Mini-Review: Nancy Drew #19

Title: Cliffhanger
Authors: Stefan Petrucha & Sarah McKinney
Artists: Sho Murase & Carols Guzman
Series: Nancy Drew Graphic Novel #19

Mini-Review:
Nancy Drew and friends are accompanying Dr. Elise Carver on a hiking trip to find a rare plant that could help cure Alzheimer's. During their excursion, a roped drawbridge was tampered with causing them to detour from their planned route. Nancy thinks she knows who sabotaged the bridge and sets out to prove it. Unfortunately for her, the suspect follows her and pushes her over a cliff. Nancy is barely hanging on. Can Bess and George save her before a "certain someone" comes back to finish her off?

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 Postcard Killers
Author: James Patterson & Liza Marklund
Release date: August 16, 2010

Paris is stunning in the summer

NYPD detective Jacob Kanon is on a tour of Europe's most gorgeous cities. But the sights aren't what draw him--he sees each museum, each cathedral, and each cafe through the eyes of his daughter's killer.

The killing is simply marvelous

Kanon's daughter, Kimmy, and her boyfriend were murdered while on vacation in Rome. Since then, young couples in Paris, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, and Stockholm have been found dead. Little connects the murders, other than a postcard to the local newspaper that precedes each new victim.

Wish you were here

Now Kanon teams up with the Swedish reporter, Dessie Larsson, who has just received a postcard in Stockholm--and they think they know where the next victims will be. With relentless logic and unstoppable action, The Postcard Killers may be James Patterson's most vivid and compelling thriller yet.

The Bride Collector - Ted Dekker

Book Summary:
FBI special agent Brad Raines is facing his most complex case yet. A Denver serial killer has murdered a string of beautiful young women, leaving a bridal veil at each scene, and he's picking up his pace. unable to crack the case, Raines appeals for help to a most unusual source: residents of the Center for Well-being and Intelligence, a private psychiatric institution for mentally ill people who are extraordinarily gifted. It's there that he meets Paradise, a young woman who witnessed her father murder her family and barely escaped his hand. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, Paradise may also have an extrasensory gift: the ability to experience the final moments of a person's life when she touches the dead body. In a desperate attempt to find the killer, Raines enlists paradise's help. Gradually he starts to question whether sanity resides outside the hospital walls. . .or inside. As the serial killer picks up the pace—and volume—of his gruesome killings, the case becomes even more personal to Raines when his friend and colleague, a beautiful young forensic psychologist become the Bride Collector's fourth target. And she isn't the last—by far.

My thoughts:
I haven't had the opportunity to read a book written by Ted Dekker. The Bride Collector was definitely a great first-read for me. The reader is taken in by the story from page one and is swept away until the final page is turned.

What I enjoyed most about the book is the relationship and collaboration Raines had with the residents of the Center for Well-being and Intelligence. It not only added to the suspense, but allowed for more character depth and exploration. The author does a fantastic job of telling the story from different character's perspectives, which allows the reader to get inside the killer's mind and relate to the frustration and anger Raines feels after the women are found. The reader is also granted permission to know the secrets the have haunted both Paradise and Raines for years. If you're looking for a fast-paced thriller, then I recommend The Bride Collector. I will warn you though, the killing scenes are graphic, so read with ALL the lights on!!

To read more about the author, visit his website.

The Bride Collector will be released on April 13, 2010.

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: Get Lucky
Author: Katherine Center
Release date: April 6, 2010

How do you change your luck? Katherine Center’s marvelously entertaining and poignant new novel is about choosing to look for happiness—and maybe getting lucky enough to find it.

Sarah Harper isn’t sure if the stupid decisions she sometimes makes are good choices in disguise—or if they’re really just stupid. But either way, after forwarding an inappropriate email to her entire company, she suddenly finds herself out of a job.

