The Rich Die Young by Carolyn G. Hart

Ann Farrell goes back to her old school to teach. She needs to do something to take her mind off things. She finds a horrible threatening note in her desk and is shocked. Then she comes across the body of a student at the bottom of a barranca. She cannot believe that he was the one who wrote the notes but has no proof either way. She decides to ask some questions. Along the way she finds herself attracted to the policeman on case Alonzo Fox. Before she can answer all the questions, she will face a deadly killer.

Ms. Hart has vastly improved between this book and the last one I read. Mind you there was not much of a happy ending but I didn’t feel quite so confused and stunned at the ending. Her writing is getting better and I know these are older books so I am curious to see what her writing looks like now. I’ll get there. I am glad I picked up a second book by this author. It was well worth my time.

Ann is someone who is nosey and I liked that about her. She wanted the truth to be told and clear the student’s name. Alonzo Fox was a sweetheart. It was fun to read about the two of them. The relationship was only in the beginning stages when the book ended but that was okay with me. The other teachers had their issues but then that made it more interesting. The reasons for all the pink notes were intriguing. I felt bad that they might have come out but you’d think people would be more careful.

This was a good mystery and the outcome surprised me. I didn’t see it coming. Definitely a good author and one I want to read more by her. Yeah, there were loose ends but nearly as many as the last book. They just keep getting better thank goodness!

Carolyn G. Hart/Mystery/ 179 pages/ 4 out of 5

I am off to read couple more reivew books and then back to my own pile. lol

Pushing Up Bluebonnets by Leann Sweeney

Abby Rose is actually called in to help the police for once. She needs to identify a woman who is lying in a coma after a horrible accident. Cooper has no idea what he has just gotten himself into. The chance that the woman is connected to a prominent family in Texas only raises the stakes on this one. She better learn to watch where she is going or it might hurt her this time.

Ms. Sweeney is a fabulous writer! I felt like I was coming home again to these characters. Repeat performances from my favorites were great to see. Things got really interesting between quite a few of them. The situations that Abby sees herself in are realistic. The woman does her research. I was very pleased with this book but this is one author who would have to do quite a lot to make me upset.

Abby is so sweet and I love her relationship with her boyfriend Jeff. Everything is so genuine and they do their best to include everyone in the family for time together. Jeff realizes how important Kate is to Abby. These men are not stupid and they know how to relate. I love it about them!

This series moved right along in this book. I was proud of Abby since she had to keep things secret. She was not for an easy time but I knew she was doing her best. The situation with the rich family certainly had her on the outs. I could sympthasize with her because I wanted to strangle them too. They thought they had their best interests at heart but always got involved in horrible things. Oh, well, Abby sure set them straight and I like that about her. She did get herself in sticky situations but then was able to work her way through it. This is a great series and I hope there are more to come!
Leann Sweeney/ Mystery/ Texas/ 288 pages/ 4 out of 5

Well off to reading another review book, then it will be The Rich Die Young by Carolyn G. Hart and then another review book.

February Stats and Reads

Here are the Books I read:
The Manning Sisters by Debbie Macomber (R C) 02-01-08 through 02-02-08 A+
A Dangerous Dream by Mary Paine (RC) 02-03-08 through 02-04-08 A
Birds of A Feather by Jacqueline Winspear 02-04-08 through 02-06-08 B
White Chocolate Moments by Lori Wick (RC) 02-06-08 through 02-07-08 A+
Parallel Attraction by Deidre Knight (RC) 02-07-08 through 02-11-08 A+
Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear 02-11-08 through 02-13-08 A
Highland Stone by Sloan McBride (RC) 2-13-08 through 02-14-08 A
Messenger of Truth by Jacqueline Winspear 02-14-08 through 02-17-08 A+
Strikes Don’t Matter by Denise Patrick 02-18-08 (RC) A
Lady MacBeth by Susan Fraser King 02-18-08 through 02-19-08 A
Settling of Accounts by Carolyn Hart 02-19-08 through 02-121-08 D
Daddy’s Girl by Lisa Scottoline 02-21-08 through 2-23-08 A
Crave: The Seduction of Snow White by Cathy Yardley (RC) 02-24-08 through 02-25-08 A
The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig (RC) 02-25-08 through 02-26-07 A+
Introducing Sonika by Eilis Flynn (RC) 02-26-07 through 02-27-08 C
Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts (RC) 02-27-08 through 02-28-08 A
The Mistress by Leda Swann (RC) 02-28-07 through 02-29-08 A

Total Books Read: 17
New Authors: 10
Fiction: 17
Non-fiction: 0
TBR: 2
Chunksters: 2
Books I Reviewed: 9
Romances: 11
Mysteries: 6
From the Stacks: 8Books
I Bought: 0
PBS Sent: 4
PBS Received: 1
Total Pages Read: 5,046

I didn't think I'll get this other review book I have done in time. Plus I need to write. I am going to go book shopping tonight so most likely pick up 2. :) I'll update you tomorrow.

Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts

Tory Bodeen grew up in a small town in South Carolina. Her best friend Hope was murdered and it was never solved. Her father was extremely hard on her and she had to tiptoe around never to get beaten. Now she is back to Progress to set up her own home-design shop. Rumors seem to float around again but she is not determined to let that stop her. She has been running all her life and refuses to stop now. Getting re-acquainted with Cade Lavelle, her best friend’s older brother may not be a good idea but she’ll just have to take that one-day at a time. Tory might just be willing to open up her heart just a little to try. Being back near the place where it happened brings back memories that could be even worse than she ever imagined since the killer is still out there.

Ms. Roberts has seriously out done herself with this book. I loved seeing the story from Tory’s side, Cade’s side, and Hope’s twin sister’s Faith’s side of things. It really gave me a full rounded feeling that I don’t always find with some books. It is certainly not easy to write. This book had me before I even started it. I could not wait to see how everything played out.

Victoria “Tory” Bodeen is a sweet woman. She had a hard childhood and now is learning to deal with the past. It has followed her ever since she left so she figures it is best to just go back to where it started. She knows ahead of time that it’s going to be difficult but there does not seem to be a way around it. Cade Lavelle has always known who Tory is but never really thought much of her. Now that she has finally grown up, he cannot seem to take his eyes off of her no matter what his mother or sister may think. He knows that Tory had nothing to do with his sister Hope’s death and hopes to prove that to her.

I really liked this story and found it a quick read. I love Southern stories and this one just was added to my favorite books list so far this year. I am a huge fan of Nora and I really like her books. Not all of them are predictable and that is what makes her so much fun. I am definitely keeping this book!

Nora Roberts/Romance/ Romance Challenge/ Chunkster/470 pages/ 4 out of 5

I started the movie and noticed some significant changes right away. We'll see how the rest of it goes before I make a final opinon.

The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig

Letty Alsworthy is determined to set Lord Geoffrey Pinchingdale-Snipe straight when she catches her sister getting ready in the middle of the night. He shouldn’t marry her sister Mary. Letty must save her family name but in doing so gets mistaken for her sister and finds herself in front of Geoffrey being kissed. The scandal caused by this makes them get married and Letty finds herself near a man who hates her. Eloise Kelly is fighting her own battles with trying to find information on The Pink Carnation and The Black Tulip. She has found things that could change the course of history. Dallying with Colin Selwick, the great-nephew of Mrs. Slewick-Alderly, keeper of important hidden documents. She wants a romantic adventure to call her own.

Ms. Willig is a fabulous writer. This is the third book in the series and both story lines running in this book kept it close to me till I was finished. The history of that time in the 1800’s was so different that it compels me to keep reading. The characters are so similar in both time periods sometimes it just makes me laugh.

Eloise doesn’t want to ask for help in proving what she has found. She wants to find something to shove it in Colin’s face. She feels like forever has passed yet cannot think of any reasons to call him. Yet she cannot help feeling like there is something between them every time they meet. Letty feels double-crossed when she finds out that her new husband has left her behind. She is a very stubborn woman yet she is very sensitive. She knows that she is not the most attractive woman in her mind. Geoffrey is furious when he finds out she has followed him. The man still even resents having to marry her. I wanted to slap him upside the head sometimes. I loved seeing past characters come back in this book. It just made me smile. No matter what time period, they certainly know how to get themselves in trouble.

This is one series that never disappoints me. It takes me a few pages to get used to the style of writing that Ms. Willig uses but then it becomes like an old friend. I am so glad I have the next one in the series to read. Book 5 in the series cannot come out soon enough for me. The romantic scenes were wonderfully written. The feelings came across as very genuine once they were realized. The characters may have faults but that is what makes me enjoy them so much!

Lauren Willig/ Historical/ Romance/ 387 pages/ Romance Challenge/ 5 out of 5

Off to another review book and then Carolina Moon by Nora Roberts. :) Got a lot of review books on my pile.

A Settling of Accounts by Carolyn G. Hart

Kay has to take the place for her partner Melissa when she falls and gets hurt. Kay does not want to go back to London where her past as a secret agent took place during World War 2. Once she arrives, she feels like she is being watched and cannot figure out whom it could be that would do such a thing. But going to the auction is what really sets her on her toes; she sees a face from the past. And there seems to be an account that needs to be settled but what will it take?

Ms. Hart really knows how to keep you in suspense. This book was published in the 1970’s but it falls flat some times. There were some things in this book that didn't make sense even though they were clearly explained. Sometimes the characters just went too far and told everything. Yet the ending was what bothered me the most. I never knew how the last situation turned out. It was very frustrating. I don’t like it when strings are not wrapped up. Well at least not one or two of them because I am not looking for a happily ever after just to understand who survived and who didn’t. Maybe I am asking for too much.

Kay had a privileged life and she didn’t understand that the friendships she made could be harmful for her. Her niece Julie had a better understanding of that and she was the one who came to look for her aunt. I liked the young Angus who was in this book because he understood the extreme situation that Kay and Julie were in. Yet it never seemed to be enough though, the police didn’t want to do anything. That was believable but yet not enough.

I hate giving bad reviews but this book just flopped for me. All the facts presented made sense and they fit together. Yet the ending was what made me so upset. Oh, well. I have another book coming from this author and ironically it was written after this one. So I am hoping it will go better than this one.
Carolyn G. Hart/ New Author/ Author of the Month/ 185 pages/ 2 out of 5

Messenger of Truth by Jacqueline Winspear

Maisie is learning all over again how to use what Maurice taught her. Georgina needs answers to her twin bother Nicholas’ death. So with the advice of Dame Constance, she seeks out Maisie. Struggling to put everything together, Maisie is tested again. She must go to places Nicholas loved and comes across hidden things. Yet while doing her best for Georgina, she becomes pulled away by a different tragedy. She now must get back to the case and figure out how the different things fit together and remain steady at the same time. Yet she wonders if she can do that.

Ms. Winspear weaves a story full of emotions. Her characters know how to truly feel things but not always share them. The doubts that Maisie must face are relevant to even today. The time and place could be anywhere because of the emotions in this story. War seems to be always there even if we are not involved. I admired Ms. Winspear’s blatant honesty and that her characters are flawed.

Maisie is a woman full of doubts, emotion, and not always willing to look inside herself for the answers. She not only has a lot to think about in this particular case but also in how to handle her personal affairs. Georgina’s family is very intriguing not only in the way they express themselves but how they act around each other. I think this is the most demanding case for Maisie. She has to deal with her dreams and what she wants for her life and so soon after falling ill. I was thrilled to see Inspector Stratton back. He is a man who knows how to listen to Maisie and take in everything she says. Even if her may look bad to other people he works with. He is an honorable man and one I hope to see more of in the next book.

This book got to me because we are in a war now. And no matter what your opinion, it is something we need to think about. Not only those affected by what we do in other countries, but how it affects us at home. Ms. Winspear’s books do make you question what you think about life. Though that may not be her intent that has been my experience. I feel truly blessed that I live now and can appreciate the freedoms we have. As alluring as any other time period might be, I’m glad to be here now. I looked forward to the next book in the series to see what Maisie is up to next. This is one character that never disappointed me with all her faults. It reminds me that I have much to learn still and will do my best every day.

Jacqueline Winspear/ 322 pages/ Mystery/ War/ Historical/ 5 out of 5

I finished this one Sunday but have been busy reading review books. Right now I am working on a book for the author of the month for my yahoo group AN2R. :) Well off to bed!

Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear

Maisie is in for the most difficult case of her life. A friend of Lord Compton’s, Cecil Lawton promises his wife on her death bed that he would find out if their son Ralph survived the war or not. So not only does she have to do her best to find out the truth but also Maisie will have to face some of her own past as well. That is not something she has done yet. It will test her strength and her friendship to Maurice Blanche. Her old friend Patricia Evernden asks for help in finding out what happened to her brother as well. The connections found will surprise Maisie and hopefully help her deal with her past.

Ms. Winspear has such emotion in her books. Her characters have a lot to deal with living when they do but that never seems to slow them down for too long. The things that happened in this book were hard to handle at times but I just had to keep reading. A lot of trust was tested but it was going to take awhile to heal. Ms. Winspear does a fabulous job of describing what places look like so I feel that I am right there.

Maisie is such a sweetheart. I felt horrible with the things that happened to her. I had to know who was behind it all. Maisie kept going no matter what she was told because she was being paid to find out the truth. I feel like she would have done it even without the pay but she has to make a living somehow. Maurice really surprised me in this book. The things that he had done and were still involved in shocked me. Old friends reappeared in this book for Maisie and the things she was asked to do was not always good. Things finally caught up with the poor lady and I truly felt for her. She was doing her best at setting things to rest and then new things kept coming up.

I really do enjoy this series. It is something to be cherished. I learned a lot about that time period and cannot wait to pick up the next one. Maisie is a character I can still relate to even though I was never involved in a war. Her job at finding the truth makes me want to seek that out in my own life everyday. Ms. Winspear has a treasure on her hands and it just keeps getting better.


Jacqueline Winspear/342 pages/ Mystery/ Historical/ 4 out of 5

I am now reading a review book and then onto Messenger of Truth, the fourth book in the Maisie Dobbs series.

Parallel Attraction by Deidre Knight

Jared Bennett has been focused on his people’s fight for freedom. Thinking of nothing else, the people around him keep reminding him that he needs to mate. He has the power to overthrow his enemy the key to time. Yet one woman will change his life forever. Kelsey has always known someone was out there for her. Though she never found him. When she meets Jared, the attraction for him is so strong she cannot explain it. She knows he has not told her everything but she has no idea what he is hiding. Could his secrets cost them their future together?

Ms. Knight is a fantastic author. The word she uses to spin her tale is amazing. I was swept up not only in the romance between Jared and Kelsey. I also found the culture of the Refarians fascinating. I am sure there is so much more to learn and I cannot wait! The intricate details were planned and I was blown away by how well she created the alien world. Having it take place in our backyard just makes it come alive.

Jared is a man full of duty and honor to his people. That was so refreshing. He also knew that he could not commit to someone he did not care for romantically. Scott Dillon, his best friend, did not understand that at all. But he had to get over it to support Jared’s decision. Kelsey had so much heartache but knew someone was out there for her. Her friends thought she was silly but she knew it in her heart. That was all that mattered to her. I really felt for Thea since she had this ideal in her mind since she was a child. All the people truly loved Jared and I believed that he deserved their admiration.

This is a series that truly delights from the start. I love Science Fiction and if all aliens look like Jared. They truly sizzle. Yet the people do want to protect Earth and win their world back from their enemy. I was pulled in from the beginning. The emotions are real and the difficulties ahead for Jared and Kelsey are not easy for them to face. I just hope they continue to do well.

Deidre Knight/ Romance/ Midnight Warriors Series/ Paranormal/ 320 pages/ 5 out of 5

I have book 2 Parallel Heat on order. I am so glad my friend from AN2R thought up this challenge. Off to the world of Maisie Dobbs again!

White Chocolate Moments by Lori Wick

Arcineh Bryant’s world fell apart after she fell asleep in the back of her parent’s car and then woke up with them gone. Now she is living with her grandpa and things seem to get back to normal. Yet there is something that will happen that is out of her control. She feels betrayed years later and has to get out of there. She meets a girl who she can live with and starts to do hard physical labor. Yet there is a hole in her heart that she cannot fill. She does not know if her path will ever cross with her grandfather again.

Lori Wick is at it again. The transformation between Arcie’s loss and then the end is wonderful. This is not a typical book for Ms. Wick but then she has written so much that I found I did start to really like this book. There is a lot about this book that I really liked. Arcineh is such a sweetie as well as the minor characters are a blast too.

I could not get enough of Arcie. She is a sweet girl who develops into a wonderful woman. I loved watching her grow up. Her cousin Quinn drove me up the wall. Sam, Arcie’s grandfather, was truly married to his business. Though he got a wake up call and had to learn how to change things. Business did still take a bit of priority. I loved Violet, who was the housekeeper for Sam. She is a sweetie and picks up the pieces for Sam. She is a solid rock for Archineh to lean on.

This book had me going from the beginning. I had to find out how Arcineh would turn out. This is certainly not one of my favorites but this was a wonderful book. I loved seeing the relationship between Arcie and Gage grow and bloom. This is one I do recommend and now I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next. Chocolate is a good thing and how it played a part in this book was very cool!
Lori Wick/ 368 pages/ Christian Romance/ Family/4 out of 5

Well off to a romance by a soon to be favorite author of mine Diedre Knight.

Birds Of A Feather by Jacqueline Winspear

Maisie is having her hands full with the cases coming in rapidly. Though one case grabs her attention. A well to do gentleman Joseph Waite needs her help to find his daughter Charlotte. She has run away again and he wants to have her back as soon as possible. While searching her room, Maisie comes across an address book that had a prayer in it. Maisie has ideas on where to look at but needs to stay focused. On top of it all, three women are dead and there could be a connection to Charlotte. So Maisie needs to figure out what that is before something awful happens to Charlotte.

Ms. Winspear knows how to write emotion. There is so much emotion in the book that it was overwhelming at times. Yet through it all, it was an emotional time after the war. I can understand that. That is what made it so compelling. All the characters had their place and the reminiscing really brought the book full circle so that you kept things solid in your mind.

Maisie had a lot to deal with in this book. I truly felt for her. She did seek out some help but she did seem more helpful to others than she did herself. It takes time and I hope she can realize it better. I also liked how Maurice was back in this book helping her realize how to see things and be able to solve the crime. Maisie did her best work when she shut up and let the room speak for it self. She also tried to visualize things and that was great.

This book was a lot more emotional than the last but that is how the case presented to Maisie. I am so glad I have the other two books on my shelf cause I am curious to see how quite a few things play out in the next one. This is a series so far that really lives up to being a mystery. There is more than just solving a crime there is the motivation behind it. That is what Maisie always tries to figure out so that she can help. I really liked it. I didn’t like it as much as the previous one but it was still a book that I really did like.


Jacqueline Winspear/ 336 pages/ Mystery/ 4 out of 5

The Manning Sisters by Debbie Macomber

The Cowboy’s Lady

Taylor Manning is not sure what she thought when she agreed to go to Cougar Point, Montana to teach. She must have lost her mind! Yet her mind seems to drift when she spots rancher Russ Palmer. He seems to have all the right things except he irritates her to no end. Her thoughts keep going back to the same thing how she would not mind being the cowboy’s lady.

This was a sweet story by Ms. Macomber. The differences between Russ and Taylor made the story so much more real. Opposites attract a lot in life but they can never seem to make it work. I liked that a lot. It wasn’t that they hated each other but Taylor found herself rationalizing what could be wrong with the relationship instead of what could make it work.

Taylor kept banging things around in her head. Already hurt once before, she was determined not to go down that road. And the funny thing was that she wasn’t looking for anything, just wanted a break from it all to heal. Russ Palmer seemed to have other ideas. But even he took awhile to come around to the idea. Mandy, Russ’ little sister did her best to keep these two involved. She was a little stinker but I think she even realized that they would have to figure it out on their own.

I cannot wait to see what happens in the next story. These characters are making me laugh out loud and I hope the next one does too!

The Sheriff Takes A Wife

Christy Manning is only planning on helping her sister Taylor adjust to her life after baby. She can only take two weeks off, but her boss understands since he is also her new fiancé. Christy just gets in the door when Taylor tells her it is time to go to the hospital. Russ is nowhere around so she calls for Cody. Her heart does flips when she notices him the first time. But can she tell him that she is engaged before anything happens or will she find herself heart broken?

Ms. Macomber does it again! Oh my word, this story was so emotional. I could not stop reading it! Cody and Christy had so much to get through before they could make a commitment to each other. This was quite the roller coaster but I knew it would be resolved somehow whether it ended good or bad.

Christy had a lot on her shoulders. Her parents had always expected a lot out of her and now she was not sure what to do since she no longer wanted to live up to it. Cody had his heart broken once before but Christy seemed to be the one for him. Yet when he finds out what is really going on can he keep his heart together and his hands away from Christy.


I liked both these stories. They were very real to me and so full of heart. It was a nice clean romance and I needed that. Heat has its place but something sweet is nice from time to time. I cannot wait for the next book in this series to come out in August. This is one author who never disappoints.
Debbie Macomber/Romance/Sisters/ 528 pages/ 5 out of 5

Oh and I hope to finish a review book that I will count towards my romance challenge set up by my yahoo group AN2R. :)

Four Wives by Wendy Walker

Four friends live a life most women achieve for. Yet behind it all, there is self-doubt, marital problems, and personal integrity. They may have it all but it is something that they fight for every day. Love, Marie, Gayle, and Janie are good friends and they rely on each other for help. Well as much help as one can get without being truly honest. They figure someone wrong is going on each other’s lives but can never prove it. Each woman has to figure out how to be true to herself first before anything else can happen.

Ms. Walker has a compelling story in this book. She tells it straight for each character and I felt I got a really good glimpse into each life. She puts characters that are easy to believe and problems that almost everyone is affected by. I really liked that and I also liked how you got to see everything from each character’s point of view. It made the story that much more believable since these four women were fairly close.

Love Welsh is a prodigy child who has let her past sit and fester. Marie is a divorce lawyer and normally helps out the father in the situation. Gayle is pretty much a stay at home mom but she comes from a wealthy family, which her husband resents. Janie is struggling in her marriage because she wants adventure and her husband likes what they have now. They all have children that they take care of in some aspect. Gayle wants to be more involved with Oliver but her husband wanted a nanny. Love wants to keep snuggling her 7-month-old son but other mothers say to toughen up. I felt for all these women. They did their best at expressing themselves but felt like they were going in circles.

This is one book that any woman can relate to even if we do not share their problems. These four women are doing their best to find their place in their own world and want to be fulfilled whether they have a job or not. Ms. Walker really gets her point across that you have to be happy where you are even if that means you have to move out of the world you are in and into another. This is a good debut novel and I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next.

Wendy Walker/ Women/ Family/ Adult Fiction/ 368 pages/ 5 out of 5

I read this one last month but wanted to wait till the month of it's released to post to the review. Definitley a book to check out. :)

January Stats and Reads

My stats:
Total Books Read: 14
New Authors: 8
Fiction: 14
Non-fiction:
TBR: 0
Chunksters: 3
Books Reviewed: 7From the Stacks: 6Books I Bought: 11
PBS Sent: 3
PBS Received: 2Total Pages Read: 4, 392

Read:

Killing Fear by Allison Brennan 12-29-07 through 01-06-08 A
Three Weeks Last Spring by Victoria Howard 01-08-08 A
Blaze by Richard Bachman 01-08-08 through 01-10-08 A
Play Dirty by Sandra Brown 01-10-08 through 01-11-08 A+
Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear 01-11-08 through 01-14-08 A+
Leftovers by Laura Wiss 01-14-08 A
Third Degree by Greg Iles 01-14-08 through 01-19-08 C
The Darkest Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz 01-19-08 through 01-20-08 A
Peppermint Twisted by Sammi Carter 01-21-08 through 1-23-08 A
The Accidental Mother by Rowan Coleman 1-23-08 through 01-24-08 A+
The Art Thief by Noah Charney 01-25-08 through 01-29-08 C
Four Wives by Wendy Walker 01-29-08 A+
Dangerous to Know by Nell Dixon 01-29-08 through 1-30-08 A
Tough Cookie by Diane Mott Davidson 01-30-08 through 01-31-08 A+

I am working on number 2 of the month. I have 2 reviews to post though. :)

Tough Cookie by Diane Mott Davidson

Goldy is trying to keep herself a float while her kitchen is being redone again. The sinks did not meet the standard so now she is left scrambling. Hosting a TV cooking show was not on her list but she finds herself enjoying it. Until it all seems to go downhill, and now she is being asked a lot of questions. She does not want to look bad but her curiosity still gets her. She needs to know what is going on or so she thinks. She has so much to do that she wonders if she will come out unscathed.


Ms. Davidson does it again! I love this series. I feel so at home with Goldy and her friends and family. I also love reading the recipes that she creates. I know I could never do much with food but Goldy is a whiz and a half!

Goldy is so sweet with her son Arch. I really like the relationship that they share. It is a good one but even Arch acts like a teenager now and then, which is to be expected. Marla was back and I was so happy to see her again! She has me in stitches the entire time she is there. Other people surfaced in the book, which made me very happy. The characters are so real and the ideas that they have are fun. The criminal in this book surprised me. I did not see it coming though I rarely do anyways.

This is one series I hope to finish this year. If I keep this up I should have it done by June if I keep reading one a month. I hate to see it end but I have enjoyed it thoroughly and who knows maybe she comes out with another one this year.

Diane Mott Davidson/ 291 pages/ Cooking/ Mystery/ 5 out of 5

This is the last one of the month. Tomorrow I start TheManning Sisters by Debbie Macomber. I will also post a review for a book I read while ago as well as my books for this month and stats!

The Accidental Mother by Rowan Coleman

Sophie is so focused on her current life that she has pretty much forgotten her best friend Carrie. They have not talked in a long time so Sophie is completely shocked when she finds out Carrie died in a car accident. As the social worker is reminding her of the agreement she had made on Bella’s Christening day, Sophie is not sure what to do. She does not want to see the two girls hurt but is unsure if she can take care of them.

Ms. Coleman writes a compelling story and a situation that could happen at any time. I loved the storyline since the emotions came across as very real. Sophie has a lot of struggles and that is what makes her so interesting.

Sophie is career focused but finds out that it is not important. She does not want anything bad to happen to either girl and that is what makes her decide to take them. She wants the father involved and so does her own search to find him. Bella and Izzy are a handful but both well behaved girls. Bella acts older than six and that is what broke my heart. She wanted to stay strong for her little sister. Izzy is having a more difficult time with it than Bella since she does not understand what happened. I wanted to wrap my arms around both girls. To lose their mom at such a young age was so sad. Louis had a lot of responsibility to take on being the father and having left his wife and kids. He now realizes how stupid it was of him and is trying to make things better but will it work?

I was swept up in this book immediately. This premise has written quite a few times but I felt that Ms. Coleman had put her own spin on it. I was pleased with the book and how it ended. That is not always easy to do is to make people happy. You have your own ideas and so you put them on the page. I will definitely want to read more by this author.
Rowan Coleman/ New Author/ Kids/432 pages/ 5 out of 5

I read this one last week but with my crazy work schedule I never got it typed up till now. :)

The Art Thief by Noah Charney

Pieces of art are being stolen and nothing seems connected. Or is it? That is the job of Inspector Wickenden. Genevieve Delacloche takes care of the society dedicated to the painter Kasimir Malevich. When one of his best paintings is stolen, she gets help from not only the Inspector but she has him call in Gabriel Coffin. Yet all seems right in the end, but is there truly honor among thieves?

Mr. Charney has done a fabulous job of confusing me until the end. Things that I thought were right were not. Having the knowledge about art truly helped me understand how they verify paintings once they acquire them from either people who donate them or if they win them through an auction.

Genevieve works for this society because her father at one time sold a painting to be able to take care of some debts. It happened to be by the painter Malevich and now working for the society she can keep an eye on all his paintings and hopefully acquire the one that was sold. Inspector Wickenden is the only man I did not see with any fault. He wanted the truth to be solved and put his whole heart into it. I really appreciated his efforts to do what he needed to but he never crossed the line. Gabriel Coffin helps solve cases but he also lectures all around the world. He tries to bring in as much income as he can. His secrets are very surprising.

I was disappointed in a couple of these characters. I expected better but was left flat. I knew people would do anything to get what they want but I felt the ones who were behind it all went way too stinking far! It almost got to the point where it pissed me off. I have read a quick blurb for his next book and I hope it will be much better. I don’t like giving up on authors.

Noah Charney, New Author, Art, Thieves, 304 pages, Simon and Schuster, 3 out of 5

Next up is Four Wives by Wenday Walker. :) After that finally a review book for CTR.

Peppermint Twisted by Sammi Carter

Abby Shaw is back again. This time she seems to be taking on more than she can handle. Abby is asked to step in and confront Felicity Asbury after she is named head of the committee for the arts festival. Problems only continue when Felicity is found dead in Divinity’s parking lot. Abby is looked at as the main suspect. She is not going to be duped when she knows she did not do it. So she must solve the case yet do it secretly. In this small town that is a huge task not to mention trying to keep herself safe. Can she figure out who is so twisted to do it or be in great danger?

Sammi Carter is a fabulous writer! It seemed to take forever to get this novel out but it was definitely worth the wait! She writes real characters that you feel for. I loved being around the small town of Paradise, Colorado. The characters also have their quirks. That what makes each one so unique.

I loved being back with Abby to see not only what obstacles that she was up against but how she would handle them. That girl has more guts than I ever could. Her family is still completely against her owning Divinity and willing to see her fail. I also liked seeing Pine Jawarski again. He is such a sweetie. I just wish he would get things figured out. Maybe in the next one?

Okay so I do not know if there is another book coming but I hope so. This author has captured my attention and I enjoy every book. All three are great but definitely read in order so if you have not read this series please start with Candy Apple Dead. I will be waiting for the next installment with bated breath.
Sammi Carter/Cozy Mystery/Candy/244 pages/4 out of 5

Next up is a review book called The Accidental Mother by Rowan Coleman.

The Darkest Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz

Amy Redwing is dedicated to rescuing and taking care of Golden Retrievers. She even went so far as to found an organization to do just that. She is seen as rather reckless at times when it comes to getting the dogs out of homes. Especially her boyfriend Brian McCarthy, he really does not understand why she does it and honestly wishes she would stop. It won’t be until they meet a beautiful golden retriever named Nickie that things will begin to make sense for him. Though at the same time, Amy starts to feel like she is being followed and watched. Someone wants her to become fearful and hunted just like the animals she is always saving. But will anyone be able to save her this time?

Dean Koontz has done it again! This man just boggles my mind how he creates the stories that captivate you. I was enthralled from page one and then as Amy’s back-story is revealed and as I slowly put the picture together I was in awe! His characters run the gamut of cruelty and nice. Yet that is what makes them so real. This is one author who is completely become my favorite!

Amy has told no one of her past. She thinks it is safer that way. I can understand that sometimes it is just better to let the past be in the past. Yet when Brian experiences things of his own, Amy realizes she needs to tell him everything. He might be the one who can help her get through this mess. The dogs in this story were amazing what they had been through and how well they were healing. I also appreciated how realistic Mr. Koontz could be at times with some of the dogs in the story not making it.

I appreciated the fact at how discreet Mr. Koontz kept the details of the horrible lives of some of the dogs. This was one compelling story not only because of the dogs but also of Amy and Brian. The twists and turns in this book had me going for a loop. Not to mention the unexpected thing that kept happening from time to time. Nickie was a sweet dog and I can only imagine how sweet Trixie, Mr. Koontz’s dog was. This is one book I highly recommend!

Dean Koontz/Thriller/354 pages/4 out of 5/Dogs

Even though the copy I had from the library was rather smokey, I could not put this book down!

Third Degree by Greg Iles

Laurel is having one of the worst days ever. She came home early from school to find her husband Warren tearing apart their house looking for something. She initially thought it had something to do with the audit that was going to happen at his doctor’s office but when he blindsided her with the fact that he had found a love letter to her. Her world crashed around her not to mention the fact that she had found out she was pregnant this morning but didn’t know who the father was. Now she has to try to calm her hubby down before the kids come home and hope she can keep her secret.

Greg Iles is a fantastic writer. He devises scenes that are not easy to wrap your mind around. The situations are similar to other books but the thing I like the most is how Mr. Iles makes his characters react to it. That is what sets his books apart. Yet I had a difficult time getting past how some of the characters were not wanting to pay for their crimes.

Laurel did what a lot of women do today by looking for love in other places than their husband. That is her first mistake not to mention the fact that she won’t get caught. Warren seems obsessed with finding out who wrote the letter to his wife. It overtakes him as part as his OCD. It just became surprising how important that was to him. Nothing else mattered not even his kids; Warren needed to know the truth. The man became very creepy and reminded me again why adultery is so horrible.

This book was quite the thriller not only for the fact that Laurel was trying to figure out how to keep her kids safe. But also she wanted her lover to remain unknown. This one was not one of my favorites by him but still he is one of my favorite authors. Mr. Iles really knows how to make you think and I appreciate that. I will read his next one and I have a few of his older ones that I have not read yet.

Greg Iles/385 pages/ Thriller/ Family/3 out of 5

I finished this one and The Darkeste Evening of the Year by Dean Koontz this wekeend. both very well written and authors I have really come to like their writing style. :)

Leftovers by Laura Wiss

Blair and Ardith are best friends. They are sick of kids at school judging them and making their life set for them by the gossip that goes around. So they set out to do something unforgivable. They do it because of their backgrounds. They feel forgotten and left over.

Ms. Wiss presents a compelling story that makes you think. She never puts her opinion on the table. She writes so you can make your own decisions. You are able to view a world that could happen to any young girl. It is something that will keep you turning pages.

Blair was sick of her mom deciding her life for her so she set out to do what she wanted. She made sure to keep up appearances but leaving her mom in the dark. Ardith wanted to leave her family. She rarely brought anyone home. She kept herself safe by a padlock on her bedroom door.

Eye opening does not even begin to describe this book. The parents presented in this book outraged me. There has got to be a balance somewhere that parents can be involved but not too restricting. Consequences need to happen but I thought these parents were not wanting to be involved in their kids’ lives and that upset me the most. This is one I recommend not only for teenagers but for parents too. It is a good short read that will have you questioning everything. I definitely want to read more by this author.
Laura Wiss/ Review Book/ 4 out of 5/ Young Adult Fiction/Friends/196 pages

I read this one for Simon and SChuster. Right now I am working on Third Degree by Greg Iles.

Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear

Maisie Dobbs is trying to find a way to get income now that she is no longer in the service of wealthy London aristocrats. Ten years after serving as a nurse on the front lines, she comes back to open her own detective agency. The first assignment looks to be a rather simple infidelity case. But upon further investigation, Maisie sees how difficult it will really be and she has to revisit the horrors of her past and the ghost she left behind. Can she do it and still give the peace of mind her client needs?

Ms. Winspear’s writing pleased me. She presented characters that not only tried to make the world better in some cases that happened even in the smallest aspect. I was pleased with how well it was written and the flashbacks gave it some meat that I enjoyed. The mystery took some time to solve and Ms. Winspear made sure that Maisie got all the help she could.

Maisie was a woman I could cheer for. She used her resources to the best of her ability. She made sure never to abuse anyone because she wanted to repay him or her for what they did. I liked how she was a friend to Maurice. The man was a great character and very smart. He helped her learn before she ever made it to Cambridge. Definitely an ally she could rely on whenever she needed to bounce ideas off of someone.

This book had its sad moments but all in all, Maisie even got something out of doing her mystery solving. The next one cannot get to me fast enough. The storyline was good and the interview at the end of the book was fantastic! I got a good look into the author and how she was able to write this book. It impressed me! This is an author to go out and read!



Jacqueline Winspear/ New Author/ 294 pages/ Mystery/Historical/ 5 out of 5

Now off to read Leftovers by Laura Wiss. :)

Play Dirty by Sandra Brown

Griff Burkett was finally a free man. Cheating during a game while playing for the Cowboys sent his to jail, now he is trying to rebuild his life. Foster Speakman has a plan in mind and needs Griff’s help. He and his wife are the perfect couple except they have no children. That is where Griff comes in. But can he agree to the terms presented to him? Or will everything fall apart around them? Yet things must be settled and Grif is not sure what to do about that and the situation presented to him by the Speakman’s.

Sandra Brown is a fantastic write who weaves the plot that leaves you spell bound. Her characters are full of complexities that make the plot well rounded. I could not get enough and the twists and the turns left me on the edge of my seat.

I really felt for Laura Speakman. She was willing to do anything for her hubby even though she didn’t agree with it. It took a lot of guts for her to agree to Foster’s terms. But she made sure that she had her say as well. She was not going to agree till she had not only talked to Griff but also made sure he knew what was expected of him. Griff was in a tough spot.

I really liked this book and cannot wait for the next Sandra Brown book. I have quite a few that I have not read yet so I hope to read another one soon! She is a good writer that never ceases to amaze me!
Sandra Brown/Adult Fiction/ 404 pages/ 5 out of 5

Now I am working on Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear. I hope it's a good book. Will let you know. :)

Blaze by Richard Bachman

Blaze has had a hard life but things chance once he meets George Rackley. He feels like he is accepted again even if that means a life of crime. But the two of them come up with a scheme so that they don’t have to do any other crimes ever again. They plan on kidnapping a baby. But not just any baby, an heir to a fortune. Things go bad when George is killed and now Blaze is all on his own. Can he go through with it after all or will he chicken out now that he is alone?

Richard Bachman is a good writer. He knows how you to get interesting from page one till the end. I was pulled into this story and had to find out what was going to happen to not only Blaze but the baby that they had picked. It had slow moments for back story but all in all it made sense and was important. It really helped get a feel for the characters and their motivations in life.

I truly felt sorry for Blaze. If his father had been a better father, he probably would have had a completely different life. But being thrown down the stairs twice would truly mess up your life. He just wanted something better for himself and he got chances at it. Thought it never seemed to pan out, which bummed me out a lot. George was your typical guy who wanted to find someone to work with as well as make a plan and stick to it.

This was a good book and one that was a good read. The flashbacks were good to read because as I said before you got a better feel for the characters. That helped me actually feel for them. I definitely want to read more by this author.

At the end of the book is a short story by Stephen King called Memory. It was well written and sounds like that one is being turned into a story. So it will be interesting to see what is done with it.

Richard Bachman/285 pages/ Thriller/ 4 out of 5

Right now I am working on Play Dirty by Sandra Brown.

Dec Reads and Stats

Between working after Christmas through New Year's and then working 4 days in a row this past weekend, I have not been able to post my reads and stats for last month. SO here they are!

263. The Tokyo Look Book by Philomena Keet 11-29-07 through 12-01-07 A
264. Ask Now The Beasts by Ruth Rudner 12-01-07 through 12-03-07 A+
265. Mew for Murder by Clea Simon 12-03-07 through 12-05-07 A
266. In the Blood by Rick R. Reed 12-05-07 through 12-08-07 B
267. The Vision: Book 1 The Green Stone of Healing by C.L. Talmudge 12-09-07 through 12-14-07 A
268. The Fallout: Book 2 The Green Stone of Healing by C.L. Talmadge 12-14-07 through 12-17-07 A
269. Sliced Ice Cream by Tammy Lynn Whisman 12-17-07 through 12-18-07 B
270. Hell for the Holidays by Chris Grabenstein 12-18-07 through 12-20-07 A+
271. Minx by Megan Blythe 12-20-07 through 12-21-07 C
272. The Scent of Rosa’s Oil by Lina Simoni 12-21-07 through 12-23-07 A
273. Not Quite A Mom by Kirsten Sawyer 12-23-07 through 12-24-07 A+
274. The Handyman by Jodi Lynn Copeland 12-24-07 through 12-25-07 A+
275. Blood Dreams by Kay Hooper 12-25-07 through 12-28-07 A
276. The Murder Game by Beverly Barton 12-28-07 A+

Stats:
Total Books Read: 14
New Authors: 11
Fiction: 11
Non-Fiction: 3
TBR: 0
Chunksters: 0
Christmas Books: 1
Books Reviewed: 12
From the Stacks: 8
Books I bought: 1
Books Given to me: 4
PBS Sent: 2
PBS Received: 2
Total Pages Read: 3, 808 pages

I am still working on the numbers for the year. :)

Hell for the Holidays by Chris Grabenstein

Christopher Miller is at it again to save the city. Well maybe not so much the city but get one more bad guy off the streets. With the anniversary of the last attack, which affected Chris’ daughter Angela, he really wants to stick around home as much as possible. But that does not prove to be possible. It seems to be a terrorist attack at first but Chris does not see how that could be possible with the usual suspects uninvolved. It will take some quick thinking on his part as well as the team he works with to bring down whomever is leading the attack before something horrible happens.

Mr. Grabenstein brings it again with this thrilling story about the Holidays. It is one that leaves me on the edge of my seat. His compelling characters really keep you turning pages. They are easy to feel for or cheer for. The situations seem outlandish at first but then it does not mean something like this could not happen. The scary thing is that it could very well happen.

I was really happy to read more about Christopher and his family. Angela is so sweet and his wife Nicole is always there to remind him when he needs to be home no matter what is going on. I was surprised at the character Dr. Tully that he could easily sway people’s thinking in following him just was not something I thought could happen. But if it is someone who shares your beliefs that definitely would help sway you. The things that that characters got away with at first was astonishing. It certainly made for interesting reading. I just was curious at how long it would take Christopher and his team to figure it all out.

This story had me at first since it is a character that I am fairly familiar with. This book did not disappoint for one moment. I hope there is another one in the works because this is a character I would love to read more about.
Chris Grabenstein/ Christmas Book Challenge for AN2R/ Christmas book/ 396 pages/ 5 out of 5

ask now the beasts by Ruth Rudner

Ms. Rudner takes up through different experiences in her life with animals. She also put into words how well and how poorly we communicate with animals. I was thoroughly impressed with how well she wrote her emotions down. I found this book really intriguing. Ms. Rudner has had a lot of fun experiences in her life and I enjoyed reading about them.

Some of it was about the different pack mules she would have on her travels. She also talked about the cat that she had growing up. It was so cool that she had remembered so much about her past. It was interesting to read not only about the different animal habits but how it affects their world. My favorite stories were Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, The Drugstore Cat, and Tulivu. Each story had a lot of heart in it and was interesting to me. I was surprised at how well Ms. Rudner presented the information in some of the stories. It felt like I was right next to her watching things unfold. She is even more curious than I am about animals and that was what kept me turning the pages.

This book was well written and the after word really touched my heart. She didn’t so much as tie things up neatly but explaining her journey with animals thus far really gave me a good glimpse into her life. Animals were important to her and she did her best to not to invade their world. We don’t want wild animals to depend on humans for food. That is one thing that most people forget, as much fun as it is to feed wild animals they won’t learn how to take care of themselves and we won’t always be there. Animals in a Zoo is a completely different world and I found myself agreeing with the author about it. She is definitely someone I want to read more about and learn more about her adventures.

Ruth Rudner, Non-fiction, Animals, 204 pages, 5 out of 5

I have a couple of more review books to read and then I hope to read another Christmas book!

Nov Reads and Stats

Books I read:
242.The Séance by Heather Graham A+
243. Cave Painters by Gregory Curtis A
244. Death’s Courtship by Jory Strong A
245. Harvest of Hearts by Ashley Ezell A+
246. Everlasting by Kathleen E. Woodiwiss A+
247. Thigh High by Bonnie Edwards A
248. The Flamenco Academy by Sarah Bird A
249. Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers A+
250. Stray by Rachel Vincent A+
251. Jinx by Meg Cabot A+
252. Camouflaged Hearts Anthology by Aliyah Burke, Jennah Sharpe, SL Majors & Bronwyn Green A
253. Too Late For Romance by L.M. Gonzalez A
254. A Valley To Die For by Radine Trees Nehring A+
255.The Sheikh’s Unsuitable Bride by Liz Fielding A
256. Love Under the Mistletoe by Deborah Macgillivray, Leanne Burroughs, Amy Blizzard, Billie Warren Chai, Gerri Bowen, and Judith Leigh A
257. Stone Cold by David Baldacci A
258. The Christmas Child by Max Lucado (Xmas Book Challenge) A+
259. A Simple Complexity by Rick Traylor A+
260. The Privateer by Dawn McTavish A+
261. Creepers by David Morrell B
262. Christmas with Anne by L.M. Montegomery (Xmas Book Challenge) A+

My Stats:
Total books Read: 21
New Authors: 24
Fiction: 20
Non-Fiction:1
TBR: 0
Scary Books: 1
Cozies: 0
Chunksters: 3
Christmas books: 2
Books Reviewed: 11
From the Stacks: 10
Books I Bought: 4
PBS Sent: 5
PBS Received: 4
Total Pages Read: 6,538

I would have posted this sooner but life is crazy!

The Tokyo Look Book by Philomena Keet

This book is a guide to fashion on Tokyo primarily. It shows everything from mainstream well known brand names to the underworld of fashion. There are characteristics to each side but they can often be blurred. But that is the fashion world; nothing has to stay the same. Everyone interprets what he or she wants from each designer. I really liked the individuality of each person pictured in this book. I was even surprised that the author got people to pose for her. Sure they only had their first names or character names mentioned in the book but it took a leap of faith to get that much information.

A couple things that I really enjoyed were the fact that the designers were real people. They started out on the bottom like everyone else. I also liked the fact that they were doing their best to stay true to who they are. Whether that meant creating their own line or selling things that were second hand. They had a gathering that was amazing. And even some celebrities were after some of the clothing of the Japanese designers.

Having a fashion week in Japan didn’t surprise me at all. Though I was surprised that it didn’t start till later on. I guess some things take time but that would be fun to go too. Not sure I would buy any of the clothes, but it would be fun to watch it all happen in front of me. I do sew from time to time so seeing the creations that happened were fun and brilliant. Some of them I’d never wear in a million years but applauded the brave souls for them anyways.

If you love fashion and want to learn more about a culture this would be the book for you. I was impressed with how it was put together and I certainly learned a lot from it. Definitely one I am glad I have read. I also have to applaud Yuri Manabe for being able to capture people so well with her camera!

Philomena Keet. New Author, Non-Fiction, 224 pages, Fashion

I have a couple more review books and then I hope to get back to a few of my own.

Chirstmas with Anne and Other Stories by L.M. Montgomery

Christmas with Anne and Other Stories by L.M. Montgomery

Being a huge Anne of Green Gables fan, I picked it up when it first came on in 1996. It has been sitting on either a shelf or a box for the longest time. Picking up for my Christmas Book Challenge, I figured this would be a good time as any to finally read it. I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I was pleasantly surprised at how wonderful L.M. Montgomery can write. I loved all of her novels whether it was Anne or Emily of New Moon or some of her stand alones.

The two stories taken from the Anne stories were so familiar to me thanks to the movies that were done that I could hear the characters speaking in my mind. The rest of them each had a moral lesson and it was wonderful. The characters were so vivid and I couldn’t get enough of them.

This was a refreshing Holiday read because it showed the simple Christmas where you give more than you receive is important. I really liked that. I wish I could hug Ms. Montgomery for all the imagination she stirred up in my life. And bonus to Rea Wilmhurst for putting these stories together.

L.M. Montgomery, Edited by Rea Wilmhurst, 214 pages, Christmas Stories, AN2R Christmas Challenge, 5 out of 5 stars

Now off to a few other review books. :)

Creepers by David Morrell

Frank Belanger is wanting to do a report on people who like to go through abandoned buildings. They are referred to as creepers since they come in at night and risk their own lives for the adventure. The five people are suspicious of him but figured since that the guy leading up this expedition seems to be okay with everything. There is a mystery surrounding the Paragon Hotel. A reclusive millionaire built it; the structure is magnificent. It is marked for demolition so to get in there before it is gone is the key. But what will they find?

Mr. Morrell certainly has a morbid mind. And in this case, it made the book pretty scary. Yet that helped the essence of the man who built the hotel and other quirky characteristics come alive. The idea that time can be frozen into place was really evident in this novel. People often leave things behind them and so things are remembered as they once were. Also the millionaire who owned the hotel kept buying the same furniture.

I really weren’t too sure about any of these characters at first. Yet the prize for them was seeing old things as they once were. Frank seemed to just be along for the ride. Yet as it went along his motives really became clear. The three people that followed the professor were interesting in that they all knew each other from college. Yet they had been able to stay friends and two of them were married. There was a lot of back-story to the novel but it played up so much of what ended up happening.

I would recommend this book pretty highly. It’s creepy but fairly fast paced which I like. It was a quick read for me and I hope to read more by this author. I really like the group I am involved in because then I try new authors. Ones that I may have heard of or like in this instance I didn’t know anything about Mr. Morrell and I definitely want to try another one of his books.

Next up is christmas with anne by L.M. Montegormery. Then I have 2 books I need to review.

The Christmas Child by Max Lucado

A Chicago journalist needs to go to Texas for an assignment over Christmas. He and his wife Meg had a fight. So he decides to stop in the town of Clearwater to find out the meaning behind the picture of the church there that was sent to his father a long time ago. The only thing the guy knew about it was that he was born there but he was adopted. But there is more to the town than meets the eye. He meets an old man who knows a story to be told about a young girl’s faith, a wooden manager scene, and a scarlet cross that will lead the journalist home.

Mr. Lucado is a fabulous writer. Though a short book in length, there is so much emotion poured into it. It is a story that will make you tear up and all that happens. The characters are strong and want to be there to be peace made.

The journalist in this book does not have a name and it really does not matter to some extent. The journey he goes on is one that can be for anyone. He has a lot ahead of him and it could be overwhelming. Yet he takes it all in stride. He is not perfect but he understands what is given to him and that is what helps him the most.

I absolutely loved this book. It is a sweet story and one that can be read all through the Christmas season. Once will not be enough for me. This is one I would even love to own. Forgiveness is something that can always be given. Mr. Lucado does a wonderful job telling the story and I look forward to reading more of his work.

Update on Nano

Well I am over 33,000 words. If I continue to write 1,975 words a day, I'll make my goal no problem. :) Well off to writing, before I have to go to work.

Stone Cold by David Baldacci

Oliver Stone is hard at work again. This time, the Camel Club’s friend Annabelle needs their help. She has a man after her and she can’t get rid of him on her own. Problem is, members of the elite team Oliver was on keep dying one by one. The only man behind it is Harry Finn. Oliver will have met his match on this one and hopes the team can do both tasks so that everyone will be okay.

Mr. Baldacci is quite the author. I am not a big political thriller type reader but his characters are so compelling that they pull me in and don’t let me stop reading till it is done. A few changes were made in the time frame of things but Mr. Baldacci explained them at the end. Truly don’t read that note till the book is over. It gives away a few things that surprised me. The action in the book never really seems to stop and that is what I enjoyed so much.

Oliver doesn’t do well with facing his past. Harry certainly does not help with that. Things seem to go from bad to worse in this story. Oliver relies on his friends and they back him up. He also does his best to help out whenever he can. Even if that means working with the enemy from time to time, Oliver is determined to keep some of the stuff in his past buried. The world wouldn’t know what to do with it if they found out.

I can’t say enough about these characters. I hope there are more stories to come about The Camel Club. They are a fun bunch and they really do know their stuff. Plus Mr. Baldacci has to redeem himself. One of the deaths in this book upset me but I won’t say who it was. Definitely a good read for anyone who likes politics and thrillers mixed together.

David Baldacci, Fiction, Political, Spies, 388 pages, 4 out of 5

A Valley To Die For by Radine Trees Nehring

Carrie McCrite had shared a dream with her husband of moving to the Ozarks to start a new life after he retired. But after he dies in a hunting accident, Carrie decides she will keep the dream alive. Her best friend and neighbor Joanne Harrington keeps her busy between walks and the committee to get the quarry out of their little town. Yet someone decides to kill Joanne and so Carrie must not only figure out who did it but why. Her new neighbor and retired cop Henry King thinks that Carrie was the real target. Carrie thinks it is ridiculous. But it is no more so than the secrets Henry is keeping to himself.

Ms. Nehring knows her area. She does live there but she makes it come so alive. I felt like I was on the walks with Carrie. Everything is heart felt and wonderfully written. Some secrets can hurt others while some are just kept to protect others in the long run. The characters in this book are created beautifully. I couldn’t get enough of this story.

Carrie is a spunky woman. I truly enjoyed her as a character. She looked out for the best interests of others. She truly wanted to be the best person she could be and pursued it fully. She clung to her faith and used it as her lifeline. Her world is turned upside down but she faces it head on every day. Henry King has a few issues he needs to deal with. He is headstrong but has to figure out when to ask for help. He is a kind man but he drove me up the wall a few times.

I cannot wait to see how the rest of this series pans out. It kept me from the very beginning. Life is definitely in an uproar in this small town but the citizens will not go down without a fight. Small towns are wonderful even if they know all about you. There seems to be a greater want to help others than I have seen in big towns. I hope to pick up the next book soon because these characters are ones you just love to read about.
Radine Trees Nehring/New Author/Mystery/ 284 pages/Ozark Mountains

Okay quick update, I am now at 27,334 words for Nanorwrimo! SO the end is in sight and there is a little more to figure out yet! So I just might be able to do this! Yay! I have one book to review and hope to fit in one more of my own before I review another one. :) After Thanksgiving, I'll be reading a lot of my own Christmas books.

Jinx by Meg Cabot

Jean had to get away from home. Her parents sent her to New York to live with her Aunt and Uncle. But even that hasn’t stopped bad things happening. Least of all is her cousin Tory who is not pleased to have her around. Being jinxed her whole life may just be the thing that keeps her safe.

Meg Cabot does it again. She can pretty much write anything and I enjoy it. She writes characters that come across as very real. I don’t necessary like the idea of witches. Yet I know they are out there and that the pre-conceived notions we have are not always accurate. Ms. Cabot really wanted there to be some truth and I appreciated that.

Jinx just wants to get rid of her jinx. Being known as Jean would be a nice change. Her cousin Tory certainly is not helping. Zach is always on her mind but she doesn’t want to deal with past issues. Being 16 is not easy but when family hurts you, life is so much more difficult.

Being one who reads almost anything, I really enjoyed this book. Jean aka Jinx had to learn to embrace who she is before coming to terms with her past. It may not happen necessarily in that order but Jean needs to take the time to figure it all out. I disliked Tory because she’d do awful things to her cousin to be the center of attention. That is just wrong though I know of people who have done that. Jean handled it all very well which made the book even better.
Meg Cabot/ 262 pages/Witches/Young Adult Fiction

Well I started one of my books fore review. Now off to write some more. For an update as of yesterday I had 18, 053 words done! So off to write!

Stray by Rachel Vincent

Faythe is one of the last breeding were cats left. She left her family’s Pride and started a life for herself. It all changed when a stray came after her. She was summoned home for protection. Two other tabbies had disappeared. She wasn’t the type to sit still but she really didn’t have much of a choice.

Ms. Vincent created a world that bit back. Others may have tackled this world before but this one was enticing from the beginning. I had to see where she was going to take things. The characters truly felt emotions and were willing to kill if they had to. They would rather work things out and get information but they knew sometimes that was not an option.

Faythe is a were cat who can handle her own. She didn’t put up with much and was very determined to make her own decisions. Marc, the were cat her dad picked as her mate, had to understand that Faythe needed her freedom. She never looked for taking up huge responsibilities when it comes to her Pride. She liked the human world and would rather stay there then go back home. But if needed, could she embrace it?

I saw somewhere that this might turn into a series. I truly hope it will because there are more stories to be told about the Pride even if they don’t focus on Faythe. There are plenty of characters to write about. This was a book I couldn’t put down for nothing. Ms. Vincent fills her books with character and tension that will keep you turning pages. The page amount didn’t get in the way. I never realized how many pages I read till I was finished.

Rachel Vincent/Paranormal/ 624 pages/Chunkster/New Author

I really liked this book but have not had time to post it. :) I have one more to post too, the review for Jinxed. :) Off to read review books!

The Seance by Heather Graham

Christina Hardy has always known she had a gift even as a child. But was told to suppress it, but at her house they start talking about the “Interstate Killer” murders that stopped 15 years ago. Then she is asked to bring out her Ouija board, and the spirit of Beau Kidd shows up. He was considered the chief suspect when his partner killed him. Now he has come back to clear his name and only Christina can see him. It seems that the killer is still out there and Christina’s life is hanging in the balance.

Ms. Graham does it again. I cannot get enough of her books. They are creepy, scary, and have great romances in them. Most people would find that combination odd but I love it! This book had me going from the beginning. The characters are full of life and you want to see them do well. The plot is full of twist ands turns and I had no clue who was behind the killings. It threw me for a loop! She is that good at surprises!

I loved Christina and her family. They were a good Irish family. That helped me fall in love with them. I also liked Jed Braden. He wanted to fall in love but had a hard time accepting that things were out there that he could not see. That was completely normal for me and I really got to like his character. Those two really knew how to heat things up!

I loved seeing the Harrison Investigation team again. Jed had to understand what was happening to Christina. It just takes time like any relationship. There was a lot of stuff to figure out cause it is not smart to just point fingers. Jed and Christina had to work with the police so things could be handled in the correct manner. Though I could understand the times that Christina just wanted to jump ahead. This was a good suspenseful book and even though I thought I might know who was behind it all. I never came close to figuring it out.
Heather Graham/Paranormal/384 pages/ 5 out of 5

Quick sidenote, I made it to 3,720 words today. :) Off to reading review books!

My Stats and Reads for Oct

Here are my stats:
Total books read: 26
New Authors: 35
Fiction: 22
Non-Fiction: 4
TBR:
Scary Books: 3
Cozies: 5
Chunksters: 1
Books Reviewed: 15
From the Stacks:
Books I Bought: 8
PBS Sent: 7
PBS Received: 2
Total Pages Read: 6,137 pages

Books:
216. Beyond the Mommy Years by Carin Rubenstein, PhD 9-28-07 through 10-01-07 B
217. Don’t Make A Scene by Valerie Block 10-01-07 through 10-03-07 C
218. Plenty Good Room by Cheri Paris Edwards 10-03-07 through 10-04-07 A+
219. Dead Men Don’t Lye by Tim Myers 10-04-07 through 10-05-07 A+
220. Merle’s Door: Lessons from a Free Thinking Dog by Ted Kerasote 10-05-07 through 10-09-07 A+

221. The Ghost and Mrs. McClure by Alice Kimberly 10-09-07 A+
222. Fernseed for Fairysight by Sally Odgers 10-09-07 through 10-11-07 A
223. The Tunnels by Michelle Gagnon (Scary Book Challenge) 10-10-07 through 10-13-07 A
224. The Rules of Darkness by Tia Fanning 10-13-07 through 10-14-07 A
225. One for the Money by Janet Evanovich 10-14-07 through 10-15-07 A
226. Weirdly by Various (Scary Book Challenge) 10-15-07 through 10-17-07 D
227. The Dead Guy Interviews by Michael A. Stusser 10-17-07 through 10-18-0-7 A
228. Summer Wine by Helen Ravell 10-18-07 through 10-19-07 A
229. Keepsake Crimes by Laura Childs 10-19-07 through 10-20-07 A
230. Photo Finished by Laura Childs 10-21-07 A+
231. Bound for Murder by Laura Childs 10-22-07 A+
232. You’ve Been Warned by James Patterson and Howard Roughan (Scary Book Challenge) 10-22-07 through 10-23-07 C
233. Away by Amy Bloom 10-23-07 through 10-24-07 C
234. Always A Warrior by Patricia Bruening 10-24-07 A
235. Between the Gutter and the Sky by Babe King 10-24-07 through 10-25-07 A
236. Blood of Flowers by Anita Amirrezvani 10-25-07 through 10-26-07 A
237. Redemption by Keira Ramsay 10-26-07 through 10-27-07 A+
238. Plato and A Platypus Walk Into A Bar by Thomas Cathcart and Daniel Klein 10-27-07 through 10-28-07 A
239. The Prayer Chest by Joel Fontios and August Gold 10-28-07 A
240. Sacred Ground by Rita Karonapp 10-28-07 through 10-29-07 A
241. Ardenwycke Unveiled by Kelly Ferjutz 10-29-07 through 10-30-07 A

I did not finish The Seance by Heahter Graham in time so that is the first book for November. I hope I am able to read quite a few books but with writing we'll have to see.

Plato and A Platypus Walk Into A Bar by Thomas Carthcart and Daniel Klein

Philosophy can be rather boring if it is not taught right. There is a lot you can learn about how we started our world and why people think certain things. I really enjoyed it and a few of the jokes in the book I knew about. They just made a lot more sense because of the idea applied behind them.

These authors really know how to express their thoughts very well. I had taken a Western Philosophy course when I was in college so I believe that did help me a little. But as they explained things, I remembered things slowly. I had a difficult time putting this book down because it was so funny. But what better way to tell something that will stay with you than with jokes.

I really don’t want to give this book away. It covers a lot of different philosophies and in pretty good depth too. I came away with some information that I did not know and remembering a lot of information that stuck with me. If philosophy is an interest to you then I would recommend it. And since it is written by two men that have philosophy degrees, that helps a lot in making this book very creditable. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end.

Thomas Cathcart, Daniel Klein, New Authors, Non-Fiction, 208 pages, 4 out of 5


I have two more books for review and then I hope to read The Seance by Heather Graham.

Took A Leap of Something

Today I signed up for Nanowrimo. I am going to write a novel next month. I hope to finish it. We'll just have to wait and see. :) maybe you guys can keep me going. :)

The Blood of Flowers by Anita Amirrezvani

A young woman has to leave the life she knows and move to the city. Her father dying has sent her whole life upside down. Now her and her mom’s fate is in the hands of relatives that live in Isfahan. Her uncle weaves carpets for the shah. But being headstrong is going to get her in some serious trouble. That puts her mother and her in a serious desperate situation that she is not sure that she can get them out of. She is forced into a marriage by contract that will be renewed every 3 months. Now she has to figure out if that is what she wants and will she be able to keep weaving carpets.

Ms. Amirrezvani knows how to weave a tale. With all the research she did, this book came alive for me. I know very little about this culture but she was able to put into terms that I could understand their cultural heritage and the things that they held dear. I found the young woman very easy to understand and I enjoyed her. She was true to herself and her beliefs.

The young woman had great talent. Her uncle only had to help her figure out how to do things correctly whether it was color or design for a carpet. It did not take her long and she was getting commissions and hiring people to help her. That was so amazing! I was completely astounded. Her marriage really tested her and she had to figure out what was more important being tied to a man by contract or find someone who she knew would not give up on her.

This book was beautifully written and I was able to see how much she cared for presenting a story. She had to change a few facts but the fact that she was honest about it made it even better at the end. I truly enjoyed this book and hope to see more by this author!
Anita Amirrezvani/Fiction/377 pages/Persia/New Author/ 4 out of 5

Right now I am reading a book to then use it to interview an author! :) Then after that it is Plato and a Platypus Walk Into A Bar by Thomas Cathcart and Daniel Klein. :)

Away by Amy Bloom

Lillian Leyb lost all her family except her daughter Sophie. She thinks she is still alive but she leaves her home to go to America. She has a cousin visit her only to tell her that Sophie is alive. Now Lillian is determined to find her daughter and reclaim her. But it will be a long journey and will it end happily.

Ms. Bloom is an author who does know how to tell a story. Though I found a lot of the story completely unnecessary and the flow was not really there, some people might enjoy this. She really is able to create characters that you want to root for and hope for the best. Yet something always seemed to be lacking in this book. I am not sure what but it jumped a bit too much for my taste.

Lillian was a lady I could root for. I could understand why she wanted to go see her child so much. If I ever lost my child, I would go as far as she did. Okay maybe not quite as far but I would work diligently to find him. I loved when she spent time in the theatre and learning about that time of life was interesting. There were times though I found information presented not needed since to me it took away from the story and Lillian’s journey.

This was not a great book and I do not think I will read more by this author. I have heard it got great reviews and I wish I could give it one. But it was tedious and I could not wait to finish it. I do not like to leave a book unfinished because my opinions change sometimes by the last sentence. Unfortunately that was not the case with this book.
Amy Bloom/ Adult Fiction/ 240 pages/ 3 out of 5

Well off to read some reivew books and then not sure what is next. :)

You've Been Warned by James Patterson and Howard Roughan

Kristin Burns loves taking care of Dakota and Sean. Her job as a nanny is very fulfilling. She is just waiting for her life as a photographer to start. She is in love with a man and he is almost hers. She can only hope it will happen soon. But fear starts to enter her life and she sees things that no one else seems to see or know.

Normally I really like a James Patterson, but this one feel flat. I read it quickly but it just seemed odd to me. There was not much substance but it was not exactly fluff either. It was just a weird book that I just cannot recommend.

Kristin whines all the time and lives a lot of that behind her camera lense. Now having said that, she seems like a nice person but carrying on with the man she does is not so smart. She is deluding herself I think in a lot of ways. Yet she cannot seem to get herself to understand that. Her dreams become more vivid and real and then she starts to think she is living them.

It is not a badly written novel. It is well written but was odd and strange. I only hope his novels get better cause this was a serious disappointment.
James Patterson/ Howard Roughan/ Thriller/ 376 pages/ Fiction/ 3 out of 5

Now I am reading Away by Amy Bloom though I just started it. So I hope this one better.

Bound for Murder by Laura Childs

Carmela is helping set up for a friend’s pre-wedding party. She is having a good time. Things seem to go wrong when the groom is found killed. Carmela is asked to help them out again and she is not sure if that is so smart. She has to wrap a murder that has more questions than answers and she has to shift through it all.

Ms. Laura Childs really knows how to write a series. I really enjoyed how the characters are growing. It was a blast. This author has won me over. I cannot get enough! I really cannot wait to be able to read the next one. The characters are really good. I do often get mad at Carmela but it is not like she is snooping because she is not asked to. Her friends know that she can and so they ask her. Ms. Childs really gets the feelings and emotions across in this book.

Carmela is such a good person. I know she can get annoying but I really wanted her to figure things out. Her heart was in the right place. I really loved her creativity and her want to help others. I just hope things are settled in the relationship department. I feel awful for her but maybe things are ironed out. Ava was as flamboyant as ever. She is one of my favorites. Wren was a sweetie too. These ladies would be a blast to hang out with.

I loved this book! I hope to read the rest of the series cause I am enjoying it. The tips and the recipes really make this book even better. I cannot wait to see how Carmela deals with her relationships and whom she decides to choose. Those ladies are always so creative it makes my head spin. Of course if I worked in a scrapbook store, I would probably be as creative.
Laura Childs/ Cozy Mystery/ 256 pages/ 5 out of 5/ Scrap booking

I was surprised at how fast I finished this one. Now I am reading You've Been Warned. :) SO far not sure what to think.

Photo Finished by Laura Childs

Carmela is hosting a late night crop at her store. All the usual ladies are there and having a great time. But when the neighboring antiques dealer is found dead in the alley. Carmela’s customers start to look suspicious. Carmela only hopes she can figure it out and fast.

Ms. Childs does it again! These wacky characters had me laughing. The suspense was very prevalent. Yet the main focus was on Carmela’s creative efforts. I could not get enough of this story and kept turning the pages as soon as I finished one. Ms. Childs really brings you to a great place in her stories. I cannot get enough of them and seem to like each one better than the last!

Carmela really questions her relationship with Shamus or the lack there of it seems. If she needs help, he is the first one she calls since she trusts him. Shamus is a sweet talker but has a sensitive side that drove me nuts. There is nothing wrong with being sensitive but it seems he only got upset when she got something that he wanted. Ava was back and full of drama! That woman was so busy but found time to keep tabs on Carmela.

This series just keeps getting better. I have been completely captivated. Now if I could only juggle my reading and scrap booking, that would be ideal.
Laura Childs/ Cozy Mystery/ 272 pages/ 5 out of 5/ Scrap booking

Off to read the third one in the series and then it is James Pattersons' You've Been Warned, then Away by Amy Bloom and then review books. :) With a week off of work this will be easy!

Keepsake Crimes by Laura Childs

Carmela Bertrand loves running her scrapbook shop in New Orleans. She started it so that she felt like she was doing something meaningful. Business sure is booming until one of the elite dies during Mardi Gras. Now she feels she has to figure out who is behind the crime because the police have tagged her estranged husband Seamus as the prime suspect. An important clue lies in a place she would never think to look. That would be one of her customer’s scrapbooks.

Laura Childs tells lovely stories. I was swept up in the town and the people who live there. The town is not fictional but the characters she created were wonderful. It was nice to read a story set in that town that had nothing to do with vampires. Mind you they have their place, but this was a light and refreshing read. It was just what I needed.

Carmela has some figuring out to do in this book. Being estranged from the man she thought loved her is not easy and then when he is the main suspect in a crime. She does not want to see him hurt but at the same time she wonders if she should really help him. After all, he walked out on her and she was left scrambling. Yet Carmela decides to be the better person and help him out. She has a lot of surprises coming her way and she has no idea who really did commit the crime. The customers for her shop were so eccentric. I just fell in love with them. Ava was my favorite and the one she seemed to spend the most time with. She was also creative whether making masks or selling items in her voodoo shop.


This is a great way to start out the series. I cannot wait to read the next one. I found all three books in one and that book is called Death by Design. It is nice to have them all together and that is pretty rare. As a person who scrap books I also enjoyed it for the ideas she used. Though not sure I would use them, they do generate some ideas of my own.
Laura Childs/New Author/Cozy Mystery/256 pages/Scrap booking/ 4 out of 5


So up nextg are Photo finished and Bound For Murder than You've Been Warned by James Patterson and then last but not least is Away by Amy Bloom. :) Have a good weekend all. :)

Dead Guy Interviews: Conversations with 45 of the Most Accomplished, Notorious, and Deceased Personalities in History by Michael A. Stusser

You ever wanted to know some real honest things about people who are dead? Well this is the book for you! I got a little annoyed from time to time with the political perspectives of the author. But then politics were important to everyone involved so I just let it go. I enjoyed all of the interviews because I actually learned a lot more than I thought I would from this book. Some of the comments and answers were down right hilarious. Fresh honesty was very prevalent in this book but that is what I liked best.

The author Mr. Stusser presents these interviews as if they are happening right then. I really liked that aspect and all the sideline comments really helped. Each interview showed the certain person’s characteristics come out. Whether he was talking to Napoleon or Edgar Allen Poe, the banter went back and forth. Some were surprises to me while others I knew well from when I was studying them in college.

I don’t want to give much away but really if you want a good non-fiction that makes you not only think and laugh. This will do all that and more! I could not get enough of the witty comebacks and funny repartee from both the interviewer and the interviewee. I was amazed at how much I didn’t know about the different people. There is just not much more I can say but head to your nearest book store and pick this one up!

Michael A. Stusser/Non-fiction/ 304 pages/ 4 out of 5

Up next another book to review for CTR and then I am going to start the Scrapbooking series by Laura Childs.

One of the Money by Janet Evanovich

Stephanie Plum is very broke and so she needs to make so money fast. She goes to see her cousin Vinnie to apply for the filing job. It turns out it is filled but they need someone to help them with bounty hunting. So Stephanie does not see any other way to get money so she agrees. The case she gets though is Joe Morelli, a former cop convicted of murder one. Stephanie has no idea what she is getting herself into or how difficult bringing in this guy will be. Tailing her is an ex-prize fighter; she just hopes that she will be able to complete her assignment without being killed in the process.

Ms. Evanovich is a great writer. I really liked how she put these characters in place. I felt really bad for Stephanie but she toughed things out. That was one thing I really liked about all the characters. They came across as very real! I could see myself running into any of them. Now mind you, I would never want to meet the fighter. But there are people out in our world that are like him. Ms. Evanovich knows how to tell a story that just pulls you in. I could not get enough and I pretty much read it all in one morning.

This is just the first in the series and I cannot wait to read the rest of them. I have heard bits and pieces. I can see why Stephanie would struggle between both Joe and Ranger. They are both hot men and seem to really be interested in helping her. I hope to read the next one soon.
Janet Evanovich/ Mystery/ 290 pages/ 4 out of 5

This was a really good book. I have a book to review for CTR and then another one to review that I will post the review here.

The Tunnels by Michelle Gagnon

Special Agent Kelly Jones has dealt with some real creepy cases in her time with the FBI. But the case coming up will be one that will have sleepless nights and a loss of appetite. There are killings being done in the tunnels underneath an Ivy League college. Yet it will only get worse as she is led down a perilous route that will only have one come out alive. Being that it is her alma mater, she is determined to figure out who is behind the horrible scenes.

Ms. Gagnon builds a world that is completely twisted. I found myself falling underneath the spell and being completely horrified which what was being unfolded in this book. The research she had to do was phenomenal. I was thoroughly pleased with how well she was able to present the things she had to study with mythologies. It was certainly a daunting task that she lived up to with every page turned.

Kelly had a past that she was trying to keep from meeting her present. I truly felt for this character. The pressure she was under did not help matters. When solving a crime, time truly is of the essence. She wanted to see justice done and put herself into the case fully. I was impressed! I also liked the minor characters of her partner Roger Morrow and the former FBI Agent Jake Riley. They brought so much more to the story than I thought possible. It really rounded out the characters.

This book is definitely creepy and scary! I was taking in by this book and could not put it down. Great read if you love scary! I hope to see more by this author whether with these characters or not. She is a wonderful author!

New Author/Scary Book Challenge for AN2R/ Michelle Gagnon/ 299 pages/ 4 out of 5

This was a good one! I hope she writes more. :) Off to read a review e-book and then One for the Money by Janet Evenovich.

The Ghost and Mrs. McClure by Alice Kimberly

Penelope Thornton-McClure finally felt like she was getting somewhere in her life. She had moved back to live with her aunt and help her run the mystery bookstore. She has also lined up an author who would hopefully bring in profit. Penelope had no idea that he would drop dead in the same spot as a P.I. had done years before. How did she know this? The ghost of the P.I resides in the bookshop. He is unable to leave the place. Pen wonders if she is imagining it all or is he really there?

Alice Kimberly is a fantabulous writer! I was pulled into the story immediately. The characters were not out of the ordinary but yet I felt like I was among friends. The setting was real and I truly felt for the characters. It was not an easy thing to do but Penelope was really trying! I applauded her so much. The scenes were real and I could not get over the fact at how it all played out. I had an idea of who was behind the whole scheme but when revealed it all seemed to fit really well. There was nothing that didn’t seem plausible to me.

Penelope really thinks she has lost her mind. She has never talked to ghosts before but this is certainly a new experience. She has to figure out how she is going to deal with this and if she will accept this into her life. The ghost is a wonderful man. He wants to help her and only hopes she will see that the advice he can give her can truly help her. I loved her aunt Sadie. She was a great woman. Sadie had her head on straight and could tell Pen things that no one else could.

A haunted bookstore was a concept to me that didn’t seem so far-fetched. I love bookstores since I have worked in one. I could not put this book down. It pulled me in from the beginning and I cannot wait to read more in this series!!! I am on pins and needles to see what will happen next!

261 pages/New Author/ Alice Kimberly/ Cozy Mystery/ 5 out of 5

This was a wonderful quick read that I lost myself in! I hope to read the next one soon!

Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog by Ted Kerasote

The friendship that man and dog share has always been wondered about. We only know so much. Mr. Kerasote explores this in his book, Merle’s Door. He not only talks about what he gets from his dog but the evidence that backs it up. It is really interesting since I have always thought about having a dog. This book has confirmed it for me. It is truly an emotional book but one that I thoroughly enjoyed. It is amazing how they were even able to find each other in the first place. I loved reading about the journeys that they took together. They had a full life of good and bad experiences.

Mr. Kerasote really gets to the heart of the matter and shows how the relationship is different than most. They learn how to talk to one another and communicate. It takes some time but they also learn how to just be with each other. Their time line for their day is not always the same but they seem to figure out how to deal with things. Mr. Kerasote always lets Merle know that he will come back. It is like working with a child almost but at the same time they truly respect each other. All the research that was presented in this book made me think about my views of dogs. They really do become part of the family.

There were places that were not easy to read when it came to thinking about Merle’s life before he met Mr. Kerasote as well as a few other things but do not want to give anything away. This was a true heart felt book that I really enjoyed! I highly recommend it for all you animal lovers. It is a great book that shows you a different way of looking at things. Merle was quite the dog and I enjoyed reading about his experiences with bison, coyotes, and other animals he met along the way!
416 pages/ Ted Kerasote/New Author/ Chunkster/Non-fiction/ 5 out of 5

This was a great book! I am definitely interested in reading more by this author. Off to read The Ghost and Mrs. McClure by Alice Kimberly.

Dead Men Don't Lye by Tim Myers

Benjamin Perkins has no idea what is going to happen to his crazy life until he finds the dead body of the man who was dating his sister Louisa. She is considered the prime suspect. Benjamin’s on and off again girlfriend Molly cannot seem to get it out of her head that someone else committed the awful crime. His family is asking him to figure out who really did it but he is not sure how that will happen. He has soap making classes to teach as well as consoling his sister. He better do it soon before he gets himself into some hot water.

Tim Myers was the author of the month for my group for September. I was immediately pulled into the world of the Perkins family. He really let you into the life of this town and all its eccentricities. He had me laughing through most of the story. He was able to create each individual character so that they each stood out on their own. It was wonderful to see! The family was close but at the same time the siblings found it annoying. Yet when they needed it, they found it rather comforting as well. It was very realistic to a lot of families today.

Benjamin really did not want to poke his nose around at first. But once he started, it was not easy for him to slow himself down. His siblings are so much fun. I really liked Cindy. She was the youngest and doing her best to find her place in the family. The soap shop and factory that they ran was so cool to see. Family run businesses are not as common as they used to be. Most kids want to do their own thing and make their own way in the world. That was not true of the Perkins family. They truly loved wherever they were involved. They all took turns on the shop floor, which was fun to see. I also enjoyed meeting Kate and I would love to see her more often to see where things go with her.

I ended up picking this series cause it is the shortest of the bunch. Reading about the soap making class that Benjamin taught was really cool. It was many years ago but I have been to a shop like this but it was in the South of France when I was 18. It brought back a lot of memories as well as the wonderful tour they took us on. I wish I still had the soap I bought back then but I lost it one of the times I moved. I would definitely be interested in reading more of this series. I highly recommend it. A good family cozy mystery that is nice and full of surprises!

Tim Myers/New Author/ Cozy Mystery/ 240 pages/ 5 out of 5

Right now I am reading Merle's Door: Lessons from a Freethinking Dog by Ted Kerasote. I hope to finish it soon. :)

Candy Apple Red by Nancy Bush

Jane Kelly is no longer interesting in having a serious relationship with a man. The last time she did, it led her to Lake Chinook, Oregon. He left her and she has settled into her life. It all comes back again when the body of Bobby Reynolds still has never been found. His mother Tessa needs information and hires her through their mutual friend Marta. Jane has to go to the Historical Society’s party where she runs into the last man she dated. To top it all off, she gets a call from her mom saying she has inherited a dog. Her best friend Dwayne is trying to stop her from helping Tessa. He thinks she will not get paid.

Nancy Bush is a good writer. You really get a good glimpse into this small town. I could not get enough and I even grew up in a small town. Jane was so funny. Nancy did an incredible job with twists and turns. This is one writer who knows how to pull you into a story and not let you go till it is done.

I truly enjoyed Jane Kelly. She was the type of person I would love to have as a friend. Dwayne was something else and rather hot too. I could tell he really was looking out for Jane’s best interest. The Binkster, the pug dog, was so cute and her expressions she gave Jane had me in stitches. Jane was stubborn though and it got her into some interesting situations. Ones that had me laughing out loud and leaving her with pictures she would rather not have stuck in her head.

I can’t wait to read more in this series to see what happens next. This is a book I highly recommend. It was clean and full of surprises. The ending was a complete shock for me and I want to see how it all plays out.
Nancy Bush/Cozy Mystery/310 pages/5 out of 5

Now mind you I may be completley out of line by considereing it a cozy mystery. But jane is not a investigator yet nor was the death described in detail. :) I read this one awhile ago but have been reading so many review books and working so many hours that I am just finally caught up now. Right now I am reading Dead Men Don't Lye by Tim Myers. I am extremely impressed with this this cozy! Well off to bed!