not enough books

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

2012-01-26T12:54:00.000-06:00

#1 Delirium trilogy
Copyright: 2011
Publisher: HarperCollins
Genre: YA
Pages: 480
Author's Website
My rating: 3/5

"I know that life isn't life if you just float through it. I know that the whole point -- the only point -- is to find the things that matter, and hold on to them, and fight for them, and refuse to let them go"
Pg. 383

Simple Description:
Imagine a world where every 18 year undergoes a procedure to make sure they don't feel love, ever. First they go through an interrogation and depending on how they answers questions, depends on how they are scored. Their score determines who their possible matches are and if they go to school and what their major will be. Once college is complete they are married to their match and told how many kids they will have. Before your operation you have a curfew, you are unable to interact with the opposite sex, you are unable to freely move around your city.

This is the world that Lena lives in. She has 95 days before her operation and she's looking forward to it. Then she meets Alex. Alex is an invalid, somebody who has not been cured but appears to be. Alex shows Lena what life could be like if you were able to feel love, if you weren't boxed in by societies rules and laws. Now Lena is close to her operation and she realizes she doesn't want it, but is there a way to escape?

My Thoughts:
I bought this one for Husband hen it first came out. He read it immediately and really enjoyed it. He's been trying to get me to read it ever since and I kept putting it off. Finally I got around to it and I'm glad I did. I felt this was a well done dystopian novel. It shows us a world where the authorities felt it would be good if people didn't love. If you don't love, you don't feel the pain that is often associated with it. Why wouldn't people want this? However what Lena finds out is that if you don't feel love, you don't feel pain but you also don't feel the happiness either. Is it better to have the happiness and deal with the pain or to just remain numb and never know what that happiness is like?

I didn't realize this novel was the first in a planned trilogy and felt the ending was pretty good. Then I was discussing the book with Husband he mentioned it was a trilogy and I thought back on the ending and went ok, I could see where this could keep going. I really like that about the novel. I didn't feel like it ended on a cliff hanger yet knowing there is going to be another book there is enough left unresolved to keep your interest.

Ghoul Interrupted by VIctoria Laurie

2012-01-24T14:44:00.002-06:00

#6 Ghost Hunger
Copyright: 2012
Publisher: Signet
Genre: Mystery (cozy)
Pages: 352
Author's Website
My rating: 4/5

Simple Description:
M.J. Holliday receives a dream visit/vision from Sam, her boyfriends grandfather, informing her that there has been a death in the family and it was at the hands of a demon. He requests that M.J. come home with Heath and help banish the demon, informing her that in order to do so the person controlling or being controlled by the demon must be killed.

M.J. doesn't relish fighting another nasty and very dangerous demon but she wants to do everything she can for Heath. M.J. and her best friend Gilley run into one road block after another though. Mostly a lot of these issues are because Heath's family lives on an Indian reservation and they don't belong nor are they welcome. In fact, Heath and his Mom aren't exactly welcome either.

M.J., Heath, and Gilley do everything they can to convince his family that the deaths are at the hand of a Demon and the demon must be stopped, but its not doing much good. Will they be able to stop this demon before more of Heath's family are killed?

My Thoughts:
I can't help it, this is one of my favorite series. In fact, both of the author's adult series are favorites. Gilley can get annoying but at the same time it doesn't really bother me because I recognize that's who he is and it fits him. Plus for the most part he makes me laugh. I like M.J. and Heath and feel they have a good relationship and like how they interact. Most importantly I love the paranormal aspect of it all. What's not to love about a book that has some humor and you get to bust a ghost or demon?

Definitely recommend this book, although it's best if you start at the beginning of the series in my opinion. It's a light read, it's fun, and it's got the paranormal aspect which I love.

The Girl on Legare Street by Karen White

2012-01-16T19:20:00.002-06:00

#2 Tradd Street
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Penguin
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 335
Author's Website
My rating: 3/5

Simple Description:
Melanie's mother deserted her over 30 years ago when she was just a child, leaving her to fend for herself with her psychic abilities and an alcoholic father. Now her mother shows back up in her life and wants her to be her realtor to help purchase back the historical family home on Legare street. Melanie has a lot of baggage when it comes to being abandoned as a child (who wouldn't) and wants nothing to do with her mother.

However one of the spirits in the house has become too strong for just her mother to deal with. Her mom knows that she needs Melanie's help to put the spirit to rest and at the same time she wants to get to know her daughter.

Melanie's family is also making headlines. A sailboat was found off the coast and while divers were investigating it a trunk was found with human remains in it. The sailboat belonged to her ancestors. This could also be tied in with the violent ghost at Legare street because Melanie and her mother both smell the ocean at times. A journalist has also shown up in their lives and is making things very difficult.

My Thoughts:
I liked the first in the series, The House on Tradd Street, but didn't love it. I decided to buddy read the second in the series with some friends to see if the series picked up for me. Unfortunately it didn't. The problem is with Melanie. It's hard to really get into a book when you can't connect with the lead character. It's not that I don't like Melanie, it's just that she spends a lot of time whining over her mother abandoning her as a child. Now, I get it, that's a very traumatic experience. The problem is that I felt like it was dwelled on a little too much. She also keeps pushing away Jack even though she really loves him, then getting jealous when he shows interest in somebody else. I just wanted to shake her sometimes.

The mystery aspect of this book and the paranormal aspect were both good. I had figured it out, for the most part, somewhat early on yet it was still interesting to see the characters figure it out. Melanie learned a bit more about her abilities and grew in that regard, which I felt was good for the book and the series in general.

While this one fell a bit flat for me it was still a good/interesting read. I kinda doubt I'll continue with the series, there is a 3rd out already. Not connecting with Melanie just keeps me from wanting to go further. I'll be interested to see what my friends think once they finish reading it though.

World Book Night 2012

2012-01-15T01:00:00.000-06:00

If you haven't heard about World Book Night yet, be prepared to fall in love.

World Book Night 2012 will be held on April 23, 2012. On this night 50,000 book lovers (that's the goal anyway) across the UK and US will give away books. That's a lot of books folks! Apparently the first ever World Book Night was held in the UK last year and was a complete success. I'm so glad to see something this crazy and awesome event hop the pond and show up in the US.

I would love to participate and be one of the givers but the date is just way too close to Baby Girl's arrival for me to commit. Hopefully some of you will be interested and be able selected as a giver. To sign up, just head to the World Book Night Giver website, be sure to read the terms and conditions though to make sure you're a good fit.

Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

2012-01-13T11:33:00.003-06:00

Copyright: 2010
Publisher: Listening Library
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: audio
Author's Website
My rating: 2/5

Simple Description:
Andi Alpers is a teenager in Brooklyn who would seem to have it all, but she doesn't. Her younger brother was killed and she believes it was her fault. She can't get past this. Her life has spiraled out of control since then. Her Mom is stuck in a similar depression, her Dad is pretty much non-existant and she has pushed away almost all her friends. The only thing she has is her music.

When her father finds out she's about to be kicked out of school he makes her go to Paris with him for the holiday. He wants to make sure she works on a school project while there.

While in Paris Andi finds the journal of a young girl, Alexandrine, who was alive during the French Revolution. Alex has close ties to the dauphin and Andi finds some correlation with this as she is still dealing with the death of her younger brother. It's while in Paris that Andi reaches rock bottom and comes face to face with her depression and her future.

My Thoughts:
I"m saddened that this book fell flat for me. I know several who have read this book and thought it was great and felt I would love it. For some reason I just didn't. I have to admit upfront that it could be due to my mood lately, been dealing with some issues on my own. I've had a hard time keeping my mind from wondering and I know it did that a lot while listening to this book. So that could be a large part of it. I found myself confused with the story sometimes and just not enjoying it. Towards the end I was really not happy with the way the story went. It was just to far fetched for me. I'm happy to say this book ended the way I would have liked, so that's good. I just didn't like it over-all. I seem to be in the minority here though, so definitly read other reviews before making a decision on if this is the book for you or not.

Audio Review:
The audio version was narrated by Emily Card and Emma Bering. I felt they did a wonderful job. Actually, I didn't realize there were two narrators until I looked it up online. They were easy to listen to and easy to differentiate the different characters without it being overly done.

Cut by Patricia McCormick

2012-01-05T10:14:00.002-06:00

Copyright: 2000
Publisher: PUSH, Scholastic Inc
Genre: young adult
Pages: 151
Author's Website
My rating: 3/5

Simple Description:
Callie is a young teenager who has been admited to Sea Pines because she cuts herself. Treatment isn't going so well though because she refuses to talk. She doesn't talk at all, zip zero nothing. The other girls in her group class don't even know why she is in therapy. The counsler doesn't know what is bothering Callie and can't help her.

Callie isn't even completely aware of why she cuts or how things got started. It isn't until things with another girl take a turn for the worse that Callie finally starts talking to the therapist and starts getting the help she needs.

This quote from page 125 really spoke to me:

"I may not want to get rid of my scars," I say finally.
You nod.
"They tell a story," I say.
"Yes," you say, "they do."

My Thoughts:
I'm torn on this one. I think the author did a great job of deliverying the story in such a short book however I'm unhappy that the cutting wasn't given more time. We know Callie cuts but we don't get to learn more about it or an explanation on why she or anybody would do this. It's almost like the cutting wasn't important. Yet I know the cutting is a huge deal. In fact, the quote I mention above is pretty much one of the only times where it is really addressed. It's mentioned, but it's never really addressed. That's the issue I have with the story.

Aside from the cutting aspect I think the story was very well told. So in that regard I do think this was a decent book. It doesn't go into any great detail but it touches on how people react to events differently and when put in a situation where they are forced to get help, they withdrawl and don't interact. It's how they cope. This was an incredibly quick read so I actually do recommend it as it's a way to be introduced to this without having to devote a ton of time.

One of the groups I belong to had this author chosen as the Author of the Month for January 2012. I just happened to find this book at a used book sale last year for $1 and am interested in the subject matter so I bought it. This is the main reason I read the book this month. A few years ago many of you might remember that the book Willow by Julia Hoban was getting a lot of glowing reviews. This book also deals with the subject of cutting. In fact, after reading a review for the book on BermudaOnion's Weblog and leaving a comment back in 2009, she was kind enough to send me the book. It's been 2 years and I haven't managed to read it yet. It's not because I don't want to read it, I actually stare at this book over 50% of the time I'm in my library selecting my next read. The issue is that I was/am a cutter. I'm not sure it's something you ever get over and while I had a very very long streak of not doing it, I have to be honest and say I've had a recent set-back. So the subject matter is very emotional for me. Once I had the book in my possession I wasn't sure how I would react to actually reading it. It took a lot to read Cut and to not have the cutting be addressed as I wish it would have been just disapointed me. Now that I've read this one, I feel like it's time to read Willow. I doubt I'll get to the book this month, I hope to get to it within the next couple of months though. Once I read that one I'm going to work on a post regarding cutting. I think it's an important subject matter. It takes a lot for me to open up to people yet I'm going to open up about this on the internet where anybody can read it. I have a feeling that a lot of people don't realize that cutting happens or what it's really like or why it happens. I feel that once I read Willow it would help to explain what it was like for me so that others can have a real example and not just a fictional example.

War Through the Generations - WWI

2012-01-05T01:18:00.000-06:00

I couldn't resist signing up for the War Through the Generations challenge again this year. While I might not have done well with the Civil War challenge, I barely read anything for it although I watched a lot of documentaries, I still love this challenge as it gives me the kick in the pants I need to read about the different wars. This is something I'm interested in yet tend to put on the back burner.

This year the war we'll be reading about is WWI. A war I admit to know almost nothing about so I'm looking forward to the educational journey.

The level I'm going to participate in is:
Dip: Read 1-3 books in any genre with WWI as a primary or secondary theme.

The read-a-long book for this year is A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway. While the read-a-long will happen mid-way through the year, I'm going to work on getting a copy and will probably read it earlier so I make sure to get it finished. In fact, it might be the only book I manage to read for this challenge but I figure one is better than none.

If interested in signing up please visit the War Through the Generations Blog and let them know!

The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss

2012-01-04T09:39:00.000-06:00

#1 KingKiller Chronicls
Copyright: 2008
Publisher: DAW
Genre: Fanasy/Fiction
Pages: 720
Author's Website
My rating: 4/5

Simple Description:
I often have trouble doing a description for fantasy novels, especially one of this magnitude. I don't feel like I ever do them justice. I'll give this one a try though. This is the first in a planned trilogy. This is where we are first introduced to Kvothe. When the story opens he is an innkeeper and goes by a different name. Flying under the radar if you will. Until a scribe comes in and recognizes him for who he is. He makes a deal with this scribe, if he stays he will give him his story. The true story, not he rumors going around this world.

So begins the tale of young Kvothe. He grew up as a trouper, traveling around with his family and others in the group performing in towns. He was always smart and picked up on things easily but it wasn't until an arcanist joined their group that his learning really began. He started to learn about magic and sympathy and the way things work.

Then his entire troupe is killed, he's the only survivor. He makes his way to a city and lives homeless for several years before finally making his way to University and being allowed to attend. There he starts to learn more of what the arcanist originally started to teach him. However he runs into enemy's. Not only other students but the masters as well.

oh heck..I know I'm not doing this book justice. Here's a review I pulled from Amazon:

From Publishers Weekly

Starred Review. The originality of Rothfuss's outstanding debut fantasy, the first of a trilogy, lies less in its unnamed imaginary world than in its precise execution. Kvothe ("pronounced nearly the same as 'Quothe' "), the hero and villain of a thousand tales who's presumed dead, lives as the simple proprietor of the Waystone Inn under an assumed name. Prompted by a biographer called Chronicler who realizes his true identity, Kvothe starts to tell his life story. From his upbringing as an actor in his family's traveling troupe of magicians, jugglers and jesters, the Edema Ruh, to feral child on the streets of the vast port city of Tarbean, then his education at "the University," Kvothe is driven by twin imperatives—his desire to learn the higher magic of naming and his need to discover as much as possible about the Chandrian, the demons of legend who murdered his family. As absorbing on a second reading as it is on the first, this is the type of assured, rich first novel most writers can only dream of producing. The fantasy world has a new star. (Apr.)

My Thoughts:
So here's the deal with this book. I like fantasy but don't read a lot of it other than urban fantasy for one main reason, the books are so freaking huge!!!! By now you all know I have an issue with chunksters. I tend to like them when I finally read them but I'm always put off by their size at first.   This book came highly recommended to me by a friend, about 4 years ago. I've had a copy ever since. I made my husband read it. I kept putting it off.   I'm happy that I FINALLY gave it a chance.

First off let me tell you what Husband thinks of the book. He didn't like it at all. He felt it was boring, like nothing ever happened, the main character was boring, who cares, blah blah blah. What a waste of his time.

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, so I had the opposite reaction. While reading this one every once in awhile Husband would ask what I thought and I would say I was enjoying it and he would ask how far along I was. He would either respond with "just wait..it gets worse" or "You're lying, you're just saying you like it but you really don't." haha! That tells you how much he didn't like it.

I have to agree with him that at times it did seem like nothing was really happening. We weren't turning page after page of battle and fighting. We did spend awhile learning about how Kvothe dealt with being homeless and poor. Sure there were things mixed in that were exciting but for the most part it wasn't jammed pack with action. However that is ok. The story itself is very good and kept my interest. I wanted to read about young Kvothe. I wanted to know what was happening. I didn't care that he wasn't flying off into danger all the time.   Just think, my reading has been really slow lately and a book of this size (720 pages) would have easily taken me 3 weeks, if not 4 due to the holidays. However I finished it within 2. That tells you how much I enjoyed it. Shoot..there's a giant lizard/dragon that gets stoned on some gooey substance. Hello..what's not to love?

The second book in the series, The Wise Man's Fear, is out now. My friend who originally recommended this book lent me the 2nd in December.   Due to it being another chunkster I'm sure I'll put it off for some time but let me tell you that I'm really looking forward to it. I just need to get some other books read first for buddy reads and review books.   I discussed this one with my friend several times while reading it and he said that the 2nd book is really good and addresses some of the things brought up in the first that we don't get a conclusion on. He also said that if I read the first one this fast, chances are I'll read the 2nd one even faster because that's how it was with him. He was even more drawn into the 2nd one and wanted to spend every free minute reading it until it was finished. Oh boy! I cannot wait!

I have to say that if you enjoy fantasy novels I think you'll really enjoy this one and highly recommend it. If you aren't a fan of fantasy, you might want to skip this one. Husband has enjoyed one fantasy series that I know of in the past but otherwise I don't think he really likes the genre. So he's probably a good indication of how others who aren't a fan of the genre would feel about this. As for me, a lover of fantasy, I say get a copy of don't be put off by the size as it's well worth the 720 pages.

The Girl with th eDragon Tattoo - Movie Review

2012-01-02T01:00:00.000-06:00

I don't often write movie reviews but felt I would with this one. No worries, I'll keep it short. I saw this movie on 12/31/2011 and it was a great way to end the year. I had been looking forward to this movie for some time and not just because Daniel Craig is in it (I happen to have a major crush on him).

As you might recall, when I read this book it took me about half-way through before I really got into it and start to like it. I notice that when my interest picked up is when the character of Lisbeth was given more attention. She made the book for me. In fact, she made the whole series. Even though this wasn't my favorite in the trilogy, I was still pumped for the movie.

I felt they did a really good job with the adaption. Sure, there were some changes and one major change I have to admit I'm not crazy about, but over-all I'm very pleased with the movie. I loved seeing the characters come to life and feel the actors did a great job. Daniel Craig as Mikael Blomkvist was great. I felt he did a wonderful job with the role. However, Rooney Mara as Lisbeth stole the show. I was nervous as to how well I would like it, even though she seemed to do great in the trailers. So happy I can admit that I had nothing to worry about. She really brings Lisbeth's character to life and just does an excellent job.

This is a movie I would see again, I would even see it at the theater again, that's how much I liked it. So if you read the book and are interested in the movie, I say go see it. Hopefully you'll enjoy it as much as I did, or at least a lot.

A Year in Review - 2011

2012-01-01T01:00:00.000-06:00

I always enjoy looking back through the titles that I read throughout the year. Some I forget about even though I like them and others are still as fresh as the day I read them.

This seemed to be the year for some powerful YA reads for me:
An Abundance of Katherines by John Green
13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Speake and Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

I tend to put off reading chunksters but I read several that were great this past year:
A Discovery of Witches by Debeorah Harkness
The Passage by Justin Cronin
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

I have to mention the Millenium trilogy by Steig Larson. I put it off for awhile before finally caving in and I'm still surprised by how much I loved the character of Lizbeth. It's not uncommon for me to talk to people about this series and say she has quickly become one of my top literary characters. It's hard to explain why, I've figured out some of why I am infatuated with her but still don't think I fully understand it. Let me also say that for me to say a character is one of my favorites is a big thing. Rarely does a character stand out that I would put them above others. Husband has asked me several times for a favorite book, favorite character, etc and I can never answer that. Now, I can easily say that Lisbeth makes the list and is probably #1 at this point.

I hope you all had a wonderful reading year in 2011 and read some fantastic reads. Here's hoping that 2012 brings even more favorites.

December 2011 Reads

2011-12-31T20:23:00.000-06:00

Total Books Read: 4
Pages: 848
New Authors: 3
Mystery: 2
Non-Fiction:
Fiction: 1
Young Adult: 1
Audio: 1
DNF:

A Spirited Gift by Joyce and Jim Lavene
A Christmas Wedding by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo
In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming
Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

Wow - only 4 books. The good thing is that I really enjoyed all but one, and that one I liked until the cliff-hanger ending frustrated me.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T05:43:00.006-06:00

I hope everyone has a wonderful Holiday and you are able to spend time with loved ones.

Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

2011-12-22T01:36:00.000-06:00

#1 Morganville Vampires
Copyright: 206
Publisher: NAL Jam
Genre: YA
Pages: 256
Author's Website
My rating: 3/5

Simple Description:
Claire Danver's may only be 16 but she's a college freshman. She's super smart and driven.   She wanted to go to a prestigious college, one she was accepted to but her parents insisted she go to a state college and then transfer later on.   So that's how she ended up in Morganville.

That's how she ended up running into Monica, the head bully in the girls dorm. After one horrible incidient where she could have been killed, Claire looks for housing off-campus and finds the Glass house.   This will change her life. She learns that the town of Morganville is run by vampires. It's best if she stay's inside at night. Even worse, she's not protected. Even worse than that is that the bullies at her school are in good with the vampiers. Claire is in trouble.   Luckily her 3 new house mates have her back.

My Thoughts:
I was actually enjoying this story, until the last page. I'll get to that in a minute. This is an urban fantasy YA, so of course things are a bit out there. This book was done pretty well where things were still out there but not too much. I liked the idea of the people having protection too.

Claire is an interesting character. I liked how even though she is super smart, she was still a 16 year old girl and she acted like it, you could tell. I like that better than if she had been very mature, etc.    Her new roommates were good characters too. I think they could really grow and develope as the series continues.

Now, I mentioned I liked it up until the last page. The very last sentance leaves you with a cliff hanger. This is a major pet peeve of mine. I realize it's done a lot in YA to generate more revenue. If it's left like this then you'll be hopping in the car to go buy the next one or begging your parents to do so.   I'm sure a lot of people do that. I'm a bit of a cranky old lady. I do the oppsite and often refuse to continue with a series. I'm not saying I can't handle a cliff hanger, I don't mind them when done right. But the one in this series? Royally pissed me off. haha! So will I continue with the series? I would have said absolutely yes but after reading the last page, I don't know. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer-Fleming

2011-12-20T01:05:00.000-06:00

#1 Reverand Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne
Copyright: 204
Publisher: Sound Library
Genre: Mystery
Pages: audio
Author's Website
My rating: 4/5

Simple Description:
Clare Fergusson is a new preacher in town and unfortunatly she meets the local Sheriff, Russ Van Alstyne, under less than satisfactory conditions. Clare has found an infant boy on the doorstep to the church. The baby came with a note that included his name and who the parents should be. Clare thinks this shouldn't be a problem until Russ points out that they need to find the mother to figure out if she willingly gave up the baby, etc.

At one point Clare gets Russ to agree to take her on patrol with him on a Friday night so she can really learn her new town. It's a small town and she doesn't think there's much crime, Russ says otherwise.   On this patrol they happen to find a dead girl. During the autopsy they learn that she recently gave birth. The mother has been found, now to figure out who the father is and who killed the mother.

My Thoughts:
I loved this book. What a great start to a new series (new for me, there are several books already published in this series).   I was hesitant to try this series because one of the main characters is a Reverand. I don't read Christian lit. Luckily I read this one with a couple of others and one friend started it before me and said that it wasn't an issue. Boy was she right. Clare is an excellent character and her job/calling in now way turned me off. In fact, I'll go so far as to say that Clare and Russ have been added to my small list of favorite mystery solving duo's. I loved both characters and love how they interact with each other.

They mystery aspect of the novel was great too. You didn't have a lot to go on so it was hard to try and figure out who the father was and who the killer was.   The story itself kept my interest and kept me guessing the whole time.

Definitly think a lot of you will enjoy this series, I recommend giving it a shot if you haven't already.

Audio Review:
I thought the audio version for this book was excellent. Suzanne Toren is the narrator and she does an excellent job. You have no trouble following which character is speaking and the story flows smoothly.

Giveaway winners FINALLY announced

2011-12-19T12:12:00.002-06:00

Sorry for the slowness in getting this information posted, my weekend was crazy!

I did use random.org to pick the winners for the two books I was giving away and I've already notified the publishers.

Congrats to the winners!

The winner of A Spirited Gift by Jim and Joyce Lavene is Ann of the Cozy in Texas blog.

The winner of The Doctor and the Diva is Amelia A.

A Christmas Wedding by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo

2011-12-14T00:30:00.000-06:00

Copyright: 2011
Publisher: Little Brown and Co
Genre: fiction
Pages: 288
Author's Website
My rating: 3/5

Simple Description:
Gaby Summerhill has decided to remarry. It's been several years since her husband passed away and she's had three marriage offers. It's time for her to be happy and she knows marrying one of these guys would make her happy.

She has contacted her 4 children and let them know that she wants them at her house for Christmas because she's getting married...and nobody will know which man she chose until that day.

The story goes back and forth between learning about each of the children's lives and what's currently happening and Gabby's life and the men who have asked her to marry them.

My Thoughts:
I actually read this one as a buddy read with some others online. Only one other person has read it so far though. She thought it was just ok, not as good as Patterson usually does. Personally, I've not read a Patterson novel before this so I have nothing to compare it too. So with that being said, I enjoyed this book. Sure, some things are far fetched and you go "really?" but it's a Christmas story. Aren't most Christmas stories like that? I think this book is just supposed to be a story about family and love and getting together to celebrate what's really important around the holidays. That what this book did for me. So I say this one is pretty good and I'm glad I read it as it's the only Christmas book I'll manage this Holiday season.

A Spirited Gift by Jim and Joyce Lavene

2011-12-13T11:23:00.002-06:00

#3 Missing Pieces
Copyright: 2011
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Genre: mystery
Pages: 304
Author's Website
My rating: 3/5

Simple Description:
Dae O'Donnell has gathered all the neighboring town majors at The Blue Whale in for the first major's conference for their part of the country. Unfortunatly during this conference a hurrican hits and everyone is stranded. Once the worst of the storm is over Dae realizes that one of the majors is missing. Soon she finds the body and the police suspect murder.

To make matters worse, when Dae was trying to contact her Mom earlier in the day she ended up contacted another dead relative, Rafe Masterson. Dae didn't even realize she was related this notorious pirate from years past. Rafe won't refuses to leave her alone until she helps clear his name. He swears he didn't commit the crimes that he was hanged for. In turn, he agrees to try and help her figure out who killed the dead major.

My Thoughts:
I thought this was a pretty good book for the series. As the third book in the series it has stayed pretty true to the story line, including some extra story lines regarding Dae's personal life that have been touched on in the other two books.

I thought the addition of Rafe Masterson's ghost was fun, it's a rather interesting character. I thought adding him in this gave the story line a good twist and made the mystery aspect a bit more fun as now Dae is trying to work on two mysteries and deal with an annoying spirit.

Overall I feel that if you enjoyed the other two, you'll enjoy this one as well. I can't say this is a favorite series of mine but I do enjoy it and plan to continue with it. It's one that I think others who like a bit of paranormal will enjoy.

Thanks to the publisher for providing this book for review.

Giveaway - A Spirited Gift: A Missing Pieces Mystery by Jim and Joyce Lavene

2011-12-02T10:20:00.000-06:00

Another giveaway!   I've been given the opportunity to giveaway 1 copy of this book to one of my readers. How perfect for the month of sharing and giving right?

This is the 3rd book in the Missing Pieces Mystery series. I've read the first two in the series and have really enjoyed them.   I'm hoping the 3rd is just as good.

This giveaway is open to anybody with a US mailing address.

The giveaway is open from December 2nd through December 16th (midnight/central time). Good luck!

Giveaway: The Doctor and the Diva by Adrienne McDonnell

2011-12-01T09:52:00.001-06:00

I'm happy to be able to offer a Q&A from this author as well as a giveaway to 2 lucky individuals for her book The Doctor and the Diva. I haven't read it myself but it sure sounds good.

The giveaway info can be found towards the bottom, after the Q&A.

A Conversation with Adrienne McDonnell, author of

THE DOCTOR AND THE DIVA

What is THE DOCTOR AND THE DIVA about?

The story begins in 1903, in Boston. A young, Harvard-educated obstetrician who is a rising star in his profession becomes dangerously attracted to a patient—a lovely opera singer. She turns to the doctor for help in conceiving a child. The doctor becomes so drawn to her that he takes a great moral risk—a secret he can share with no one.

The novel is based on ancestors, and hundreds of pages of family letters. Who were those ancestors?

The married couple in the novel, Erika von Kessler and her husband Peter, were inspired by my son’s paternal ancestors—his great-great grandparents. They lived in Boston at the beginning of the twentieth century, and they were an extraordinary pair. Even by modern standards, they dared to live in bold, highly adventurous ways.

What moved you to write about them?

I can remember the moment I first heard about the great-great grandmother, the woman whom I call “Erika” in the novel. I was nineteen years old, living in Santa Barbara. A friend had gone away for the weekend, and she’d loaned me her beachfront apartment. It was around midnight, and I was lying there in the arms of a young man I barely knew. He later became my husband, but at that moment we were just beginning to know one another. He talked about his grandfather, who had recently died. Suddenly he said, “When my grandfather was a little boy, his mother deserted him and her husband and moved to Italy to develop her career as an opera singer.”

The idea of a privileged woman in early twentieth century Boston who abandoned her husband and small child for the sake of her art … the thought of it amazed me. Then I couldn’t decide: did I admire her and want to applaud her courage? Or was it heartbreaking that she’d deserted her little boy? The tension of all those conflicting feelings drew my imagination to her.

How did you manage to learn more about her life?

Early in our marriage, my husband and I moved to Boston. Every day on my way to work, I walked through the Back Bay neighborhood where these ancestors had once lived. Erika’s childhood home stood on Commonwealth Avenue. Her father was a famous physician, and they lived in a rather grand house with two archways.

When I went up to the front entrance and cupped my hands against the glass pane to peer inside, I saw that much remained the same as it had been in the late nineteenth century. The wide staircase was still paneled in black walnut, and I imagined her fiancé Peter mounting the steps, and her voice echoing down to him while she sang from the parlor upstairs.

Why did their story seem so haunting to you?

When I stood across the street from “Erika’s” house, I could almost see a young girl’s face—her face—staring back at me from an oval window on the third story. I had a strange sense of god-like omniscience, because I knew things about her life that she couldn’t foresee—how her husband would one day be forced to divorce her and take custody of their small son; how she would sing in I Puritanifrom Montepulciano, Italy; how her little boy would write her letters that were never delivered to her.

What about her husband? How was he unusual?

Her husband was a fascinating person as well. He was British, a highly successful international businessman – an importer of Egyptian cotton, among other things. “Peter” was a man of voracious curiosity, a naturalist, a lover of flora and fauna. He imported the first chimpanzees to the London Zoo, where he later became a Director. He traveled across four continents, and ventured into remote places, keen on seeing and experiencing everything. And he wrote prolific, richly detailed letters.

He was the sort of man who’d ride a camel through the Egyptian desert to visit a tribe of Bishareen nomads, where he’d move from tent to tent, tasting their dried bread and goat’s milk.

Or he’d head to a friend’s lush Caribbean coconut plantation, where they’d ride at midnight in a buggy along a beach, with vampire bats flying overhead…. He’d slash a path through a rainforest with his machete, or he’d travel upriver in South America toward a waterfall that few Europeans had ever seen.

A third character in the novel—the fertility doctor Erika and Peter consult—becomes a crucial figure in their lives. Many readers may be surprised to learn that fertility specialists existed in 1903. Were their treatments effective?

Certain procedures that many people might regard as “modern”—such as artificial insemination—were actually being practiced more than a century ago, but doctors had to conduct such work surreptitiously. They risked grave moral condemnation.

THE DOCTOR AND THE DIVA takes place at a real turning point in medical history. Prior to that era, if a couple were unable to have children, the fault was always placed on the woman. The problem was always thought to be due to a “barren” wife. In the latter half of the 19^th century, physicians began to discover a startling truth: a man could be virile—he could be sexually potent—and yet he might also be infertile.

What led to that discovery?

As far back as 1677, a man in Holland named Leeuwenhoek looked through a microscope and saw sperm. By the mid-nineteenth century, physicians had begun to study human sperm with real scientific scrutiny. An American physician named Dr. Sims became known as “the father of modern gynecology.” Dr. Sims would follow married couples into their homes. He’d wait behind a bedroom wall while a couple had intercourse, and then he’d rush in and probe and take measure of things under the microscope. He invented an instrument known as the “impregnating syringe.”

During the Victorian era, how was he allowed to do that kind of research?

Dr. Sims shocked and appalled many people. But the majority of patients who filled gynecologists’ consulting rooms during the nineteenth century came there because of infertility. Some were so desperate to conceive a child that they were motivated and willing to cooperate.

There’s some statistical evidence that infertility was more prevalent during the nineteenth century than it is today. One cause was gonorrhea, which was epidemic and incurable then. During the 1870s, there was one rather sad and touching case that convinced a professor of obstetrics at the University of Pennsylvania that husbands—as well as wives—were part of the equation. A female patient came to him, begging for an operation to help her conceive. While the doctor was trying to decide if he ought to perform the procedure, the woman’s husband presented himself, feeling very guilty about all his wife’s anguish and distress. He told the doctor that he believed his gonorrhea—from which he’d been suffering for many years—must be the root cause. So, after an examination of the husband’s semen under the microscope, it became evident that the man was sterile. This proved a revelation for the professor of obstetrics. Afterward, he told his colleagues: I beg of you, be sure to examine the husband, as well as the wife.

A century ago when doctors performed artificial insemination, did they use a husband’s sperm, or a donor’s?

At first, during the mid-nineteenth century, they relied on the husband’s sperm. But by the 1880s and 1890s, certain gynecologists did begin to use donor sperm—although they rarely revealed what they’d done until decades later.

Older women in the family shared their memories with you, and rumors they’d overheard. What else did they say about the real Erika?

One elderly cousin, born in England in 1898, came to visit the U.S. As a child, she’d heard a lot of whispering about her American aunt. She’d heard that “Erika” had a baby daughter fathered by a man who was not her husband…. She’d heard that long after Erika had deserted her son, she’d appeared one day, unannounced, at her son’s boarding school.

The novel draws upon hundreds of pages of family letters. Where did you find those letters?

After my husband and I had lived in Boston for nine years, we decided to move back to the West Coast. We drove cross-country and stopped at his aunt’s ranch in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Like me, she had a passion for genealogy. From the moment you stepped into her house, you felt the presence of the ancestors…. Huge family portraits stared down at you from her living room walls. She had a little gallery of framed butterflies -- a dozen exquisite butterflies that her grandfather “Peter” had meticulously painted with hair-thin brushes.

“Where are the letters I’ve heard so much about?” I asked her. The aunt brought out hundreds of pages of correspondence. Reading them just amazed me. I realized that these ancestors had led far bigger lives than I’d imagined. Their voices could be heard in those pages. There was so much detail and adventure—nights spent exploring winding streets in Tangier, or visits to a coconut plantation in the Caribbean where the guests told ghost stories after dinner….

If Erika were alive today, do you think her career vs. motherhood conflicts would be any different?

Her guilt and anguish would probably be very similar to that described in the novel. But I think that today, the courts and society would have allowed her more flexibility with respect to staying in contact with her child. In those times, transatlantic airplane travel wasn’t an option. She couldn’t fly back and forth to visit her son for a few days. In that era, if a mother moved across an ocean and settled in another country, that was it —she was gone. And from a legal standpoint, she surrendered her rights to custody.

It’s interesting to think about her husband “Peter” and his mode of parenting. In real life, “Peter” was often an ocean and a continent away from his young son, and he did a lot of his parenting by letter. At the age of seven, the boy was placed in boarding school, and during vacations, his father arranged for him to live with a family like the “Talcotts” (as described in the novel). The boy was basically “mothered” by a colleague’s wife. But despite his father’s long absences, the real-life Quentin always regarded his father as a towering, loving figure—and as an extraordinary man.

And long after Erika’s death in 1918, her son remembered his mother with a certain pride and respect. His daughters told me that as they were growing up, “Quentin” always kept a framed photograph of his mother on top the Steinway piano—a picture of Erika dressed in her operatic regalia.

What did you enjoy most about writing THE DOCTOR AND THE DIVA?

Apart from the joy of composing the fictionalized story, I loved doing the research. It was deeply pleasurable to steep myself in another era, and revel in all those exotic lands described in century-old family letters.

Learning about the history of medicine and the working life of a 1903 obstetrician like Dr. Ravell—that was also fascinating. And the music! I cannot tell you how it nourished my soul and my senses, to listen to the gorgeous arias that Erika sang. Had it not been for my son’s ancestor, I might have missed out on a whole domain of thrilling and lovely music.

How long did it take you to write THE DOCTOR AND THE DIVA?

About six years. I wrote a first draft of the novel in the mid-1980s, but the result was lifeless and stale. I packed up those pages and stored them in a box for twenty years.

Then, after a couple of decades passed, I envisioned an entirely new way to frame the novel. This time I would begin Erika’s story not through her own perspective, but instead through the eyes of the young doctor who was becoming obsessed with her, a man who would take a terrible risk and jeopardize his career because of her.

How did you research the novel, and balance factual information with storytelling?

First, I read the family letters with great scrutiny, always on the lookout for material that might be transformed into a scene. I imagined the exotic locales as stage sets where dramas might unfold.

Like any good student, I brought home musty books and old recordings from University and public libraries, and while I pulled out my pen and took careful notes, my conscious and unconscious mind were both at work. I was constantly on the hunt for just the right, historically apt detail. For example, when Erika is confined to her bed during childbirth, Doctor Ravell puts a ball of cotton soaked in chloroform into a tumbler, and he tells Erika to place the glass over her nose. After she breathes its vapors, the tumbler slides from her hand and rolls along the carpeted floor. That’s all you need to evoke pain relief during childbirth in 1904—one detail like that, just a whiff.

What was the creative process like?

I researched for a couple of years before the formal, serious writing of the novel began. While I was gathering the historical facts, an entire scene would often come to me. Whenever I “overheard” conversations between the characters and I’d grab scrap paper and capture their dialogue quickly. I jotted down whatever the characters were saying, even when I had no idea where in the novel that exchange might occur. I tossed the wildly scribbled scenes into a box and saved them. As I researched, the dramatic scenes accumulated, and the story line began to take shape. (Later I found that the dialogue I’d “overheard” barely needed revision. It came out clean, and sounded natural.)

For many months I refrained from doing any “real” writing. Instead, I kept listening to ravishing arias and consuming a feast of fascinating information—about the history of medicine and opera, about the training of vocal artists, or about apartment hunting in Florence a century ago.

When I finally sat down to begin the newly envisioned novel in earnest, I pulled out that box of spontaneously scribbled, random scenes and saw very quickly how they ought to be sequenced. Even before I began to compose the first page, my unconscious had already done much of the work. A new draft erupted from me with great speed and excitement.

On a deeper, thematic level, what is THE DOCTOR AND THE DIVA about?

The themes are too many to count, but I will say this. Several characters in the novel commit unthinkable acts. I’ve always been interested in the challenge of seeing a character’s situation with empathy, so that even the most shocking choice or appalling actions might become understandable

**********************************************************************************

Giveaway info

The publisher has kindly allowed me to give away 2 copies of this book to my blog readers. The mailing address has to be US or Canada and cannot be a PO Box.

The giveaway will be open from December 1 through December 15th(midnight central time).

Please fill out the form for an entry...and good luck!

November 2011 Reads

2011-12-01T08:35:00.001-06:00

Total Books Read: 6
Pages: 1,382
New Authors: 3
Mystery: 3
Non-Fiction: 0
Fiction: 1
Young Adult: 2
Audio: 2
DNF: 0

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
Baltimore Blues by Laura Lippman
Angel's Peak by Robyn Carr
Who Do, VooDoo by Rochelle Staab
Tempted by P.C. and Kristin Cast
All the Pretty Girls by J.T. Ellison

All the Pretty Girls by J.T. Ellison

2011-11-30T06:39:00.000-06:00

#1 Taylor Jackson
Copyright: 2007
Publisher: Mira
Genre: mystery
Pages: 416
Author's Website
My rating: 4/5

Simple Description:
There's a serial killer and a serial rapist on the loose. The killer targets young girls who seem to have some kind of tie to the medical community. He never leaves any evidence. They can track his kills because he cuts off their hands and leaves one at the next crime scene. Taylor's boyfriend, FBI agent John Baldwin, is the lead profiler on the serial killer case. He's one of the best yet he can't get a handle on this guy. Who is he? How is he targeting these women? What is the pattern?

Meanwhile, Taylor is asked to take the lead on a serial rapist case. The rapist only attacks during the rain and, like the serial killer, he doesn't leave any evidence. He made the daring move of attacking and raping the lead investigator on his case, which is how Taylor ends up the lead.

My Thoughts:
With two huge cases being investigated in this book there is never a dull moment. I like that the two cases are separate but that the lead investigators are tied together and could possibly help each other out.

I really liked both Taylor and Baldwin. They are both very strong characters and I'm always attracted to that. Taylor is a great character because while she's strong and a good cop, she's not without her doubts. Same with Baldwin. He knows he's good at what he does but even he is stumped with the current case and frets over it. While the two don't get to interact very often, due to Baldwin traveling, you can tell there's a connection but it's not overly done.

I had two close friends tell me to start this series and I'm glad I finally listened. This was an excellent start to the series and I'm looking forward tot he rest of the books.

Tempted by P.C. and Kristin Cast

2011-11-29T12:02:00.001-06:00

#6 House of Night
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Macmillian Young Listeners
Genre: young adult
Pages: audio
Author's Website
My rating: 2.5/5

Simple Description:
This story picks up right where the last one, Hunted, ended. Zoey has banished the evil guy and the evil high pristess but that doesn't mean her worries are over. Not only is Zoey struggling with three guys who like her and that she's connected to, but it appears Kalona is still a threat. He's creeping into her dreams and she realizes that she has a connection with him and is drawn to him. Aphrodiety has also had visions and the forcast does not look good.

Mix into this the fact that Stevie Rae is hiding something. Let's make that a couple of things. This just means a lot of stuff going on for these young vampires.

My Thoughts:
Honestly I think I'm losing interest the further along in the series I get. I hate that! I'm not sure what it is, maybe I'm tired of Zoey not being able to make up her mind between guys, maybe I'm tired of her having all this responsibilty and still acting like a kid (even though she is just a teenager). I can't really put my foot on it, other than to say that I'm just not feeling the series like I used to. I found my mind wondering A LOT while listening to this book. I'm sure I missed stuff.

I also didn't like that this book started exactly where the other one left off. I didn't read them back to back, so I spent awhile trying to remember how the last one ended and being a bit confused at first.

I haven't decided if I'll continue with the series yet. Part of me says I've invested this much time into it that I should go ahead and continue but part of me says it's not worth it. Guess we'll see.

Audio Review:
The narrator for Tempted is Cassandra Morris. I think she does a pretty good job. Nothing spectacular to say about it but it was pretty decent. Still happy with the audio versions for this series.

Who Do, Voodoo? by Rochelle Staab

2011-11-22T08:58:00.000-06:00

#1 Mind for Murder
Copyright: 2012
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 292
Author's Website
My rating: 3.5/4

Simple Description:
Liz Cooper is a psychologist who doesn't believe in the occult. Unfortunately she's surrounded by those who do. When her best friend Robin receives threatening tarot cards and drawings on her door step she wants to prove somebody is just playing a mean joke. Unfortunately when one of the suspects is found murdered, Robin is the main suspect and taken in to custody.

Liz finds herself thrown into the world of the occult as she tries to clear her friends name. Will she end up a believer by the end?

My Thoughts:
What a fun start to a new series! I don't want to sound like a broken record but by now you all know I love the occult and paranormal stuff so of course when I was given the offer to review this book I jumped on it. I like that Liz is a non-believer and thrown into it. I like that she tries to come up with a reasonable explanation for things. She's also a great friend to have as she sticks by Robin even when the evidence is not in her friend's favor.

The characters in this book were all enjoyable, well, the ones you were supposed to enjoy anyway. I think there's a lot of potential and growth for them. I, for one, plan to stick around and see how they develop and what kind of trouble Liz finds herself in next.

Thanks to the publisher for providing this book for review.

Reading challenges - 2011 and 2012

2011-11-16T01:30:00.000-06:00

I'm addicted to reading challenges. Most of you know this. I usually join so many that I can't finish them all but it's so much fun trying that I can't help myself. There are a lot of creative bloggers out there who come up with some wonderful challenges.

This year I've had a challenge just getting in as much reading as I would like, much less reading all the books I had planned to read for challenges. Sometimes I wonder why this is, sometimes I have to admit to myself it's probably due to all the working out and my husband wanting me to watch tv with him in the evenings. While I miss reading like I used to, I also know that I enjoy working out and darn it if there aren't some good shows on TV this time around (American Horror Story anybody?). Recently, since July, I've also been suffering from insomnia and while you would think this means a lot of reading time, it doesn't. While I can sometimes get in some reading early in the AM, I'm in such a fog at night that I manage only about 5 pages (if I'm lucky) before falling asleep.

I've made the decision to stop working on most of the challenges I haven't completed yet this year. This is a hard decision for me as I hate to "give-up" on something but I know it's for the best. I just won't have time to read everything. The one challenge I really didn't do well on this year and I'm disappointed with is the War Through the generations: Civil War Challenge. I had hoped to read a lot of books for it this year and I've managed one. While I won't get a chance to complete it this year, I'm still planning to read the books for it through next year. I've been watching a lot of shows on The History Channel about the Civil War and reading magazine articles and articles online. I love it. I just haven't managed to read many books.

Looking forward at next year I've made the decision to join up to only 3 challenges. I doubt I'll even join that many. I know my reading is going to get even worse next year. Not only will I still be focusing on working out and probably hanging with the husband, I also have another and more important reason. I'm happy to share the news and let you know that I'm pregnant. Husband and I have been trying for awhile and dealing with infertility. I don't want to bore you with all the details but as you can imagine we are incredibly happy. Sometimes I think how much I'll miss being able to read as much and connect with my blogging friends but then I think about why and I'm ok with that. I'm going to try and remain as active as I can between now and when I'm due. I'm also going to try and not go crazy with the challenges. I have to remind myself that I won't get to read much so I need to not commit myself to certain books. Till then, let's see how well I can do getting in some quality reading time before my life turns upside down, but for a good reason.

Angel's Peak by Robyn Carr

2011-11-14T19:16:00.001-06:00

#10 Virgin River
Copyright: 2010
Publisher: Mira
Genre: fiction
Pages: 384
Author's Website
My rating: 4/5

Simple Description:
This Virgin River novel focuses on Sean and his ex-girlfriend Franci. Sean is one of the Riordan brothers (i swear this will make sense if you've read this series) and he never expected to settle down with one girl. However he can't get Franci out of his mind. While on vacation from his job at the Air Force he spends time with his brother Luke in Virgin River. While at a bar in one of the surrounding towns he happens to see Franci and he can't let her get away again.

What he doesn't know is that Franci has been keeping a secret from him. When they broke up it was because she wanted marriage and a family and he insisted on not having kids and never being married. Franci was pregnant at the time. Now she has to face up with the fact that Sean needs to know about his daughter and she has to deal with letting him back into her life.

It wouldn't be a classic Virgin River novel if we didn't also get to take a peak into how some of our other favorite characters are doing. While a lot of the standards weren't really mentioned we did get to read more about Noah and Ellie and Maureen, the matriarch of the Riordan clan.

My Thoughts:
I can't help it, I love this series. There's just something about reading the books that makes me happy. While a lot of the original/main characters, such as Mel and Jack, weren't really mentioned in this one I was ok with that. It was fun to read more about these other characters and become even more invested in their lives.

I can't say that the writing is always fantastic but that's not why I'm hooked. I'm hooked on the characters and the story. Yes, there is usually a happy ending. Yes, something bad usually happens but it's always followed by a feel-good moment. Yes I still want to move to Virgin River. I have a feeling the trail running there would be incredible. Oh, and since I don't cook I think Preacher and Jack will become fast friends. Well, the husband might still cook, I'm not sure about that. The only thing to figure out here is what I would do for a living. Oh, well, I guess the real issue is actually finding Virgin River and have the characters come to life.

Don't forget our Vet's today...and every day

2011-11-11T04:58:00.000-06:00

I'm glad the US sets aside at least one day to honor our veterans. I feel this should be done every day, and I know a lot do, but I'm still happy we have one dedicated day. A lot of countries don't.

My paternal Grandfather and my paternal Grandmother's brother (whom we called Uncle) both enlisted the day after Pearl Harbor. According to them it was the right thing to do. I think we can all agree that it was actions like this that have many calling them the "greatest generation".

My Grandmother's Brother,
my Grandmother, and
my Grandfather
Nov. 26, 1944

My Grandfather joined the Navy and served on the USS Perry until it was sunk due to a mine explosion (luckily my Grandfather was not on board when this happened). My Uncle joined the Air Force and ended up making a career of it.

While both men had different reactions to fighting in the war and were effected differently, both deserved to be honored for their willingness to give up their lives to fight for our country, to fight for what they believed in.

While my Uncle is no longer with us and I am unable to thank him for his service, I do make it a point to thank my Grandfather on Veterans Day every year.

My Uncle was buried at a local veterans cemetary, Jefferson Barracks. This was the first, and possibly the only, military funeral I'll attend (My Grandfather does not want a military burial). While I know how this sounds, I'm just going to say it. I hope everyone has the opportunity to experience a military burial at some time. There is just something about it that really touched me and made me proud to have a family member who served.

I also take time on this day to contact a good friend and let her know I'm thinking of her and her family. Her son was killed in action 2 years ago. He was still a teenager. It always makes my heart heavy because he died so young and had so much yet to experience in life. Yet I thank him and I appreciate his willingness to serve our country in a war that many don't understand or feel the need for.

Today is for these gentlemen. Those who were brave and loved their country enough to risk losing their life so we could remain safe and free.

Vietnam in HD on the history channel

2011-11-08T09:31:00.000-06:00

While I have really slacked in reading the Civil War books this year, for those who follow my blog you know I do enjoy (for lack of a better word) reading and learning about war.

Last year I was very happy that the War Through the Generations challenge was focused on the Vietnam war as that was one of the American wars I didn't know much about and wanted to learn more.

It should come as no surprise that I'm really looking forward to a 3 part documentary the History channel airs tonight. It's called Vietnam in HD.

Here's what the page says about it:

Two years after its Emmy Award-winning WWII in HD, HISTORY shifts its focus to one of the most controversial eras in United States history. Vietnam in HD uses restored footage—much of it shot by soldiers in action and never seen by the public—to explore the reality of the Vietnam War as it transforms lives both at home and abroad.

