tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8634947556694135882024-03-13T09:21:06.551-04:00Me, My Book and the CouchTaking it one book at a time.Shondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10430978671903519256noreply@blogger.comBlogger716125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863494755669413588.post-10910331076228953972014-05-11T09:09:00.000-04:002014-05-11T09:09:38.279-04:00Bout of Books 10<div align="center">
<a href="http://boutofbooks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" title="Bout of Books"><img alt="Bout of Books" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-4mzGxItMx-I/UtQehblk1bI/AAAAAAAAJ-s/i3MAbWKL6sQ/s200-no/BoB10-200x200.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
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Bout of Books begins tomorrow and I am excited to be a first-time participant. For those of you who do not know what Bout of Books is about: <br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><i>The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 12th and runs through Sunday, May 18th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. </i></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;"><i>For all Bout of Books 10 information and updates, be sure to visit the <a href="http://boutofbooks.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #09234f; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Bout of Books</a> blog.</i> </b><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.63636302947998px; line-height: 16.799999237060547px;">- From the Bout of Books team</span><br />
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<b>Goals: </b>I normally read 2 books (and start the 3rd) and listen to 1 audiobook each week. For Bout of Books, the goal is to read 4 books. I plan to read 1-2 hours each day.<br />
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<b>Books to Read: </b>I have 4 library ebooks that all expire in the next 7 days. <br />
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<ol>
<li>I've Got You Under by Skin by Mary Higgins Clark</li>
<li>Morning Glory by Sarah Jio</li>
<li>Skinny Bitch in Love by Kim Barnouin</li>
<li>Until You're Mine by Samantha Hayes</li>
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Shondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10430978671903519256noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863494755669413588.post-44271382714514648772014-04-26T07:35:00.000-04:002014-04-26T07:35:23.958-04:00Dewey's Read-A-Thon Kickoff!<br />
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It's almost 7:30am on the morning of Dewey's Read-a-Thon. And I'm just now signing up! Better late than never, right? To keep with my Read-a-Thon tradition, the cinnamon rolls are currently baking in the oven and my reading spot (my couch) is ready for hours and hours of reading.<br />
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Most of my reading will be on my Kindle. I've narrowed it down to 10 books, but we'll see if I will read from that stack or pick something else.<br />
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Happy Reading!Shondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10430978671903519256noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863494755669413588.post-20746890038409788562013-01-14T14:01:00.002-05:002013-01-14T14:01:29.291-05:00It's Monday! What Are You Reading?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Book%20covers/Reading%20challenges/114.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Book%20covers/Reading%20challenges/114.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 196px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 202px;" /></a><br />
Sheila, of <a href="http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/">One Persons Journey Through a World of Books</a>, is the host of <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff6600;">It's Monday! What Are You Reading?</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>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.<br />
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<b>Attachments by Rainbow Rowell</b><br />
Summary: Lincoln is hired at The Courier, a Nebraskan newspaper, to monitor the company's email. He reads employees' emails and flags those that are inappropriate and/or personal. When he comes across several email chains from Jennifer and Beth (both are clearly sending personal emails on company time), he doesn't turn them in. Although he hasn't met Beth face-to-face, he slowly develops feelings for her.<br />
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<b>Zoo by James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge</b><br />
Summary: Jackson Oz is a struggling biologist. When animals turn on humans, he desperately tries to figure why. (Honestly, this is one of my least favorite JP books. I just couldn't suspend my belief while listening to the audiobook.)<br />
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<b><b><b><b>On My Nightstand:</b></b></b></b></div>
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<b><b>What's on your reading list this week?</b></b></div>
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Shondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10430978671903519256noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863494755669413588.post-35654152315527149742012-12-04T07:00:00.000-05:002012-12-04T07:00:16.897-05:00Holiday Review: Trading Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Trading Christmas</b> by Debbie Macomber<br />
<i>Narrated by Renee Raudman</i><br />
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Emily is disappointed when her daughter Heather announces she’s not coming home for Christmas. She calls her friend Faith and explains she will be spending the holidays alone. Faith, being a good friend, decides to surprise Emily by paying her visit. Meanwhile, Emily has researched swapping houses for the holiday. If Heather can’t come home, she’ll go to her. After all, family should be together during the Christmas season. In her haste to leave, she doesn’t call Faith to tell her her new holiday plans.<br />
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Charles is the man Emily is swapping houses with. He can’t get out of Boston fast enough. The holiday carolers, the last minute shoppers and the festivities are too much for him. Escaping to a small town is just what this man needs. Until he realizes the town of Leavenworth is even more festive than Boston. When Faith arrives at Emily’s, she finds Charles there instead. Not sure what to make of him or their situation, Faith decides not to allow this scrooge to ruin her holiday. <br />
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Ray, Charles’s brother decides to visit him after receiving a phone call from their meddling mother. She claims a woman answered the phone and demands to know if she’s “the one” for her son. Ray travels to Boston to find out the woman’s identity and meets Emily.<br />
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<i>Trading Christmas</i> is a predictable holiday romance. Grab a plate of holiday cookies, a glass of eggnog and your favorite throw. Curl up on a cold winter’s day and enjoy this festive story.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Length:</span> 5 hours, 28 minutes<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Source: </span>Library<br />
<img src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Design%20images/bcsmallersign.png" style="height: 67px; width: 116px;" />Shondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10430978671903519256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863494755669413588.post-84422698467937820562012-11-26T14:21:00.000-05:002012-11-26T14:21:00.011-05:00It's Monday! What Are You Reading?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Book%20covers/Reading%20challenges/114.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Book%20covers/Reading%20challenges/114.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 196px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 202px;" /></a><br />
Sheila, of <a href="http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/">One Persons Journey Through a World of Books</a>, is the host of <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff6600;">It's Monday! What Are You Reading?</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>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.<br />
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<b>The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D by Nichole Bernier</b><br />
Summary: A woman inherits her friend's journals when she is killed in a plane crash.<br />
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<b>Summerland by Elin Hilderbrand</b><br />
Summary: Three families are affected when a teenage girl is killed after a graduation party.<br />
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<b>Keepsake by Kristina Riggle</b><br />
Summary: Mary reconnects with her sister Trish to assist her with cleaning her house. Meanwhile, Trish needs to confront her issues with hoarding.<br />
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<b>A Short Guide to a Happy Life by Anna Quindlen</b><br />
Summary: The author shares the lessons she has learned in life.<br />
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Goodbye for Now by Laurie Frankel</div>
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Size 12 and Ready to Rock by Meg Cabot (audiobook)</div>
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Rules of Civility by Amor Towles</div>
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Shondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10430978671903519256noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863494755669413588.post-4209883838139607922012-11-14T06:00:00.000-05:002012-11-14T06:00:16.533-05:00Waiting on Wednesday<a href="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Book%20covers/Reading%20challenges/Waitingon.png"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Book%20covers/Reading%20challenges/Waitingon.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 192px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><a href="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Book%20covers/Reading%20challenges/NewWoW.jpg"><br />
</a>"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill of <a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/">Breaking the Spine</a>, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. <span style="font-size: 85%;">(Button courtesy of <a href="http://www.bewitchedbookworms.com/">Bewitched Bookworms.</a>)</span> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Title: </b>The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Author: </b>Darien Gee</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Release Date: </b>January 29, 2013</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>From Amazon.com:</b></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Welcome to Avalon, Illinois, Pop. 4,243</b></span></i>
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At Madeline's Tea Salon, the cozy hub of the Avalon community, local residents scrapbook their memories and make new ones. But across town, other Avalonians are struggling to free themselves of the past: Isabel Kidd is fixing up her ramshackle house while sorting through the complications of her late husband's affair. Ava Catalina is mourning the love of her life and helping her young son grow up without his father. Local plumber Yvonne Tate is smart, beautiful, and new to Avalon, but finds that despite a decade of living life on her own terms, the past has a way of catching up—no matter where she goes. And Frances Latham, mother to a boisterous brood of boys, eagerly anticipates the arrival of a little girl from China—unprepared for the emotional roller coaster of foreign adoption.<br />
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Enter Bettie Shelton, the irascible founder of the Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society. Under Bettie's guidance, even the most reluctant of Avalon's residents come to terms with their past and make bold decisions about their future. But when the group receives unexpected news about their steadfast leader, they must pull together to create something truly memorable.<br />
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By turns humorous, wise, and deeply moving, <i>The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society</i> is a luminous reminder that the things we hold most dear will last a lifetime.</span></blockquote>
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What are you waiting for?Shondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10430978671903519256noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863494755669413588.post-89585123859964371542012-11-12T00:00:00.000-05:002012-11-12T00:00:01.023-05:00It's Monday! What Are You Reading?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Book%20covers/Reading%20challenges/114.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Book%20covers/Reading%20challenges/114.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 196px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 202px;" /></a><br />
Sheila, of <a href="http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/">One Persons Journey Through a World of Books</a>, is the host of <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff6600;">It's Monday! What Are You Reading?</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>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.<br />
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<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">What I read last week:</span></div>
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<a href="http://s131.beta.photobucket.com/user/slmgirl428/library/2012%20Books" target="_blank"><img alt="Second Time Around" border="0" height="140" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/103413427.jpg" width="88" /></a><a href="http://s131.beta.photobucket.com/user/slmgirl428/library/2012%20Books" target="_blank"><img alt="Private Games" border="0" height="140" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/178530621.jpg" width="88" /></a><a href="http://s131.beta.photobucket.com/user/slmgirl428/library/2012%20Books" target="_blank"><img alt="Walk in the Park" border="0" height="140" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/193437621.jpg" width="88" /></a><a href="http://s131.beta.photobucket.com/user/slmgirl428/library/2012%20Books" target="_blank"><img alt="My Holiday House guest" border="0" height="140" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/16122672.jpg" width="88" /></a></div>
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<b>Second Time Around by Beth Kendrick</b><br />
Summary: Four college friends are given the chance to fulfill their dreams. While doing so, past secrets are revealed, new love is found and a relationship is tested.<br />
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<b>Private Games</b> <b>by James Patterson & Mark Sullivan</b><br />
Summary: When a Olympic committee member is killed hours before the opening ceremony, Jack Morgan works with Peter Knight, from the London office, to solve the murder.<br />
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<b>Walk in the Park by Jane Green</b><br />
Summary: Girl meets boy while walking her mother's dog. <br />
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<b>My Holiday House Guest by Carolyn Gibbs</b><br />
Summary: A thirty-something mother falls for her son's twenty-something friend.<br />
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<a href="http://s131.beta.photobucket.com/user/slmgirl428/library/2012%20Books" target="_blank"><img alt="Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D" border="0" height="140" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/198840788.jpg" width="88" /></a><a href="http://s131.beta.photobucket.com/user/slmgirl428/library/2012%20Books" target="_blank"><img alt="Summerland" border="0" height="140" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/144124486.jpg" width="88" /></a></div>
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<b>What's on your reading list this week?</b></div>
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Shondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10430978671903519256noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863494755669413588.post-10093928388034869942012-11-07T05:30:00.000-05:002012-11-07T05:30:01.135-05:00Waiting on Wednesday<a href="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Book%20covers/Reading%20challenges/Waitingon.png"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Book%20covers/Reading%20challenges/Waitingon.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 192px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><a href="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Book%20covers/Reading%20challenges/NewWoW.jpg"><br />
</a>"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill of <a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/">Breaking the Spine</a>, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. <span style="font-size: 85%;">(Button courtesy of <a href="http://www.bewitchedbookworms.com/">Bewitched Bookworms.</a>)</span> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Title:</b> The Lost Art of Mixing</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Author:</b> Erica Bauermeister</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Release Date:</b> January 24, 2013</span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lillian and her restaurant have a way of drawing people together. There's Al, the accountant, who finds meaning in numbers and ritual; Chloe, a budding chef who hasn't learned to trust after heartbreak; Finnegan, quiet and steady as a tree, who can disappear into the background despite his massive height; Louise, Al's wife, whose anger simmers just below the boiling point; and Isabelle, whose memories are slowly slipping from her grasp. And there's Lillian herself, whose life has taken a turn she didn't expect. . .<br />
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Their lives collide and mix with those around them, sometimes joining in effortless connections at other times sifting together and separating again, creating a family that is chosen, not given. A beautifully imagined novel about the ties that bind<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">—</span></span>hat bind and links that break<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">—</span><i>T<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">h</span>e Lost Art of Mixing </i>is a captivating meditation on the power of love, food, and companionship. (From Goodreads.com)</span></span></blockquote>
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<i>I read </i>The School of Essential Ingredients<i> and loved it. It has a permanent place on my "Recommend List." I'm excited to continue with Lillian's story and reading about the new people she will meet along the way.</i><br />
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<i><br /></i>Shondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10430978671903519256noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863494755669413588.post-19298469473163353892012-11-05T06:00:00.000-05:002012-11-05T06:00:02.235-05:00It's Monday! What Are You Reading?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Book%20covers/Reading%20challenges/114.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Book%20covers/Reading%20challenges/114.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 196px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 202px;" /></a><br />
Sheila, of <a href="http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/">One Persons Journey Through a World of Books</a>, is the host of <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff6600;">It's Monday! What Are You Reading?</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>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.<br />
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What I read last week:</span><br />
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<b>The Diva Haunts the House by Krista Davis</b><br />
Summary: Sophie volunteers to work on the neighborhood haunted house. When someone winds up dead at a Halloween party, old stories about a mysterious man resurface. Everyone seems to think the mysterious man may have something to do with the murder. It's up to Sophie to solve the mystery and make sure the haunted house goes on as scheduled.<br />
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<b>When First They Met by Debbie Macomber</b><br />
Summary: A quick glimpse of the history between Jo Marie and her husband Paul. It was love at first sight when she met Paul and before long she knew he was "the one". Perfect introduction for <i>The Inn at Rose Harbor</i>.<br />
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<b>Reading This Week:</b></div>
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<a href="http://s131.beta.photobucket.com/user/slmgirl428/library/2012%20Books" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Second Time Around" border="0" height="140" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/103413427.jpg" width="88" /></a><a href="http://s131.beta.photobucket.com/user/slmgirl428/library/2012%20Books" target="_blank"><img alt="Private Games" border="0" height="140" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/178530621.jpg" width="88" /></a></div>
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<b><b>On My Nightstand:</b></b></div>
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<a href="http://s131.beta.photobucket.com/user/slmgirl428/library/2012%20Books" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Keepsake" border="0" height="140" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/168054209.jpg" width="88" /></a><a href="http://s131.beta.photobucket.com/user/slmgirl428/library/2012%20Books" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Summerland" border="0" height="140" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/144124486.jpg" width="88" /></a></div>
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<b>What's on your reading list this week?</b></div>
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Shondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10430978671903519256noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863494755669413588.post-68209937831621989562012-11-01T10:00:00.000-04:002012-11-01T10:00:07.340-04:00TLC Book Tours: Things Remembered<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Things Remembered</b> by Georgia Bockoven<br />
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Life has not always been easy for Karla. After losing her parents at a young age, Karla and her two sisters, Heather and Grace, are sent to live with their maternal grandmother Anna. Karla never felt close to Anna and often was jealous of the bond Anna had with her two sisters. <br />
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It is out of obligation that Karla returns home to Anna when she falls ill. Anna is suffering from congestive heart failure and solicits Karla's help with putting her affairs in order. Early on Karla makes sure Anna knows she only agreed to help her because she's the oldest daughter and she feels responsible for Anna's well-being. While Anna simply wants to bury the past and try to mend their relationship during the little time she has left.<br />
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In <i>Things Remembered</i>, Bockoven wonderfully illustrates the dynamics of a not-so-perfect family. Each sister has her own personal struggles, insecurities and dreams. Birth order, letting go of past hurts and perceptions, and starting over are recurring themes in the novel. Bockoven created two flawed and stubborn characters that the reader can easily sympathize with. I really liked both Anna and Karla and wanted to see them repair their relationship.<br />
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This is not the first book I read by Bockoven. I thoroughly enjoyed <i>The Beach House </i>and will continue to read more of her collection. Recommended. <br />
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Visit Georgia's <a href="http://www.georgiabockoven.net/georgiabockoven.net/Welcome.html">website</a> or find her on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaBockovenAuthor?sk=wall%0D">Facebook</a>.</div>
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To read more reviews on this tour, click <a href="http://tlcbooktours.com/2012/08/georgia-bockoven-author-of-things-remembered-on-tour-october-2012/">here</a><br />
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Shondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10430978671903519256noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863494755669413588.post-39009728521448748792012-10-13T20:11:00.000-04:002012-10-14T11:07:56.689-04:00Read-A-Thon: Update #2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's hour 13 of the Read-a-Thon. It seems like this one is moving faster for me than in previous years!<br />
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My Progress:<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Hours: 12pm-8pm</span><br />
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Currently reading: Agoraphobics in Love by Lisa Tucker<br />
Time spent reading: 6 hours, 15 minutes<br />
Pages read: 370<br />
Books completed: 1<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Books finished:</span><br />
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<li>Arranged by Catherine McKenzie</li>
</ol>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">_____________________________</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Total time spent reading:</span> 8 hours, 45 minutes<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Total pages read: </span>578<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Total books read: </span>3<br />
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<li>The God Box by Mary Lou Quinlan</li>
<li>Love, Accidentally by Sarah Pekkanen</li>
<li>Arranged by Catherine McKenzie</li>
</ol>
Shondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10430978671903519256noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863494755669413588.post-51080745096409159382012-10-13T12:17:00.001-04:002012-10-14T11:08:27.066-04:00Read-a-Thon: Update #1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's hard to believe another Read-a-Thon is here! I wasn't sure if I could participate or not, but I ended up signing up at 7:30am. By 8:00am, I was still getting prepared, so I didn't officially start until 8:30am.<br />
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<b>INTRODUCTORY QUESTIONNAIRE</b><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;">1) What fine part of the world are you reading from today?</span></b><br />
I'm reading from Virginia.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;"><b>2) Which book in your stack are you most looking forward to?</b></span></span><br />
It's a tie: <i>The God Box</i> by Mary Lou Quinlan and <i>Arranged</i> by Catherine McKenize.<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;"><b>3) Which snack are you most looking forward to?</b></span><br />
Leftover Ledo's pizza from last night's dinner.<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;"><b>4) Tell us a little something about yourself!</b></span><br />
My favorite color is orange and I try to incorporate it as much as I can throughout my house.<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><br style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" /></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19px;"><b>5) If you participated in the last read-a-thon, what’s one thing you’ll do different today? If this is your first read-a-thon, what are you most looking forward to?</b></span><br />
I have a variety of genres in my reading stack: ebook short stories, picture books, YA fiction and adult fiction. <br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Tahoma, Arial, serif; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 19px;"><i><br /></i></span></b>
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My Progress:<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Hours: 8am-12pm</span><br />
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Currently reading: Arranged by Catherine McKenzie<br />
Time spent reading: 2 hours, 30 minutes<br />
Pages read: 208<br />
Books completed: 2<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Books finished:</span><br />
<ol>
<li>The God Box by Mary Lou Quinlan</li>
<li>Love, Accidentally by Sarah Pekkanen</li>
</ol>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">_____________________________</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Total time spent reading:</span> 2 hours, 30 minutes<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Total pages read: </span>208<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Total books read: </span>2<br />
<ol>
<li>The God Box by Mary Lou Quinlan</li>
<li>Love Actually by Sarah Pekkanen</li>
</ol>
Shondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10430978671903519256noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863494755669413588.post-77972239132392553632012-10-09T09:00:00.000-04:002012-10-09T09:00:00.382-04:00Sad Desk Salad by Jessica Grose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Sad Desk Salad</b> by Jessica Grose<br />
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Meet Alex. She's a recent college grad living in Brooklyn with her boyfriend Peter. She's a blogger for Chick Habit, a website geared mainly for women. She wakes early every morning scouring the internet to find her early morning post. She initially loved her work, however the pressure to meet her monthly quota and constantly watching the number of hits her posts receive, is starting to<br />
take its toll on her.<br />
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During the day, Alex rarely leaves her couch. When she does leave, her iPhone is always near (can't miss the latest news breaking story!). She wears the same clothes for several days in a row and is aware this is an issue, however her job takes priority (after all she does work from home so really it's not <i>that</i> serious!).<br />
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When Alex receives an anonymous email with a video attachment of a good girl gone bad, Alex thinks this could be her big break. Despite her internal warnings, Alex agrees to post the video to Chick Habit and becomes an overnight sensation. What Alex isn't ready for is the impact this decision will have on her life.<br />
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<a href="http://s131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Blog%20Tours/?action=view&current=Jessica-Grose.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Jessica Grose" border="0" height="160" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Blog%20Tours/Jessica-Grose.jpg" width="120" /></a><i>Sad Desk Salad</i> is a quick, light read. It's easy for the reader to get wrapped up in Alex's story, although at times Alex is a bit immature and self-centered. Character growth doesn't happen quickly. Alex's path to self-discovery is quite bumpy. Along the way, she learns valuable lessons about life and the woman she strives to be.<br />
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Visit Jessica's <a href="http://jessicagrose.com/">website</a>, follow her on <a href="https://twitter.com/JessGrose">Twitter</a> or find her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-Grose/220739548043937">Facebook</a>.</div>
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To read more reviews on this tour, click <a href="http://tlcbooktours.com/2012/08/jessica-grose-author-of-sad-desk-salad-on-tour-october-2012/">here</a><br />
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Shondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10430978671903519256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863494755669413588.post-18661555583148916662012-08-13T09:00:00.000-04:002012-08-13T09:00:01.820-04:00Book Review: Freak by Jennifer Hillier<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/177224327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="follow-up sequel to bestselling Creep. Abby Maddox, Sheila Tao, Jerry Isaac" border="0" height="200" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/177224327.jpg" title="Freak by Jennifer Hillier" width="128" /></a></div>
<b>Freak</b> by Jennifer Hillier<br />
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Publisher: Gallery Books (Simon & Schuster, Inc.)<br />
Pages: 432<br />
Genre: Thriller<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">THIS REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS TO CREEP</span></b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><i>Freak</i> is the anticipated follow-up to Hillier's <i>Creep</i>. Professor Sheila Tao is still recovering from her affair with Ethan Wolfe. Her upcoming nuptials with Morris is permanently on hold and her job may be in jeopardy. </span><br />
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Jerry Isaac is forever changed. After Abby attacked him, he has turned into a bitter and angry man. His hatred for Abby runs so deep, it cost him his marriage.<br />
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Now that Abby is behind bars, a new serial killer has emerged. This one is more sick and twisted than Ethan in <i>Creep. </i>Young women are being murdered all for the sake of freeing Abby. The killer is obsessed with Abby and will continue his killing spree until she is released from prison. Unwillingly Jerry agrees to assist his former partner in tracking down the killer. Despite his feelings for Abby, he doesn't want any more innocent women killed.<br />
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Having read <i>Creep</i> earlier this year (which I loved, by the way), I could not wait to get my hands on <i>Freak</i>. For the most part, I always have high expectations to a sequel, especially if I thoroughly enjoyed the first book. So, I'll admit I was a bit nervous to start reading <i>Freak</i>. I wanted to it to have that same "creepy feel" to it. I'm happy to say it did (sounds a bit odd to say that!).<br />
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In <i>Creep</i>, Hillier created Ethan to be a true psychopath. He was gorgeous, intelligent and came across as the boy next door. But his true colors were sick and twisted. With Abby, Hillier outdid herself. She created a scary and tormented villain. Abby was conniving, manipulative and determined. She was pure evil. All characteristics that make a thriller so <i>thrilling.</i><br />
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What I liked best about <i>Freak</i> was it turned everything I thought about <i>Creep</i> upside down. I was 100% certain Ethan killed those women. Abby was his girlfriend and was mentally and emotionally traumatized because of it. Well, after getting a glimpse of the real Abby in <i>Freak</i>, I'm not sure sure I believe in her innocence.<br />
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I'm not sure what's next for Jerry, Sheila or Abby. I do hope Hillier brings them back in a third book. If you enjoy reading thrillers and like being creeped out, I highly recommend <i>Freak</i>. I do, however, suggest reading <i>Creep</i> first.<br />
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More from Jennifer Hillier:<br />
<a href="http://memybookandthecouch.blogspot.com/2012/01/creep-by-jennifer-hillier.html">Creep</a><br />
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<img src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Design%20images/bcsmallersign.png" style="height: 67px; width: 116px;" /><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(Print copy provided by the publisher for review)</span>Shondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10430978671903519256noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863494755669413588.post-37076026746453485842012-08-12T22:00:00.000-04:002012-08-12T22:00:01.748-04:00It's Monday! What Are You Reading?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sheila, of <a href="http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/">One Persons Journey Through a World of Books</a>, is the host of <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff6600;">It's Monday! What Are You Reading?</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>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.<br />
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It has been a very, very, very long time since I participated in this weekly meme. I won't bother you with the details of why. Instead, I'm just jumping back in!<br />
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What I read last week:</span><br />
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<b>Brava Valentine by Adriana Trigiani</b><br />
Summary: After her grandmother remarries and relocates to Italy, Valentine finds herself in charge of the family shoemaking business. Her brother also joins her to assist her with the financial aspect of the business. Valentine learns lessons in family and in love. (audiobook)<br />
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<b>Freak by Jennifer Hillier</b><br />
Summary: Innocent women are being killed with the saying "Free Abby Maddox" carved in their backs. Abby knows the truth about the killings. She'll assist them under one condition: her freedom.<br />
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<b>Reading This Week:</b></div>
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<a href="http://s131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/?action=view&current=GoneGirl.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Gone Girl" border="0" height="140" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/GoneGirl.jpg" width="88" /></a><a href="http://s131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/?action=view&current=170070743.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="The Lost Years" border="0" height="140" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/170070743.jpg" width="88" /></a></div>
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<b><b>On My Nightstand:</b></b></div>
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<b></b><a href="http://s131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/?action=view&current=159845888.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Arranged" border="0" height="140" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/159845888.jpg" width="88" /></a><a href="http://s131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/?action=view&current=157765256.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="In the Bag" border="0" height="140" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/157765256.jpg" width="88" /></a></div>
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<b>What's on your reading list this week?</b></div>
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</div>Shondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10430978671903519256noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863494755669413588.post-5506283662785646302012-07-26T09:30:00.000-04:002012-07-26T09:30:01.226-04:00TLC Book Tours: 15 Seconds by Andrew Gross<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>15 Seconds </b>by Andrew Gross</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><b>It's About:</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i><i>1</i><i>5 Seconds can tear your life apart. . .</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><i>Henry Steadman didn't know what was about to hit him when he pulled up to a red light. A successful Florida plastic surgeon, he is in town to deliver a keynote address at a conference when suddenly his life becomes an unrelenting chase to stay alive.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">The situation escalates when he is stopped by the police for a minor traffic violation and pulled from his vehicle, handcuffed and told he is under arrest. Several other police cars arrive and the questioning turns scary, but just as Henry is released and about to move on, a blue sedan pulls up and the officer is suddenly killed. As the car speeds away, there is only one suspect left behind⎯Henry. In that moment, his idyllic life becomes a free fall into hell as he becomes the target of a police manhunt, as well as being pursued by a cunning, unnamed perpetrator bent on some kind of vengeance.</span><br />
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</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i>When Henry turns to a close friend for help, and he, too, ends up dead, Henry realized he's being elaborately framed. But in a chilling twist, the stakes grow even darker, and he is unable to go to the police to clear his name, without bringing on dire and deadly consequences.<br />
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</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><i>With breakneck pacing and nonstop action, </i>15 Seconds<i> shows what can happen when even the best life is turned upside down in an instant. It is also the story of an innocent man, framed for murder, who has to save the person he loves the most, all while being drawn closer and closer to an inevitable face-to-face standoff with a man determined to destroy his life.</i> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(From the inside cover)<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>My Review: </b> I've read several thrillers Gross co-authored with James Patterson and enjoyed them. When I was given the opportunity to participate in his <i>15 Seconds </i>book tour, I jumped at the chance. I was curious to see if Gross could deliver a thriller on his own. And I'm happy to say I was not disappointed!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Gross initially unfolds the plot slowly for the reader. One by one the reader is first introduced to the key players in the novel: Henry Steadman, the policeman and the killer. After that single moment when all three come into contact, the story takes off at a fast pace. As Henry moves against time to clear his name and track down the killer, I found myself reading each page faster to keep up! The novel is filled with suspenseful twist and turns that will keep the reader glued to the pages. <i>15 Seconds</i> read like a movie as I could vividly see the characters come to life in my mind. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">What I like best about plot-driven novels is the coming together of the story lines. Gross provides the right amount of back story for each character, to allow the reader a quick look into their lives, while at the same time keeping the plot moving. At times, significant clues are revealed to the reader prior to Henry's knowledge and I did not consider that to be a bad thing. I usually try to figure out the mystery before the protagonist does! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">I enjoyed reading <i>15 Seconds.</i> It was the perfect way to unwind after a long day at work. If you enjoy reading a thriller that's fast-paced, and at times predictable, then I recommend adding <i>15 Seconds</i> to your summer reading list. As for me, I am looking forward to reading more by this author.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">ISBN: 9780061655975</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Pub. Date: July 10, 2012</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Publisher: William Morrow</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Pages: 336</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Genre: Mystery, Thriller</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Source: TLC Book Tours</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: normal;"><b>Connect with the Author:</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.andrewgrossbooks.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Website</span></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Andrew-Gross/36316262379"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Facebook</span></a></div>
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<b>15 Seconds TLC Tour Stops:</b><br />
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Tuesday, July 10th: <a href="http://www.dreyslibrary.com/2012/07/10/tlc-book-tour-98-15-seconds-by-andrew-gross/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Drey’s Library</a><br />
Wednesday, July 11th: <a href="http://luxuryreading.com/15seconds/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Luxury Reading</a><br />
Thursday, July 12th:<a href="http://www.hopelessbibliophile.com/2012/07/book-review-15-seconds.html" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;"> Hopelessly Devoted Bibliophile</a><br />
Friday, July 13th: <a href="http://iwriteinbooks.wordpress.com/2012/07/13/15-seconds-andrew-gross/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Iwriteinbooks’s blog</a><br />
Monday, July 16th: <a href="http://www.jensbookthoughts.com/2012/07/15-seconds-andrew-gross.html" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Jen’s Book Thoughts</a><br />
Tuesday, July 17th: <a href="http://mdenisec.blogspot.com/2012/07/15-seconds-by-andrew-gross.html" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">M. Denise C.</a><br />
Wednesday, July 18th: <a href="http://bookretreat.blogspot.com/2012/07/book-review-and-giveaway-15-seconds-by.html" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">My Book Retreat</a><br />
Thursday, July 19th: <a href="http://www.ingasilbergbooks.com/2012/07/15-seconds-by-andrew-gross-review.html" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Me and Reading</a><br />
Friday, July 20th:<a href="http://onebooktime.blogspot.com/2012/07/review-15-seconds-by-andrew-gross.html" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;"> One Book at a Time</a><br />
Monday, July 23rd: <a href="http://noveltoybox.wordpress.com/2012/07/23/review-15-seconds-by-andrew-gross-2012-giveaway/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">a novel toybox</a><br />
Tuesday, July 24th: <a href="http://nomoregrumpybookseller.blogspot.com/2012/07/15-seconds-by-andrew-gross.html" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">No More Grumpy Bookseller</a><br />
Wednesday, July 25th: <a href="http://bookhimdanno.blogspot.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Book Him Danno!</a><br />
Thursday, July 26th: <a href="http://memybookandthecouch.blogspot.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Me, My Book and the Couch</a><br />
Friday, July 27th: <a href="http://www.mytwoblessings.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">My Two Blessings</a><br />
Monday, July 30th: <a href="http://reviewsfromtheheart.blogspot.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Reviews from the Heart</a><br />
Tuesday, July 31st: <a href="http://www.bookaddictkatie.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Book Addict Katie</a><br />
Wednesday, August 1st: <a href="http://www.elizabethawhite.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Musings of an All Purpose Monkey</a><br />
Thursday, August 2nd: <a href="http://www.ireaddoyou.blogspot.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">I Read. Do You?</a><br />
Friday, August 3rd: <a href="http://insatiablereaders.blogspot.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers</a></span> <b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br />
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</span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Shondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10430978671903519256noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863494755669413588.post-48697769164147995632012-07-10T08:00:00.000-04:002012-07-10T08:00:16.788-04:00Review: The Meryl Streep Movie Club by Mia March<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/173402437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Book review of Mia March's debut novel The Meryl Streep Movie Club" border="0" height="200" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/173402437.jpg" title="Meryl Streep Movie Club" width="127" /></a></div>
<b>The Meryl Streep Movie Club</b> by Mia March<br />
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Life doesn't always go as planned. Lolly Weller, her daughter Kat, and two nieces Isabel and June, know this all too well. Fifteen years ago the unexpected happened, leaving these four women struggling with grief.<br />
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Lolly doesn't like the fact that after her daughter and nieces grew up, her family is not as close as it once was. She has an announcement to make and thinks it is the perfect excuse to call the girls home.<br />
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Isabel is married and living in Connecticut. She's known her husband since she was sixteen and considers him to be her rock. Lately, though, their marriage feels strained and Isabel wants to tackle the problems so they can move forward. Her husband, however doesn't share her desire to make their marriage work.<br />
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June, Isabel's younger sister, is a single mother. Not so long ago, she had a promising future: valedictorian in high school, Columbia University student, and a future in publishing. That changed the moment she met the mysterious John Smith. Now, June is working at an independent book store and barely can make ends meet. Charlie is asking questions about his father which sends June on a quest to reconnect with John.<br />
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Kat, Lolly's daughter, never moved away from her hometown. She's best friends with the boy next door and everyone is expecting them to marry. Kat has dreams of her own and marriage certainly isn't part of them. At least not now.<br />
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When Lolly makes her announcement, these women are drawn closer together. Family bonds are strengthened with the help of the fifth, silent character: Meryl Streep. The women watch Meryl Streep movies together and discuss how each movie is relevant to their lives. Past regret, guilt and hurt resurface allowing for self-exploration and change. For me, this was what I enjoyed most about the book. I definitely could relate to tying in a movie to your life. I often do this with music. There are songs I listen to when I'm having a bad day, songs for relaxation, songs for when I'm sad, etc. Music definitely speaks to me, just as Meryl Streep's characters spoke to these women.<br />
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I have to admit, my first impression of <i>The Meryl Streep Movie Club</i> was a breezy, light read perfect for a hot summer day. I was pleasantly surprised that it was much deeper and tackled issues such as: infidelity, single parenting, self-discovery and one more, but I won't say. That would spoil the book!<br />
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<i>The Meryl Streep Movie Club</i> is March's debut novel. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author. Recommended.<br />
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Book Details:<br />
ISBN: 9781451655391<br />
Pub. Date: June 19, 2012<br />
Publisher: Gallery Books<br />
Pages: 352<br />
Genre: Women's Fiction<br />
Source: Print copy provided by the publisher<br />
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<b style="font-weight: bold;"><img src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Design%20images/bcsmallersign.png" style="height: 67px; width: 116px;" /></b>Shondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10430978671903519256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863494755669413588.post-1341440557764657482012-06-20T07:00:00.000-04:002012-06-20T07:00:11.660-04:00TLC Book Tours: Playing Dead by Julia Heaberlin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/166739511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Heaberlin debut thriller" border="0" height="200" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/166739511.jpg" title="Playing Dead by Julia Heaberlin" width="129" /></a></div>
<b>Playing Dead</b> by Julia Heaberlin<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>“Dear Tommie: Have you ever wondered about who you are?” </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The letter that turns Tommie McCloud’s world upside down arrives from a stranger only days after her father’s death. The woman who wrote it claims that Tommie is her daughter—and that she was kidnapped as a baby thirty-one years ago.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Tommie wants to believe it’s all a hoax, but suddenly a girl who grew up on a Texas ranch finds herself linked to a horrific past: the slaughter of a family in Chicago, the murder of an Oklahoma beauty queen, and the kidnapping of a little girl named Adriana. Tommie races along a twisting, nightmarish path while an unseen stalker is determined to keep old secrets locked inside the dementia-battered brain of the woman who Tommie always thought was her real mother. With everything she has ever believed in question, and no one she can trust, Tommie must discover the truth about the girl who vanished—and the very real threats that still remain. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></i><br />
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I wasn't quite sure what I was in for when I began reading <i>Playing Dead</i>. Right away, I found myself engaged in the story. Pages just seemed to flip themselves as Tommie began to unravel the secrets her parents were keeping from her. I told myself, "just one more chapter", and continuing to read about five or six more.<br />
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What kept me connected to the story was Tommie. I'm starting to realize I enjoy novels with a flawed protagonist and he/she <i>knows</i> this, but yet continues to keep moving forward despite of it. Tommie's life didn't turn out as she had hoped as a little girl. Despite her resentment, regret and questions of "what if?", she has made a new life for herself. <br />
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Tommie is a complicated character, but yet I found myself liking her more and more as the story progressed. She's very guarded and self-reliant, however she's extremely protective of her family. Deep down she feels no matter what she learns about her true identity, her sister and niece will always come first.<br />
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The mysterious letter Tommie receives is the catalyst that springs the mystery forward. Is it possible she's the daughter of a Mafia boss? And what role does her mother play in all this? How could the man she considered to be her father lie to her all these years? Heaberlin did an excellent job with giving the reader enough clues to begin to solve the mystery, while including twists and turns to make you second guess your theory. Which makes a mystery a good one, in my opinion. Recommended.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Book Details:</span></div>
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ISBN: 9780345527011</div>
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Pub. Date: May 29, 2012</div>
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Publisher: Ballantine Books</div>
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Pages: 452</div>
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Genre: Mystery, Thriller</div>
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Source: TLC Book Tours<br />
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<b>Connect with the Author:</b></div>
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<a href="http://juliaheaberlin.com/">Website</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Julia-Heaberlin/122462674521360">Facebook</a></div>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/#!/juliathrillers">Twitter</a></div>
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<b>Playing Dead TLC Tour Stops:</b><br />
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Monday, June 18th: <a href="http://www.marybethwhalen.blogspot.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Marybeth Whalen</a></div>
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Tuesday, June 19th: <a href="http://lifeinreviewblog.wordpress.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Life in Review</a></div>
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Wednesday, June 20th: <a href="http://memybookandthecouch.blogspot.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Me, My Book, and the Couch</a></div>
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Friday, June 22nd: <a href="http://www.anovelsource.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">A Novel Source</a></div>
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Monday, June 25th: <a href="http://www.jensbookthoughts.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Jen’s Book Thoughts</a></div>
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Thursday, June 28th: <a href="http://www.quirkybookworm.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Quirky Bookworm</a></div>
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Monday, July 2nd: <a href="http://www.literaryfeline.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Musings of a Bookish Kitty</a></div>
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Thursday, July 5th: <a href="http://www.jennsbookshelves.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Jenn’s Bookshelves</a></div>
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Monday, July 9th: <a href="http://twistingthelens.wordpress.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Twisting the Lens</a></div>
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Wednesday, July 11th: <a href="http://www.elizabethawhite.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Reviews by Elizabeth A. White</a></div>
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Friday, July 13th: <a href="http://www.luxuryreading.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Luxury Reading</a></div>
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Monday, July 16th: <a href="http://reelswellblog.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">“That’s Swell!”</a></div>
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Wednesday, July 18th: <a href="http://www.brokenteepee.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Broken Teepee</a></div>
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<a href="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Blog%20Tours/tlc-logo-resized.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Blog%20Tours/tlc-logo-resized.png" /></a></div>Shondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10430978671903519256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863494755669413588.post-18922901717658292282012-05-31T10:00:00.000-04:002012-05-31T10:00:01.543-04:00Review: Home Front by Kristin Hannah<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/121133943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Book review of Home Front. A wife is deployed to Iraq and her husband has to parent his two daughters." border="0" height="200" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/121133943.jpg" title="Home Front by Kristin Hannah" width="129" /></a></div>
<b>Home Front by Kristin Hannah</b><br />
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">Summary: </b>Jolene Zarkades had a tough life growing up. She watched her two alcoholic parents destroy each other and their marriage. Jolene had to fend for herself as her parents often neglected her. She vowed she would be different and would not left her past dictate her future.<br />
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Now at forty-one, Jolene is married to Michael and mother to Betsy and Lulu. She's an army helicopter pilot and has learned happiness is a personal choice to be made each day. She strives to see every problem as an opportunity to become a better person.<br />
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All of this changes when she feels Michael growing distant from her. He spends more and more time at work and barely pays attention to his daughters. Promises are often broken and tension fills the room when they are together. Michael then tells her he doesn't love her anymore. Within days of hearing this, Jolene is deployed to Iraq. Michael is thrust into the role of primary care provider, a role he quickly learns he is not prepared for.<br />
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<b style="font-weight: bold;">My Thoughts: </b>After reading <i>Firefly Lane</i> a few years ago, Hannah has been on my "must read" list. Each year I anticipate her latest release as I know I will laugh and cry throughout the book. <i>Home Front</i> was no exception. <br />
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Hannah has a way of creating characters that the reader will come to embrace and consider friends. No, these characters are not perfect. In fact they are flawed and at times difficult to like. But that is what makes them real. Her characters could be a sister, a friend or the next-door neighbor. Relationships are often messy and sometimes life just does not go as planned. Hannah tackles both themes well and spins an intricate story that will leave the reader on an emotional ride. Highly recommended.<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Book Details:</span><br />
ISBN: 9780312577209<br />
Pub. Date: January 31, 2012<br />
Publisher: St. Martin's Press<br />
Pages: 400<br />
Genre: Contemporary Fiction<br />
Source: Print copy borrowed from library<br />
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<br />Shondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10430978671903519256noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863494755669413588.post-61382222399568925242012-05-29T06:42:00.000-04:002012-05-29T06:47:12.046-04:00Review: Wife 22 by Melanie Gideon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/151129407-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/151129407-1.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
<b>Wife 22 by Melanie Gideon</b><br />
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<b>Summary: </b>Life hasn't gone as Alice Buckle expected. Her teenage daughter is distant and Alice fears she may have an eating disorder. She suspects her son may be gay. Her relationship with her husband feels more like roommates than marriage. Let's face it, Alice is unhappy. So when a marital questionnaire mysteriously pops up in her inbox, Alice decides to complete it with hopes of finding herself. She's given a case ID # "Wife 22" and is assigned to "Researcher 101". Her answers are confidential and soon Alice finds herself opening up to her case worker.<br />
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<b>Review: </b><i>Wife 22</i> is a modern look at marriage by use of Facebook status updates, Google searches, and email. Alice finds herself stuck: she's a mother and a wife, but cannot escape the feeing that there should be more. At one time she had goals and plans for her life, but one day she woke up and realized the life she's currently living doesn't feel like her own.<br />
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The marital questionnaire comes at the right time for Alice. She's questioning her self-worth which leads her to question how happily married she is. At first the questions feel a bit routine and mundane, but Alice continues responding to each question. When the questions begin to be more intimate in nature, she finds herself curious about Researcher 101. To Alice's surprise, she becomes attracted to him and fantasizes about him while offline.<br />
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I really enjoyed reading <i>Wife 22</i>. Gideon's use of social media made this novel refreshing. Gideon created a likable character with Alice. She struggles to make the most of what she has, but cannot help to wonder "what if?" All of us, sooner or later, will think about the path not taken or ask the question: "how is <i>this</i> my life?!" Readers will root for Alice as she makes her way through to discover answers to these questions.<br />
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I like that I didn't know the survey questions before reading Alice's answers. Some of the questions were predictable based on her response, but for the most part I had no idea. The questions are included in the appendix. I found myself going back and re-reading her answers after reading the questions.<br />
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With summer around the corner, <i>Wife 22</i> is a perfect companion to drop in your beach bag or curl up with on the deck. Hang out with Alice for awhile to discover if she learns what it takes to be happy in one's marriage and life.<br />
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<b> ________________________</b><br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Book Details:</span><br />
ISBN: 9780345527950<br />
Pub. Date: May 29, 2012<br />
Publisher: Ballantine Books<br />
Pages: 400<br />
Genre: Women's Fiction<br />
Source: Publisher via NetGalley<br />
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<img src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Design%20images/bcsmallersign.png" style="height: 67px; width: 116px;" />Shondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10430978671903519256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863494755669413588.post-8664564705403887462012-05-28T11:26:00.000-04:002012-05-28T11:26:50.643-04:00It's Monday! What Are You Reading?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Book%20covers/Reading%20challenges/114.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Book%20covers/Reading%20challenges/114.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 196px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 202px;" /></a><br />
Sheila, of <a href="http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/">One Persons Journey Through a World of Books</a>, is the host of <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff6600;">It's Monday! What Are You Reading?</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>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.<br />
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What I read last week:</span><br />
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<a href="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/121133943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/121133943.jpg" width="88" /></a><b>Home Front by Kristin Hannah</b><br />
Summary: A father has to adjust to being the primary care provider for his two daughters when his wife is deployed to Iraq. When she returns home, her family has to come together in ways they have never imagined.<br />
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<a href="http://s131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/?action=view&current=102404820.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Night Circus" border="0" height="140" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/102404820.jpg" width="88" /></a><b>The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern</b><br />
Summary: A whirlwind story about two magicians in a circus that just appeared one night. (audiobook)<br />
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<b><a href="http://s131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/?action=view&current=159142047.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Defending Jacob" border="0" height="140" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/159142047.jpg" width="88" /></a></b></div>
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<b></b><a href="http://s131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/?action=view&current=149388387.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Private Games" border="0" height="140" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/149388387.jpg" width="88" /></a></div>
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<b>What's on your reading list this week?</b></div>
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</div>Shondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10430978671903519256noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863494755669413588.post-7926740560666995492012-05-14T00:00:00.000-04:002012-05-14T00:00:00.595-04:00It's Monday! What Are You Reading?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Book%20covers/Reading%20challenges/114.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Book%20covers/Reading%20challenges/114.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 196px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 202px;" /></a><br />
Sheila, of <a href="http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/">One Persons Journey Through a World of Books</a>, is the host of <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff6600;">It's Monday! What Are You Reading?</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>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.<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
What I read last week:</span><br />
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<b>Wife 22 by Melanie Gideon</b><br />
Summary: Alice Buckle is randomly selected to participate in an anonymous marital study. As she answers the questions, she reflects on her relationship with her husband William. Her life is quite as she expected as she teeters on the line of unhappiness. This becomes evident when she finds herself falling for "Researcher 101", the man assigned to her case.<br />
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<b>Please Look After Mom by Kyung-Sook Shin</b><br />
Summary: When a mother is separated from her father at a Seoul subway station, her family fanatically searches from her. As days turn into weeks, her family realizes there were secrets she kept from them. An in-depth look into familial roles and judgments family members place on each other. (audiobook)<br />
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<a href="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/121133943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/121133943.jpg" width="88" /></a><a href="http://s131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/?action=view&current=102404820.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Night Circus" border="0" height="140" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/102404820.jpg" width="88" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://s131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/?action=view&current=159142080-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="I Couldn't Love You More" border="0" height="140" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/159142080-1.jpg" width="88" /></a></div>
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What's on your reading list this week?</div>
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</div>Shondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10430978671903519256noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863494755669413588.post-73233400249734072372012-05-09T06:00:00.000-04:002012-05-09T06:00:02.519-04:00Waiting on Wednesday<a href="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Book%20covers/Reading%20challenges/Waitingon.png"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Book%20covers/Reading%20challenges/Waitingon.png" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 192px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 240px;" /></a><a href="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Book%20covers/Reading%20challenges/NewWoW.jpg"><br />
</a>"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill of <a href="http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/">Breaking the Spine</a>, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. <span style="font-size: 85%;">(Button courtesy of <a href="http://www.bewitchedbookworms.com/">Bewitched Bookworms.</a>)</span> <span style="font-size: 100%;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></span><br />
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Here's what I'm looking forward to:<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Title:</span> Off the Menu<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Author:</span> Stacey Ballis<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Release Date:</span> July 3, 2012<br />
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<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">From Amazon.com:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
As the executive culinary assistant to celebrity Chicago chef Patrick Conlon, Alana Ostermann works behind the scenes—and that’s just the way she likes it. But with developing recipes for Patrick’s cookbooks, training his sous chefs, picking out the perfect birthday gifts for his ex-mother-in-law, and dealing with the fallout from his romantic escapades, she barely has a personal life, much less time to spend with her combo platter of a mutt, Dumpling.<br />
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Then a fluke online connection brings her RJ, a transplant from Tennessee, who adds some Southern spice to her life. Suddenly Alana’s priorities shift, and Patrick—and Dumpling—find themselves facing a rival for her time and affection. With RJ in the mix, and some serious decisions to make about her personal and professional future, Alana must discover the perfect balance of work and play, money and meaning, to bring it all to the table—one delicious dish at a time…<br />
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<b>Why I'm waiting:</b> I'm starting to read more "foodie" fiction and I've realized how much I enjoy these books. Also, how cute is this cover?!Shondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10430978671903519256noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863494755669413588.post-54579939135720444982012-05-08T00:00:00.000-04:002012-05-08T06:33:13.733-04:00TLC Book Tour: Afterwards by Rosamund Lupton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/157736215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/157736215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Lupton's second novel about a mother and daughter injured in a school fire." border="0" height="200" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/157736215.jpg" title="Afterwards by Rosamund Lupton" width="131" /></a></div>
<b>Afterwards</b> by Rosamund Lupton<br />
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<em>The school is on fire. Her children are inside.</em><br />
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<em></em><em>Grace runs toward the burning building, desperate to reach them.</em><br />
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<em></em>In the aftermath of the devastating fire which tears her family apart, Grace embarks on a mission to find the person responsible and protect her children from further harm. This fire was not an accident, and her daughter Jenny may still be in grave danger. Grace is the only one who can discover the culprit, and she will do whatever it takes to save her family and find out who committed the crime that rocked their lives. While unearthing truths about her life that may help her find answers, Grace learns more about everyone around her — and finds she has courage she never knew she possessed.<br />
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<b>Powerful and beautiful</b>, with a riveting story and Lupton’s trademark elegant style that made Sister such a sweeping success, Afterwards explores the depths of a mother’s unswerving love.</blockquote>
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<b>My thoughts: </b><br />
Last year it seemed as though <i>Sister</i> by Rosamund Lupton was on everyone's reading list, but mine. I read glowing reviews and several people recommended it to me, however I did not get the chance to read it. So when the opportunity to review <i>Afterwards</i> came about, I immediately jumped at the chance. And I'm so glad that I did.<br />
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Grace is volunteering at her son's sports day at school. Jenny is also there to assist with any medical injuries. What should have been a fun, carefree day ends in tragedy with the school fire. Jenny is inside the building and when Grace realizes this, she runs in to try to save her. Both mother and daughter are caught in the fire and receive extensive injuries. <br />
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As Grace's husband and son try to cope with the aftermath, the reader learns Grace and Jenny are now spirits and can only communicate with each other. I admit it took almost six chapters for me to get comfortable with this. I wasn't quite sure how this occurred and I needed to have this question answered! I just decided to let it go and focus on who started the fire and why.<br />
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For someone who enjoys a good "whodunit", <i>Afterwards </i>was a change for me. It definitely fit the twisty plot, fast-paced mold, but the character development was what hooked me to the story. The reader learned intimate details about Grace and her family and the secondary characters as Grace narrates the story. Flashbacks were used to add more depth and understanding about Grace's love for her children and husband. <br />
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Lupton definitely can tell a story! Her descriptions were so vivid, so real that I had no difficulty picturing each scene in my mind. When the mystery is finally solved, I did not suspect this person. At. All. <br />
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<i>Afterwards</i> is a fascinating study about a mother's love for her family. What a mother is willing to sacrifice for the sake of her children. Do yourself a favor, pick this one up. As for me, I'm adding <i>Sister</i> to my "must read" list for 2012!<br />
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<span style="font-weight: bold;">Book Details:</span></div>
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ISBN: 9780307716546</div>
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Pub. Date: April 24, 2012</div>
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Publisher: Crown</div>
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Pages: 400</div>
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Genre: Literary Fiction, Mystery</div>
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Source: TLC Book Tours<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please visit other stops on the tour:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"></span><br />
<div style="color: black; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 10px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 10px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wednesday, May 9th: <a href="http://girlsjustreading.blogspot.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Girls Just Reading</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thursday, May 10th: <a href="http://boardinginmyforties.blogspot.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Boarding in my Forties</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Friday, May 11th: <a href="http://www.coffeeandabookchick.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Coffee and a Book Chick</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Monday, May 14th: <a href="http://www.peekingbetweenthepages.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Peeking Between the Pages</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Tuesday, May 15th: <a href="http://www.intothehallofbooks.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Into the Hall of Books</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wednesday, May 16th: <a href="http://www.melodyandwords.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Melody & Words</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thursday, May 17th: <a href="http://litendeavors.blogspot.com/" style="color: #003366; text-decoration: none;">Lit Endeavors</a></span></div>
</div>
<img src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Design%20images/bcsmallersign.png" style="height: 67px; width: 116px;" /><br />
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<a href="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Book%20covers/Reading%20challenges/tlctourhost.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Book%20covers/Reading%20challenges/tlctourhost.png" /></a><br />
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<br />Shondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10430978671903519256noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-863494755669413588.post-12995585798056030162012-05-06T23:00:00.000-04:002012-05-06T23:00:03.264-04:00It's Monday! What Are You Reading?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Book%20covers/Reading%20challenges/114.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/Book%20covers/Reading%20challenges/114.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 196px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 202px;" /></a><br />
Sheila, of <a href="http://bookjourney.wordpress.com/">One Persons Journey Through a World of Books</a>, is the host of <span style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ff6600;">It's Monday! What Are You Reading?</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>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.<br />
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />
What I read last week:</span><br />
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<a href="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/157736215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/157736215.jpg" width="88" /></a></div>
<b>Afterwards by Rosamund Lupton</b><br />
Summary: A mother and daughter are severely injured during a school fire. While the police investigate to determined the cause of the fire (appears to be arson), the father and his sister have their suspicions about the person that started the fire.<br />
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<b><b>Reading This Week:</b></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://s131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/?action=view&current=151129407-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Wife 22" border="0" height="140" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/151129407-1.jpg" width="88" /></a><a href="http://s131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/?action=view&current=153605538.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Please Look After Mom" border="0" height="140" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/153605538.jpg" width="88" /></a></b></div>
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<b>On My Nightstand:</b></div>
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<a href="http://s131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/?action=view&current=159142080-1.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="I Couldn't Love You More" border="0" height="140" src="http://i131.photobucket.com/albums/p287/slmgirl428/2012%20Books/159142080-1.jpg" width="88" /></a></div>
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This week will be a long work week for me. I anticipate at least 3 late nights, which will impact my reading time. I will be happy if I finish one book this week!</div>
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What's on your reading list this week?</div>
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</div>Shondahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10430978671903519256noreply@blogger.com17