It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

Sheila, of One Persons Journey Through a World of Books, is the host of It's Monday! What Are You Reading? This is a weekly event to share what we read last week, what we are currently reading and what books we plan to read this week.

Read last week:

• Queen of Babble in the Big City - Meg Cabot
  Summary: Lizzie movies to NYC with Luke, Shari and Chaz. A new city brings about changes for the four friends.
  
• She's Gone Country - Jane Porter
  Summary: Shey returns to her Texas home after her marriage ends.
  

I'm Reading:

• Private - James Patterson & Maxine Paetro
  

Next on my list:

• The Life You've Imagined - Kristina Riggle
  
• Fly Away Home - Jennifer Weiner
• The Carrie Diaries - Candace Bushnell
  

What are you reading this week?

Queen of Babble - Meg Cabot

Lizzie Nichols is about to have the best summer of her life. She has graduated from college (the first in her family to do so) and will spend a month in London visiting Andrew, her boyfriend. Unfortunately things do not go as planned.

Lizzie discovers she hasn't graduated after all. As part of her independent study, she is to write a thesis—a requirement she claims to know nothing about. Her topic is the history of fashion and it has to be at least fifty pages. The problem is in two days she's traveling to London to visit her boyfriend.

Her trip to London quickly turns into disaster. Andrew isn't the same as she remembers in college. When Lizzie discovers the truth about him, it sends her scrambling to her best friend, Shari who, along with her boyfriend Chaz, is spending the summer in France. Chaz is friends with Luke, whose father owns the chateau that he is working at with Shari. Their job is to assist with the wedding details of Luke's cousin.

While on the train traveling to Souillac to meet Shari, Lizzie meets a gorgeous stranger: an American man! Before she knows it, she's telling him everything about not graduating to her breakup with Andrew. Little does she know that this stranger will become a significant part of her life.

Queen of Babble has been sitting on my shelf unread for awhile now. I adore Meg Cabot and have read nearly half of her collection. At one time, Queen of Babble was on my "must read" list along with the other two books in the series. I wish I could say it was worth the wait. Sadly, it wasn't.

Early on, I thought Cabot was repetitive with Lizzie's thoughts that it took away from the story. And yes, Queen of Babble is quite predictable. The moment she meets this "stranger", the reader knows who he is and can quickly see where the story is headed. The formula of "girl dates boy only to find out he's not the one for her and then finds her true love" didn't work for me in this novel. Even though the story fell a bit flat for me, I still want to continue with the trilogy. I am curious to know what Lizzie gets herself into while living in New York City.

Book details:
Series: Queen of Babble #1
ISBN-13: 978-0-06-085199-6
Pages: 308
Release Date: May 23, 2006
Genre: Chick Lit
Source: Personal Copy

Summer at Tiffany: A Memoir - Marjorie Hart

Book Synopsis:
Do you remember the best summer of your life?

New York City, 1945. Marjorie Jacobson and her best friend, Marty Garrett, arrive fresh from the Kappa house at the University of Iowa hoping to find summer positions as shopgirls. Turned away from the top department stores, they miraculously find jobs as pages at Tiffany & Co., becoming the first women to ever work on the sales floor, a diamond-filled day job replete with Tiffany-blue shirtwaist dresses from Bonwit Teller's—and the envy of all their friends.

Looking back on that magical time in her life, Marjorie takes us back to when she and Marty rubbed elbows with the rich and famous, pinched pennies to eat at the Automat, experienced nightlife at La Martinique, and danced away their weekends with dashing midshipmen. Between being dazzled by Judy Garland's honeymoon visit to Tiffany, celebrating VJ Day in Times Square, and mingling with Café society, she fell in love, made important decisions that would change her future, and created the remarkable memories she now shares with all of us. (Taken from the book flap)

My thoughts:
New York City is one my favorite cities. So when I first discovered Summer at Tiffany, I was curious to read about a young girl's first time there in 1945. I also wanted to read this memoir because I normally do not read biographies or autobiographies.

Summer at Tiffany is about Marjorie and Marty, two best friends and sorority sisters, who spend their summer in New York City. Both are from Iowa and decide to go to New York for the first time. Their first stop for employment was Lord & Taylor's, but it appeared that was every other girl's idea too. So, the two friends decide to try Tiffany's. To their surprise, both girls are offered jobs.

I absolutely loved this book. While reading, the words lovely and innocent kept coming to mind. This is how I would describe this book. Looking at my favorite city through Marjorie's eyes was enlightening. Especially because the New York that I love is different than the New York of Marjorie's day.

I also found myself googling the places were the girls frequented. Reading Summer at Tiffany sparked an interest for the mid 1940s. I spent hours searching the internet to learn about the events that occurred along with New York's history. I was quite surprised by this as history was my least favorite subject in school.

The reader will instantly like Marjorie and Marty. When both girls meet the two midshipmen, you will wish for a happy ending for both girls. Reading Marjorie's description about her dates with Jim was delightful, I couldn't help but to smile. Overall, I enjoyed this memoir and highly recommend it.

Book details:
ISBN-13: 978-0-06-118953-1
Pages: 252
Release Date: April 3, 2007
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir
Source: Purchased from B&N.com

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

Sheila, of One Persons Journey Through a World of Books, is the host of It's Monday! What Are You Reading? This is a weekly event to share what we read last week, what we are currently reading and what books we plan to read this week.

Read last week:

• Summer at Tiffany - Marjorie Hart
  Summary: It's the summer of 1945. Two college best friends go to NYC and find jobs working at Tiffany.
  
• Queen of Babble - Meg Cabot
  Lizzie travels to London to visit her boyfriend only to discover he's not the one for her. She meets a cute stranger on a train and it turns out he is.
  

I'm Reading:

• She's Gone Country - Jane Porter
  

Next on my list:

• The Life You've Imagined - Kristina Riggle
  
• Private - James Patterson
  

What are you reading this week?

Sweet Deceit - Kate Brian

Ariana ("Ana"), Kaitlynn ("Lillian"), Lexa, Palmer and the rest of the cast are back for the fourth novel in the Privilege series. Sweet Deceit picks up with Perfect Mistake ended. As everyone is trying to deal with the tragic event that has occurred, Ariana silently is determined to get even with Kaitlynn.

Ariana and Kaitlynn both have been tapped to become the newest members of Stone and Grave, the school's secret society. Ariana knows if she can survive hell week, all that scheming, plotting, and yes, let's not forget killing, she has done will be worth it. Her future will be secure.

But hell week isn't her only problem. Palmer is ready to reveal their secret relationship. And, in order to gain Kaitlynn's trust, Ariana must do the one thing she never thought she'd do: be her BFF. True to Ariana's style, she has a plan. So, if being friends with Kaitlynn will help execute that plan, than so be it.

I was looking forward to reading Sweet Deceit after Perfect Mistake ended on such a cliff hanger. Quite honestly, I wasn't pulled into this story as I had been with the previous novels. Early on I figured out what Ariana was up to, but just didn't know how she would pull it off.

But what I didn't expect was the last chapter in the book. It was this chapter that left me breathless at the end. I was shocked with how it ended. I don't want to say anymore in fear of spoiling it. The good news is, Pure Sin will be released in October. I think I can wait another two months. I just wonder what Brian has next for Ariana. This girl will do anything to keep her past hidden.

Book details:
Series: Privilege #4
ISBN-13: 978-1-4169-6762-0
Pages: 214
Release Date: June 8, 2010
Genre: YA Fiction (Series)
Format: Trade Paperback
Source: Library

Wanted - Sara Shepard

Book Synopsis:
In Rosewood, majestic estates sprawl for acres, and Tiffany toggle bracelets dangle from every girl's wrist. But not all that glitters is gold, and the town harbors secrets darker than anyone could imagine—like the truth about what really happened the night Alison DiLaurentis went missing. . . .

Back in middle school, Ali plucked Emily, Hanna, Aria, and Spencer from obscurity and turned them into the beautiful, popular girls everyone wanted to be. Ali was the best friend they ever had. But she also made them do terrible things and taunted them with their worst secrets. Now, three years later, all their questions about Ali have finally been answered and they can put this awful chapter of their lives behind them. Or so they think.

Not every story has a happy ending, especially when four pretty little liars have done so many wicked things. In the dramatic conclusion of Sara Shepard's bestselling Pretty Little Liars series, Emily, Hanna, Aria, and Spencer could get everything they've ever wanted—unless A has one more horrifying twist in store.

My thoughts:
I started reading this series last year and was immediately hooked. Who was A? And why was A torturing these girls? Well, the answers to these questions were revealed in Wanted, the eighth and final book in the Pretty Little Liars series.

Shepard did a great job with this book. She wrote an intricately woven novel that provided history into A's identity so the reader could understand what exactly motivated A to become A. Early on a twist is introduced into the story that appears to be very random. As the story progresses, the twist starts to makes sense and only adds depth to the mystery. As I read Wanted, my mind flashed back to the previous novels and things quickly fell into place. Things I had missed before suddenly became clear.

Like the first seven novel, Wanted uses the four girls' history to help move the plot along. Shepard takes us back to the night of the sleepover. The infamous night that Ali disappeared. As each girl thinks about that fateful night, it's Spencer's memories that are the most valuable. Memories that will help shed light on what really happened.

As much as I enjoyed Wanted, its ending was bittersweet for me. I loved the Pretty Little Liars series and highly recommended it. It was sad reading the last page knowing the end has come. Thankfully Shepard is working on a new series. The Lying Game, book one, will be released in early December.

Book details:
Series: Pretty Little Liars #8
ISBN-13: 978-0-06-156617-2
Pages: 261
Release Date: June 8, 2010
Genre: YA Fiction (Series)
Format: Hardback
Source: Library

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Here's what I'm looking forward to:

Title: Love Letters from Ladybug Farm
Author: Donna Ball
Release Date: October 5

Love is in the air in this delightful novel-third in the bestselling Ladybug Farm series from award-winning author Donna Ball.

Renovating a broken-down mansion in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley gave three lifelong friends a welcome second chance. But after taking the biggest risk of their lives, are these women also willing to risk their hearts?

All the effort Cici, Lindsay, and Bridget have put into transforming an historic but overgrown farm into an upscale winery and special events business is paying off-Ladybug Farm has been chosen to host a society wedding. What this really means is that they are about to be invaded by warring mothers-in-law, a Bridezilla, and a completely clueless groom. They have their hands full keeping Ladybug Farm from descending into total chaos.

But there's something about a wedding...
(From Amazon.com)

Don't Blink - James Patterson & Howard Roughan

During the packed lunch hour at the busy Lombardo's restaurant in Manhattan, a lawyer is brutally murdered. His killer gets away after shooting and killing two police officers and causing pandemonium. Reporter Nick Daniels is sitting at the next table and witnesses the horrific killing. Little does Nick know, he will play an important part in solving this murder.

And so begins James Patterson's latest thriller Don't Blink. As with most of Patterson's novels, this one started out with a gruesome crime (trust me, you don't want to be eating while reading the prologue) and doesn't let up until the end. The chapters are short and the book can be read in a day.

The story is told primarily through Nick's eyes. There are a few chapters that Nick is not in, simply to help move the plot along. Nick is a likable character and doesn't appear to behave foolishly while trying to solve the case. At times, he doesn't make the best decisions, but as a reporter he feels it's necessary to follow a lead.

There's a predictable romance between Nick and his editor, Courtney. I felt the sexual tension was quite clear between the two of them, that I wasn't surprised with how their relationship ended. Their relationship, however did not take away from the story.

Every year, I look forward to Patterson's new releases. Don't Blink was no exception. Even though I read it in a matter of hours, I didn't love it. It was just an okay read. It's definitely not one that I would recommend to someone who has never read one of Patterson's mysteries. If however, you are a Patterson fan, I would say read it. If only to stay current with his novels. I admit, I prefer his series versus the stand-alone novels. Despite not enjoying Don't Blink as much as I'd hoped, I am still waiting for his next release. I can't help it! There's just something about reading a James Patterson book.

Book details:
ISBN-13: 978-0-316-03623-8
Pages: 384
Release Date: September 27, 2010
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Source: Crazy Book Tours

I received a copy of Don't Blink from Crazy Book Tours. Receiving this free copy did not influence my review in any way.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

Sheila, of One Persons Journey Through a World of Books, is the host of It's Monday! What Are You Reading? This is a weekly event to share what we read last week, what we are currently reading and what books we plan to read this week.

Read last week:

• Don't Blink - James Patterson & Howard Roughan
  Summary: A man is killed during lunch hour at a crowded New York restaurant. Reporter Nick Daniels is also at the restaurant and becomes a pawn in the murder.
  

I'm Reading:

• Summer at Tiffany - Marjorie Hart
• Queen of Babble - Meg Cabot (Audio book)
  

Next on my list:

• The Life You've Imagined - Kristina Riggle
  
• She's Gone Country - Jane Porter
  

What are you reading this week?

Book Blogger Hop

Book Blogger Hop: August 13 - August 16

The weekend is here and that means it's time for BOOK BLOGGER HOP!

Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Jennifer of Crazy-for-Books. This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books!

This week's question: How many books do you have on your 'to be read shelf'?

Well, I think I will have to answer this question in two parts. Currently I have 120+ books that I have purchased, but have yet to read. I also track my list of books I want to read in an Excel spreadsheet. That list is roughly about 650 or so books! Looks like I have a lot of reading to do!

If you discovered my blog through the Book Blogger Hop, please let me know. I will also stop by your blog.

ENJOY THE WEEKEND!

Review Policy

My Review Policy

To: Authors, Publishers and Publicists:

My Love for Reading:
I’ve been reading since I was a young girl. My mom took me religiously to the library every week and allowed me to check out as many books as I wanted. Within a short period of time, I became addicted to reading and would look forward to our weekly library trips.

Fast forward to present time. I still have my weekly library visits, although I can no longer check out as many books as I want! Thanks to my mom, my passion for reading never ended and I am often found with my nose in a book.

Books I Enjoy Reading:

• Children's Fiction
• Chick Lit
• Contemporary/General Fiction
• Cozy Mysteries
• Literary Fiction
• Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
• Romantic Suspense
• Women's Fiction
• Young Adult Fiction/Mystery

Books I Will Not Review:

• Christian Fiction (may change in the future
• Fantasy
• Non-Fiction
• Memoir
• Paranormal
• Science Fiction
• Self-Help
• Self-Published

I will not review a series out of order. Please indicate if book belongs to a series.

Review Schedule:
I recently began keeping a review schedule. I am willing to work with you to review the book in a timely fashion. Please know I am generally not a fast reader. I usually read about 1 or 2 books each week (I read one book at a time).

Review Posting:
Books received for a blog tour will have their reviews posted on the tour date. An exception can occur if I do not receive the book in the appropriate time frame that allows me to read the book and write the review. In this case, I will spotlight the book and the author. I will review the book within a month of the tour date. For all other books, reviews will be posted within one to three months of receipt.

My reviews:
My reviews are written in my honest opinion no matter if I purchased the book, borrowed it from the library or received a complimentary copy for review. I cannot guarantee that all reviews books will receive a positive review. My reviews are posted on the following sites:

• Amazon
• Barnes and Noble
• Borders
• Goodreads
• LibraryThing
• Shelfari
• I will also post on my library's website, if the book is in their catalog.
  

When my review is posted, I will contact you via email.

Complimentary Copy:
Most review copies I receive will be added to my personal library. On occasion, I will pass them along to friends or donate to the library. I do not sell any review book I receive.

Contact Me:
Please feel free to contact me at mybookandcouch@gmail.com .
Thank you for taking the time to read my review policy. I look forward to hearing from you.

The Island - Elin Hilderbrand

Birdie Cousins is starting over...in her fifties. She's recently divorced from her husband Grant and is about to embark upon a new relationship. Chess, Birdie's oldest daughter, has always gotten what she wanted. She's engaged to Michael and appears to be very happy. When she abruptly ends their engagement, it leaves everyone wondering why. Tate, the youngest, is a computer genius. She's not a "girly-girl" by any means and is her sister's complete opposite. She's single and successful, but there's one thing she hasn't mastered yet: love. India is Birdie's sister. Her husband's suicide left her in complete abandon. Slowly she was able to pick up the pieces and move on. When she least expects it, she finds love again.

After Chess calls off her engagement, she sinks into a deep depression. Birdie suggests the women spend the month of July at their family home on Tuckernuck Island. The family house represents different things to each woman. Despite the slower pace, the inconvenience and isolation of Tuckernuck Island, the women agree to go. Perhaps an escape from their lives is just what they need.

Elin Hilderbrand is an author who has repeatedly been recommended to me. I've often heard her books are perfect for summer reading. I was excited to snag a copy from my library's "14-day cannot renew" shelf. I had high expectations for this novel, but unfortunately early on I became disappointed.

I must admit initially I was interested in the storyline of these women. I wanted to know the reason behind Chess's broken engagement. What really happened when she told Michael the wedding was off. I liked the idea of Chess keeping a journal and little by little she revealed the circumstances that led up to her deciding to end the engagement. But I never felt connected to her. In fact, I didn't feel connected to any of the characters.

For whatever reason (and I still do not know why), the author's writing style didn't click with me. Often times I found myself slowing down and retelling what I just read in my own words. Needless to say, upon finishing The Island, I felt let down. Or maybe I missed something that other readers liked. I am definitely in the minority as The Island currently has a 4.5 rating on Amazon. I do want to read another novel by Ms. Hilderbrand. Too many readers have recommended her books to me. Apparently they think I would enjoy them. And I am interested in finding out why for myself.

Book details:
ISBN-13: 978-0-316-04387-8
Pages: 402
Release Date: July 6, 2010
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Format: Hardback
Source: Library

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Here's what I'm looking forward to:

Title: Good Enough to Eat
Author: Stacey Ballis
Release Date: September 7

The last thing Melanie expected to lose when she went on a diet was her husband.

Former lawyer Melanie Hoffman lost half her body weight and opened a gourmet take-out café specializing in healthy and delicious food. Then her husband left her-for a woman twice her size. Immediately afterwards, she's blindsided by a financial crisis. Melanie reaches out to a quirky roommate with a ton of baggage and becomes involved in a budding romance with a local documentary filmmaker.

In this warm and often laugh-out-loud novel, Melanie discovers that she still has a lot to learn about her friends, her relationships with men, and herself-and that her weight loss was just the beginning of an amazing journey that will transform her life from the inside out..
(From Amazon.com)

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner - Stephenie Meyer

I've thought long and hard about this review. Initially I was not going to write a review at all. But due to my goal of reviewing all books read this year, I decided to try to write something.

When I started reading The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner, it was my intent to read it in one sitting. After reading the first 30 pages, my mind had other ideas. I started thinking about all the other things I could be doing instead of reading this book. I put it down and walked away for about an hour or so. I picked it up again and forced myself to finish.

It wasn't good. I had no idea who Bree Tanner was and didn't remember her in Eclipse. After I finished, I still had no idea who she is and finally realized I just didn't care. For all the hype this book has gotten, I found it to be anticlimactic.

Book details:
ISBN-13: 978-0316125581
Pages: 178
Release Date: June 5, 2010
Genre: YA Fiction
Format: Hardback
Source: Library

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

Sheila, of One Persons Journey Through a World of Books, is the host of It's Monday! What Are You Reading? This is a weekly event to share what we read last week, what we are currently reading and what books we plan to read this week.

Read last week:

• The Island - Elin Hilderbrand
  Summary: A mother decides an escape to the summer family home is needed when her daughter abruptly ends her engagement.
  
• Wanted - Sara Shepard
  Summary: The eighth and final installment of the Pretty Little Liars series. Questions about A's identity are answered and the mystery surrounding Ali's death is solved.
  
• Sweet Deceit - Kate Brian
  Summary: Ariana is pledging a secret society. She's determined to become Stone and Grave's newest member. If Kaitlynn doesn't stop her first. Book four in the Privilege series.
  

I'm Reading:

• Don't Blink - James Patterson

Next on my list:

• The Life You've Imagined - Kristina Riggle
  
• Summer at Tiffany - Marjorie Hart
  

What are you reading this week?

Book Blogger Hop

Book Blogger Hop: August 6 - August 9

The weekend is here and that means it's time for BOOK BLOGGER HOP!

Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Jennifer of Crazy-for-Books. This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books!

This week's question: Do you listen to music when you read? If so, what are your favorite reading tunes?

I usually do not listen to music while reading. On occasion, I've had Jim Brickman playing in the background. I love his music! It's so relaxing. When I travel, I will often listen to one of my Jim Brickman playlists. I find the airport and people watching too distracting. I definitely need music while reading to help me stay in my zone.

If you discovered my blog through the Book Blogger Hop, please let me know. I will also stop by your blog.

ENJOY THE WEEKEND!

Between Friends - Kristy Kiernan

Ali and Cora have been friends since high school. Over the years, their friendship matured and the two women become tight like sisters. So it was only natural for Cora to donate her eggs when Ali was unable to conceive.

Fast forward to present time. Ali and Benny have a beautiful daughter Letty. Ali is extremely thankful for the gift of life Cora gave to her. In fact, she has it documented on her bedroom wall, aka "The Miracle Wall". Now that Letty is older and growing into a young woman, Ali cannot deny her desire to have another baby. She did preserve the remaining embryos in case she wanted to be pregnant again. And that time has come.

Benny, her husband, isn't as enthusiastic about having another child. If it were five years ago, then yes he would have agreed immediately. Now, things have changed. And bringing another child into the world is something he's not so sure of. Ali also needs to tell Cora. After all, the embryos are hers and she doesn't want to have the procedure until speaking with Cora first.

Cora has a secret of her own. A secret that she's not ready to share. Even with Ali. She's aware that time is no longer on her side and decides she must face this life-altering decision and returns home cope and tell Ali.

Between Friends is friendship at its best. Ali and Cora represent the true meaning of "I will do anything for you". Yes the woman argue and don't always agree, but deep down their friendship is real and solid. If you're looking for a good women's fiction novel, look no further. Between Friends is filled with intricate themes that causes the reader to feel a variety of emotions throughout the novel. It's a fantastic read, one I highly recommend.

Book details:
ISBN-13: 978-0-425-23347-4
Pages: 322
Release Date: April 6, 2010
Genre: Women's Fiction
Format: Trade Paperback
Source: Blog giveaway win

Spotlight: Georgia's Kitchen by Jenny Nelson

Title: Georgia's Kitchen
Author: Jenny Nelson
Release Date: August 3, 2010
ISBN: 978-1439173336

Getting burned—in and out of the kitchen—might be the best thing that ever happened to Georgia Gray.

At 33, talented chef Georgia Gray has everything a woman could want—the top job at one of Manhattan’s best restaurants, a posse of smart and savvy gal pals who never let her down, and a platinum-set, cushion-cut diamond engagement ring courtesy of Glenn, the handsome entertainment lawyer who Georgia’s overbearing mother can’t wait for her to marry. The table is set for the ambitious bride-to-be until a scathing restaurant review destroys her reputation. To add salt to her wounds, Glenn suddenly calls off the wedding.

Brokenhearted, Georgia escapes to the Italian countryside, where she sharpens her skills at a trattoria run by a world-class chef who seems to have it all—a devoted lover, a magnificent villa, and most importantly, a kitchen of her own. Georgia quells her longings with Italy’s delectable offerings: fine wine, luscious cheeses, cerulean blue skies, and irresistible Gianni, an expert in the vineyard and the bedroom. So when Gianni tempts Georgia to stay in Italy with an offer no sane top chef could refuse, why can’t she say yes?

An appetite for something more looms large in Georgia’s heart – the desire to run her own restaurant in the city she loves. But having left New York with her career in flames, she’ll need to stir up more than just courage if she’s to realize her dreams and find her way home.

My thoughts: Unfortunately I received Georgia's Kitchen days prior to the blog tour and have not had the chance to read it. I am looking forward to starting it soon, so stay tuned for my review.



From the author's website: Jenny Nelson grew up in Larchmont, NY and graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Colorado at Denver. A former web editor and producer, she worked for companies such as iVillage, Vogue.com and Style.com. She lives with her husband, twin daughters and dog in Millbrook, NY and Manhattan. Georgia’s Kitchen is her first novel.

Follow Jenny on Twitter
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Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Here's what I'm looking forward to:

Title: Dirty Rotten Tendrils
Author: Kate Collins
Release Date: October 5

The newest Flower Shop mystery

When high-powered lawyer Ken "the Lip" Lipinski is found dead from a suspicious overdose, florist and amateur sleuth Abby Knight finds it hard to swallow that his opposing counsel-and her old boss-is the murderer.
From B&N.com

Mini-Review: Nancy Drew #20

Title: High School Musical Mystery - Part 1
Authors: Stefan Petrucha & Sarah Kinney
Artists: Sho Murase & Carols Guzman
Series: Nancy Drew Graphic Novel #20

Mini-Review:
Nancy Drew and The Dana Girls meet for the first time. The Dana Girls attend private school and their classmates consider them to be the best detectives in town. Not to be outdone, Bess and George stick up for Nancy and claim she's the BEST there is. After a lot of bantering back and forth, a mystery solving contest is formed. The first to solve the mystery, will hold the title.

While Nancy and The Dana Girls are trying to solve the clues, a real mystery is taking place. Nancy and The Dana Girls realize this a bit too late. The thief has stolen the original copy of Edgar Allan Poe's Murders in the Rue Morgue. Nancy and The Dana Girls and their friends are in hot pursuit to capture the stolen item. The mystery continues in High School Musical Mystery Part 2.

Tuesday Teasers

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jenn of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
  
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
  
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure what you share does not give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
  
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!
  

My teasers:

"Barrett offered her a hand up. They were, for one sweet second holding hands! He said, 'I packed a picnic lunch, some beers and stuff, for after fishing.'"

~p. 61, The Island by Elin Hilderbrand~

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

Sheila, of One Persons Journey Through a World of Books, is the host of It's Monday! What Are You Reading? This is a weekly event to share what we read last week, what we are currently reading and what books we plan to read this week.

Read last week:

• Forget You - Jennifer Echols
  
• And One Last Thing... - Molly Harper
  

I'm reading:

• The Island - Elin Hilderbrand
  

Next up on my list:

• Don't Blink - James Patterson
• Wanted - Sara Shepard
• The Price of Revenge - Dennis Vaughn
  

What are you reading this week?