Cross Fire - James Patterson

Sentence summary: Alex Cross is hunting down a serial killer, planning a wedding and his worst nightmare, Kyle Craig, is back in D.C.

My review: Every November, I anxiously wait for the release of the next installment of the Alex Cross series. I am happy to say, the year-long wait was worth it.

Alex is getting married to Bree. Nana Mama and the kids are more than thrilled to finally see Alex happy. And Bree makes him very happy. Unfortunately, crime doesn't stop for their wedding plans as Alex quickly finds himself consume in a sniper investigation. Someone is killing high-powered people in plain sight. The killings are baffling the D.C. police and soon the FBI is brought in for assistance.

Meanwhile, Sampson, Alex's best friend and partner, is hunting down a sadistic killer. The killer carves mathematical equations or numbers into his victims. Sampson asks Alex for help to stop this twisted killer before he strikes again.

And if things can't get any worse, Kyle Craig is back. Little does Alex knows, he's hiding in plain sight.

Cross Fire, is Alex Cross and Patterson at their best. I have to say I was thrilled to see Kyle make an appearance in Cross Fire. Patterson works his magic when he writes about the egoistical, Kyle and his delusional competition and obsession with Alex. Alex tries to not allow Kyle to get to him, but when Kyle threatens his family, Alex cannot help but to lose it.

True to Patterson's style, the story is fast-paced and will keep the reader on the edge of his/her seat until the last page is turned. The ending came much too soon (as it always does for me when reading Alex Cross). Like the former books in the series, the ending left me wanting the next book NOW. Not to give away the ending, there's a little tease that perhaps Patterson will crossover his series. I hope this happens. I've been waiting for this for a very long time!

Lasting impression: Great addition to the Alex Cross series. After reading this book, it's quite clear why Kyle Craig is the Mastermind. If only he used his intellect for good instead of evil.

Reason for reading: It's the latest addition to the Alex Cross series (my favorite) and it's written by James Patterson (one of my favorite authors). Need I say more?

Recommend: Yes. Alex Cross fans will not be disappointed.

My rating: 4/5

_______________________
Book details:
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Series: Alex Cross #17
Pub. Date: November 15, 2010
Pages: 356
Source: Publisher

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Receiving a free copy did not influence my review in any way. It should be noted, I also purchased a finished copy from Barnes and Noble.

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: To Have and To Kill
Author: Mary Jane Clark
Pub. Date: December 28, 2010

From the author's website:

My new character, Piper Donovan, is a struggling actress with no immediate prospects and a recently broken engagement. Reluctantly, she moves back in with her parents to take stock of her life. Piper steps tentatively into the family bakery business, and finds herself agreeing to create the wedding cake for the acclaimed star of a daytime television drama. But soon deadly things start happening around the bride-to-be and it seems that somebody is ruthlessly determined to stop the wedding.

With the help of her former neighbor, Jack, a handsome FBI agent with a soft spot for the gorgeous cake-maker, Piper moves closer to the truth. As she narrows in on a suspect, Piper realizes that it's hotter in the kitchen than she may be able to handle...

Kid Konnection

Title: My Mommy Hung the Moon
Author: Jamie Lee Curtis
Illustrator: Laura Cornell

Summary: My Mommy Hung the Moon is a delightful read about mothers' love for their children. Through this love, mothers are capable of doing many things: carpooling, quieting thunder storms, cooking and baking, reading and writing books and healing the sick. It's an excellent book celebrating mothers.



Title: Late for School
Author: Steve Martin
Illustrator: C. F. Payne

Summary: Late for School is an entertaining read of a boy's determination to not be late for school. You see, he's been late many, many times before. His parents and teachers are upset that he's always late for school. Oh, but this time. . . he will be on time. There's just one tiny problem. . . is he really late for school?





Every Saturday, Julie at Booking Mama, hosts Kid Konnection - a weekly feature that highlights anything related to children's books (picture, middle-school and young adult). Have a post you would like to share? It's easy, simply visit Booking Mama to add your link.

Pure Sin - Kate Brian

Sentence summary: Things are finally going Ariana's way until her past catches up with her.

SPOILER ALERT! DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU'VE READ THE PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES

My review: Things are finally looking up for Ariana. She's the newest member in Stone and Grave, Atherton-Pryce Hall's secret society, and she no longer has to put up with Kaitlynn's threats. Briana Leigh's grandmother's unexpected death suddenly makes Ariana a very, very wealthy young woman. Finally all that she had to sacrifice, the people she was forced to kill and the painful time she spent at the correctional facility has all led to this: a very good life.

But still there's just one problem she has to deal with in order to prevent her carefully, structured world from collapsing: Lexa Greene.

Ariana quickly learns that Lexa isn't good at keeping secrets. Especially one so tragic as Ariana killing Kaitlynn in "self-defense". Lexa is in deep with this secret as the killing occurred in her house and Kaitlynn's body is buried in Lexa's yard. Lexa is overtly falling apart. Friends worry she's on the verge of a breakdown. Both Lexa and Ariana dismiss it as Lexa being overly tired and stressed, but it's quite obvious there's more to her story.

Ariana is determined to keep Lexa sane as long as she can. She uses her "BFF" card to stay by her side while she's secretly giving her Valium under the pretenses to help her sleep. Ariana doesn't want to resort to harming Lexa (she does like her), but she knows she may need to come up with Plan B in case Lexa snaps.

As if she does not have enough on her plate to deal with, on top of keeping up the charade of being Briana Leigh Covington, Jasper, another fellow pledge, expresses an interest in her. She quickly dismisses his flirting, but soon finds herself jealous when her friend wants him to be her date to a Stone and Grave function. Unable to deny her attraction, she begins to have doubts about her relationship with Palmer, the IT guy at school. He's now "too vanilla" for her tastes and considers moving on.

I've mentioned this in a previous review, but it's worth repeating. Ariana is really a character I should dislike, but Brian writes her in such a way that I can't help but feel for her. She's so desperate to create a life that she honestly feels was stolen from her, that she will do anything (and I do mean anything) to get it back. Yes, she comes across as entitled, snobby and privileged, but knowing all of that, there's still a small soft spot I have for her.

Like the previous books, Pure Sin ended in a cliff-hanger that made me immediately want to reach for the sixth book. I am pleased with the direction Brian is leading this series as she's bringing it together with the Private series. I have been waiting for this to happen, as I want Ariana to come full circle with the Billings Girls.

One detail that threw me off a bit was the time difference between both series. I forgot about that when I read about Reed in Pure Sin (she's freshmen in college). One other editing detail that should be noted is Lexa referred to Lillian as Kaitlynn. No one knows Kaitlynn's true identity except for Ariana.

Coming in under 200 pages, Pure Sin is a quick read, that will have the reader rapidly flipping the pages to see what Ariana has to do to keep her secret safe. The ending will have you wanting book six in front of you NOW.

Lasting impression: I am really enjoying this series. When each book ends, I anxiously wait for the next book to be released. As much as I want to read book six, I am a bit shocked that it will be the last in the series.

Reason for reading: Read the previous books in the series as well as the Private series.

Recommend: Yes! Fans of both series will want to know what happens next for Ariana. Not to mention, it's nice to see a familiar face from her past.

My rating: 4/5

____________
Book details:
Genre: YA Fiction (Series)
Series: Privilege #5
Pub. Date: October 5, 2010
Pages: 191
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: How to Bake a Perfect Life
Author: Barbara O'Neal
Pub. Date: December 21, 2010

From the author's website:

Professional baker Ramona Gallagher is a master of an art that has sustained her through the most turbulent times, including a baby at fifteen and an endless family feud. But now Ramona’s bakery threatens to crumble around her. Literally. She’s one water-heater disaster away from losing her grandmother’s rambling Victorian and everything she’s worked so hard to build.

When Ramona’s soldier son-in-law is wounded in Afghanistan, her daughter, Sophia, races overseas to be at his side, leaving Ramona as the only suitable guardian for Sophia’s thirteen-year-old stepdaughter, Katie. Heartbroken, Katie feels that she’s being dumped again—this time on the doorstep of a woman out of practice with mothering.

Ramona relies upon a special set of tools—patience, persistence, and the reliability of a good recipe—when rebellious Katie arrives. And as she relives her own history of difficult choices, Ramona shares her love of baking with the troubled girl. Slowly, Katie begins to find self-acceptance and a place to call home. And when a man from her past returns to offer a second chance at love, Ramona discovers that even the best recipe tastes better when you add time, care, and a few secret ingredients of your own.

Diva Las Vegas - Eileen Davidson

Sentence summary: Alex and her detective boyfriend Jakes head to Vegas to solve a murder.

My review: It's Halloween and Alex and her best friend George are invited to the Playboy Mansion. Shana, an acquaintance of Alex and former Playmate, asks Alex to the party because she has something important to discuss with her. Before the night is over, Shana is found dead in the haunted house.

Alex's boyfriend, detective Frank Jakes, is assigned to the case. Because Alex and George were the ones to discover Shana's body, Jakes agrees to allow Alex to assist on the case. Alex begins questioning her soap opera cast mates as Shana's ex-husband is also a star on the show. Her quick sleuthing leads them to Vegas.

Alex's soap is attending Daytime in the Desert, a convention held in Vegas for the fans. While Alex is attending the festivities, Jakes is discovering Shana's murder may be linked to another local girl's death. Alex and Jakes concluded her death may have something to do with her recent plastic surgery and all signs point to the doctor.

Lasting impression: I really like this series and hope it continues. The story ended on a cliffhanger for Alex and I'm curious to know what happens next.

Reason for reading: Read the first two in the series and liked them both.

Recommend: Yes. Definitely read the books in order.

My rating: 3.5/5

_______________________
Book details:
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Series: A Soap Opera Mystery #3
Pub. Date: July 6, 2010
Pages: 293
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:

• Avalon High - Meg Cabot (audio book)
  Summary: Maryland high school students may be the reincarnates of King Arthur's court.
  
• Pure Sin - Kate Brian
  Summary: Things are finally going Ariana's way until her past catches up with her.

I'm reading:

• Safe Haven - Nicholas Sparks
  

I'm listening to:

• Speak - Laurie Halse Anderson
  

Next on my list:

• Cross Fire - James Patterson
  

What are you reading this week?

Sunday Salon

It's Sunday once again. And for some reason today seems to be slipping away from me. There's much for me to do, so this will be a short Sunday Salon post.

Yesterday I spent the day at a Cosmetics Trend show. It was my first time going. I was at Tyson's Corner mall bright and early at 7:30 am (the show started at 8:00 am) only to find people had arrived around 7 or earlier. Needless to say I ended up with a good seat, but the front row was definitely the place to be.

After the show, my friend and I had professional make-overs. It was fun and definitely a nice girls' day. I'm glad I went to the show (the free gifts were an added bonus) and plan to attend next year if my schedule allows.

As a result, I did not get anything accomplished yesterday. So today I'm running around trying to multi-task and cram everything from yesterday's list on to today's list. I hope by this evening, I won't be too tired to read. I've been wanting to start Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks for two days now, but other responsibilities have prevented me from doing so.

Hope you have a nice Sunday.

The Shadow of Your Smile - Mary Higgins Clark

Title: The Shadow of Your Smile
Author: Mary Higgins Clark
Narrator: Jan Maxwell

Review: The story opens with Olivia Morrow learning she has weeks to live. Olivia is in her 80s and knows she has lived a good life. Knowing the end is near, there is a secret that she has been harboring for most of her adult life. Olivia is torn on whether to keep her family's secret or reveal the truth and the consequences that will inevitably follow.

Monica Farrell is a successful pediatrician. Her current case centers around Sally, a sweet girl who has seen the inside of a hospital too many times in her short life. Dr. Farrell is at odds with the girl's mother, who casually leaves her daughter and doesn't show concern for her physical health.

Monica is surprised when she receives a phone call from Olivia Morrow claiming to know her grandparents. Monica's father was adopted as a young boy and she doesn't know anything about his biological parents. Olivia asks her to meet with her so she can explain everything. Monica immediately agrees. When Monica shows up at Olivia's home the following evening, the unexpected happens.

True to the author's style, The Shadow of Your Smile if full of characters. There's another storyline that runs parallel to Olivia and Monica that will collide with theirs by the end of the book. Greg and Peter Gannon are nephews of the infamous doctor Alex Gannon. Greg is on the board of directors of the Gannon Foundation and is heavily involved in insider trading. Peter is a Broadway producer who hasn't had much success. The two men are a disgrace to the Gannon name and all that Alex has stood for. When Peter is accused of a crime, the media frenzy puts an unwelcoming spotlight on the Gannon family.

As Monica tries to figure out why Olivia called her, there's a hit man following her trying to stop her from finding out Olivia's secret. The plot moves quickly as the reader discovers the true identity of Monica's grandparents.

Narration: As I've mentioned numerous times before, Mary Higgins Clark is one of my favorite authors. I began reading her mysteries in high school and every April look forward to reading her latest release.

I've checked out The Shadow of Your Smile twice from the library and had to return it both times unread. When I saw the audio book on the new release shelf, I immediately grabbed it, vowing this time to finally read it.

I started listening to The Shadow of Your Smile during my weekly Saturday cleaning. I admit initially it was a struggle to get into the story. About 20 minutes or so, I was able to settle in. Then I started to think, this first chapter is pretty long. That's when I realized the chapter distinction was omitted from the audio production. Although this may sound like a minor detail, it was very annoying for me.

The audio book is performed by Jan Maxwell. As the characters of Monica and Olivia, I thought she did a good job. Both sounded as I thought they would. It was the secondary characters I had trouble with. One character I thought was a woman (based on her name), but the voice used sounded more masculine. I had to play back this scene twice to confirm in fact it was a woman. Also, two male characters sounded the same to me which made the plot a bit confusing at times.

Length: 8 hrs, 53 min

Recommend: Although this is not one of favorite books by the author, I still recommend it. I would recommend the print edition over the audio book.

Source: Library

This review can also be found at Audiobook Jukebox.


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: The Lying Game
Author: Sara Shepard
Release Date: December 7, 2010

From the publisher's website:

I had a life anyone would kill for.

Then someone did.

The worst part of being dead is that there’s nothing left to live for. No more kisses. No more secrets. No more gossip. It’s enough to kill a girl all over again. But I’m about to get something no one else does—an encore performance, thanks to Emma, the long-lost twin sister I never even got to meet.

Now Emma’s desperate to know what happened to me. And the only way to figure it out is to be me—to slip into my old life and piece it all together. But can she laugh at inside jokes with my best friends? Convince my boyfriend she’s the girl he fell in love with? Pretend to be a happy, carefree daughter when she hugs my parents good night? And can she keep up the charade, even after she realizes my murderer is watching her every move?

From Sara Shepard, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Pretty Little Liars books, comes a riveting new series about secrets, lies, and killer consequences.

Let the lying game begin.

When You Least Expect It ~ Whitney Gaskell

Sentence Summary: After several disappointing fertility treatments, India and Jeremy decide to adopt a baby.

My review: From the outside looking in, India and Jeremy appear to have it all. Jeremy gave up the corporate world to pursue his dream of becoming a science fiction writer. India is self-employed as a photographer. They have a good, solid marriage and are completely head-over-heels in love with each other. The one thing...one person that would make their lives complete is a baby.

Lainey is headed to L.A. She has big dreams of becoming a reality TV star. Her plans are set in motion and money has been saved. There's just one problem: she's pregnant. This is SO not part of her plan. Especially because Trav is the father. He certainly isn't "daddy material". To Lainey, her pregnancy is just a minor setback. She can give up the baby for adoption and still pursue her dream of moving to L.A.

When Lainey meets Jeremy and India, things immediately are awkward followed by complicated. As Lainey's baby bump grows, her relationship with the couple takes an interesting turn.

In When You Least Expect It, Gaskell tackles the subject of infertility. She illustrates the hopelessness a couple feels following several, unsuccessful fertility treatments, the financial worries of living paycheck to paycheck in order to adopt and finally the pure elation of holding your baby for the first time.

Lasting impression: When You Least Expect It is a book once you start, you will not put down until the last page is read. Told in alternating chapters, the reader can easily relate to the three main characters.

Reason for reading: I have several of the author's previous books on my TBR list. When I saw When You Least Expect It at the library, I immediately thought this would be a good book to introduce myself to the author's collection.

Recommend: Yes! If you're looking for a story with real characters and an engaging storyline, then you will definitely enjoy When You Least Expect It.

My rating: 4/5

Book details:
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Pub. Date: June 22, 2010
Pages: 320
Source: Library

She's Gone Country - Jane Porter

Title: She's Gone Country
Author: Jane Porter
Genre: Women's Fiction

Mini-review: After the end of her marriage, Shey Darcy leaves her glamorous life in New York City to return to her small hometown in Texas. In New York, Shey was a model and her two sons attended private school. As soon as she unpacks her suitcases in Texas, she questions her decision to leave the city.

Being home again is quite an adjustment. Her son is having trouble fitting in at school, modeling jobs aren't coming in as they were before (not the mention the pay is much, much lower) and her mother treats her like she's a teenager.

Her life gets a bit more complicated when her high school crush, Dane, comes back into her life. Shey can't deny she still has feelings for him, but entering into a relationship is not what she wants right now. Or is it?

I received a copy of She's Gone Country from the publisher. Receiving this complimentary 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:

• The Shadow of Your Smile - Mary Higgins Clark (audio book)
  Summary: Innocent people are killed in order to protect a family secret.
  
• Diva Las Vegas - Eileen Davidson
  Summary: Alex and her detective boyfriend Jakes head to Vegas to solve a murder. This is the third book in the Soap Opera Mystery series.
  

I'm reading:

• Pure Sin - Kate Brian

I'm listening to:

• Avalon High - Meg Cabot
  

Next on my list:

• Safe Haven - Nicholas Sparks
  
• Cross Fire - James Patterson
  

What are you reading this week?

Sunday Salon

It's early Sunday afternoon and I feel as though I've managed to get a lot done this weekend. Yesterday I spent most of the day catching up on blogging. I linked reviews to my my 2010 reading list and book reviews list. I made a list of which reviews are still outstanding and linked reviews to my challenges. It was quite a productive day, however I learned a few things along the way.

In 2011, I want to return to reading for me and not reading the latest book everyone is raving about or signing up for review copies or challenges that I end up abandoning 4 or 5 months later. Before I started my blog and participating in reading challenges, my reading was different. I can't really explain it in words, but I didn't pressure myself into reading. Somewhere along the way, after blogging, I began to make choices that impacted my pleasure for reading and turned it into. . . well, work.

I admit it has taken me quite awhile to reach this point and to figure out my role in this. Yes, I take responsibility in my choices and I blame no one else. Trying to keep up and read the latest, most raved about book or reading all the books that are released in a given year has really taken a toll on me. Yesterday, I could no longer deny it. And I know things have to change. I need to change. And what I really need to do is get back to reading what I want, when I want. After all, I started this blog for me - a simple way to track my reading and thoughts about the books I've read.

My biggest obstacle I must face is the library! I absolutely love the library. Even though I recently purchased a Kindle, I still frequent the library at least once (sometimes twice) a week. (My library visits have diminished some this year as I was going at least four times each week.) My problem is I have ABSOLUTELY NO SELF-CONTROL when it comes to checking out books. I can't stop myself! I mean, they're right in front of me and on my TBR List, so why not?

As of late, I've been accruing fines (something I've managed to not do since I started going to the library as a young girl) at a rapid pace. And finally it hit me: what am I doing? This has got to stop. But, I know I won't stop cold turkey. It's going to be a work in progress. Again, it's unnecessary pressure I'm putting on myself.

As I get older, I realize how complicated my life has gotten. Partly due to life experiences and age, while it's also due to me just complicating things unnecessarily. What I can control, I really want to change and make simple. And reading is part of that. Quite honestly, I don't really know what all this entails. As I mentioned, although it was been building, I finally allowed the revelation to fully hit me yesterday.

We'll see what happens. I don't think I need to go to the extreme of giving up my blog or reading altogether (or the library). I just need to find. . . balance. And to remember why I read and started this blog.

Kid Konnection

Title: Presenting. . . Tallulah
Author: Tori Spelling
Illustrator: Vanessa Brantley Newton

Summary: Tallulah's parents tell her she's special and that makes her different from the other kids. She's not allowed to wear jeans or get dirty. During recess at school, the other children won't allow her to play with them because they think she's too fancy. So everyday, Tallulah stands by herself watching them play.

Until one day she meets Max. Max is another boy at school and he's fancy too. His clothes are different than the other boys in her class. Tallulah and Max become friends. Together they learn that being different isn't really a bad thing after all.



Every Saturday, Julie at Booking Mama, hosts Kid Konnection - a weekly feature that highlights anything related to children's books (picture, middle-school and young adult). Have a post you would like to share? It's easy, simply visit Booking Mama to add your link.

Holly's Inbox: Scandal in the City - Holly Denham

Title: Holly's Inbox: Scandal in the City

Author: Holly Denham

Genre: Chick Lit

Review: Holly and her friends are back for this entertaining follow-up to Holly's Inbox. Told entirely in emails and text messages, the reader gets a glimpse into both Holly's professional and personal life.

Life seems to be pretty good for Holly at the start of the book. Work is work... the usual responsibilities of scheduling rooms, showing clients where to go and providing excellent customer service. Her love life is at a high too. She's living with her boyfriend and is thinking about what the future holds for them.

Gradually things change. Work becomes a bit more challenging when Holly has a slight falling out with a co-worker. If that's not enough, her live-in boyfriend is spending weekends alone without her. And Holly believes he's cheating on her... after all, what else could it possibly be?

If you're looking to escape your overflowing inbox, then I recommend Holly's Inbox: Scandal in the City. Don't allow the 525 pages to scare you away. It's a quick and easy read. Before you know it, your unanswered emails will be long forgotten as you find yourself engrossed in Holly's life.

Source: Crazy Book Tours

I received a copy of Holly's Inbox: Scandal in the City from Crazy Book Tours. Receiving this free copy did not influence my review in any way.

Thin Rich Pretty - Beth Harbison

Holly, Nicola and Lexi first meet at summer camp. Lexi was the mean girl who hung out with even meaner girls. Holly was overweight and very self-conscious. Nicola was painfully shy and never felt pretty thanks to her perception of her nose.

Holly and Nicola became fast friends. They often found themselves enduring the wrath of Lexi and her friends. Until one they, both decide to get their revenge.

Fast forward twenty years later. Holly is now dating Randy and they’ve just gotten engaged. Well, pre-engaged. Randy claims he wants to marry her, however she only needs to lose a few pounds first. Nicola is an actress living in LA. She’s had success with one major movie, and is still trying to make it big. Unfortunately she still doesn’t feel pretty enough, so she decides to have plastic surgery. After the bandages are off, she no longer recognizes herself. And Lexi… Well, Lexi just recently lost her father. He changed his will and left everything to her step-mother. Lexi has just a month to move out of her family home and find a job. This will be the first time she will be employed.

While each woman continues to struggle with issues of her past, Holly accidentally bumps into Lexi while shopping. Thoughts race back to their time at summer camp and Holly feels compels to make things right with Lexi. She solicits the help of Nicola and to two set out to make amends.

Thin, Rich, Pretty is a book that deals with common issues that haunt girls and can carryover into adulthood. It also speaks to people are more than what we see at first glance. Alternating between the time spent at summer camp and the present, the reader gets a feel for the relationship between the three women.

Thin, Rich, Pretty is recommended for chick lit fans looking for a quick read.

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: Scared to Death
Author: Wendy Corsi Staub
Pub. Date: December 28, 2010

From the author's website:

A Mother’s Worst Fear…

Elsa Cavalon—petrified that the nightmare from fifteen years earlier is beginning all over again…

Marin Quinn—hiding with her daughters in their concrete fortress…her storybook marriage over…

Perfect strangers whose once-perfect lives were cruelly shattered, they’re bound by a long lost child , a fragile strand of new found maternal hope—and mutual loneliness. Yet Elsa and Marin are never truly alone. Someone is always nearby, watching them and their children. Someone driven by vengeance and the simple poetry of nursery rhymes…Someone who must satisfy dark need with innocent blood. And now time is running out for two mothers stalked by a cunning mastermind who wants to leave them…

SCARED TO DEATH

Mini-Review: Vanished by Kate Brian

The following review may contain spoilers.

Noelle is missing. Reed is receiving anonymous texts from Noelle’s kidnappers. In order for Noelle to be found alive, Reed must complete four assignments and by no means go to the police or solicit anyone’s help. Reed performs the assignments and awaits Noelle’s outcome.

Eventually Reed and Noelle are reunited and the truth surrounding Noelle’s disappearance is revealed. The twist is meant to be shocking, but it’s so random (and anticlimactic) that I ended up not caring. However, the twist is a good segue for The Book of Spells, the next is the series focusing on the original Billings Girls. Its release date is December 21, 2010.