Me, My Book and the Couch

Waiting on Wednesday

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Carry the One
Author: Carol Anshaw
Release Date: March 6, 2012

From the B&N.com:
Carry the One begins in the hours following Carmen’s wedding reception, when a car filled with stoned, drunk, and sleepy guests accidentally hits and kills a girl on a dark, country road. For the next twenty-five years, those involved, including Carmen and her brother and sister, connect and disconnect and reconnect with each other and their victim. As one character says, “When you add us up, you always have to carry the one.”

Through friendships and love affairs; marriage and divorce; parenthood, holidays, and the modest tragedies and joys of ordinary days, Carry the One shows how one life affects another and how those who thrive and those who self-destruct are closer to each other than we’d expect. Deceptively short and simple in its premise, this novel derives its power and appeal from the author’s beautifully precise use of language; her sympathy for her very recognizable, flawed characters; and her persuasive belief in the transforming forces of time and love.

Review: Cruel Love

2012-01-31T08:30:00.000-05:00

Cruel Love by Kate Brian
Privilege Series, Book 6

I’ll admit it. I’ve been anxiously waiting for the release of Cruel Love since I finished reading Pure Sin last year. The ending left me wanting to know what would happen next for Adriana and the world she so obsessively constructed.

At the onset of reading Cruel Love, I thought there was only one direction Brian could go to end the Privilege series. So, even though I had decided on how the series would end, I began reading and found myself completely enthralled in the storyline. About two and a half hours later, I found myself disappointed to say good bye to one of my favorite bad girls and the Privilege series.

I’ve said this before, Adriana is definitely a character that readers should dislike, but Brian wrote her in such a way that you cannot help but to feel sorry for her. She’s desperate and, quite honestly, on the verge of being pitiful. Her obsessive behavior is wrapped around her need to control which causes her to eliminate anything – and anyone – that stands in her way of getting everything she feels she’s entitled to have.

In Cruel Love, Adriana’s desperation finally leads to her down fall. Seeing two individuals from her past that could ruin her perfect world unravels her. Consumed with the threat of them, she cannot think of nothing else but their demise. I really don’t want to say too much about the plot as a way to avoid spoiling the series ending for anyone. I will say I wanted Brian to go in more detail about Palmer, Soomie, Maria, Jasper and the rest of their friends. Their storyline felt a bit unfinished. Maybe Brian will bring these characters back in a future book. Here’s hoping!

______________

Book Details:

ISBN: 9781442407883 ◆ June 7, 2011 ◆ 224pgs ◆ YA Fiction (Series)

Print copy borrowed from library

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2012-01-30T05:30:00.000-05:00

Best Kept Secret - Amy Hatvany
Summary: One glass of wine eventually turned into two or three bottles a night. Cadence is an alcoholic on the road to recovery.

I'm reading:

Outside the Lines - Amy Hatvany
Stories I Only Tell My Friends - Rob Lowe (audio book)

On My Nightstand:

The Kitchen Daughter - Jael McHenry (book club)
Books Can Be Deceiving - Jenn McKinlay

What are you reading this week?

Book Review: Kill Me If You Can

2012-01-27T08:30:00.000-05:00

Kill Me If You Can by James Patterson & Marshall Karp

Walter Zelvas is skimming diamonds from his boss, Chukov. In order to avoid repercussions from the Diamond Syndicate, Chukov orders a hit on Zelvas. He wants it done quickly and quietly. And there's only one assassin that can do the job: The Ghost.

The Ghost gets the job done, however he is unable to recover the diamonds Zelvas stole. To complicate matters, also present at the crime scene is Matthew Bannon. He finds the diamonds and in an instant he is no longer a starving art student living in New York City. He has no idea the diamonds belong to the Russian mob.

Kill Me If You Can is a stand-alone thriller. From the first pages of the Prologue, the reader is pulled into the story. The action is immediate and doesn't let it up until the last few pages of the book. There's a twist in the story that I did not see coming. AT. ALL. I actually said out loud, "Wait... what???". Mind you I was on the train at the time. I had to re-read the page just to make sure I read it correctly. The next page confirmed what I read was true. I could NOT believe it!

Kill Me If You Can sticks to Patterson's formula: the chapters are short, the plot filled with action and a main character that the reader can not help but to like. It's a quick read, one that Patterson fans will enjoy.

______________

Book Details:

ISBN: 9780316097543◆ August 29, 2011 ◆ 384pgs ◆ Little, Brown and Company ◆ Mystery/Suspense

Print copy borrowed from the library

Waiting on Wednesday: Stay Close

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Stay Close
Author: Harlan Coben
Release Date: March 20, 2012

From Amazon: Megan is a suburban soccer mom who once upon a time walked on the wild side. Now she's got two kids, a perfect husband, a picket fence, and a growing sense of dissatisfaction. Ray used to be a talented documentary photographer, but at age forty he finds himself in a dead- end job posing as a paparazzo pandering to celebrity-obsessed rich kids. Jack is a detective who can't let go of a cold case-a local husband and father disappeared seventeen years ago, and Jack spends the anniversary every year visiting a house frozen in time, the missing man's family still waiting, his slippers left by the recliner as if he might show up any moment to step into them.

Three people living lives they never wanted, hiding secrets that even those closest to them would never suspect, will find that the past doesn't recede. Even as the terrible consequences of long-ago events crash together in the present and threaten to ruin lives, they will come to the startling realization that they may not want to forget the past at all. And as each confronts the dark side of the American Dream- the boredom of a nice suburban life, the excitement of temptation, the desperation and hunger that can lurk behind even the prettiest facades- they will discover the hard truth that the line between one kind of life and another can be as whisper-thin as a heartbeat.

With his trademark combination of page-turning thrills and unrivaled insight into the dark shadows that creep into even the happiest communities, Harlan Coben delivers a thriller that cements his status as the master of domestic suspense.

Review: Lola and the Boy Next Door

2012-01-24T09:00:00.000-05:00

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

It's About: Budding designer Lola Nolan doesn't believe in fashion . . . she believes in costume. The more expressive the outfit - more sparkly, more fun, more wild - the better. But even though Lola's style is outrageous, she's a devoted daughter and friend with some big plans for the future. And everything is pretty perfect (right down to her hot rocker boyfriend) until the dreaded Bell twins, Calliope and Cricket, return to the neighborhood.

When Cricket - a gifted inventor - steps out from his twin sister's shadow and back into Lola's life, she must finally reconcile a lifetime of feelings for the boy next door. (From Amazon)

Why I picked it off the shelf: I read Anna and the French Kiss last year and loved it.

Thoughts: I had high expectations for Lola and the Boy Next Door from page one. Perkins immediately sucked me in with her successful and realistic story of teenage love in Anna and the French Kiss. I practically devoured it in one afternoon and thought I would do the same with Lola and the Boy Next Door.

So I was a bit surprised that it took me awhile to get acquainted with the characters. Lola is quirky. She dresses in colorful wigs and clothes that one may describe as "costumes". She's a bit of a loner, although she has a best friend that she hangs with. She's raised by two gay fathers and is dating a 22-year old guy in a band.

Buried underneath the wigs and outlandish clothes is a young girl with issues. She's discovering who she is, she's insecure and she desperately tries to do the right thing. In some cases, she doesn't make the best of decisions. Most of her struggles are played out in her relationship with Max. Early on, the reader gets the sense this relationship will not end well. As much as I didn't like Lola with Max, he played an important role with her self-discovery.

And then there's Cricket. The boy next door. The guy she can't allow herself to forget no matter how hard she tries. But when he returns, Lola comes to a crossroads: continue moving forward with Max or confront her unresolved feelings for Cricket.

Although I was not enamored with Lola and the Boy Next Door as I was with Anna and the French Kiss, I still enjoyed it. Perkins is a talented author and I am looking forward to reading her next novel.

Recommended to readers if:

if read Anna and the French Kiss and wonder what she's up to now
you love a teen story with quirky characters
you enjoy reading about first love

______________
Book Details:
ISBN: 9780525423287◆ September 29, 2011 ◆ 384pgs ◆ YA Fiction
ebook downloaded from my library's website

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2012-01-23T05:00:00.000-05:00

Goddess of Vengeance - Jackie Collins (audio book)
Summary: Lucky Santangelo is back. Her daughter Max is about to turn 18 and wants to move to New York City. If that isn't enough to deal with, Lucky learns someone wants to buy her Vegas hotel, The Keys.

