not enough books

Cozy Mystery Challenge - finished form

2009-09-30T15:44:00.001-05:00

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Did you complete the cozy mystery challenge? If so please fill out this form! If you didn't complete the challenge yet and just want to report the book you have finished for the challenge, please keep scrolling.

If you remember, I promised to send each person who completed the challenge a handmade bookmark. So I am asking you to fill out this form so I can get your full name and mailing address. I promise that nobody else will see this information. If you would prefer to email it to me, that's ok too.

I do plan to create more bookmarks, different kinds (currently I'm on an owl kick - but not everyone is in love with owls like me). So I hope to create different kinds and post them on etsy. Then I'll let you peak at those and let me know which one you want. When I do have that finished, it will be one of the options on the form below. If you are super duper and finish the challenge before my lazy bum makes the bookmarks, just fill out the form and I'll email you to get your pick later.

pssst - this is a new form that I'm testing - so if you have problems please bring it to my attention.

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Cozy Mystery Challenge

2009-09-29T10:06:00.001-05:00

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Click HERE to see a list of books read in May for the cozy mystery challenge.
If the reader linked it to a review, you will be able to click on the title to then see their review.

As before, it's not required that you fill out the form for the book(s) you read, but it's fun to see what everyone reads.

Please use the form below to enter the book you read for the cozy mystery challenge. Last time there was an issue where it seemed to just take awhile after you hit submit, try refreshing the page and then you can see if it took by clicking here. If it didn't take, try again or just leave a comment or email me and I'll enter it.

Book Giveaway - Love, Lies, and Texas Dips by Susan McBride

2009-07-22T09:20:00.000-05:00

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I recently read and reviewed Love, Lies, and Texas Dips by Susan McBride. I'm excited to be giving away a copy of the book here on my blog! The author was super cool and sent me a SIGNED copy to give away to one of my lucky readers!

To be entered into the contest please fill out the form below. Here's why I ask that you give me your mailing address right away - it saves time and effort from me having to track it down later on. This way when the challenge ends, I can just announce the winner and mail the book! The information is not available to the public, I'm the only one who can see the info.

The last day to sign up for this giveaway is July 22nd! Good luck!
Oh..and I will use random.org to pick a winner.

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Friday Smile - swim time

2009-07-10T10:19:00.002-05:00

Husband and I attempted to have a pool party for July 4th. However, due to all the rain we received that morning and the day before, the water was very very cold. The sun was hidden behind clouds and the temps didn't reach 80. But...we tried anyway! Everyone got their suits on and we did hang out in the pool or at least outside for about 40 min before it was just too cold. So this picture is of 3 of my nephews, my oldest sister and myself. Please don't mind my hair - I was having a bad hair day (that's what I get for being too lazy to blow dry it)

Friday Fill-in #132

2009-07-10T09:02:00.003-05:00

Boy oh boy! I have neglected this one in a long time..hopefully this is a start to me doing it on a regularly basis.

1. The last thing I ate was a bowl of frosted mini wheats with milk and orange juice.

2. A pair of jeans that actually fit me in the waist is something I recently bought.

3. When it rains, it makes a pool owner sad

4. My husband was the first person I talked to today.

5. Hugs are soothing.

6. My dog needs extra comfort. (just because she's cute and she likes to be hugged and kissed)

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to reading or relaxing in front of the tv, tomorrow my plans include using the pool if it doesn't rain and maybe running and go to a book signing and Sunday, I want to hang out with my extended family in the pool - if the rain holds off - otherwise we'll hang out inside!

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

2009-07-08T08:52:00.002-05:00

Copyright: 2006
Publisher: David Fickling Books
Genre: YA
Pages: 216
Challenges: War Through the Generations, Young Adult Challenge
New-to-me author? yes
Author's website

Simple Description
This story is told from the point of view of a 9 year old boy named Bruno. Bruno comes home from school one day to find his maid packing all his clothes and other belongings. When he asks his Mom about it, he is told that his Dad received a promotion at work and therefore they have to move. They are to move away from Berlin, the only home Bruno has known. His father has been given the title of Commandant. Before Bruno knows it, they have moved to a place that his sister tells him is called Out-With. They live in a small house, small by Bruno's standards anyway however close to their house is another compound. From his window Bruno can see that there are a lot of other huts/buildings even smaller than his new house and lots of people. There is a fence surrounding this compound too. Bruno doesn't see any women, but he can see a lot of men and boys. He does find it interesting that they wear their pajamas all day, they are grey striped pajamas. Sometimes Bruno wishes he could wear his pajamas all day.

One day when Bruno is bored he decides to go exploring. He walks down the road, alongside the fence. After about an hour he sees a boy sitting by the fence. The boy is wearing the stripped pajamas and is on the other side of the fence. Bruno learns that he isn't in Germany, the Fatherland, anymore. He is in Poland. The boy is Polish and he was taken from his home against his will too. During the year that Bruno lives at Out-With, he visits the boy almost every day –weather permitting. The boy in the striped pajamas and Bruno forge a friendship.

There's more but I don't want to spoil it or give anything away, so I'm just going to stop there.

Now what you really want to know…my thoughts:
So hopefully from the clues you have realized that Bruno's father is in the German army during WWII. He is made Commandant of Auschwitz. The reason I didn't come out and say that in my description is because the way I did it, is the way you get it from Bruno. Bruno at times seems naïve. But you have to remember that he was young, his parents didn't explain what was going on in the world and what exactly his Dad did for a living. Plus it was a different time then, it was the media age that it is now. All Bruno knows is that he is taken from a home he loves and brought to a home where there are no other boys to play with and city to explore. He doesn't realize exactly what it is his father is doing and what is going in the concentration camp that is right by his house. However that is what makes this story so powerful! The story is told from a totally different point of view than what we normally get. It's told from a kids point of view, the way a kid experiences what is going on and understands what is going on.

I thought this was a very good book and recommend it to others. If you like reading books about WWII, then pick this one up. It's different from any other WWII book I have read. It is sad at the end, but it's worth the read. Now I was expecting something like what happened in the end, but that was due to reading other reviews and people talking about it. So I wasn't shocked but I know others who were.

This book has also been reviewed by:
Confessions of a Book Addict

Bermudaonion's Weblog

Bibliophile by the Sea
All About {n}

Thoughts of Joy

Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Leave me a comment to let me know and I'll link it below.

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

Love, Lies, and Texas Dips by Susan McBride

2009-07-07T10:53:00.004-05:00

Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Genre: young adult
Pages: 293
Challenges: Young Adult Challenge
New-to-me author? no
Author's website

Simple Description
Love, Lies, and Texas Dips picks up where the first in the series, The Debs, left off. There are four main charactors, three are friends and the fourth is pretty much their enemy. All 4 girls have been invited to The Glass Slipper Club, something all most girls aspire to be a part of in their area of Texas.

Mac is the only one of the 4 who doesn't really want to be a part of it. She isn't about dressing up and pretty much thinks it's shallow. She is doing it though, because her mother would have wanted her to. She has more important things to deal with – such as a step-mom she doesn't like, a father who isn't around much, and the realization that she wants to me more than just friends with her best friend, Alex.

Ginger is excited to be part of The Glass Slipper Club, especially since her two best friends are also in it. She is at her Grandmother's for tea one afternoon, when she finds out that her Grandmother has commissioned a portrait of Ginger in her gown. The same gown her Grandmother wore when she had her debute. It all sounds good until she learns that the person doing the portrait is an old comrade from grade school who put down her artwork.

Laura is the third person who makes up the friends group. She is bigger than the other girls, not exactly skinny. This is a major cause of concern for her mother and the bimbo's – the other girls who make fun of her for her weight. Laura is happy with who she is, but still has to deal with the weight issue. In this one it looks like Laura has a secret admirer, somebody is sending her yummy treats. The problem is that these are causing her to gain weight. When she confronts the guy she likes, he tells her the treats are not from him. Could the treats be a joke? Plus an evil rumor is spread around about her, once that could get her kicked out of the Glass Slipper Club. She isn't sure what to do.

Jo Lynn is the fourth main character and enemy to Laura and her friends. She is beautiful, skinny, and things seem to be wonderful. However she is evil. Jo Lynn is the type of character you love to hate. She hates Laura and will do whatever she can to ruin her life and her chance to be in The Glass Slipper Club. Things come to an boiling point when Jo Lynn believes her current boyfriend is cheating on her with Laura.

Now what you really want to know…my thoughts:
I enjoyed this one as much as I enjoyed the first one. Each of the girls is different and it's fun to see them interact with each other. Of course, as I said, Jo Lynn is the type of person you just love to hate. Oh man is she evil! I just wanted to slap her! Laura, Mac, and Ginger have a great friendship. What I love is that they have their issues to, they fight, they get mad at each other, it's not 100% awesome all the time. I also think it's fun to see what life is like for a Deb. Being from St. Louis, it's all kinda foreign to me. Of course, they could have those in STL but since I'm not incredibly wealthy, I don't see it. I also really like Laura. To me, Laura is more of a "normal" person. She has to constantly battler her weight and Jo Lynn. She's the type of person you want to root for and home they come out finishing first.

My only complaint is that the book ends with a cliff hanger. Nothing is really resolved in this one and it's totally left as is. Ack! No no no! I wanted to know what would happen to the rumors regarding Laura. I wanted to know what Jo Lynn's next step would be! So I guess it's not really something to complain about, I just don't want to have to wait till next year to see what happens! Haha! I will definitely be reading the next one, which has a release date of March 2010. And yes..I do recommend this one to others. I think teenage girls will really like this series.

and..I have a copy of this book to give away to one lucky winner! That will bein a seperate blog post!

Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Leave me a comment to let me know and I'll link it below.
Sorry, no linked reviews yet.

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

2009 Paranormal Challenge - completed

2009-07-04T19:36:00.003-05:00

I completed another challenge! Woohoo! I think I'm doing much better with challenges than I did last year.

This challenge was hosted by Secret Dreamworld of a Bookaholic. The goal with this one was to read at least 2 books..I read my entire list of 7!

Each book listed below is linked to my review if you care to read it again.
New Moon by Stephanie Meyer
Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer
Breaking Dawn by Stpehanie Meyer
Playing with Fire by Drek Landy
An Ice Cold Grave by Charlaine Harris
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Playing with Fire by Derek Landy

2009-07-04T19:24:00.003-05:00

Copyright: 2008
Publisher: Harper Collins
Genre: Young Adult (#2 Skulduggery Pleasant)
Pages: 389
Challenges: TBR Challenge, Paranormal Challenge, Young Adult Challenge
New-to-me author? No
Author's website

Simple Description
In the 2^nd book in the series, the first is called Skulduggery Pleasant, Valkyrie has learned more fighting skills and how to use her magic. She still has a lot to learn, but she's training. She's going to use all the training she has received so far too. Together Valkyrie and Skulduggery attempt to kill the Grotesquery. The Grotesquery is made of several different body parts from different things. If the evil Baron gives the Grotesquery the last ingredient it needs to come alive, then on the full moon it can open up a portal to bring back the faceless ones. The faceless ones are evil and Skulduggery and Valkyrie need to stop the Grotesquery from coming alive. However..that doesn't happen. Once it is alive, they need the help of several others to try and stop the Grotesquery and the Baron – along with other evil villains. Especially those evil villains who seem intent on destroying Valkyrie.

While batteling evil villains, Valkyrie is also dealing with being a teenage and possibly missing out on an important part of her life. Her reflection is mostly going to school for her and interacting with her parents, but she wonders if maybe that isn't good. She misses her parents. Yet, she knows she needs to train and help save the world.

Now what you really want to know…my thoughts:
I liked the book, but admit that I didn't like it as much as I liked the first one. I'm not really sure why either. There was a lot going on and it kept the book moving and there were always twists and turns. I liked seeing Valkyrie being able to use magic and defend herself, although it was good to see her still make mistakes and not be excellent at it. She is still pretty young and new with it. Do I recommend this series? Heck yeah. I think kids will really enjoy this series. Will I continue to read it, yeah. Even though I didn't like this one as much as the first, I still really enjoyed it.

Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Leave me a comment to let me know and I'll link it below.

Sorry, no linked reviews yet.

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

Friday Smile - New York City pictures - finally

2009-07-03T08:08:00.002-05:00

This one is for those of you who are fans of True blood.

Now...for those who want to see other pictures from the NYC trip...see below (it took me long enough to share didn't it?)

New York 2009

Promise of the Wolves by Dorothy Hearst

2009-07-02T17:30:00.002-05:00

Copyright: 2008
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 335
Challenges: none
New-to-me author? yes
Author's website

Simple Description
This is a story about wolves and humans, dating about 14,000 years ago. The story is told from the point of view of a young wolf, Kaala. When the story starts she is a young pup. Her mother breed without the pack leaders approval and therefore he pups must die – especially because she breed with an outsider. However when it's Kaala's turn to be killed she stands up to the leaderwolf. Then two greatwolves appear. They decide that Kaala should live and her leaderwolf has to obey them, but he doesn't have to be happy about it. At first we learn about how Kaala is treated as an outcast by some but helped by others. She soon becomes friends with two other pups. However, soon she is show what/who humans are. She feels drawn to them. Wolf legand says that the wolves should not mix with the humans. If a wolf mixes with the humans they could be killed. If a wolf kills a human, their pack will be killed. However, Kaala is drawn to them.

One day when she is a bit older she ends up saving a human child from drowning. Soon she forms a bond with the human and visits her regularly. She must keep this secret because she could risk not becoming pack. Then things begin to get out of hand. There are whisperings that there will be a war between the humans and the wolves. Kaala is somehow meant to be more than she is, she is somehow meant to lead the other wolves in forming a bond with the humans. She doesn't know how though. She isn't even a year old, her pack leader doesn't like her or approve of her. How is she going to save her human friends and her pack?

Now what you really want to know…my thoughts:
Ok, yeah, I know, how good could a story be that is told from a wolf's point of view? To be honest, excellent! Oh yes, I loved loved loved this book! From the minute I started to read it, I didn't want to put it down. I admit that there were several times I picked the book up, only to put it down again and select something else. I'm so glad I finally picked it up and began to read it. I think the story itself is interesting, taking place long ago and showing the trials of a wolf pack and a human pack and how they are destined to be together but don't know it. I think it took me so long to actually begin reading it because I was afraid it just wouldn't work. That wasn't the case, thank goodness. The author does a wonderful job of drawing the reader into the story and keeping the story going. There always seems to be something going on. Either we are wondering what Kaala will do when faced with an obstacle or we are drawn into learning about a wolf pack and how they work. I admit that there were some parts when I thought "ok, that seemed over the top" but it didn't ruin the book for me. To be honest those parts were usually when the wolves were teasing each other or something like that, and it's just because I can't picture wolves teasing each other. Haha! But what do I know right?

I really do think this was a great book and recommend it to others. I think maybe others won't enjoy it as much as I did, but I hope you give it a chance to see. I checked the authors website and couldn't find where it mentioned if there would be a sequel or if this is the first in a series, but the book does end in such a way that there could be. Plus, on the cover it says something like "The Wolf Chronicles", so that gives me hope that there are more to come. I hope so..I really want to know what happens next!

Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Leave me a comment to let me know and I'll link it below.
Sorry, no linked reviews yet.

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

Thursday Thunk -

2009-07-02T13:41:00.002-05:00

1. When you close a door, do you close it quick and just let it slam or do you hold the knob and slowly shut it tight? I normally close it quickly and get in trouble with it slams. But..I'm too lazy to do it slowly and quitly. haha! The only time I do it quitly is when the husband is still sleeping.

2.Train A is moving at 60 miles an hour. Train B is moving at 22 miles an hour. They will pass each other at X time. Now what color shoes are you wearing when train A derails? My current tennis shoes. They are puma's, the main color is white (leather) but the puma standard dsign is lime green. I love 'em! Plus..I'm so glad I didn't actually have to treat this like a math problem!!!

3. What if M&M's grew on trees? What color M&M tree would you have? Blue. I love the blue colored m&m's. If I could have blue my selection would be green. Could I have a hybred? Blue and green?

4. How many petals on a flower does it take to make it the perfect bloom? Um, 5?

5. I took you to spend $421.67 on you, what did we spend that money on? Oh boy is this one ever easy! A new pair of tennis shoes, possibly deisels but that would require us to buy them online, but we could stop somewhere and do that right? a pair of heels -because a girl can never have enough heels. Then some books - of course!!!!! One can never have too many books, in my opinion. Then we would need to get some new pants and some shirts. Possibly some new running shoes. Oh dear...I think I need more than $421.67.

6. If you were a squash, what type of squash would you be? I don't even know the different kinds of squash! I think I'll not answer this one.

7. Have you ever gotten a wrong number call and ended up talking to the person for longer than 5 minutes? Every once in awhile, when they want to argue with me that it's not a wrong number. or..when they call and ask for somebody and I tell them the wrong number. Then they ask who I am. I refuse to answer, they argue. Then they ask what number they called, I tell them that they called me so they should know. I eventually hang up.

8. Why haven't you joined Berleen & Kimber at Insanity Cafe yet? Do we stink? I haven't joined, but assume you don't stink!

9. Now for one of Ber's questions back when TT was brand new... Shampoo bottles say lather, rinse, repeat... do you? Sometimes. Most days I don't..I use shampoo once and conditioner once. Although after swimming in the pool I'll shampoo twice because of the chemicals.

10. It's July, the year is half over. Do you see it as "whew that part is over" or best is yet to come? I see it as "OMG! I can't believe it's June already!"

11. Why do you do the Thursday Thunks meme? I think they are fun! I got out of the habit of doing them and hopefully doing them this week will put me back in the habit?

The I suck at challenges challenge – update 6 (June)

2009-07-01T11:43:00.002-05:00

This fun challenge is being hosted by book-a-rama.

Originally June was supposed to be the last day for this challenge but I'm so glad to report that Book-a-rama has decided to continue it! Yeah!

Overall Progress?
Overall I think I did very well. I did complete one challenge and I'm very close to completing several others. I'm not accepting as many review books as I have in the past, but I still have several that I need to read, so that's one of my excuses as to why I'm not doing as well as I would like. Haha! There are still several challenges that I'm not doing too well on..but I think I might concentrate on finishing some of the ones I'm close to finishing and then I can concentrate on the ones I'm lagging behind in. At least..the plan sounds good right? Only time will tell if I actually follow it. Of course, I have a couple of challenges that finish in the next couple of months so I need to concentrate on those.

Total challenges that I'm competing in as of June 1st:
13(this doesn't count the completed challenges from earlier in the year)

Completed Challenges in June:
Love Bites

Total completed challenges in 2009:
20 Books in 2009 - Challenge completed 02/2009
The Pub Challenge - challenge completed 05/2009
Love Bites – challenge completed 06/2009

Challenges I read a qualifying book for in June:
Young Adult
I read 1 book (Lily Dale: Awakening)
At the end of June I had 4/12 completed

Paranormal 2009
I read 1 book (Moon Called)
At the end of June I had 6/7 completed

Read-Your-Own Books
I read 3 books (Murder is Binding, Moon Called, Lily Dale: Awakening)
At the end of June I had 13/26 completed

TBR Challenge
I read 1 book (Design for Murder)
At the end of June I had 5/24 completed (I'm counting my main list and alternate list since I'm going to try and read all of them)

Series Challenge 3
I read 2 books (Dead and Gone, Just Over the Mountain)
At the end of June I had 12/21 books completed, 6/12 series completed.

1st in a series challenge
I read 2 books (Murder is Binding, Moon Called)
At the end of June I had 3/12 completed

Cozy Mystery Challenge (April-Sept)
I read 2 books (Murder is Binding, Design for Murder)
At the end of June I had 3/6 completed

Love Bites (April – June)
I read 2 books (Moon Called, Dead and Gone)
At the end of June I had 3/3 completed

Progress for challenges that I didn't read a book for in June:
9 books for 2009
At the end of June I had 4/9 completed

Arthurian Challenge (April 2009 – March 2010)
At the end of June I had 0/2 completed

War Through The Generations
At the end of June I had 3/5 completed

Chunkster Challenge
At the end of June I had 2/3 completed

Non-Fiction Five Challenge (May-Sept)
At the end of June I had 1/5 completed

June 2009 Reads

2009-07-01T11:06:00.003-05:00

Fun Reading Facts for June:
Total books read: 9
New Authors: 5
Mystery: 6
Non-Fiction: 0
Fiction: 1
Young Adult: 2
Pages: 2812

Murder is Binding by Lorna Barrett
Roadside Crosses by Jeffery Deaver
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
The Hourglass Door by Lisa Mangum
Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris
Lily Dale: Awakening by Wendy Corsi Staub
Just Over the Mountain by Robyn Carr
Design for Murder by Carolyn G. Hart
Accidents Waiting to Happen by Simon Wood

Walgreens and paperback books - sale and coupon

2009-07-01T10:25:00.002-05:00

I noticed in the Walgreens ad for my area (St. Louis, Mo) there was a coupon for $2 off of a paperback book. I had to stop by Walgreens yesterday so of course I took advantage of it.

Well..when I got home I looked at my receipt and the book had been on sale for $3.99 (instead of $7.99)! And..I still got the $2 off for the coupon. So I only paid $1.99 for the book. woohoo!

I have no idea if it was the book I bought that was on sale or if all of them are. I bought Dust to Dust by Heather Graham. I checked the ad and didn't see where the books were advertised as being on sale. I don't remember seeing a sale sign while I was looking at the books.

So..if you have a Walgreens by you - it might be worth stopping in to see if you can get a cheap book. I think I'll be stopping at another after work to see if I can get the same deal. If I do..I'll update this post.

Coupon Savings for June

2009-07-01T10:22:00.003-05:00

Total savings for June: $132.79

Grocery store:
06/11 - $19.05
06/25 - $23.28
Total: $42.33

Walgreens/Target:
06/01 - $2.50
06/07 - $28.87
06/07 - $12.14
06/30 - $5.16
Total: $48.67

Books:
06/05 - $1.75
06/11 - $4.99
06/24 - $2.25
Total: $8.99

Scrapbooking/Hobbies:
05/31 - $4.00
06/03 - $8.00
06/24 - $7.50
Total: $19.50

Misc. House:
05/31 - $13.30

Accidents Waiting to Happen by Simon Wood

2009-06-30T22:59:00.000-05:00

Copyright: 2007
Publisher: Dorchester publishing company
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 337
Challenges: none
New-to-me author? yes
Author's website

Simple Description
Josh Michaels is on his way home from an off-site location for his job when an SUV comes up behind him going very fast. They get closer to a bridge when the SUV swerves around him and cuts him off, driving Josh off the road. Josh's car goes into the river and starts to sink. With some effort Josh is able to get out of the car but he can't swim. It is only a miracle that he is able to get to the bank where he is found by some men in a fishing boat. The police think it was road rage but Josh saw the driver of the SUV get out of the vehicle and watch his car go down. The driver also gave him a thumbs down sign. Josh knows this was no accident.

Things get worse when Josh's ex-mistress shows back up and wants more money. She already blackmailed him for about $50,000 but it seems that wasn't enough. It's not only that she knows, first hand, that Josh cheated on his wife, it's that he told her some stuff during that time that could ruin his career. Josh begins to wonder of the ex-mistress is mixed up in the car accident.

Then things get even worse. Josh was supposed to fly his plane with a friend one Saturday but declines. The friend goes by himself and the plane crashes. Josh knows the plane was sabotaged and that it wasn't due to faulty mechanics. Somebody is out to kill him and he doesn't know why.

Now what you really want to know…my thoughts:
I'm kinda iffy on this book. I liked it, but I wasn't thrilled with it. I can't put my fingers on why I didn't love it. I want to say it was Josh, I didn't really like his character, but at the same time I'm not sure that was it. I did buddy read this with a friend and she thought it was very good and plans to read more by the author. So I do know of at least one other person who liked it.

There were a lot of twists and turns in the book that did keep it moving. You knew more than Josh did, but you were still surprised at times. Will I read more by the author? Maybe. I'm not going to run out and buy another one, I have too many other books I want to read, but later on down the road I would be open to reading more by the author.

Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Leave me a comment to let me know and I'll link it below.

Sorry, no linked reviews yet.

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

Design for Murder by Carolyn G. Hart

2009-06-26T11:17:00.002-05:00

Copyright: 1988
Publisher: Bantam Books
Genre: Mystery, 2^nd in the Death on Demand series
Pages: 217
Challenges: TBR challenge (alternate list), Cozy Mystery Challenge
New-to-me author? No
Author's website

Simple Description
Annie Laurence is asked to host the mystery night at the Chastain, SC house tours. She needs to come up with the mystery – basically the who, with what, where, and why. It sounds like incredible fun! However, and there is always a "however", one of the board members really doesn't want this to happen. Corinne Webster is a prominent member of Chastain, one of the wealthiest, and also a total, well, you know what word I want to use. It seems that nobody likes her. She is constantly doing things just to make people mad, or at least that's what it seems like. When Corinne is found dead on the opening night of the mystery night, Annie quickly becomes a suspect. The murder weapon also happened to be the very same murder weapon that Annie had set-up for the mystery nights. Since only one other person is suspected of being the killer, and he is also an outsider, Annie and her fiancé, Max, decide to try and clear her name.

Why did I read this book?
I had read the first book in the series and remember liking it enough to read more in the series, it just took me awhile to actually do that.

What I liked most:
I liked Annie and Max. They work very well together and seem like a great couple. It was fun seeing how they responded to things. I also love that while there was a real murder investigation going on, there is also a fake one. Annie gives you clues on each character and information on the fake one, but not the answer. So if you wanted to you could probably try and solve that one too. She does reveal the murderer to the fake murder at the end.

Was there something I didn't like?
The book appears to pick up almost right where the other book ends. Which is rather confusing since I read the first one in 2006, almost 3 years ago. I know Max and Annie are arguing over something, but had no idea what until I got further along in the story. So that was rather annoying. The other thing is that Annie is always dropping names of mystery authors and characters. Well…while mysteries are my favorite genre I don't read the entire genre and most of the time I had no idea who she was talking about. Haha! I don't think this ruined the book for me, it just made me think either the character or the author was a bit stuck-up because they were always name dropping. Yet..at the same time, since Annie is a mystery bookstore owner – it would make sense that she is familiar with most of the authors and characters.

Do I recommend the book?
Even though there were some things in the book that annoyed me, I do plan to read more in the series and I do recommend this series to others. I think it's a fun cozy mystery.

Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Leave me a comment to let me know and I'll link it below.

Sorry, no linked reviews yet.

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

Friday Smile - New York City

2009-06-26T10:24:00.002-05:00

I'm slow getting my pictures edited, but wanted to share one that my father-in-law took. This is of myself and Husband. The reason I'm using it for a Friday smile picture is because it makes me smile. Why you ask? Take a look at my hand. I'm holding my phone and my camera. haha! I'm such a geek.

Just Over the Mountain by Robyn Carr

2009-06-23T09:13:00.003-05:00

Copyright: 2002
Publisher: Mira
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 364
Challenges: Series Challenge
New-to-me author? No
Author's website

Simple Description
This is the 2^nd book in the Grace Valley Series. This one finds June Hudson still seeing the undercover cop. Their romance is great and it's hard to keep it a secret, but she must. Things get harder, however, when her highschool flame moves back to town. Chris Forest left her for another girl in Grace Valley and then moved away. This broke June's heard, especially when he didn't have the nerve to tell her this himself. After Chris moves back he tries to get back on June's good side and wants them to be an item, but there is no way that will happen. When Chris moves back, he brings his 2 sons. They are more than a handful. Shortly after they show up there is vandalism and more. Chris is oblivious that his sons are doing anything wrong and this causes some issues with the local sheriff and his family.

Meanwhile, there is some drama at the clinic. When Charlotte is unable to work, John's wife, Susan, steps up and works as nurse. She loves it! June asked John if Susan would be willing to work full-time but John says no. However Susan approaches June and asks if she would be willing to hire her on full-time. This starts a lot of drama between John and Susan.

Other things happen in Junes life, but I don't want to spoil anything by mentioning them. I will say that I figured out some stuff before it was actually told in the story, but this didn't ruin the story for me.

Why did I read this book?
I read the first one as a buddy read with some friends and we all loved it and immediately agreed to read the rest of the series together.

What I liked most:
I loved the characters and the town. That's what I loved about the first book and I continue to love it with the second. I love June and most of the other characters. I really can't wait to read the 3^rd book in the trilogy.

Was there something I didn't like?
Not really.

Do I recommend the book?
Yes!!!! I think this is a great trilogy. The characters are great, the story movies and keeps my interest. I read it pretty fast just because I didn't want to put it down, I wanted to read more about the characters.

Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Leave me a comment to let me know and I'll link it below.

Sorry, no linked reviews yet.

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

Lily Dale: Awakening by Wendy Corsi Staub

2009-06-22T16:47:00.003-05:00

Copyright: 2007
Publisher: Walker & Company
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: 228
Challenges: Read-your-own books, Young Adult
New-to-me author? yes
Author's website

Simple Description
Calli's life was recently turned upside down. Her boyfriend of a couple of years dumped her, via a text message. At that point she thought her life couldn't get any worse, but then she comes home one day and finds that her Mom has passed away. How is she supposed to get over that? Her father is taking a sabbatical in California and is unable to take Calli with him. Her Grandmother, who lives in New York, suggests that Calli come stay with her. Calli doesn't remember her Grandmother much. Her Mom and Grandma had an argument when she was little and the result was that her Grandma wasn't allowed to visit again. So..Calli goes to New York to live with her Grandma for several weeks. Her Grandma lives in a small community called Lily Dale. What Calli doesn't know is that the community is for spiritualists. Her Grandmother is a medium.

At first Calli thinks her Grandma is making it all up and is a fraud but then strange things happen. Calli sees a woman, who isn't there. Then a lady comes to get some help from her Grandma and her daughter is trailing her. However, this women's daughter is missing. Calli must face up to the fact that she might be a medium as well.

Why did I read this book?
I had heard from others that they like this author and when I saw she had a paranormal YA book, I thought I would try it out.

What I liked most:
I liked the paranormal aspect of it.

Was there something I didn't like?
I didn't feel like much happened in this book. I realize it is a series but it seems like this was just an intro to the series and not really worthy of it's own book. I wanted the character to admit that she had an ability and get help from her Grandma. The way it ended..just seemed abrupt. There could have been more

Do I recommend the book?
I'm torn. I can't say I really recommend it when I'm on the fence about the book itself. Yet..I do feel like the series has potential, just not sure if it has enough potential for me to read the next one. So here's where my lovely readers come in. Have you read this book? Others in the series? Does the series get better? Is it worth reading the next one?

Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Leave me a comment to let me know and I'll link it below.
Sorry, no linked reviews yet.

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

On my recent trip to New York City....

2009-06-22T15:18:00.005-05:00

I came across the Simon & Schuster building and being the photographing bibliophile that I am, I had to take a picture!

Love Bites - challenge completed

2009-06-17T15:17:00.002-05:00

The Love Bites challenge was hosted by Royal Reviews. The challenge ran April 1st through June 30th and the goal was to read 3 paranormal books that had a romantic theme. I'm so happy that I was able to complete this challenge online!!!

Here's what I read (they are linked to my reviews):

One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs

Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris

2009-06-17T15:05:00.003-05:00

Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Ace Books
Genre: Romance/Mystery = I don't know
Pages: 312
Challenges: Series challenge 3, Love Bites
New-to-me author? no
Author's website

Simple Description
I'm not going to give too much of a description for this book because a) if you already read this series you don't really care what it's about, you still want to get your hands on a copy or b) you still haven't started this series but want to and if that's the case you really do need to start with #1 and not this one which is the latest in the series or c) you have no desire to read this series.

Ok..so now that that is over. The gist of this book is that the were population makes itself known to the world. Then Crystal, Jason's Ex is murdered. Then Sookie finds out that there is trouble in fairy land and she is a target. Let's mix into the story Eric's involvement with Sookie and Bills desire to still date Sookie. What does that give you? A fun book! Haha! I did enjoy this one more than I liked #8, the last one. I thought the author was losing her touch with that one and wasn't sure if this new one would live up to it. But..I did really enjoy this one and it was great to read about the happenings in Bon Temp.

You can almost always count on Harris to have several funny lines in her books. One of my favorites from this book is: " Something about putting on my underwear makes me feel more capable."

Why did I read this book?
I love this series and was able to use this book for a couple of challenges.

What I liked most:
There is almost never a dull minute.

Was there something I didn't like?
I thought it ended rather abruptly. I would have liked a bit more closure I think.

Do I recommend the book?
Yup. It's a really fun series if you like reading about vampires and another supernatural beings.

Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Leave me a comment to let me know and I'll link it below.

Sorry, no linked reviews yet.

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

The Hourglass Door by Lisa Mangum

2009-06-16T09:31:00.004-05:00

Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: 398 pg
Challenges: None
New-to-me author? Yes
Author's website

Simple Description
Abby is a senior in highschool. Things seem to be going well. She is the assistant director for the school play, she is dating Jason, her next door neighbor and long time friend, and she is getting ready to head off to college. But…the more she things about her boyfriend and their relationship, the more she realizes she just isn't that happy. She needs some spontaneity and he's a planner. Her best friend wants her to go to the same college, yet Abby has found a small private college that she thinks would be perfect for her – and she secretly applies.

Then things get interesting when Dante shows up. He is Italian and has all the girls going after him. However, he only has eyes for Abby. The more Abby is around him, the more she likes him and feels drawn to him, something she has never felt for her boyfriend. Sometimes when she is with Dante time seems to stop.

Soon Abby knows she has to break it off with Jason. As luck, if that's what you want to call it, happens, when the band Zero Hour plays at their dance people seem to be emotionally affected. One of the results is that Jason breaks up with her. So now she can spend more time with Dante. Yet Dante seems to disappear a lot. He can be gone for days at a time. Nobody seems to know where he is and his guardian, Leo, doesn't seem to be concerned either.

Soon Dante starts to tell Abby his secrets. These are secrets that she has to decide are true or just too outlandish. Abby does decide to trust Dante and believe he is telling the truth. Good thing too because the band members of Zero Hour have realized that there is something special about Abby. Abby might be able to help them survive the fate they were given in 1500, the fate that makes them alive today.

Why did I read this book?
I was offered this book for review and it sounded really good, so I couldn't pass it up. I picked it up the other day because I needed something light and fun after all the studying.

What I liked most:
I loved how the story flowed and how there were surprises and twists and turns throughout the story. I loved the idea of there being a time machine and that the time machine was used as punishment.

Was there something I didn't like?
Sometimes the author seemed to use more flowery words and descriptions than I thought necessary. But that could just be a matter of opinion too, you might love that. I didn't' dislike it, just thought it wasn't needed all the time.

Do I recommend the book?
Yes!!! This was a great young adult book. The ending leaves it open that there could be a sequel. Lucky me the last page in the book was an ad for The Golden Spiral, the continuation of this story! Woohoo! I then went to the author's website to see if there was a newsletter I could join so I would be notified when it was released and found that this is supposed to be the 1^st in a trilogy! I can't wait! The ad said the second book is supposed to be released the summer of 2010. Oh..and somebody was kind enought to direct me here. You can sign-up for a newsletter from that website.

If you like young adult books and you like books that deal with things that are a bit paranormal, this one dealing with time travel, I think you will like this one.

Have you reviewed this book on your blog? Leave me a comment to let me know and I'll link it below.

Sorry, no linked reviews yet.

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris