If You Really Loved Me by Ann Rule

Most people would do anything for love. But would they go to the lengths where they would kill? That is the story of David Alan Brown and his fourteen year old daughter Cinnamon. His wife Linda was shot in her sleep by Cinnamon but first she said she did it, then she didn't remember but could she finally tell the truth. David was a powerful man with his data recovery program. Women fell at his feet. Cinnamon did finally confess and was sentenced to prison for twenty four years. Her world crashed around her and the one person she trusted seemed not so trustworthy anymore. There is more to this story than it first appears.

Ms. Rule truly delves deep into this one. She gives a lot of information that at times didn't seem all that relevant but at the end made sense. Intricate details were given and the pictures truly did help develop the story. She asked questions and got the answers she could. Looking into as many documents she could. I am not sure how much she had access to but with the things she was able to write about, there had to have been a lot.

That is definitely one thing I like about this true crime author, she never leaves a stone unturned. It may mean meeting with the people involved in the case if she is able. Obviously Linda was no longer around and that's so sad. I don't think I will ever understand what went on but I am okay with that. Ms. Rule truly does a wonderful job. This is one author who never disappoints and the after word was truly helpful. I may be noisy but I wish all that were involved that they find peace.

Ann Rule/ Chunkster/ Non-fiction/True Crime/Family/Murder/ 608 pages/ 4 out of 5

This was a good book and at times pretty creepy. Off to a thriller. :)

A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick

Evelyn Dixon gets the shock of her life when her husband asks for a divorce. On a whim, she drives to Connecticut to see the fall colors. While walking around town, she veers off the beaten path and finds this little court yard that the shops are mostly gone. But one of them used to be a quilt shop. Not sure what else she can do, she decides this will be the perfect thing to do with her new life! She wants to build a community with this shop most of all and she'll have to work on that one thread at a time.

Ms. Bostwick has enthralled me in this book. Being a quilter myself, I loved this from beginning to end. This is my second book by her and completely different plus a longer story as well. Her character development was really good in this one. I truly felt for the characters.

Evelyn Dixon finally may have her dream come true. But it's going to be a lot of work in the process. And things are just looking up when a challenge comes her way. Liza, Abigail, and Margot may just be the angels in disguise that she needs. As they all help heal each other, a friendship binds them together like no other.

I loved this book from the beginning. The surprises around every corner were nice. The four women had to learn to forgive in their own situations and if they didn't it might just hold them back from something greater. None of them were going to find it easy but once they did forgive, things would unfold in front of them in ways they never thought possible. This is one author who pleases from beginning to end. I cannot wait to get my hands on her other books!

Marie Bostwick, Friends, Quilting, 288 pages, 5 out of 5

This is a book that is heart warming and touching. I couldn't get enough of it! This is definitely my favorite this year!

Nora, Nora by Anne Rivers Siddons

Peyton McKenzie doesn't want to share her life with her widowed father with anyone else. That is, until Nora comes to town in her pink Thunderbird, smoking cigarettes, and a red mane of hair. Her father seems to like her while her Aunt Augusta hates her which means she cannot be all that bad. It all changes when Nora takes a teaching position in the first integrated class at the local high school. Peyton feels something isn't right but isn't sure what. When it does come to light, the whole town will be throughly shocked and teach Peyton a lesson she'll never forget.

Ms. Siddons is a fantastic author. One who I'll read again not only for her small town humor, but for the way the characters make you delve into the stories till the last page. Nothing is easy but that makes this one close to life which I found refreshing. Fantasies are nice but real life is what is the most interesting after all.

Peyton had a life of simplicity and repetitiveness. Life had stayed constant even the pain till her cousin Nora came to town. She barely knew anything about and was surprised to even know she had a cousin in some aspect. Her life changed ever day cause of this woman in her life and not just cause what Aunt Augusta tried to do. Her father realized his little girl was growing up and that changed both their attitudes. Nora is a free spirit but is best at running. Once she settles into Lytton, things change and people are shocked by Nora's behavior. Nora just thinks that they need to change never seeing that there had to be some change in herself as well.

This is a book that is definitely coming of age for Peyton. Nora, on the other hand, had to realize her full potential but even that may not be enough to hold her still for long. The small town is in for a rude awakening but can they survive it?

Anne Rivers Siddons/New Author/ Chunkster/ Coming of Age/ 470 pages/ 5 out of 5

I thought I had read this author before but couldn't find it. lol I love this one and definitely will pick up the other one I have by her in my TBR pile. :)

Fit to be Tied by Karen Kendall

Jen feels so happy now that she's engaged to Tom. But things seem to fall apart from there, her parents are getting a divorce, Tom seems to act caged in, and to top it all off his ex wife shows up at the wedding reception. Jen cannot take much more so she decides the marriage is off! But doubting her decision at her every turn certainly is not helping her feel good. But will she lose her mind as well as her husband?

Ms. Kendall knows how to keep the humor going. There were quite a few moments that I thought Jen was going to lose it but she kept calm. The family dynamics in this story would make any sane person question the reason for getting married. Yet Tom trying to be the voice of reason through it all just isn't enough for Jen.

Jen feels like her world is tipped upside down. Things can't get any worse in her mind. Her wedding day will certainly test her but she must keep up appearances. Tom has never told her about his ex wife and that is going to come back and bite him in the butt. Her parents refuse to be civil to each other. And the best man Chase is being a complete jerk. He loves his womanizing ways! At least the honey moon is looking up right?

This is one book that was up and down through out the book. There were times I was getting really frustrated that situations were more down than up. It was pretty depressing. But Jen had to work through her emotions and figure that no matter what you are responsible for your own future regardless of the actions your family members might take. I really came to love this book by the end. The characters were far from perfect but they had to figure out how to work things out. Definitely an author I want to read more by!

Karen Kendall/Family/ New Author/ Romance/ Weddings/336 pages/ 4 out of 5

This was a great book! I am off to read another chunkster!!

Other People's Business by Pamela Yaye

Other People's Business by Pamela Yaye

Autumn Nicholson has always had issues with her current boyfriend. The man truly is selfish and definitely is not helping her at all when she needs it. L J is a man who knows what he likes but meeting Autumn throws him for a loop. Yet a lot lies ahead for these two, they have to battle their emotions and an ex-boyfriend who just won't quit. Through it all, they'll come to realize their relationship is not other people's business.

Ms. Yaye writes a book that impresses me throughly. There were times I found it difficult to relate to the characters but then I'm not African American. Through it all, I truly loved how she wrote it and how the characters were butting in often where they didn't belong. It was very close to real life and I couldn't get enough of it.

Autumn likes her simple life though her friends might think she's dull. They liked to butt in. L J was a determined man yet kept things in his past a secret. He just never knew how to tell her and it came back to bite him. Even Autumn's parents tried to butt in as well. Things were up and down, I kept hoping things would work out.

This is a fantastic romance! I was swept away on an emotional ride. These characters were easy to relate to and then there were times I wanted to bonk certain ones on the head. I understand weddings are important but don't be such a bridezilla. I definitely want to read more by this author.



Pamela Yaye/288 pages/ Romance/ African American/ 4 out of 5

Off to read another short and then another Chunkster. :)

No Angel by Penny Vincenzi

The Lytton family own the publishing company Lytton's. Celia had her sights on getting Oliver and once she had him, life was sweet! Yet when World War 2 hit, life changed. Celia is bored and wants things to do. She meets Sylvia Miller and helps her with her daughter Barty. But the worst decision of all has to do with Sebastian Brooke. It could cost her so much. From the Edwardian Era to the roaring 20's, this family will go through it all but can they survive?

Ms. Vencenzi writes a family saga that puts you through all the emotions. You get to see the family grow and develop and go through some tough times. The rich plot and characters pull you in even though you may have never experience what they go through. You cheer and root for them and want to see what will happen next. Drama all over the place leads you to find that this family is far from perfect.

Celia wants to fee accepted and loved not only by the company that is part of her life with her husband but by her own family. Her children are not used to seeing her around much but does that make her a bad mom? Oliver wants to keep the company afloat with his older sister's help. He wants to make his dad proud. LM wants just to have a great life but it will throw her a curve ball she isn't expecting. Jack has to find his place in the world but will it be with his own family?

Things are up and down but turning pages won't be a problem. They'll zip faster than you can imagine. There is so much going on but character names aren't difficult to balance and things are fairly easy to follow. Being a first in a trilogy, I definitely want to read the rest! This is a new author that I enjoyed immensely!

Penny Vincenzi/New Author/ Chunkster/ 836 pages/ Family/ England/ 4 out of 5

Off to a couple short stories and hopefully one more chunkster this month!

19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult

That's all it takes to change the lives of so many people. Peter took a gun to school and shot at the kids who had tormented him all his life. But in the aftermath, Josie Cormier had to face life and try to forget what she saw. But she cannot remember a lot in the first place. Her mother Alex wants to see her taken care of but is there anything she can really do? Is there anything anyone can do?

Ms. Picoult writes a gripping emotional novel that I could not put down for nothing. Seeing things in hind sight in this book, I was upset that things weren't taken care of better. I really liked how you got to see things from all angles. I got a clear picture of what was going on and how things kept getting neglected.

Josie just wanted to fit in and when she got the chance she hung on as hard as she could. Her mother Alex wasn't always there for her but she did her best. But so did Lacy, Peter's mom, but yet she also neglected him in a few ways. High school is never easy to deal with and these kids pick on each other all in the name of “fun”.

Definitely a must read for any parent of a child, this book will grab you from the beginning and won't let you go. It asks a lot of questions but doesn't answer them for you. That is the one thing I like about Ms. Picoult, she gets you to think and wonder but lets you decide. This is one author who never ceases to amaze me.


455 pages/Chunkster/Jodi Picoult/ Family/ School shootings/ Fiction

Great author and just bummed about her not coming to town for a book signing. It happens and I will get over it. :) But definitely recommend this author not only cause she makes you think but she is down to earth person too. :)

Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells

Siddalee Walker loses her energy for life and decides to go away for awhile. She's not sure how long that will be but life is just seeing her off balance. Between a nasty article that pisses off her mother and trying to put her touches on the play “The Women”, things just don't feel right. Postponing her wedding to Conner, she takes the cabin belonging to an old family friend. There is a journey she must go on but will she come out on the other side?

Ms. Wells tells a wonderful story of four best friends seen through the eyes of one of their daughters. There is tragedy, love, celebrating, and loss told throughout the whole story. These four women find their ways to cope on their own and with each other. Their friendship affect their children as well.

Sidda has a lot to deal with. Things in her past were bugging her and making her wonder if she could really love anyone. Vivi, Sidda's mom, Necie, Teensy, and Caro were great friends growing up. They share so much that the scrap book Vivi puts together is sent to Sidda. Just to help her regroup, it's not till later on that the other Ya-ya's show up that things might finally come into perspective.

This is a wonderful book and now I definitely want to watch the movie. Women have great friendships and depths that sometimes we ourselves don't even understand. I found this characters invigorating!

Rebecca Wells/New Author/ Friendships/ Women/ 383 pages/ 4 out of 5


With hours going up and down, I finally got this one done. Off to read a chunkster. :)

The Secret Between Us by Barbara Delinsky

Going home on a rainy night, Deborah lets her daughter get practice on the drive home. The visibility is nothing but Grace is being a good learner and taking her time. When they hear a thud going down a country road, the car stops. Deborah gets out and finds a man injured who is none other than Grace's teacher. Lying to the cops that she was the one driving is only the beginning of their problems. But can they come out on the other side?

Ms. Delinsky had her hands full with this story line. It's never right to lie no matter the situation and this proves it one more time. It will come out in the end because it hurts. A mother lying for her child is not right either. The conflicts were driving most characters nuts not to mention the other situations in the book. She had to wade her characters through a lot of things and I was curious to see how it would all turn out.

Deborah may be a single mother now but she wanted what she thought was best for her kids. She had a lot of grieving to do as well since she had recently lost her mother and her marriage had fallen apart. Dealing with multiple things at once had clouded her judgment. Grace pulled inside herself not sure how to express and even though her mom was willing to listen, it just didn't seem like it was enough.

This story was heart wrenching but well done. I appreciated what was the situation and how well it was handled at the end. Things were cleaned up for the most part but I felt horrible for the man who was injured because it turned out to be more in the end. You'll have to read it yourself to find out.


Barbara Delinsky/ Family/ Lies/507 pages/ Chunkster/ 5 out of 5

Okay onto The Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood. :)

Dana's Valley by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan

The Walsh family has always relied on their faith. Life has been relatively easy and they are enjoying moving to a new home. It's not what they all want at first but realize that they need more space for everyone. Yet slowly, Dana gets sick. It takes her longer to get better and the whole family has to learn to deal with what is going on. But can their faith really hold them together?

Both authors are wonderful writers. This book has you laughing, crying, and praying along with the rest of the family. The story is told through Erin's eyes and what she sees happening to the family. There is a lot of stuff that a young girl shouldn't have to face but it often happens. I cannot imagine how these authors wrote this book but I'm sure they had a way figured out. It was seamless and nothing didn't seem like it wasn't supposed to be there.

Erin gave her thoughts and I appreciated it. It was a little one sided at times but this book would have been much longer if we had seen more insights. Dana voiced hers as well as her parents. Though you only had one main point of view, their actions showed how they were feeling and did an amazing job. There was a lot of people to consider in this story and it never truly like there was a lot to process. You got a good handle on the family life before the conflict hits.

This was a good book though at times hard to read. I kept reading cause I wanted to know if Dana would get better and if Erin would ever accept the wonderful things happening around her in spite of the tragedy.

Janette Oke, Laurel Oke Logan, Christian Fiction, Family, 300 pages, 4 out of 5

This was a good one and I finished it yesterday but was pretty wiped out. Now off to The Secret Between Us by Barbara Delinsky.

Murder with all the trimmings by Elaine Viets

Josie Marcus is not looking forward to the holiday season especially when she is asked to mystery two all year round Christmas stores. Her romance with Mike feels like it is going somewhere but lately his daughter Heather has been needed love. Josie understands but getting Amelia and Heather to get along is hopeless. Plus now Mike's ex is going after Josie, things can only get better right? There are surprises in store that Josie will not see coming.

Ms. Viets did it again! I loved this book. I kept putting it down cause I didn't want to see it end. This is a character I can relate to cause she is a mom. Also it makes me wonder how the mystery shoppers work and how much I work to make our shops at my job go well. It also makes me question some of the answers we get but oh well. I definitely want to see more with this character.

Josie is between a rock and a hard place cause she knows that her daughter comes first. Heather and Amelia really do not want to get along. So she's at her wits end. Finally finding a man who has a good job and cares about her is wonderful! Just need to tie up a few loose ends.

This is one series that I have loved since the first book. I hope there is more coming if not, there is her other series to read! :)

Elaine Viets/ Cozy mystery/ Mystery Shoppers/ 304 pages/ 5 out of 5

This was a great book! I hope there is more to come!

Stats and Reads for 2008

Books I read:
1.Killing Fear by Allison Brennan 12-29-07 through 01-06-08 A
2.Three Weeks Last Spring by Victoria Howard 01-08-08 A
3.Blaze by Richard Bachman 01-08-08 through 01-10-08 A
4.Play Dirty by Sandra Brown 01-10-08 through 01-11-08 A+
5.Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear 01-11-08 through 01-14-08 A+
6.Leftovers by Laura Wiss 01-14-08 A
7.Third Degree by Greg Iles 01-14-08 through 01-19-08 C
8.The Darkest Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz 01-19-08 through 01-20-08 A
9.Peppermint Twisted by Sammi Carter 01-21-08 through 1-23-08 A
10. The Accidental Mother by Rowan Coleman 1-23-08 through 01-24-08 A+
11.The Art Thief by Noah Charney 01-25-08 through 01-29-08 C
12.Four Wives by Wendy Walker 01-29-08 A+14
13. Dangerous to Know by Nell Dixon 01-29-08 through 1-30-08 A
14.Tough Cookie by Diane Mott Davidson 01-30-08 through 01-31-08 A+
15.The Manning Sisters by Debbie Macomber (R C) 02-01-08 through 02-02-08 A+
16.A Dangerous Dream by Mary Paine (RC) 02-03-08 through 02-04-08 A
17.Birds of A Feather by Jacqueline Winspear 02-04-08 through 02-06-08 B
18.White Chocolate Moments by Lori Wick (RC) 02-06-08 through 02-07-08 A+
19. Parallel Attraction by Deidre Knight (RC) 02-07-08 through 02-11-08 A+
20.Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear 02-11-08 through 02-13-08 A
21.Highland Stone by Sloan McBride (RC) 2-13-08 through 02-14-08 A
22.Messenger of Truth by Jacqueline Winspear 02-14-08 through 02-17-08 A+
23.Strikes Don’t Matter by Denise Patrick 02-18-08 (RC) A
24.Lady MacBeth by Susan Fraser King 02-18-08 through 02-19-08 A
25.Settling of Accounts by Carolyn Hart 02-19-08 through 02-121-08 D
26.Daddy’s Girl by Lisa Scottoline 02-21-08 through 2-23-08 A
27.Crave: The Seduction of Snow White by Cathy Yardley (RC) 02-24-08 through 02-25-08 A
28.The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig (RC) 02-25-08 through 02-26-07 A+
29.Introducing Sonika by Eilis Flynn (RC) 02-26-07 through 02-27-08 C
30.Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts (RC) 02-27-08 through 02-28-08 A
31.The Mistress by Leda Swann (RC) 02-28-07 through 02-29-08 A
32.White Out by Vicki Delany 03-01-08 through 03-03-08 A
33.Pushing Up Bluebonnets by Leann Sweeney 03-03-08 through 03-04-08 A+
34.Winter and Sommers by Lydia Grace 03-04-08 through 03-05-08 A+
35.The Rich Die Young by Carolyn G. Hart 03-05-08 through 03-06-08 A
36.The Seduction of the Crimson Rose by Lauren Willig 03-06-08 A+
37.Deadly Enchantments by Kathryn R. Blake 03-06-08 through 03-07-08 A
38. Veil of Roses by Laura Fitzgerald 03-07-08 A+
39.A Notorious Proposition by Adele Ashworth 03-08-08 through 03-11-08 A
40.Irish Dreams by Nora Roberts 03-12-08 A+
41.Tango’s Edge by Carole Bellacera 03-12-08 through 03-13-08 A
42.Last Warrior by Karen Kay 03- 13-08 through 03-14-08 A
43.Redemption by Jacquelin Thomas 03-14-08 through 03-15-08 A
44.Jezebel by Jacquelin Thomas 03-15-08 through 03-17-08 A
45.Mistress of the Revolution by Cathrine Delors 03-18-08 A+
46.More Than Words: Stories of Courage by Susan Wiggs, Sharon Sala, and Emilie Richards 03-19-08 A
47.Naughty Neighbor by Janet Evanovich 03-19-08 A
48.Choice Makers by Eleanor Cocreham 03-20-08 B
49.Nailed by Amie Stuart 03-21-08 A
50.Race Against Time by Justine Davis 03-21-08 through 3-23-08 A
51.Palindrome by Stuart Woods 3-23-08 through 3-24-08 A+
52.Prelude to Morning by Katrina Farabough 03-24-08 A
53.Lust in Translation by Pamela Druckerman 03-25-08 through 03-26-08 A
54.An Incomplete Revenge by Jacqueline Winspear 03-26-08 through 3-28-08 A+
55.The Healer by Sharon Sala 03-28-08 through 03-30-08 A
56.Taken By A Viking by Michelle Styles 03-30-08 through 04-01-08 A+
57.A Dangerous Love by Brenda Joyce 04-01-08 A
58.Weeping Willow by Sarah Rainwater 04-02-08 through 04-03-08 C
59.The Reunion Game by Jan Scarbrough 04-03-08 B
60.Sweethearts of the Twilight Lanes by Luanne Jones 04-03-08 through 04-04-08 A
61.French Kissed by Nancy Warren 04-04-08 through 04-05-08 A
62. Seven Nights of Sin by Lacey Alexander 04-05-08 through 04-06-08 A
63.Candles on Bay Street by K.C. McKinnon 04-07-08 through 04-08-08 A
64.Spa Vacation by Theresa Alan 04-08-08 A
65.The Druid’s Quest by Cornelia Amiri 04-09-08 through 04-10-08 C
66.Points by I. Glebe 04-10-08 C
67.A Troubadour’s Testament by James Cowan 04-10-08 through 04-13-08 B
68.Peach Blossom Pavilion by Mingmei Yip 04-13-08 through 04-15-08 A+
69.Kaitlin’s Silver Lining by Ciara Gold 04-15-08 through 04-16-08 B
70.Duma Key by Stephen King 04-16-08 through 04-18-08 A+
71.Hot Date by Amy Garvey 04-18-08 through 04-19-08 A
72.The almost Moon by Alice Sebold 04-19-08 through 04-21-08 C
73.Dragon Wytch by Yasmine Glarnon 04-21-08 through 4-22-08 A
74.Taking the Heat by Kathryn Shay 04-22-08 A
75.Motif for Murder by Laura Childs 04-23-08 through 04-24-08 A+
76Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber 04-24-08 A+
77.Briar Rose by Robert Coover 04-24-08 through 04-25-08 D
78.Coming Out by Danielle Steel 04-25-08 B
79.Closer to Fine by Meri Weiss 04-25-08 through 4-27-08 B
80.The Worst Thing I’ve Done by Ursula Hegi 04-27-08 through 4-30-08 C+
81.Death by Ploot Ploot by Dara Joy 05-01-08 C
82.In Twilight's Shadow by Patti O'Shea 05-01-08 through 05-03-08 A
83.Sweet and Sinful by Jodi Lynn Copeland 05-03-08 through 05-06-08 A
84.Sweet Talk by Susan Mallery 05-06-08 through 05-07-08 A+
85.His Wicked Sins by Eve Silver 05-07-08 through 05-09-08 A
86. Charley’s Web by Joy Fielding 05-09-08 through 5-11-08 A
87.Web of Destiny by Al and Joanna Lacy 05-11-08 through 5-12-08 A
88.Before the Scandal by Suzanne Enoch 05-13-08 through 5-14-08 A
89.Solar Wind by Carol Ann Lee 05-14-08 through 05-17-08 B
90.Christ the Lord: The Road to Cana by Anne Rice 05-17-08 through 05-19-08 A
91. The Queen and the Centurion by Minnette Meador 05-19-08 through 05-20-08 A
92.Have Mercy by Jo Leigh 05-20-08 through 5-21-08 A
93.Up Close and Personal by Joanne Rock 05-21-08 A
94.Nightcap by Kathleen O’Reilly 05-21-08 through 05-22-08 A
95.The Fire Within by Joely Sue Burkhart 05-22-08 through 05-23-08 B
96.Something Reckless by Jess Michaels 05-23-08 through 5-25-08 A
97.Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen 05-26-08 through 5-29-08 A
98.Love’s Reflection by Carol North 05-30-08 through 06-03-08 B
99.The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen 05-31-08 through 06-02-08 A+
100. Double Enchantment by Kathryne Kennedy 06-06-08 through 06-12-08 B
101. Kindred by Delany Scott 06-13-08 through 06-15-08 B
102. Master by Colette Gale 06-15-08 through 06-16-08 B
103. Department of Lost and Found by Allison Winn Scotch 06-16-08 through 06-17-08 B
104. Ties That Bind by Phillip Margolin 06-18-08 through 06-20-08 B
105. The Witness by Sandra Brown 06-20-08 through 06-22-08 A
106. Together in Darkness by Sloan McBride 06-23-08 B
107.Prophesied by Liz Craven 06-23-08 through 06-24-08 B
108. Burning Bridges by Anne Krist 06-24-08 through 06-25-08 A+
109. The Amnesiac by Sam Taylor 06-25-08 B
110. Gone but Not Forgotten by Phillip Margolin 06-26-08 A+
111. Chilli Heat by Carrie Williams 06-26-08 through 06-27-08 A
112. Wild Fires by Lisa Dawn MacDonald 06-27-08 through 06-28-08 A
113. Twisted Steel and Sex Appeal by M.E. Ellis 06-28-08 A
114. In the Woods by Tana French 06-29-08 through 06-30-08 B
115. Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler 07-01-08 through 07-02-08 A
116. Marriage Plot by Kelly Kirch 07-02-08 through 07-03-08 B
117. Love’s Winsome Warrior by Angela Verdanis 07-03-08 through 07-04-08 B
118. The Tenth Gift by Jane Johnson 07-05-08 through 07-06-08 A+
119. Black Hats by Patrick Culhane 07-07-08 through 07-08-08 B
120. Lovehampton by Sherri Rifkin 07-09-8 B
121. Enchanted Inc. by Shanna Swednson 07-09-08 through 07-10-08 A
122. The Likeness by Tana French 07-10-08 through 07-14-08 B
123. Summer People by Elin Hilderbrand 07-14-08 through 07-15-08
124. Risque Business by Tawny Weber 07-15-08 A
125. The Plausible Prince by K.G. McAbee 07-16-08 through 07-17-08 A
125. Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv 07-17-08 through 07-20-08 B
126. Letting Luce by Jenny Gilliam 07-21-08 B
127. Before Dawn Breaks by Rae Lori 07-21-08 through 07-22-08 C
128. Hungry Hill by Carole O’Malley Gaunt 07-22-08 through 07-24-08 B
129. The Killer Among Them by Anita Whiting 07-24-08 through 07-25-08 B
130. Bride of Passion by Connie Rachal 07-25-08 B
131. A Place Called Home by Lori Wick 07-26-08 A
132. A Song for Silas by Lori Wick 07-26-08 A
133. The Long Road Home by Lori Wick 07-27-08 A
134. A Gathering of Memories by Lori Wick 07-27-08 A
135. The Woods by Harlan Coben 07-28-08 through 07-29-08 A+
136. Romancing the Stones by Catherine Berlin 07-29-08 A
137. The Water Bearer by Wendi Christner 07-29-08 through 07-30-08 A
138. Moloka'i by Alan Brennert 07-30-08 through 07-31-08 A+
139. Twice Upon an Eventide by Shannah Biodene and Sheri McGathy 08-01-08 through 08-06-08 C
140. Taste of Liberty by Nancy Hunter 08-07-08 B
141. The Moon: Tigress by the Tail by Teresa D’Amario 08-07-08 A+
142. The Forgotten Princess by S.D. Grady 08-08-08 A+
143. Apple Blossom Time by Kathryn Haig 08-08-08 through 08-09-08A+
144. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde 08-10-08 through 08-11-08 C
145. Passionate by Anthea Lawson 08-12-08 A+
146.Holding the Baby by Margot Early 08-13-08 A
147. On Blue Falls Pond by Susan Crandall 08-14-08 A+
148. Mari’s Miracle by Fran Shaff 08-15-08 through 08-17-08 A
149. Passion’s Professor by Samantha Rhodes 08-18-08 A
150. Lost in A Good Book by Jasper Fforde 08-18-08 through 08-19-08 B
151. Enticing Mr. Wrong by Suprina Frazier 08-20-08 through 08-22-08 A+
152. Hostage to Her Heart by Chriss Hill (294) 08-22-08 through 8-25-08 C
153. Rogue by Rachel Vincent 08-25-08 A+
154. Venture by Bill Newman 08-25-08 through 08-27-08 D
155. The Frog Prince by Missy Lyons 08-27-08 C
156. True Stores of Law and Order by Kevin Dwyer and Jure Fiorillo 08-28-08 A+
157. Slave of Darkness by Stephanie Marble 08-29-08 A
158. Reluctant Hearts by Marty Rayne 08-29-08 through 08-30-08 A
159. The Kill Artist by Daniel Silva 09-01-08 through 09-04-08 A
160. Majestic Lion by Diane Taylor 09-04-08 through 09-05-08 A
161. Spirit Devotion by Adra Steia 09-05-08 through 09-07-08 C
162. TuTu Deadly by Natalie M. Roberts 09-09-08 through 09-10-08 A+
163. Anna’s Secret by Jude Atkins 09-10-08 through 09-11-08 C
164. Fractured by Karin Slaughter 09-11-08 through 09-13-08 A+
165. Tapped Out by Natalie M. Roberts 09-13-08 through 09-14-08 A+
166. Tarnished Beauty by Cecila Samartin 09-14-08 through 09-15-08 A
167. The English Assassin by Daniel Silva 09-15-08 through 09-23-08 A
168. Pointe and Shoot by Natalie M. Roberts 09-23-08 through 9-24-08 A+
169. Dying in Style by Elaine Viets 09-24-08 through 09-25-08 A
170. High Heels Are Murder by Elaine Viets 09-25-08 through 9-26-08 A
171. Sticks and Scones by Diane Mott Davidson 09-26-08 through 09-28-08 A+
172. Chopping Spree by Diane Mott Davidson 09-28-08 through 09-29-08 A
173. Acessory to Murder by Elaine Viets 09-30-08 A+
174. Murder at The Kennedy Center by Margaret Truman- DNF
175. Final Analysis by Cathrine Crier 10-01-08 through 10-03-08 B
176. Peony in Love by Lisa See 10-03-08 through 10-05-08 B
177. Haunted Memories by Melanie Atkins 10-05-08 A+
178. Queen of Babble Gets Hitched by Meg Cabot 10-06-08 A+
179. The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs 10-06-08 through 10-08-08 A+
180: Anatomy of a Boyfriend by Daria Snadowsky 10-08-08 B
181. Really Something by Shirley Jump 10-09-08 A+
182.Doggy Style by Jane Nay 10-09-08 through 10-10-08 A
183. The Manning Brides by Debbie Macomber 10-11-08 A+
184. The Confessor by Daniel Silva 10-13-08 through 10-19-08 B
185. The House at Riverton by Kate Morton 10-20-08 through 10-22-08 A+
186. Acting Class by Milton Katselas 10-22-08 through 10-25-08 B
187. Like Glass by Matthew Cory 10-25-08 through 10-27-08 B
188. The Well of Lost Plots by Jasper Fforde 10-27-08 through 10-29-08 B
189. The Secret Thief by Judith Jaeger 10-29-08 through 10-30-08 A
190. The List by Steve Martini 10-30-08 through 11-03-08 C
191.The School Run by Sophie King 11-03-08 through 11-05-08 B
192. A Death in Vienna by Daniel Silva 11-05-08 through 11-08-08 B
193. The Murder of Helen Jewett by Patrica Cline Cohen 11-08-08 through11-16-08 B
194. The Christmas Husband by Mary Anne Wilson 11-17-08 A
195. Once Upon A Christmas by Brenda Novak, Melinda Curtis, and Anna Adams 11-17-08 through 11-18-08 A
196. Prince of Fire by Daniel Silva 11-18-08 through 11-30-08 A
197. Ghost Hunting by Jason Hawes, Grant Wilson with Michael Jan Friedman 12-01-08 A+
198. The Exchange by Inga C. Ellzey 12-01-08 through 12-02-08 A+
199. The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans 12-03-08 A
200. Timepiece by Richard Paul Evans 12-04-08 through 12-05-08 A+
201. The Letter by Richard Paul Evans 12-06-08 through 12-07-08 A+
202. Indemnity Only by Sara Paretsky 12-07-08 through12-16-08 B
203. Santa Baby by Lisa Jackson, Elaine Coffman, Kylie Adams, and Lisa Plumley 12-16-08 through 12-18-08 A+
204. Tempted by A Texan by Mindy Neff 12-18-08 A
205. The Wedding Secret by Michele Dunaway 12-19-08 through12-20-08 A+
206. Christmas Letters by Debbie Macomber 12-22-08 A+
207.Red Hot Santa by Cherry Adair, Leanne Banks, Pamela Britton, and Kelsey Roberts 12-22-08 through 12-24-08 A+
208. A Nascar Holiday by Kimberley Raye, Roxanne St. Claire, and Debra Webb 12-25-08 through 12-26-08 A+
209. The Last Noel by Heather Graham 12-26-08 through 12-29-08 A+
210. A Season of Angels by Debbie Macomber 12-30-08 A+
211. Comfort and Joy by Fern Michaels, Marie Bostwick, Cathy Lamb and Deborah J. Wolf 12-31-08 A+

Stats:
Chunksters: 31
Total pages: 63,529
New Authors: 166

I read a lot of Christmas Anthologies towards the end. :)

So there you go! :)

Glad Tidings by Debbie Macomber

There's Something About Christmas

Emma Collins hates Christmas being a reporter for a local paper isn't all that bad sometimes. Yet when she is given the assignment to write about three local women finalists in a fruit cake contest, she is furious. It only gets worse when she has to fly in a small plane and well she hates flying as much as she hates Christmas. The pilot is a smart alec but has a scruffy dog that just might worm its way into her heart among other people.

It was fun to watch Emma realize what these women went through and how they came about creating their fruit cake recipes. She had a long way to go but things just might be better than she expects.


Here Comes Trouble!

Maryanne and Nolan are happily married with two kids. But their girls want to know how they met. Nolan thought that Maryanne was a spoiled débutante who got whatever she wanted while in reality she was a spitfire who wouldn't take no for an answer. She worked hard to prove herself but after Nolan wrote a column about their dinner together, well she feels she has more to prove. If only she can keep it a secret from her parents.

Maryanne is a very determined woman who isn't looking for hand outs. She wants to show that her last name isn't who she is. She's more than that. But will Nolan see that?

These two stories of stubborn people warmed my heart. They had to figure out how to work together or they'd be miserable. Both stories were sweet and I loved every minute of them. This is one author who doesn't disappoint. While I may not love every book, there's a big chance I will.


Debbie Macomber/ Christmas Romance/ Love/ 480 pages/ 5 out of 5

Okay, so I will get to my year in review tomorrow! I had to change days to go out with a friend. :)

My December Reads and Stats

Reads:
197. Ghost Hunting by Jason Hawes, Grant Wilson with Michael Jan Friedman 12-01-08 A+
198. The Exchange by Inga C. Ellzey 12-01-08 through 12-02-08 A+
199. The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans 12-03-08 A
200. Timepiece by Richard Paul Evans 12-04-08 through 12-05-08 A+
201. The Letter by Richard Paul Evans 12-06-08 through 12-07-08 A+
202. Indemnity Only by Sara Paretsky 12-07-08 through12-16-08 B
203. Santa Baby by Lisa Jackson, Elaine Coffman, Kylie Adams, and Lisa Plumley 12-16-08 through 12-18-08 A+
204. Tempted by A Texan by Mindy Neff 12-18-08 A
205. The Wedding Secret by Michele Dunaway 12-19-08 through12-20-08 A+
206. Christmas Letters by Debbie Macomber 12-22-08 A+
207.Red Hot Santa by Cherry Adair, Leanne Banks, Pamela Britton, and Kelsey Roberts 12-22-08 through 12-24-08 A+
208. A Nascar Holiday by Kimberley Raye, Roxanne St. Claire, and Debra Webb 12-25-08 through 12-26-08 A+
209. The Last Noel by Heather Graham 12-26-08 through 12-29-08 A+
210. A Season of Angels by Debbie Macomber 12-30-08 A+
211. Comfort and Joy by Fern Michaels, Marie Bostwick, Cathy Lamb and Deborah J. Wolf 12-31-08 A+

Stats:
Total Books I read: 15
New Authors: 20
Fiction: 14
Non-Fiction:1
Chunksters: 1
Christmas/Winter: 10
Romance: 9
Mystery: 1
From the Stacks: 15
Books for Review: 1
Books I bought: 0
PBS Sent: 6
PBS received: 2
Total pages read: 4, 534 pages

I think I had a good month! I'll post my year in review tomorrow. :)