Sunday Salon

It's Sunday once again. Is it me or is 2010 moving rather quickly?!? As February comes to an end, I realize my reading has taken a slight detour this month. I took a walk down memory lane by re-reading The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene, which led me to the Nancy Drew Graphic Novel series. I quickly found myself reading the entire series (Book 19, Cliffhanger is being held for me at the library). Despite my high number of books read this month, I've neglected my TBR List. In March, I want to get back on track.

Today I plan to finish The Diva Runs Out of Thyme, the first book in the Domestic Diva series. Next up will be Worst Case by James Patterson, the third book from the Michael Bennett series. I also have two books to read for upcoming blog tours and several library books with upcoming due dates. I'm anxiously waiting for House Rules by Jodi Picoult and Caught by Harlan Coben to be released this month.

Happy Sunday everyone!

The School of Essential Ingredients - Erica Bauermeister

First of all, how gorgeous is this cover? I could picture myself reading on the bench while smelling the aromas seeping from the restaurant!

In Erica Bauermeister's debut novel, The School of Essential Ingredients, we meet a cast of characters enrolled in cooking class. Each student comes to class for various reasons, but walks away with more than learning how to cook a new meal.

The chapters are told from each student's perspective and can be viewed as an in depth character study. The author uses both the present and flashbacks to introduce the reader to each character's life. As each student assist Lillian, the teacher and owner of the restaurant, with making the meal, he/she begins to learn more about him/herself.

Lillian doesn't believe in cooking with recipes. Cooking comes from within; cooking is from the heart. Meals are made with essential ingredients that are not found in a recipe. Lillian shines in the book as she carefully chooses each student to assist with the making of the meal by using an ingredient that is connected to his/her life. Lillian is a wonderful teacher as she fades in and out of her students' lives, giving them as much or as little as they need to move forward.

Having read numerous outstanding reviews about this novel, my expectations were very high. I'm happy to say I was not disappointed. This is a fantastic novel. The author's writing style was lyrical and the words seemed to come off the page. A word of caution: do not read this novel while you are hungry! The author goes into great detail about how the meals are prepared and I imagined myself eating every meal.

I do hope Ms. Bauermeister is working on her second novel as I tremendously enjoyed her first.

Book details:
ISBN-13: 978-0-425-23209-5
Pages: 255
Year Published: 2009
Genre: Fiction
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased at Borders

Mr. Cheeters is Missing - Stefan Petrucha

Mini-Review:
When Blanche Porter's pet, Mr. Cheeters, goes missing, she seeks the help of Nancy Drew and her friends. Oh, by the way, Mr. Cheeters is a chimpanzee wearing a diamond necklace. Despite the town thinking Ms. Porter is an oddball, Nancy is taken with the love she has for her pet and agrees to search for Mr. Cheeters.

When Blanche's brother, Lawrence comes to town to calm his sister, Nancy believes he's there under false pretenses. Can she find Mr. Cheeters before it's too late?

Book details:
Artist: Sho Murase
Series: Nancy Drew Graphic Novel #6
ISBN-10: 1-59707-030-0
Pages: 84
Year Published: 2006
Genre: Graphic Novels (Children's)
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: Second Time Around
Author: Beth Kendrick
Release date: March 30, 2010

Every summer, four college friends hold a mini-reunion. They laugh, reminisce, and commiserate about their soul-sucking jobs. Maybe they should have listened to everyone who warned them to study something “practical.”

Then an unexpected windfall arrives—one million dollars, to be exact—with the stipulation that they use it to jump-start their new careers. Almost overnight, a professor, a bartender, a copywriter, and an administrative assistant reinvent themselves as a novelist, an event planner, a pastry chef, and a bed-and-breakfast owner. But the changes in their professional roles create unexpected turbulence in their personal lives, and soon the secrets and scandals from their past start to resurface.

For anyone who has ever wondered “What if?,” this engaging novel provides a sweet, funny look at friendship, romance, and second chances. (Taken from B&N.com)

What are you waiting for?

The Fake Heir - Stefan Petrucha

Mini-Review:
A missing safe full of jewels has just been found. When the heir of the fortune isn't able to claim the jewels, his wife seeks Carson Drew's help with gaining access to her husband's family fortune. But something doesn't seem right to Nancy. Where is Mr. Druthers? And what secret is Mrs. Druthers hiding?

When Mr. Druthers magically appears to claim his inheritance, Nancy is certain her hunches are right. Can she solve the mystery before she finds herself in danger?

Book details:
Artist: Vaughn Ross
Series: Nancy Drew Graphic Novel #5
ISBN-10: 1-59707-024-6
Pages: 84
Year Published: 2006
Genre: Graphic Novels (Children's)
Format: Paperback
Source: Library

The Girl Who Wasn't There - Stefan Petrucha

Mini-Review:
Nancy Drew needs help with her computer. During a call to customer service, she meets Kalpana, the CS representative. Long after Nancy's computer is fixed, she remains in contact with Kalpana, who resides in India. One night Nancy receives a distressing call from Kalpana who believes someone is in her house to kidnap her.

It just so happens Nancy's father has a scheduled business trip in India and purchases additional plane tickets for Nancy and her friends Bess and George. Shortly after arriving in India, Nancy stumbles across clues to the case and finds herself on the trail of the kidnappers. Can she rescue Kalpana in time before she becomes the kidnappers' next victim?

Book details:
Artist: Sho Murase
Series: Nancy Drew Graphic Novel #4
ISBN-10: 1-59707-012-2
Pages: 84
Year Published: 2005
Genre: Graphic Novels (Children's)
Format: Hardback
Source: Library

Sunday Salon

I'm so happy it is Sunday! Last week was a really bad week for me. Unfortunately my reading also suffered. I finished The School of Essential Ingredients on Monday with plans to read at least 1-2 more books. However, as my week progressed and things started to get out of hand, my plans quickly changed.

I started several books (ones that I've been looking forward to) and read about a chapter or so in each and put them down again. I just wasn't in the mood for anything. Keeping my 144 books in 2010 goal in mind, I found myself at the library searching for more books from the Nancy Drew graphic novel series. I figured they were quick, light and would help me stay on track.

I wasn't sure if I was in the mood to read another Nancy Drew book or read something else so I found myself searching my Kindle for iPhone app. I have a few sample chapters of books I want to read saved. I started reading The Diva Runs Out of Thyme by Krista Davis. I soon became so engrossed with the sample, that without thinking I purchased the book.

Ok. I don't own a Kindle. I do want an e-reader. I've been obsessing over purchasing a Kindle for awhile now. When the Nook came out, I was glad I waited. It's so pretty and it's touch screen. I immediately went to Barnes and Noble to try one out. Needless to say, I wasn't impressed at all. So back to obsessing over the Kindle.

Wouldn't you know, as soon as I decided to purchase the Kindle, Apple announced the iPad! There's one thing you should know about me: I LOVE Apple products!! I am truly a Mac girl at heart. After watching the iPad keynote and the iPad quick tour on Apple.com, I immediately found myself in a tight spot. As much as I loved the iPad, is it truly what I want? Yes, it's nice and pretty and has a lot to offer, but I really want an e-reader. So, once again I'm holding off purchasing an e-reader until the iPad is released and I can read product reviews. Also, I really want to see if Amazon is going to release Kindle 3 this year.

Anyway, back to the purchase of my book. As much as I enjoy reading sample chapters from books, I never thought I'd want to read an entire book on my iPhone. After I set the font size, the font color and how I want to read it (portrait vs landscape), I easily adjusted. Yes, the screen size is small and yes it's a bit odd to hold my phone while reading, but I did find myself slipping into the story quickly. (Which, I'm quite surprised about!) Although reading on my iPhone doesn't take the place of reading an actual book, it has helped me get out of my reading rut. So that says something.

What about you, do you read books on your cell phone? Are you like me, debating which e-reader to buy? I'm curious to know what people think about this.

Happy Sunday everyone!

Heartless - Sara Shepard

The four Pretty Little Liars are back for the seventh book of the series, Heartless. Aria, Hannah, Emily and Spencer swear they saw Ali alive when the woods caught fire. But the rest of the town, including the police, are getting tired of these girls and their accounts of what happened to Ali.

[Minor spoilers here - read with caution.] As the girls try to save face, A continues to send them texts about Ali's disappearance. Emily travels to an Amish community where she learns about a past life someone close to her is trying to hide; Hannah's father sends her to psychiatric facility as he thinks she's suffering from PTSD. There she meets someone who may have known Ali. Spencer learns the secrets her parents have been hiding that may destroy their family. And Aria steals evidence from the woods that could assist the police. But when a suspect is arrested for not only Ali's murder, but the murder of someone else (which I didn't see coming), the girls begin to wonder if the new A is really trying to help them or torture them.

Like the novels before it, Heartless begins with a flashback of the summer Ali went missing. Ali's mother realizes she isn't home from the sleepover and asks Emily, Hannah and Aria over to ask them questions about Ali. It's this scene that the girls will often think about when they search for more clues about Ali's disappearance.

Heartless ends with a murder and an arrest and of course a cliff hanger from A. I'm filled with more questions about what really happened to Ali that night: Is she really dead? If not, then whose body was found in the hole of the gazebo Ali's parents were building? And most importantly, who is A? I guess I'll have to wait to June when Wanted, the eighth and final book, is released. I have to admit, as excited as I am to read this book and learn how the series ends, it will definitely be bittersweet.

Book details:
Series: Pretty Little Liars #7
ISBN-13: 978-0-06-156614-1
Pages: 277
Year Published: 2010
Genre: YA Mystery (Series)
Format: Hardback
Source: Library

I'm So Happy for You - Lucinda Rosenfeld

Wendy and Daphne have been friends since college. At first glance, it appears they are best friends. After spending a few minutes with them, one begins to wonder if they secretly despise each other.

Wendy functions better when Daphne is needy, helpless and a complete mess. She comes across as the caring "I would do anything to help you" kind of friend, when deep down she's thrilled that Daphne is miserable. From the beginning, I didn't like Wendy. AT. ALL. I couldn't decide if she's insecure, jealous, bitter and angry, passive-aggressive or all the above. She is so unhappy with her own life, that she can't express real joy for her friends.

Daphne feels she has to tip-toe around Wendy and continue being the "fragile" one as her life falls into place. As a result, Wendy becomes more sensitive about their friendship and feels Daphne is leaving her behind as she starts this new life. When the two friends finally have it out at Daphne's baby shower, the reader feels it is long overdue.

I'm not sure about this book. It was very hard for me to get in to as I really didn't care for any of the characters. The second half of the book was much better for me, as I managed to zip right through it. What I would have wanted to see was more of the book told from Daphne's perspective. The reader learns about Daphne through Wendy's eyes and I just wondered how tainted her description was. Alternating chapters where Daphne and Wendy both told the story would have made this more enjoyable for me.

Would I recommend I'm So Happy for You? Probably so, but with some hesitation.

Book details:
ISBN-13: 978-0-316-04450-9
Pages: 268
Year Published: 2009
Genre: Fiction
Format: Paperback
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: Heart of the Matter
Author: Emily Giffin
Release date: May 11, 2010

Tessa Russo is the mother of two young children and the wife of a renowned pediatric surgeon. Despite her own mother's warnings, Tessa has recently given up her career to focus on her family and the pursuit of domestic happiness. From the outside, she seems destined to live a charmed life.

Valerie Anderson is an attorney and single mother to six-year-old Charlie--a boy who has never known his father. After too many disappointments, she has given up on romance--and even to some degree, friendships--believing that it is always safer not to expect too much.

Although both women live in the same Boston suburb, the two have relatively little in common aside from a fierce love for their children. But one night, a tragic accident causes their lives to converge in ways no one could have imagined.

In alternating, pitch-perfect points of view, Emily Giffin creates a moving, luminous story of good people caught in untenable circumstances. Each being tested in ways they never thought possible. Each questioning everything they once believed. And each ultimately discovering what truly matters most. (Taken from B&N.com)

The Haunted Dollhouse - Stefan Petrucha

Mini-Review:
It's nostalgia week in River Heights. The residents have given up modern technology and fashion to return to the simple life of the 1930s. Nancy and her friends, Bess and George are going to the antique auction celebrating the Stratemeyer Foundation. Emma Blavatsky donates a dollhouse that's rumored to be haunted. Not believing it for second, Nancy is determined to solve the mystery behind the secrets of this dollhouse.

Book details:
Artist: Sho Murase
Series: Nancy Drew Graphic Novel #3
ISBN-10: 1-59707-008-4
Pages: 84
Year Published: 2005
Genre: Graphic Novels (Children's)
Format: Hardback
Source: Library

The Secret of the Old Clock - Carolyn Keene

Mini-Review:
A few weeks ago, I began reading graphic novels and decided to read Nancy Drew. After finishing the second book in the series, I found myself thinking about the original Nancy Drew. As a young girl, I loved reading about Nancy's adventures and was fascinated with her detective skills. So once again I found myself in the children's section at the library looking for book one: The Secret of the Old Clock.

In The Secret of the Old Clock, Nancy Drew is on the hunt for a missing will. She's determined to correct a wrong caused by a greedy family to ensure that the slighted individuals are provided for as Mr. Crowley promised prior to his death.

I enjoyed re-reading this mystery. I still can see myself browsing the library at my elementary school for the next book in the series. Who knows, maybe I'll revisit this series again. Walking down memory lane has been fun...

Book details:
Series: Nancy Drew Mystery Stories #1
ISBN-10: 0-448-09501-7
Pages: 180
Year Published: 1930
Genre: Children's Mystery (Series)
Format: Hardback
Source: Library

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

Sheila, of One Persons Journey Through a World of Books, is now hosting It's Monday! What are you reading this week? 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.

Books read last week:

1. I'm So Happy for You - Lucinda Rosenfeld
   
2. Heartless - Sara Shepard
   
3. The Girl Who Wasn't There - Stefan Petrucha
4. The Fake Heir - Stefan Petrucha
5. Mr. Cheeters is Missing
   

Currently Reading:

• The School of Essential Ingredients - Erica Bauermeister
  

Up Next:

1. Snapped - Pamela Klaffke
   
2. The Girl Next Door - Elizabeth Noble
   

Reviews to write:

None!!

What are you reading this week?

The Professors' Wives' Club - Joanne Rendell

My summary:
In Joanne Rendell's debut novel, The Professors' Wives' Club, she explores the relationships between four distinct women and the garden that bonds them.

My thoughts:
The Professors' Wives' Club takes place on the fictitious campus of Manhattan University. The reader is introduced to four women, in different stages of their lives, who meet and eventually form a treasured friendship. First there's Mary. She's married to Jack, the dean of Manhattan U and is also an English professor. She visits the garden as an escape from Jack's verbal and physical abuse. Next is Sofia. She's mother to Gracie and soon gives birth to Edgar. She's wife to Tom, an English Professor and a colleague of Mary's. Prior to getting married, Sofia was a top Hollywood agent. Third is Ashleigh. She's a lawyer in her family's law firm. She works hard and doesn't want any special treatment as her favorite uncle is one of the partners of the firm. She has a difficult relationship with her father, never feeling she's good enough for him. She's hiding a big secret from her parents and wants to come clean, however when he suffers a heart attack, she thinks remaining silent will be for the best...for him anyway. And finally there's Hannah. A beautiful model turned MFA grad student. Hannah is married to Michael but realizes she loves her in-laws more. Hannah does the one thing she never thought she'd ever do which causes her to rethink her marriage.

The story centers around the friendship that is formed by these four women. They learn to trust and depend on each other to survive their current situation. Together they protest against the destruction of the garden. Jack wants to tear it down in order to build a parking lot. But when the ladies discover the true motivation for tearing down the garden, they will stop at nothing to make sure it doesn't happen. As they come together to stop Jack, they find the strength to deal with their own problems.

The author's second book, Crossing Washington Square also takes place at Manhattan University. I'm looking forward to reading this novel as well. I wouldn't mind if the author brings back these four characters in this or future novels.

Book details:
ISBN-13: 978-0-451-22491-0
Pages: 321
Year Published: 2008
Genre: Women's Fiction
Format: Paperback
Source: Library

Not My Daughter - Barbara Delinsky

Teenage pregnancy has always been a controversial issue. What happens when three girls, with bright futures, form a pact and intentionally become pregnant? Who's to blame? Most importantly, what is the driving force for making such a pact?

In Barbara Delinsky's latest novel, Not My Daughter, we meet Lily and her friends, Jessica and Mary Kate, three academic achievers, well-liked by the students and faculty, and who are also pregnant. Lily is Susan's daughter. Susan gave birth to Lily at a young age and doesn't want her daughter to face any of the problems she had when she became pregnant. And one more thing: Susan is the principal at Lily's high school.

Teenage pregnancy is difficult to discuss and deal with as Susan quickly comes to realize. She's treated unfairly when it's revealed Lily is one of the girls who is pregnant. Susan's life is scrutinized at every angle and some feel she's not the right person to run the school as she cannot prevent her own daughter from getting pregnant.

Are Susan and the other mothers being treated and judged too harshly? Are parents to blame when an unwanted pregnancy occurs? Is the responsibility solely placed on the two individuals who are about to become parents? These are some of the questions Ms. Delinsky tackles in Not My Daughter.

I enjoyed reading this book. A look inside the three girls' reasons for becoming pregnant was both alarmingly and naive. I did want the author to delve deeper into the unknowing fathers' perspectives. How did these young boys feel after hearing these girls were pregnant? The author, however did spend some time with the father of Lily's baby and the growth of their relationship.

I recommend reading Not My Daughter. I'd also consider it as a book club selection. There's a reading guide included that will help facilitate a discussion.

Book details:
ISBN-13: 978-0-385-52498-8
Pages: 338
Year Published: 2010
Genre: Fiction
Format: Hardback
Source: Library

Cover Attraction

Each Wednesday, Marcia from The Printed Page, hosts Cover Attraction. She writes:

"I’m a very visual person and love beautiful cover art. It doesn’t necessarily mean I’ll read the book but at least I might stop and take a peek instead of walking right on by."

I am a visual person as well and have often read books simply because I liked the cover. My cover attraction for this week:


Title: Fairytale of New York
Author: Miranda Dickinson

My attraction:
NYC is my favorite city. Central Park is my favorite part of the city. Looking at the Plaza Hotel from the Gapstow Bridge is my favorite view. I love how this cover captures that view.

About the book:
Are happy-ever-afters made in Manhattan?

Rosie Duncan is happy. Or so she thinks. Her florist store in New York's Upper West Side, which she took over from the enigmatic Mr Kowalski six years ago, is flourishing. She has a wonderful life in her adopted city, surrounded by friends that love her. While Rosie refuses to discuss her past - or why she won't consider looking for a relationship - her assistants Ed (the human iceberg) and Marnie (who appears to have dated the whole of Manhattan), together with inimitable New York Times columnist Celia (a one-woman tornado), do their best to convince her to open her heart. But when hopelessly optimistic Rosie meets self-confessed pessimist Nate, their blossoming friendship over coffee at her store begins to shake her resolve - and unravel the mystery surrounding her arrival in New York. Then a chance meeting brings Rosie face to face with her past – and now she must choose which way her life will go. Is she falling for Nate? Will she be able to love again? And what is going on with her best friend Ed? (Taken from the author's website)

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 One That I Want
Author: Allison Winn Scotch
Release date: June 2010

What if you woke up one day to all your dreams coming true...but those dreams were more like nightmares?

Tilly Farmer is thirty-two years old and has the perfect life she always dreamed of: married to her high school sweetheart, working as a school guidance counselor, trying for a baby. Perfect.

But one sweltering afternoon at the local fair, everything changes. Tilly wanders into a fortune teller's tent and meets an old childhood friend, who offers her more than just a reading. "I'm giving you the gift of clarity," her friend says. "It's what I always through you needed." And soon enough, Tilly starts seeing things: her alcoholic father relapsing, staggering out of a bar with his car keys in hand; her husband uprooting their happy, stable life, a packed U-Haul in their driveway. And even more disturbing, these visions start coming true. Suddenly Tilly's perfect life, so meticulously mapped out, seems to be crumbling around her. And as she furiously races to keep up with - and hopefully change - her destiny, she faces the question: Which life does she want? The one she's carefully nursed for decades, or the one she never considered possible?
(Taken from the author's website)

Allison Winn Scotch has quickly become a new favorite author. I read her previous novels Time of My Life and The Department of Lost & Found and loved both. I am eagerly waiting for The One That I Want to be released.

What are you waiting for?

Easy on the Eyes - Jane Porter

It Ain't Easy Being America's Sweetheart
At thirty-eight, Tiana Tomlinson has made it. America adores her as one of the anchors of America Tonight, a top-rated nightly entertainment and news program. But even with the trappings that come with her elite lifestyle, she feels empty. Tiana desperately misses her late husband Keith, who died several years before. And in a business that thrives on youth, she's getting the message that her age is starting to show and certain measures must be taken if she wants to remain in the spotlight. It doesn’t help that at every turn she has to deal with Michael O'Sullivan, the devilishly handsome, plastic surgeon to the stars. But a trip away from the Hollywood madness is about to bring new problems—and a new man—into her life. . .and force Tiana to ask herself who she wants to be when the cameras are finally turned off. (From the back cover)

My thoughts:
Initially when I first heard about Ms. Porter latest novel, Easy on the Eyes, I had no idea it would feature a character I first read about in Odd Mom Out. For those of you who are familiar with this book, Tiana is one of Marta's best friends. I absolutely loved Odd Mom Out and was excited to read more about these characters (and yes, Marta does appear in this book and it's great to learn what she has been up to!).

I immediately liked Tiana. She's very talented and smart and yes, quite beautiful. She doesn't give much thought to her looks though. She believes she's moved up the ladder based on her skills and determination. Other people, however will argue this point with her. Yes, she's intelligent and good at what she does, but it also helps that she's well. . . "easy on the eyes".

When her show's ratings begin to fall, the producers are forced to consider revamping her show and adding a co-anchor. They want to draw a much younger crowd and turn the show into a "entertainment, gossip about celebrities' lives" kind of show. Tiana is faced with reevaluating her career and the direction it's headed. She wants to stay true to herself, even if that means giving up her show that made her famous.

At times Easy on the Eyes is a bit repetitive. The reader knows early on that Tiana lost her husband early in their marriage and has not dated seriously since. She's had several flings, but will not allow herself to become emotionally attached to another man as her feelings for her late husband are still raw. Despite the frequent mentioning of why she's not currently involved, the story continues to move at steady pace when Michael O'Sullivan enters the scene. Although, a bit predictable, it's fun to read about their chemistry and watch their relationship blossom.

Easy on the Eyes can be read as a stand alone novel. I also recommend Odd Mom Out and Mrs. Perfect as well. She's Gone Country, featuring Shey—Marta's other best friend—will be released this summer.

Book details:
ISBN-13: 978-0-446-50940-4
Pages: 332
Year Published: 2009
Genre: Women's Fiction
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased copy - B&N

The Department of Lost & Found - Allison Winn Scotch

Natalie Miller loves her life. Why shouldn't she? She's the top aide to a senator, young and determine and has a great political career ahead of her. The world Natalie carefully built comes crashing down when her doctor informs her, she has breast cancer. In an instant, her live-in boyfriend breaks up with her, her career is in jeopardy and whether she wants to or not, Natalie is forced to reflect on her life as she confronts her own mortality while fighting this life-threatening disease.

As Natalie begins her chemotherapy treatments, she's assigned to Janice, a cancer therapist. Janice encourages her to keep a diary as an outlet for her feelings. As she writes her first journal entry, her mind begins to focus on her recent breakup with Ned. She isn't sure where their relationship went wrong and what caused Ned to finally end things. The more she ponders this, she begins to think about her past boyfriends. A plan then forms: she will revisit her past five loves by tracking down each man to determine what went wrong in their relationship. This is more about self-discovery for Natalie and not to rekindle an old-flame.

I have to admit early on I didn't like Natalie very much. She seemed to be very cold and distant emotionally. She was very power-hungry and would do anything necessary to manipulate the situation in her favor. The more I began to read about Natalie's life and her battle with breast cancer, I slowly started to warm up to her and began to empathize with her.

Keeping busy and focused on work while undergoing chemo is what's keeping Natalie in this fight. Her life is centered around her career. Without that, she wouldn't have anything to live for. This realization to her is powerful as things begin to shift at work and she's no longer viewed as irreplaceable. As Natalie continues journaling and reconnecting with past loves, she begins a transformation that leaves the reader feeling hopeful she will win this battle and will be given a second chance to live her life based on the lessons she has learned.

The Department of Lost & Found is the author's debut novel, which at times I found hard to believe. Not only do I highly recommend this book, I also suggest Time of My Life, her second novel. This summer, The One That I Want will be released.

Book details:
ISBN-13: 978-0-06-116142-1
Pages: 312
Year Published: 2007
Genre: Women's Fiction
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased from Borders

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

Sheila, of One Persons Journey Through a World of Books, is now hosting It's Monday! What are you reading this week? 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.

Books read last week:

1. The Secret of the Old Clock - Carolyn Keene
   
2. The Professors' Wives' Club - Joanne Rendell
   
3. The Haunted Dollhouse - Stefan Petrucha
   

Currently Reading:

• I'm So Happy for You - Lucinda Rosenfeld
  

Up Next:

1. Heartless - Sara Shepard
   
2. The School of Essential Ingredients - Erica Bauermeister
3. The Girl Next Door - Elizabeth Noble
   

Reviews to write:

None!! I'm finally caught up! WOO HOO!!

What are you reading this week?

Sunday Salon

Well, the Blizzard of 2010 dumped 20-30 inches of snow yesterday causing havoc in the DMV (DC, MD and VA). Later this afternoon I, along with everyone else in the region, will begin to dig myself out. I will admit though, this storm was a blessing in disguise.

I left work mid-morning Friday and came home and cleaned, did laundry and other chores. Having all of that completed and out of the way, left my weekend free for me to do whatever I wanted!!! Which doesn't happen very often, unfortunately. I spent some time working on items from my "someday/maybe" list and of course reading.

This morning I wrote six reviews and am very happy to say I'm caught up!! FINALLY!! The best thing is I've always wanted to have reviews written ahead of time and have them post as scheduled. I'm aiming for posting reviews Tuesday - Friday. Who know my procrastination mixed with a blizzard would help me accomplish this goal?!? Now the trick is to remain on top of writing the reviews. Writing six at a time was a bit exhausting. But once I got into my groove, I was determined to complete this project. I really need to get back in the habit of writing my reviews immediately after finishing the book. I'm trying to set aside some time during the week that I only focus on my blog (writing reviews, updating challenges, etc). I would like to have a set time each week, unfortunately that doesn't seem very likely. So for now, the goal is to schedule at least 2 times, both during the week and weekend, dedicated to blogging. Hopefully this will keep me on track. The further behind I get on reviews and blog maintenance, the more it repels me. And I didn't create this blog to add to my stress!!

Moving on to my reading. I finished three books this week: The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene; The Professors' Wives' Club by Joanne Rendell; and The Haunted Dollhouse by Stefan Petrucha. I'm currently reading I'm So Happy for You by Lucinda Rosenfeld.

Happy Sunday everyone!

Mini-Review: The Present

Mini-Review:
As a young boy grows into an adult, he shares this journey with a wise old man. It's through this relationship that he learns about "The Present". According to the old man, The Present is the best present anyone can receive.

As the young boy grows into a young man, he becomes restless with his life and career. He repeatedly returns to the old man to seek guidance and wisdom about how he can obtain The Present. Each time, the old man explains that only the young man has the power to find The Present for himself. And after each visit, the young man continues his search for The Present. Eventually the young man finds The Present and begins to understand how powerful it truly is.

Book details:
ISBN-10: 0-385-50930-8
Pages: 104
Year Published: 2003
Genre: Non-Fiction
Format: Hardback
Source: Library

Mini-Review: Who Moved My Cheese?

Mini-Review:
Who Moved My Cheese is a parable about change and our feelings when change occurs. The story is told by four characters who live in a Maze and look for "cheese". Cheese is what we want in life: a career, family, money, a new home or car, etc.

There are two mice: Sniff and Scurry and two little people: Hem and Haw. These characters represent how we respond when change happens. Do we sniff out change early? Or do we scurry into action? Do we deny change when it happens? Or do we learn to adapt to change as we accept it may lead us to something better?

As the story unfolds and the reader learns how each character reacts to change, it's natural to begin thinking how one responds to change. As one character successfully deals with change, he begins "the handwriting on the wall". Through this, the author sheds light on how one can adapt to change easily.

Book details:
ISBN-10: 0-399-14446-3
Pages: 94
Year Published: 1998
Genre: Non-Fiction
Format: Hardback
Source: Library

Writ in Stone - Stefan Petrucha

Nancy Drew is babysitting Owen when a thunderstorm hits River Heights. As a result, a truck jackknifes and a SUV crashes into the truck. Just so happens, this accident happened near Nancy's charge's home. Charlie Adams, a tow truck driver and good friend of Nancy's, calls in a favor of Nancy: he wants to bring the SUV driver by because he has precious cargo that he refuses to part with.

When Charlie arrives with Professor David Severe, an archeologist, he informs Nancy he has proof the Chinese were in America prior to Christopher Columbus. He shows her the artifact (or a "rock" as Owen calls it) and shares its history. Nancy asks Professor Severe to tell his findings at the museum fund raiser. He agrees.

The night of the fund raiser, the professor begins talking about his research and just when he's about to show the artifact, he realizes it's missing! And that's not the only thing that is missing. Owen is missing too. Immediately Nancy is on the case hunting down clues. The first clue leads her to the museum security guard. Did he steal this "rock"? And if so, why? Nancy is determined to find the answers to these questions.

Like book one of this series, the mystery is light and Nancy does a fantastic job with solving the case. I have to say though, I love how the criminals just confess EVERYTHING to her prior to the police showing up. What is it about Nancy that just makes them want to talk??

Yes these graphic novels are not the Nancy Drew I grew up with. I do have to admit, though, I am enjoying them and for now will continue with the series.

Book details:
Artist: Sho Murase
Series: Nancy Drew Graphic Novel #2
ISBN-10: 1-59707-002-5
Pages: 84
Year Published: 2005
Genre: Graphic Novels (Children's)
Format: Hardback
Source: Library

The Demon of River Heights - Stefan Petrucha

Book Synopsis:
Join Nancy Drew, along with Bess and George, as they search for missing student filmmakers and discover the deadly secret behind the local urban myth known as "The Demon of River Heights".
(From the back cover)

My thoughts:
I tend to stick with what I know. Especially with my reading. This year, I'm challenging myself to read more outside of my comfort zone. During my last visit to the library, I found myself feeling very nostalgic. I wandered into the children's section and headed for straight for Nancy Drew. Ahhh... Nancy Drew... where my love for series first began.

Imagine my surprise when I realized Nancy had branched out since I read her years (many years!) ago. So I thought why not allow a childhood favorite to introduce me to a new genre: graphic novels. I've only read one other graphic novel: Wonder Woman: Love and Murder by Jodi Picoult. (Honestly I only read it because Ms. Picoult wrote it and she's one of my favorite authors.) Not knowing what to expect with the Nancy Drew graphic novels, I decided to check out books one and two.

In The Demon of River Heights, Nancy is starring in a movie written by two college students, who are convinced there's a monster lurking in the woods of River Heights. After filming one night, Nancy, Bess and George invite the guys to meet them later at the local coffee shop. When they fail to appear, the girls return to the woods to look for them. Evidence is left behind that alert Nancy the boys may not be too far off about the monster. Can she shed some light on this myth and save the boys in time?

And the answer is: of course she can. After all, she IS Nancy Drew.

Ok, I have to admit, the mystery is very light. It's obvious who the "bad guy" is as soon as he's introduced to the reader. But, then I had to remember the target audience for this book. I definitely think young readers will love this series. The graphics are vivid, as the characters practically jump off the page! However, I did find the story a bit lacking and almost decided not to read book two. As I continued to flip through the pages, I noticed a sneak peek for Writ in Stone, the second installment. Curious, I read it and wouldn't you know it ended in a cliffhanger! Of course I HAD to know what happens next.

To be continued...

Book details:
Artist: Sho Murase
Series: Nancy Drew Graphic Novel #1
ISBN-13:978-1-59707-000-3
Pages: 84
Year Published: 2005
Genre: Graphic Novels (Children's)
Format: Paperback
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. Not My Daughter - Barbara Delinsky
2. The Demon of River Heights - Stefan Petrucha
3. Writ in Stone - Stefan Petrucha
   

Currently Reading:

• The Professors' Wives' Club - Joanne Rendell
  

Up Next:

1. I'm So Happy For You - Lucinda Rosenfeld
2. The School of Essential Ingredients - Erica Bauermeister
   

Reviews to write:

1. The Department of Lost & Found - Allison Winn Scotch
2. Easy on the Eyes - Jane Porter
3. Not My Daughter - Barbara Delinsky
   

What are you reading this week?

Mailbox Monday

Marcia, The Printed Page, hosts Mailbox Monday each week. She writes:

"Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists."

It has been a long time since I last participated in "Mailbox Monday". Here's what arrived in my mailbox in the last two weeks:

Purchased from Book Depository:

Purchased from B&N.com:

ARCs for Review and Blog Tour from Miriam Parker:

B&N.com First Look:

ARC from Amy Currie, Publicist: