Chopping Spree by Diane Mott Davidson

Finally getting success is making Goldy a very busy woman. Her best friend Marla says it is keeping her too busy. Goldy does the right thing and hires some help but that may not be enough to keep murder away. One of her new knives is the murder weapon and her assistant Julian is caught pulling out of the dead body. Goldy has to figure out how to solve this case so she does not lose the one friend who has seen her through so much.

Ms. Davidson has her hands full with her characters. I am surprised she is able to come up with the villains she does. The twists and turns in this book while being on the calmer side definitely leave me guessing till the end. Goldy and her family are definitely going through a lot of things. Secrets abound in this book that will keep pages turned.

Goldy is a woman who I have admired from the first page of the first book. She wants to be self-supporting but knows when to ask for help. It may not be easy but things are just completely out of her control. I loved seeing Julian and Arch back. Goldy truly has a gem in all of her family members and friends.

This is one book that just kept getting better. In spite of a few inconsistencies the book was really good! I definitely cannot wait to read the next one of these books. Ms. Davidson surely pleases with each new book.

Diane Mott Davidson/ Cozy Mystery/ Cooking/ 320 pages/ 4 out of 5

I finished this one yesterday and just forgot to write it up. :) So here you go! Off to write another review and then I have to clean. :)

Sticks and Scones by Diane Mott Davidson

Having a lull in her business is not good for Goldy. But a chance at preparing not only a luncheon for a bunch of donors at Hyde Chapel but a supper for Elk Park Prep students will definitely keep her busy. Not to mention the food she has to prepare will take most of her time. But when pot shots are taken at their house and Goldy thinks it might have something to do with the case some one she loves is working on, she needs to keep her head on straight. Things will get a whole lot crazier but can she come out successful?

Ms. Davidson creates wonderful mysteries without all that blood and gore. I was pleased with the intricacies that she could come up with for this story. Secrets are going to be revealed but how much will that change the people involved? The food is just one part of the book I love though I may never make it. She comes up with the best ideas.


I love Goldy. She is a woman who loves to help but knows when to quit sometimes. Nosy by nature helps solve the crime. I loved seeing more of Archie, Goldy’s son. That boy is growing up too fast. But it helps the story move along and the drama of her family is definitely something to chuckle at.

I am glad I have a few more books to go. This is one series that it may be months since I have picked up the last book but it feels like I am coming home. Ms. Davidson creates characters that have heart and learn how to work things out. Things are never easy in this book but I love them.

Diane Mott Davidson/ Cozy Mystery/ 389 pages/ Cooking/ 4 out of 5

Next up Chopping Spree and then newest Elaine Viets till the one in November comes out. :)

High Heels Are Murder by Elaine Viets

Josie Marcus is at it again. With her job as a secret shopper, she is really busy. This time though, she is after a shoe salesman. But when he ends up dead at the end of his staircase, Josie is left scrambling and is asked to help her childhood nemesis Cheryl. Something definitely is amiss but can she figure out before the person behind it all finishes their job?

Ms. Viets writes a great second book. I saw the characters change and grow a little. It was a nice change of pace. The thing that I liked was that through it all, Josie did her best to stay true to herself. Ms. Viets has a talent with making the characters come alive that really brought it home to me.

Josie has some tough decisions. Does she help the one person who looked down her nose at her? IT might just help her mom but can Josie go through with it? That is just the beginning to the hard decisions facing Josie. Jane, Josie’s mom was back and definitely there for her. Jane does drive me nuts at much but at the same time truly wanted what was best for Josie.

As not as great as the first one, I fell in love over time with it. I am addicted to this series and it gives me a whole different aspect being in the retail business for real. I truly need to make sure I do my best to help the customer and this is just one way that shows me how faulty it can be. Rude customers or sales people do not help certainly but Josie rewarded those who truly did work hard and helped her. Definitely cannot wait to read the next one!!


Elaine Viets/ Cozy Mystery/ Secret Shopper/ 288 pages/ 4 out of 5

Up next two Diane Mott Davidson books and then back to Elaine Viets. :)

Dying In Style by Elaine Viets

Josie Marcus is a woman who is doing her best to provide for her and her daughter. Her mother helps out quite a bit but Josie would not have it any other way. Amelia’s father is long gone and that makes Josie’s mother all that more prone to find her someone to marry. That is not on the top of Josie’s list. Being a mystery shopper is not the job Josie wanted but it pays the bills. Yet things seem to go wrong and even her mother disapproves when she has to mystery shop Danessa’s stores. It gets worse when Danessa is killed and Josie looks to be their prime suspect. Can she get herself out of this sticky mess?

Ms. Viets is a talented writer. Even though I won the latest in the series last year, I wanted to get the rest of them. I am so glad I did. I am hooked on Josie and the events in her life. There is always something going on and things keep her moving. I know the whole guilt trip mother routine yet I am proud of Josie standing up for herself. This is one author that I cannot wait to read more of and the second book is calling my name.

Elaine Viets/ New author/ Cozy Mystery/ Mystery Shopper/ 288 pages/ 4 out of 5

Boy am I glad I bought both books and there is fourth book comes out in November!!!

Pointe and Shoot by Natalie M. Roberts

Jenny has competitions again and some one does not want her there. She has no clue why but luckily Tate is around to help her figure things out. She just wishes the craziness would end and maybe then she would have a normal life. If only she could win the prize money and then things might just settle down.

Ms. Roberts had me laughing once again. These characters are so funny and outlandish at times but just the right thing I need. She creates warmth and feelings and well I just could not get enough of them.

Jenny has a lot more doubts this time around. She gets help but she is not sure that will even be enough. I can understand her fears because sometimes I deal with the same things.

This is one series I NEED more of. The ending wrapped up quite a few questions I had but then there was something at the end and I want to see that resolved. Definitely a series I am completely addicted to and a long time coming in my mind.

Natalie M. Roberts/ Cozy Mystery/ 272 pages/ Dancing/ 5 out of 5

Off to start Dying in Style by Elaine Viets. :)

The English Assassin by Daniel Silva

Gabriel Allon thought he was done but there was another plan in mind. Now he shows up to his client and finds him dead. Having to prove he didn’t kill the man won’t be easy. Now he has to team up with the man’s daughter and keep her safe. He will have to battle for his own life against someone that he trained.

Mr. Silva weaves a spellbinding tale that really captivates. I had to see where he would take Gabriel’s character and what new situations he would have to deal with in this story. I love how much research this author does cause everything comes across as authentic. This is definitely an author who knows that authenticity helps the action along.

Gabriel has new battles to face but he has to help a young lady as well. He must keep in mind that his past is still around and he must figure out how to keep on top of it all. It certainly won’t be easy but he can do it if he can keep things straight and be focused.

This series gets better with this book. I cannot wait to see what he comes up with next. I have the next one in the series but I have other books I want to read as well. Keeping me entertained and get to spread the books out a little more.

Daniel Silva/ Mystery/ Spies/ 416 pages/ Chunkster/ 4 out of 5

Tarnished Beauty by Cecilia Samartin

Jamilet is a beautiful girl who has a huge birthmark that shows up on most of her body. She takes it all in stride. It has cost her a lot of pain but she lives her life day by day. She finally decides to leave her family and go out on her own. Her grandmother is all that is left since her aunt Carmen left months ago. This one journey will put her in the path with a man who has a story to tell. One she could only understand.


Ms. Samartin has a way with words that will wring emotions from your heart. There is joy; pain, love and loss weaved through these pages. I found it most difficult to put it down. The descriptions alone grabbed my attention but the heart that is described made me turn the pages even more so.

Jamilet just wants to be loved. She knows her mother does love her but after she dies, there is little left in the world for her. Even life with her aunt Tia is just more work. She wants to be rid of her birthmark and decides it is time to find a job. I really truly felt for Jamilet. She was a girl who wanted more from her life than she could get on her own. Yet can she find it is what I kept wondering? Senor Peregrino is a man full of life. He has seen so much and yet has to be kept alone in a room at a Sanitarium. Jamilet just might be the only one to hear what he has to say.

This is one book that kept me curious to know if the story that was told through the Senor’s eyes was true. I had to find out the ending along with Jamilet. There is much heartbreak in this story but there was so much going on. This is one author who has peaked my curiosity and I would love to read more by her.

Cecilia Samartin/ New Author/ Fiction/ 352 pages/ Stories/ Coming of Age/ 5 out of 5

Tapped Out by Natalie M. Roberts

Jenny Partridge is gearing up for a competition but when she is asked by her old friend Bill to teach as well. She is surprised since he wants her help. His teachers have disappeared on him. So now he has left scrambling, so Jenny agrees to help. Detective Tate Wilson comes into the picture cause she needs his help. Soon threats begin on Jenny to leave and not help Bill after all. Can her life get any crazier?

Ms. Roberts does it again. The antics that Jenny puts up with kept me laughing through most of the book. I felt horrible how people didn’t want to see her succeed mind you they had their own schemes for it. The characters will keep you turning pages to see if it all works out or goes even more horribly wrong. Jenny has a lot of issues she is dealing with and her family is not helping as usual. Well, they help a little but they are rather too nosey. But that is how families and makes the book more realistic. I am happy that there is another book but sad that after this the last in the series so far. I hope there is more to come!

This is one series that just does not know when to stop! I loved it! These characters keep me in stitches. Definitely a great second book in a series but you have to read TuTu Deadly first.


Natalie M. Roberts/ Cozy Mystery/ New Author/ Dance/ 5 out of 5

Working on a review book and then another one from my stack. :)

Fractured by Karin Slaughter

Detective Will Trent is working hard to solve this weird crime scene. A mother comes home to find her daughter brutally murdered and then a man comes chasing after her. Thinking he is the murderer, she does her best to overpower him. He is also teamed up with a female detective with her own issues. He swears there is another girl missing and the killer is still on the loose. But with little facts to go on, there is going to a lot of grunt work and things are going to hit way too close to home.

Ms. Slaughter is a fantastic writer. I love the twists and turns she puts on every page. I was shocked as the story was unfolding about things that were not as they appeared. She writes real characters that you not only feel for but also want to see them succeed. Not that they don’t have issues, and these characters were chock full of them.

Will Trent had a horrible life growing up and now he seems to see that everywhere in this case. Ms. Mitchell is not about to put up with Trent’s crap. She wants to be seen as vital to this case and hopefully get somewhere. Being a female cop is not easy for her but darned if she isn’t going to work just as hard if not more than the rest of them.

I truly felt for this family and what they went through. I was pissed along with the mother for instances not even relating to the case. This book will have you on a whirlwind ride that will puzzle even those who seem to know what happened from page one. Ms. Slaughter never ceases to amaze me with what she creates. Definitely becoming one of my favorite authors.


Karin Slaughter/ Thriller/Mystery/ Murder/ Family/ 338 pages/ 5 out of 5

Off to another one of my stack. :) I do have a review book I want to read but it looks good. :)

TuTu Deadly by Natalie M. Roberts

Jenny Partridge is a wonderful dance teacher. She just has one problem, Psycho Dance Moms. How she puts up with them day in and day out even she starts to wonder. But when one of them is poisoned by a batch of laced cookie dough, she feels like her world is about to fall apart. Two uber-hot detectives are trying to help her but she seems to have her whole family sticking their noses in where they don’t belong.

Ms. Roberts blew me away with her writing. Having been a dancer myself, this story had me laughing out loud at 11pm at night. Jenny is quite the woman. Plus the situations she deals with alone on a day-to-day basis should make her a saint. This is one book that I have wanted to read for a long long time. I am so glad I have the other couple of books to read still and I want more! I just don’t want to give away the plot line because it will have you on one heck of a roller coaster ride. Oh, and if James does not clean up his act, I want to bop him on the head myself. Definitely a mystery series that will please those those are in the dance world and those that are not.

Natalie M. Roberts/ Cozy Mystery/ Dance/256 pages/ 5 out of 5

It was a joy to read one of my books from the my leaning tower for once. :) I cannot wait to read the next one. As it did take me awhile, I am kind of glad, at least I have 3 to read before I feel like I have to wait forever for the next one. lol

The Kill Artist by Dnaiel Silva

Gabriel Allon had left the espionage world for a quieter life as an art restorer. Now he is asked for help again. At first he wants to turn it down until he finds out he will be working with beautiful fashion model Jacqueline once more. He does not know that there are secrets in the working and this may be his last chance to kill Tariq.

Mr. Silva is a fantastic writer. I could not believe how much research he had to do but it showed. I cannot say that I know the events he talked about but with the names of the books listed in the back from where he learned things, I can only hope that they are either true or names were changed.

Gabriel Allon is a man who has hurts. Yet he is able to stifle them at points to get done what is needed. I found that astonishing. The technology mentioned in the book may be outdated now who knows but I found what they were able to do very interesting. Jacqueline was such a sweetheart and I kept hoping she would get her heart’s desires.

Boy am I glad this was just the first book. I definitely want to read the rest soon!

Daniel Silva/New Author/ Mystery/ Espionage/Chunkster/ 448 pages/ 4 out of 5

Off to read a couple of review books and then something else from my pile. :)

My August Reads and Stats

My Stats:
Total Books Read: 20
New Authors: 19
Fiction: 19
Non-fiction: 1
TBR:
Chunksters: 5
Books I reviewed: 13
Romances: 16
Mysteries: 3
From the Stacks: 6
Books I Bought: 1
PBS Sent: 5
PBS Received: 5
Total Pages Read: 5, 484

Books I read:
. Twice Upon an Eventide by Shannah Biodene and Sheri McGathy 08-01-08 through 08-06-08 C
140. Taste of Liberty by Nancy Hunter 08-07-08 B
141. The Moon: Tigress by the Tail by Teresa D’Amario 08-07-08 A+
142. The Forgotten Princess by S.D. Grady 08-08-08 A+
143. Apple Blossom Time by Kathryn Haig 08-08-08 through 08-09-08A+
144. The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde 08-10-08 through 08-11-08 C
145. Passionate by Anthea Lawson 08-12-08 A+
146.Holding the Baby by Margot Early 08-13-08 A
147. On Blue Falls Pond by Susan Crandall 08-14-08 A+
148. Mari’s Miracle by Fran Shaff 08-15-08 through 08-17-08 A
149. Passion’s Professor by Samantha Rhodes 08-18-08 A
150. Lost in A Good Book by Jasper Fforde 08-18-08 through 08-19-08 B
151. Enticing Mr. Wrong by Suprina Frazier 08-20-08 through 08-22-08 A+
152. Hostage to Her Heart by Chriss Hill (294) 08-22-08 through 8-25-08 C
153. Rogue by Rachel Vincent 08-25-08 A+
154. Venture by Bill Newman 08-25-08 through 08-27-08 D
155. The Frog Prince by Missy Lyons 08-27-08 C
156. True Stores of Law and Order by Kevin Dwyer and Jure Fiorillo 08-28-08 A+
157. Slave of Darkness by Stephanie Marble 08-29-08 A
158. Reluctant Hearts by Marty Rayne 08-29-08 through 08-30-08 A

I think I had a good month. lol

True Stories of Law & Order by Kevin Dwyer and Jure Fiorillo

The 25 cases set in this book were a wide variety. They took ones that were used in the show to show how things were changed for television and what the real cases were like. I found it interesting that not a whole lot was changed. They stuck to the case pretty well. I did not remember all of them but the ones I did it was cool to see what the real story was like.

Mr. Dwyer and Ms. Fiorillo did a fantastic job of doing research and to get the real story out. None of them were too long since they had to put so many of them in one book. They made sure to state where things were said by other people and that if something was never solved that was put in too. The book was published in 2006 so maybe it was current when they were writing it.

I was truly impressed with this book and it made me more curious about how the justice system can work good or bad. I highly recommend this book for anyone who either likes the show or is a fan of true crime or both. It will keep your attention and will not be easy to put down.

Kevin Dwyer/ Jure Fiorillo/ New Authors/ True Crime/ Non-Fiction/272 pages/5 out of 5

Rogue by Rachel Vincent

Faythe is back. She is still working on establishing herself in the Pride of her family. Marc is around and trying to win her love more than ever. Her father Gregory is not making things easy for her so she is determined to work that much harder. It seems like something is coming back to get tabbies. That is not a good thing and it could all lead back to something she did before coming back to the Pride.

Ms. Vincent creates a world that just sucks you in from the beginning. I was so happy to read these characters again. The next one cannot come out soon enough for me. There is dynamics in this Pride that have me turning pages.

Faythe really is trying to make her name. But she cannot become a woman like her mother. She wants to be a career woman and help her father with the enforcers. Marc is a man/shifter who can only take so much. He has no idea who is behind it all but it will take him a lot to get through it.

I loved this book so much! It picks up pretty much where the other one leaves off. I liked that. I don’t want to give anything away at all. Now you need to read Stray first or this book will not make a whole lot of sense. But both are worth your time and I cannot wait for the next book to come out. There are a lot of strings that need to be taken care of so I am waiting with anticipation.

Rachel Vincent/ Shifters/ Chunkster/ 400 pages/ 5 out of 5


I have a couple more review books and then back to ones off my shelf before I read cozy mysteries next month. :)

Lost In A Good Book by Jasper Fforde

Thursday Next is back again. She has a lot to handle. She is now well known for some of her actions she has most recently taken. Cordelia Flank does not know when to leave the poor girl alone for press releases and all that entails. But when the love of her life is eradicated, she is furious! She must figure out how to get him back and that might mean she will have to become a book jumper apprenticed to none other than Miss Havisham from Great Expectations. A member of the Goliath Corporation promises her to get her love back if she extracts one of their own from the poem “The Raven.” But learning how to be a book jumper is not easy especially when a play thought to be lost suddenly appears. Side trips into Kafka and Beatrix Potter keep her busy. But then she thinks she is the victim of lethal coincidences but she cannot prove anything because every one thinks she is crazy if she mentions her love. What will this poor girl deal with next?

Mr. Fforde redeems himself with this book. The first one was not horrible yet I was not used to his writing style at all. I loved seeing Thursday’s father come back. He is such a sweet man. I have to say Mr. Fforde is definitely creative with what he comes up for this book.

Thursday is such a sweetie. But she is also a tough gal and will not put up with anything that is less than satisfactory. Not having a moment to lose, she is focused on finding out what happened wrong and helping her enemy if that is what it takes to get her love back. Her brother Joffy is quite the character being a minister. He is supportive in this book and I wanted to hug the man. Of course you cannot forget her partner Bowden Cable. The man is a saint with what he puts up with. He may be a minor character but he knows how to play off of Thursday as well as offer up unnecessary information. As I said before, I love Thursday’s father. He may jump in and out of her life literally but he is a dear.

The ending bummed me out but definitely left me wanting more. I want to get my hands on a copy of The Well of Lost Plots soon. I loved all the cross references between this and the last book. The literary things that happened in the book made me smile even when she had to jump in “The Raven.” What imagination this author has. He certainly has found a fan in me. I may not have liked The Eyre Affair as much but it is definitely important to read it. The books following will not make any sense without it.

Jasper Fforde/ Literary/ Chunkster/ 416 pages/ 4 out of 5

Hopefully off to another couple of review books and then a couple of my own choosing. :)

Cozy Mystery Challenge

My friend Kris is having a challenge

http://notenoughbooks.blogspot.com/2008/08/cozy-mystery-challenge-time-to-sign-up.html

Here is my list for now:
Tutu Deadly by Natalie M. Roberts
Tap Out by Natalie Roberts
Pointe and Shoot by Natalie Roberts
Dying in Style by Elaine Viets
High Heels are Murder by Elaine Viets
Accessory to Murder by Elaine Viets
Wreath of Deception by Mary Ellen Hughes
String of Lies by Mary Ellen Hughes

Alternatives:
Sticks and Scones by Diane Mott Davidson
Chopping Spree by Diane Mott Davidson

The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde

Thursday Next works for the literary detection division of Special Operations. In England during the 1980’s, literature was stolen and false books were rampant. Now it seems an archenemy has come around and is determined to create some real problems. Characters are disappearing from books and when Jane is taken from the classic Bronte novel, Thursday has had quite enough. But can she put it all back together without affecting anything?

Mr. Fforde has created a fantastic world of intellect. It was rather smart to set it during 1985. There were times I shook my head but all in all, it was well done. The characters really stood out and I loved how they brought some of them out of the pages. I have not read Jane Eyre so I was bummed at the ending given away but oh well.

At first Thursday drove me bonkers. She is a sweetie but definitely fits in her job. She will risk her life to go after someone. But then that person was really elusive. With the help of her fellow special operatives, she hopes she can put things back where they belong. The one thing that plagues her is her time in the Crimea War and what the results were from that. Landen, her old beau, wants her to get over her fears and start life over. She thinks he is being ridiculous. Landen drove me bonkers because while I understood what happened I think he went about saying what he felt the wrong way. He only seemed to upset Thursday more.

This book was up and down. The book confused me towards the end with how it was written. I was starting to get a little upset. I do have the second one to read and I would like to see if it improves. The ending saved a lot of the book. Thursday has one quirky family but it was fun!

Jasper Fforde/ New Author/ Mystery/ 384 pages/ Literature/ 3 out of 5

Got two review books and then hopefully one from the stacks. :)

Apple Blossom Time by Kathryn Haig

Laura Antsey has always wondered about her father. She knows he died in the war but not seeing his name on the memorial wall just puzzles her. Then serving in the ATS during World War 2, she gets taken to Egypt and learns about love. But she realizes the man she loves is closer to home. Yet in the back of her mind, her father haunts her. She just wants to know the truth not knowing how much it might cost her.

Ms. Haig has done a fantastic job! Having the experience in working in the military, everything seemed to follow the other novels set during this time that I have read. Her characters are full of curiosity but no one is perfect in this book. I think that is what appealed to me through out the book.

Laura just wants to know the truth no matter what. She may find secrets have kept from her for over twenty years but what will they reveal? Martin, her childhood friend, is there to support her along the way. But will she accept it? The one that boggles me the most is Laura’s mother. I can understand her wanting to get re-married but she did it so quickly. She did not think about the person she married, she just did.

This was a fantastic book! I had the most difficult time putting it down. War is still affecting us today but to get a better glimpse of what the Second World War was like just opened up my eyes. The practices that they held were odd and different when it came to the military but they really did not have much choice. A definite read for someone who loves books set during this time period. I would love to find more by this author!

Kathryn Haig/New Author/Historical/Family/ WWII/ Chunkster/ 458 pages/ 5 out of 5

Off to go read The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde then review books! lol

July Stats and Reads

115. Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler 07-01-08 through 07-02-08 A
116. Marriage Plot by Kelly Kirch 07-02-08 through 07-03-08 B
117. Love’s Winsome Warrior by Angela Verdanis 07-03-08 through 07-04-08 B
118. The Tenth Gift by Jane Johnson 07-05-08 through 07-06-08 A+
119. Black Hats by Patrick Culhane 07-07-08 through 07-08-08 B
120. Lovehampton by Sherri Rifkin 07-09-8 B
121. Enchanted Inc. by Shanna Swednson 07-09-08 through 07-10-08 A
122. The Likeness by Tana French 07-10-08 through 07-14-08 B
123. Summer People by Elin Hilderbrand 07-14-08 through 07-15-08
124. Risque Business by Tawny Weber 07-15-08 A
125. The Plausible Prince by K.G. McAbee 07-16-08 through 07-17-08 A
125. Last Child in the Woods by Richard Louv 07-17-08 through 07-20-08 B
126. Letting Luce by Jenny Gilliam 07-21-08 B
127. Before Dawn Breaks by Rae Lori 07-21-08 through 07-22-08 C
128. Hungry Hill by Carole O’Malley Gaunt 07-22-08 through 07-24-08 B
129. The Killer Among Them by Anita Whiting 07-24-08 through 07-25-08 B
130. Bride of Passion by Connie Rachal 07-25-08 B
131. A Place Called Home by Lori Wick 07-26-08 A
132. A Song for Silas by Lori Wick 07-26-08 A
133. The Long Road Home by Lori Wick 07-27-08 A
134. A Gathering of Memories by Lori Wick 07-27-08 A
135. The Woods by Harlan Coben 07-28-08 through 07-29-08 A+
136. Romancing the Stones by Catherine Berlin 07-29-08 A
137. The Water Bearer by Wendi Christiner 07-29-08 through 07-30-08 A
138. Moloka'i by Alan Brennert 07-30-08 through 07-31-08 A+

Total Books Read: 25
New Authors: 17
Fiction: 23
Non-Fiction: 2
TBR: 1
Chunksters: 3
Books I Reviewed: 16
Romances: 7
Mysteries: 0
From the Stacks: 16
Books I Bought: 2
PBS Sent: 11
PBS Received: 5
Total Pages Read: 7,064

Working more hours has kept me from blogging. :)

Moloka'i by Alan Brennart

Being a young girl is tough for Rachel Kalama. She misses her dad all the time. But when a pinkish stain shows up on her skin, she is sent off to Kaulupapa off the island of Moloka’i. All her dreams go up in smoke and she wonders how she will make it through it all. The sisters there are nice but will it be enough?

Mr. Brennart does his homework and it shows in this book. I was swept up in it. I was not sure I could handle all that Rachel went through. I was proud of those men and women for what they did for other people. It must not have been easy but they were willing to sacrifice their lives to help others. I could not imagine not seeing my family at all.

Rachel is so sweet and so naïve of the world. I truly felt for her and wished I could have hugged her. She was going to have to get used to her life on Moloka’i. I just hoped she could.

While at times, this book was very depressing. I wanted to see what would happen to Rachel and her family. The whole culture of that island amazed me as Rachel grew up. This is one story I will not forget for a long time!
Alan Brennart/ 400 pages/ Historical/ Hawaii/ New Author/5 out of 5

I don't want to give much of the plot away but this a book definitely worth your time.

The Woods by Harlan Coben

Twenty years ago, four teenagers were murdered and one other teenager feels guilty most of all. But now, Paul Copeland is a successful as a district attorney but the case he is working on may have the parents of the boys involved wanting his past to come back. He knows the boys did commit rape but their parents will do anything to protect him. What makes things even more difficult, it seems that one of the teenagers thought to have died that night so long ago never did. He begins to question what happened that night and needs help. But will he get the answers he needs or his family come to ruin instead?

Mr. Coben does it again. He creates such characters that thrive on needing answers that keep you questioning with them that you never quite catch on. Or least that is how it is with me. I love the descriptions he gives not only of the characters but of their past which helps give me a better sense of what is going on.

Paul Copeland is a man who is still grieving for his dead wife. He loves his daughter and makes sure to spend as much time as he can. With the cases he takes on, that is not as much as he would like but she seems to understand. Lucy Gold has moved on with most of her life though she still goes and sees her father who is in a convalescent home. The tie that is between the two of them will blow their worlds apart and make them question what really did happen that night long ago.

Having had this book for a while on my tbr pile, I was happy to finally read it. This author creates twists and turns that leave me guessing till the end. Secrets are prevalent in this book in more ways than I thought possible. Paul’s past with growing up in Russia and the KGB swarming around his family just makes things more interesting. I am curious to see what the tie in is to Hold Tight. This is one author who never ceases to disappoint. Definitely a must read!

Harlan Coben/Thriller/416 pages/ Chunkster/5 out of 5

I am working on review books and then I hope to read another one of my own soon. My little boy's birthday is tomorrow so yeah may not be online much. I need to get some cleaning done. lol

A Gathering of Memories by Lori Wick

In this last installment, Ross Beckett has his hands full. Spending time with the Cameron family has got him desiring his own family. He has decided to leave his own town and set up in Baxter as a lawyer. He has fallen for the lovely Mandy. But he knows that what she is going on through that he needs to take it slowly. Mandy knows she has feelings for him. Will they both accept God’s will for their lives no matter what it is?

Ms. Wick has always amazed me with her writing. As sad as I was to see this series end, I was pleased with how well things were wrapped up. The characters once again do not disappoint. There are times where they show that they are not perfect. But they always admit it that they have made a mistake.

Ross was such a sweetie. But even he did not see how much his feelings for Mandy showed on his face. Mandy wanted to be around her siblings at all times. They needed to be close at this time that they were going through. I loved seeing the reappearance of all the Cameron family. It was a joy to see them all growing and having families. They are central to this story even though they are not the main features. It lightened the blow a little since I was not sure who would feature and did not recognize the name at first when I peeked at the blurb for this book.

I LOVED this book! It brought a lot of answers for me. The epilogue helped the most in this one because it was fun to see how the family changed. I was so pleased. Ms. Wick is a fantastic Christian romance author no matter what period she writes in. Definitely recommend this series but do please start with A Place Called Home. It will make more sense then.

Lori Wick/ Christian Historical Romance/ 250 pages/ Series/ Family/ 5 out of 5

I finished this one Sunday night after we got home. :) I have one more book review to post tonight and then it should be awhile again. :)

The Long Road Home by Lori Wick

Abigail Finalyson is bereft from losing her husband and his family wants nothing to do with her. She goes to see her Aunt Maggie in Baxter. Meeting the Cameron family blesses her life. One of the Cameron men is hurting and they want her to nurse him back to health. They’re afraid he won’t receive them. So she goes not knowing how much he is hurting as well.

Ms. Wick keeps the saga going and truly impresses me with each story. She creates a story line that I cannot get enough of. The Cameron family is fantastic. They are wonderful. I am almost sad that there is only one book left.

Paul, the youngest Cameron, has deal with a lot especially when it came to losing his wife. He became so bitter that he had to leave. Having an accident set him straight. Amy was the balm he needed but could he accept it? Abby never let go of God. She struggled but kept seeking God’s face.

I love this series. Being such a fan of all types of literature, Lori Wick has been my favorite since I was a teenager. I am finally glad to read the rest of the series since I only had the one book for the longest time. I am sad to see it end but since there is one more book, I get to enjoy the Cameron family one more time.

Lori Wick/Christian Historical Romance/ 190 pages/ 4 out of 5/ Family

I read this one on the way home from Iowa on Sunday.

A Song for Silas by Lori Wick

Silas tries to do his best not to be envious of his family. He just longs for his own. When asked for help, Silas steps up and goes to help a family he has in the past. Amy Nolan has grown up since he saw her four years ago. Now he is unsure of what to do with the feelings he has for her. He just hopes he can convince he before he leaves again.

Ms. Wick does it again. I fell in love with the Cameron family even more. The emotions are all over the place. The family does its best to be steadfast through it all. That is why I love these characters so much that even though they show they are not perfect. They do their best every day to stay in line with God’s word.

Silas is a strong man with a heart of gold. He is a man that just radiates. Amy is a gentle soul. But at times, I wanted to give her a kick in the pants. She was not sure she ever wanted to leave her home even if it could be what God wanted.

I love this book and cannot wait to read the rest of this series. They only get better and you learn more about each member of the Cameron family. It will be fun to see who is featured in the next book in this great series.

Lori Wick/Christian Historical Romance/ 195 pages/ Family/ 4 out of 5

I read this part of the first day and then since we didn't stay long at the wedding reception I was able to finish it that night before going to bed.

A Place Called Home by Lori Wick

A Place Called Home by Lori Wick

Christine Bennett having just lost her grandfather cannot believe that the will states that on the event of her death her grandfather’s partner will get everything. She is young and it just does not sound like something he would say. She then gets a note saying she is in danger. Leaving the only home she has ever known is not easy. Now living in a new community, she is not sure where her life is going.

Ms. Wick is one of my favorite authors of all time. This book is one of my all time favorites and is well worn. Her characters are so real. I get swept up in them every time.

Christine goes through so much. Losing her grandfather, leaving home, and going to a new place. The Cameron family helps her get back on her feet. Grandma Em is the matriarch of the family. She is the one that keeps the family together not to mention their faith.

I was so glad to read this story again. I get swept up in it that I never remember the ending. This is one story that I never get tired of it. Ms. Wick is definitely an author who pleases every time.

Lori Wick/Christian Historical Romance/ 240 pages/ 4 out of 5

I read this book on the first day of my trip. As usual having read it before, it was a quick read. :)

Hungry Hill by Carole O'Malley Gaunt

The O’Malley family has had some rough times. Ms. Gaunt decided to put them in a book especially the worst four years that they would experience. Losing their mother was tough enough but then having to deal with their alcoholic father was just the icing on the cake. Ms. Gaunt had to take responsibility at age thirteen that most girls would not even think about.

I liked the well thought out way that Ms. Gaunt presented her story. Not only in just the normal writing style but she had parts where she talked to her father as well as her stepmother. I was shocked at some of the things that she had to deal with and while they were rather depressing, there were a few moments that I laughed. Knowing that this author is a published playwright made this story come even more alive for me. She really and truly wanted you to see what those four years were like and how difficult they were. I especially liked at the end how she gave updates on her seven brothers. I don’t know how she did it. I can barely handle my own brother let alone having to deal with seven. She may not be a saint but she truly did stick it out when there were times she could have left in a moment’s notice.

This is one book though non-fiction shows how rough things can be for families where alcohol abuse is prevalent. I was pleased with the story and I loved seeing how the brothers changed and grew along with Ms. Gaunt. I would definitely love to check out her plays to see what else she has written.

Carole O’Malley Gaunt/ New Author/ Non-fiction/ 284 pages/ 4 out of 5/ Irish Families

I have two review e-books to get done and then I am going to bring The Woods and Hold Tight by Harlan Coben with me when I go out of town this weekend.

Last Child In The Woods by Richard Louv

Richard Louv expresses in a lot of words what kids today need. Nature. At times, I found I agreed with him. Though I think he went a little overboard in making his point honestly. He used quite a few examples of people who either were environmentalists now or were involved in nature some how. He also showed examples of how nature helped in the school systems by giving kids a good handle on putting what they learn in class in practice. I was impressed and remembered how much I enjoyed getting out in nature on Earth Day to clean up around the school and down the one trail we had.

Richard Louv definitely helped in a lot of ways. I enjoyed all of what he had to say and the progress report he had since his book first published in 2005. Things have gotten better but there is definitely more that we can do. I remember when I was younger how much free time I had playing outdoors. I realize it is a different world now but I see exactly what he has in mind. People do not realize how much nature has to offer. I am definitely all for working on getting child out of the indoors and outside where true imagination can come into play.

Richard Louv/ New Author/ Non-fiction/ 390 pages/ Children/ Nature/ 4 out of 5

Summer People by Elin Hilderbrand

Arch Newton is dead. Now his family has to pick up the pieces but keep a promise had made to his client’s son. Beth, Winnie and Garrett are not looking forward to Marcus coming but none of them are willing to tell him no. This will be the first summer without Arch around and there will be a lot of thingw\ that will need to be dealt with. Old loves, new love, past decisions, and futures all in one summer. The Newton family may be summer people but this summer will be one that will change their lives forever.

Ms. Hilderbrand is a fantastic author. I was truly impressed with how well she was able to tell the story through four people’s eyes. Beth, Winnie, Garrett and Marcus all got equal time in this book for the most part. This book was jammed pack full of emotions and it carried the book through.

Beth had the most problems. Seeing her old love was tough for her but then dealing with the death of her husband made it more difficult. She wanted her kids to have a good summer and to put a memory together no matter what. Garrett was upset that Marcus had come. He wanted this summer to just be about his family no matter what! Winnie did not mind that Marcus was there. She liked having him around. Marcus saw a family hurting and wanted to help anyway he could. He may be more of help than he could imagine. He is struggling with something on his own. His mother and the murder she committed as well as the opportunity that presented to him.

At first, this book really and truly depressed me. I was not sure I could even finish it. But as the story progressed, I began to understand the motives each character had and it helped the book immensely. Ms. Hilderbrand has a unique style all her own that truly gives you almost everything you ask for so that there are not any questions at all or if need be just a few. I definitely want to read more by her.

Elin Hilderbrand/368 pages/New Author/ Fiction/ Family/ 4 out of 5

I just finished another review book and then one more to read after that. Then I plan on tackling the leaning tower of books. lol

The Likeness by Tana French

Cassie Maddox is at it again. This time the case is going to mean another undercover assignment. When she is called to a crime scene, she is not sure what to think until she sees the dead woman could be her double. Now she will have to convince the dead woman’s friends that she is Lexie. And to top it all off, Cassie used the dead woman’s name when she went undercover the last time. Things could get crazy and Cassie only hopes things don’t backfire.

Ms. French improves on her writing and I was so happy to see quite a few characters come back from the last book. This one was a lot different in fact there were a lot more thoughts in Cassie’s head this time. Last one mainly was about Rob. I got to see a side of things that I had not before and I appreciated that. There was a lot riding on this undercover assignment to go well and Ms. French truly showed that in not only the way the characters acted but also in the whole situation that had to be created.

Cassie Maddox is tough woman. She can give with the best and I was truly impressed with what she had to do in such a short amount of time. Frank her old boss comes to play in this story and it was fun to see their whole back-story including how she became part of the undercover team. And when it comes to working the case O’Kelly even makes an appearance.

There was a lot more thought process in this book. Cassie had to be sure of what she was doing and put her whole heart into it. She has got to be on her toes at all times and remember what she had to memorize to get to this point. I really enjoyed this book. It was well done and I cannot wait to see if there is another one with Cassie or maybe a different character this time. I am curious to see what is next for this author.

Tana French/ Chunkster/ 448 pages/ Ireland/ Thriller/ 4 out of 5

Enchanted Inc by Shanna Swendson

Katie Chandler is stuck at her job. She hates it and her boss does not help matters. On her way to work one day, she swears she sees fairies, elves, and someone is following her. She tries to shake it off until she goes out with her girlfriends one night and one of the guys is there. She wants to chalk it all up to just being in New York, but this time there seems to be more than that. Once she starts to work for MSI, she finds it is very rewarding and they appreciate her. Plus the head of R&D is easy on the eyes. Can she figure out what she is supposed to do while at MSI and keep her emotions in check?

Ms. Swendson is a fantastic author. I was hooked from page one. I love fantasy style and this was a blast to read. The characters were unique and jumped off the pages. I cannot wait to read the rest in this series.

Katie has a tough call ahead of her and she cannot hide the fact of a new job from her best friends. I think it would be tough to be in her position. I really liked the people at MSI. Rod, Owen, and Trixie were a hoot. The boss at MSI was the real surprise and what made me love the book even more.

I don’t want to give away too much but this is definitely a book worth reading. I had heard rave reviews before I got to and it was worth the wait. I am so glad I got it and took the time to read it. Even though it did take me a little while to get to it. I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book in the series. This book left a few questions and I want to see how they are answered.

Shanna Swendson/ New Author/ Fantasy/ 320 pages/ Chick lit/ 4 out of 5

Lovehampton by Sherri Rifkin

Tori Miller needs a change in her life. Her friends are really concerned so as to help her career she agrees to take a chance and put her life in their hands. She helps a new makeover reality show as long as they promise to never air the episode. Beginning to realize how horrible her life is, she then agrees to go away to the Hamptons for a vacation on the weekends living with other people. At first she is not sure it is such a bright idea, but once she hangs out with them, she finds it a pretty good situation to be in after all. New people, new parties, it is all a dream come true. But through it all, can she find out who the person inside of her is?

Ms. Rifkin has a really good story on her hands. Her characters seem very relatable in spite of the jobs that they have. She creates people who I can see being around in this world today. They can be selfish but they have their faults. The story had me sucked in from the beginning cause I have had a slump in my life.

I could really relate to Tori. She had been through so much and was not sure how to get through her life. As well as there were aspects of her best friend Alice, she wanted the best for her best friend and was willing to help her out so that Tori could see what potential she has. All the people that lived in that small house were good fodder for humor. Andrew, Leah, and Stacy had me laughing not to mention Jackson and Cassie. Interesting people not sure I could I could room with them though.

Great summer read! I enjoyed it quite a bit. It was nice for a change of pace and definitely worth putting on your beach read list. I am curious to see what this author writes next!

Sherri Rifkin/ New Author/ Summer Read/ 320 pages/ Chick lit/ 4 out of 5

Agnes Browne

I just watched this movie and got so caught up in it. I am going to now have to re-read The Mammy. lol I notcied that they caught out a few things but they stayed pretty close to the story. I am pleased. :) I am too tired to get into a lot of specifics but it was well done!

Happy 4th and book fun!

http://bookfoolery.blogspot.com/2008/07/sticky-post-book-giveaway.html

my dear friend nancytoes is giving away this great book on her blog. Go check it out! Happy Fourth of July!

In the Woods by Tana French

Rob Ryan feels like he is getting somewhere in his life. His past is completely behind him but when a girl is found in the small Dublin town of Knocknaree everything falls apart. He was the only survivor of an incident in the forest twenty years before. He begins to question everything around him including his partner Cassie Maddox. They have to go door to door to find out what happened to the little girl. Rob might finally get the closure he needs as well as helping solve a case where every time they think they have something, it goes up in smoke.

Ms. French has a fantastic story on her hands. It is full of twists and turns that were great! The characters were very brilliant and enjoyable. They came from every angle and motive. I was not sure who was behind any of it and the ending surprised me.

Adam Rob Ryan has such a difficult time with this case. He knows it could have something to do with the disappearance of his friends but he just does not know where to turn. Cassie is a woman in a male dominated field. But she is up for the challenge and willing to prove herself. I really liked her and how she fought so hard to get somewhere. The minor character I liked the most was their boss O’Kelly. He could be one difficult man but he had their best interests at heart. He didn’t want any issues of any kind to pop up in an investigation. The thing that I found the most odd was the Devlin family who Katy, the murdered girl, was a part of. They were so eccentric that it surprised me how they were able to even be a family. It really gave the story a great spin!

This was a great thriller! Ms. French definitely was worthy of winning the Edgar Award. A book like this was just scary enough not to be too scary yet the twist at the end had me shaking my head. I cannot wait to read her next book to see what she writes about next!

Tana French/Chunkster/ 464 pages/ Ireland/ Thriller/ New Author/ 4 out of 5

Definitely a great book. :) I would have posted it sooner but got busy and now working on more review books.

My June Stats and Reads

My Reads:

Love’s Reflection by Carol North 05-30-08 through 06-03-08 B
The Sugar Queen by Sarah Addison Allen 05-31-08 through 06-02-08 A+
Double Enchantment by Kathryne Kennedy 06-06-08 through 06-12-08 B
Kindred by Delany Scott 06-13-08 through 06-15-08 B
Master by Colette Gale 06-15-08 through 06-16-08 B
Department of Lost and Found by Allison Winn Scotch 06-16-08 through 06-17-08 B
Ties That Bind by Phillip Margolin 06-18-08 through 06-20-08 B
The Witness by Sandra Brown 06-20-08 through 06-22-08 A
Together in Darkness by Sloan McBride 06-23-08 B
Prophesied by Liz Craven 06-23-08 through 06-24-08 B
Burning Bridges by Anne Krist 06-24-08 through 06-25-08 A+
The Amnesiac by Sam Taylor 06-25-08 B
Gone but Not Forgotten by Phillip Margolin 06-26-08 A+
Chilli Heat by Carrie Williams 06-26-08 through 06-27-08 A
Wild Fires by Lisa Dawn MacDonald 06-27-08 through 06-28-08 A
Twisted Steel and Sex Appeal by M.E. Ellis 06-28-08 A
In the Woods by Tana French 06-29-08 through 06-30-08 B

My stats:
Total Books Read: 17
New Authors: 11
Fiction: 17
Non-Fiction: 0
TBR: 0
Chunksters: 5
Books I reviewed: 16
Memoirs/True crime: 0
Autobiographies: 0
Romances: 8
Mysteries: 2
From the stacks: 9
Books I bought: 0
PBS Sent: 1
PBS Received: 3
Total pages read: 5,259

Those are my reads for last month. :) I had a good month! LOL

The Amnesiac by Sam Taylor

James Purdew finds that he cannot remember three years of his life. He is not sure why. But when he trips on the stairs to his apartment and breaks his leg, he has too much time to think about it. His girlfriend Ingrid does not understand what he is going through. He becomes obsessed with it and heads back to England where he believes it all started to a house that holds memories for him or so he thinks. He comes across a manuscript from the nineteenth century about a murder mystery. It might just get him to give him some clues to the time that he has forgotten.

Mr. Taylor weaves a story that is full of suspense. Amnesia, memory, dreams and reality all have a part to play in it. It is a haunting gothic tale that helps you question what is really going on in life. I was surprised with how well it was put together though at times I was a little confused.

This is one story that reminds of me of Double Bind by Chris Bohjalian. And while that was not my favorite book in the world, The Amnesiac is a fantastic story. I was pulled in because I was curious to find out what happened. You really get to look inside the human character and how it affects everything you do. In all honesty, I am not sure I would want to do some of the things I found out James did in the story. I understood why he submitted himself but at the same time, he had horrible consequences later on. This was an intriguing book that I could not put down.

Sam Taylor/Chunkster/ 400 pages/ Gothic Tale/ 4 out of 5

Off to a few more review books, but I would like to get in a few more of my own before the month is through. :)

May Stats and Reads

Death by Ploot Ploot by Dara Joy 05-01-08 C
In Twilight's Shadow by Patti O'Shea 05-01-08 through 05-03-08 A
Sweet and Sinful by Jodi Lynn Copeland 05-03-08 through 05-06-08 A
Sweet Talk by Susan Mallery 05-06-08 through 05-07-08 A+
His Wicked Sins by Eve Silver 05-07-08 through 05-09-08 A
Charley’s Web by Joy Fielding 05-09-08 through 5-11-08 A
Web of Destiny by Al and Joanna Lacy 05-11-08 through 5-12-08 A
Before the Scandal by Suzanne Enoch 05-13-08 through 5-14-08 A
Solar Wind by Carol Ann Lee 05-14-08 through 05-17-08 B
Christ the Lord: The Road to Cana by Anne Rice 05-17-08 through 05-19-08 A
The Queen and the Centurion by Minnette Meador 05-19-08 through 05-20-08 A
Have Mercy by Jo Leigh 05-20-08 through 5-21-08 A
Up Close and Personal by Joanne Rock 05-21-08 A
Nightcap by Kathleen O’Reilly 05-21-08 through 05-22-08 A
The Fire Within by Joely Sue Burkhart 05-22-08 through 05-23-08 B
Something Reckless by Jess Michaels 05-23-08 through 5-25-08 A
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen 05-26-08 through 5-29-08 A

May
Total Books Read: 17
New Authors: 14Fiction: 17Non Fiction: 0
TBR: 0
Chunksters: 1
Books I Reviewed: 14
Memoirs/True Crime/Autobiographies:
Romances: 13
Mysteries: 0
From the Stacks: 13
Books I Bought: 3
PBS Sent: 1
PBS Received: 2
Total Pages Read: 4, 771

A Little late but oh well. :)

Christ the Lord: The Road To Cana

Yeshua has grown up and is dealing with helping his family. His brother James keeps asking him if he’ll ever get married. Yeshua just does not think that will be no matter what anyone wants. He is slowly beginning to realize that he may be the Christ after all. And it is not till he performs a miracle at his cousin Avigail’s wedding that he truly starts to understand. Having seen his cousin John the Baptist, he begins to fully know what is going on and wrestles with it.

Ms. Rice certainly knows her stuff and has done her research. A little might have been embellished but I didn’t feel that way through most of the book. I felt she handled this portion of Jesus’ life very well. I was thoroughly pleased and I cannot wait to see if there is a next installment in this series.

Being a Christian, I have to say how impressed I am with Ms. Rice to be taking on such a project. You truly feel like you begin to know Jesus not only as a prophet and teacher but his life with his family as well. I just cannot say fully how much I appreciated this book. It is so full of life and the things that are dealt with in this book are ones that leave you on the edge of your seat.

Anne Rice/Christian Fiction/ Life of Jesus/241 pages/ 4 out of 5

I have to get a few more review books done and then hope to read a few more of my own. lol

Charley's Webb by Joy Fielding

Charlotte Webb has had an interesting life. Her family is on the odds again and she is stuck picking up the pieces or so it seems. Her career as a journalist is not so glamorous but still warrants an occasional threatening email. She likes writing about things that are controversial. Her children keep her busy and she loves them dearly. She always makes sure that she is there for them even though she never married the fathers. Getting a letter from a woman in jail who wants her story told makes Charley curious. So she decides to meet Jill Rohmer to at least find out the details. The woman had killed three small children and oddly enough Charley had wrote a column about it. She has no idea that it will lead to some nasty things down the line and it might even put her children’s lives on the line.

Ms. Fielding is a fantastic writer who gives the best goose bumps. I have only read one other book of hers but I am so intrigued to pick up the one I have in my ever-growing book pile. She writes characters that question beliefs so much that I even started wondering about mine. Yet the thrill ride you are taken on will leave you almost breathless. She plots things out very well that I was shocked to find out a few things that were talked about in the book.

Charlotte just wanted her family to get along. But since her mom left them when all four children were very young, they are not so forgiving including her father. Now she tries to settle into a life well done except threatening emails shock her. She does her best to keep her children safe. She loves them too much to want anything to happen to them like any mother really. I just felt compelled to follow along with her journey to see what happens.

This is a book full of tough issues and tests the boundaries of truth. I would definitely thing this would make a good book club read. I thought the book was well written and the characters very realistic. People just want to find their place in life and they also want to make money. There is nothing wrong with that it is just how you acquire the money that is often wrong. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is not squeamish. It is not for the faint of heart and the details did get quite gruesome. It is the only way to retell things that happened to truly understand what was going on in the mind of a killer. This is one author that I cannot wait to see what she comes out with next as well as I am planning on reading the other book on my shelf very soon.

Joy Fielding/ Women/ Journalists/ Thriller/ 448 pages/ 4 out of 5

I am working on a review book but hope to get another one of my own in soon!

April Books and Stats

Here are the books:

Taken By A Viking by Michelle Styles 03-30-08 through 04-01-08 A+
A Dangerous Love by Brenda Joyce 04-01-08 A
Weeping Willow by Sarah Rainwater 04-02-08 through 04-03-08 C
The Reunion Game by Jan Scarbrough 04-03-08 B
Sweethearts of the Twilight Lanes by Luanne Jones 04-03-08 through 04-04-08 A
French Kissed by Nancy Warren 04-04-08 through 04-05-08 A
Seven Nights of Sin by Lacey Alexander 04-05-08 through 04-06-08 A
Candles on Bay Street by K.C. McKinnon 04-07-08 through 04-08-08 A
Spa Vacation by Theresa Alan 04-08-08 A
The Druid’s Quest by Cornelia Amiri 04-09-08 through 04-10-08 C
Points by I. Glebe 04-10-08 C
A Troubadour’s Testament by James Cowan 04-10-08 through 04-13-08 B
Peach Blossom Pavilion by Mingmei Yip 04-13-08 through 04-15-08 A+
Kaitlin’s Silver Lining by Ciara Gold 04-15-08 through 04-16-08 B
Duma Key by Stephen King 04-16-08 through 04-18-08 A+
Hot Date by Amy Garvey 04-18-08 through 04-19-08 A
The almost Moon by Alice Sebold 04-19-08 through 04-21-08 C
Dragon Wytch by Yasmine Glarnon 04-21-08 through 4-22-08 A
Taking the Heat by Kathryn Shay 04-22-08 A
Motif for Murder by Laura Childs 04-23-08 through 04-24-08 A+
Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber 04-24-08 A+
Briar Rose by Robert Coover 04-24-08 through 04-25-08 D
Coming Out by Danielle Steel 04-25-08 B
Closer to Fine by Meri Weiss 04-25-08 through 4-27-08 B
The Worst Thing I’ve Done by Ursula Hegi 04-27-08 through 4-30-08 C+

Here are my stats:
Total Books Read: 24
New Authors: 18
Fiction: 23
Non-Fiction: 1
TBR: 1
Chunksters: 1
Books I Reviewed: 14
Memoirs/True Crime/ Autobiographies: 0
Romances: 11
Mysteries: 1
From the Stacks: 17
Books I bought: 5 (4 with a gift card)
PBS Sent: 2
PBS Received: 3
Total Pages Read: 6, 713 pages

Not working a lot of hours had helped me keep up with stuff. I am hoping this month to read more of my own books. lol

The Worst Thing I've Done by Ursula Hegi

Annie loved her friends Jake and Mason. Though she chose Mason to spend her life with, Jake was always there. When Annie loses her parents in a car accident, she must now take care of her sister Opal being a newborn. As Annie struggles to be both a mother and a sister, she just cannot seem to find a balance. Mason always seems to know what to do with Opal. Yet things seem to go from bad to worse, which only tears apart everyone.

Ms. Hegi is a writer that writes very emotional books. While I am normally the kind that clings to these types of books, this one just left me confused. Every character had their point of view and I Found that very helpful. Yet something was lacking and maybe it was the different viewpoints that just seemed to muddle things for me. Doubts were very prevalent in this book. Yet Ms. Hegi seemed ot put most of them into Annie.

Annie just struggled whether it came to her sister or to her art or even with her husband Mason. She never seemed to put confidence that she could do anything in herself. Even though Mason did his best, he seemed to fall short. Aunty Storm was there to help Annie when she needed it the most. Opal was a sweet girl who just was confused about life. She knew Annie was her sister and not her mother but that was what made it worse for her somehow.

The beginning of the book was a shock to me. I never saw it coming not at all! It frustrated me so much that the author never let it be known what was going on till the book started. I almost did not even want to read any more of this book. But as it went along, Ms. Hegi slowly redeemed herself in little ways. And while I did not care for this book or the author, I was able to come to grips with her style of writing.

Ursula Hegi/ New Author/ Relationships/ Adult Fiction/ 272 pages/ 3 out of 5

This is one I got from Simon and Schuster awhile ago. I am just glad to be done with it. not to mention the last book of the month since I finished it almost a half hour ago.

Briar Rose by Robert Coover

This re-telling of Sleeping Beauty was odd to say the least. I was not sure what to expect with this story, I was hoping for some kind of ending and I was sorely disappointed. I liked how there was a lot of re-telling of other sleeping maidens but at the same time that was the only thing that kept the story moving. The prince in this story never reached his destination that I ever saw.

Mr. Coover is a different author. He tells really well but I felt things were a little jumpy for such a short book. Page numbers normally don’t matter to me but this one I felt like something was missing.

I just am not sure what to think. This was an odd story and has me not wanting to read this author anymore. I was just unimpressed with him because there were times when I was not sure what was the fairy’s stories or what was really happening. It all blended together for me. I hate to write bad reviews but this book was just odd!

Robert Coover/ New Author/ 86 pages/ Adult Fiction/ Fairy Tale/ 2 out of 5

Onto Danielle Steele's Coming Out and then another review book. :)

Motif for Murder by Laura Childs

Carmela is still struggling to put her marriage back together. But then her husband is kidnapped and she finds his uncle Henry shot in the head in his library. She has no idea who is behind it all but she does not like it. Keeping herself occupied, she works on an altered book to memorialize Uncle Henry. Things only seem to be going awful for her. She never suspects the altered book she does may have clues to who is behind it all and that they just might come after her.

Ms. Childs does it again! How she is able to incorporate mystery while adding in such wonderful scrap booking ideas just boggles my mind. Her characters are truly stubborn but that is why I love them so much! There is such life in Louisiana and the adventures that are created are fantastic!

Carmela, poor gal, really wants her marriage to work. But every time she turns around the man is gone. This time he is kidnapped and his sister Grace surely is a sour puss. So Carmela is always so creative and comes up with ways to use ideas she comes across whether online or at a convention. I am truly inspired by her and it makes me want to pick up my scrap book and work on it. I just don’t need all the drama she deals with. Her best friend Ava is there to help her out. Ava is a class act and a true blue best friend. She loves to party and keep Camilla happy. These two get into some crazy situations and that is what I like the best about them. They know how to help each other out.

This series keeps getting better! Not just with scrap booking ides but also with how strong Carmela is in every single book. She could just crawl under a rock and hide, but she wants to find out the truth even if it gets her in trouble with Detective Babcock. This is one series that I cannot get enough of and the next one cannot come into my hands soon enough!

Laura Childs/ Scrap booking/ Cozy Mystery/ 275 pages/ 5 out of 5

Well onto a review book and then it will be Briar Rose by Robert Coover after that Coming Out by Danielle Steele. :)

The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold

Clair and Helen Knightly have a complex mother/daughter relationship. Frustrated with looking after her mother, she ends up crossing a line she never thought possible. She kills her mother. She didn’t plan it but it takes care of an unconscious desire to be free of her. Over the next twenty-four hours, she must confront the freedom she never thought possible.

Ms. Sebold can write such haunting fiction. Her characters want freedom and do whatever it takes to obtain it. There is such power and emotion in each character. Ms. Sebold brings it out in a way that compels you to read on.

Helen had a rough life. She was doing her best to stay afloat. Reaching her limit, she didn’t know what to expect but she wanted change. Clair Knightly hated going outside. Worst of all was losing her husband. She did things to comfort herself while slowly losing her mind.

This book while well written had me questioning the character’s motives. I didn’t agree with all that Helen did but then I’ve never been in her situation. She just stopped thinking and reacted. This book did upset me but then life is never as simple as I would like it to be. This book does make you think. I found the ending too abrupt.


Alice Sebold/Adult Fiction/ Relationships/ 291 pages/ 3 out of 5

Back to a couple of review books and then hopefully get a few of my own. :)

A Troubadour's Testament by James Cowan

This is a journey of an anonymous author trying to find the truth about a death roll that was written by a poet named Marcebeau and others. The author had to travel all over to figure out what the meaning lay behind the poems and what made the romance happen between Marcebeau and his lover as well as how it ended. It ends up taking him through many places. But will he be able to find the answers he is looking for.

Mr. Cowan is an intense author who truly gets you to ask questions. I really enjoyed all the poetry involved in this work. This was a book that looked for the true meaning in the ordinary.

The anonymous author has to come to grips with not being able to get the answers he wanted.

This is a difficult book to write about. So much is an inner journey and one that is certainly well done. I have to say I enjoyed the book and I would like to read more by this author.

James Cowan/New Author/ Adult Fiction/ 198 pages/ 4 out of 5

Two more review books and then one of my own again. :)

Points: Women Have Them, Men Need them

I normally like non-fiction books but this one was just odd. Men often do stupid things intentionally or not. Women do stupid things too. But coming up with a points system just rubs me the wrong way.

It also was not horribly written but I think this author went too far in bashing men honestly. I was impressed that it never gave a timeline to see an improvement.

I was looking forward to reading this book and just could not get into it. This was an author that just sounded funny. While some of it was funny, some of it seemed idiotic. I had hoped to like it a lot better and am surprised that this person wrote this stuff. I know he is not a professional but still I expected a lot more from it than what I got.

I. Glebe/ Non-fiction/ Relationships/ 3 out of 5/ 190 pages

I finished this a couple of days ago just never got around to posting it. Right now I am almost done with another non fiction. :)

Candles on Bay Street by K.C. McKinnon

Dee Dee Michaud leaves her home to go out in the world. Leaving behind a broken heart belonging to her best friend Sam Thibodeau. Now fifteen years later, Dee Dee is back and questions arise as to why she is here etc. Sam just is happy to have his friend back even though he is married now. He feels like his life is being turned upside now. While Dee Dee opens up a candle making shop where she makes her own candles. Dee Dee seems to be as enchanting as she was back when they were growing up. She is hiding something but what could it be?

Ms. McKinnon is an amazing author. I was swept up in this heartfelt story. I knew a lot about this story ahead of time but it certainly did not hurt reading it. The story is so emotional and wonderful!

Dee Dee is certainly a woman who has a strong soul. She wants to go back home where she can do her best work. Her son Martin is her life and she wants to raise her where she found comfort. Sam is home with his wife Lydia and they work together side by side. He loves his wife but dealing with the past will be very sentimental.

This book is beautiful and heart wrenching. Though I kind of knew the ending, it was still surprising in how it all played out. This is not just trying to figure how to put things right but as well as how to bring worlds together. Sam did not want his wife to be threatened by his feelings for Dee Dee. He was a total sweetheart and I could not get enough of his character. Definitely want to read more by this author.

K.C. McKinnon/272 pages/ New Author/ Adult Fiction/ Homecoming/ 4 out of 5

Well off to two review books and then a book from my own pile. lol

Sweethearts of the Twilight Lanes

Tess Redding does her best to provide Southern hospitality. She also manages a magazine called Simply Southern. But when bad boy Flynn Garvey shows up in town again, all her plans seem to be going up in smoke! Someone is sending blackmail notes to Tess and her three best friends and she is determined to figure out who it is. But she may just have to the one thing she never wanted, which is ask for help.

Ms. Jones is a fabulous author. I was completely blown away by her realistic portrayals of small town life. Even the little things had me flipping pages! Her characters just want to be loved and accepted no matter what mistakes they made in their past. That is so awesome! I would love to see more stories with these characters. They were just so much fun to read about!

Tess is one headstrong girl and when she felt like she had the weight of the world on her shoulders no wonder she wanted to be in control! It seemed to make her feel better since she never really had that control before. Flynn is something else! That man had some rough issues but he always tried to do what he thought best even if it meant hurting the one person he loved. Wylene, Reni, and Jerrianne were three women who I would love to have for my friends. They are truly wonderful people who believe in themselves most of the time. When all four women get together, nothing else matters at all! I loved learning about their friendships and the secrets that they wanted to keep hidden.

This is one author that I would love to read more about. It was a pretty light book but these women had some pretty weird stuff to deal with in my opinion. Yet it was one of the best books I have read so far this year.

Luanne Jones/ New Author/ Romance/ 384 pages/ 4 out of 5

Just started another romance for review French Kissing by Nancy Warren, which comes out this month sometime. After that another reivew book called Seven Nights of Sin by Lacey Alexander.

March Stuff!

Books I read:
White Out by Vicki Delany A
Pushing Up Bluebonnets by Leann Sweeney A+
Winter and Sommers by Lydia Grace A+
The Rich Die Young by Carolyn G. Hart A
The Seduction of the Crimson Rose by Lauren Willig A+
Deadly Enchantments by Kathryn R. Blake A
Veil of Roses by Laura Fitzgerald A+
A Notorious Proposition by Adele Ashworth A
Irish Dreams by Nora Roberts A+
Tango’s Edge by Carole Bellacera A
Last Warrior by Karen Kay A
Redemption by Jacquelin Thomas A
Jezebel by Jacquelin Thomas A
Mistress of the Revolution by Cathrine Delors A+
More Than Words: Stories of Courage by Susan Wiggs, Sharon Sala, and Emilie Richards A
Naughty Neighbor by Janet Evanovich A
Choice Makers by Eleanor Cocreham B
Nailed by Amie Stuart A
Race Against Time by Justine Davis A
Palindrome by Stuart Woods A+
Prelude to Morning by Katrina Farabough A
Lust in Translation by Pamela Druckerman A
An Incomplete Revenge by Jacqueline Winspear A+
The Healer by Sharon Sala A

My Stats:
Total Books Read: 24
New Authors: 18
Fiction: 23Non-Fiction: 1
TBR: 0
Chunksters: 4
Books I reviewed: 16
Romances: 14
Mysteries: 4
From The Stacks: 17
Books I Bought: 1
PBS Sent: 0
PBS Received: 0
Total Pages Read: 7, 434 pages

Already on book 2 for this month. :)

An Incomplete Revenge by Jacqueline Winspear

Maisie is asked by James Compton to look into some things down in a village in Kent. There have been mysterious fires that keep happening and the villagers say that it is all being clumsy. The villagers are prejudiced against the outsiders who come to pick hops as well as the secret that they all cling to about a Zeppelin raid that killed a family. She must use her finely tuned skills to figure out what is going on and get to the bottom of it all.

Ms. Winspear does her best work yet. There were some events in the book I was not happy to read but they were not unexpected. The depth and the richness of the details were so wonderful! I liked that we got to see into more of Maisie’s background with her family. That was so cool! This is one author who truly knows how to delve into the emotions of her characters and make you truly feel along with them.

Maisie is dealing with stuff from the past book as well as trying to figure out what is truly going on in the village in Kent. The villagers are tight lipped and all agree on the same story. Maisie knows something is not right but it will take her awhile to figure it all out. I loved having Billy Beale’s family around again. He works so well with Maisie and his wife Doreen understands what he does. Maisie’s father Frank is such a gentle spirit. He did so much for her and I love seeing their relationship.

This is one series that I hope more come out in because it keeps getting better but not sure what she would write about next due to the events in this book which I cannot share. This was a read that I enjoyed a lot and I hope to see more by this author even if it is not in this series.

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

I just got a bunch of review books but am hoping to sneak in some favorites still. lol

Lust in Translation by Pamela Druckerman

It’s crazy to think that books are written about this topic but I was mildly interested to see what this author would have to say. She gave a lot of facts and figures but it all came down to the simple fact that people do cheat on their spouses. Oddly enough, preconceived notions about who does the best or not true at all. Italians and Latin Americans are on the low scale for cheating while Togo and Cameron are the highest. That surprised me a lot; I would have thought it would have been what I had always believed. Though there are some countries that do not talk about sex at all like Russia, there are countries like South Africa where they should not be so much going on but that is the opposite case. With the spread of aids, you’d think that would slow things down but not at all. Then there are men who live double lives in China and the wives would rather not know that it happens. Or in countries where polygamy is accepted, it is not considered cheating.


Ms. Druckerman does her best to get statistics but finds it is not an easy task if morals are not where they should be. Or people just don’t want to admit to what they are doing at all. Now mind you some people feel no guilt at all like in China where there is a village of second wives. Or here in America where truth must be told and things can change. Some people never are able to get over it.

After reading this book, I definitely do not want to cheat. Whether I would feel guilty or not, there is a lot of possibilities, I could get sick or get pregnant and it is sincerely not worth the risk or excitement. I need to learn to do better about enjoying what I have than wanting something I do not. Life has moments where they could be heated up or cooled down; weathering the difference is not easy. That is why I read as many romance novels as I do, so I can appreciate what I do have and maybe learn something from them. I appreciated everything Ms. Druckerman had to say for her complete honesty and wanting to figure out what is truly going on in the world of infidelity.

Pamela Druckerman/ New Author/ Non-fiction/ 304 pages/ 4 out of 5

This is a book I got requested to review. Defintely an eye opening book. Now off to An Incomplete Revenge by Jacueline Winspear.

Palindrome by Stuart Woods

Liz Barwick is tired of her physically abusive football player husband. The last trip to the emergency room has her re-thinking everything. She wants to get away but is not sure how but she does know that she cannot tell anyone where she is going. She retreats to a beautiful island off the coast of Georgia. Yet she knows it may only be a matter of time before he finds her when she hears about the deaths of two people who were the only ones who knew where she was going. She is no longer safe and just hopes it will all be over soon.

Mr. Woods is a fantastic writer and I was pleased with this thrilling work. His characters in this book are complex yet has vulnerability to them. The descriptions were wonderfully done. Though there were a few instances where I did not need descriptions and was pleased that there was not.

Liz has had a difficult life but her desire to rebuild is commendable. She really does wonderful and she feels on top of the world. The people who live on the island are a family who love it. That is what made it so sweet. I loved getting to know the family members as well as the visitors who came to the island. The twins Kier and Hamish were the most intriguing pair. Yet Kier could be so sweet and wanted to help Liz get the best possible pictures of the island. While Hamish kept his distance and saw that was best. Bake Ramsey, the football player, was a horrible man. He let his desire to be the best no matter what overshadow what he could have been. It just proves again that abuse of steroids can cause problems. I know there are healthy ways to use them but in Bake’s case, there was a lot of abuse of them in their ability to make him stronger.

Mr. Woods is someone I definitely want to read more of. I know he has a great series and I would love to delve into that someday. For now I will keep myself reading his stand alones to acquaint myself better with his writing. This was quite the book and the twist at the end shocked me! So he does now how to play his hand well and keep you interested.
Stuart Woods/ AN2R Author of the Month/ 434 pages/ Chunkster/ Fiction/ 5 out of 5

I enjoyed this book immensely. Now I am working on a review book and then a book Lust in Transaltion, mind you it is a review book but it looks interesting.

Race Against Time by Justine Davis

Kit Cameron is trying to piece together the book her father wanted. Though she keeps getting distracted by trying to help whomever is breaking into her neighbors’ houses for food. She wants to help him no matter the problem but the question is if he will let her? Race Barkley has known very little kindness in his life and keeps his secrets guarded. Now having met Kit, he wonders if there is something more he can have with her that is if he can just see past today.

Ms. Davis keeps everything so simple that I could just fall in love with the characters. The situation that they were dealing with was certainly not an easy one. The writing style was nothing fancy but her descriptions really made the story come alive. I am a romance buff and this is one author I would definitely want to read more of.

Kit was in for some shocks to come as she worked on unraveling the puzzle of what her father was working on. She kept saying she was better with words than with science and I could see that. If explained she could follow it, but it was not her forte a bit. Race, on the other hand, was a sponge. He seemed to be able to soak up anything except kindness. With his past still haunting him, it took him forever to be able to trust someone and now that person was gone.

This was a light read even though rather suspenseful. There was not a whole lot to it, which made it go by even quicker than usual. As I said before, this is definitely an author I would like to read more by.


Justine Davis/New Author/ Romance/ 256 pages/ 4 out of 5

I am glad to finally get to one of my own pile! lol Now I just started Palindrome by Stuart Woods and then back to review books.

IOrish Dreams by Nora Roberts

Irish Rebel

Keeley Grant has had a privileged life. Everything she has ever wanted has been hers. Now her father brings Brian Donnelly to Royal Meadows to help train horses. Keeley is not sure what to think. Brian is taken aback by Keeley, not only is she beautiful but she has talent with teaching children to ride horses. He is not sure what to do with her since her position and her wealth should keep him back. Her innocence is what attracts him and he wonders if he could find a place to stay.

I really liked this story not only for the way Brian talked, which did make me swoon. But for the lovely story of two people overcoming the ideals set for them and to make new ones for themselves. Nora Roberts has a wonderful writing style that pleases my heart time and time again.

I loved all the characters. Keeley is a determined woman and does not always like to ask for help. Brian cannot seem to get past the class distinctions that are stuck in his head from being over in Ireland. But it is Keeley’s mother Adelia who seems to be the one to set everything right. She won my heart because she was compassionate and could keep the men in line.

Sullivan’s Woman

Cassie St. John is struggling not only in her journey to get published but to keep a job in general. So when she is asked to pose for Collin Sullivan, she decides to take the job since she could use the extra pay and then time to work on her second book. Everything seemed to point that her troubles were over but just one look and she knew it could only be the start.

This story was endearing for the simple fact that they were not out to jump each other’s bones right away. There was more to it than that and they had a lot of stuff to work through. This was just as wonderful as Irish Rebel. Nora Roberts can captivate you so much.

Having them deny their love was fun to watch. They knew that there was something between them but Cassie didn’t want to be known as one of Collin’s next thing. Collin wanted to keep things professional. Cassie was so sweet and yet had such a temper. Yet Collin could match her with her temper.

Both stories were really good. I really liked Sullivan’s woman better. Though they both had class distinctions, the last story reversed the situation. This is one book that was immensely good with both stories. I love books like this and hope to read another one by Ms. Roberts soon.

Nora Roberts/ Romance/ Chunkster/ 432 pages/ 5 out of 5

Back off to review books!

Veil of Roses by Laura Fitzgerald

Tamila Soroush is lucky enough to get a visa to come to America. Now with three months to find a husband, she has so much to learn. From her first trip to Victoria’s Secret to her first country line dance, she learns to embrace the freedoms she never got to experience in Iran. Her sister is so determined for her to stay that she does her best to find a suitable husband for her. Tami, on the other hand, finds herself falling in love with just the man her sister warned her about. Tami sees nothing wrong with Ike but her sister won’t agree.

Ms. Fitzgerald writes a novel of the heart. The struggles women face in Iran are very real. I found this book to be realistic but at the same time not over done. Things are just the way they are and Tamila has a difficult time understanding what freedom is like. I found the reactions to the situations in this book very normal. I applaud Ms. Fitzgerald to write this book. I enjoyed it immensely.

Tamila is a woman I could admire. She wanted to enjoy freedoms though it took her awhile to accept them. Her friends in her English Language class certainly helped her in ways I could never imagine. They had been in her same boat in one way or another and so could reach out to her better. Ike was a man who knew what he wanted just had to be patient to get it. Though with a little help from Eva, a girl Tami knew from her class, was a good thing.

I do not want to give this book away but I cannot say enough of how wonderful it was. This author has a way with words that wowed me. Things were so simple that it was fun and light. The issues were not at all of that sort but the book dealt with it in a way that was enough to try to grasp what was going so I could try to emphasize. This is one author that I hope writes more cause it would be interesting to see what she writes next.
Laura Fitzgerald/320 pages/ New Author/ Fiction/ 5 out of 5

I finished this one last night really late. :) But it was well wroth the read in one day! Off to A review books then then one from my pile!

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.