So she goes home to Houston—and her sister, Mackie—for Thanksgiving. But before Sarah can share her troubles with her sister, she learns that Mackie has some woes of her own: After years of trying, Mackie’s given up on having a baby—and plans to sell on eBay the entire nursery she’s set up. Which gives Sarah a brilliant idea—an idea that could fix everyone’s problems. An idea that gives Sarah the chance to take care of her big sister for once—instead of the other way around.

But nothing worthwhile is ever easy. After a decade away, Sarah is forced to confront one ghost from her past after another: the father she’s lost touch with, the memories of her mother, the sweet guy she dumped horribly in high school. Soon everything that matters is on the line—and Sarah can only hope that by changing her life she has changed her luck, too. (From B&N.com)

Sunday Salon

Spring is finally here! The weather has been gorgeous and I'm looking forward to the next couple of months.

My reading fell flat this week. I had to work late several nights on a big project and when I came home, I fell into bed only waking a few hours later to start the cycle again. Now that March Madness has begun, I'm glued to my TV watching the games. Too bad about Kansas! Luckily for me I didn't have them in the final four or the championship game. Surprisingly I'm doing pretty well with my bracket.

On to reading. I started Love in Mid Air by Kim Wright minutes ago. I'm reading during the commercials, but plan to read more later this evening. On Friday, several library holds became available for me to pick up, so I have lots of books to choose from. The only problem is deciding what to read next as they all look good. Not to mention I also have to continue reading my own books. Decisions, decisions.

Have a great afternoon!

The Power to Prosper - Michelle Singletary

Book Summary:

Using biblical principles and promises in her softcover book The Power to Prosper, Michelle Singletary teaches you practical ways to financial freedom by putting you on a twenty-one-day financial fast, where you are prohibited from using credit cards and cannot buy anything unless it is a basic need for survival. You’ll experience something even more amazing … your faith and generosity will increase, too. (From B&N.com)

My thoughts:
I became aware of this book while listening to The Yolanda Adams Morning Show. I immediately went to Borders after work and purchased the book. The book is written in daily format, so the reader reads a chapter for each day of the fast. This fast is based on biblical scriptures, but this isn't a deterrent for those individuals who aren't looking to be "preached" to.

Each day, Ms. Singletary writes the foundation for the lesson we are to learn. She provides testimonies from past participants of the financial fast. There's also the opportunity to keep a journal with suggested journal topics and format. At the end of the book, the author provides budget forms, spending journal example and scripture verses.

I didn't know what to expect when I started this fast. I thought I would learn a lot about my spending habits, which I did. However, I was able to understand why I spend money on items that I want, but most importantly I now see how I have limited God's role in my finances. Yes, it was a difficult fast for me (most days I just wanted to give up or cheat just a little), but when I committed myself to continue for the 21-day period, that is when the understanding and awareness came. I know this will not be the last time I participate in a financial fast.

Book details:
ISBN-13: 978-0-310-32038-8
Pages: 212
Year Published: 2010
Genre: Non-Fiction
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchased from Borders

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 Shadow of Your Smile
Author: Mary Higgins Clark
Release date: April 13, 2010

At age eighty-two and in failing health, Olivia Morrow knows she has little time left. The last of her line, she faces a momentous choice: expose a long-held family secret, or take it with her to her grave.

Olivia has in her possession letters from her deceased cousin Catherine, a nun, now being considered for beatification by the Catholic Church—the final step before sainthood. In her lifetime, Sister Catherine had founded seven hospitals for disabled children. Now the cure of a four-year-old boy dying of brain cancer is being attributed to her. After his case was pronounced medically hopeless, the boy’s desperate mother had organized a prayer crusade to Sister Catherine, leading to his miraculous recovery.

The letters Olivia holds are the evidence that Catherine gave birth at age seventeen to a child, a son, and gave him up for adoption. Olivia knows the identity of the young man who fathered Catherine’s child: Alex Gannon, who went on to become a world-famous doctor, scientist, and inventor holding medical patents.

Now, two generations later, thirty-one-year-old pediatrician Dr. Monica Farrell, Catherine’s granddaughter, stands as the rightful heir to what remains of the family fortune. But in telling Monica who she really is, Olivia would have to betray Catherine’s wishes and reveal the story behind Monica’s ancestry.

The Gannon fortune is being squandered by Alex’s nephews Greg and Peter Gannon, and other board members of the Gannon Foundation, who camouflage their profligate lifestyles with philanthropy.

Now their carefully constructed image is cracking. Greg, a prominent financier, is under criminal investigation, and Peter, a Broadway producer, is a suspect in the murder of a young woman who has been extorting money from him.

The only people aware of Olivia’s impending choice are those exploiting the Gannon inheritance. To silence Olivia and prevent Monica from learning the secret, some of them will stop at nothing—even murder.

Clark’s riveting new novel explores the juxtaposition of medical science and religious faith, and the search for identity by the daughter of a man adopted at birth.

Before I Fall - Lauren Oliver

Book Summary:

What if you had only one day to live? What would you do? Who would you kiss? And how far would you go to save your own life?

Samantha Kingston has it all: the world’s most crush-worthy boyfriend, three amazing best friends, and first pick of everything at Thomas Jefferson High, from the best table in the cafeteria to the choicest parking spot. Friday, February 12 should be just another day in her charmed life.

Instead, it turns out to be her last.

Fortunately, she gets a second chance. Seven chances, in fact. Reliving her last day during one miraculous week, she will untangle the mystery surrounding her death—and discover the true value of everything she is in danger of losing. (From B&N.com)

My thoughts:
I first heard the buzz about this novel late last year. When Barnes & Noble offered it as their teen First Look selection, I immediately signed up to receive it. Before I Fall is a story of redemption; trying to correct mistakes, make better choices and realize no matter what you do, some things are just meant to be.

Sam Kingston and best friends Lindsey, Queen Bee, Elody and Ally, rule the school. Everyone tries to be like them and fears them at the same time. Early in the story, Sam and her friends are very easy to dislike. They're rude, self-centered and cannot tolerate differences, which masks their own fears and insecurities.

Sam's fateful day is February 12th. It's Cupid Day at her school and it's also the day she decides to lose her virginity to her boyfriend Rob. As the day goes on, the reader gets a glimpse into Sam's life and how horrible she really is. When the accident happens, it's easy to think "what goes around, comes around", but don't make that mistake and judge Sam.

Rereading about a day seven times sounds boring and repetitive, but the author does a fantastic job with making each "repeat" seem fresh and new. As Sam begins to realize her life is interconnected to those outside her immediate circle, she makes better choices and finds herself on the path for self-growth.

Ms. Oliver wrote a compelling story for her debut novel. I'm excited to see what is next for this author.

Favorite quote:

"It amazes me how easy it is for things to change, how easy it is to start off down the same road you always take and wind up somewhere new. Just one false step, one pause, one detour, and you end up with new friends or a bad reputation or a boyfriend or a breakup. It's never occurred to me before; I've never been able to see it. And it makes me feel, weirdly, like maybe all of these different possibilities exist at the same time, like each moment we live has a thousand other moments layered underneath it that look different." (p. 285)

Book details:
ISBN-13: 978-0-06-172680-4
Pages: 480
Year Published: 2010
Genre: YA Fiction
Format: Paperback
Source: Barnes & Noble First Look

The Diva Runs Out of Thyme - Krista Davis

Book summary:

Some dishes are best served cold. . .

Few can compete with the Natasha Smith when it comes to entertaining, but her childhood rival, Sophie Winston, certainly tries. While Natasha is known for her intricate centerpieces and painstakingly prepared gourmet meals, Sophie likes to keep things simple. . .real simple. Natasha may have stolen the spotlight—and Sophie's husband—but Sophie is determined to take home the prize at the Stupendous Stuffing Shakedown. She just needs the right ingredients. . .