This documentary series features the stories of 13 men and women, including a pilot who barely survived an ill-fated mission to Laos, a nurse who saved lives during the Tet Offensive and an infantryman who later spoke out against the war. The veterans themselves make an appearance, while actors such as Adrian Grenier, Edward Burns and Jennifer Love Hewitt give voice to their tales.

The three-night, six-hour event begins at 9/8c on Tuesday, November 8, with a look at the Vietnam War’s first major battle. Visit history.com/vietnam to learn about the series, watch exclusive videos and meet the men and women of Vietnam in HD.

I know several of you also participate in the War Through the Generation challenge, so I wanted to share this information in case you were interested in this documentary. I'll personally be recording it and hopefully watching it this weekend.

Here's a clip the History channel posted online. If the documentary is like this, I think I'll be very satisfied.

Baltimore Blues by Laura Llippman

2011-11-07T05:55:00.000-06:00

#1 Tess Monaghan
Copyright: 290
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 290
Challenges: New Author
Author's Website
My rating: 2/5

Simple Description:
Tess lost her job as a reporter and since then has kinda been loving off of other people’s handouts. Taking jobs from family and friends when offered. However things take a turn for the worst when her friend Rock pays her to follow his fiancé and figure out what she’s hiding. Tess determines she’s having an affair. She convinces the fiancé to tell Rock, however the problem is that when Rock talks to the guy she had the affair with, and that guy ends up dead, Rock is the only suspect.
Tess is then hired by Rock’s lawyer to investigate the murder and try to figure out what really happened.

My Thoughts:
This book was just, eh. I never really connected with Tess, I didn’t like how she wasn’t driven and ok with taking handouts. The the story didn’t really seem to go anywhere. Sure, Tess was asking questions and following leads, but half the time the leads didn’t really seem to have anything to do with clearing her friend’s name.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author, and sadly it will probably be the last. Unless somebody let’s me know that her other books are better than this one. As it is, I won’t be continuing with this series.

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

2011-11-06T05:54:00.001-06:00

Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Brilliance audio
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: audio
Challenges: Off the shelf, Young Adult
Author's Website
My rating: 5/5

Simple Description:
Wintergirls is the story of Lia. Lia is a high school student who suffers from anorexia. Her parents have already had her go through a treatment process twice. If her weight drops down more she’ll have to go back. She is weighed weekly and while it has dropped a bit, it’s not in the danger zone yet. What they don’t know is that she’s sewed weights into her robe so she can still lose weight but keep the numbers up.
Lia’s best friend, Cassie, recently died. Well, they weren’t friends when it happened but Cassie did reach out to her. Cassie also suffered from an eating disorder. Lia struggles with Cassie’s death while she’s also struggling with her own demons.

My Thoughts:
This book is one of the best of the year. I hate saying I loved it, when it’s about such a tough subject. Yet, I loved it. The author does such a fantastic job allowing us to get inside Lia’s head and understand what she is going through. What drives her to lose weight and starve herself. She does a great job portraying what is probably very normal reactions from parents who have a child suffering from an eating disorder.
Anorexia, eating disorders in general, is a very tough subject to read about, much less write about. Yet it’s one that I feel we all need to be educated on so we can recognize the signs, recognize why people suffer from them, and how to best help. While this book is not a non-fictional study, I feel Anderson does such a great job with it that I would recommend it to others.
I have to admit, after reading Speak and Wintergirls, both very tough subjects, I’m moved Laurie Halse Anderson to the favorite author’s list and I know I’ll be reading more by her.

Audio Review:
I felt the audio version of this book was pretty good. It was easy to follow and kept my interest. Jeannie Stith is the narrator and I feel she does a very good job with this one. My only complaint is that throughout the recording there were long beeps, I have yet to figure out if they are supposed to be there or not. I found them rather annoying.

October 2011 Reads

2011-11-01T14:41:00.000-05:00

Total books read: 5
Pages: 1,357
New Authors: 4
Mystery: 4
Non-Fiction: 0
Fiction: 1
Young Adult: 0
Audio: 1
DNF: 0

Pleating for Mercy by Melissa Bourbon
Creepers by David Morrell
A Sheetcake Named Desire by Jacklyn Brady
The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason
The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Next by Stieg Larson

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Stieg Larson

2011-10-26T14:45:00.001-05:00

#3 Millennium Trilogy
Copyright: 2010
Publisher: Random House Audio
Genre: Mystery
Pages: audio
Challenges:
My rating: 4/5

I don’t really feel like I need to do a normal review and tell you what this book is about. Most of you have already read it. If you haven’t, you’ve at least heard about it and have an idea about it. Ok, you might not know exactly what this book is about, but you’ve heard of the trilogy.
Overall, loved this one. This is my favorite book in the whole trilogy. It kept my interest from start to finish and I found myself finding things to do to where I could listen to the audio book on my ipod and not be distracted.

I love Lisbeth Salander. She’s so kick-ass. Sure, she’s socially awkward, but other than that, love her. It’s her character that made this entire series for me. I grew to like other characters, but it was her character that first hooked me. I found myself bringing her up in conversations, like she’s a real person. I needed to confirm an IP address on a co-worker’s pc and he gave it to me but then joked that he was worried I was going to hack into it. I responded and said I was going to ask Lisbeth Salander to do that since I didn’t have her mad skillz. He didn’t reply. I guess he hasn’t read these books. Or he thought I was crazy. When you read a book and want to meet at least one of the characters, you know the writer has some skills. Sure, I’ll like a lot of characters in books..they can make or break the story. However, it’s not that often that I feel this kind of draw towards a character. So for that alone, I would recommend this series to others.
So really, that’s about all I have to say about this. I loved it, I want to meet Lisbeth, and I’m sad there aren’t more books with her in them.

Oh, and yes I did listen to the audio version. I actually prefer to listen to chunksters instead of read them. I’m always put off by the size. Anyway…the narrator is Simon Vance. He is fantastic! I wouldn’t hesitate to listen to another book by him.

The Rest Falls Away by Colleen Gleason

2011-10-24T11:04:00.000-05:00

#1 Gardella Vampire Chronicles
Copyright: 2007
Publisher: Signet
Genre: Fiction/Urban Fantasy
Pages: 368
Challenges: Off the shelf, New Author, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal/Fantasy romance
Author's Website
My rating: 4/5

Simple Description
The Gardella family have been Venators (vampire Hunters) for generations. Victoria is about to have her debut when she realizes she is next in line to be a Venator. Her aunt is the only other living family member who was chosen and accepted the challenge. She coaches Victoria and gives her some of the background on vampires. Victoria agree’s to accept the family legacy and is soon killing vampires whenever she comes across them.

Things get rough when she falls in love with Philip, the marquess of Rockley. How is she going to hunt vampires at night and be expected to stay at home safe and sound with her husband?

It’s also bad that Lilith, queen of the vampires, is set on getting a book that will make her even more powerful than she is. Victoria needs to somehow get her hands on this book before Lilith can. Of course, Lilith also wants to destroy Victoria and all other Venators and sends her most powerful vampires after them.

My Thoughts
This book is a vampire novel that takes place in Regency England…and it works. I like historical fiction and I like my vampire/urban fantasy books. I wasn’t sure how I would like the two of them together in the same story. Gleason really makes this story work. I enjoyed reading about the issues Victoria had trying to be a female vampire hunter during a time period when she was expected to be home and submissive.

I thought Victoria was a good character, she had a lot of spunk and I liked her determination. I also really enjoyed her maid, what a great secondary character.

Overall this book was a lot of fun. I think fans of urban fantasy will enjoy this one. There are several books in this series and I look forward to seeing the characters grow and seeing what kind of trouble they get in to.

Review: uCertify

2011-10-21T08:42:00.000-05:00

I was recently offered the opportunity to review the test prepping software by uCertify.   I'm currently studying for another IT certificate so I took advantage of this opportunity.   I am aware that most of you don't work in the IT field, but I know some do. Plus, you might know of others who are planning to get a IT certification and they might be interesting in a program like this.

uCertify offers practice exams and help with a lot of different IT certificates. I actually used them when I was studying for my A+ certification about 3 years ago.   I did pass both tests and get my certification and I believe using this software helped me.

This time around I'm working on my MCITP (Microsoft Certified Information Technology Professional): Windows 7, Enterprise Desktop Support Technician.   It's been slow going as there are a lot of versions of windows 7 and several different ways to upgrade an existing pc.

While I'm still reading the book for the first exam, I've also been playing around with the uCertify test prep as a way to see where I'm at and get comfortable with the testing again.

The uCertify test prep for exam 70-680 contains 5 main practice tests, each has 65 questions. There is also a diagnostic test (15 questions), and interactive quiz (130 questions), and an adaptive test. You also have the ability to create a custom test.   Each test has a time limit, you can play around with the time if you want. I try to keep the time at what the time would be for an official test. This way I'm more prepared when test time arrives.

The tests aren't the only thing you can use uCertify for though.   I love the How To section. I can't always practice how to do something hands on, so being able to at least see the steps with screen shots really helps. Sure, my book does that to a point but it helps get read other wording.

The Key Terms and concepts section is a life saver too. I am horrible at remember key terms and having a section with a lot of them listed that I can read through and study from helps tremendously.

There is also a study helper section that I've browsed and think will be a great resource. There are 8 sections that go over some of the key things I'll need to know, such as deploying win 7 and configuring Backup and Recovery options.

Overall, I feel like this software will really help me learn the material and become comfortable with the process so when it's time to take the test I'll be ready. If you are planning on taking a test, I recommend looking into uCertify to see if they offer a test prep for the exam you will be taking.

A Sheetcake Named Desire by Jacklyn Brady

2011-10-19T13:50:00.000-05:00

#1 Piece of Cake mystery series
Copyright: 2011
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 304
Challenges: New Author Challenge,
Author's Website
My rating: 3.5/5

Simple Description
Rita Lucero heads to New Orleans to see her estranged husband in person. They’ve been separated for awhile and she keeps trying to get him to sign the divorce papers but he won’t. She determined to stay in New Orleans until he’s signed them. However she never gets a chance because the next time she see’s him in person is when she finds his dead body.

The police question her as a suspect because as the estranged, but not currently ex-wife, she would be the next in line to receive ownership of his wealth, including a car, house, and a bakery. The bakery might be Rita’s dream, as she is a pastry chef, but she wouldn’t kill somebody for it. She didn’t even know about the house and car.

Rita is set to return home but her Mother-in-Law asks her to stay. She never liked that her son left Rita and
since the bakery is part hers, she wants Rita to stay on for a couple of days and manage the bakery. Just until things can be worked out. She doesn’t know who she can trust, seeing as how somebody is trying to sabatoge the bakery. She also feels the person who murdered her son works for the bakery, and wants Rita to help figure out who the killer is since the police can’t always be trusted to do so.

My Thoughts:
I felt this was a pretty good story. It’s a good start to a new series, one where you can expect the characters to continue to mature and grow on you. I like Miss Frankie, the mother. She seems like a wonderful woman.

I also like Rita, feel she’s been through a lot but can really come out of her shell and grow as partial owner
of the bakery.

There is the dreaded hated character that always shows up in cozies, but I’m really hoping that was just this
book and we won’t have to deal with her in the next installment. Luckily, while important to the story, it wasn’t necessary for her to be in the story a lot.

I have to admit that while I love to bake, I’m not a huge fan of all the cake designs and shapes that seem to
be so popular these days. While that part did play a small role in the story, it wasn’t enough to annoy me.
In fact, I probably could have used more story taking place in the bakery and around what the workers
were doing.

Overall, have to say this is a good start to a new cozy series. I think a lot of you will enjoy it and I look forward to the 2nd in the series.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy of this book for review.

Creepers by David Morrell

2011-10-09T12:41:00.000-05:00

#1 Frank Balenger
Copyright: 2005
Publisher: CDS Books
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 365
Challenges: Off the Shelf, New Author, Mystery and Suspense
Author's Website
My rating: 4/5

Simple Description:
Frank Balenger meets up with 4 other people one night in October as they plan to find a way into the boarded up Paragon Hotel and investigate. The others are creepers or urban explorers as they would like to be called. They access abandoned buildings and investigated, never damaging anything, not taking anything or leaving anything. The leave the place as undisturbed as possible. They just want a glance into the past. Frank is there to experience this for the first time.

The Paragon Hotel has been boarded up for years but was once a very luxurious hotel in Asbury Park, NJ. Known mobsters were known to stay there. The owner was recluse who occupied the top story and never left the hotel. The only way into the hotel is through a drainage system as the hotel was boarded up from the inside.

Things start off creepy when the tunnels are full of rodents...mutated rodents. There is even a 3 legged cat to give you the willies.

Soon the group is inside the hotel and one thing after another seems to go wrong. The group is about to get a lot more than they bargained for, and some might not even make it out alive.

My Thoughts:
I wasn't too sure what this book was about before reading it (yeah..another one) but I had heard it was a bit creepy. I figured that would make it the perfect book for October, when I try to add in some spooky reads. I was not disappointed. There were several things that happened in this book to give it a creep factor. The problem is, I hesitate to say more because I don't want to ruin anything. After reading the book I did read the back of the cover and I like that it doesn't give anything away, therefore I won't either.

You'll have to trust me when I say this was an excellent book, one that kept my interest the entire time. Plus, there were a lot of story lines that I did not anticipate but they made the story. Overall, very satisfied with this one and I know I'll read the 2nd (and currently only other book) in the series. I really liked Frank Balenger, what a great character.

Pleating for Mercy by Melissa Bourbon

2011-10-08T01:00:00.000-05:00

#1 Magical Dressmaking mystery
Copyright: 2011
Publisher: Signet
Genre: Mystery (cozy)
Pages: 320
Challenges: New author, Mystery and suspense,
Author's Website
My rating: 4/5

Simple Description:
Harlow Cassidy has recently moved back to her hometown of Bliss, OK. Her Grandmother passed away and left her the family house, which Harlow has turned into a dressmaking boutique on the first floor.

Business just opened and is off to a slow start until an old friend shows up and needs a wedding dress and 3 bridesmaid dresses, in only a couple of weeks.   As if that wasn't going to keep Harlow busy enough, one of the bridesmaids is found dead in her front yard.   The likely suspect appears to be the groom.   Harlow's friend is distrought and asks her to look into it a bit.

Harlow does really go out of her way to gather information, luckily she doesn't need to. As people show up at her boutique for fittings she's able to get some of the "gossip" from them and starts to piece things together. One thing that makes this a bit tricky is that the groom is from the wealthiest family in the area.

My Thoughts:
This is the first time I've read anything by this author (first time publishing under this name but she does write under the name Misa Ramirez).    You know me, I love a good cozy. What attracted me to this book was the "magical" aspect of it. I love me some paranormal. The Cassidy women all have a gift, it's different for everyone, but they all have one. I was intrigued by this and happy that it worked really well for the story. It wasn't over powering, but it was there and made it fun.

Another thing I enjoyed about this story is that Harlow didn't stop her business and go out asking questions and investigating.   She was smart and asked those who came into her shop. While she did attend a couple of events in hopes of getting some clues, it wasn't out of the ordinary or odd for her to do so.

Harlow is also a wonderful character. I really liked her and she wasn't the typical amature detective who got herself into trouble and was annoyingly nosy.   I also really liked her family and some of the other characters as well.

This book was a wonderful start to the series, if the 2nd book is just as good I can see it quickly becoming a favorite series of mine.

Thanks to the publisher for providing this book for review.

Half Marathon #2

2011-10-07T10:35:00.000-05:00

After the race and wearing the finishers medal

I haven't done a non-book related post on Friday in a really long time. I know you are all heart broken, right? I thought I would try to get back in the groove by sharing my latest success with my second attempt at a half marathon.

Many of you might remember that I attempted my first half marathon this past April. I was pumped and excited about it and ended up being very disapointed with my performance. We had an unusually hot day and the temps just got to me and I ended up having to walk several times. My goal had been 2hrs and I finished it in 2:18.

I felt I needed to prove to myself I could finish a half so I set out to run a fall half marathon.

Before the race

I knew the Rock N Roll Marathon was the 23rd of October so I started to loosly train for that even though I hadn't signed up for it. Then another half marathon was announced in my area, the MO' Cowbell. It happened to be a couple weeks earlier and a heck of a lot cheaper, so I immediatly signed up for it.

That is one reason I haven't been as active on my blogs, I've been in full training mode since the beginning of July. I basically work out 7 days a week and it's eating in to my reading time. Plus, I'm barely sleeping for some reason, so I'm basically walking around in a fog because I'm exhausted once evening hits.

So the half...it was last weekend. I had trained for it knowing I wanted to finish it in 2 hours. It was supposed to be a mostly flat course so it should be possible since I train with hills. Then I recently ended up having some health concerns and knew I couldn't push myself. I went into the half knowing that I still wanted to do 2 hours but not set on getting it. Instead I had to pay attention to my heart rate and make sure it didn't reach 170. So that meant any little incline would make the HR go up and I would have to back off.

Start off the race, the girl in blue with the black arm warmers is
who I ran with for the first 6 miles.

Well...I started off running with a girl I met earlier in the summer doing some speedwork and then doing a series of trail runs. She's a tad faster than me on low mileage runs but we had the same pace setting out for the half. I stuck with her for 6 miles, then slowed down and walked while getting water at the 6 mile water station. It was either that or dump water down the front of me. Plus it was a chance to get the HR down a bit. She got a bit ahead of me but I was still close until mile 9. After mile 9 we hit hills and I had to take it easy and lost sight of her. While I constantly checked my garmin because I had to watch my heart rate, I didn't pay much attention to the miles or pace. I felt good the whole time. I never hit the "wall". I felt stronger and better than I did for the half in April.

When the finish line came in sight I increased my pace a bit and as I got closer I ended up going out at a pretty good clip. I knew the heart rate would go up but also knew it wouldn't be for very long.

The finish at last! (don't like how it looks like I'm walking though)

I managed to come in with an overall-all time of 1:58:11, my pace was 9:01. I was extremly happy that I not only ran the entire race, but even having to take the hills easy and not push the pace on the flat area I was able to hit my time goal. I'm definitely gotten bit by the bug, already planning to run the race next year (as long as they offer it again).

September 2011 Reads

2011-10-01T03:00:00.000-05:00

Total books read: 7
Pages: 1749
New Authors: 3
Mystery: 3
Non-Fiction: 0
Fiction: 1
Young Adult: 3
Audio: 2
DNF: 0

Tempest in the Tea Leaves by Kari Lee Townsend
The Hunt Club by John Lescroart
The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larson
Secrets of the Wolves by Dorothy Hearst
The Maze Runner by James Dashner
Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

2011-09-30T15:07:00.004-05:00

Copyright: 1999
Publisher: Penguin
Genre: young adult
Pages: 198
Challenges: Young Adult, I want more book challenge
Author's Website
My rating: 5/5

I'm going to deviate away from my normal review format for this book. I don't actually want to give a short review of this one because I think it's best read not knowing exactly what's going on and I don't want to give away any spoilers.

I picked this book up because it's Banned Book Week. Based on my recent trend of not managing a lot of reading time I had hoped to also finish this week but wasn't sure I would. Surprise Surprise..I plowed through it.

I knew this book had been challenged by a professor in Springfield, MO last year. This guy's an idiot..and that's the nicest word I could come up with to describe him. His reasoning behing wanting it banned is so off, it's laughable. Well, I would laugh if we weren't talking about banned books, something I'm very passionate about.

So to give you a brief, but non-spoiler, idea of what this book is about, let me introduce you to the main character. Melinda is a freshman in highschool. She had friends when she was in 8th grade but upon starting 9th grade she finds herself an outcast. Everyone has turned their backs on her. She doesn't speak, or at least it's very rare. She keeps to herself. She doesn't take care of her appearance. She doesn't participate in school; often skipping it. Melinda is severely depressed. We don't know why.

Going in to this book I thought I remembered what was going on but didn't know for sure. I didn't bother looking up reviews or reading the back of the book. Because I already had an idea, I figured out what probably happened and I ended up being right. However I liked not knowing for sure until the reader finds out from Melinda, which isn't in the beginning. Not knowing for sure helped me focus on Melinda and pay attention to her signs. Pay attention to what she was feeling and thinking and going through. I can't say that I understand what Melinda was going through, I haven't experienced the same thing, but I've experienced some stuff in my life and suffered severe depression in High School. So I really felt for Melinda and I just wanted to wrap her up in a bear hug and protect her. Not sure Melinda would want that though.

I'm really glad I read this book for banned book week. I felt the writing was excellent and very true to Highschool life. Anderson wrote a fantastic novel and I highly recommend it.

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

2011-09-30T13:15:00.000-05:00

Copyright: 2011
Publisher: Scholastic Audio Books
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: audio
Challenges: New Author, Young Adult
Author's Website
My rating: 3/5

Simple Description:
Several beauty queens are enroute to the Team Dream beauty pageant when their plane crashes on what appears to be a desserted island. After several days they are still not rescued and the girls know they have to do something to survive. Armed only with what the could salvage from the plane (this includes evening gowns, hair straightners, hair pieces, etc) they set out to create shelter, weapons, and other things necessary to survive.

The girls each find another contestant they can bond with and each girl begins to grow a bit through this process. This get interesting when a pirate ship crashes just off the island. Then things get even more interestig when the girls realize they aren't alone on this island. Are these other inhabitants friend or foe?

My Thoughts:
I'm torn on this one. I love the idea of the story, however, I alternated between laughing because it was funny and not paying attention because it was a bit stupid. There were a lot of really good parts in this book. I loved that all the girls started to grow as people and not just beauty queens. They started to think for themselves and become stronger. I felt that was a great message. However sometimes the things they did or said was just too far on the stupid scale that I was disapointed. I think there could have been a happy medium. There were also just a lot of lines and parts in this book that had me either smiling or actually laughing by myself in the car. Those really made up for the stupid parts for me. So I'm torn, do I recommend this book or not? I think if you go into it just expecting a light read that could be entertaining and knowing there might be some parts that will annoy you, you'll like it. There were so many lines I wanted to quote in my review, but listening to the audio version while driving didn't give me the chance to actually write it down. So perhaps with this one you need to do a search and read other blogger reviews and then decide if it's worth trying it.

Audio Review:
When I first read a review for this book I did read that the author read it and did a good job. However by the time I got a copy to listen to myself I had forgotten this. So when I started the audio version and realize it was the author I was disapointed. I shouldn't have been! For once the author actually does an excellent job of narrating their own book! Sometimes it was a bit annoying (there is a deaf girl and when she talks the author was practically yelling and I had to adjust the volume) but for the most part I came away pleasantly surprised.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

2011-09-28T15:14:00.000-05:00

#1 Maze Runner
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Genre: young adult
Pages: 374
Challenges: What's in a Name?, Young Adult, Buy 1 book and read it
Author's Website
My rating: 3/5

Simple Description:
Thomas doesn't remember anything about his past. He wakes up on a lift and when the doors open he's in a placed called The Glades with several other boys. He has so many questions but nobody will answer them. Where is this place? What is he doing here? Why can't he remember anything?

The next day a girl shows up. THe first girl ever. Two kids in two days, that's never happened before. People are worried, why are things changing? What is it about Thomas that has caused these changes?

Thomas soon starts to get some answers and figure things out. It appears that outside the walls it's a maze and for two years the Runners have been running in the maze every day in hopes of finding a way out. They feel it's a test from the Creators, people who put them there. The walls close every night so the Greivers can't get inside, they are horrible monsters that will kill you. If you happen to be stung by one, you go through the change and you're never the same.   Unfortunatly for Thomas a couple of the kids who have gone through this change feel he's the cause to their recent problems and want him gone. But Thomas might have the answers to help the kids save themselves and find a way home, wherever or whatever that is.

My Thoughts:
This book actually started out pretty slow for me. The author had the kids use made up words in place of curse words. This wouldn't have bothered me, hey, I curse a lot. Teenage boys curse a lot. I just found the made-up words annoying and overly used.   I also found the beginnign slow because while the Glader's aren't giving Thomas any answers to what is going on, the reader doesn't get any info either. I suppose I just felt a bit confused and out of hte loop.

However, once I got a tad over 100 pages into the book it really started to pick up for me. There was more action and that kept the book moving. You also started to get some answers and figure out what was going on, and least to a point.

When I got very close to the end, I thought I was going to be a bit disapointed with the book. I wasn't happy with how it was ending. However I ended up being pleasantly surprised by the turn of events.

The copy I have also has "exclusive WICKED correspondence " at the very end and I really enjoyed that. I read this book with another co-worker and his copy didn't include this so I gave him mine to read. We both agreed that those extra pages really help the story and made us more interested in the next book.

Secrets of the Wolves by Dorothy Hearst

2011-09-15T19:07:00.003-05:00

#2 Wolf Chronicles
Copyright: 2011
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
Genre: fiction
Pages: 371
Challenges:
Author's Website
My rating: 3.5/5

Simple Description:
This book picks up where Promise of the Wolves left off. Kaala still believes that it's her job and the job of other wolves to help the humans. They must help the humans get the food they need while keeping them from killing all the prey in the valley so there's enough for the other wolves and animals.

The Greatwolves give Kaala a challenge. She must be friends with the humans they must live with the humans within a certain time period or all the wolves and humans in the valley will be killed. Kaala and some of her other wolf supporters/friends must find a way to get this to work.

Kaala must figure out how to get the human tribe to allow the wolves to live with them. While at the same time deal with some of the Greatwolves doing everything they can to make her fail.

My Thoughts:
This is such an interesting take on a book. I love that the story is being told from the wolves' point of view, something that definitely makes this book stand out from others. One thing that was interesting to see in this story, that I don't remember from book #1, was the dynamics of a wolf clan compared to that of a human one. How the wolves respond to an alpha wolf/leader as compared to how the humans respond to their leader, etc.

The book was a good follow-up to Promise of the Wolves and kept my interest. We get even more information on the history of the wolves and humans as well as why it's so important that they join forces again. Of course, the book is left wide open so you know there's going to be at least one more book in the series. What is it with my luck lately, nothing but cliff hangers.

I feel the author has a very good writing style. It's very easy to follow what she says and keep all the characters straight. I did notice a lot of grammatical errors in this book, which is disappointing, but it happens. It didn't ruin the book for me but felt the need to mention it.

Definitely recommend this book to others, especially if you read Promise of the Wolves. If you read that one I think you'll enjoy the follow-up. If you haven't read either one, then I recommend checking out Promise of the Wolves as you would need to read that one before this one.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster for providing this book for review.

The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson

2011-09-10T05:00:00.000-05:00

#2 Millennium Trilogy
Publisher: Random House Audio
Genre: Mystery
Pages: audio
Challenges: mystery and suspense
Author's Website
My rating: 4/5

Simple Description:
Lisbeth is back in town after traveling for awhile since the last saw her. She is still avoiding Mikael Blomkvist. She has money and doesn’t need work, but she isn’t sure what to do with her time. She tries to start living a normal life, she buys a new place to live and furnishes it, she reconnects with one of her friends.
Then she decides to check out Mikael’s computer and she reads about the newest project Millennium is taking on. They will be publishing a book and devoting a magazine edition to sex trafficking.   This peaks her interest.   It gets her interest enough that she decides to visit the author of the book.
Unfortunately on the night she visits the author and his fiancé, they are murdered after she leaves. The murder weapon is found in the stairwell and they have her prints on it. Her prints are in their apartment. Then her guardian is found murdered and she’s the prime suspect.
Lisbeth goes into hiding, and Mikael sets out to figure out who the real murder is. Lisbeth sets out to take matters into her own hands too.

My Thoughts:
I thought this was a fantastic follow-up to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.   Lisbeth is such an interesting character. She’s smart, she’s badass, and she’s messed up too. I can’t help but cheer her on the entire time. I think we all need a Lisbeth Salander in our lives.
I felt the story moved along very well and it kept my interest the whole time. While we don’t know everything, we know most of it the entire time but that’s ok. The interesting part is following Lisbeth and Mikael on their journey to put everything together.
This one does leave you with a cliff hanger, something we all know I love to hate. I would be lying if I said I did let out a long series of cuss words in the car when the story ended. I’ve already reserved my place for the audio book of the next one and I’m anxious to get it.

Audio Review:
Simon Vance is the narrator for this book and he does a fantastic job.   He’s very easy to listen to and keeps the story moving. While I sometimes had trouble keeping track of all the names and players in this story, I don’t really think that’s due to the audio version. I think it’s just the large number of characters and the different names. Which brings up another point, I do like listening to these on audio because Vance pronounces everything correctly, or at least I assume he is.

The Hunt Club by John Lescroart

2011-09-09T19:48:00.003-05:00

#2 Wyatt Hunt
Copyright: 2006
Publisher: Signet
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 512
Challenges: New Author Challenge, Mystery and Suspense, buy 1 book and read it
Author's Website
My rating: 3/5

Simple Description:
A federal judge is murdered in his home. He’s found with another dead body, that of a much younger girl. He’s found in his home, by his wife. Devin Juhle is the lead homicide investigator for this crime and he thinks it’s a pretty easy case, the jealous wife did it. His best friend and a local private investigator, Wyatt Hunt, believes otherwise.
When local celebrity Andrea Parisi goes missing, Devin believes she killed the judge and the other woman. Hunt, how recently got to know Parisi a bit better believes otherwise. He puts all other cases aside and spends all his time into trying to find her.
As a cop Devin has to follow the rules, as a private investigator Hunt believes he should be able to do what he wants in order to solve the case.

My Thoughts:
I thought this one was just ok. The story moved and there always seemed to be something going on but it didn’t really grab me. I can’t really explain why either. I loved the character of Hunt, he’s the kind of guy you want in your corner. I loved the interaction between Hunt and Devin.
I don’t know, I just can’t put my finger on exactly what I didn’t like about the book. There is a 2nd book in this series and I think I’ll end up reading it although I won’t rush out to get it. I think it deserves another chance though, given how much I liked the character of Hunt.

Tempest in the Tea Leaves by Kari Lee Townsend

2011-09-04T20:12:00.004-05:00

#1 Fortune Teller Mystery
Copyright: 2011
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 294
Challenges: Cozy Mystery Challenge
Author's Website
My rating: 3/5

Simple Description:
Sunny has moved to a small town in New York where she is going to start her dream of being a fortune teller, much to the joy of her parents.
Her very first client, however, has a negative reading. Sunny see’s her death in the near future. She waits an hour after the lady leaves before calling the police and reporting what she saw. She’s too late though.

When the cops get to the house of her first client the detective finds the client dead, murdered. Sunny is the prime suspect. As luck would have it, the police do ask Sunny to help them with the investigation and she is determined to prove her innocence.

My Thoughts:
I’m torn on this one. I felt it was good but there were some things that bothered me about it. I don’t really think it’s believable that the police would ask Sunny to help investigate, so that bothered me the whole time. I also felt that Sunny was rather immature at times, I can’t remember her exact age but believe it’s light 20’s or 30. I just feel like she should have acted her age more.

However, I do think the series has promise. I didn’t hate the book, I did enjoy it, you just have to get past the issues mentioned above. Sunny is a very interesting character and she has a lot of spunk. I think this is a character that could really develop and grow on me. I also like the hunky police detective, but then, who wouldn’t? I hope the next book in the series includes more of the fortune teller aspect because that’s part of what drew me to the book and it seemed to take 2nd stage most of the time.

Thanks to the author for providing this book for review.

August 2011 Reads

2011-09-02T11:01:00.001-05:00

Total books read: 4
Pages: 1113
New Authors: 2
Mystery: 2
Non-Fiction: 0
Fiction: 2
Young Adult: 0
Audio: 1
DNF:0

Enemy Women by Paulette Jiles
The Last Child by John Hart
Eternal Kiss of Darkness by Jeaniene frost
Vision Impossible by Victoria Laurie

Wow – I think this is my lowest month ever. I could have sworn I read more books, but I guess not. My cd player in my car broke, so I’m stuck listening to audio books on my ipod. So that means for short car rides I’m usually too lazy to get it out. So I don’t listen to as many audio books as usual. Not sure why the reading at home has really slacked though. I don’t like it. There are so many good books waiting for me. Fingers crossed September is a lot better.

Vision Impossible by Victoria Laurie

2011-08-28T06:39:00.000-05:00

#9 Psychic Eye Mystery
Copyright: 2011
Publisher: Obsidian
Genre: mystery
Pages: 358
Challenges: cozy mystery challenge

Vision Impossible picks up where A Glimpse of Evil ends. Abby and Dutch have agreed to go undercover to help retrieve a drone that was stolen from the government. This is a very important weapon for the US government and if in the wrong hands, well, let's just say that wouldn't be good.

Dutch impersonates a known arms dealer and Abby is his, well, she starts out as his girlfriend and then switches to assistant. It seems nothing will go as planned though, from the arms dealer's girlfriend showing up to Dutch being captured by one of the men who might know where the drone is, to Abby's life being threatened.

I found this to be another wonderful addition to the series. I say this each time I review a book in the series but I'll say it again, this is by far one of my favorite series. I love Abby and Dutch. Their characters are very well created. I enjoy the mix of paranormal, mystery, and humor that the author is able to create with each new addition to the series. If you haven't tried this series yet, I definitely recommend giving it a shot...but starting with book one of course.

Eternal Kiss of Darkness by Jeaniene Frost

2011-08-27T06:23:00.001-05:00

#2 Night Huntress World
Copyright: 2010
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Mystery
Pages: audio
Challenges: Strong Heroine, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal/fantasy reading challenge, audio book challenge

This particular installment allows us to get closer to Mencheres. Mencheres is a master vampire who is pretty close to being done with life. Then he meets Kira Graceling. She's a human and a private investigator. She happens to come across Mencheres being tortured by some ghouls and tries to save him, endangering her own life. Mencheres rescues her and saves her, only to fall in love with her. He tries to let her go back to her life, knowing that things are coming to an end for him. However things quickly make a turn for the worse and Mencheres is forced to make Kira into a vampire. Together they set out to save Mencheres from the one vampire who wants him dead.

Ok, yeah, so it's another vampire book. By now you know I love my vampire books. Jeaniene Frost has created a wonderful world. I'm really enjoying this spin-off series. I love that we learn more about some of the secondary characters in the Night Huntress series. I think it's going to make the Night Huntress books that much more interesting since we'll have background on more of the characters. Of course, I love that Bones and Cat also make an appearance in this book.

I suppose I should touch on the story itself huh? I enjoyed the story and found that it kept my interest. I think Kira is a very strong character and I hope she shows up in more books. I did listen to the audio version of this book and the narrator did a wonderful job. And that's all I've got. Another short review, but I'll be caught up soon and hopefully things settle down and I'll have time for things to go back to normal soon.

Enemy Women by Paulette Jiles - final review

2011-08-26T19:09:00.001-05:00

This is week four of the Enemy Women by Paulette Jiles read-a-long. Please check outweek 1, week 2, and week 3 discussions. Up to this point, you would have read through chapter 24.

This week’s discussion is for ch. 25 through the end of the book. We hope that you’ve enjoyed the discussions so far and have commented or answered the questions.

A lot of the latter parts of the book focus on Adair’s time alone in the woods. She sits and listens to the animals and listens for soldiers and signs of life. Do you find her reactions to her surroundings as a lone young woman in the woods believable?

I didn't pick up on the stories between the animals either. I think this could be I wasn't paying too much attention at this point. I've been just kinda going through the motions and reading the book to get done with it and see how it ends. haha! I do agree that she seems very immature for being 18 during that time period. I suppose some of her actions I can blame on her illness but, well, maybe I just don't want to.

How did you feel about Major Neumann not making another appearance until the second-to-last chapter, especially considering that some of us are finding his story more interesting than Adair’s?
I was very disappointed. I definitely like Major Neumann's story more than Adair's and like him as a character better. So to not hear his story for awhile was very disappointing

What are your final impressions of the book?
I'm glad I finished the book but I didn't really like the story. I didn't much care for Adair's character. I felt she was pretty immature and full of herself. I also find a lot of the events unbelievable. My favorite part of the book were the tidbits at the beginning of each chapter that were took from real accounts, etc. Those were by far the most interesting. I also liked Major Neumann's story a lot more than Adair's so the fact that we didn't get a whole lot of him was also disappointing. I can't say I hated the book, I think the concept was interesting, I just don't think it was delivered very well.

The Last Child by John Hart

2011-08-23T16:41:00.000-05:00

Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Minotaur books
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 419
Challenges: Off the shelf, New Author

Seeing as how I'm behind in my reviews, I'm going to just do a couple of short reviews for the two books I've finished within the last couple of weeks.

This was my first John Hart book and I can tell you it won't be the last. Yes, it did take me awhile to really get in to this book, but once I did I loved it.

Johnny Merrimon has had to deal with more than most kids his age. His twin sister Alyssa disapeared a year ago, soon after his Father ran off. His Mom couldn't deal with this and hooked up with the richest guy in town who got her addicted to drugs and booze and beats both of them. Johnny is trying to survive and find out what happened to his sister at the same time.

The police officer in charge of his sister's disappearence, Detective Clyde Hunt, hasn't been able to let the case go either. He spends more time than he should working on the case even though there haven't been any new leads. He wants to protect Johnny and his Mom from their current situation to and that might just cost him his job.

This story has a lot going on. Once you get into it a bit you'll be hooked. It keeps your mind active and engaged. It keeps you wondering what exactly is going to happen and what exactly happened to his sister.

Enemy Women by Paulette Jiles - read-a-long Week3

2011-08-22T12:28:00.003-05:00

This is week 3 of the Enemy Women by Paulette Jiles read-a-long hosted by the lovely ladies at the War Through the Generations challenge. If you missed the week 1 and week 2 discussions, please take a minute to join the discussion.
This week, each of us had to read the Chapters 16-24. Please be warned there will be spoilers if you have not read the chapters previously.

In Chapter 17, once Adair has escaped the prison in St. Louis and is searching for a way South, Jiles makes a point of demonstrating the nation in transition between farming and industrial and traditional and modern sensibilities. How does she accomplish this and is it done well?
I actually didn't notice this until reading the question and then your answers. I think perhaps because the focus was on her finding a hat and then a basket. So those are the things that I focused on. After reading your responses where you point it out, it does seem obvious to me now.   So I guess that I feel like it wasn't well done, if the hat and basket hadn't been so dominate I think I would have noticed.

These chapters center on two things — Adair’s escape and attempts to return home and Major Neumann’s journey to join his new unit and the battle where he loses part of his hand. Which storyline do you find more interesting at this point?
I actually find Major Neumann's story more interesting. I think because I like reading about the battles more and what the men experienced and went through.   Sure, Adair is dealing with some tough stuff too, but it doesn't interest me as much.

What do you make of the woman and the daughter Adair stays with for a time? Do you think these scenes are necessary?
I feel like they were a tad unnecessary but since it ends up with her discovering her horse, I can see why they are there.   Perhaps it could have been cut shorter? A couple of thoughts though.   I think at first it shows how sick Adair was because she was going in and out.   Then it made me think worse of Adair because it appears after a bit she was feeling fine, yet not offering to help out around the house/yard. So it seemed she was taking advantage of their hospitality and that made me think negativly of Adair.

Out of curiosity, do you think you would be as merciless as Lila and Rosalie or more cunning like Adair if you needed to steal to survive?
I would like to say that I would be very cunning, but I'm not sure I could pull it off. haha!

What is your overall impression of the book at this point? Are you enjoying it more? Less?
I'm enjoying it more because I like Major Neumann's story line. Adair..I just can't connect with her and that's keeping me from really enjoying the story.

Enemy Women by Paulette Jiles - Read-a-long Week 2

2011-08-20T18:06:00.002-05:00

I'm behind in the read-a-long, took me awhile to get the chapters read. So here's the second week's questions that I missed last week.

This is week two of the Enemy Women by Paulette Jiles read-a-long for the War Through the Generations - American Civil War challenge. For this week, each of us had to read chapters 7-15. These chapters follow Adair Colley and her plight in the women's prison near St. Louis.

How would you compare Adair’s thinking to that of a more traditional southern woman, like Rhoda?
I agree with Serena and Anna. Adair seems to have more traditional, modern ways about her than the traditional southern roles that come to mind. She speaks her mind, she speaks up for herself. She's not willing to let people get away with something she thinks is wrong. This is rather different for that time period. Women were supposed to be behind the men and do what was expected and not speak out. Adair, she doesn't work that way.

Describe the relationship between Adair and Major Neumann. Is it believable? Do you think the war has influenced it and in what way? Has their plight moved you?
I think the relationship is a little, weird, at first. It seems to be pure lust at first because, I mean come on, how well could he really know her since she is a prisoner. It's not like they have a lot of time to hang out and get to know each other. However, I think it started out with him finding her very pretty and wanting to help her. He doesn't really like his role and doesn't think most of the women should be in the prison. I think in trying to help Adair, Major Neumann did start to learn more about her and did begin to fall for her. I think Adair, on the other hand, might be caught up in it. She's mostly out to save herself. He doesn't seem to share much about himself with her. So at first I think Adair liked the attention and thought he was handsome.

What do you make of Adair’s “confessions?” Do you think she should have followed Major Neumann’s advice and given them anything plausible just to be released?
I actually like her confessions. I thought it was rather witty of her and smart. It allowed her to see Major Neumann more and let him get to know a bit about her. I don't think she should have followed his advice. I suppose it would allow her to leave the prison, but she would be making something up and could harm others. I thinks he did the right thing.

What is your overall impression of the book at this point? Are you enjoying it more? Less?
I'm enjoying the book more than I did at first, but still not loving it. I think the parts at the beginning of each chapter are still my favorite.

Enemy Women by Paulette Jiles - Chapters 1-6

2011-08-05T12:37:00.000-05:00

I decided to participate in the Enemy Women read-along hosted by Anna and Serena for the War Through the Generations - American Civil War reading challenge. This week the goal was to read the prologue and then Chapters 1-6.

Do you think the prologue was necessary? Why or Why not?
I think the prologue was necessary but very dry. I admit that I don't know much about the Civil War, much less things that happened in my own State. I tend to think that Missouri wasn't that important but I'm beginning to realize we had a lot of battles and a lot going on.

The prologue gave us background on what was happening in Southern Missouri, something that I had no clue was happening. However the way in which it was written was very dry and very hard to follow. It was incredibly boring and didn't always make sense to me. So I struggled to get through it, yet feel it was necessary since I went into the story itself having a better understanding of what was going on.

What are your first impressions of the main character, Adair Colley?
I'm not to sure about Adair yet. She's very strong willed and I like that about her. However she seems to be too rash. I feel she made some poor decisions so far, either from lack of knowledge about what's going on or naivety. Perhaps a combination of both. I'm not sure I would have gone to the Union militia to demand my father's freedom, trailing two younger siblings, if I knew I had relatives/friends I could go to for shelter and help.

The correspondence at the beginning of each chapter provides background to the fighting. How do you think that will figure into the overall plot or what is its purpose?
I find that the correspondence helps me understand the story better. It gives me more of a background of what's happening and what things were like. I really enjoy reading them. I'm a sucker for things like that though. I love reading war letters, diaries, etc in the original form because it just makes it seem more real. I think the ones included at the start of each chapter really help the book.

For my own thoughts on the story so far:
I'm having trouble with this one. It's hard for me to get into the groove of the writing. It's not flowing well for me yet and I think that's causing some issues with me not being too thrilled with it yet. I'm enjoying it, just not crazy about it. I'm looking forward to reading the next set of chapters though. Now that Adair is in St. Louis (where I live) I'm interested to see what happens and what things were like.

I knew that Missouri was one of the swing states but didn't know much about our role in the Civil War. So I am drawn into the story for that reason.

July 2011 Reads

2011-07-31T04:06:00.009-05:00

Total books read: 8

Pages: 1402
New Authors: 4
Mystery: 3
Non-Fiction: 1
Fiction: 3
Young Adult: 1
Audio: 3
DNF: 0

Witches of East End by Melissa De La Cruz
The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong
The Reapers are the Angels by Alden Bell
Born to Run by Christopher McDougall
Grace Interrupted by Julie Hyzy
Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs
Black Rose by Nora Roberts
A Taste of the Nightlife by Sarah Zettel

Boy...once again not a great month as far as numbers go. However, this seems to be pretty normal for me these days. I want to apologize for not visiting all your blogs recently. I know I'm incredibly behind and I just haven't had time. I actually went into my Google reader a couple of days ago and marked everything as read so I could start over fresh and hope that will help me get back into the groove of it.

A Taste of the Nightlife by Sarah Zettel

2011-07-31T03:41:00.000-05:00

#1 Vampire Chef Mystery
Copyright: 2011
Publisher: Obsidian
Genre: mystery
Pages: 297
Challenges: New Author, 1st in a series, Cozy mystery challenge
Author's Website
My rating: 4/5

Simple Description:
Charlotte Cain is a chef at her own restaurant, Nightlife. Her brother is a vampire and he is co-owner and works out on the floor while she handles the kitchen. She has created a menu that both the humans and vampires can enjoy. Now they just need to make sure they stay in business long enough to start making some money. Things are going well until there is an altercation in the dining room one night. The night that a famous vampire food critic happens to be dining there. The altercation is between a vampire and a couple of witches. As if that isn't bad enough, one of the witches is found in her restaurant the next day. Dead. His blood drained.

Charlotte was going to let the police Paranormal squad handle things, but then it looks like her vampire brother might be involved somehow. She wants to figure out what is going on and possibly keep him out of trouble. With the help of a famous witch and a famous vampire, she just might do that..if she isn't killed first.

My Thoughts:
What a fantastic start to a new series! You know me, I like my vampires and witches. When I had the chance to get a review copy of this book there was no way I could pass on it. I loved Charlotte. She was fun. She had spunk. Sure, she had her problems but she's a great character.

I thought the author did a good job introducing us to what life is like in her book..where vampires are out in the open and there are witches, without having to sit down and outline it all for us. It was easy to follow and felt natural.

I thought the story moved along pretty well and it kept my interest. It felt like it took me forever to finish this book but that had nothing to do with the book but rather my busy life. I definitely recommend this one to cozy fans who enjoy urban fantasy too. Just one note, there is some cursing in this story. I thought it went well with the character and it seemed natural. It didn't bother me at all. I only mention it because normally you don't see this with cozies and I know some don't like it, so wanted to make sure you were aware.

Thanks to the publisher for providing this book for review.

Black Rose by Nora Roberts

2011-07-29T15:10:00.001-05:00

#2 In the garden Trilogy
Copyright: 2010 (audio)
Publisher: Brilliance Audio
Genre: fiction
Pages: audio
Challenges: audio
Author's Website
My rating: 3.5/5

Simple Description:
The second book in the series features Roz Harper as the character to watch. She's strong and independent and has sworn off men after she found out what a sleaze her ex-husband was and divorced him. She's in for a surprise though, when Mitch, the man she hired to research her family and figure out who the ghost is, goes after her. As they spend more time together she realizes that she might be falling in love with him.

Unfortunately her ex-husband is back in town and causing a lot of trouble for her. She has to deal with those and the ghost who isn't happy she might love Mitch.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this book as much as I enjoyed the first in the series, Blue Dahlia. I really like Roz's character and it was enjoyable to see her strengths and weaknesses. It was fun to see how she got back at her ex-husband. Of course, I'm a girl, so I enjoy that she ended up falling head over heels for Mitch too. I have one left in the trilogy and I can't wait to get to it.

Audio Review:
Susie Breck is the narrator for this book and she does a fantastic job. While she changes her voice, it's not always as big a change as other narrators do, but it's still good. She puts in a bit of southern charm when she reads the book and makes it an enjoyable way to "read" the book.

Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs

2011-07-26T14:13:00.002-05:00

#5 Mercy Thompson
Copyright: 2010
Publisher: Ace
Genre: fantasy
Pages: 304
Challenges: Strong Heroine, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal/Fantasy Romance, Buy 1 Book and read it
Author's Website
My rating: 3.5/5

I wasn't creative enough to come up with my own description so I took the following from Amazon.com:
Coyote-shifting garage mechanic Mercedes Thompson, now mated to Adam, the Alpha of the local werewolf pack, embarks on her exciting fifth dark fantasy adventure (after 2009's bestselling Bone Crossed). Three subplots—Mercy's attempt to return a magical book to a fae friend-of-a-friend, her difficulties integrating into Adam's pack, and her roommate Samuel's misery over being a lone Alpha—come together seamlessly, and excitement builds as Mercy and her loved ones go through ever more intense experiences, including a house fire, a suicide attempt, a death sentence, and a reunion between long-ago loves. Briggs creates both well-rounded characters and a complex mythology, resulting in a rich read that's far more than a series of action adventures strung together. Fans of the series will be thrilled; new readers should start at the beginning or risk drowning in the immersive world-building

My thoughts:
I love this series..one of my favorites. This book did not disappoint. I like that you saw more of Mercy and Adam's relationship and how they are trying to deal with everything. Mercy is her own woman and does her own thing and that can be hard for a pack leader. Adam is a great guy and he loves Mercy though. I love the two of them together. I like that Mercy stuck by Samuel when things got rough and he just wanted to be left alone. It shows how great she really is.

If you are a fan of this series already, I'm sure you will enjoy book #5. If you haven't started this series yet but like urban fantasy, I highly recommend this one.

Grace Interrupted by Julie Hyzy

2011-07-19T12:50:00.000-05:00

#2 Manor House Mystery
Copyright: 2011
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Genre:Pages: 288
Challenges: Cozy Mystery Challenge, 2011 Pub Challenge
Author's Website
My rating: 3

Simple Description:
It hasn't been that long since the last murder at Marshfield Manor but it appears they are going to be dealing with another. There is a group doing a civil war re-enactment on the property. This would be fine except that two women try to sneak into the encampment, which is off limits to guests, so they can taser a guy. When that guy shows up, he ends up punching one of the gardeners. This guy is then found the next morning, murdered. The cops think it's the gardener, since there is bad blood between the two families. This isn't the only murder they have been involved in. Grace doesn't believe the gardener is the one who did it and sets out to see if she can figure out who the real murderer is.

My Thoughts:
I thought this was an excellent follow up to the first in the series, Grace Under Pressure. Grace is a lovable character. She has her faults but you know she's a nice person and like her. The series even has the dreaded awful character, but in this one you see that she isn't so bad. Well, at least not all the time.

I personally thought the civil-war re-enactment part was interesting. I haven't done my own research to see if what was mentioned is really how things work, but I enjoyed reading about it. I also find it fitting that this is the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War and I've been reading a lot of articles and watching lots of shows. So it was a fun addition to the series for me.

Thanks to the author for providing this book for review.

Born to Run by Christopher McDougall

2011-07-17T06:49:00.000-05:00

Copyright: 2010
Publisher: Random House audio
Genre: Non-fiction
Pages: audio
Challenges: New Author, What's in a Name (life stage), audio book
Author's Website
My rating: 5/5

Simple Description:
The author, Christopher McDougall is a runner who kept getting injured. He set out to learn why and figure out a way to get back into running. He ended up in Mexico in a quest to find the Tarahumara Indians and Caballa Blanco. The Tarahumara Indians are ultra runners, only they don't normally compete in any races. They run for fun. The run a lot. They run long mileage. How is it they can continue to run this mileage and never hurt themselves? Whereas thousands of runners in the US run less mileage and hurt themselves every year.

The author set out to find out what the difference was. The answer wasn't exactly what he was expecting. The Tarahumara Indians didn't wear running shoes, they ran in sandals.

The books goes back and for between the author's search of Caballa Blanco and the resulting race with some of the top ultra marathoners and the science behind barefoot runners and why humans run.

Here's a blurb from the author's website:

With a sharp wit and wild exuberance, McDougall takes us from the high-tech science labs at Harvard to the sun-baked valleys and freezing peaks across North America, where ever-growing numbers of ultrarunners are pushing their bodies to the limit, and, finally, to the climactic race in the Copper Canyons. Born to Run is that rare book that will not only engage your mind but inspire your body when you realize that the secret to happiness is right at your feet, and that you, indeed all of us, were born to run.

My Thoughts:
While I was enjoying this story, the constant switching between the authors quest to find Caballa Blanco and the Tarahumara Indians (and resulting race) and the science behind why humans run and barefoot running was rather confusing at times. It really took me awhile to get used to it. In fact, I even told some people last week that I wasn't too sure about the book.

With that being said, I ended up loving the book. I loved both parts of the story. I loved learning about the race and the background of the runners. I was fascinated by the science/research behind running and running barefoot. There were several times while listening to the narration of the race where I found myself smiling. Smiling at the sheer joy the runners were experiencing (along with the pain of course). Smiling because while I don't run that kind of mileage, I know what it feels like to push myself and how great it feels to accomplish something in running you didn't think you could do.

The science side of it was just fascinating for me. The author explains what some have found to be why humans run a marathon, what drives some to run that distance and more. I also agreed with his findings regarding current running shoes and the move many are taking towards barefoot running.

I didn't think I would like this book. Yes, I'm a runner, but that doesn't mean I actually read books about running. However, after dealing with a stress fracture in my heal in 2009 I started doing research on the minimalist shoe movement. I did a lot of research and decided it made sense and switched to a minimalist shoe this past April (moving to it 100% in May). Every time Dr's or other runners learned of my plan to do this this they would comment "Oh, you've read Born to Run?" Nope. I then read several reviews that said the audio version of this book was great, so I decided to give it a try. I am so glad I did.

I honest think most runners would enjoy this book. If they can get used to the constant switching in the story, that is. I'm sure I sound like a broken record, but as a runner I just found the story fascinating.

For those who aren't runners, if you live with a runner this might be a good book for you. It might help you understand why they run. You might enjoy the race parts. If you don't live with a runner, heck, you might still find it interesting. You might think runners are crazy, especially those who run 100 mile races. Maybe this book would help explain why they do what they do.

After reading this book do I still think I made the right choice switching to a minimalist shoe? You betcha! Every point that was made regarding the benefits are the reasons I switched. Even though I've had some pain and issues switching, it's the right choice in my opinion and one that I recommend to others when they ask me about it.

Since I'm speaking of running, just want to mention that my next half marathon is Oct. 2nd. It's in 12 weeks. Yikes!

Audio Review:
The narrator of this book is Fred Sanders. He did an awesome job. I loved listening to this book. He did a great job with this book and I definitely recommend this one on audio.

Friday Smile - Pool Party!

2011-07-16T00:33:00.000-05:00

Yes, another pool party at my house. This time both sisters were able to come with their kiddo's and my Mom and her husband made it also.

I knew the one sister had a birthday party to attend earlier in the day and since her Husband had softball all day I knew she would have both kids. So I volunteered to watch the baby. It was nice..we watched tv and napped. haha! I'm guessing that's now what it's really like when you have a kid though right? :)

Don't forget, if you want to see a bigger image just click on the photo.

Not the best picture of me, but I like it anyway. My sister showed back up while I was still napping on the couch with the baby and her other son decided to lay next to me too.

All the (older) boys lined up and waiting for Uncle Husband to catch them as they jump in.

I couldn't pass up sharing this though, because I have a similar picture of one of his brother's from a pool party a year or two ago.

Now this guy knows how to relax

Doesn't that look like fun!

Last, but not least, felt it only right to share a picture of my furbaby. Myla loves to be outside with us but can only handle the heat in short spurts.

The Reapers are the Angels by Alden Bell

2011-07-14T06:45:00.000-05:00

Copyright: 2010
Publisher: Henry Hold and Company
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 225
Challenges: Off the Shelf, Strong Heroine, New Author
Author's Website
My rating: 4/5

"But there are secrets that lurk in the mind, and she doesn't want any of them sneaking up on her. Sometimes it pays to take a deep look inside even if you get queasy gazing into those dark corners." pg 10-11

Simple Description:
15 year old Temple hasn't known any other world. She was born into a world unlike that we know today. The world has been overrun by "meatskins". It's kill or be killed in this world. Temple does end up at a safe house. She knows she won't stay long, she's not comfortable unless she is out on her own roaming this once great nation. Before she is at the safe house for too long she ends up killing a man. She escapes but she knows his brother is going to track her down. While running from him she also sets out to take a challenged man to his family and escape her own demons.

My Thoughts:
I had bought this book for Husband because he seems to like zombie books and, as he calls them, "end of the world" books. He kept telling me to read this one and I finally relented. I'm actually pleasantly surprised by how well I liked this one.

It does take awhile to get into this book. The writing is different, the punctuation is different. There are no quotes for when somebody speaks, it's just typed. So getting used to that can take some time.

However I thought the story was fantastic. You can't help rooting for Temple. Sure, she's done a lot of things in life most of us couldn't imagine doing, but she grew up in a different world. You want her to survive, you want her to live and keep going.

I definitely recommend this book to those of you who like this type of book. Even if you don't necessarily read these types of books, if it sounds interesting, check it out online or at the bookstore, it's worth it.

The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong

2011-07-12T11:42:00.000-05:00

#3 Darkest Power trilogy
Copyright: 2010
Publisher: Harper Teen
Genre: YA
Pages: audio
Challenges: urban fantasy challenge, Paranormal/Fantasy Romance, Young Adult, Audio Book
Author's Website
My rating: 2/5

Simple Description:
This is the third and final book in the trilogy. There are a group of kids who have special powers and they are on the run. They are running from the company who gave them these powers and, as it turns out, now want to kill them. They meet up with a man who they think is on their side and they get to the safe house. Except as the kids stay longer they learn that maybe they aren't as safe as they think they are.

My Thoughts:
I didn't think this was the best book. Here's the thing, I think that all three books could have been made into one. I feel like this is one of those cases where the books were split into three in order to make more revenue. It felt like, even though a lot happened, enough didn't happen to make this a satisfying book. I found myself listening to this and not really carrying about what happened.

Audio Review:
The audio version is read by Cassandra Norris. While I think she did well, for the most part, there are some issues I had with it. I believe I voiced these opinions with the last review too. I realize these are teenagers but Norris put in too much sarcasm in her voice. To the point that I found it annoying.

Friday Smile - Vacations growing up

2011-07-08T11:50:00.006-05:00

Some of you might wonder how it is I grew up to love trail running. Have no fear..I grew up camping, backpacking and hiking. It was only a natural progression. Well, I did swear off of it all for awhile but then realized I really do love being in nature. However don't expect me to camp again, I do like modern conveniences (like flush-able toilets).

Here are more of the slides that I mentioned I had converted to digital. I'm not sure where these were taken at though. As usual, don't forget you can click on the image to see it bigger.

I'm on the left by myself. My Mom is afraid of heights, as you can see my Dad wasn't and neither are my sisters and I.

I'm the one sitting in front of my Mom

Yup..that's me on top of the shade thing for the picnic table. Lord..if I tried to do that today I doubt I could manage it. haha

I can't remember if I've shared this one or not. I really like it though, not sure why. Maybe because Chris is always complaining that I'm constantly eating and here my parents took a picture of me eating on vacation.

Don't think my parents only made us camp in the summer. Oh no...we froze too. (I'm the one with that AWESOME hood)

This one is just funny...because you can tell we are freezing and all crowded around in the fire pit trying to get it started.

Witches of East End by Melissa De La Cruz

2011-07-07T16:43:00.000-05:00

#1 Beauchamp Family
Copyright: 2011
Publisher: Hyperion
Genre: Fiction
Pages: 288
Challenges: New Author, Strong Heroine, 1st in a series, 2011 Pub
Author's Website
My rating: 4/5

Simple Description:
The three Beauchamp women live the small town of North Hampton. Joanna and her two daughters, Freya and Ingrid are witches and have been around for centuries. They have been forbidden to use magic though, unless when necessary to hide their true identity. However it's been a long time since they have heard from the council and Frey and Ingrid both start to use magic. When there are no consequences Joanna uses some as well.

Then things take a turn for the worse. Strange things start happening to the town. People start to go missing, get sick, and even murdered. Suddenly some of the towns folk start to turn on the three women. If that wasn't enough they have bigger issues trying to figure out what is causing the illnesses in town and trying to fix it.

My Thoughts:
This is the first book I've read by the author and I have to say, I enjoyed it a lot. There were times when things were a bit confusing because it refers to the women being around for centuries and to thinks happening in their past but it doesn't elaborate until later in the story. You learn bits and pieces of their history the more you keep reading.

As you know, I do like the paranormal so I was intrigued by the witch aspect of this book. I think the author did a good job with it. It was very much who the women were and you saw them struggling with not using it and what they are doing to live a full life. Then you see each woman blossom when she starts to use it again.

While I didn't exactly find anything saying this was the first in a new series, the fact that it's referred to as The Beauchamp Family when you look it up online and the ending leaves it open for at least one more story, I assume this is going to be a series. I'm perfectly happy with that and look forward to book #2.

Thanks to Megan B. for providing this book for review.

June 2011 Reads

2011-07-01T16:27:00.000-05:00

I'm torn, because finishing 8 books in a month is really good, yet I feel like I'm barely reading. I know my reading has gone down, heck 3 of those were audio books, and that makes me sad. Yet, I'm a lot busier now so it's harder to get in the reading time. I even cut out a ton of tv, but that hasn't seemed to help much. Oh well..still a great month though.

Total books read: 8

Pages: 1670
New Authors: 1
Mystery: 2
Non-Fiction: 0
Fiction: 3
Young Adult: 3
Audio: 3
DNF: 0

Driven to Ink by Karen E. Olson

Hunted by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Joy for Beginners by Erica Bauermeister

13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Hexes and Hemlines by Juliet Blackwell

The Betrayal of the Blood Lilly by Lauren Willig

Sweet Love by Sarah Strohmeyer

Challenges

Still doing well working on the challenges, as usual I'm very far behind in some and close in others. I've now completed 3 challenges, yeah!

Off the Shelf: 15/30

New Author: 13/50
Hometown Challenge: 0/4
Gothic Reading Challenge: 0/1
Strong Heroine Challenge: 9/12
Urban Fantasy Challenge: 8/15
I want More Book Challenge: 3/4
What’s in a Name?4: 3/6
Paranormal/Fantasy reading challenge: 6/12
Series Challenge season 5: 1/2 series, 2/7 books
1st in a Series challenge: 11/12
War Through the Generations: 2.5/10
Young Adult challenge: 12/20
Mystery and Suspense: 8/12
Cruisin’ Through the Cozies: 13/13

Cozy Mystery Challenge: 2/6

Buy 1 book and read it: 6/12
Audio Books: 20/20
2011 Pub Challenge: 14/11

Friday Smile - Baseball!

2011-07-01T04:19:00.000-05:00

Baseball..or should I say T-ball? Several weekends ago Husband and I went to my oldest nephews baseball game. He gets excited when we go watch him play a sport so I always try to go to at least one (I went to two of his soccer games in the fall). After the incredibly hot baseball game we went back to my sisters house for some good BBQ and more play time.

My nephew is the one in blue running bases

This little guy is almost 1! I can't believe it.

He kept covering is face when I tried to take a picture, but then peaking through is fingers.

The two older kids have decided that their Uncle is fun to play with.

Sweet Love by Sarah Strohmeyer

2011-06-29T04:07:00.000-05:00

Copyright: 2008
Publisher: Penguin
Genre: fiction
Pages: 368
Challenges: Buy 1 book and read it
Author's Website
My rating: 3.5/5

Simple Description:
Julie Mueller has always been in love with Michael Slayton. The problem was that Julie's mother, while she loved Michael, didn't want her daughter to date him. Julie made a pass at Michael when she was 17, he didn't return the favor. She moved on to get pregnant, get married, get divorced. He married and divorced as well. While her older brother remained in contact with Michael, Julie and Michael stopped talking 6 years ago.

Julie is a reporter and she published a piece that ruined the politician that Michael was working for. They didn't see eye to eye on it and, well, stopped talking.

Now Julie and Michael have been forced back together. They were both tricked in to taking a dessert baking class and started talking again. This comes at a time when Julie's world seems to start falling apart. Will she be able to lean on Michael or will she push him away or will he not have the same feelings for her that he once did?

My Thoughts:
I thought this book was really good. It was pretty faced paced, I'm surprised I read it as fast as I did. I can't say I loved the book, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sometimes I felt Julie was too whiny, but at the same time I had a feeling there's a good chance I could react the same way she did if I had been in her position. She hasn't had things extremely easy. I also think that the way Jill and Michael interacted is pretty true. I could totally see myself doing the same thing. haha!

All in all - likable characters, a good story, and a fast read. What more could you ask for?

The Betrayal of the Blood Lilly by Lauren Willig

2011-06-28T16:07:00.000-05:00

#6 Pink Carnation
Copyright: 2010 (audio)
Publisher: Penguin (audio)
Genre: Fiction
Pages: audio
Challenges: Strong Heroine, Audio book
Author's Website
My rating: 2/5

Simple Description:
Penelope is hastily married to Lord Frederick Stains once it is found out that the two were in a room together..with no one else. It doesn't matter that nothing happened, Penelope was compromised and Freddy did the "right" thing by marrying her. It is definitely not a match made out of love, the two don't really like each other. The end up going to India for Freddy's job right after the wedding. The hope is that with them out of society in London, their fast marriage will quickly be passed over for other gossip.

Penelope knows there is another spy on the loose and she knows they are after it. She suspects almost everyone, including Captain Alex Reid. Unfortunately, Pen also finds herself attracted to Captain Reid. There's just something about him.

My Thoughts:
I thought this book was good, but not great. It's actually my least favorite in the series so far. I was disappointed at first because I didn't really like the beginning. I didn't really start to enjoy the story until about half-way through the book. Then it seemed to get interesting and I warmed up a bit to the characters. This is book 6, I've read 7 so far, so it's bound to happen that there is one in a series I won't really like.

I will definitely be continuing with the series at this point. I've thoroughly enjoyed the other books I've read and have high hopes I'll enjoy the rest (so far there are 9 books). I will still recommend this series to others as well.

Audio Review:
Hmm..oddly enough on Amazon the narrator for the Audio CD is not listed, it usually is. I believe Kate Reading might be the narrator. Regardless...the narrator did a great job. There was no problem telling which character was talking or was telling the story.

Friday Smile - Zoo run

2011-06-24T04:26:00.000-05:00

Once again my family and I participated in the Make Tracks for the Zoo 5k run/walk. This year my Mom was able to make it but one sister wasn't due to giving birth to her 2nd child not too long before that. My Aunt also came and brought her grandchild. Even though my one sister couldn't make it, my Mom and I still brought her oldest child so he could do the 5k and then hang out at the zoo with everyone.

As usual, I ran while everyone else walked. This year I did meet a new friend at the zoo so we could run it together, so that was a lot of fun. Once I finished I turned around and ran back through the course to find my family. Once I met up with them the oldest nephew decided to run a bit. Oh man! That kid is fast! There were times I was running really fast and still wasn't gaining on him. I hope to convert him to be a runner, but shhhh...don't tell anybody yet. haha

After the 5k was over my family and I hung out at the zoo. We walked a bit, then road the train, which is the best part according to the boys.

So, without further ado...here are some pictures.

Myself with the one nephew that my Mom and I brought with us since his Mom couldn't make it.

3 of the nephews excited for the 5k and waiting on the adults to get ready

Nephews, myself, and my oldest sister

The whole group! From the left..my Sister and her three boys, myself, my Aunt and her Grandson, my Mom and my other sister's oldest boy.

The nephew in the orange shirt and the coolest laugh..and when the little one reached out and touched his face he just giggled and giggled. It makes me smile just looking at this picture and remember that.

What's not to love about this hug?

How could I possibly resist them when they want to be held?

Finally, I leave you with an animal shot. The big cat is just sitting so pretty, definitely king of the "jungle".

Hexes and Hemlines by Juliet Blackwell

2011-06-23T12:34:00.000-05:00

#3 Witchcraft
Copyright: 2011
Publisher: Signet
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 336
Challenges: Cozy Mystery Challenge
Author's Website
My rating: 3.5

Simple Description:
Lily's friend at the police station asks her to visit a crime scene with him because he wants her opinion. When she gets there she see's the dead body on the table, under a ladder. The superstitions don't stop there, add in a black cat, a horse shoe over the door, a sparrow and others and Lily knows something out of the ordinary is going on.

Lily isn't officially part of the investigation but when her friend's daughter is connected to the murdered man and her husband is mixed up in it, she feels it's a threat against her and her friends that she can't ignore. Things get worse when she realizes other witches, very powerful witches, are involved.

My Thoughts:
I thought this was a great follow-up to the other two, a great continuation of the series. I really like Lily, how can you not love her? She's always felt like an outcast and she's finally trying to stay put in one place and have friends and be normal, but it seems the world has other things planned out for her.

In this one you see more of Aidan and Sailor, another witch and a physic. You also learn more about Lily's past. All this just makes the book better, in my opinion.

You all know me, I like the paranormal and this book is right up my alley. I thoroughly enjoyed it and encourage you to check out the series if you haven't already.

Thanks to the Publisher for providing this book for review.

13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

2011-06-18T00:18:00.000-05:00

Publisher: Listening Library

Genre: young adult
Pages: audio (5 disks)
Challenges: New author challenge, Young Adult, audio
Author's Website
My rating: 5/5

Simple Description:
Mixing it up a bit, instead of giving my own description I'm just going to paste the synopsis from the book's website:
Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker--his classmate and crush--who committed suicide two weeks earlier. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list. Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

My Thoughts:
I absolutely loved this book. From the very beginning you are sucked into the story of Hannah and why she committed suicide. You are sucked in wanting to know how Clay fits in, because you can tell that he seems to be a decent guy. This is a very different take on suicide and I think it's a very interesting one.

While at times it was hard to listen to this one because, hey, it might have been awhile ago but I was once a teenager in highschool and I did suffer from depression. I would be lying if I said I never thought about suicide. I also had a friend commit suicide the year after I graduated highschool. So listening to a story like this sometimes hits a little close to home. Sure, the reasons were different, but the topic itself is just a bit hard.

I think it was interesting to see how all the actions combined led up to Hannah taking the route she did. One incident by itself wasn't enough and most would just pass off, but all of them, yeah, it gets to a person. So the story being told like it is and showing all that makes it more powerful.

I personally would love to see this book read in English classes because I think teenagers could benefit from it. I think it would be an eye-opener for them and show them that actions have consequences It might seem like what you do/did/plan to do is harmless but chances are it's not. In my opinion, this is a very powerful book.

Audio Review:
The audio version of this book was narrated by Debra Wiseman and Joel Johnstone. They did a fantastic job. This is, by far, one of the best audio books I've listened to. Since the book deals with tapes, Debra narrates the tapes since she's speaking Hannah's part. Joel does the rest of the book since it's told from Clay's point of view. Everything flows smoothly and I think having the two readers was a very smart move. I don't think it would have worked as well had there been just one narrator. This was one audio book that I didn't want to stop listening to.

Friday Smile - Keystone, CO

2011-06-17T12:11:00.003-05:00

Husband and I took a week of vacation in mid May and headed to Keystone, CO. His company has a vacation home and employees can "rent" it for a week at a time. Since he is low man on the seniority scale all the summer weeks were gone. It was either May or September and I'll be in training in September so May it was. We went from being in the sunshine and 80's in STL to being caught in snow storms in CO. Do I need to remind you that neither Husband or myself like cold weather? lol!

Husband has never hiked before, ok, maybe once or twice. I grew up vacationing in CO for 2 weeks every summer. We camped the entire time, hiked, and backpacked. So when Husband said he wanted to hike, I was nervous. I knew I could do it, I wasn't sure about him. He was a real trooper though. The trails were really hard due to how freaking deep the snow was and it was hard to follow the trails. We might have stopped often to catch our breath but we did it and we saw some beautiful views while we did.

We arrived on a Saturday and hiked that afternoon, then we hiked Sunday - Tuesday. Wednesday we woke up to it snowing and it continued to snow through Friday. We did head out Friday for a morning hike while it wasn't snowing, but even then it started snowing while we were out. It was ok with me, if you noticed I had a week or so where I finished a lot of books. This was due to sprawling on a bed or couch while it snowed quietly outside.

Instead of posting a lot of pictures, I'm just going to share my album with you. Enjoy!
(If you click on the image it will take you to the album and you can view bigger images of the photo's)

Joy for Beginners by Erica Bauermeister

2011-06-14T07:17:00.000-05:00

Copyright: 2011
Publisher: Putnam
Genre: fiction
Pages: 269
Challenges: I want more, Pub challenge
Author's Website
My rating: 5/5

"Adults need to have fun so children will want to grow up." p. 99

Simple Description:
The story starts off with 6 women getting together to celebrate Kate's recovery from breast cancer. When they learn that Kate's daughter wants her to do a rafting trip in the Grand Canyon and encourage her to do so, Kate agrees but only if each one does something they are also afraid of doing. The catch: Kate gets to pick what the must do.

The story is then told from each women's point of view. We learn more about each woman, what she must accomplish, and what this is hard for her. Of course, it's not just told to us. You have to read each story to get all the information and see why it's so hard for her to do what it is she needs to accomplish.

The book ends with Kate's adventure, where we also learn more about her.

"Irreversible decisions are good for the soul..." p. 172

My Thoughts:
I loved this book! I'm so happy I did too because I adored The School of Essential Ingredients by this author when I read it in 2009. I was extremely excited to be offered a review copy of this book but also a bit worried since I didn't know if it would live up to my expectations. I had nothing to be worried about.

While I have to admit the book got off to a slow start for me, it quickly picked up and had my full interest. There were some stories I liked better than others, just because I connected to the characters more or the thing they faced interested me more. For example, one woman is to get a tattoo. This is something she has wanted for a long time but never done and can't commit. I happen to love tattoos so for me this story was more interesting because the subject matter was already something I liked. I personally love this quote from that story too: "She collected tattoos like personal journal entries, a constantly updating record of her life." p. 166

I feel this is an excellent follow to the author's first fiction book and I can't wait to see what else we get from her. I definitely recommend this book to others. In fact, I think many of you would enjoy it.

Thanks to the author, Erica Bauermeister, for providing this book for review.

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

2011-06-13T08:34:00.000-05:00

#3 Catching Fire
Copyright: 2010
Publisher: Scholastic
Genre: young adult
Pages: 398
Challenges: off the shelf, Strong Heroine, Young Adult
Author's Website
My rating: 2/5

I'm actually not going to do a description of this book. If you have not read the book yet then you don't need a spoiler in case you plan to. I thought this book started out great but I ended up not being too fond of it at the end. I'm actually a bit disappointed with the ending which means I'm not happy with how the trilogy ended. I have to say that I'm still very glad I read this trilogy. I loved book one, it's my favorite of the trilogy. Book two was very good. This one..a disappointment. Would I still recommend this trilogy to someone who hasn't started it yet? Yes..I do think it's worth it. Just don't keep your hopes up for the final book.

Hunted by P.C. and Kristin cast

2011-06-12T17:11:00.001-05:00

#5 House of Night
Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Macmillian Young Listeners
Genre: young adult
Pages: audio
Challenges: Strong Heroine, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult
Author's Website
My rating: 2.5

Simple Description:
Book #5 starts where book #4 stopped. Zoey and group are now hiding out in the tunnels trying to figure out where to go from here.

Ok, so that description sucks. Here's the thing, I don't want to give anything away. I don't want to include any spoilers. You really can't start the series with this one, you would be confused. So just know this is #5 and you need to start this series at the beginning with #1.

My Thoughts:
This is actually my least favorite of the series so far. It just kinda felt like nothing was really happening..even though I know it was. Perhaps it was just taking too long to get to the point of it all. Plus there were several times when I wanted to shake Zoey.

Don't let this review keep you from trying out the series. I've been really happy with it up to this point. I think ever series has a book that is a "least favorite" and my guess is that this is the one for me. At least, I sure hope it is. I have high hopes that #6 will be as good as the others have been. I still liked the story, think it was important to the series, just not a favorite. I'll definitely be continuing with this series too.

Audio Review:
Jenna Lamia is the narrator for this one, she's been the narrator for several of these. She does an excellent job and I'm still planning to continue with this series via audio.

Driven to Ink by Karen E. Olson

2011-06-11T21:37:00.001-05:00

#3 Tattoo Shop Mystery
Copyright: 2010
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 299
Challenges: off the Shelf, Cruisin' through the cozies
Author's Website
My rating: 3.5/5

Simple Description:
Brett's day was off to a great start, until she found a dead body in her car's trunk. Something like that will put a damper on anybody's day. The worst part of it is that she had lent her car to Sylvia Colman for her drive-thru wedding. Did Sylvia and her new husband have something to do with this? Why is a tattoo cord around the dead man's neck? And why is a cord missing from her tattoo shop?

While Brett doesn't really want to get into trouble with the cops she also can't help asking questions and looking for answers. She knows Sylvia couldn't have killed the man but it does look like she's involved somehow. In searching for answers Brett spends a lot of time with Jeff, Sylvia's son and rival tattoo artist. Is it possible Jeff isn't as bad as Brett thinks he is?

My Thoughts:
This is book #3 in the series and I'm really looking forward to book #4 (which has already found a place in my library). This series quickly became one of my favorites, starting as early as book 1. I enjoy Brett's character. She realizes she shouldn't be digging for info and investigating things on her own but at the same time she knows she wants to know what's going on. I do like that she involves her brother, a cop, and let's him know what she finds. He's never happy with her, but he doesn't ignore what she has found.

I like there there was more interaction between her and Jeff and that we learned more about Jeff. I think he's a great secondary character.

I personally love tattoo's, so the fact that tattoo's are a part of this story is something else that keeps my interest. I think those who don't have tattoo's and don't necessary like them could enjoy this series. But I think those who are intrigued will find the tattoo part an extra, fun, perk to the stories.

Friday Smile - teaser

2011-06-10T11:02:00.001-05:00

I've been so busy at work and home that I haven't had a chance to do some Friday Smile posts for you or review the 3 books I've finished.

Here's a teaser of another Friday Smile post I plan to do. This is what I was looking at 3 weeks ago. (click on picture for bigger image)

May 2011 Reads

2011-06-01T15:10:00.000-05:00

May 2011 Reads

Total books read: 10

Pages: 2141
New Authors: 3
Mystery: 5
Non-Fiction: 0
Fiction: 2
Young Adult: 3
Audio: 4
Own: 1
Bought: 3
Review: 2
Borrowed: 4
DNF: 0

Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon

Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran

Eon by Alison Goodman

The Sixth Man by David Baldacci

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Flowerbed of State by Dorothy St. James

A Perfect Evil by Alex Kava

Grave Secret by Charlaine Harris

Gone by Lisa McMann

A Glimpse of Evil by Victoria Laurie

Challenges
I'm super excited that I've actually finished one challenge already! Woohoo! I finished the 2011 Pub Challenge, my goal was 11 books and I've already read 13.

Off the Shelf: 13/30
New Author: 12/50
Hometown Challenge: 0/4
Gothic Reading Challenge: 0/1
Strong Heroine Challenge: 6/12
Urban Fantasy Challenge: 7/15
I want More Book Challenge: 2/4
What’s in a Name?4: 3/6
Paranormal/Fantasy reading challenge: 6/12
Series Challenge season 5: 1/2 series, 2/7 books
1st in a Series challenge: 11/12
War Through the Generations: 2.5/10
Young Adult challenge: 9/20
Mystery and Suspense: 8/12
Cruisin’ Through the Cozies: 12/13

Cozy Mystery Challenge: 1/6Buy 1 book and read it: 5/12
Audio Books: 18/20
2011 Pub Challenge: 13/11

Laura Lippman Giveaway - Winners

2011-05-29T20:11:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the delay but I'm happy to finally announce the winners of the Laura Lippman Giveaway. Thanks to all who entered and Congrats to all the winners.

The winner of Baltimore Blues is Sandie K!

The winner of Hardly Knew Her is Susan H of My Round File!

The winner of I'd Know You Anywhere is Kate G. of The Everyday adventures of SuperKate!

Congratulations again winners! I'll notify my contact with the publisher and they will take care of sending out the books.

A Glimpse of Evil by Victoria Laurie

2011-05-29T06:23:00.001-05:00

#8 Physic Eye
Copyright: 2010
Publisher: Obsidian
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 326
Challenges: off the Shelf, Series challenge
Author's Website
My rating: 4/5

Simple Description:
Abby and Dutch have moved to San Antonio, Tx. They will both be working for the FBI, Dutch as the agent that he is and Abby has a civilian profiler. The first day in the office Abby whips through a lot of cold cases using her psychic abilities and Dutch is able to solve several. The other agents are still not sold on Abby's ability. She has a run-in with a specific agent and when she is asked who should investigate a case that involves finding a car in a drainage ditch, he's the one she suggests. Little did she know she would be tagging along. this innocent trip ends up being so much more though and Abby's life ends up in danger.

While going through the cold cases Abby feels there is a link between a couple of missing kid cases. Due to the incident that put her life in danger Abby is on leave from the FBI for now but before she leaves she grabs the kid's files. She ends up talking to her PI friend Candace and is then convinced to help Candice look into these.

Along with Abby's life being in danger more than once and the mystery and physic aspect of the story, there are also side stories that involve Candice's person life and Abby's personal life. That's a good thing though.

My Thoughts:
As any series reader is aware, there are some series that seem to fizzle by the time you get to book 8 and some that are still going strong. I'm so happy that this is a series that is still going strong. I love this series. Not only do I love the psychic aspect of it, I love the characters. Dutch and Abby are both such strong characters and they butt head sometimes. Yet, they love each other and end up being there for each other. Candace and Brice, two important secondary characters, are both great too. It doesn't hurt that I love the mystery aspect of the book too.

Definitely a series I recommend to others. This is one of my favorite series and I'm looking forward to book #9 coming out in July.

Gone by Lisa McMann

2011-05-28T06:20:00.000-05:00

#3 Wake trilogy
Copyright: 2010
Publisher: Brilliance audio
Genre: young adult
Pages: audio
Challenges: young adult, audio book
Author's Website
My rating: 3/5

Simple Description:
This is the final book in the Wake Trilogy. In this one we are really getting a wrap-up for Janie. Her and Cabe have graduated from High School and she needs to decide what to do about her gift. Does she still help out the police and user her gift even though she knows the physical risks. Or does she decide not to do this anymore and save her sight and her hands, etc.

Things get even more confusing for Janie when she finds out who her father is. He ends up in the hospital in a coma. Even though Janie can't talk to him she finds his home and learns that her ability is hereditary. She also learns what the complications are if she decides to isolate herself and never use her gift.

What will she decide? What will happen to her father? What will happen between her and Cabe?

My Thoughts:
I thought this one was good but didn't like it as much as the others. I think I wanted Janie and Cabe to be involved in another investigation and have more of a mystery aspect to it. So I was a bit disappointed in that. However, I think it was a great ending to the trilogy because it does tie up some loose ends and comes to a conclusion in a way. If there had been a mystery in it I'm not sure the trilogy would have wrapped up as nicely.

All-in-all I think it's a good trilogy and think others will enjoy it. A word of warning: There is some cursing in the story (all three actually) and there is a physical relationship between Cabe and Janie. While I don't have kids yet I feel this is not something that would keep me from letting my kids read this. I know these can be a concern for some though, so you've been notified.

Audio Review:
Ellen Grafton was the narrator for this audio version. She has actually narrated all three of the books in this trilogy and I think she did an excellent job. She included just enough emotion and changed her voice for the different characters to make it a great experience.