since I started this whole blog thing! Marie is great & her blog is awesome!!

7. Peeking between the Pages -Dar is super, love the books she read, & I always want to read them.

**Now for the rules ::
After receiving the award you are supposed to pay it forward:
1) Add the logo of your award to your blog.
2) Add a link to the person who awarded it to you.
3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4) Add links to those blogs on your blog.
5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

Friday Fill-ins #100!

1. My stomach is happy!

2. Dessert is what I ate the most of on Thursday.

3. The yard is FULL of leaves-drats!

4. At home is where I'd rather be at any given time.

5. The smell of the air reminds me of Fall.

6. More sleep is what I need right now!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to doing a little baking, tomorrow my plans include chilling and Sunday, I want to pick up some leaves (NOT!)!

The Pre-Nup

LibraryThing book review...

The Pre-Nup by Beth Kendrick
The Pre-Nup is the story of three friends and their experiences with love...and with pre-nups! We have Ellie, who has the perfect marriage until it all falls apart when she discovers her husband having an affair. We then have Jen who married her best friend who was madly in love with her. The problem is, she was madly in love with somebody else. Mara is about to be married and she is fighting with her fiance about the pre-nup...or is about the pre-nup?

This is a great read! It is funny, smart, and loads of fun. I adored the three ladies and was rooting for each of them through their adventures with love. The story goes really fast and I had a hard time putting the book down. This book was an awesome read:)
Bantam Discovery (2008), Paperback, 304 pages

Friday Fill-ins #99

1. The last band I saw live was Loverboy!
2. What I look forward to most on Thanksgiving is the delicious food.
3. My Christmas/holiday shopping is started, but not done.
4. Thoughts of the Thanksgiving break fill my head.
5. I wish I could wear skinny jeans.
6. Bagpipes are rare in West Texas.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to reading my People magazine, tomorrow my plans include relaxing around the house and Sunday, I want to read, but I will clean!

Ghost at Work

LibraryThing book review...
Ghost at Work by Carolyn Hart

Bailey Ruth Raeburn is a ghost with a mission for the Department of Good Intentions. She returns to earth to help the rector's wife, Kathleen Abbott, when she finds a dead man on her back porch. Kathleen wants to protect the good name of her husband, the pastor (and herself). Daryl Murdoch is the victim and lots of people have good reasons to want him dead. Bailey Ruth helps her by moving the body and continues investigating to find the real killer.

This book was an absolute joy to read. The characters are endearing, the plot is well developed, and the mystery was not a given. This is a hilarious cozy mystery with lots of action and suspects. I can't wait for the next one!

Tuesday Thingers

Popular this month on LT: Do you look at this list? Do you get ideas on what to read from it? Have you read any of the books on the list right now? Here's the list and my answer:

1. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
2. Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron
3. Nation by Terry Pratchett
4. Brisingr by Christopher Paolini
5. Anathem by Neal Stephenson
6. American Wife: A Novel by Curtis Sittenfeld
7. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
8. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle: A Novel by David Wroblewski
9. Eclipse (The Twilight Saga, Book 3) by Stephenie Meyer
10. Any Given Doomsday by Lori Handeland

I own Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World, American Wife, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, and The Story of Edgar Sawtelle in my library at home...to be read! In my junior high school library, we have Brisingr and Eclipse. I haven't read any of them, yet! I think I am a little behind in my reading or I buy way too many books...hmm:)

I have never noticed this feature on Library Thing, but I really like it. I am going to make a point to check it out from now on.

Bones

LibraryThing book review...
Bones by Jonathan Kellerman

Alex Delaware is back helping Lt. Milo Sturgis solve the murders of four women in a protected bird marsh. The mystery begins with a phone call about a corpse to the marsh office, answered by a high school student performing community service. Chance Brandt ignores the call, but tells some friends about it and word gets out. All but one of the women were prostitutes, all were missing their right hands, and their bodies were left facing east.

I love Alex Delaware and Milo Sturgis, but this one I didn't absolutely love. I found it slow and hard to finish. The characters were interesting, but the story was a bit boring. There was not a lot of Robin and Alex time, which I missed. I could have skipped this one:(

Tuesday Thingers

Today's question:

LT Things- t-shirts, bags,cue cats- are you into the "stuff"? Do you use a cuecat to enter your books, or do you enter them manually? What do you think of the stuff?

I don't have any of the "stuff"!!! I really like stuff, so I am going to have to check it out. I do not use a cuecat, it is very cute, but I don't think I would use it that much. I just enter my books manually. I am off to go check out that Library Thing stuff...

Friday Fill-ins #95

1. Right now, I'm feeling tired, but happy.
2. Home is where I want to be.

3. How does one deal with unreasonable people?

4. Work keeps me on track.

5. Please don't talk to me early in the morning.
6. My animals fill me with joy.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to some TV, tomorrow my plans include reading a book and Sunday, I want to go eat with friends!

A Jolly Good Fellow

Book Review...
A Jolly Good Fellow By Stephen V. Masse

Duncan Wagner (a loser making money scamming as Santa Claus) decides to kidnap Gabriel Booker, the son of a well-known politician. The actual kidnapping turns out to be quiet easy, since Duncan picks up Gabriel as he is running away from home. Things get complicated when it turns out Gabriel really doesn't want to go home and doesn't try to escape. The two hang out and become friends, then things get even more complicated...

I throughly enjoyed A Jolly Good Fellow by Stephen V. Masse. I loved Duncan Wagner, loved him so much, even though he was a kidnapper! I wanted things to turn out well for him. I also loved Gabriel and the relationship they ended up having. I really felt for both of the main characters and wanted things to be better for both of them. This is a funny, lovely, and endearing story-a great Christmas jewel!

Love the One You're With

LibraryThing book review...

Love the One You're With by Emily Giffin

Ellen Dempsey is married to the perfect guy, Andy and seems to have the perfect life, but does she??? Ellen runs into her haunting, handsome ex, Leo and the "what ifs?" begin. Did she marry the right guy? Does she really love Andy? A recent move from her beloved New York to Atlanta also complicates things, along with some family issues.

I enjoyed Love the One You're With, it is a fun, light read. I got frustrated with Ellen...I mean, she has the perfect life, why screw it up with a loser? But, by the end of the story, I understood why she did what she did and really liked the ending. This was my first read by Giffin and I will definitely read some more of her books!

Friday Fill-ins #94

1. Follow the advice of a wise person, your mom or dad!

2. A book (of course!) is something I always take with me on vacation.

3. To achieve your goals, you must believe in yourself.

4. I love to take naps is something I'd like you to know about me.

5. I have a very spoiled pair of dogs and a spoiled set of cats!

6. Love floats.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to reading my People magazine, tomorrow my plans include some yardwork and Sunday, I want to chill!

The Lucky One

LibraryThing book review...

The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

The Lucky One is about Logan Thibault, a veteran, who is returning from a tour of duty in Kuwait. While on his tour, he finds a picture of a lovely young lady. He cannot find the owner of the picture and begins to carry it with him. The photo seems to bring him luck, apparently saving him from a couple of near misses. He returns home and decides to find the lady in the picture who brought him good luck. He walks to North Carolina where he finds Beth, and there the story really begins...

This wasn't my favorite Nicholas Sparks book. I had a really hard time getting into it and finishing it. It talked a lot about war, which I found boring. The story really didn't get good until the last couple of chapters. All in all, a good read, just not a great one.

Tuesday Thingers

Today's question: Early Reviewers- do you participate? How many books (approximately) have you received through the program? Have you liked them generally? What's your favorite ER book? Do you participate in the discussion group on LT?

My answer: I've been a participant in the program since April of 2008, and so far I've received 4 books through the program. I think I have been very lucky! I have enjoyed all of the books I've received through Early Reviewers. My first was Say Goodbye by Lisa Gardner, my second was My Husband's Sweethearts by Bridget Asher, and then Hell Bent by William G. Tapply. The latest one that I got was Playing Dead by Allison Brennan. I have not read it, yet, but may start it later today. My favorite was My Husband's Sweethearts, just a really fun read! I have not partipated in the discussion group on LT, but definitely will in the future...

The Longest Trip Home

LibraryThing book review...
The Longest Trip Home by John Grogan

The Longest Trip Home is another wonderful book by author John Grogan. John takes us through his idyllic childhood into his antics as a teenager. We see his struggles with his VERY Catholic parents over religion and his struggles within himself about religion. We see him emerge as a journalist working in newspapers all over the country. He meets the girl of his dreams and starts a family (with a dog!). And, of course, he becomes a best-selling author!

Yes, the end of this book brought tears, as did his previous book, Marley and Me (which I loved). This book brought my own memories of growing up and my own struggles to become a person my parents would be proud of. Some parts made me smile, others made me thoughtful, and yes, some even made me cry. A lovely book about a loving family.

Friday Fill-ins #93

And...here we go!

1. One of the best concerts/plays/movies I ever saw that I really didn't think I'd like was Braveheart.

2. Green cheese enchiladas is a recipe I recently made (or meal I recently ordered) that was delicious!

3. It's time for Fall.

4. An icy cold Pepsi is quite refreshing.

5. If I never hear the word election again, it'll be too soon.

6. To one side of the curving road was a forest of trees, and on the other was an unending body of blue water.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to doing some reading, tomorrow my plans include sleeping-in and Sunday, I want to relax, but I will be cleaning house!

Hell Bent

LibraryThing book review...
Hell Bent written by William G. Tapply

Boston attorney Brady Coyne is missing his ex, Evie, when another ex, Alex, shows back up in his life. Alex's brother, Augustine Sinclair, is suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after a stint in Iraq as a freelance photographer. His wife has kicked him out and wants a divorce, so this is where Brady comes in. But, things get complicated when it appears that Gus commits suicide. Brady's love life is also complicated between getting over Evie and moving on to Alex.

Hell Bent was an engrossing, quick read. I really enjoyed Brady Coyne and plan on reading some more books by William G. Tapley (this was my first). He is an engaging, believable charactor, quite charming. The ending was a surprise to me, I totally had no clue.

Friday Fill-ins #91

And...here we go!

1. Candy, cooler weather, and time at home are some of the things I'm most looking forward to in October.

2. Sometimes I wish I were on a beach somewhere far, far away.

3. Wacky things happen all the time and that's why there is a saying, "never say never"!

4. When I'm down, I call a friend.

5. On my computer is where you'll find me most often.

6. A rainy day is good for reading a good book or taking a nap.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to seeing my parents, tomorrow my plans include shopping with my mom and Sunday, I want to chill!

Turning Tables

LibraryThing book review...
Turning Tables by Heather & Rose MacDowell

Turning Tables is a fun book about Erin Edwards, a marketing manager who loses her job and turns to waitressing to make ends meet. Erin gets a job at the upscale Roulette through a family friend. She finds out waitressing isn't so easy, but she does find some help in the form of Cato, a seasoned veteran who helps her along. Erin also meets some fellas, has some adventures, gets a dog (and a fish), and learns some important things about herself along the way.

This book is a fast read and lots of fun. I loved the characters, especially Erin and the chef, Carl. I've been a waitress and it rang true for me in many ways. Others have said the ending was cheesy, but I like cheesy:) All in all, a great chick lit book!

Fractured

LibraryThing book review...
Fractured by Karin Slaughter

Fractured is about wealthy housewife, Abigail Campano, who comes home to find the dead body of her daughter, Emma, but it is actually her friend, Kayla. This is just the beginning of the many mysteries that are played out in Fractured. Paired together to solve this mystery are GBI agent Will Trent and Detective Faith Mitchell, an interesting duo, for sure. The conflicts these two have with each other and within themselves are the best part of the story. The story is suspenseful, steady, and keeps you wanting more.

Fractured started slow for me, but steadily became more and more suspenseful. The characters are intriguing and I look forward to seeing more of them in future books. I especially enjoyed Will Trent. I didn't see the ending coming, always a sign of a good mystery. I didn't want to see this one end...

Summer Blowout

LibraryThing book review...
Summer Blowout by Claire Cook

Summer Blowout is about Bella Shaughnessy whose husband has left her for her half-sister, Sophia. To complicate things even more, the whole family works together in the family business, beauty salons. Bella is swears off men, but, of course, she meets one... She also inherits into a cute little dog named Precious. She is very confused about men, family, and relationships.

This book is lots of fun to read, a light beach book or chick lit. It will make you laugh, and you will want to go buy a new lipstick after reading it! Bella is quite comical and likeable, like your best friend. You will feel her pain, laugh at her antics, and be happy with her choices.

Loose Girl

LibraryThing book review...

Loose Girl

by Kerry Cohen

Loose Girl is an engrossing read about Kerry Cohen and her struggle to find herself. While others become dependent on drugs or food, Kerry's obsession is sex. It begins as an adolescent struggling to understand her parents' divorce and continues into trying to understand herself. Both of her parents are self-involved and don't seem to notice the struggle their daughter is going through. We see Kerry go through many men in an attempt to find love, and ultimately herself.

I found this book fascinating to read. I really felt Kerry's pain and struggled right along with her. It is very honest and I found that so refreshing. It is painful to read at times, but so worth it. I also felt the end was a bit rushed, but overall I really enjoyed this book.

If you follow along for the festivities of BBAW at My Friend Amy, you will find many chances to win LOTS of goodies! Like what? Well have a look below. All of these things will be given away between September 15-19. There will be a huge variety of ways to win them and giveaways will be announced constantly throughout the week. So be sure to check in often!

A HUGE thank you to Hachette Book Group, Penguin Group USA, Harlequin, The B&B Media Group, Shera of SNS Blog Design, WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group, Catherine Delors, Pamela Binnings Ewen, Andromeda Romano-Lax, Ceceilia Dowdy, Sormag, Book Club Girl, Savvy Verse and Wit, Cafe of Dreams, Fashionista Piranha, and Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin'?.

Daily Raffles:Monday--Books and Chocolate sponsored by My Friend Amy and Hey Lady! Whatcha' Readin?

Tuesday--Books and Going Green sponsored by My Friend Amy

Wednesday--Books and Coffee sponsored by My Friend Amy

Thursday--Books and Charity sponsored by My Friend Amy and Fashionista Piranha

Friday--Books and Movies sponsored by My Friend Amy

Win a Book Club Girl Hostess Survival Kit!

Do you find it's your turn to host book club and not only do you not know what to serve but you don't know what books to offer up for the next month's selection?! Let Book Club Girl come to your rescue with the Book Club Girl Hostess Survival Kit.

One lucky winner of the kit will receive:

* A basket of cheese, crackers, cookies and wine for up to 12 people

* 5 great book group books to vote on for your group's next pick. And Book Club Girl will then donate 12 copies whichever book is chosen for your entire group to read.

* 12 Book Club Girl mousepads to give out as party favors that night

* 12 Book Club Girl bookmarks to mark everyone's favorite passages

* 12 Book Club Girl coasters to protect your coffee table from all those wine glasses!

TWO SORMAG Goody Bags containing books and more!

A Special Pamper Me Basket from Cafe of Dreams!

From Avon Foot Works~ Inflatable watermelon shaped foot tub~ 3.4 FL oz Watermelon Cooling Foot Lotion~ 3.4 FL oz Watermelon Exfoliating Foot Scrub~ 12 count Watermelon Effervescent Foot Tablets~

An ARC of So Long At The Fair by Christina Schwarz~

A variety of Hot Chocolate and Tea mixes

A pre-made blog template from SNSDesign!

A Subscription to Poetry Magazine from Savvy Verse and Wit!

Many other blogs are giving away books and prizes for BBAW as well! You can see the links to all of these giveaways here.
Interested in gaining entries into the daily raffles?
Post this complete list on your blog with links and you'll earn two extra entries!

Sail

LibraryThing book review...
Sail
by James Patterson

Anne Dunne decides to take her three children on a sailing trip to try to bring her family together after the death of her husband. Their vacation is plaqued with problems from the beginning. Carrie, her teenage daughter, attempts to drown herself, Mark, her teenage son is smoking pot, and her youngest, Ernie, doesn't know what is going on! That is only the beginning of this trip from hell. Lots more happens and soon...

I always enjoy reading a book written by James Patterson and this one is no different. The plot is fast-moving, suspenseful, and full of twists. I enjoyed the story, loved the characters, and even liked the ending! The book is a fast read and quite enjoyable.

We have a winner!!!

Carol is the winner of the Say Goodbye book & Border giftcard giveaway!! Congratulations to Carol & enjoy:) Thanks to everyone for entering!

My Husband's Sweethearts

LibraryThing review...
My Husband's Sweethearts written by Bridget Asher

Lucy Shoreman discovers her husband is a serial cheater and leaves him. She is on her own and working when she receives a phone call from her mother telling her that Artie is dying. Her mother insists that she come home and reluctantly Lucy does. One evening, Lucy gets a bit drunk and calls some of Artie's "sweethearts" and invites them to come take their turn at his deathbed. The sweethearts actually start showing up and that is when the fun really begins! Some become friends, some inspire jealously, and others bring surprises about Artie.

I really enjoyed reading this book, it was a lot of fun. The characters were engaging and memorable. The story was different, but very believable. Lots of witty moments, but also many tender moments, which made me enjoy the book even more. The only part that I felt could be improved upon was the ending. The ending was fine, it just didn't seem to fit with what I thought was an engaging story.

Book Giveaway!!!

Another great book giveaway!!! I am very excited to have my 2nd book giveaway. I am giving away a gently read ARC of Say Goodbye by Lisa Gardner, along with a $10.00 giftcard to Borders!!!

The rules: Winner will receive an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of Say Goodbye Lisa Gardner & a $10.00 Borders giftcard.

Open to residents of the US only.

Leave me a comment for this post-super easy!!!

PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS OR ACTIVE BLOG ADDRESS IN YOUR COMMENT.

***If you blog this contest and leave a link in your comment, so I can check it out, you will receive an extra entry to the contest. Contest ends @ midnight on September 6th. Winner will be posted on September the 7th.

Friday Fill-ins #87

And...here we go!

1. When I'm sick I'm best left alone.

2. When I take a walk, I think about everything.

3. Money can't buy happiness but it can buy some nice JEWELS!!!

4. Cotton makes me feel cool like a summer day and leather makes me want to get ready for Fall.

5. The strangest person/character I've had lewd thoughts about was my boss.

6. My favorite color these days is purple, because it is so bright.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to chilling on the couch, tomorrow my plans include work and Sunday, I want to read and relax!

Friday Fill-ins #86

This week Amy provided the questions; thank you, Amy! And...here we go!

1. Dancing to the tunes on my iPod while doing housework makes me enjoy it a little more.

2. The last time I mowed my lawn I nearly ran over one of my dogs.

3. When I drive I play with my hair.

4. I saw teachers standing all over the library today. (inservice day!)

5. Give me a book or a magazine, give me a Pepsi & a tasty snack, give me some chill time.

6. Next week I am looking forward to school starting-NOT!!!
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to working at Samuel's, tomorrow my plans include some more work at Samuel's and Sunday, I want to CHILL!!!

Booking through Thursday

Inspired by Booksplease
Whether you usually read off of your own book pile or from the library shelves NOW, chances are you started off with trips to the library. (There’s no way my parents could otherwise have kept up with my book habit when I was 10.) So … What is your earliest memory of a library? Who took you? Do you have you any funny/odd memories of the library?

My earliest memory of libraries would be those I encountered in school, and the public library I visited regularly with my mom. I have always loved libraries and, of course, books! My mom always took me to the public library. I definitely received the love of reading from my mom, who is a big-time reader. All my memories of libraries are good...a favorite place of mine:)

Say Goodbye

LibraryThing book review...

Say Goodbye by Lisa Gardner

Say Goodbye stars FBI agent Kimberly Quincy as she investigates missing prostitutes, which leads her to a spider obsessed killer who calls himself Dinchara. Kimberly deals with many different issues throughout this story. Her relationship becomes strained with her husband, Mac, over work issues and her pregnancy. She also becomes somewhat involved with Salvadore Martignetti, a GBI Special Agent, whom she teams up with to help solve the mystery of Dinchara.

Say Goodbye is a story with many twists and turns, which is confusing at times. It was hard to tell which character was telling which part of the story. The story is suspenseful, the characters are likeable and intriguing, and the ending has lots of surprises. This was a good read, but not my favorite Lisa Gardner book.

We have a winner!!!

Rebekah is the winner of Gilding Lily!!! Thanks to everyone for entering:)

Friday Fill-ins #85

1. The last meal I had at a restaurant was a cheeseburger & fries at lunch today.

2. Visiting the dentist is something I intensely dislike.

3. The full moon makes some people crazy.

4. "Howdy Ya'll !" is one of my favorite local expressions.

5. Sometimes it's best to keep your mouth shut!

6. Sex and the City is the best movie I've seen so far this year!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to having some free time on Friday, tomorrow my plans include working at the mall and Sunday, I want to sleep in!!!

Tuesday Thingers

Today's question:

Favorite bookstores. What's your favorite bookstore? Is it an online store or a bricks-and-mortar store? How often do you go book shopping? Is your favorite bookstore (or bookstores) listed as a favorite in LT? Do you attend events at local bookstores? Do you use LT to find events?

I must say (& I really hate it) that I don't have a favorite book store in the town where I live. We do have a Hastings & it is fine, but I don't really shop there that much. In the town close by, they have a Barnes & Noble, which I do enjoy visiting. My favorite book store, the one I actually use the most is Amazon.com. I can find out all kinds of information about books I am interested in there. I can read editorial reviews, reader reviews, top-selling lists, & I can buy new or used. I go book shopping way too much, at least once a week, if not more. I do not attend events at local bookstores, there are none that I know of. I will have to check LT to see if there are any events.

p.s. please enter my book giveaway:)

Book Giveaway!!!

My 1st book giveaway!!! I am very excited to have my 1st book giveaway. I am giving away a gently read ARC of Gilding Lily.

The rules: Winner will receive an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) of Gilding Lily by Tatiana Boncompagni.

Open to residents of the US only.

Leave me a comment for this post-super easy!!!

PLEASE LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS OR ACTIVE BLOG ADDRESS IN YOUR COMMENT.

***If you blog this contest and leave a link in your comment, so I can check it out, you will receive an extra entry to the contest.

Contest ends @ midnight on August 15th. Winner will be posted on August 16th.

Friday Fill-ins #84

Here we go:

1. You know you're old when the music is too loud!!!

2. My heart is divided between loving Nick and hating Nick for choosing to leave us.

3. Understanding is what I need RIGHT NOW! (and maybe some chocolate...)

4. I have felt the pain, I have known the depths of sadness.

5. Gah, won't these people go away!?!

6. Laugh as soon as you can!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to spending time with friends, tomorrow my plans include work and Sunday, I want to hang out with my buddy Q!

The Miracle at Speedy Motors

LibraryThing review...
The Miracle at Speedy Motors
by Alexander McCall Smith

I always enjoy reading the next book in Alexander McCall Smith's #1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. The Miracle at Speedy Motors is another enjoyable story of Precious Ramotswe and her assistant, Grace Makutsi. At the agency, the ladies have a mysterious letter writer and a lady looking for relatives. At home, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni meets a doctor who claims he might be able to heal their adompted daughter and Mma Makutsi has a little incident with a new bed. This series is always charming, warm, and feels like an old friend.

Tuesday Thingers

Today's question is only marginally about LibraryThing but I thought it might be a fun question anyway. It's more about blogging. Everyone who participates in Tuesday Thingers has a blog- some have a book blog, some have several, some have blogs that are more personal, etc.- and we've all chosen to participate in this particular way of networking to build traffic, get to know each other, etc. So my question is: what other weekly memes or round robins do you participate in? Is this the only one? Why Tuesday Thingers and not some other weekly Tuesday meme? Or do you do more than one?Also, if you feel like you don't have enough memes, you can visit The Daily Meme for even more blogging options for different days of the week. I know- like you don't have enough to do! :-)

My answer: In addition to Tuesday Thingers, I participate in Friday Fill-Ins. I have done Booking through Thursday one time. I also belong to the BooksANDBlogs RingSurf, which I think is a type of round robin, not sure, though. I enjoy Tuesday Thingers and Friday Fill-Ins the best. I am most faithful with Tuesday Thingers, I guess because it was the 1st one I joined. Friday Fill-Ins are lots of fun. Two a week is good for me and if I have more time, I add one more to my blog. This gives me plenty of days to do book reviews and a way to update my blog daily. I am glad to learn about The Daily Meme, will definitely check that out.

Chasing Harry Winston

LibraryThing review...

Chasing Harry Winston by Laren Weisberger

Chasing Harry Winston is about three New York ladies approaching the ripe old age of thirty and deciding that their lives aren't exactly what they want. It is about Emmy, faithful girlfriend, Leigh, book editor with the dream boyfriend, and Adriana, spoiled richgirl. They make a bet to change their lives in one year and do they ever! I enjoyed this book, a fun, light summer novel.

In the Woods

LibraryThing book review...

In the Woods by Tana French

The beginning of In the Woods was very interesting, but I got bogged down in the last half of the book. This is a a story about two missing children and it also the story of a murdered twelve-year-old girl. One happened twenty years ago and one happened recently, both in the same woods, both involving a boy/man named Adam Ryan. The best part of the book, for me, was the characters of detectives Rob and Cassie. Their relationship is complicated, real, and always intriguing. The worst part had to be the ending, resolution for one mystery, but not for the other. I did enjoy the book, the writing and will read the next book by Tana French.

Friday Fill-ins #83

Here we go:

1. If I could travel back in time, I'd go to my college days-super fun!

2. Give me a book or give me a magazine.

3. I am listening to some Nickelback.

4. Somewhere, someone is thinking about me:)

5. I'll always be an animal lover.

6. My idea of a good time includes a book, a beach, and a fancy drink.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to staying home & chilling, tomorrow my plans include working and Sunday, I want to do some chores! (need to, that is!)

Gilding Lily

LibraryThing book review...

Gilding Lily by Tatiana Boncompagni

Gilding Lily is the story of Lily Grace, a reporter, who is engaged to lawyer Robert Barthlomew. Lily and Robert get married, Lily becoming pregnant on their honeymoon. Lily has her baby boy, Will, and he brings her much joy. Things are going well, then Robert quits his job and everything starts to fall apart...

This is the story of how Lily finds her way through being a first-time mom, a new marriage, and finding her own place in the world. She struggles with her mother-in-law, Josephine, and tries to restart her career as a reporter. Her marriage to Robert is falling apart mainly because her husband is a spoiled mama's boy who doesn't have a backbone. Why she stays with him is beyond me.

I found this book an enjoyable, easy read. The story was good and the characters were interesting. I did get frustrated with Lily and with how much crap she put up with from her husband and her mother-in-law. She struck me as being very weak and I wanted to knock some sense into her more than once. I look forward to more from this first-time author…