The Fashion Hound Murders by Elaine Viets

Josie Marcus gets a call from her boss Harry. He has another place for her to mystery shop. It's a pet store that has been in the news and Josie is more than reluctant to help them out. Even if they did ask for her specifically. Finally gives in but is less than happy about it. Alyce comes along with her. Pets 4 Luv has been accused of taking puppy mill dogs. She just hopes that she is wrong. While working the case, she has a chance to go visit a puppy mill and is more determined to help. But when a pet shop employee gets killed over talking to her, Josie is in way over her head. She begins to question taking the job.

Ms. Viets has done her research and puts everything well balanced. There are some funny moments but serious ones as well. She really puts her heart into the story. I was very impressed with how well the story flowed no matter what the mood was. Everything comes alive on the page.

Josie really is doing her best. I am so surprised at the work she does and how difficult it is. Being like every one else isn't easy and she has to blend in without standing out. Alyce is always a helpful friend who helps her to blend in even more. Amelia keeps her level headed. Amelia is also quite the smart mouth kid and keeps things in perspective. Jane, Josie's mom, may have quite the bark to her but in reality it is just a cover for watching over her daughter.

This series keeps getting better. It definitely gets personal. I hope things settle down for Josie. That girl has more ups and downs in her life than a roller coaster sometimes. I also am learning to appreciate the things that secret shoppers do as having experience with them in my personal job. I'm on the edge of my seat just hoping there are more books in this series to come!

Elaine Viets/ Cozy Mystery/ 304 pages/ Secret Shopper/ Family/5 out of 5

So glad to read the first one in the cozy mystery challenge. I am hoping to read more next month.

Ireland by Frank Delaney

Ronan O'Mara, at the age of nine, has a life changing experience when a story teller comes to stay at his house. For three nights, he is captivated by the stories told at his fire place. The story teller is banished from the house for blasphemy. From there, Ronan wants to know more about the history of Ireland but longs to find the Story Teller.

Mr. Delaney weaves history into this fiction that blew me away. Some of the events told are too old to know what really happened. Yet everything is set before you like you are actually there while it is happening. Mr. Delaney has a way of putting you right in the midst of the story. I was blown away not only by the details but how each story was laid out. It was never so long that it overwhelmed you and the jumps between the stories and Ronan's story flowed so easily.

Ronan's love of history is cultivated by the Story Teller and encouraged by his father. His mother is a bit quiet but you can tell that she loves him in her own way. His aunt Kate gushes over him when his mother either can't or won't. It's not always easy to distinguish what her reasons were. John, Ronan's father, makes sure to help Ronan in his love of history in every possible way that he can. Even if it means he takes him on trips to go see people who might help them on his journey.

This book was so good that I didn't want to see it end. I fought to read the last bit as it completely captivated me. Having a love of Ireland, the stories presented here made me appreciate them since I knew about most of them. They were very well told and the personal experiences on the part of the story tell at the end had me in awe. The twists in the book surprised me and I never saw them coming. Mr. Delaney is a master at story telling and I definitely hope to read more of his work.

Frank Delaney/ New author/ 651 pages/ Ireland/ Family/Stories/ 5 out of 5

FTC: This book was bought and is part of my book collection.

Hi Cat! By Ezra Jack Keats

Archie says hi to a cat as he walks by to go see his friends. The cat follows him and trouble ensues. His show for his friends may not go how he plans. Is he able to make it all work?

Mr. Keats is a fantastic children's author. The illustrations are beautiful. The story is simple yet a fun romp. The author really knows how to keep things light and fun. I enjoyed the fun the kids had with each other.

Archie loves to put on shows for his friends. What a cute kid and so friendly. The cat is curious like most cats are. I am loving this author's work. I hope to read more by him and see what the characters in his stories get up to next.

Ezra Jack Keats/Children's Fiction/ 40 pages/ Friendships/4 out of 5

This was a great book my son brought home from the library. I am loving this! :) Off to read more of Ireland hopefully. :)

FTC: Book from my son's school library

Horatio's Birthday by Eleanor Lowenton Clymer

Horatio was a happy cat in a busy home. His owner Mrs. Casey loved looking after animals. There was a pigeon, a dog named Sam and two lively kittens. Then she found homes for the dog and the kittens while the pigeon made a home in a roof nearby. It was quiet, it was lonely and Horatio didn't know what to do. Mrs. Casey planned a party for his birthday but the night before Horatio was curious. He was in a pillow on the kitchen floor but couldn't sleep. His adventure brings about a wonderful experience.

Ms. Lowenton Clymer did a fabulous job with this story. I fell in love with Horatio right away! He is a precocious cat who is set in his ways. Yet even the quiet begins to bother him. She creates a wonderful person in Mrs. Casey. She is so sweet and caring.

My son got this from his school library and I fell in love with it right away. I see that this author has written more with Horatio and I would love to read them. Great kids book for young readers!

Eleanor Lowenton Clymer/ New Author/ Children's Fiction/59 pages/ 5 out of 5

I couldn't find a picture of the cover which bummed me out. It was soo cute! My little guy did a great job picking out this book.

FTC: From my son's school library

March Stats and Reads

Books I read:
1.The Legend of the Green Man by Sara Hely 02-06-10 through 03-05-10 B
2.Alaska Twilight by Colleen Coble 03-06-10 through 03-09-10 A
3.For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn 03-16-10 through 03-22-10 A+ (Best book so far)


Stats:
Total Books I read: 3
New Authors: 3
Fiction: 2
Non-Fiction: 1
Chunkster: 0
Mystery:0
Romance: 0
From The Stacks: 3
Books for Review:0
Books I Bought:0
Total Pages Read: 807 pages

I haven't finished Ireland by Frank Delaney yet and it might be a few more days. :) I hope everyone has a Happy Easter and enjoys some family time! :)

For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhahn

To quote the back of the book:

“What's going on in there? Ever been totally confused by something your man has said or done? Want to understand his secret desires and fears, his daily battles that you know nothing about? In a woman to woman conversation you'll never forget, Shaunti Feldhahn takes you beneath the surface into the inner lives of men. This book is about the things we just don't “get” about guys. With findings from a ground-breaking national survey and personal interviews of over one thousand men, For Women Only, is full of eye-opening revelations you need to not only understand the man in your life, but to support and love him in the way he needs to be loved. Grounded in biblical hope, you will discover how to love your man for who he really is- not who you think he is.”

Ms. Feldhahn delves into parts unknown and does with such loving words. She lays it out honestly as well but never in a harsh tone. She wants to help women do better and it was all inspired by writing a male character in one of her Christian novels. I was blown away by a lot of what I read. I knew some of it but not quite to the depth shown in the book. It has changed how I want to be not just around my husband as well as other men in how I react, dress, and my appearance. Dress just has to do with my clothes.

I am so glad I picked up this book. I made sure to give it lots of time to take in what was presented in the book. It definitely is one I highly recommend to all women to read whether you are single, dating, engaged, married or even divorced. We are around men all the time and this will help us better to honor those men in our lives. I am definitely wanting to read her other works and may even pick up her fiction books. This woman truly wants to make sure things come across well. I found that this is one book I will want to read again to refresh my memory every year.

Shaunti Feldhahn/ Non-fiction/Practical Life/Women/ 208 pages/ 5 out of 5

Having read a lot of negative comments about this book, please be kind and constructive. I do approve all comments and if it comes down to it, I won't allow comments on this post.

Alaska Twilight by Colleen Coble

Haley Walsh left Alaska never looking back. Her family was dead and it was all her fault. Now she must accept God's help to get through being back there. Tank Lassiter is forced to help Kipp Nowak, a man who likes adventure to the extreme. She wants to find the truth about her family's murder. She may just see things from a completely different angle.

Ms. Coble did a fantastic job! I was throughly impressed with how well written this book was. It was truly suspenseful. I was on the edge of my seat. She weaved the tale so that I didn't want to put the book down. The setting only made the book pop and the characters were on all across the spectrum.

Haley really didn't want to go back but couldn't turn down the experience. Her grandma at her side would help her keep her head on straight. Though her grandmother's faith didn't always make sense to her. She just plugged along. Tank Lassiter has had a rough life but loves his daughter. His past has come back to haunt him and he just hopes he can make it through one more time. Kipp Nowak is fearless. Most of the time, that is alright but this time it may end up being costly.

Most of the book I didn't see coming. The attacks on Haley were mysterious and I never saw it coming who was behind it all. The faith in this book was so refreshing to read about. It inspired me to do better. This is one author I definitely want to read more of her work.

Coleen Coble/New Author/ Christian Fiction/ Alaska/ Confrontation/ Faith/324 pages

I hope to pick up my next book soon but for now it's back to cleaning.

The Legend of the Green Man by Sara Hely

Kitty Harcombe is finally hoping to find love in a marriage. Her first one had it's moments but her husband died young after getting in a horse riding accident. Lord Fossick seems to be the man for her, so she sends a letter and can only hope he got it in time. Traveling is horrendous and when the next carriage doesn't show up, Kitty is at her wits end. That begins a whole series of events that make Kitty wonder if she should have ever left London.

Ms. Hely's first novel is fantastic. I was moved by the time period in Ireland of 1798. A lot happened and you can tell that with how the characters react to the events that take place in the book. Her characters are strong ones and not to be trifled with.

I loved Kitty cause she wanted to stick to her plans. Maggie, her servant, tried to talk her out of it. But she had to see things for herself. She was a stubborn person but she finally was able to see things for herself. It made her realize what she really wanted. Luke Denny was sick of being downtrodden. He could only prove himself and his family if he could talk to the head of the family. It might take some help from The Green Man.

I have had this book for so long that I'm surprised I haven't read it sooner. It was a fantastic ride and I would love to see if there is more by this author. She knows how to keep you in suspense. I was thoroughly pleased.

Sara Hely/ New Author/275 pages/ Ireland/Fiction/Historical/ 4 out of 5


I have a picture, just couldn't find my card reader. I hope to post it tomorrow sometime. :)Off to read set in Alaska! Great timing with the Iditarod.

February Reads and Stats

I only read one book Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber. You can read my review. :)

So here are my stats:
Total Books I Read: 1
New Authors: 0
Fiction: 1
Non-Fiction: 0
Chunkster: 0
Mystery:0
Romance: 1
From the Stacks: 0
Books for Review: 0
Books I Bought: 0
Total Pages Read: 321 pages

I am hoping to read at least two this month. lol I did watch My Sister's Keeper based off the book by Jodi Picoult and was pleased with how it ended even though it was different than the book. :)

Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber

Seth Webster misses his wife but doesn't know how long he'll get along after losing housekeeper after housekeeper. Judd and Jason, his twin boys, don't exactly help matters. Then Mrs. Merkle arrives and the boys dub her Mrs.Miracle. She gets the twins into ship shape. On the other side of town, Reba Maxwell takes over the christmas pageant at church. Being around kids might just be what her heart needs. Could these two find what their hearts need and get healing?

Ms. Macomber presents a sweeping romance full of heart. I loved how clean it was and the focus was on the lives that need help. She knows how to write mischievous characters that just make you laugh. I was truly impressed with how the story flowed and that there were true conflicts. The characters weren't perfect but that was fun as well. It made them easy to relate to.

Seth is really grieving four years later after his wife died in a car accident. Reba Maxwell is finding it difficult to trust again after she lost her fiance to another woman. Mrs. Merkle seems to have everything all figured out if Seth and Reba could see past the end of their noses. They can relate to each other because of the shared grief. It might just be the one thing that makes their relationship work. As long as they don't let their pride get in the way.

This is one book that I couldn't put down. Debbie Macomber does such a fantastic job with all the characters. The minor ones even have their place. I hope to read another one of hers soon.

Debbie Macomber/ Romance/ 321 pages/ Healing/5 out of 5

I'm not sure when I'll be picking up another book with a sick wee one. Just a cold but got to keep an eye on him. I am watching the movie that was on Lifetime and it's just so-so. They kept a lot of the stuff from the book. I am hoping it gets better.

January Reads and Stats

Here are the books I Read last month and all the stats that go along with it. :)

1.Immanuel by Michael Card 01-03-10 through 01-11-10 A
2.The Christmas Hope by Donna VanLiere 01-11-10 through 01-12-10 A+
3.Before Green Gables by Budge Wilson 01-13-10 through 01-21-10 A+ (favorite so far)
4.The Heroines by Eileen Favorite 01-22-10 through 01-30 B

Stats:
Total Books I read: 4
New Authors: 2
Fiction: 3
Non-Fiction: 1
Chunkster: 1
Mystery: 0
Romance: 0
From the Stacks: 3
Books for Review: 0
Books I Bought: 0
Total Pages Read: 1,104

I am keeping with one non fiction a month! Yay me! And reading more of my own books so far. I hope to keep it up! Off to start Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber.

The Heroines by Eileen Favorite

Penny is sick of the attention her mother gives to the Heroines that pop out of story books into their lives. It finally becomes too much when a hero comes to capture the heroine back. That has never happened before and it might just tear apart the world that Penny and her mother share.

Ms. Favorite took an idea already presented in a novel and gave it a twist. I was not only impressed with how well she took the fictional characters and kept them true. I also enjoyed how seeing them in every day life even though the book was set in the 1970's. The ending was one that I didn't even see coming.

Penny wanted her freedom but trying to hide the visitors from the outside world was never easy. She had to keep it all a secret as well. Her mother just rolled with the punches and opened her bed and breakfast to them even if it meant taking over family space to keep them hidden. Penny was just tired of it all. But even she couldn't see what was going to happen next.

While this one was not a huge favorite, I was intrigued from beginning to end with how it would all play out. It is one I am glad that I own and will keep on my shelves. Ms. Favorite has written a book that truly keeps you turning pages to see what happens next and what character will show up that they have to hide. I would definitely love to see what this author brings to the book shelves next. I am impressed!

Eileen Favorite/ New author/ Fictional Characters/General Fiction/ Growing Up/ 256 pages/ 4 out of 5

Tomorrow I'm going to take a break from reading. I hope to pick Mrs. Miracle by Debbie Macomber on Monday.

FTC: This book is from my book shelves that I own.

Before Green Gables by Budge Wilson

Finally the story is told in detail of the life Anne had before coming to live with the Cuthberts. There is also a little bit about her parents and their lives. Anne is truly a girl who takes a lot but never gives up dreaming. Her parents die when she is 3 months old, and she is taken in by the lady who helped clean the house for Bertha. That is just the beginning of a long journey for an eleven year old girl.

Ms. Wilson did such a fantastic job that I felt apart of the story. I could feel the emotions and sometimes even cried along with Anne. She not only grabbed the essence of L.M. Montgomery's work but was able to write stuff that as far as I know never been written in detail before.

I love Anne. My favorite fictional character of all time who gave me a passion to dream myself. Her imagination was one of the things that kept her going. Also her tenacity for life kept her going no matter how difficult. She did break down but after all even she can only take so much. Her hopes were dashed and the depths of despair were something she experienced with all of her heart. Sometimes it seemed like she was just being melodramatic but I kept hoping for the best anyways.

This is one book that won't leave my shelf any time soon. I recommend it highly for anyone who loves Anne and I enjoyed it so much. Some of this was in the movie with the Hammonds and going to the orphanage. I am curious to brush off my copy of Anne of Green Gables if it's still in readable condition. I may have to tape it up since I loved it so much! This is one I may revisit when I need something to get me out of a slump.

Budge Wilson/New author/ General Fiction/ 400 pages/Canada/Anne of Green Gables

The Christmas Hope by Donna VanLiere and Movie

Patti and Mark Addison lost their son in a car accident 4 years go. Since then, they have slowly drifted apart. Patti has engrossed herself in her work. It all changes when she meets 5 year old Emily. Breaking the rules to bring her home with her is just the start. Patti watches Mark melt around the little girl and soon finds herself in the same spot. Now she can only hope that she can find a way for them to be a family. Hope finds her and Mark in another way with a gift that is long overdue.

Ms. VanLiere puts heart into a story that makes your own heart melt. The characters have their faults but learn to work through their problems. Also her characters seem to have a lot to work through but that's what made it come across as so real to me.

I really loved Patti's dedication to her job. She truly loved what she was doing but had lost how to communicate with her husband in the process. She had to find a new balance all over again. Mark was a sweet heart but he could only take so much. Emily couldn't believe her mom was gone but having attention sure helped as well as love from the people around her whether new or old. I loved Emily's neighbors Greta and Hal. They were the cutest old married couple. They kept me in stitches throughout the novel and warmed my heart as well.

This was a great book and I loved seeing repeat characters even if they only had a line or two. I am curious to see how the next book goes and I won't wait till next Christmas either. Hope and Love should be celebrated all year long. I am keeping this short so that I don't give too much away.

Donna VanLiere/ Christmas Story/ Fiction/224 pages/ 5 out of 5

I watched the movie and despite a few changes I really liked it. There was one thing I really didn't like and that I won't give away cause it is central to the story. You know about it but I like the way it was handled better in the book than in the movie. Oh, well, you can't win every day! Tomorrow I start Before Anne of Green Gables by Budgie Wilson. I have heard great things about this.

FTC: This book is one I borrowed from a family member.

Immanuel:Reflections on the Life of Christ by Michael Card

Different songs that were written by Michael Card head up this non-fiction book and express better than simple words can. It helps if you know the songs but the words are beautiful on their own without the music. After each song, Mr. Card writes a brief essay about the subject of the song and what it shows. I was so pleased cause I not only got a glimpse into his writing process but how he thinks things through for each and every song at least listed in this book.

I have grown up listening to this music and even though this book is a little old, I was so pleased with how things were put together. Things flowed well from each section from birth to the Cross. The songs a lot of them brought back memories of growing up. I was impressed with how his writing style really hasn't changed from A Violent Grace and this previous work.

I have other books of his on the shelf and cannot wait to read more of his thoughts! This review is only short due to the fact that the book should speak for itself.

Michael Card/Non-Fiction/Life of Christ/247 pages/ 4 out of 5

FTC: This is a book that I own.

2009 in Review

Here it is finally! :)

Here are the books I read last year:


1.Glad Tidings by Debbie Macomber A+
2.Murder with all the Trimmings by Elaine Viets A+
3.Dana's Valley by Janette Oke and Laurel Oke Logan A
4. The Secret Between Us by Barbara Delinsky A+
5. The Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells A
6.19 Minutes by Jodi Picoult A+
7.No Angel by Penny Vincenzi A
8.Other People's Business by Pamela Yaye A
9. Fit To Be Tied by Karen Kendall B
10.Nora, Nora by Anne Rivers Siddons A+
11.A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick A+ (fav this year)
12.If You Really Loved Me by Ann Rule B
13.The Messenger by Daniel Silva A
14.Darling Daughters by Debbie Macomber A+
15.The Book of Unholy Mischief by Elle Newmark C
16.The Sanctuary by Raymond Khoury A
17.Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult A+
18.Love in the Fast Lane by Jenna McKnight B
19.Leap of Faith by Queen Noor A+
20.Domestic Affairs by Eileen Goudge B
21.Dog on It by Spencer Quinn A
22.Losing It by Valerie Bertinelli A
23.The Last Mermaid by Shana AbeDNF
24.Fade Away by Harlan Coben A
25.The Stamp of Glory by Tim Stafford C
26.Something Rotten by Jasper Fforde A+
27.Love at First Flight by Elizabeth Strohfus and Cheryl J. Young A+
28.The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger C+
29.Who Makes the Rules Anyways? By Stevi Mittman B
30.Hold Tight by Harlan Coben A+
31.Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon A+
32.Unspoken by Angela Hunt A+
33.A World I never Made by James LePore A+
34.Backspin by Harlan Coben A
35.The Great Shame by Thomas Keneally A+
36.Thursday Next by Jasper Fforde A
37.Dating Games by Leigh Michaels A+
38.One False Move by Harlan Coben A
39.The Note by Angela Hunt A+ (fav this year)
40. The Fairy Rebel by Lynne Reid Banks A+
41.The Great Influenza by John M. Barry B
42.Austenland by Shannon Hale A+ (Another fav)
43.Waiting to surface by Emily Listfield-DNF
44.Lords of Corruption by Kyle Mills B
45.The Boy in the Stripped Pajamas by John Boyne A+ (another fav)
46.The Agency by Ally O'Brien-DNF
47.The Sword in the Stone by T.H. White B
48.Stalked by Brian Freeman A
49.In the Dark by Brian Freeman A
50.In the Sanctuary of Outcasts by Neil White A+
51.The Weight of Silence by Heather Gudenkauf A
52.Nefertiti by Michelle Moran B
53.The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe A+ (another fav)
54.The Baker Street Letters by Michael Robertson B
55.Among the Mad by Jacqueline Winspear A+ (Another fav)
56.The Midwife's Tale by Gretchen Moran Laskas B
57.The Fixer Upper by Mary Kay Andrews B
58.A Violent Grace by Michael Card A+
59.The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffmann A
60.The Christmas Blessing by Donna VanLiere A+

Now for stats:
Favorites: 6 (if I counted right)
Chunksters: 10
Fiction:48
Non-Fiction: 9
New Authors: 37
Mystery: 14
Romance: 5
Stacks:42
Review: 5
Total Pages: 20,879

So for skipping the month of October for reading, I think I had a good year. Maybe not as good as years past but life and life changes have definitely made it interesting to read. I hope to read as many books as last year if not more, we'll see how this year pans out. I definitely read more of my own books and hope to continue to do that as well as more Christian books. :)

The Christmas Blessign by Donna VanLiere

Nathan Andrews is all grown up and in his third year as a medical student. He struggles to find a purpose when he sees so many patients dying and unable to help them. Meeting Megan Sullivan will not only change his life but might just be the pick up he needs. She also has a lot she can teach Nathan. Nathan has a lot to think about but maybe he'll finally understand everything his mother used to tell him.

Ms. VanLiere did a fantastic job in this book. It's been awhile since I have read The Christmas SHoes but I remember enjoying it very much. The flashbacks in this book helped my memory and gave great flow to the book. I was impressed with not only her handling of the different characters but how well she balanced all the emotion in the story. It never felt like it was over the top nor too much for me to handle in one book. I can't wait to read more of her work.

Nathan is stubborn but knows he wants to help people like he wasn't able to help his mom. He also has a great gift with children that is not easy to come by. His family is there to support him and he will need their support the more the story progresses. His father is steadfast and so amazingly nice. He never questions what Nathan wants to do but is able to turn it around so Nathan questions himself. Got to love that parent ability.

This is one author who I am so pleased to read again and I have more of hers on the stack that I borrowed from my mother. Ms. VanLiere has a way with words that is a joy to read. Definitely an author you'll see appear more on this blog.

Donna VanLiere/ Fiction/ Christmas/215 pages/5 out of 5

I hope to have my year in review up in a couple days.

December Stats amd Reads plus a Review

I normally don't put everything together but the fact that I am losing my laptop for a little bit has urged me to get things done.

Here are my stats and reads for December:
1.The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffmann 12-01-09 through 12-30-09 A
2.The Christmas Blessing by Donna VanLiere 12-30-09 through 12-31-09 A+

Total Books I Read: 2
New Authors: 1
Fiction: 2
Non-Fiction: 0
Chunkster: 0
Mystery: 0
Romance: 0
From the Stacks: 2
Books for Review: 0
Books I Bought:3 (2 with gift card)
Total Pages Read: 311

Now for the review portion:
The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffman

This particular translation was done by Aliana Brodmann. I found her explanation of the story very interesting. As the story started and you got a glimpse into the children's world, I fell in love with Marie and the presents her Godfather Drosselmeyer would bring them. The little nutcracker was so sweet but there was more to his story. Her whole family thought Marie was making everything up including the battle between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King. Godfather Drosselmeyer told a story how the nutcracker came to be. Marie even had a dream of meeting the nutcracker and going off to worlds unknown.

The book was really good but due to life, it took me forever to get through. The story was so different from the ballet. The action was really good and well paced. I loved the rhyming and how Marie refused to believe any different than what she saw in front of her. She was a strong willed little girl but she was loyal to a fault. Godfather Drosselmeyer was a great character who brought depth to the story than even I could imagine.

This is one book that I hope to read to both my boys. It may be awhile cause it was a little scary at times even for me. But I loved reading it and the pictures were gorgeous! Definitely one of the highlights of this Christmas season for me.

E.T.A. Hoffman/ Children's lit/Fiction/99 pages/ 4 out of 5

Well if you must know, I bought The Cat, The Quilt, and the Corpse by Leann Sweeney as well as The Fashion Hound Murders by Elaine Viets with a gift card I got in a work gift exchange. :) I then bought The Polar Express by Charles Van Allsburg with Christmas money from my grandparents. Well Wee One should be up soon, so off to go check on him. I'll post the other review and my Year in Review some time this week.

Blog Anniversary

Wow, I've had this blog for three years now. Check back tomorrow to see what's going to happen next!

Giveaway!!!

My dear friend Bookfool is giving away an awesome cookbook!

Here is the link:
http://bookfoolery.blogspot.com/2009/12/giveaway-two-copies-of-how-to-lower.html

You'll have to copy and paste. I am not a big cookbook person but the ideas behind this one sound too good! So go check it out! Oh and if you decide to enter because of my blog tell Bookfool that Lover of Books sent you. :)