However, Sophie's search for the perfect turkey takes a basting when she stumbles across a corpse. And when the police find her name and photo inside the victim's car, they think she has some explaining to do. Sophie will have to set her trussing aside to solve the murder or she'll be serving up prison grub—and that definitely wouldn't be a good thing.

My thoughts:
The Diva Runs Out of Thyme is book one of the Domestic Diva Mystery series. Sophie Winston is down-to-earth and very likable. She's recently divorced from Mars, who is now dating her high school rival Natasha. The story opens with Sophie preparing Thanksgiving dinner. She makes a last minute run to the store to purchase a few items, when a man approaches her to ask if she wants to adopt a kitten. Sophie has dog and declines, but remains concerned about the welfare of the kitten. When she finishes shopping, she decides to find the man to say she will take the kitten to her friend who will help find the kitten a good home. Sophie discovers the man dead instead.

Bodies start to pile up when Sophie finds another dead body at the Stupendous Stuffing Shakedown. The main witness for two deadly crimes, make Sophie the prime suspect in both murders. Sophie has to act quickly to prove her innocence and decides to do some amateur sleuthing and solicits the help of her best friend (and neighbor) Nina.

Finding the killer isn't as easy as Sophie thinks. She's also distracted by the neighborhood's Peeping Tom and her's sister's upcoming wedding. Hannah recently introduced Craig to the family and Sophie thinks he's, well, a bit. . .off! What exactly is he hiding? And how well does Hannah know him?

As Sophie gets more and more involved in solving the crimes, she thinks Natasha may not be so innocent. Is Natasha the killer? And why is someone following her? Sophie is determined to find out and host her family's Thanksgiving dinner.

The Diva Runs Out of Thyme is a great start to what appears to be a promising new series.

Book details:
Series: The Domestic Diva Mystery #1
ISBN-13: 978-0-425-22426-7
Pages: 286
Year Published: 2008
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Format: Mass Market Paperback
Source: Purchased from Barnes & Noble

Nancy Drew - The Serect Within

Nancy Drew, girl detective, finds herself on another case. This case takes her to Turkey and is so big, it takes two books for her to solve the mystery.


Title: Night of the Living Chatchke
Author: Stefan Petrucha & Sarah McKinney
Artist: Sho Murase
Series: Nancy Drew Graphic Novel #17

Summary:
Carson Drew is traveling to Istanbul, Turkey to settle a client's estate. Nancy joins him and winds up on another case. When things start to disappear in the house, Nancy wonders if the client's home is haunted! One night she hears strange noises and goes to investigate. She discovers the ruins of an ancient city and begins to wonder why Harland Severino really wants to purchase the estate. (This is book one of "The Secret Within".)


Title: City Under the Basement
Author: Stefan Petrucha & Sarah McKinney
Artist: Sho Murase
Series: Nancy Drew Graphic Novel #18

Summary:
The story continues from the Night of the Living Chatchke. Nancy's sleuthing leads to the discovery of a lost city buried under Mr. Drew's client's estate. Her sleuthing also leads the three of them to be kidnapped. The kidnappers were hired by Harland Severino to find a lost, priceless artifact. And one of the kidnappers is someone Nancy met during one of her earlier cases! Can Nancy stop the kidnappers and get rescued before it is too late? (This is book two of "The Secret Within".)

More Mini-Reviews

Title: Tiger Counter
Author: Stefan Petrucha & Sarah McKinney
Artist: Sho Murase
Series: Nancy Drew Graphic Novel #15

Summary:
Nancy, Bess and George are volunteering at the River Heights Animal Protection Center. They stumble on a mystery when the center gets a call about cat being attacked by a coyote. When the cat is returned to its owner, the girl detective learns about missing tigers in the woods. The woods where Nancy, Bess and George currently are! Nancy and her friends are on the prowl for the tigers before anyone gets hurts.


