What's On Your Nightstand?

February 2010

I know I'm a little late with my post. I'm not sure what will be on my nightstand for February. It will probably be a mixture of library books, review books and my books. Here's what I have so far:

• The Girl Next Door - Elizabeth Noble
  
• Truly, Madly - Heather Webber
  
• I'm So Happy for You - Lucinda Rosenfeld
  
• Heartless - Sara Shepard

I'm almost certain this list will change as the month progresses.

What's on your nightstand?

Nanny Returns - DNF

I really wanted to read this book. I loved The Nanny Diaries and could not wait to get my hands on Nanny Returns. So imagine my disappointment when I put this book down not once, not twice and not even three times! I put it down four times and finally decided to give up. As much as I wanted to know what happened between Nanny and Grayer, I just got to the point that I no longer cared.

I didn't click with Nanny in this book (or any of the characters). I found myself re-reading passages out of confusion about what the characters were talking about. Eventually I started skimming pages waiting for something to happen, but nothing of interest, to me, happened.

What about you? Have you read The Nanny Diaries and its sequel Nanny Returns? What are your thoughts?

Sunday Salon

It's Sunday! Thankfully tomorrow is a holiday. It's always nice to have one more day...

I didn't have a good reading week this week. I'm still reading Nanny Returns, which is turning out be a disappointment. My anticipation to read this book has been high as I enjoyed The Nanny Diaries. Unfortunately, I'm finding myself reading passages as I find myself a bit lost in the storyline. I've decided to keep reading as I am curious to know more about Nanny's relationship with Grayer now that he's older.

I spent the week listening to Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich and narrated by Lorelei King. Although I enjoyed Ms. King's portrayal of the characters, the plot was flat and very repetitive. You can read my review here.

One good thing did occur with my reading: I finally read Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson, M.D. This book has received raved reviews and I've been wanting to read it for awhile now.

Looking forward to a better reading week!

Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich

Um... well, let's see. Ok. Yeah... I just am at a loss for words with this book. For a few days now, I've been thinking about this review. What exactly do I say?

Here goes...

My summary:
Stephanie Plum is back along with Lula, Connie, Morelli, Ranger and Grandma Mazur. Lula witnesses the murder of Stanley Chipotle, a celebrity chef. While the killers chase Lula, Stephanie is trying to track down her skips and help Ranger with his security firm.

My review:
Finger Lickin' Fifteen is based on the same formula as the previous three of four books: Stephanie still can't catch her skips without Ranger's help (I mean how many times can people jump out the bathroom window before she realizes not to leave them alone?), the on-again, off-again relationship with Joe Morelli (they're off in this installment), Lula farting, Stephanie and Lula eating (a lot), Stephanie's cars blow up and Ranger supplies her with a Porsche (followed by another Porsche!), Grandma packin' her gun in her purse, and dinners at her parents' home.

The lack of character growth in this series continues. Why isn't Stephanie allowed to become a skilled bounty hunter? Why does she always need Joe or Ranger to come to the rescue? The love triangle between Stephanie, Joe and Ranger has gotten old. At this point, I no longer care who she ends up with, but can she just pick one of them?!?

The Stephanie Plum series certainly isn't serious reading. I do remember a time when I enjoyed reading about Stephanie's mishaps because they were laugh-out loud funny! Unfortunately, I no longer find her funny.

I'm not sure about this series anymore. There was a time Stephanie Plum was one of my favorite series. I would immediately sign-up for the wait list at the library and read it each book in one sitting. Now, it's not as crucial for me to read the latest Stephanie Plum book shortly after its release. It has gotten to where I only read the books to keep up with the series. But Finger Lickin' Fifteen, just may be my last Stephanie Plum book.

Book details:
Series: Stephanie Plum #15
ISBN-13: 978-0312383282
Pages: 308
Year Published: 2009
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Format: Audio Book
Source: Library

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading this week? 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.

Books read last week:

1. Quick Study - Maggie Barbieri
2. Easy on the Eyes - Jane Porter
   

Currently Reading:

• Nanny Returns by Nicola Kraus
  

Later this week: (still deciding, but will be from this list)

1. The Love of Her Life - Harriet Evans
2. The House on Tradd Street - Karen White
3. The Girl Next Door - Elizabeth Noble
4. The Professors' Wives' Club - Joanne Rendell
   

Reviews to write:

1. The Department of Lost & Found - Allison Winn Scotch
2. Easy on the Eyes - Jane Porter
   

What are you reading this week?

Sunday Salon

It was a long, tiring week. Having my schedule interrupted from the holidays left me feeling exhausted by Friday. Returning to the 5-day work week was difficult, to say the least. I spent most of my weekend lounging and reading. Not that I'm complaining, mind you.

Earlier this morning, I finished Easy on the Eyes by Jane Porter. Great read! My only regret is that I didn't read it immediately after I purchased it last year. From there, I jumped right into Nanny Returns by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus. I'll continue reading it this afternoon.

This past week I also wrote a mini-review for the last book I read in 2009: And Then Everything Unraveled by Jennifer Sturman. Today I wrote my review for Quick Study by Maggie Barbieri. I have two more reviews to write later this week: The Department of Lost & Found by Allison Winn Scotch and Easy on the Eyes by Jane Porter.

I'm not sure what my next book will be when I finish Nanny Returns. Our January book selection for Barney's Online Book Club is The House on Tradd Street by Karen White, which I'm thrilled about. There's also two library books I want to read before their January 29th due date and I want to read The Love of Her Life by Harriet Evans (I've read great reviews about this book). Decisions, decisions...

Happy Sunday everyone!

Quick Study - Maggie Barbieri

Quick Study is the third book in the Murder 101 Mystery Series featuring professor Alison Bergeron. While participating in community service (as a result of an incident that occurred in Extracurricular Activities, book two), Alison befriends Hernan and his family. Needing painting done in her home, Alison hires Hernan and his nephew Jose. When Jose goes missing, Hernan reluctantly seeks Alison's help.

Little does Alison know her police detective boyfriend, Crawford, has been assigned to a John Doe case. A man's body was found floating in the river. Convinced it's Jose, Alison begins to investigate on her own. As she delves deeper into Jose's disappearance she uncovers a world of illegal workers and their employers. Can Alison solve the mystery before the killer stops her?

As much as I enjoy this series, I have to say Quick Study fell flat for me. The back and forth between Alison and Crawford's relationship, the convenient run-ins Alison has with Jack, the man she dated while on she and Crawford were on a break, and the slow-moving plot, stalled my interest. I found myself skimming pages just to learn the killer's identity. Towards the end, my interest started to peak just a bit when Max, Alison's best friend, makes a surprising confession.

Despite my opinion about this book, other readers feel differently as it currently has a 4.5 star rating on Amazon.com. Hopefully my excitement for this series returns again with book four, Final Exam.

Book details:
Series: Murder 101 (Alison Bergeron) #3
ISBN-13: 978-0-312-37675-8
Pages: 324
Release Date: December 9, 2008
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Format: Hardback
Source: Library

And Then Everything Unraveled by Jennifer Sturman

Mini-Review:
Delia is sent to live with her aunts in New York City after her mother's ship goes missing. Delia's mother, T.K. has been estranged from her two sisters Charity "Charley" and Patience "Patty" for quite some time. Delia isn't sure what to expect when she's sent to live with aunts she only knows from a picture.

Her aunt Charley is care-free while her aunt Patty is a bit rigid (read high-strung). Delia is convinced she won't be in NYC for very long because her mother is not dead (despite what everyone else thinks). She decides to hire a private investigator to look into her mother's disappearance. As clues begin to pile up that her mother is in fact alive, Delia finds herself in harm's way.

With a great supporting cast, a light mystery and first-time love, And Then Everything Unraveled is one not to be missed. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel.

Book details:
ISBN-13: 978-0-545-08722-3
Pages: 244
Year Published: 2009
Genre: YA Mystery
Source: Library
Date Finished: December 27

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday! What are you reading this week? 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.

Books read and reviewed last week:

• Family Affair - Caprice Crane
  

Books read last week, with reviews to come:

• The Department of Lost & Found - Allison Winn Scotch
  

Currently reading:

• Quick Study - Maggie Barbieri
  

Later this week:

• Easy on the Eyes - Jane Porter
• Nanny Returns - Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus

What are you reading this week?

Sunday Salon

It's Sunday once again... the third day of 2010. I've enjoyed being away from my frantic work routine. Moving slowly, lounging and reading have been great for me.

Today at church, my pastor preached on the dangers of being too busy. I'm always amazed each Sunday when he preaches on a topic that I've been struggling with that week. As a new year starts, I find myself reflecting on what went wrong the previous year and how I can go about to make a positive change that will lead me in a new direction. It's true what Einstein said, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." While being away from work and the craziness of my schedule, I began thinking about time. More importantly, how I spent my time in 2009 and how I want to spend my time in 2010. Not only doing work-related tasks, but in my personal life. So I was quite pleased that my pastor spoke about the importance of our time and reminded me that time is a precious and valuable gift given to us by God. He summed up his sermon by saying God didn't mean for us to live our lives by always being busy. He wants us to be fruitful. Perfect sermon to begin a new year.

Yesterday I spent some time posting about my yearly stats and goals (I don't do resolutions) for the new year. I read 102 books totaling 29,977 pages. For more details about what I accomplished in 2009, click here.

In 2010, my goals are to:

1. Read 144 books in 2010.
2. Write reviews for 80% of the books I read in 2010.
   
3. Read at least 75 books from my shelves.
   
4. Complete 80% of the challenges I signed up for in 2010.
5. Limit the number of library books I have checked out at one time.

Click here for more details about each goal.

Late last night as I was getting ready for bed, the thought occurred to me that I really need to step out of my comfort zone and read books that I normally don't pay attention to while book browsing. I'm still brainstorming a list of books to read, but have come up with a few ideas: read a book by a British author, re-read a childhood favorite (been feeling quite nostalgic when I'm at the library and find myself browsing the children's books while memories flood my mind), and read a biography. We'll see how this goes.

A while ago, I posted on choosing the first read of the new year. I finally decided and unfortunately forget to tell Amazon about my choice. Sadly, the first book I wanted to read, I Heart New York by Lindsey Kelk, didn't arrive on my doorstep before Dec. 31st. (Needless to say I'm still waiting.) So I ended up reading Family Affair by Caprice Crane. I started it in mid-flight last Sunday and didn't get the chance to pick it back up until New Year's Day. Although it wasn't my first choice, it was a good way to start the new year. I really enjoyed it.

Currently, I'm reading The Department of Lost and Found by Allison Winn Scotch. It's a fantastic read! Honestly, I don't think I'm doing it justice by only saying it's fantastic! I have about 70 pages to go, so I plan to finish it this afternoon. Next up will be Quick Study by Maggie Barbieri. A cozy mystery series that I insistently fell in love with from book one, Murder 101.

Here's what I reviewed this week: (click on the cover to read the review)

I also posted my "Best of 2009".

I have one more review to write from 2009: And Then Everything Unraveled by Jennifer Sturman. I plan to write it sometime this week, so stay tuned.

Happy Sunday everyone!

Best of 2009

For the first time in three years, I do not have one book that became my favorite read of the year. I just couldn't choose! Anyway, here are books I considered to be my "Best of 2009" (in particular order).

1. The Secret of Joy - Melissa Senate
2. Real Life & Liars - Kristina Riggle
3. After You - Julie Buxbaum
4. Twenty Boy Summer - Sarah Ockler
5. Just Listen - Sarah Dessen
6. If I Stay - Gayle Forman
7. Life Without Summer - Lynne Griffin
8. Move On, Move Up - Paula White
9. The Last Song - Nicholas Sparks

The Christmas Secret by Donna Van Liere

During the holiday season, I enjoy reading a feel-good Christmas story. This season, The Christmas Secret was a perfect fit for me. Christine has been cynical for most of her life. She stopped believing in the miracles of Christmas a long time ago. Struggling to make ends meet, Christmas is now one more thing that will set her back and something she just can't afford. Christine wants to see and feel the beauty of Christmas once again, but unfortunately life and unexpected events have harden her.

I'm always waiting it seems—waiting for the right time, the right job, for the light to turn green, waiting on a call, waiting for my past to catch up with me, and for my future to begin.

I got to the point in my life where I was so tired of waiting and wanted to know that my life was not just leading anywhere but somewhere. I wanted that childhood sense of wonderment back. The crazy how, when, and why of life finally caught up with me and I realized that there was no Oz, fairy-tale king, or Scrooge waking up from a dream moment that was going to whisk me away from reality, and that's when I wanted Christmas again. (p.6)

Once again Christine is running late for work when she crosses path with a stranger. Little does she know that this interaction will lead her to a new beginning.

Like the previous novels in the Christmas Hope series, The Christmas Secret leaves the reader feeling encouraged and hopeful about life, without being too "preachy". People and events come into our lives for a purpose. What we may view as an inconvenience, may be just the thing that leads us to where we want to be.

Book details:
Series: Christmas Hope #5
ISBN-13: 978-0-312-55836-9
Pages: 291
Year Published: 2009
Genre: Fiction - Holiday
Source: Library
Date Finished: December 20

Family Affair by Caprice Crane

My synopsis
Brett and Layla have been together since high school. Shortly after Layla's mom passed away, Layla moved in with Brett and his family. It's now years later and Brett and Layla are married. While Layla begins planning their future, Brett questions his feelings for her. When did Layla stop being his wife and start being his sister?

My review
I'll be honest... sitting on my night stand (unread) are the author's two previous novels: Stupid and Contagious and Forget About It. When I heard about Ms. Crane's latest release Family Affair, I automatically added it to my TBR List. I thought it would be a light, fun read. Definitely a good book to curl up with on a cold winter day. Actually Family Affair ended up being more than that.

While reading Family Affair one question repeatedly came to mind: what makes a family? I'm sure if I asked ten people this question I would receive ten different answers. This is exactly what Layla struggles with. Layla's mother passed away when she was a teenager. Her dad left the family years before. So when she began dating Brett, it was natural that his family would welcome her as part of their family.

Initially I think Brett accepted this. As he grew older and left home, Layla always wanting to spend time with his family became a bit disturbing. So much so, that he began seeing her as his sister and not his wife. Doubting his love for her, he asks for a divorce. This decision drives a wedge between Brett and his family.

As the reader becomes a part of their antics to win the family's attention, Brett and Layla delve into their respective relationships with each family member and with each other. Narrated in alternating chapters, Family Affair is a refreshing read.

Book details:
ISBN-13: 978-0-553-38623-3
Pages: 348
Year Published: 2009
Genre: Fiction
Source: Library
Date Finished: January 1