I'm reading:

Best Kept Secret - Amy Hatvany
Stories I Only Tell My Friends - Rob Lowe (audio book)

On My Nightstand:

Books Can Be Deceiving - Jenn McKinlay
Ruthless - Sara Shepard

Unfortunately I didn't get the chance to read much last week. Deadlines caused me to stay late at work several nights and my weekend was filled with chores and errands. I'm disappointed I haven't finished Best Kept Secret. From what I've read so far, I really like it. Cadence stays in my thoughts and I want to pick the book up again to read more of her story. Here's hoping I can finish it this week.

What are you reading this week?

Creep by Jennifer Hillier

2012-01-19T09:00:00.000-05:00

Creep by Jennifer Hillier

It's About: Professor student relationship… I mean really. Can there be a happy ending? Apparently not. Professor Sheila Tao is a popular professor at PSSU. From the outside, she appears to have it all together. She’s successful, intelligent and recently engaged to Morris. But there is one small problem: she’s secretly sleeping with her teaching assistant, Ethan.

It wasn’t supposed to happen. She was mourning the loss of her father and Ethan had been relentlessly flirting with her. In a moment of weakness and poor judgment she gave in to him. But, it lasted far too long. Three months exactly. Sheila knew it was wrong, but couldn’t help it. Consumed with guilt, she decides to end the relationship when she gets engaged to Morris. Sweet, good Morris. He has no clue about Ethan and she doesn’t want to continue hurting him.

Walking away from Ethan isn’t going to be easy. When she tells him, it’s over, his true colors begin to show. And he is scary!

Why I picked it off the shelf: I was in the mood for a book that would be hard to put down.

Thoughts: What can I say about Creep? It is a edge-of-your-seat psychological thriller. It makes you think how well do you really know someone? Appearances can definitely be deceiving. Sheila is a flawed, broken character, one the reader wants to see have a happy ending. The demons she's fighting are intense and it's uncertain if she'll win the battle.

Ethan is a sick, twisted, perverted antagonist whom, at first sight, appears to be charming, gorgeous and smart. He wants Sheila and becomes obsessed with her when she ends their affair. Hillier did a fantastic job allowing the reader to get inside his mind.

What I loved most about Creep was it read like a movie. I vividly pictured each scene in my mind and found myself reading faster to see what would happen next. When I put the book down, I couldn't stop thinking about it and wanted to pick it up once more just so I read one more chapter. As I got closer and closer to the last pages, I couldn't figure out how it would end. One significant sentence (a clue regarding one of the characters) stayed with me and I wondered how the author would tie it in with the ending. That sentence and the twist paved the way to a gripping conclusion. I cannot wait to get my hands on Hillier's follow-up thriller Freak, to be released this summer.

Waiting on Wednesday: These Girls

2012-01-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

Title: These Girls
Author: Sarah Pekkanen
Release Date: April 10, 2012

From B&N.com

In her third novel, internationally bestselling author Sarah Pekkanen examines the lives of three women working and living together in New York City and shows that family secrets may shape us all, but it’s the rich, complicated layers of friendship that can save us.

Cate, Renee, and Abby have come to New York for very different reasons, and in a bustling city of millions, they are linked together through circumstance and chance.

Cate has just been named the features editor of Gloss, a high-end lifestyle magazine. It’s a professional coup, but her new job comes with more complications than Cate ever anticipated.

Cate’s roommate Renee will do anything to nab the plum job of beauty editor at Gloss. But snide comments about Renee’s weight send her into an emotional tailspin. Soon she is taking black market diet pills—despite the racing heartbeat and trembling hands that signal she's heading for real danger.

Then there’s Abby, whom they take in as a third roommate. Once a joyful graduate student working as a nanny part time, she abruptly fled a seemingly happy life in the D.C. suburbs. No one knows what shattered Abby—or why she left everything she once loved behind.

Pekkanen’s most compelling, true-to-life novel yet tells the story of three very different women as they navigate the complications of careers and love—and find the lifeline they need in each other.

After I read and attended a book signing for The Opposite of Me, Sara Pekkanen immediately became one of my favorite authors. I had the opportunity to speak with her following the signing and found her to be humble, very funny and down-to-earth. Reading her latest novel is a no-brainer.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2012-01-16T12:05:00.000-05:00

Lola and the Boy Next Door - Stephanie Perkins
Summary: When Lola begins dating a new guy, the boy next door walks back into her life.

I'm reading:

Best Kept Secret - Amy Hatvany
Goddess of Vengeance - Jackie Collins (audio book)

On My Nightstand:

Books Can Be Deceiving - Jenn McKinlay
Ruthless - Sara Shepard

What are you reading this week?

Sunday Salon

2012-01-15T10:51:00.001-05:00

Good morning! My day is filled with leftover errands and chores I did not complete from yesterday. I often try to do as little as possible on Sundays, however some weekends are jammed packed. Like this one.

It's the middle of January, I can't seem to wrap my head around that. Lately I've noticed I say "I can't believe it already ____". Seems the more I say it, the faster time goes. Maybe I need to work on that and stop putting it out there. What's that saying? The more you focus on something, it seems to happen. Which could be both good or bad, I guess.

Time is something I've never quite been able to grasp. It either goes by extremely slow (you know what I mean when those work days just DDDRRRAAAGGG!) or too fast (um, hello... weekends!). I'm now saying to myself, "is this (whatever I'm doing) the best use of my time?" Which is another reason why I dislike my daily commute. Definitely not the best use of my time, but that's for another day!

I'm starting to prioritize my days, doing the dreaded task first and learning how to uni-task instead of multi-task, which has been quite challenging. My brain thanks me though because although I may have thought I was good at multi-tasking, I wasn't 100% at everything. I realized I was only fooling myself.

So having said that, this will be a short post. I want to finish my list so I can pick up a book or watch a movie guilt-free later today. Happy Sunday everyone!

Waiting on Wednesday

2012-01-11T06:15:00.000-05:00

When Eden was ten years old she found her father, David, bleeding out on the bathroom floor. The suicide attempt led to her parents’ divorce, and David all but vanished from Eden’s life. Since childhood, she has heard from him only rarely, just enough to know he’s been living on the streets and struggling with mental illness. But lately, there has been no word at all.

Now in her thirties, Eden decides to go look for her father, so she can forgive him at last, and finally move forward. When her search uncovers other painful truths—not only the secrets her mother has kept from her, but also the agonizing question of whether David, after all these years, even wants to be found—Eden is forced to decide just how far she’ll go in the name of love.

Cupcake Bakery Mystery Series - Mini Reviews

2012-01-10T07:00:00.001-05:00

Title: Sprinkle with Murder (#1)
Author: Jenn McKinlay
About: Sprinkle with Murder is the first book in the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series starring Mel, Angie and Tate. Mel and Angie are the owners of Fairytale Cupcake Bakery. Tate is engaged to an overly dramatic and controlling woman. When she's found dead, Mel is the number one suspect.

Title: Buttercream Bump Off (#2)
Author: Jenn McKinlay
About: Mel's mother has been widowed for years. She's finally reading to date again and asks Mel for advice. The man she dates is a shady character and ends up dead before their date is over. Mel finds herself involved in locating the killer before her mother is arrested.

Title: Death by the Dozen (#3)
Author: Jenn McKinlay
About: Mel and Angie compete in a bake off in order to bring more business to Fairytale Cupcake Bakery. When Mel's mentor is found dead on the first day of the competition, Mel investigates to solve his murder.

The Cupcake Bakery Mystery series is one that has been on my "new series list to read" since I first saw the cover of Sprinkle with Murder. These covers are so cute! I knew I had to read the books. When I discovered my library owned the ebooks, I immediately downloaded all three and read them over the holidays.

Although I figured out the killer early on in book one, I still wanted to read more about Mel, Angie and Tate. There is a hint of romance between the two of three characters, that I can't help but to wonder if they end up together how it will impact the friendship and course of the series. Having said that, I'm anxiously waiting for Red Velvet Revenge (book 4) to be released this summer.

Recommended to readers if:

you have a sweet tooth and enjoy reading a foodie mystery
you want a quick mystery to curl up with on a lazy afternoon
you are looking for a new cozy series to start reading

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

The Heroine's Bookshelf - Erin Blakemore
Summary: An in-depth look at the strengths of the main characters of classic literature.
The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
Summary: Book 1 of the Hunger Games trilogy. Katniss volunteers to take her younger sister's place in The Hunger Games when her name is selected in the lottery.
Trading Christmas - Debbie Macomber
Summary: Two strangers exchange houses for the holiday. Emily travels to Boston to see her daughter, while Charles goes to Washington state to escape the holiday festivities.
Creep - Jennifer Hillier
Summary: Professor Sheila Tao ends her affair with her teaching assistant following her engagement to Morris. Ethan, her assistant, begins to show his dark side after she breaks up with him.

I'm reading:

Lola and the Boy Next Door - Stephanie Perkins
Audio book - TBD

On My Nightstand:

Best Kept Secret - Amy Hatvany
Books Can Be Deceiving - Jenn McKinlay

What are you reading this week?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2012-01-02T10:36:00.002-05:00

Now You See Her - James Patterson & Michael Ledwidge
Summary: Nina Bloom is forced to return to a life she walked away from years ago.
Sprinkle with Murder - Jenn McKinlay
Summary: Book 1 of the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series, Mel and Angie go into business together selling cupcakes. When their friend's fiancée is murdered, Mel becomes the number one suspect.
Buttercream Bump Off - Jenn McKinlay
Summary: Book 2 of the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series. Mel's mother starts dating again. Unfortunately her date is murdered before the date is over.
Death by the Dozen - Jenn McKinlay
Summary: Book 3 of the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series. Mel and Angie compete in a bake off in order to bring more business to their bakery. When Mel's mentor is found dead on the first day of the competition, Mel investigates to solve his murder.
The Diva Cooks a Goose - Krista Davis
Summary: Book 4 of the Domestic Diva Mystery series. Sophie is looking forward to spending Christmas and New Year's with her family. When she arrives at her brother's house on Christmas day, the presents have been stolen. If that's not bad enough, her sister-in-law's family are suspects in a murder.

I'm reading:

The Heroine's Bookshelf: Life Lessons, From Jane Austen to Laura Ingalls Wilder - Erin Blakemore (book club pick)
The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins (audio)

Reading soon:

Lola and the Boy Next Door - Stephanie Perkins
Best Kept Secret - Amy Hatvany

What are you reading this week?

Sunday Salon

2012-01-01T17:25:00.003-05:00

Happy 2012! I still can't believe it's a brand new year, a fresh start once again. I always look forward to New Year's Day. New Year's Eve is spent mostly cleaning my house and reflecting on the past 12 months. What goals did I accomplish? What projects did I start, but have yet to finish? Any regrets? Lessons learned? My mind is filled with memories from the past year.

But on New Year's Day, I spend time thinking about what lies ahead. What are my dreams for this year? What can I cross off from my bucket list? Anything unfinished business from last year that I really have to complete before the end of this year? The list goes on and on.

This year, I decided not to spend time thinking and reflecting about 2012 today. Instead I brainstormed for 2012 and I'm going to spend the month of January creating my home project list, professional and personal goals, and of course, my reading list. This year, I really want to be more flexible and not stress myself out when things just do not go as planned. Things happen that are out of my control. Instead of wasting energy trying to change the situation, I've realized I need to change my response to situation. Life happens and things can throw you off your path. When this happens, I really need to adjust my attitude and simply jump back in where I am.

Where am I going with this, you may be thinking. In September I meant to take a small blogging break. Maybe a week or two. But things quickly spun out of control and I found myself putting my blog on hold. I stressed myself out about it (especially after I paid to have a blog makeover!) My blog "to do" list just sat on my desk gathering dust.

Today I picked it back up and decided to forget about the last 3 or 4 months. What's done is done and there's nothing I can do to change it. Instead I'm just jumping back it and picking up where I left off.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2011-09-05T09:36:00.002-04:00

The First Husband - Laura Dave
Summary: After the abrupt break-up with her longtime boyfriend, Annie marries someone else.
The Violets of March - Sarah Jio
Summary: Emily visits her great-aunt after her divorce is finalized. She discovers an old diary in her aunt's home that leads to understanding about her own family.
A Discovery of Witches - Deborah Harkness (audio book)
Summary: Diana Bishop comes from a family of witches, although she refuses to use her powers. When she discovers a manuscript, she suddenly finds herself surrounded by other witches, vampires and daemons.
Kindred Spirits - Sarah Strohmeyer
Summary: After their close friend dies, three woman take a trip together to fulfill her last dying wish.
I'll Walk Alone - Mary Higgins Clark (audio book)
Summary: After her little boy is kidnapped, Zan attempts to move forward with her life. On the anniversary of her son's kidnapping, evidence indicates Zan may have been involved.

I'm reading:

Everything Beautiful Began After - Simon Van Booy

I'm listening to:

Twenties Girl - Sophie Kinsella

Reading soon:

Escape - Barbara Delinsky
Cruel Love - Kate Brian
Joy for Beginners - Erica Bauermeister

What are you reading this week?

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-08-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. (Button courtesy of Bewitched Bookworms.)

Here's what I'm looking forward to:

Title: Families and Other Nonreturnable Gifts
Author: Claire LaZebnik
Release Date: September 1

From Amazon.com:

Despite her name, Keats Sedlak is the sanest person in her large, nutty family of brilliant eccentrics. Her parents, both brainy academics, are barely capable of looking after themselves, let alone anyone else, and her two uber-intelligent siblings live on their own planets.

At least she can count on one person in her life, her devoted boyfriend Tom. Down-to-earth and loving, he's the one thing that's kept Keats grounded for the last decade. But when Keats's mother makes a surprise announcement, the entire family is sent into a tailspin. For the first time, Keats can't pick up the pieces by herself. Now she must reevaluate everything she's ever assumed about herself and her family-and make the biggest decision of her life.

Save Me by Lisa Scottoline

2011-08-12T07:00:00.000-04:00

Save Me by Lisa Scottoline
Narrated by Cynthia Nixon

Review:
Melly is different than the other girls in her class. She doesn’t play with the American Girls dolls or wear cute dresses. She has a birthmark on her face that makes her an easy target to be teased by the other school children. And that is exactly what Amanda does the day Rose, Melly’s mother, volunteers as lunch mom. Rose witnessed Amanda smearing jelly on her face to make fun of Melly. Melly starts to cry and runs out of the lunch room. This isn’t the first incident of Amanda bullying Melly. Rose speaks to Amanda about her behavior just as another volunteer approaches. She scolds Rose saying the moms are not allowed to reprimand the children, it's the responsibility of the teachers. The volunteer leaves to find a teacher. The moment Rose, Amanda and two other girls are about to leave the lunchroom, the kitchen explodes .

Rose frantically tries to get the girls out of harm’s way so she can rescue Melly from the bathroom. Thinking she led the girls to safety, she sets out in search of her daughter. Relief sets in when she’s able to locate her and rescues her from the burning school. Minutes later Rose learns that Amanda did not make it out of the lunchroom. Soon the other parents turn on Rose for her negligence of not getting Amanda out of the school. Everyone begins to think this is Rose’s way of punishing Amanda for bullying her daughter.

When I first began reading Save Me, my expectation was it’s a story about a mother trying to save her daughter from the school bully. So I was very surprised when the storyline went into an entirely different direction. The plot is full of twists and turns, although it’s a little far-fetched, at times.

Narration:
My original intent was to read Save Me. Then I learned Cynthia Nixon narrated the audio book. I’ve heard glowing reviews about her as a narrator and decided to listen to the audio book instead. I’m glad that I did. Nixon did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. Quite honestly, I think had I read the book, I may have skimmed and even skipped pages here and there. But Nixon kept me invested in the story. I will definitely seek out other books that she has narrated.

_______________
Length: 11 hours
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Source: Library

Pinch Me by Adena Halpern

2011-08-11T07:00:00.000-04:00

Pinch Me by Adena Halpern

Lily’s mother Selma and grandmother Dolly want the best for her. They really do. So it may seem a bit odd th?at they tell her to marry an ugly man. Better yet, just never fall in love. Lily takes heed to their advice and dates a lot of not nice guys (putting it mildly) and throws herself into her work. Then she meets Gogo. He’s kind and sweet and a perfect gentleman. Much to Lily’s dismay, she finds herself falling for him… hard.

It’s not surprising that he proposes during a romantic trip to Paris. When she tells Dolly and Selma about her engagement, instead of showering her with hugs and kisses and excitement about her upcoming nuptials, they inform her that their family is cursed. Yes, that’s right… cursed! If they marry a man they love, something bad will happen to him. It happened with Dolly’s husband and several of the men Selma married. In fact, both Selma and Dolly are holding back on their feelings with two men in their lives in fear that they too will become victims of the curse.

