Read your own books challenge - completed

The Read Your Own Books challenge was hosted by Miz B. The idea was to set a goal for the amount of books you would read that you already own. I picked 26. Since I own or buy the majority of my books I thought I would make the challenge harder by picking 26 titles to read. Well..I did complete the challenge (a long time ago) but didn't exactly read all 26 that I had picked. I did, however, read a whopping 18 from the list!

I'm officially marking this challenge as completed, since I know I won't read any more from the list this month.

Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke

Copyright: 2006
Publisher: Scholastic
Genre: YA - fantasy
Pages: Audio
Challenges: Read-your-own-books
Author's Website



Simple Description:
Firedrake is a dragon living in Scotland. One day one of the rats tells the dragons that the humans will be filling their valley with water to make a lake. The Dragons have nowhere else to go except, there are stories about a place call The Rim of Heaven. No human goes there and the dragons are safe, it's where the dragons used to live. Firedrake is the only dragon that sets out to find this place. Sorrel, his Brownie friend, goes with him. Along the way they pick up Ben, an orphaned human. They have many adventures along the way, it seems danger is everywhere they go. In fact, they are hunted by the golden dragon, the dragon who eats other dragons.

Now what you really want to know....my thoughts:

I loved this story. I loved how the dragon, the brownie, and the human work together to find the destination. I loved the different magical, and non-magical, creatures they come across and the different adventures they have. I definitely think kids will enjoy this story.

I actually own the book but ended up listening to the audio version. As far as the audio version goes, I can rave about it enough. Brandon Fraser reads the book and he is excellent. He changes his voice for the different characters and he somehow makes the book come alive, it was like listening to a movie.



This audio book was rented from my local library.

Silenced by Syrah by Michele Scott

Copyright: 2007
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 256 pg
Challenges: Read your own books, Series Challenge 3
New-to-me Author: No
Author's Website



Simple Description:
Nikki Sands works at a winery in Napa Valley. She is the manager and she loves it. Recently a hotel and spa was built on the property and also a restaurant. Nikki likes the restaurant owner although she know he is hard on those who work for him and can cause some to dislike him. She never thought somebody would turn to murder though. But..when she finds Georges murdered in the Spa, she realizes at least 1 person disliked Georges enough to get rid of him. She decides to look into the murder, not only because of her curiosity but also because the detective told her to mind her own business. Mixed in with all of this is Nikki's love life. She's been dating Andre' but isn't able to commit yet. That's exactly what he wants of her though. He wants her to go to Spain with him for 6 months. Nikki likes him, but she also has feelings for her boss. She hasn't done anything with those feelings though because she doesn't believe her boss feels the same way about her.

Now what you really want to know....my thoughts:

I really like this series. This author has two series, this one and a horse lover's series and I loved both right from the first book. You can't help but love the characters even though some can make you crazy sometimes. I like that in this one Nikki admits that she's doing the snooping just because she is interested in knowing what happened. I like Nikki and I'm glad that the cliff hanger at the end leaves you knowing that she will make a decision on which guy she wants.

In my opinion this is a great cozy mystery series, one that I think most cozy lovers will enjoy. Definitely start from the beginning of the series though, but then, you were all probably going to do that anyway. haha!

This book is part of my collection and was either bought or given to me.

The Deception of the Emerald Ring by Lauren Willig

Copyright: 2007
Publisher: Dutton
Genre: Fiction
Pages: audio version
Challenges: Read Your Own Books
New-to-me Author: no
Author's Website



Simple Description:
This is the third book in the series by Lauren Willig. In this one, Letty tries to keep her sister from enloping with Lord Jeffery Pinchingdale-Snipe, but somehow ends up being compromised and is forced to marry Lord Pinchingdale-Snipe herself! On their wedding night, Jeffery leaves for Ireland. He doesn't even tell his wife, he just disappears. Of course, he is very unhappy with the situation and believes Letty wanted to be compromised so he would have to marry her. Letty decides to go after him, because it's far to embarrassing to remain at home and have everyone learn that he ran off already. So she goes under a different name and pretends to be a widow. Once in Ireland, she attends a party and finds her husband there...flirting with another woman, somebody far more beautiful than Letty.

When Jeffery notices Letty, he is very upset. He is actually working in Ireland, he is on a secret mission for the League of the Purple Gentian. Letty doesn't even know he works for them and she could ruin everything. The beautiful women he is flirting with, is actually Jane - the Pink Carnation. She is under an assumed name. While it appears they are flirting..they really aren't..they are passing important, spy-worthy information back and forth.

Switching back into real day, we have Eloise who is researching The Pink Carnation and The League of the Purple Gentian. She is secretly in lust with Collin Selwick but isn't sure he returns the feelings. Collin is a ancestor to those she is researching and she has been using the family archives to help with the research. He isn't happy she is messing around with his family history or archives however in this book he does show interest in what she is finding in her search at the British Library.

Now what you really want to know....my thoughts:

I loved this book! This is one of my favorite series, so far. It's so fun to read about the spy's and what is going on. I love the romance part of it...sure you can guess what is going to happen but it's still fun to go along for the ride with the characters as they figure it. I definitely recommend these books to others.

I also found the whole idea of Letty being compromised just by kissing a boy rather funny. If that happened now-a-days, we would have a ton of forced marriages. haha! It's so fun to read about the customs of days gone by and compare them to the way things are done now.

This is the first time I have listened to the audio version of this series and I must say that the reader did an excellent job. I'm very tempted to get the rest on audio from the library now. The reader changed her voice for the different characters, which is something that I love.



This audio book was rented from my local library, although I do own a copy of this book as well.

Airman by Eoin Colfer

Copyright: 2008
Publisher: Puffin Books
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: (audio)
Challenges: read your own books,
New-to-me author? Yes
Author's website

Simple Description
Conor Broekhart is a very intelligent boy. He is interested in flying and creating a flying machine. (oh yes..I'll mention that this book takes place at the end of the 19^th century, so flying machines have not been invented yet. He is also very good friends with the princess and her father. The father has a French man come to their area to teach his daughter and Conor fighting techniques and schooling. One night, Conor sees Hugo, he is the marshal and a very bad man. He see's Hugo sneaking up some stairs to the King's chambers, so he follows. He witnesses Hugo killing the King and his teacher. When Conor is noticed, Hugo captures him. Hugo puts Conor on Little Salty Island and tells his parents and the princess that Conor is dead. For two years Conor is a prisoner on Little Salty Island. Here he has to dig for diamonds, figure out how to get in good with the Battering Rams so they don't beat him up and possibly kill him, and how to escape.

If he does escape, does he find his parents and explain that he didn't participate in the assassination of the King like they think? Or does he go to America and start life over?


Now what you really want to know…my thoughts:
First, I'll say that I don't think my description does the book justice, but I'm having an off day, so it's the best I can do right now. The book was really really good. I listened to it and the guy reading it does a great job. The story kept my interest, to the point that I didn't mind being stuck in traffic a couple of days because that meant I got to listen to the story longer. There were several times that I smiled and laughed too. You can't help but love Conor. He's a great character. You can't help but want him to escape and then confront Hugo and be re-united with his parents. This is definitely a story that I recommend to young adults and adults.

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



Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

Big Cherry Holler by Adriana Trigiani

Copyright: 2001

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 270

Challenges: 2009 Read your own books,

New-to-me author? No

Author's website

Simple Description:

This book is the 2nd in the Big Stone Gap series. It takes place 7 years from where Big Stone Gap ends. At this point Ave Maria has been married for 8 years. She has had 2 children, although one passed away about 3 years ago.

Jack and Ave Maria's marriage is in trouble. Jack loses his job and Ave thinks she is doing what is right but instead her response and actions hurt Jack. Things move forward in her life, things that she doesn't discuss with Jack first. Jack is also trying to move forward in hopes of being the provider for his family.

Things get tricky when the family is supposed to go to Italy for part of the summer and Jack backs out at the last minute. Rumors are that he is having an affiar however Ave Maria doesn't do much better while in Italy.

Will Ave Maria and Jack be able to save their marriage?

Now what you really want to know…my thoughts:

I remember liking Big Stone Gap but I'm not sure I liked this one. Well, let me rephrase that. I wasn't too into the book at first but liked it more as I got further along, however I don't think I liked it enough to continue with the series. Here's part of my problem. I didn't read the back that said this book takes place 7 years after the last one. So imagine my surprise when I start reading it and so many years have gone by. I'm confused and thinking I skipped a book. Plus, you learn about their son's death as they think about it, but you don't get the entire story at once..you get it in parts. That kinda annoyed me. I also admit that when I read a series I prefer the books to follow closer together in regards to amount of time that has passed. I'm not saying it has to pick up exactly where the other left off, but within a year. 7 years was just too much for me. I know this series has gotten a lot of good reviews though, so maybe try to find some of those before making up your mind. I will also say that I read Lucia, Lucia by this author several years ago and absolutley loved it! So it's not really the author that I wont' read again, it's just this particulat series that I don't think I'll continue with.

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

Sorry, no linked reviews yet.

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

Lily Dale: Awakening by Wendy Corsi Staub

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs

Copyright: 2009
Publisher: Ace Fantasy
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 288
Challenges: Read-Your-Own books, 1^st in a Series, Paranormal, Love Bites
New-to-me author? Yes
Author's website

Simple Description
Mercy Thompson is a mechanic and one day while working a young man shows up asking for work. He wants to work for cash, doesn't want to have to use his SSN. Normally, Mercy wouldn't do this but something makes her say yes and allow him to work for her. OH…and did I mention Mercy is a shape shifter and this new guy is a werewolve? That should make things interesting shouldn't it? A couple of days later, Mercy goes into work at night to get her purse. She doesn't to the light on because, well, being able to shift into a coyate also gives her an excellent sense of smell and eyesight. When she is ready to leave the shop she hears Mac, the new guy, talking to some others. She knows there are some other new werewolves and also humans. It sounds like he is in trouble. She shifts and in trying to protect Mac she accidentally kills one of the werewolves. She know she has to contact Adam. He is the local werewolf pack's alpha male. At this point..things seems like they couldn't get worse…but they do. The next morning Mercy finds Mac on her doorstep, dead. When she runs next door to Adam's house she finds the house in shambles and Adam trying to fight another werewolf, with 2 others dead in the house already. She helps him kill the last one and because Adam is in such bad shape she takes him to the pack where she grew up. This just opens up another can of worms. OH..and I think I forgot to mention that Adam's 15 year old daughter was also kidnapped. Oh..and it seems as if somebody in Adam's pack is betraying him.

Why did I read this book?
Awhile ago I had asked for suggestions on paranormal books and this is one that several people recommended.

What I liked most:
I love the paranormal aspect of it. I love that there are vampires and werewolves and fae and shifters. I also really liked Mercy.

Was there something I didn't like?
Not that I remember.

Do I recommend the book?
I do! I think if you like paranormal books you will like this one. It reminds me of the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris a bit – so if you like that series check this one out too. In fact, I was at the bookstore earlier this week getting a travel book and even though I wasn't even half-way through this one, I bought the 2nd in the series too. I liked it that much.

This book has been reviewed by:

Aneca's World

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



Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

Murder is Binding by Lorna Barrett

Copyright: 2008
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 271
Challenges: Read-your-own-books, 1^st in a series, Cozy mystery
New-to-me author? yes
Author's website

Simple Description
Tricia Miles is new to the town of Stoneham in New Hampshire. She operates a mystery bookstore by the name of Haven't Got a Clue. Things are going well until she finds out that her sister is unexpectedly in town. She loves her sister, but the two of them never really got along very well. Then, when her sister insists on seeing the shop, they find that the bookstore next to Tricia's, The Cookery, has a fire. When Tricia goes inside to try and put it out she finds the owner, dead. The local sheriff believes that Tricia killed the woman. To make matters worse a rare book was stolen from the Cookery and is found in Tricia's store. Tricia thinks that Bob, the man who owns the stores and they all pay rent to, is the killer. However Angelica, Tricia's sister, doesn't believe that to be true. Soon the clues point to a guy who is running for a local government position. Tricia goes to the Sheriff with the information she has, but that doesn't work out so well, it just makes the sheriff more determined to put Tricia behind bars. Meanwhile Angelica thinks it's the dead woman's sister who is behind the murder.

Why did I read this book?
I love cozy mysteries and my friend Barbara, who passed away earlier this year, really enjoyed this book and thought I would too.

What I liked most:
You know, it didn't always feel like I was reading a mystery and I liked that. There was a lot going on with Tricia and her employees and her sister. That's what made this book so enjoyable for me. Yeah, I do love a mystery, so I did love that aspect of it, but I also loved the interaction between the characters and all the stuff that was going on. I loved that the story flowed so well and kept my interest.

Was there something I didn't like?
Not really – I was very happy with this book.

Do I recommend the book?
Absolutly! If you like cozy mysteries – I think this is a book for you. If you don't read a ton of mysteries but once in awhile you like a light one, I bet you would like this one too. The second in the series was published earlier this year and I can't wait to read it. I feel like this is a series that I will soon say I enjoy reading as much as I love the Joanne Fluke series.

Oh..and the sister loves to cook and I'm happy to report that there are recipes for some of the dishes in the back of the book. I'm personally interested in trying a couple of them.

This book has also been reviewed by:
Kittling Books

Bibliophile by the Sea

The Book Resort

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



Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

A Murderous Glaze by Melissa Glazer

Copyright: 2007
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 213
Challenges: Read your own books, 1^st in a series
New-to-me author? Yes - if you count this name and not that fact that it's a pen name for Tim Myers
Author's website

Simple Description
Carolyn owns a pottery store/studio in the small town of Maple Ridge. One evening when she goes back to the story to make sure the kilns are on, she finds the dead body of Betty Wickline. The sheriff considers Carolyn the main suspect, not only because the dead woman was found in her store but also because it was a known fact that the two women didn't get along.

As you can imagine, business is very slow at the pottery store after this happens, gossip around town is that Carolyn really did kill the woman. When Carolyn's assistant, David, suggest they look into the murder and try to solve it, she says no. However, when her husband tells her she can't do it, of course she has to start investigating. She calls a group of friends and the pottery group, known as the Firing Squad, to help her.

Carolyn has a long list of suspects and each time she askes around and gets more info, the list seems to grow instead of getting smaller. In fact, she even has the sheriff and his wife on the list.

Why did I read this book?
I really love cozy mysteries and I heard that this was a good series.

What I liked most:

I liked the small town atmosphere and how friends come together to help out somebody in need.

Was there something I didn't like?
I didn't always like the main character! I hate to admit that! I thought she was too quick to get defensive and get annoyed with people. I'm planning to read the 2^nd in the series and I hope that there is more character development and I end up liking her better.

Do I recommend the book?
I do. Even though I can't rave about Carolyn I still thought this was a good book. If you like cozy mysteries, take a peek at this book next time you are at the bookstore.

This book has also been reviewed by:

The Book Resort

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

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

Tacked to Death by Michele Scott

Copyright: 2008
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime
Genre: Mystery (cozy)
Pages: 262
Challenges: 2009 Read-Your-Own books, Series Challenge 3, Cozy Mystery Challenge
New-to-me author? No
Author’s website

Simple Description
Michaela’s friend Camden has convinced her to open up a tack shop. For opening day they are hosting a charity polo match (to raise money for the autistic riding program Michaela is doing) and a fashion show. Unfortunately this means that Michaela has had to spend some time with a man that might be handsome and rich, but who Michaela finds unappealing. When Michaela finds this man, Sterling, murdered in her office during the fashion show, she becomes the prime suspect. In fact, Michaela is arrested for the murder. Luckily with the help of Joe’s cousin, she is released on bail. Michaela immediately begins to investigate the murder herself. She knows the police are focused on her and nobody else, and she knows she didn’t do it. Joe has agreed to help her. In fact, I think Joe enjoys being part of a secret murder investigation. Also, to muddy the waters a bit, somebody told the police that Michaela was sleeping with the murdered victim and her boyfriend/police officer is on vacation.
Along with trying to clear her name, Michaela is also dealing with Ethan and his wife Summer. Michaela wants kids and it just appears as if Summer isn’t that great a mother and not really connected to her child. Michaela doesn’t want to get involved, but something happens that doesn’t give her much of a choice.

Why did I read this book?
This is the 3rd in the series and I’ve loved the other two. Of course I would continue with the series.

What I liked most:
The characters. I love the characters. Michaela is independent and strong yet she yearns for the life that others have with their spouse’s and kids. She is a great friend and wonderful to her horses. Of course, Joe and his wife are great too. And Ethan…and well, I’ll just stop there. I love the main characters in this book.

Was there something I didn’t like?
Sometimes it seemed the Michaela would “think” the same things over and over again, such as wanting to be a mom. I get why it was done, but don’t think it needed to be repeated throughout the book, once was enough. This didn’t ruin the story for me in anyway, but if I’m looking for something to pick out and say I didn’t like..that would be it.

Do I recommend the book?
Absolutely. I think this is a great cozy mysteries series and I think lots of others would like it too. I can think of several of my blog friends that I think would like this one.

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



Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger

Copyright: 2008

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 278

Challenges: 2009 Read Your Own Books Challenge

New-to-me author? no

Author's website

 

Simple Description

Adriana, Emmy, and Leigh have been friends since college. Now they are almost 30 and trying to deal with where they are in life at that age. Adriana doesn't have a need to work (rich parents), loves guys but not long term relationships, and is beautiful. Leigh works as an editor for a publishing company. She is dating the perfect guy, or so everyone says. She isn't sure she's that in to him. Emmy has been wanting kids for a long time. She has been dating Duncan for 5 years, when he breaks up with her for his personal trainer who is much younger. The girls create a contest. Adriana is suppose to find a guy she loves and will marry within a year. Emmy is supposed to have one-night stands with some guys and "live" a little. They think Leigh is perfect and doesn't don't need to change anything about her life. Leigh isn't happy though and knows something needs to change. During this year each woman grows up a little and becomes more true to who they are.

Why did I read this book?

I really liked The Devil Wears Prada so I was wanting to read another book by this author.

What I liked most:

I liked how each woman had to make difficult decisions, but they did it. They knew they wanted to change and they went for it.

Was there something I didn't like?

Sometimes the bickering between the three got on my nerves. That was probably more an issue with me and not the book though.

Do I recommend the book?

I do. I don't think it was as good as The Devil Wears Prada, but I still thought it was a really good story.

 

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

Sorry, no linked reviews yet.

 

 Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

Steel Trapp: The Challenge by Ridley Pearson

From not enough books

Copyright: 2008
Publisher: Disney Edition, Disney Book Group
Genre: Young Adult
Pages: 324 pg
Challenges: 2009 Read-Your-Own Books, 2009 Young Adult Challenge
New-to-me author? No, but this is the first young adult book I have read by the other, the other one was an adult mystery

Simple Description
Steel, real name Steven, is on his way to a National Science Challenge in Washington D.C. Steel is of a rare breed, he has a photographic memory. While sitting on the train with his Mom, still in the station, he noticed a lady get up and leave. The thing that is cause for concern is that she left the briefcase that she brought on board with her. Steel grabs the briefcase and runs after her. The only problem is that when he catches up with her, she denies it is hers. Steel knows otherwise but doesn't have much of an option except to bring the briefcase back on the train.

There is an evil man on the train, the briefcase was supposed to go to him. Before he can get the briefcase from the boy, the boy and his Mom give it to a conductor. This even man convinces the conductor to take him to the baggage car but by then the briefcase is missing.

The briefcase is missing because Steel managed to get into the baggage car to see his dog. While there, he noticed the briefcase and managed to get a peak at what was inside. Inside was a picture of a women, she was tied, he knows she was kidnapped. There were some numbers on the picture too. He hid the briefcase instead of putting it back. While in the baggage car he meets young Kaileigh. Kaileigh was supposed to be in the same science challenge but her project was stolen. Kaileigh and Steel get involved in the investigation with the briefcase and the evil man.

Why did I read this book?
Last year the author was in town for a book signing. Silly me, I had just read an adult mystery book by him and hadn't realized he also wrote young adult. Imagine my surprise when I show up and the room is full to overflowing with kids. This book was the newest one to be released and I thought it sounded good, so I got it.

What I liked most:
I liked that it's about two smart kids who help the adults find the bad guys. It was a fun book to read and the whole time I was wondering why books like this weren't out when I was growing up. I mean, I'm not that old….

Was there something I didn't like?
I didn't always like the way the Mom was portrayed. She was made out to be somewhat stupid. I get that Steel is incredibly smart and in comparison, most wouldn't seem too intelligent next to him, but the Mom, she was just made out to be less intelligent than I think was necessary for the story.

Do I recommend the book?
I do! I really enjoyed this book. I think kids and adults will enjoy this one.

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

Sorry, no linked reviews yet.

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

The Masque of the Black Tulip by Lauren Willig

Copyright:2005

Publisher: New American Library

Genre: Fiction (historical)

Pages: 432

Challenges: Read-your-own-books

new-to-me author? No

Simple Description:

This is the 2nd in the series.  This one starts off with Colin taking Eloise to Selwick Hall, his house.  The library holds archives that will give her more info on the two spies she is interested in, the Black Tulip and the Pink Carnation.

It appears that lady Henrietta Selwick has a code book that is used to decode messages from Jane, who is the Pink Carnation.  Jane is still in Paris and is such a good spy that nobody even thinks about her.  However she becomes worried when she finds some documents that are orders for the Black Tulip, the most dangerous spy, to go to London and investigate lady Henrietta and Miles Dorrington.  Henrietta's brother was the Secret Carnation and Miles is her brother's best friend.   

Miles works for the war office and is asked to keep an eye on Lord Vaughn.  He is suspected of being a spy.  He also is asked to keep an eye on Henrietta, by her Mother.  Soon we realize that  Miles is attracted to Hen, but lies to himself about it since her brother is his best friend.  Soon Hen realizes that she is attracted to Miles.

While these two deal with that, they also deal with trying to track down and capture the Black Tulip before they are caught.

Oh...and let's not forget that Eloise is also attracted to Colin, and sometimes it seems that Colin feels the same way about her.   While most of the book is of the historical nature, there are parts with Colin and Eloise also. 

Why did I read this book?

I loved the first one, The Secret History of the Pink Carnation.  I wanted to immediately read the rest in the series, but well, you know how that goes.  I'm glad I finally read this one. 

What I liked most?

I loved the relationship between Miles and Henrietta.  We do get both their view points in this story and it makes it a very enjoyable read.  I like reading how they both like each other, but don't really want to like the other one or realize that the other one liked them. haha!  Of course I think it's fun to read about them snooping around too.

Was there anything I didn't like?

Not really.  There were some words/items that I didn't really understand but I think it's because the majority of the story takes place in the early 1800's (I think) and I'm just not that familiar with some of the words/items that are for that time period.  However, that did not ruin the story or make me like it less.

Do I recommend the book?

Absolutely!  I think this is a fun historical fiction read.  I love the romance in it, I like the historical aspect of it.  I do recommend starting with the first in the series though.  I'm sure you would be ok reading them out of order, you would still be able to follow along, but I think you would enjoy it more if read in order.

Have you reviewed this book on your blog?  Let me know and I'll link it below.

Happy Reading......and thanks for stopping by!   Kris

Snuffed Out by Tim Myers

Copyright: 2004

Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime

Genre: Mystery (cozy)

Pages: 180

Challenges: 2009 Read-your-won books

New-to-me author? No

Simple Description

This is the 2^nd in the candlemaking mystery series by the author.

When Harrison Black investigates a power-outage at Rivers Edge shopping complex that he owns, he finds one of his shop owners dead. The local sheriff believes it was an accident, however Harrison believes it was murder. As can be expected, Harrison starts asking questions.

Now, there's a lot more going on with this story. The show owners ex-wife has inherited everyone, and she wants to move into the shop. Harrison lets her take over the lease, and this causes issues with a lot of other shop owners. It seems in the past there was an issue with this particular person. Harrison has to deal with this as well.

Why did I read this book?

I have enjoyed all the books I've read by this author and wanted to finish this series.

What I liked most:

I just like that it was a fun read. The story was light and it was a quick read.

Was there something I didn't like?

Out of all the series I have read by the author, the main character in this series is my least favorite. So if I have any complaint, it would be that I just don't like him as much as I would like it.

Do I recommend the book?

I do. I still think this is a good series. I think cozy mystery fans would enjoy this one.

When I reviewed a book recently by this author LadyTink asked if there were any recipes or tips in it like you find so often in cozy mysteries these days. I had told her that there weren't and I didn't think there were in any of the early series by this author. Well..this book does have some candle making tips in the back It only covers about 2 pages, so pretty simple, but there are some. There is also one recipe for some muffins that are mentioned in the book.

Also…I realize my "simple description" is pretty lacking. I apologize about that. My excuse is that my husband got sick the last day in Jamaica and on Tuesday I caught the cold. I didn't think it would be that bad, but today it's pretty darn bad. I'm having trouble doing much of anything today.

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

Sorry, no linked reviews yet.

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

The Hot Flash Club Chills Out by nancy Thayer

Copyright: 2007
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Genre: fiction
Pages: 333
Challenges: 2009 Read-your-own books
New-to-me author? No

Simple Description:
The women are all stressed out and when they get the opportunity to stay at a house in Nantucket for the summer, it seems that will only stress them out more. Shirley convinces them this would be a great opportunity, so while some do it willingly, others do it almost because they feel they have to. While in Nantucket, each person has something different and wonderful happen to them.

Shirley is in a relationship with a man that the other women approve of, but that she finds boring. One day she is out riding a bike when she meets a man (her age!) that she finds attractive. Could this be what she is waiting for?

Alice is busy taking care of her granddaughter, Aly, everyday. She is so tired that when she gets home, she doesn't want to do anything but take a nap. She doesn't want this holiday, she feels she has to be there for her son. However she does get the rest she needs while on vacation.

Marilyn has her hands full. Her mother lives in the basement apartment. Ian's son lives in the attic and soon they have another person living with them. She is so busy with school and taking care of her mother, that she doesn't have much time with Ian. How are they ever going to plan the wedding?

Polly is feeling the stress of watching over all the ladies sewing her line of clothing for the Haven. It was more than she expected and more than she wants. She's also not sure what to do about Hugh. She loves him, but is tired of him always putting his ex-wife first.

Faye loves Nantucket from the very beginning. She has found that it's the perfect place for her to paint, something she hasn't wanted to do in awhile and is just getting back into. Will she be able to get as much of Nantucket in as she wants, or will Aubrey get in the way?

Why did I read this book?
I believe this is the 4th in the series. I have enjoyed the others and wanted to finish the series (or at least what's written so far, I don't know if the author will be writing more or not)

What I liked most?
I liked the extra story line in this one. They are staying at a house because the owner can't get there this summer and she wants somebody there because things are beginning to go missing. While the women are there, things still disappear. I liked this aspect of the book a lot.

Was there something I didn't like?
I hate to say it, but the women got on my nerves at times. I thought there was a lot of bickering in this book and just didn't like it. I honestly don't know if it was more than in the other books, or if it just annoyed me this time. Either way, I could have done with out.

Do I recommend this book?
I do! I think this is a fun series. I think there are a lot of funny things that happen. The women in the story are in their 60's, so at least 30 years older than I am. So while I don't go through hot flashes or have to deal with things they do (yet!), I still enjoyed it. I definitely think the "older" crowd would enjoy these books. I'll also say that this isn't a series I can read back to back. I need a break in-between the books.


If you have reviewed this book, please let me know and I'll link it below.

Sorry, no reviews yet.

Booked for Murder by Tim Myers

Copyright: 2004
Publisher: Berkley (Prime Crime)
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 202
Challenges: 2009 Read-Your-Own Books, Series Challenge Season 3
New-to-me Author? No

Simple Description:
Alex has agreed to let a local rich man display his emerald at the inn. The emerald is the biggest ever found and worth a lot of money. It's the last day for the emerald to be available for the public to view. When the owner shows up at the Inn, they find the security guard who was watching over the emerald dead. Then they find that the emerald has been stolen.

Alex vows to stay out of the murder investigation, however that's hard to do when one of his guests is shot out. Then, Alex and Elise are shot at.

This one has a lot more to do with Alex and Elise and the things going on at the Inn than it does the murder. I'm not complaining though, I liked it that way.

Why did I read this book?
I love this series. It's the last in the series, unfortunately. I have been saving this one because I didn't want the series to end however I finally decided it was time to read it and enjoy it.

Was there something I didn't like?
Only the fact that it's the last in the series, otherwise I loved it.

Do I recommend this book?
Absolutely! Although, I do recommend you read the series in order. Tim Myers writes a great cozy mystery, well, several actually. This is one of my favorite though. The charactors are great, the setting is peaceful..how can you not like it?

If you have reviewed this book, please let me know and I'll link it below.
Sorry, no reviews yet.

Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

Copyright: 2007

Publisher: Avon

Genre: Fiction, Paranormal Romance

Pages: 358

Challenges: Read-your-own books challenge, Paranormal Challenge

New-to-me author? Yes

Simple Description:

Cat is half vampire and half human. Her mother thinks she has evil in her and is ok with the fact that on the weekends Cat frequents the bars and looks for vampires to kill. Cat has always been told that Vampires are evil and don't deserve to "live". Then one night she meets Bones. He is a vampire and when Cat tries to kill him, he knocks her out instead. Soon they join forces to hunt down some very bad vampires. In the process Cat learns that not all vampires are bad and she begins to have feels for Bones.

Why did I read this book:

It was actually recommended to me and I have read a couple positive reviews as well.

What I liked most:

I liked the characters. I thought the interaction between Cat and Bones was great. There were some pretty funny parts to it.

Was there something I didn't like?

Nope..I loved this book!

Do I recommend this book?

Absolutely!!! I think those that enjoy the Sookie series by Charlaine Harris will probably enjoy this series also. Well, at least this book. I haven't read any of the other books in the series. Oh, and this is the 1st in the series for all of you who think this sounds good. I like paranormal romance books, so right there I figured this would be a good book for me. I also tend to enjoy vampire stories, so again, another bonus. I really like Cat. I actually can't wait to see what happens in the next book.

You can find another review here: (and if you reviewed this book, let me know and I'll link it)

Melissa's Reading

From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris

Copyright: 2008
Publisher: Ace
Genre: Mystery
Pages: 368
Challenges: 2009 Read-Your-Own Books Challenge, Series Challenge Season 3,
New-to-me author? No

Simple Description

I took the following from Amazon.com:

Starred Review. Harris outdoes herself in this pivotal eighth Sookie Stackhouse novel (after 2007's All Together Dead), packing the story full of romantic tension and supernatural action. Having barely survived a catastrophic vampire hotel explosion, Sookie's back at work in Bon Temps, La., serving vintage blood and waiting tables at Merlotte's, a vampire bar. Participating in a friend's wedding and fending off the advances of her vampire ex-lover, Bill, and her blood-bonded pal, Eric, leaves Sookie chafing over the recent lack of communication from Quinn, her weretiger boyfriend. When a violent Were power struggle erupts as Vegas vampires attempt to take over Louisiana from disgraced queen Sophie-Anne, Sookie dives into the middle of it, determined to help her shape-changing, blood-drinking friends. Harris provides many fun twists, most significantly Sookie's meeting with her fae great-grandfather, Niall Brigant, which paves the way for a shock ending that will delight longtime fans.

Why did I read this book?

This is one of my favorite series. This is the most recent in the series, I bought it soon after it came out, and finally had a chance to read it.

About the book:

While this story is different from past ones, it's still very similar. From the simple description you already know that Sookie lands herself in the middle of a Vampire war and a Were war. Nothing new for Sookie. There is also trouble brewing between Jason and Crystal, his new wife. Sookie gets stuck in the middle of that one too. It ends with Sookie never wanting to deal with Jason again, I personally don't blame her. Sookie also learns where she got her fairy blood. Oh..and remember Quinn, he sorta disappeared. She learns where he disappeared to and she isn't very happy. Will Sookie ever find the love she wants? Will there ever be a time when she isn't brought into the middle of Vampire and Shifter problems? Oh, and also in the simple description above, it says that there is a shocking end..I'm here to tell you that I loved the end! I think it was a great way to end the book and while I don't expect there to be anything in the next book about it, I do expect to read more about it later in the series.

What I liked most:

I love the characters. Sookie is great. She tries to do the right thing, even though it usually results in her being put in danger. I like the shifters and the vampires. While you can expect each book to have some kind of issue between the vampire community and the shifter community, it's still fun to see what will happen and how Sookie will be involved. With this book, I especially liked that there were several major issues. Instead of there being one major problem that the beginning and middle of the book leads up to, we had several things that took place. I think I liked this because I don't necessary read the books for the problems, I read it because I like the characters. So in this one there were several major issues that the characters had to deal with. I don't know, I just liked it.

Was there something I didn't like?

Only the fact that I'm caught up in the series and now have to wait awhile for the next one to be released.

Do I recommend the book?

Absolutely! This is one of my favorite series. Sure it's odd, sure it's not "normal", but it's a heck of a lot of fun to read. I do recommend that you start from the beginning though. I just think you would miss a lot if you read them out of order.

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

Reviewed by:

LadyTink

Happy Reading and thanks for stopping by……Kris

2009 Read-Your-Own-Books Challenge - book list

I created my list faster than expected! Could it possibly be because I'm procrastinating on my report due on Saturday? Nah...couldn't possibly be that!

I actually changed the number from 24 to 26. The reason you ask? Because when I was going through the list of books, I wrote down 26 and I thought I would keep the entire list instead of finding 4 to remove. It would be great to actually read all 26 on my list! But...I know that probably won't happen. I figure in the end, it doesn't really matter since I own about 95% of the books that I read each year. So I know I'll complete this challenge. At the same time, I'm going to try really hard to work through this list.

Murder is Binding by Lorna Barrett
Moon called by Patricia Briggs
Airman by Eoin Colfer
Shoots to Kill by Kate Collins
Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke
A murderous Glaze by Melissa Glazer
From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris
Too Many Cooks Spoil the broth by Tamar Myers
Snuffed out by Tim Myers
Booked for Murder by Tim Myers
Steel Trapp: The Challenge by Ridley Perason
Change of Heart by Jodi. Picoult
Immortal in Death by J.D. Robb
Tutu Deadly by Natalie M. Roberts
Tacked to Death by Michele Scott
Silenced by Syrah by Michele Scott
The Kill Artist by Daniel Silva
Awakening by Wendi Corsi Staub
The Hot Flash Club Chills out by nancy Thayer
Big Cherry Holler by Adriana Trigiani
High Heels are Murder by Elaine Viets
A Piece of Murder by LIvia J. Washburn
Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger
The Masque of the Black Tulip by Lauren Willig
The Deception of the Emerald by Lauren Willig