Title: What Goes Up
Author: Stefan Petrucha & Sarah McKinney
Artist: Sho Murase
Series: Nancy Drew Graphic Novel #16

Summary:
Nancy and her friends are attending the River Heights Annual Balloon Expo. The girls were given a free balloon ride from Bess and George's Uncle Bob. After the ride, Uncle Bob is trying to keep the empty balloon on the ground when he loses control. Not knowing her foot is caught in the rope, Nancy is lifted off the ground when the balloon starts to rise. As they attempt to level the balloon and keep Nancy from flying away, a man is seen running. They think he has come to assist them. Actually, he's trying to steal the balloon and take Nancy with him! Turns out, he's a criminal on the run from the police. How can Nancy solve this mystery and keep herself on the ground?

3 Mini-Reviews

Title: Dress Reversal
Author: Stefan Petrucha & Sarah McKinney
Artist: Sho Murase
Series: Nancy Drew Graphic Novel #12

Summary:
Nancy, Bess and George are shopping for dresses for Deidre's party. Nancy finally found a dress she likes. When she arrives at the party, she's shocked to see Deirdre in the same dress! Deidre thinks Nancy purposely chose the dress to spite her. Not wanting to ruin her party, Nancy decides to leave. As she is walking out, she's kidnapped! Later Deirdre is also kidnapped. The girl detective must work with her rival in order to solve the mystery.



Title: Doggone Town
Author: Stefan Petrucha & Sarah McKinney
Artist: Sho Murase
Series: Nancy Drew Graphic Novel #13

Summary:
Nancy finds a lost dog. She convinces Ned to travel with her to return the dog to his owners. When they arrive, the town is deserted. Where is everyone? Nancy and Ned meet a strange, old woman. As Nancy tries to learn more information about the town and its missing people, Nancy soon realizes this woman is not going to help. In fact, she's rather. . .mean! Can Ned and Nancy discover the mystery behind the town?



Title: Sleight of Dan
Author: Stefan Petrucha & Sarah McKinney
Artist: Sho Murase
Series: Nancy Drew Graphic Novel #14

Summary:
George, Nancy's best friend, is a fan of magic. To her delight, a famous magician, Dan Deville is in River Heights. George wants to attend his show. Nancy doesn't like magic, but decides to attend anyway. When Dan ends his show with making his assistant disappear, the audience is stunned when he doesn't make her REAPPEAR! Not one to run from a mystery, Nancy is on the case to learn about the magician's tricks in order to find the missing assistant. When she doesn't show for his next show, Nancy agrees to be his new assistant.

Worst Case - James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge

Life isn’t always fair. There are some people who are extremely wealthy, while others have exactly as much as they need. Still there are people living in constant lack. It’s the first and last group that tend to cause the most anger.

A kidnapper is targeting the wealthiest students in Manhattan. There's no demanded ransom or clues left behind. There's only one way for these kids to return home safely to their families: they must pass the test.

After the first kidnapped victim is found dead and a second victim is taken, Detective Mike Bennett knows he's facing a sadistic, yet intelligent killer. Parents are frightened and soon New York City is paralyzed by this individual.

Given the nature of the cases, FBI Emily Parker is brought in from DC. She's one of the FBI finest and is determined to find the killer. As Mike and Emily race against the clock, they also try to resist the growing attraction between them. The deeper they dig in the cases, the more they realize the motive behind the kidnapping is larger than the victims. They are just pawns that need to be removed in order to fulfill the mission.

Worst Case is the third book in the Michael Bennett series. Mike is such a likable guy. He's a good detective, a great father and generally tries to do the right thing. He finds it hard to balance his personal life (he's the father of 10 adopted children) and work, makes his fair share of mistakes, but still manages to remain grounded.

True to Mr. Patterson's style, the killer is sick and twisted. The pace is steady and the hint of romance didn't take away from the mystery. Fans of this series will enjoy this book.

Book details:
Series: Michael Bennett #3
ISBN-13: 978-0*316-03622-1
Pages: 356
Year Published: 2010
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
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: Think Twice
Author: Lisa Scottoline
Release date: March 16, 2010

Is evil born or bred? This is the question Bennie Rosato must answer after her twin sister, Alice Connolly, drugs her and leaves for dead, buried underground in a remote field.

As Alice slips easily into Bennie's life, doing her job, interacting with her friends, seducing her boyfriend, she never counts on the fact that Bennie is tougher than she seems. And that, against all odds, Bennie will escape.

But escaping is only the first challenge. Alice's sociopathic lies are so believable that she has everyone convinced that she is Bennie, and Bennie is her deranged twin sister Alice. As Bennie descends further into Alice's life, she starts to feel the pull of evil herself. As the clock ticks and Alice gets closer to her ultimate goal, Bennie must face the shocking truth that she is perhaps more like Alice than she ever realized. (From the author's website)

What are you waiting for?

Nancy Drew 3-Part Mystery

Mini-Reviews: The High Miles Mystery
Nancy Drew finds herself on a her biggest case yet. It takes three novels for her to solve the crime.

Title: Ghost in the Machinery
Author: Stefan Petrucha
Artist: Sho Murase
Series: Nancy Drew Graphic Novel #9

Summary:
Nancy invites friends Bess and George to go camping in the woods. Little do they know, Nancy has motive for the camping trip. Strange lights have been seen in the woods and Nancy wants to get to the bottom of it. When the girls see the lights, they run towards them and discover an old government factory no longer in use. Or so they thought. They enter the rundown building and meet Roy Hinkley, an engineer. He explains he's there to find the hidden magnetic tank engine that can operate on 200 miles per gallon. Problem is, he thinks there is a ghost in the building trying to protect anyone from locating the tank. Nancy and her friends find themselves on the case looking for both the ghost and the tank.


Title: The Disoriented Express
Authors: Stefan Petrucha & Sarah Kinney
Artist: Sho Murase
Series: Nancy Drew Graphic Novel #10

Summary:
Nancy and friends are invited to transport the tank engine to a research facility to be studied. The tank is being delivered on Ralph Credo's privately owned train. Unfortunately Nancy's archenemy, Deidre, has also been invited. The trip starts out fine until weird things start happening. Obvious that the train has been tampered with, Nancy immediately jumps on the case to ensure a safe journey.


Title: Monkey Wrench Blues
Author: Stefan Petrucha & Sarah Kinney
Artist: Sho Murase
Series: Nancy Drew Graphic Novel #11

Summary:
Nancy and Bess are driving an experimental car made from the tank engine's magnets built by Roy Hinkley. They've entered a government sponsored race in hopes of winning a developmental contract. Nancy is up against stiff competition. During the race, the girls realize one of the other drivers will stop at nothing to win the race. Even if it means sabotage Nancy and Bess. Ride how Nancy solves the case and find out if she wins the race.

Nancy Drew - 2 Mini-Reviews

Title: The Charmed Bracelet
Author: Stefan Petrucha
Artist: Daniel Vaughn Ross
Series: Nancy Drew Graphic Novel #7

Summary:
Nancy Drew finds herself on another case. A top-secret computer chip has been stolen which could cost the company millions. At a loss for clues, Nancy mysteriously receives a charmed bracelet. Thinking she may have a secret admirer, she barely notices the charms. That is until she realizes each charm represents a crime that is about to take place. Nancy is determined to solve these crimes before another one can happen. Too bad Nancy's boyfriend, Ned, gets arrested for shoplifting. The girl detective cannot help him out of this one. But the question remains: why would Ned shoplift? Is he jealous of Nancy and her new-detective fame? Join Nancy and her friends as they try to solve the case and Nancy's relationship troubles.


Title: Global Warning
Author: Stefan Petrucha
Artist: Sho Murase
Series: Nancy Drew Graphic Novel #8

Summary:
Nancy Drew and her friends Bess and George have been invited to tour the new Bio-Dome Eco-Park prior to its grand opening. Carson Drew, Nancy's father, is the lawyer for Cheri Goale, the inventor behind the new park. As Nancy and her friends are enjoying the tour, Nancy recognizes a man that she once came into contact with on a prior case. Thinking the man is still up to no good, Nancy decides to keep a close eye on him. When a substance causes one of the domes to collapse, Nancy is positive she knows the culprit. Can she solve the mystery in time to save the remaining domes?

Sunday Salon

Spring is in the air! I'm so looking forward to warmer weather! And next week we "spring" forward which means more daylight hours! Spring also brings about one of my favorite challenges: Spring Reading Thing 2010 hosted by Katrina of Callappider Days. I love how laid-back this challenge is. I've also joined the Cozy Mystery Challenge and the Four Month Challenge - Part 3.

I haven't read as planned this weekend. Yesterday my cats had their bi-annual comp exam. Tuxcedo is not happy when he has to go the vet and requires a sedative just so his doctor can examine him. Needless to say, after the sedative wears off it leaves him feeling miserable, irritable and very combative towards his sister, Dominoe. It's my job to play referee and make sure they stay in their respective corners (easier said than done). Meanwhile, during his loopy state, Tuxcedo loves to explore. Last year, I turned my back for a second and found him on top of my refrigerator!! Yesterday, he was determined to get on top of my TV. So as you can imagine, nothing gets done on vet appointment days. I finally got both to settle down and curl up with me. But by then, I was too tired to do much of anything.

Today, I'm happy to report they are back to being friends, chasing each other all over my house and sitting next to each other on my couch (or as I call it planning what they can get into next). Pets are wonderful, aren't they? So since they are in a much happier place, I can return to my reading plans. (Let's face it, they run things in my house and I've just come to accept it.)

Tuxcedo

Dominoe

I attempted to start Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver yesterday, but found myself easily distracted. Today I plan to begin again and read it for most of the afternoon. I've read great reviews about this book, so I want to allow myself to become fully immersed in the story. Up next will be The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker and Love in Mid Air by Kim Wright, both for upcoming blog tours.

For those of you who have an iPhone and Goodreads account, there's a newly released iPhone app! And. . . it's free! It comes at a good time. Usually when I'm at the library, I can never think of books I want to check out. So, I've decided to create a shelf on my Goodreads account to list those books. I'm still learning about the app, but so far I really like it.

Happy Sunday everyone.

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: She's Gone Country
Author: Jane Porter
Release date: August 23, 2010

Shey Darcy, a 39-year-old former top model for Vogue and Sports Illustrated led a charmed life in New York City with a handsome photographer husband until the day he announced he'd fallen in love with someone else. Left to pick up the pieces of her once happy world, Shey decides to move back home to Texas with her three teenage sons. Life on the family ranch, however, brings with it a whole new host of dramas starting with differences of opinion with her staunch Southern Baptist mother, her rugged but overprotective brothers, and daily battles with her three sons who are also struggling to find themselves. Add to the mix Shey's ex-crush, Dane Kelly, a national bullriding champ and she's got her hands full. It doesn't take long before Shey realizes that in order to reinvent herself, she must let go of an uncertain future and a broken past, to find happiness—and maybe love—in the present. (Taken from B&N.com)

I've enjoyed reading about Marta in Odd Mom Out and Tiana in Easy on the Eyes. And now it's Shey's story. I can't wait for this book to be released.

What are you waiting for?

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:

"Daddy, Shawna says that Emily Parker is your new girlfriend. Is that true?" Chrissy said.

Oh, I thought, staring at the just-slammed door. Okay. Now I got it. Like I said, men are dumb.

~p. 78, Worst Case by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge~