Julie's Jewels

A Circle of Souls

2010-01-16T20:36:00.000-08:00

LibraryThing book review...
A Circle of Souls
by Preetham Grandhi

A ten-year-old girl (Janet) has been abducted and murdered. Another young girl (Naya) is having disturbing dreams about murder that lead her to sleep walk. These dreams seem to be about the murdered girl. Her psychiatrist, Dr. Peter Gram, makes this connection and tries to help Naya. He also helps FBI agent Leia Bines with finding the killer.

This is one compelling read. It is different from the normal thriller and it really kept me interested. The plot never slows down nor does it disappoint. The characters are real, well-developed, and likeable. This one is hard to put down.

Friday Fill-ins #158

2010-01-07T19:57:00.001-08:00

1. There are places colder than here.
2. Sunshine blow those clouds away.
3. Standing in the dark.
4. Snow again... oh boy.
5. He went out tiger hunting and caught a kitty kat.
6. WHAT will keep my mind from wandering ???
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to chilaxing, tomorrow my plans include some housework, and Sunday, I want to go see Leap Year with my movie buddy!

Blame

2010-01-02T22:56:00.001-08:00

LibraryThing book review...
Blame

by Michelle Huneven

Patsy is a professor who teaches history at the local college. Patsy drinks alot and ends up killing two people after a night of heavy drinking. Patsy blacked out and remembers nothing of what happened. She goes to prison and reluctantly becomes involved in the AA group there. She does her time, gets out, and starts a new life for herself.It is difficult, but she manages to start over.

I really wanted to love this book and I started out really liking it. I had a hard time believing the man whose family she killed would forgive her so easily and start a friendship with her. Patsy was also hard to like sometimes, as was her jerk of a husband, Cal. There is a twist towards the end of the book, which I liked, but it was also rather frustrating. The ending just didn't work for me, but I liked the book....just didn't love it.

The Christmas Secret

2009-12-28T21:40:00.000-08:00

LibraryThing book review...

The Christmas Secret

by Donna VanLiere

Christine Eisley is a single mother with two young children just trying to get by. She has a jerk of a ex-husband who doesn't pay child support, but feels the need to report her for child neglect. Christine loses her waitress job after being late one time too many. She finds a new job at Betty's Bakery and she also finds some wonderful new friends. She also meets a handsome stranger...

The Christmas Secret is a sweet story filled with likeable characters, some fun twists, and lots of heart. Sometimes, though, it is a bit too sweet and not so believable. Poor Christine, I mean she had so many bad things happen to her!!! It got to be a bit much. This is a fun, easy read, though, and great to enjoy at this time of the year.

After

2009-12-23T18:04:00.000-08:00

LibraryThing book review...
After
By Amy Efaw

Devon is a fifteen-year-old soccer star who makes good grades and has a bright future. That is, until she puts her newborn baby in trash bag and throws her away in a trash can outside her apartment. After tries to explain what led Devon to this tragic outcome. We follow along as Devon is arrested, goes to trial, and spends time locked up. We also learn about her mother, who had Devon when she was sixteen, and how Devon strives to be nothing like her.

I liked this book because it was very real. It lets us see into why a teenaged girl would do such a thing. Devon is hard to like at times, but it is understandable considering all that she has been through. The ending is good, just rather abrupt. I still wanted to learn more about what happens to Devon after her trial.

U is for Undertow

2009-12-22T17:41:00.000-08:00

LibraryThing book review...

U is for Undertow

by Sue Grafton

Michael Sutton comes to Kinsey Millhone for help about something he saw when he was six years old. He is haunted about what he thinks he saw and wants help finding out exactly what is was. Kinsey agrees to one day of investigation and it leads to much more than that. Michael believes he saw two men burying something...was it a little girl who had been recently kidnapped? Kinsey believes Michael and doesn't let go...

Ahhh, I savored each and every page of this book. I love Sue Grafton's Kinsey Milhone series! I was so excited to get this one in my hand and it didn't disappoint. Kinsey is probably one of my all-time favorite detectives, she is just so normal, so fun, and so believable. Already looking forward to V...

13 1/2

2009-12-14T21:31:00.000-08:00

LibraryThing book review...

13 1/2

by Nevada Barr

This book is about two brothers, one of whom kills their entire family and is known as "butcher boy". Marshall is incarcerated at age eleven and when he gets out his brother, Danny, has their family home waiting for him. Marshall becomes a architect, falls in love, and marries Polly. Polly also has her own secrets. Danny becomes a pharmacist who provides Marshall with drugs for his migraines. This is just the beginning...

I must say it....this is one of those books you wish you would have never read. I usually really like books by Nevada Barr, but this one is disappointing. The plot was pretty obvious fairly early in the book and it wasn't surprising or original. This book was really hard for me to finish and the characters are unbelievable and/or unlikeable. I actually liked the ending, however, but by that time I really didn't care!!!

Summer on Blossom Street

2009-12-13T15:45:00.000-08:00

LibraryThing book review...
Summer on Blossom Street
by Debbie Macomber

Summer on Blossom Street is the fifth book in the Blossom Street Series by Debbie Macomber. Lydia Goetz, who owns A Good Yarn, starts a knitting class called "Knit to Quit" for those who are trying to quit something. It could be smoking, a man, or stress. We meet several new characters and get caught up with some series regulars. Phoebe is trying to get over a cheating ex-fiance and Hutch is trying to lesson the business related stress in his life. We also see how Anne Marie is handling the appearance of her adopted daughter's birth father showing up in their lives. This book is about friends and family helping each other out during difficult times.

I always enjoy reading Debbie Macomber's books. She just has a lovely, comfortable style that just brings you right into the story. Her characters are real and I always love finding out what they are up to. Blossom Street is wonderful-it is like one big family that you want to know all about! Yes, this book will leave you with a smile in your heart.

Friday Fill-ins #147

2009-10-22T20:08:00.000-07:00

1. The crickets sing, a lovely sound.

2. Be happy, wherever you are.

3. I want to get far away from the crazy people (& kids) I work with!

4. I won a million dollars; this was a dream.

5. But as for me I want to take a nap!

6. New Mexico is where I come from...

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to some couch time, tomorrow my plans include a little work and a lot of relaxing and Sunday, I want to sleep in really late!

I have been so bad...

2009-10-17T13:22:00.000-07:00

I started back to work in August. I am a librarian at junior high school. I guess I just got out of the groove of working on my blog. It is just so easy in the summer when I have lots and lots of time. I am going to try really hard to get back into it, though, because I do love my blog.

I have read several books during my "off" time, though. One of my favorites was The Help by Kathryn Stockett. It was just so interesting. It is about black housekeepers and the white women they work for. It has received 4.62 stars on LibraryThing and I totally agree!

I also finished Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich. I just think these books are lots of fun! I love Stephanie, Ranger, and Morelli...and, of course, Lulu! When I need something light, not so serious, this series is the one.

I also finished Prairie Tale by Melissa Gilbert. I grew up watching Little House on the Prairie, so I just love Melissa Gilbert. This memoir is very interesting. She talks about all her men, her struggles with alcohol, and about how her need to please caused her lots of problems throughout her life. I like her even more after reading her book.

Well, that is just a few of the books I have finished lately. I promise to be a better blogger! Happy Fall to all!!!

Thanks, Mom:)

Friday Fill-ins #140

2009-09-03T20:45:00.001-07:00

1. I feel happy.

2. Dinner with friends is always fun.

3. Right now, I can hear these things: Zoe chewing on a bone, a car driving by, & the ceiling fan.

4. I have terrific friends and I'm glad I do!

5. The last time I went on vacation was SO long ago!

6. Can't wait for this Labor day weekend.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to chilling on the couch, tomorrow my plans include scrapbooking and Sunday, I want to see a movie with Amy!

The Spire

2009-08-30T19:27:00.001-07:00

LibraryThing book review...

The Spire

by Richard North Patterson

Mark Darrow returns to his alma mater, Caldwell College, to help out old friend and mentor, Lionel Farr. The school is trying to recover from the embezzlement of $900,000 by the the current president. When Darrow was a student at Caldwell he discovered the body of Angela Hall, murdered, at the base of the spire. His best friend, Steve Tillman, is serving a life sentence for the murder. Darrow has never believed that Steve was capable of murder. Not only is Mark trying to learn his new job, he is also trying to investigate a murder that is sixteen years old, and is having a relationship with Taylor Farr, the daughter of Lionel Farr.

I really enjoyed this book by Richard North Patterson. It is intriguing, well-written, and suspenseful. I really didn't figure the whole thing out until I got to the end, so it surprised me. The back and forth between the present and the past is very well done, not confusing at all. I also liked the love story, it really added to the story for me.

Friday Fill-ins #139

2009-08-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

1. He was a very special young man~I miss him every day.

2. Crisp Fall days are what I look forward to most this time of year.

3. My best friend is someone I admire greatly.

4. Home ownership sometimes really bites to be honest with you.

5. Appearances can be somewhat deceiving.

6. The last person I gave a hug to was my friend Debbie:)

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to chilling on the couch, tomorrow my plans include throwing out some junk (after watching Hoarders on A&E!) and Sunday, I want to see a movie with Vicky (The Time Traveler's Wife)!

Under This Unbroken Sky

2009-08-23T13:42:00.001-07:00

LibraryThing book review

Under This Unbroken Sky

by Shandi Mitchell

Under This Unbroken Sky is the story of two families who are trying to survive as farmers. Theodore and Maria have five children; his sister Anna is married to Stefan and they have two children. Theodore arrives home after spending two years in jail for stealing his own grain. He is determined to make a good life for his family and works hard. Fate seems to have a different plan and anything that could go wrong does go wrong for these two families.

This is one sad, depressing, and dark book. It is an riveting story, but I got worn out with all the bad stuff that kept happening. AND kept happening! It just never ends, these poor people. It is a serious, dramatic, and bleak story. If you like that kind of thing, this is the book for you...not for me, however.

I Can See You

2009-08-22T17:50:00.000-07:00

LibraryThing book review...
I Can See You
by Karen Rose

Eve Wilson has survived two traumatic, life-changing incidents that have left her with many scars, inside and out. She is currently a graduate student working on a study about learning confidence through playing virtual games. She also works at a popular cop bar, Sal's. Women are being murdered and Eve connects it to her study. Noah Webster, a detective with the Hat Squad, is on the case and is madly in love with Eve.

I found this book to be very engaging in the beginning, but it did start to drag towards the end. I really enjoyed the characters of Eve Wilson and Noah Webster. Both have lots of baggage and are reluctant to get involved. I enjoyed it, but I probably won't be running out to find more books by Karen Rose.

Friday Fill-ins #137

2009-08-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

1. When will the weather get cooler?

2. The Proposal was the last good movie I saw. (hilarious!!!)

3. Everything has its beauty but animals are my favorite.

4. Nothing (BIG lunch!) is what I had for dinner.

5. I'd like your legs, Vicky:)

6. Home is where I want to be right now.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to reading my favorite magazines, tomorrow my plans include a little bit of housework and Sunday, I want to do a lot of nothing!

The Possibility of Everything

2009-08-02T19:36:00.001-07:00

LibraryThing book review...
The Possibility of Everything
by Hope Edelman

Hope Edelman and her husband, Uzi, are struggling with their three-year-old daughter, Maya. She has recently made friends with Dodo, an invisible playmate. He often makes her misbehave and her parents are quite concerned. (especially Mom) The family goes on vacation to Belize and while there they take Maya to see a shaman. They are hoping for some help with their daughter.

I received this book for the Early Reviewers program at LibraryThing. I probably would not have finished this book if I hadn't gotten it from LibraryThing. The author goes into tons of details about things that having nothing to do with the story of her daughter. I thought all the fuss about Maya's imaginary friend was just too much; she just sounded like a spoiled brat to me. I think Hope is just one mother who needs to learn to chill.

The Time Traveler's Wife

2009-08-01T00:19:00.000-07:00

LibraryThing book review...
The Time Traveler's Wife
By Audrey Niffenegger

Clare meets Henry as a girl in a meadow near her home. (and naked, I might add!) Henry is a time traveler and they meet throughout her childhood. Clare grows up and "meets" Henry as an adult. They have been in love for a long time and decide to get married. Obviously, they live a very unusual life with Henry disappearing at any time.

This a lovely story and a beautiful love story. I did find the time skipping around somewhat confusing, but I tried to just let it go. The story is very sad and somewhat depressing. I really felt both Henry's and Clare's pain with the situation. I can't wait to see the movie...will be sure to bring tissues!

Friday Fill-ins #135

2009-07-31T00:00:00.000-07:00

1. It's time for school to begin again.

2. Couch; it's not a bad place for taking a nap!

3. I must be on a bad luck streak-everything keeps going wrong with my house!

4. Chocolate is the best thing I have ever known.

5. My humor is simply irresistible:)

6. The last time I laughed really loudly was with Amy & Alli at their house. (Alli is 4 & a hoot!)

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to reading, tomorrow my plans include plumbers installing a new gas line and Sunday, I want to relax!

Best Friends Forever

2009-07-30T22:33:00.000-07:00

LibraryThing book review...

Best Friends Forever

by Jennifer Weiner

As a girl, Addie is overweight and friendless...until Valerie moves in next door. Valerie is everything Addie is not; skinny, confident, and indifferent to what others think of her. They soon become great friends. In high school, Val becomes popular and they grow apart. An incident at a party during their senior year irrevocably breaks their friendship and they don't see each other until fifteen years later after a high school reunion.

I enjoyed the character of Addie and felt for her. I found her to be quite believable. I also enjoyed Val who was the complete opposite from Addie. I just didn't find the story that interesting. I also felt the big search for Dan, Val, and Addie very strange considering there was never a dead body. What law enforcement member begins a murder investigation without a body, only with a belt and a little blood? Not my favorite Jennifer Weiner book.

Friday Fill-ins #134

2009-07-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

1. Another problem with my house is not the end of the world.

2. Sitting here, listening to the sound of rain falling, I LOVE it!!!

3. Food shared with good friends tastes so good!

4. Sometimes, putting others first is hard, but always worth it.

5. Alaska is breathtaking, really.

6. Well, maybe there is a chance for happiness...

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to chilling, tomorrow my plans include some housework and Sunday, I want to read all day long!

Monique and the Mango Rains

2009-07-19T21:31:00.000-07:00

LibraryThing book review...
Monique and the Mango Rains
By Kris Holloway

Kris Holloway travels to Mali, West Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer. She is assigned to work in Nampossela (a remote village) assisting Monique Dembele, the area's midwife. Kris works with Monique as she births babies, and as she attempts to educate Mali's women about nutrition, pregnancy, and general healthcare. They do all this without electricity, running water, or doctors. Kris spends two years in Mali and during this time not only do they become friends, they become family.

I found this book very interesting and quite informative. It really makes you appreciate all the things we take for granted in the United States, like running water and electricity. It also opens your eyes to the hardships that women, especially, face in countries such as Africa. I loved learning about Monique, her work and her people. The only thing I would have liked is more information about Kris Holloway and John Bidwell, not much was mentioned about their own personal lives. This is a book to cherish always.

Swimsuit

2009-07-18T01:48:00.000-07:00

LibraryThing book review...
Swimsuit
by James Patterson

Swimsuit is the terrifying story of Henri Benoit, a serial killer. He isn't just any old serial killer either...he makes his living filming his murders for his wealthy clients. Ben Hawkins, a reporter for the L.A Times, gets tangled in Henri's web and has to figure a way out. Henri forces Ben to write his story and Ben really has no other choice but to do so, or does he?

The things I like about this book...it is a quick read. Each chapter ends in a way that makes you want to read the next chapter and the next...I liked the idea of the story, and I thought Henri was chilling. It is pretty violent and graphic, but I didn't think it was too much. I pretty much enjoyed the whole thing until I came to the end. It left things, well, I will just shut up now...

Friday Fill-ins #133

2009-07-17T17:43:00.000-07:00

1. Pasta and parmesan cheese make a quick and easy dinner.

2. Plea of Insanity by Jillian Hoffman is the book I'm reading right now.

3. July brings back memories of a summer vacation in Alaska with my brother & his family:)
4. The ending was obvious.

5. They say if you tell your dreams they won't come true...not sure if I believe that!

6. My parents would say to think it over.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to catching up on some reading, tomorrow my plans include a little housecleaning and Sunday, I want to read some more!

Sunnyside Blues

2009-07-14T01:43:00.000-07:00

LibraryThing book review...
Sunnyside Blues
bu Mary Carter

Andes is looking for a place to live and she think she has found it in a houseboat that is for rent. She meets the boat's owner, Jay and his son, Chase. They really don't hit it off at first and it looks like she might have to look for another place to live. Some unusual things happen...Jay gets arrested and Andes somehow gets stuck with Chase. Andes and Chase end up in Sunnyside, Queens and then things get really complicated...

Some parts of this book I really loved and other parts I found totally unbelievable. I really enjoyed Andes-her story and her struggles. I had a hard time believing ANYBODY would agree to take care of Chase for any length of time. He is just a mess, but I guess that is why Andes felt for him. I didn't love the ending, didn't hate it either, but it was a bit disappointing.

Monday Crazy Questions...

2009-07-13T07:32:00.001-07:00

1. Do you have a tattoo...?? if so What and where is it?? If not do you have a secret desire to have one? No, I don't have a tattoo. I kind have a secret desire to have one, but I can't imagine shedding my clothes to actually have it done. Probably won't happen...

2. You have been offered a free botox treatment...where do you have them put it? Somewhere on my face, for sure!

3. Do you have a good luck charm? what is it?Do you think it works? No, no good luck charms.
4. When was the last time that you said something to someone that you REALLY wished you hadn't said? It was probably at work, probably a certain teacher I can't stand, I probably shouldn't have said anything...

5. The bath water is running, the phone is ringing, the dog is barking and there is someone at the door.....what do you do? I would ignore all & get in the bathtub!
6. Your best friend from high school just popped in from out of town. do you offer them a place to stay or suggest a hotel? Oh, she could stay here, for sure:)
7. Have you ever seen a ghost? No, don't really believe in ghosts.
8. Someone is driving in front of you rather erratically and slowing you way down...now you see that they are talking on a cell phone and checking themselves out in the mirror. The other lane is blocked off so you can not go around them. What do you do?? I would probably cuss a little...

Dog on It

2009-07-11T20:00:00.001-07:00

LibraryThing book review...
Dog on It
by Spencer Quinn

Bernie is a private investigator and Chet is his loyal sidekick. Chet is also his partner in solving crimes. Bernie is hired to investigate the disappearance of a teenage girl, Madison. Madison's father is a real estate developer who smells like cat and Chet takes an instant dislike to him. Her father states that she is a runaway, but clues tell the team otherwise.

Two great detectives working as a team! I really liked this book so much. I love Chet as a PI helping his partner, Bernie, solve crimes. The charactors are engaging, the mystery is intriguing, and the look at the world from a dog's point of view is a nice change. I hope there will be more from this fun team...

Friday Fill-ins #132

2009-07-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Graphic courtesy of Tonya!

And...here we go!

1. The last thing I ate was a fajita, chips, and queso from Rosa's.

2. A lovely new water heater is something I recently bought:(

3. When it rains, it is a great time to curl up and read a good book!
4. Quincy was the first person I talked to today.

5. Hugs are awesome.

6. My dogs give me lots of love and extra comfort.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to having one plumbing problem fixed, tomorrow my plans include sleeping in and Sunday, I want to get some serious reading done!

Handbags and Homicide

2009-07-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

Bookreporter.com review...
Handbags and Homicide
by Dorothy Howell

Haley and Marcie love purses. They are best friends who share the obssession of purse shopping. Haley took a second job at Holt's Department Store to help pay off her credit cards. During the day, she works at the law firm of Pike Warner in accounts payable. Haley doesn't like working at Holt's and spends lots of time chilling in the stockroom...where she finds Richard, the assistant store manager, dead. She then gets put on administrative leave at Pike Warner for irrugularities in her work. Haley has two mysteries to solve...Who murdered Richard? Who framed her for embezzlement at Pike Warner?

Haley is truly a ditzy blond-it is hard to take her seriously. This was a fun read, a good story, and I did laugh a few times throughout the story. However, I did get tired of Haley and her drama. She is just a bit too much for me. She is self-absorbed, thoughtless, and inconsiderate. I did like the book, I just wish it was a bit more believable.

The Neighbor

2009-07-07T14:39:00.000-07:00

LibraryThing book review...
The Neighbor
by Lisa Gardner

Jason Jones comes home to find his young wife missing and his 4-year-old daughter alone in their home. He immediately becomes the prime suspect along with a convicted sex offender living close by, a student his wife worked with, and his wife's father. There is lots going on with Jason Jones and his wife, Sandra. Both seem to have many secrets and this adds to the mystery.

This is one creepy story. It starts out creepy and stays creepy! It is a fascinating read with quite a few surprises along the way. I was, however, disappointed by the ending. It just didn't seem plausible and didn't work with the rest of a great story.

We have winners!!!

2009-07-05T13:33:00.000-07:00

We have our winners for the James Patterson Swimsuit giveaway! They are...

CherylS22

Secret Life of a WAHM

A Reader

Congratulations! I will forward your information to Anna @ Hachette. Please e-mail me your addresses. Thanks:)

Loitering with Intent

2009-06-30T00:30:00.000-07:00

LibraryThing book review...
Loitering with Intent
by Stuart Woods

Stone Barrington has just gotten dumped by his girl at his favorite restaurant in New York, Elaine's. So, he is quite happy to get an assignment that takes him out of New York for a bit and into the sunshine of Key West. It seems like a pretty easy job. All he has to do is get Evan Keating to sign a document that will allow his father to sell the family business. Dino and Stone head to Key West, find Evan eventually, but he refuses to sign. It then gets even more complicated...

Ahhh, Stone Barrington, I just love him! I must admit, however, that this series is getting a bit repetitive. I enjoy Stone and his adventures, but it would be nice to read more substance, more details, more of everything. It would also be nice to see Stone have more compassion...his girlfriend gets killed and it seems to be no big deal to him-have a heart! Maybe next time...

The Humane Award~thanks!!!

2009-06-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU TO Karen @ Bookin' with Bingo & Cathy @ One Eyed Stuffed Bunny and... who passed this award on to me!

Eleni @ /-LA FEMME READERS-/ made this award & here is what she said about this special award:

"I made the Humane Award in order to honor certain bloggers that I feel are kindhearted individuals. They regularly take part in my blog and always leave the sweetest comments. If it wasn't for them, my site would just be an ordinary book review blog. Their blogs are also amazing and are tastefully done on a daily basis. I thank them and look forward to our growing friendships through the blog world."

As a Recipient of this new award, it is my honor to nominate, as instructed, 10 bloggers who I think represent these attributes Bloggers who I have nominated:( Whoever has been nominated must now nominate 10 bloggers they feel deserves the Humane Award. )

Dar @ Peeking Between the Pages
Teddy Rose @ So Many Precious Books, So Little Time
Diane @ Bibliophile By the Sea
Jenni @ Falling Off The Shelf
Kaye @ Pudgy Penguin Perusals
Wendy @ Wendy's Minding Spot
Wendy @ Musings of a Bookish Kitty
Marie @ The Boston Bibliophile
Kelly @ The Novel Bookworm

Caspette @ The Narrative Causality

Congratulations to you all and thanks for being so sweet! I love all of your blogs and enjoy checking them out for new books, contests, and reviews.

The Diary

2009-06-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

LibraryThing book review...

The Diary

by Eileen Goudge

Sisters Emily and Sarah discover the diary of their mother while cleaning out their mother's attic. Their mother, Elizabeth, has had a stroke and is in a nursing home close to death. The sisters begin reading the diary and are surprised to find that their mother had fallen in love with another man, her true love, not their father. Both are shocked and begin to question all that they have known about their parents...and about themselves.

This is a sweet, sweet story from one of my very favorite authors. It is a quick read, but one that will melt your heart. I do think we all forget that our own parents were once young and madly in love-this story reminds us. The Diary tells two stories; the past through Elizabeth's diary and the present through sisters Emily and Sarah. I only wish this book had told us more, I wanted more details and I wanted more about Elizabeth and her husband. The ending is a lovely surprise, an unexpected gift.

Swimsuit audiobook giveaway!!!

2009-06-27T13:46:00.000-07:00

I love James Patterson books, so I just HAD to do this audiobook giveaway~compliments of Anna @ Hachette:)

Swimsuit (Unabridged)By James Patterson, read by Christian Rummel

A heart-pounding story of fear and desire, SWIMSUIT transports listeners to a chilling new territory where the collision of beauty and murder transforms paradise into a hell of unspeakable horrors.

The rules are simple...
Just comment below for one entry...
Become a follower for one more entry...
Post giveaway on your blog for one more entry!

Please only US and Canadian addresses. No P. O. Boxes.
Giveaway ends Saturday, July the 4th.
Available in CD and Digital Download formats.
Listen to an excerpt.
Visit James Patterson’s website at http://www.jamespatterson.com/

Friday Fill-ins #130

2009-06-26T16:19:00.000-07:00

1. She had a great idea

2. Hannah & Zoe, my dogs, are by my side, always.

3. I know this: summer is going way too fast!!!
4. All is still.

5. These words apply to me: creative, calm, fun.

6. Today the sun was shining.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to reading my trashy magazines, tomorrow my plans include cleaning my scrapbook room and Sunday, I want to read & cuddle all day long!

2009-06-25T15:54:00.001-07:00

LibraryThing book review...
Anybody Any Minute by Julie Mars

Ellen Henry tells her boss off, gets fired, and buys an old, beat-down cottage on the way to visit her sister in Montreal. (with a credit card line of credit, no less) She leaves her husband, Tommy, for the summer so she can spend time finding herself. She makes friends with two local fellas, adopts a mutt, and ends up caring for her sister's 2-year old son, Olivier. Tommy admits to having met someone special, his yoga teacher and Ellen finds herself deep in a marital crisis. Ellen always gets herself involved in everybody's problems, but this time she has quite a few of her own to figure out.

Anybody Any Minute is a charming, fun, and light-hearted story. It has several colorful characters who make the story very interesting. I really enjoyed Ellen most of the time, although sometimes I really had to wonder what she was thinking! I think, at times, we would all like to run away from our "real" lives...Ellen does and we all get to experience it through her.

WINNERS!!!

2009-06-24T22:07:00.001-07:00

We have 2 winners of Hedge Fund Wives by Tatiana Boncompagni!!! They are...

1st place-holdenj

2nd place-CherylS22

Congratulations!!! Please e-mail me your addresses and I will get your books in the mail. Enjoy:)

Shanghai Girls

2009-06-22T15:10:00.000-07:00

LibraryThing book review...

Shanghai Girls by Lisa See

Shanghai Girls is the story of two sisters, May and Pearl, who are living a pretty good life in Shanghai. Pearl is the older sister, educated, tall, and born in the Year of the Dragon. May is shorter, beautiful, and born in the Year of the Sheep. They really want for nothing. Their father gambles away the family money and forces the sisters to marry brothers living in the United States. The Japanese invasion of Shanghai makes leaving their home very complicated. They find themselves in several horrible situations and most do not end well.

Shanghai Girls is a compelling read and I was interested in their story throughout. The relationship between Pearl and May is fascinating and we come to know these sisters very well. The story is pretty sad and it is sad throughout the book. The history, I found, fascinating. The ending, however, I did not care for-it is not bad, just left open...very frustrating!

Of Bees and Mist

2009-06-21T22:53:00.000-07:00

LibraryThing book review...
Of Bees and Mist
by Erick Setiawan

Meridia grows up in a family where her mother and father both treat her horribly. Her parents seem to forget that Meridia even exists. She then meets Daniel and hopes that her life will change for the better. She moves in with Daniel's family and soon things are worse than they were with her own parents. Daniel's mother is wonderful at first, then her true colors start showing and Meridia is stuck between her husband and her mother-in-law. It is a war and both women are determined to win...

I am probably the only person on the planet who didn't just love this book! I read it for the Barnes & Noble First Look program and I thought it was just plain strange. There are lots of unusual things happening in this story from mysterious mists, to swarms of bees, and all kinds of other strange things. I got frustrated with the never ending obstacles facing Miridia-she goes from one battle to the next. She never seems to catch a break and it gets old after a while. The characters were vibrant and very real, but the story just didn't do it for me.

Friday Fill-ins #129

2009-06-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

1. All children alarm their parents, if only because you are forever expecting a diaster.
2. Show me a good loser and I will show you another person, not me!
3. Eating too much of anything is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs at one time.

4. Too bad that all the people who know how to run the country are busy being moms and dads.

5. I have yet to hear a man ask for advice on how to combine work and play.

6. It is impossible to think of any good meal, no matter how plain or elegant, without cheese or meat in it.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to resting after helping Mel move classrooms, tomorrow my plans include finishing up some painting and Sunday, I want to read all day long!

Book Giveaway!!!

2009-06-16T23:18:00.000-07:00

Hedge Fund Wives by Tatiana Boncompagni

I have 2 copies of Hedge Fund Wives to give away, complements of TJ Dietderich, marketing associate. 1st place will get a brand new copy of the book & 2nd place will get a gently used copy of the book-the copy I read!!!

...to enter, just leave a comment. For an extra entry, become a follower. The giveaway will end on June 24th.

p.s. my review is right below...

2009-06-13T18:55:00.001-07:00

LibraryThing book review...
Hedge Fund Wives
by Tatiana Boncompagni

Marcy and her husband, John have moved from Chicago to the big city of New York. John is a hedge fund manager and they are in the big time (like RICH!) now. The only problem is that Marcy just doesn't fit in. She is bored, wants to go back to work, and can't stand most of the other hedge fund wives. Problems arise when John becomes distant and Marcy isn't sure why.

I read Gilding Lily (Boncompagni's 1st novel) and really enjoyed it. I didn't enjoy Hedge Fund Wives as much. It was good, just not as good as I thought it would be. Marcy is an enjoyable and likeable character, but I found little things irritating. I mean she gets a $15 million divorce settlement and she can't afford gourmet cheese??? Really? The book just didn't do it for me, not completely, anyways. It may do it for you, though!

Friday Fill-ins #128

2009-06-12T21:22:00.000-07:00

1. I grew up thinking my parents knew everything, until I was a teenager, of course!

2. LibraryThing was the last website I was at before coming here.

3. Why don't you help me paint this room?

4. Reading helps me relax.

5. Thanks for the water heater, Mom and Dad:)

6. I find people who talk too much very off-putting.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to painting, tomorrow my plans include painting and Sunday, I want to finish painting!

Teaser Tuesdays

2009-06-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

TEASER TUESDAYS : Teaser Tuesdays is hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading ~ I always look forward to reading everyone's teasers!

My 2 “Teaser” Sentences for today:

Up in her room, eyes swollen from crying, Meredia let the curtain fall from her fingers. How long would it take until his name was erased from her lips, his face reduced to a shimmer of a dream?

~ p. 158, “Of Bees and Mist" by Erick Setiawan

The Forgotten Garden

2009-06-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

LibraryThing book review...
The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

A little girl is left alone on a dock with only a small, white suitcase. She is taken in by the dockmaster and his wife, but she never tells her name and becomes "Nell." Nell passes on and leaves a cottage in Cornwall to her granddaughter, Cassandra. Cassandra makes the journey to England to solve the mystery of Nell's origins.

This is one complicated story that can't be summed up in just a few sentences. I couldn't wait to read "The Forgotten Garden" because I loved Kate Morton's first book, "The House at Riverton." This story, however, just didn't do it for me. It was really long and the last half of the book dragged for me. The switches in time and place were somewhat confusing. There are many characters and I found it hard to keep track of all of them. Nell and Cassandra were my favorites, though, great characters.

Friday Fill-ins #127

2009-06-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

1. I can't wait to get home.

2. My favorite thing for dinner lately has been pasta.

3. My 2 little girls love to go... bark! bark! bark!

4. A nice long walk is good for my soul and my dogs also love it.

5. We could all use some good news.

6. When all is said and done, I love my job.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to officially beginning my summer, tomorrow my plans include sleeping in really late and Sunday, I want to putter in my yard!

Thanks!!!

2009-06-02T14:53:00.000-07:00

Wendy @ Wendy's Minding Spot was sweet and generous to pass this sexy angel to me! Thanks Wendy~YES!! I'm going to send this Angel on My Blog Award to a few friends who have been angels to me:

Caspette @ The Narrative Causality

Bookin' with "Bingo"

Dar @ Peeking Between the Pages

Teaser Tuesdays

2009-06-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

My teasers:

"Eliza was right: the name 'Rose' was well suited to a fairy-tale princess, and certainly Rose Mountrachet enjoyed the uncommon privilege and beauty befitting the part. Sadly, though, for little Rose, the first eleven years of life had been anything but a fairy story."

~p. 236, "The Forgotten Garden" by Kate Morton

We have a winner!!!

2009-05-31T21:37:00.000-07:00

The winner of Patterns in the Sand by Sally Goldenbaum is....

traveler

Please e-mail me with your address & I will send the book to you. Congratulations!!!

Friday Fill-ins #126

2009-05-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

1. It's cold and wet here in West Texas.

2. I absolutely hate tomatoes.

3. My favorite health and beauty product is Vaseline.

4. I usually do not look forward to a nice long ride, unless I get to read!

5. Well, first of all you are wrong and you need to go away.

6. My family; those were the cast of characters in a recent dream and it was weird.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to celebrating the end of the school year, tomorrow my plans include enjoying my backyard and Sunday, I want to read and relax!

Words Unspoken

2009-05-26T20:25:00.000-07:00

LibraryThing book review...
Words Unspoken by Elizabeth Musser

Lissa Randall is trying to learn how to live after losing her mom to a terrible car accident that she feels responsible for. She struggles with guilt ,and she hasn't driven since the accident. She feels a disconnect with her father and feels he blames her for the accident. Lissa is trying get her act together, she is tired of being stuck and is ready to move on...she just doesn't know how. Through Lissa, we meet several other people connected to her story and we also learn about their lives and how they help Lissa through her pain.

I also received this book through the Early Reviewers program at Library Thing. I had no idea it was a Christian fiction book when I requested it, I just thought the book sounded good. I didn't love all the religious passages, but they didn't bother me. The story is very complicated and there are lots of characters that just don't seem to fit together. In the end, however, it all comes together to make a good story, and one that I did enjoy.

Book Giveaway!!!

2009-05-24T16:57:00.000-07:00

I am VERY excited to announce that Sally Goldenbaum, author of the Seaside Knitters Mystery series, is giving away a signed hardback edition of Patterns in the Sand! The contest begins today and ends on Sunday, May the 31st.

The rules are very easy...

Just comment below for one entry...
Become a follower for one more entry...
Post giveaway on your blog for one more entry!
Please only US and Canadian addresses.

Don't forget to read my review below, good luck, and thanks!!!

Patterns in the Sand

2009-05-24T15:05:00.000-07:00

LibraryThing book review...
Patterns in the Sand
by Sally Goldenbaum

Willow Adams is a fiber artist who sneaks into the village of Sea Harbor, Massachusetts late one night. She breaks into the Seaside Knitters Studio and falls asleep with the store cat, Purl, in front of the display window. A nearby store owner spots her and calls the police. Izzy Chambers, owner of the studio, refuses to press charges. Willow explains that she came to Sea Harbor and to Izzy's studio to discuss her fiber art. What she doesn't tell them, however, is that she is really there to find her long lost father. In the meantime, local artist Aiden Peabody is murdered. The Seaside Knitters Club is on the case and is determined to solve the mystery.

Patterns in the Sand is the second book in the series by Sally Goldenbaum, A Seaside Knitters Mystery. I loved everything about this book...the eccentric characters, the beautiful Massachusetts setting, and the focus on all kinds of art. I found it to be the perfect cozy mystery and those are my absolute favorite. The characters all feel like friends, and I can't wait to see them again!

Secrets to Happiness

2009-05-24T01:46:00.000-07:00

LibraryThing book review...
Secrets to Happiness
by Sarah Dunn

Holly Frick is having some problems...she is still in love with her ex-husband, she is sleeping with a much younger man, her best friend is having an affair, and she has adopted a sick dog. She is also having career problems, a writer, stuck writing for a kid's show. She eventually dumps the young guy and falls for someone else. This, of course, leads to a whole new set of problems for Holly. Holly finds happiness, maybe not where she (or I) expected her to find it, but she does.

I really enjoyed this book, it is lots of fun. It is funny in parts, sweet in others, and very easy to read. Holly is a likeable character, sassy sometimes and clueless other times. She is real. There were a couple of parts I didn't like (or didn't understand at the time) but, it all comes together in the end:)

Friday Fill-ins #125

2009-05-22T13:51:00.000-07:00

1. Moving really sucks

2. Soon I will be free. (summer is just around the corner!)

3. My best quality is my creativity.
4. YOU work out the details.

5. In nearly 10 years, I will really be old!!!
6. Chill time is what I need right now!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to some time with Nick, tomorrow my plans include reading and yardwork and Sunday, I want to relax!

Home Safe

2009-05-18T22:45:00.000-07:00

LibraryThing book review...
Home Safe by Elizabeth Berg

Helen is a novelist whose husband died a year ago and she is struggling with the loss. She has been unable to write and worries about her future as a writer. She has an unmarried daughter, Tessa, who also worries her because she doesn't have a man in her life. She then finds out that her husband had withdrawn a large amount of money from their retirement account and she wonders about the man she was married to for so many years. This is Helen's story of finding her way to a new life.

I am a big-time Elizabeth Berg fan, but what a disappointment! She usually tells a story about people and I always fall in love with her story, with her people. This one, I didn't fall in love with anybody! Helen was clueless and I didn't understand anything she did. Her daughter wasn't much better. I am usually sad to finish an Elizabeth Berg book because I love them so, but this time I was sad that I wasted time reading it:(

Friday Fill-ins #124

2009-05-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

Friday Fill-ins!

This week, Janet chose quotes having to do with spring... And...here we go!

1. If we had no winter, we wouldn't appreciate summer as much!
2. Spring is a perpetual astonishment.

3. If I had my life to live over I would do more of all of it!

4. Life happens inside of four and twenty hours.

5. If you've never been thrilled you need to keep trying!
6. To be interested in the changing seasons is part of being alive.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to doing lots of reading, tomorrow my plans include pulling weeds and Sunday, I want to chill!

Sarah's Key

2009-05-14T21:44:00.000-07:00

LibraryThing book review...

Sarah's Key by Tatiana De Rosnay

In July of 1942, French authorities arrested thousands of Jewish families, held them outside the city at the Velodrome d'Hiver, then eventually transported them to Auschwitz. Sarah's Key centers around Sarah Strazynski, a ten-year old Jewish girl who is forced to go to the Velodrome d'Hiver with her mom and dad, while her little brother is left behind in a secret cupboard. Sarah believes she is protecting her brother, thinking she will be back to let him out.

The other part of the book follows the story of Julia Jarmond, an American married to a Frenchman. Julia is a writer who is assigned the story of th Vel' dHiv' roundups for the 60th anniversary. The story becomes very personal for Julia when she discovers the apartment she and her family plan to move into has a very dark secret.

This is a beautifully written book about a story that will move you and stay with you long after the last chapter. The author alternates chapters between the past and the present, which is very effective. I didn't always like or understand Julia or what she was doing, but I always absolutely loved Sarah. Sarah's own story haunted her and defined her life in many ways. Her story haunts me, also.

Winners!!!

2009-05-10T15:13:00.000-07:00

The winners of my giveaway for The Girl Who Stopped Swimming are....

gaby317
Cheryl S.
shopannies
Nicole
Ms. Bookish

Congratulations! Please e-mail me with your address & I will forward it on to Valerie @ Hachette.

Friday Fill-ins #123

2009-05-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

And...here we go!

1. Apples are to oranges as teachers are to librarians.

2. I am SO tired of babysitting classes in the library and that's all I have to say about that.

3. I think I hear summer calling my name!!!
4. I hate this one...I need a new flag.

5. Do what you want to do, but don't count me in.
6. His dog and behind him was a Radio Flyer wagon; in the wagon was a bucket filled with bones.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to chilling with my babies, tomorrow my plans include some yardwork and Sunday, I want to relax!

p.s. Enter my contest down below for a copy of The Girl Who Stopped Swimming!!!

Teaser Tuesdays

2009-05-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teasers:

"If she'd been a drinker, it would have been a double Scotch on the rocks. If she hadn't been on a diet, it would have been hot chocolate. As it was, coffee was the only noncaloric hot beverage she could think of to drink...unless she wanted to count tea. And she didn't."

~p. 146, Cream Puff Murder by Joanne Fluke

p.s Don't forget to enter my drawing for The Girl Who Stopped Swimming right below.

Book Giveaway!!!

2009-05-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Valerie with Hatchette Book Group , I have five copies of The Girl Who Stopped Swimming available for giveaway.

The Girl Who Stopped Swimming
by Joshilyn Jackson

Lauren Gray Hawthorne needs to make things pretty, whether she's helping her mother keep family skeletons in the closet or sewing her acclaimed art quilts. Her estranged sister, Thalia, is her opposite, an impoverished actress who prides herself on exposing the lurid truths lurking behind middle class niceties.

While Laurel's life seems neatly on track-- a passionate marriage, a treasured daughter, a lovely suburban home-- everything she holds dear is threatened the night she is visited by the ghost of her 13-year-old neighbor Molly. The ghost leads Laurel to the real Molly, floating lifelessly in the Hawthorne's backyard pool. Molly's death is an unseemly mystery that no one in her whitewashed neighborhood is up to solving. Laurel enlists Thalia's help, even though she knows it comes with a high price tag.

Together, they set out on a life-altering journey that triggers startling revelations about their family's haunted past, the true state of Laurel's marriage, and the girl who stopped swimming.

Visit http://www.joshilynjackson.com/

"A ghost story, family psychodrama, and murder mystery all in one. Jackson's latest is a wild, smartly calibrated achievement. A-." - Entertainment Weekly"
...spellbinding southern-gothic tale...." - Family Circle

To Enter:
1. Leave a comment telling me that you would like to win this book (please make sure that I have a way to contact you, or your entry will be deleted).
2. For extra entries: become a follower of my blog (if you already are that counts, just let me know); Subscribe to my blog (if you already do that counts, just let me know); or blog about this contest, and leave me the link.
3. Please only US and Canadian addresses. No PO Boxes.
4. Contest ends May 9, 2009.

Friday Fill-ins #122

2009-05-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

And...here we go!

1. The first rule of working in an office and getting along is keep your mouth shut!

2. I hate clams.

3. When I think of carnivals I think of creepy dudes.

4. A rose in my backyard is my favorite spring flower.

5. Things on my desk include a book, pen, tape, and notepads.

6. Pink makes me wanna sing & dance.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hanging out with my parents, tomorrow my plans include shopping with my mom and Sunday, I want to relax because my mom will wear me out shopping!

Teaser Tuesdays

2009-04-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

My Teasers:

"She thought of her brother in the dark, deep cupboard. She wanted to take his hot little body in her arms, to kiss his curly blond hair, his plump neck. She gripped the key as hard as she could in her pocket."

~p. 48, Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay

Still Alice

2009-04-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

LibraryThing book review...

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

Dr. Alice Howland, Harvard professor of cognitive psychology, begins having problems with her memory and thinks it might be menopause. During one jog near her home she gets lost and knows that something is wrong with her. She seeks medical help and finds out she has early onset Alzheimer's Disease. This, of course, is a huge shock to her. We see how she copes with this tragic diagnosis, along with her husband and her children.

Alice's story is one that will stay with you...and I don't mean for a while, I mean forever. Alice's story is so real and so touching, Lisa Genova does a beautiful job writing Alice's story. I felt her pain, her frustration, and her sadness. Yes, this book will bring tears to your eyes, but it will also give you a new appreciation for your life, right now.

Girls in Trucks

2009-04-26T00:00:00.000-07:00

LibraryThing book review...
Girls in Trucks by Katie Crouch

Girls in Trucks is about Sarah Walters who learns to be the perfect woman in cotillion school while prepping for her Debutantes ball. In real life, however, she is far from perfect. She picks abusive men, drinks, does drugs, and is nowhere with her career. Sarah comes home due to tragedy...tragedy and lots of complications.

I liked Sarah, but I didn't really understand her. The writing is very choppy, inconsistent, and disjointed. I found this very confusing. This book was fun and easy to read, but in the end really left me with nothing.

The Lace Reader

2009-04-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

LibraryThing book review...
The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry

This is the story of Sophya "Towner" Whitney, a member of a family of women who see the future in lace they make. She has had a very hard life, filled with pain and breakdowns leading to hospital stays. She left Salem, Massachusetts when her twin committed suicide. She comes home when her Aunt Eva, who raised her, is missing and is later found mysteriously drowned. She tries to discover what happened to her beloved Aunt with the help of local cop, John Rafferty.

This is a fascinating, complicated, and confusing book. I enjoyed the story and I especially enjoyed Towner and felt her journey deeply. I did not enjoy the point of view changes throughout the book, I found it rather confusing. There are also a lot of twists throughout the book which can also be intriguing, but confusing. This is a fascinating read, but one you will need and want to read again.

Friday Fill-ins #121

2009-04-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

And...here we go!

1. Apparently there's some sort of problem with the economy???

2. I love a sunny day.

3. 2009 has been better than 2008, so far...

4. Love Blue Bell ice cream and that was it. (and Texas Burger...)

5. For too long I've been way too quiet.

6. I am not obsessed with books; I am not!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to some quiet time with all my babies, tomorrow my plans include working on my sprinkler system/yard and Sunday, I want to prepare for a long week of TAKS testing-UGH!

Girls in Trucks winners!!!

2009-04-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

The winners for Girls in Trucks by Katie Crouch are...

Pam
Tasses
Nise'
Cheryl S.

Wanda

Thanks so much for entering! Please e-mail me your address and I will forward it on to Valerie @ Hachette.

Friday Fill-ins #120

2009-04-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

And...here we go!

1. Join me in being thankful for the little joys in life.

2. Put a little dance in your day!

3. Happiness is a good book, a snack, and 2 puppies to cuddle with:)

4. Tired and confused.

5. I'm waiting for summer.

6. Chocolate is hard to resist.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to reading, tomorrow my plans include yardwork and Sunday, I want (need!) to clean house!

Teaser Tuesdays

2009-04-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
*Grab your current read
*Open to a random page
*Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

My Teaser:

"In that instant, the dried spider plant leaves flushed with water and health, the fresh, waxy green of life crawling down each black leaf, lifting and twisting as the color returned, and sending out fragile little shoots bursting with new baby leaves up and over the edge of the planter. By the time Connie dropped her hands to her sides, the smell of moist earth filled the dining room, and the spider plant hung thick and lush, swaying a little in the close evening air."

~p. 215, from The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe

Girls In Trucks giveaway!!!

2009-04-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Valerie with Hatchette Book Group , I have five copies of Girls in Trucks by Katie Crouch available for giveaway.

Sarah Walters, the narrator of GIRLS IN TRUCKS, is a reluctant Camellia Society debutante. She has always felt ill-fitted to the rococo ways of Southern womanhood and family, and is anxious to shake the bonds of her youth. Still, she follows the traditional path laid out for her. This is Charleston, and in this beautiful, dark, segregated town, established rules and manners mean everything.

But as Sarah grows older, she finds that her Camellia lessons fail her, particularly as she goes to college, moves North, and navigates love and life in New York. There, Sarah and her group of displaced deb sisters try to define themselves within the realities of modern life. Heartbreak, addiction, disappointing jobs and death fail to live up to the hazy, happy future promised to them by their Camellia mothers and sisters.

When some unexpected bumps in the road--an unplanned birth, a family death--lead Sarah back home, she's forced to take another long look at the fading empire of her youth. It takes a strange turn of events to finally ground Sarah enough to make some serious choices. And only then does she realize that as much as she tried to deny it, where she comes from will always affect where she ends up. The motto of her girlhood cotillion society, "Once a Camellia, always a Camellia," may turn out to have more wisdom and pull to it than she ever could have guessed.

To Enter:

1. Leave a comment telling me that you would like to win this book (please make sure that I have a way to contact you, or your entry will be deleted).

2. For extra entries: become a follower of my blog (if you already are that counts, just let me know); Subscribe to my blog (if you already do that counts, just let me know); or blog about this contest, and leave me the link.

3. Please only US and Canadian addresses. No PO Boxes.

4. Contest ends April 18, 2009.

Thanks & good luck to all:)

Friday Fill-ins #118

2009-04-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

1. Anonymous...who are you.???

2. Summer is a month away!!!

3. Let me embrace thee, sour adversity, I will learn from you.

4. Leaves on my Mulberry trees... what I look forward to most about Spring.

5. Who needs therapy when you have awesome friends.

6. A big, chocolate bunny MUST go into the Easter Basket!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to enjoying my day off, tomorrow my plans include working in the yard and Sunday, I want to watch TV!

Sworn to Silence

2009-04-08T23:39:00.001-07:00

LibraryThing book review...
Sworn to Silence by Linda Castillo

T.J. Banks discovers the body of a woman out by a farm while out on a call, rounding up some stray cows. This murder is similar to four murders that took place 16 years ago in Painters Mill, Ohio. Soon more murders follow. Chief of Police, Kate Burkholder, grew up Amish in this community, but at age eighteen she left the faith because of dark secret she shares with her estranged family. She is now torn between solving these murders or exposing her own past.

I enjoyed the character of Kate Burkholder, a strong, independent woman who stays strong throughout the book. BCI agent John Tomasetti also joins the investigation and adds a little mystery and romance to the story. The mystery is well-paced and keeps you guessing throughout. I look forward to more books by Linda Castillo.

One Lovely Blog Award

2009-04-05T20:48:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Caspette @ The Narrative Causality for the One Lovely Blog Award-what a sweet surprise!!! I am thrilled to get this award, it is only my 2nd. I want to pass it on to a couple of my own favorite blogs, maybe not new to all, but my favorites all the same! Be sure to visit Caspette at The Narrative Causality, also! Thanks:)

Melanie @ Love to Read
Dar @ Peeking Between the Pages
Ruth @ Bookish Ruth

Congrats to all!!!

Teaser Tuesdays

2009-03-24T00:00:00.001-07:00

TEASER TUESDAYS asks you to:

Grab your current read.Let the book fall open to a random page. Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12. You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given! Please avoid spoilers!

My Two Teasers:

"She imagined him as a boy, listening to things no child should hear, seeing terrible images. No wonder he didn't want to talk about his past.

~p. 123, True Colors by Kristin Hannah

Tuesday Thingers

2009-03-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

What is your favorite book? Is your favorite book listed in your LT library? If it is listed, do you have anything special in the tags or comments section? Have you looked to see if you can add any information to the Common Knowledge? AND a little off topic, do you find that your 5-starred books are consistent with your favorites, and is your favorite a 5-star rated book in your library? How have others rated your favorite book? :)

My current favorite book is Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. I absolutely love this book and think it is great! It is in my LT library and in the comments section I wrote "one of my all-time favorite books" and I gave it 5 stars. Overall, it has a rating of 4.14 stars and has 386 reviews on LibraryThing. It is ranked #131 in popularity and 1,031 people gave it 5 stars. 7, 686 readers have this book in their LT library. I think all that is pretty interesting. If you haven't read it, you need to...A.S.A.P.!!!

The Great Eight

2009-03-22T14:19:00.001-07:00

LibraryThing book review...
The Great Eight: How to be Happy (even when you have every reason to be miserable) by Scott Hamilton with Ken Baker

I, also, grew up watching Scott Hamilton skate and loving him. Scott has had lots of hard times, so I figure he probably has some good suggestions. His book begins with his health struggles as a little boy to surviving cancer, twice. In one chapter, he tells us when we fall to get up. I like this, it is pretty simple, but so true. He also calls hard times or problems as "God-scheduled opportunities." These are times for growth, learning, and living according to God's plan. We also need to make our losses, our wins. He tells us that life events don't define you; how your deal with them is what's important.

I definitely picked up some good, no-nonsense ideas about living life. The book is easy to read and enjoyable. It is rather repetitive and most of it is just common sense. He goes back and forth quite a bit. I think it would have been better if told chronologically.

Friday Fill-ins #116

2009-03-20T02:25:00.000-07:00

1. Why do we have to end Spring Break?

2. Hanging out on Facebook & LibraryThing are now habits.

3. I have been a total bum this week-yeah!!!

4. I had never heard the phrase "that is dope or sick" and it means it is cool.

5. Monday, I will dread going back to work the way I always do.

6. How was I to know the last time I saw Nick would be the last time?
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a movie, tomorrow my plans include mowing the yard and Sunday, I want to rest up for work!

The Geography of Love

2009-03-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

LibraryThing book review...
The Geography of Love by Glenda Burgess

Glenda Burgess finally meets her Mr. Right, Kenneth Grunzweig, and she had just about given up. Ken has been married twice before, is widowed, and is 13 years older. He also has a daughter with whom he shares a turbulant relationship. Most women would run, but Glenda stays believing in this man. They share a great love, have two children of their own, and have fifteen good years together before tragedy strikes...cancer.

This memoir really touched me and brought me to tears several times. This is a love story about two people, who despite everything, fell madly in love and had a beautiful, passionate relationship. It is also a very sad story, the story of tragic illness and how to survive it with dignity. This is one you won't soon forget.

Madness: A Bipolar Life

2009-03-18T21:55:00.001-07:00

LibraryThing book review...

Madness: A Bipolar Life by Marya Hornbacher

This book is Marya Hornbacher's real life story about living with bipolar. She describes her mania, her destructive behavior and the effects of her behavior on herself and all her loved ones.

Her writing is intense and descriptive; it gives you an idea of what she is going through when she is in a manic episode. Her struggles with an eating disorder, alcohol, and her medications are continual and some are ongoing. She is honest, so honest that I could really feel her pain. It feels like she actually brings you into her world just for a bit so you can get an idea of what it is like. I got the idea and a new respect for people who struggle with mental illness. This book also made me appreciate, even more, my boring little "normal" life-thank goodness for it!

Tuesday Thingers

2009-03-17T16:26:00.001-07:00

Question: Do you visit the memes section often? Have you visited recently? Have you discovered anything that surprises you when you visit the memes for your library?

I have never visited the memes section on Library Thing, I did not even know it existed! I did check it out today & it is interesting. Some things I found out about my library...I share no books with just one other person. 98.39% of my authors are alive. 66 of my authors are female, 27 are male, SO 29.03% of my authors are male. I do not have any work duplicates.

Nothing really surprised me about the information. I do enjoy contemporary literature more than the classics. I didn't realize I enjoyed female authors so much more than male, but it makes sense. I will have to work on appreciating male authors a little bit more!!!

Great giveaway!

2009-03-16T17:20:00.000-07:00

At Marta's Meanderings, she is celebrating her 100th post by giving away a HUGE prize package of books (courtesy of Hachette Book Group). There are multiple ways to win and the giveaway doesn't end til 3/31/09. Make sure you head over! Here's the direct link to the giveaway promotion. !00th Post Giveaway!

Poison Pen

2009-03-15T12:57:00.001-07:00

LibraryThing book review...
Poison Pen by Sheila Lowe

Claudia Rose is a forensic handwriting analyst whose old friend, Lindsey Alexander, has committed suicide or did she??? Lindsey was a big whig in Public Relations. She had made lots of friends and enemies in Hollywood. Lindsey's business manager asks Claudia to prove that the suicide note hadn't been written by Lindsey, he believes she was murdered. Claudia gets some help (and some romance) from handsome detective Joel Jovanic in solving the case.

I was really looking forward to reading this book. I thought the handwriting analysis was a new and interesting angle. I thought the story moved slowly and I just didn't get into it. I am hoping the next one in the series will be better...

Time of My Life

2009-03-14T20:39:00.001-07:00

LibraryThing book review...

Time of My Life by Allison Winn Scotch

Jillian Westfield is questioning her marriage and wondering if she made the right choice between her husband, Henry and her former boyfriend, Jackson. During a massage, Jillian's blocked chi is released and she is taken back in time seven years. Jillian gets a second chance with Jackson and tries to overcome their problems. The problem is, Henry keeps popping up unexpectedly, reminding her why she fell in love with him. She is also missing her daughter, Katie, and wondering when she will see her again. She is torn between her old life and her real life...

I liked the idea of this book, getting a redo on your life, and doing things differently this time. (you think, anyways!) I enjoyed Jillian and I could understand her frustrations. I found the going back and forth between her two lives confusing, old life, new life, which one are we in now??? The book is charming, but forgettable, so sorry to say.

Run for Your Life

2009-03-10T00:05:00.000-07:00

LibraryThing book review...
Run for Your Life by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

There is a new killer in town and he calls himself THE TEACHER. Detective Michael Bennett is on the case and not only is he dealing with a killer, but he is grieving his recently deceased wife, and trying to take care of their ten sick (flu) children. The murders, at first, seem to be random. Mike soon figures out that there is a reason why these people were savagely murdered. Now he just has to find the killer...

This is classic James Patterson; quick, suspenseful, and lots of twists and turns. I love Mike Bennett-I look forward to reading more books with him in them. He is an all-around great guy trying to do his job and take care of his family. The ending was unexpected, but worth the read.

Very Valentine

2009-03-09T07:12:00.000-07:00

LibraryThing book review...
Very Valentine by Adriana Trigiani

Valentine Roncalli is one of three sisters and a brother in her large, Italian family. She works with her grandmother in the family business, the Angelini Shoe Company. Valentine's brother, Alfred, wants to sell the building and the business. He feels it is time for their grandmother to retire. Valentine wants to save the business and is intent on finding a way to do so. A romance with two different men adds to the complications, as does a trip to Italy...

Valentine is a very likeable character who is struggling to find herself. This story is filled with wonderful family members, sexy men, delicious food, and lots of love. I really enjoyed reading this book and felt a lot of kinship with Valentine and her struggles. It has a lovely ending, but it also leaves a few openings for future books.

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County

2009-03-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

LibraryThing book review...
The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County is the story of two sisters, Truly and Serena Jane. Serena Jane is the perfect child in every way, beautiful and enchanting. Truly is remarkable both because her mother died during childbirth while having her and because she is extremely large. Their father doesn' t know how to deal with his grief or with two girls, so both are sent to different homes to live. They grow up in very different homes and make very different choices.

This is a charming, magical read. I really liked and felt for Truly, although I didn't always like or understand her choices. (like choosing to live with Dr. Morgan) Towards the end of the book, I loved that Truly gained some power and I really couldn't blame her for using it. This is a fun read with lots of interesting characters.

Friday Fill-Ins #114

2009-03-06T07:06:00.000-08:00

And...here we go!

1. Keeping my mouth shut was my last random act of kindness.

2. Another place I would like to visit is Hawaii

3. TRY to use common sense in matters of the heart.

4. Coffee, tea or Pepsi.

5. We are on separate paths.

6. Our past reminds me that there is work to be done in the future.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to relaxing with a good book, tomorrow my plans include working on my yard and Sunday, I want to, need to clean house!!!

Tuesday Thingers

2009-03-03T00:00:00.000-08:00

Question: Were you aware of the Early Reviewer Program? Have you received any books from the program? If you have, how have you liked the book(s)? Any other thoughts on the LTER program?

Yes, I am VERY aware of the Early Reviewer Program and have been participating since April of 2008. I have received six books from the program and was very excited to get each and every one! My favorite was The Pre-Nup by Beth Kendrick, it got four and a half stars. My least favorite was Playing Dead by Allison Brennan with a big two stars. I also got to read Say Goodbye by Lisa Gardner, My Husband's Sweethearts by Bridget Asher, Hell Bent by William G. Tapply, and Throw Out Fifty Things by Gail Blanke. I did like MOST of the books, probably two of them I could have lived without reading. I think the LTER program is awesome and I look forward to the chance of getting a book every month.

Brought to you by the letter T

2009-02-28T17:41:00.000-08:00

Kelly at The Optimistic Bookfool had a fun post and she did a great job with it. I thought I would give it a shot! I hope I do as well:)

Ten Things I Love (brought to you by the letter T)

1. Target. What can I say? I love this store! They always have the cutest, neatest, & best stuff. Stuff you just can't find anywhere else.

2. Tex-Mex. OR, as I call it, Mexican food, I love it! My favorite are cheese enchiladas, yummy! Not so good for your diet, but so good for your spirit!!!

3. Tub. One of my absolute favorite things to do is to take a lovely, long bubble bath! Of course, it always includes a good book, a tasty snack, a beverage, & maybe a candle or two...

4. Television. I am addicted to several reality shows, like The Bachelor (love that Jason!), The Amazing Race, & Survivor. I also love The Mentalist, Without a Trace, & Cold Case.

5. Technology. I could not live without my computer! I absolutely love doing stuff on it, like my book blog, e-mail to stay in touch with family & friends, and Faceback-lots of fun!

6. Trip. I love to travel & take trips. It has been a while since I have been on a big one, I feel the need to do that this summer! I hope I can go see my aunt who lives in Califormia. I have been to Alaska twice, my big brother lives there-it is absolutely stunning! I hope to go again soon:)

7. Thai. My 2nd favorite food group-you can call it Chinsese or Japanese or whatever! I love it all!!! My all-time favorite would be Sesame Chicken from a place called Kuo's in Midland, Texas-awesome stuff:)

8. Toiletries. I admit it, I am a girly girl. I love perfume, bubble bath, lotion, etc. Oh, and make-up, hair products...

9. The Reader. I went to see this movie a couple of weeks ago with my friend Vicky. I really enjoyed it. There is plenty of sex, but there is a really good story, also. Kate Winslet did an excellent job.

10. T is for Trespass by Sue Grafton. I have so many favorite authors, but Sue Grafton is always a must read for me. I love her ABC series starring Kinsey Millhone. A good mystery is my favorite read.

Okay--that's my T list, and it wasn't nearly as easy as I thought it would be. At first, I thought it would be a breeze to do T, but it was kind of hard. I thought of lots of things I don't like that begin with T, like tarantulas and ticks-eek! What about you? Wanna play? **If you want to participate, leave a comment on this post and I will assign you a letter. You then write about 10 things you love that begin with your assigned letter and post them on your blog. When people comment on your posted list, you give them a letter and the chain continues on and on.

Friday Fill-ins #113

2009-02-27T00:00:00.000-08:00

1. I'm tired, I'm happy it is Friday, I want to take a nap.

2. Why do I have a job and not a million bucks?

3. How does this phone work, anyway?

4. Every morning, I put a smile on my face.

5. I consider myself lucky because I have wonderful friends.

6. One day we’ll see change.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to getting some Chinese food, tomorrow my plans include chilling and Sunday, I want to see Slumdog Millionaire!

Cross Country

2009-02-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

LibraryThing book review...
Cross Country
by James Patterson

A horrific murder of a family sets the stage for Cross Country. Alex Cross is shocked to discover his college girlfriend and her family have been savagely murdered by a killer known as Tiger. This killer for hire has ties to the African underworld and this massacre is just the first in a series. Cross journeys to Nigeria to pursue the Tiger and runs into many obstacles...corrupt officials, horrific murders, arrest, etc.

I, like many others, am a huge James Patterson fan. I always enjoy his books, some more than others. I love his short chapters that invaribly leave with you with some tidbit that makes you want to read the next one, and the next... I did not really enjoy the Africa storyline, it just didn't make much sense to me. I just can't see the Alex Cross I know doing so many stupid things and he did many throughout this story. The ending, though, was unexpected, and really had me going.

Forever Lily: An Unexpected Mother's Journey to Adoption in China

2009-02-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

LibraryThing book review...
Forever Lily: An Unexpected Mother's Journey to Adoption in China
by Beth Nonte Russell

Beth agrees to accompany her friend, Alex, to China to bring home the baby girl she and her husband are adopting. Beth decides to go along for the adventure and it is something she can write about in her journal. Beth feels an instant connection with the baby and with all the baby girls she is leaving in China. Alex is conflicted about the baby and withdraws from the baby. Beth cares for the baby and dreams of being her mother...

I very much enjoyed the story of baby Lily and how she found her home in America. I really felt for the baby girls who are abandoned to orphanages in China. I did not understand the purpose of the dream sequences within the story, I found the story interesting, but I did not really think it fit within the story of Lily. I also did not understand Alex at all, but at least she let Lily go...to find her true mom.

The Smart One and the Pretty One

2009-02-24T16:03:00.000-08:00

LibraryThing book review...
The Smart One and the Pretty One
by Claire LaZebnik

This book is about two sisters who are as different as they can be. Ava is a lawyer; sensible, practical, and boring. Lauren is the center of attention, flashy, and horrible with money. Their mother's illness brings them back together as adults in L.A. Each thinks the other one is the one with the problems and goes about trying to solve her problem...in the meantime, they somehow end up solving their own problems!

I enjoyed the characters in Claire LaZebnik's book. They came to life in the pages of her book and were full of fun, adventures, and disappointments. It was a quick read, refreshing and witty until the end...I even liked the ending!

Knit Two

2009-02-21T00:00:00.000-08:00

LibraryThing book review...
Knit Two
by Kate Jacobs

Knit Two takes place five years after The Friday Night Knitting Club. Dakota is now 18 years old and is struggling with the expectations of everyone in the club, especially her dad. We get caught up with Peri, Lucie, KC, Anita, Catherine, and Darwin. The story takes us through all their lives and their struggles, their friendships, and their love for each other.

I enjoyed reading this continuation of the original book. It is always nice to come back to old friends. I loved learning more about all the ladies and their adventures. This book will make you want to learn to knit. It will also make you want to call all your girlfriends and catch up on their lives.

Friday Fill-ins #112

2009-02-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

1. Give me something sweet and I'll do just about anything you want.
2. Whenever the weekend gets here, I am a happy girl!
3. I wish I was on an island somewhere far, far away.
4.Enchiladas were the last thing I ate that were utterly delicious.
5. To live in this world one must learn to go with the flow.
6. Other than this one, Bundle-O-Contradictions is the last blog I commented on.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to chilling with a good book, tomorrow my plans include some shopping and Sunday, I want to rest... and maybe go to a movie!

Tuesday Thingers

2009-02-17T08:56:00.000-08:00

Today's question: How do you get your books for reviewing? Do you track them somehow (excel, database, etc), or just put them in a tbr (To Be Read for anyone that doesn't know) pile?

I get my books from everywhere! I get them from the public library, my mom, Book Mooch, Paper Back Swap, and from websites, such as Amazon. I get a lot of my review copies from Shelf Awareness, either through their ads or by e-mailing authors directly. I don't really track my books. I do have a notebook and a calender that I write them in, but not consistently. I have a TBR shelf or pile in every room of my house!!!

Sweetheart

2009-02-16T20:52:00.000-08:00

LibraryThing book review...
Sweetheart by Chelsea Cain

Gretchen Lowell, a serial killer we first met in Heartsick, has escaped from prison. Archie Sheridan is her only living victim and the detective who put her in prison. Archie is a drug addict who is still having psychological problems from his first encounter with Gretchen. The story starts off with a scandal about a senator having an affair with a fourteen-year-old girl. The senator ends up dead and a body is found in the same area where Gretchen left her first victim. Archie is there to investigate and starts having flashbacks to his time with Gretchen...

There is really nothing in this story that I found believeable. Archie is a louse-he is addicted to painkillers and obssessed with a serial killer who tried to murder him! Archie's wife, Debbie, is also not believable. What woman would stay with this man after all that he put her through? Gretchen, the evil serial-killer, has power over all men and can make them do anything-whatever! I didn't buy it. The ending was also a disappointment.