Lily finds all of this hard to believe. She informs Gogo (he too is skeptical) and he suggests they fly to Vegas to elope. Everything is going exceptionally well until Lily asks Gogo to pinch her because she thinks it’s too good to be true. And it is. After she feels the pinch, she wakes up alone and in this “life” Gogo is married to someone else and doesn’t know who is she. Maybe, there’s truth to this family curse after all!

Pinch Me is a creative and imaginative story that is filled with humorous antics. Lily will go to the extreme to fight for her happy ending. Whether you're new to this author or have read her previous works, you will enjoy reading this engaging tale. Recommended.

______________
Book Details:
Pub. Date: July 19, 2011
Publisher: Touchstone
Pages: 288
ISBN: 9781439171141
Genre: Fiction
Source: Publisher via Galley Grab

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-08-10T05:00:00.000-04:00

And so it begins . . . again.

Survivors of a serial killer who invaded their childhood, Lucy Walsh and Jeremy Cavalon are married now, replacing nightmares of their terrifying past with joyful dreams of the upcoming birth of their first child. Fiercely determined to protect the fragile balance of their lives, Lucy doesn’t know that her new husband guards a deadly secret . . . or that an Act of God is about to unleash a vengeful fury.

For shell-shocked Lucy and Jeremy, the horrible death of a loved one is a tragic accident. But for a shadowy predator, it’s the first step toward completing a deadly mission that was interrupted so long ago. Now, at last, the members of the Walsh and Cavalon families will pay for their sins, one by one . . .

Better Read Than Dead - Victoria Laurie

2011-08-09T07:00:00.000-04:00

Better Read Than Dead by Victoria Laurie
Book 2, Psychic Eye Mystery

When we meet up again with Abby Cooper, it's months later after her attack. She's fully recovered and back to work. She's in a relationship with Dutch, who is now in training with the FBI. The night he's back in town, Abby's friend asked her for a favor. And how can she refuse? Kendal assisted her when she was out on leave from work and now he needs her help.

Kendal has been hired to read Tarot cards at a Greek wedding reception. Abby has never done this before, but Kendal assures her it will be easy to learn. As expected, Abby is a quick learner and doesn't have any problems with her readings. Then she meets a man with a history of murder. To Abby's surprise he has killed numerous people and he confirms she is correct about this. Abby soon realizes the bride is the daughter of a powerful mob boss.

Meanwhile Milo, Dutch's former partner, is working a case involving a serial rapist and solicits Abby's help. Things become complicated when the rapist attacks someone close to Abby. Unfortunately Abby has no choice but to withhold information from the police.

The Psychic Eye Mystery series is quickly becoming a favorite. Abby is a no-nonsense type of girl and makes a great amateur sleuth. Like the previous book, Better Read Than Dead is a quick read with lots of twists and turns. Laurie keeps the storyline moving so the reader is never bored. I definitely will continue reading this series.
______________
Pub. Date: June 7, 2005
Publisher: Signet
ISBN: 9780451215581
Pages: 304
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Source: Library

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2011-08-08T06:00:00.001-04:00

Tick Tock - James Patterson
Summary: Michael Bennett tries to solve the crimes of a sick killer who is terrorizing New York City.

I'm reading:

The First Husband - Laura Dave

I'm listening to:

I'll Walk Alone - Mary Higgins Clark

Reading soon:

The Violets of March - Sarah Jio

What are you reading this week?

Review: Family Affair

2011-08-04T07:00:00.001-04:00

Family Affair by Debbie Macomber

Mini-Review:

Lacey is recently divorced. She's trying to pick herself back up and move on. She lives with her cat Cleo and is content with this arrangement. Then she meets Jack. Her loud, obnoxious neighbor. He's constantly arguing with his girlfriend and quite frankly, Lacey is tired of it. She has decided to ignore Jack.

Until Cleo gets pregnant by Dog, Jack's cat. Now Lacey has no choice but to interact with him. Little does she know, Jack just may be the man she is looking for.

Family Affair was originally published in 1994. Less than 120 pages, it's easy to finish this story in an hour or less. If you are new to Macomber, I wouldn't start here. Instead I recommend her Cedar Cove series. Family Affair is an easy, quick read, but forgettable after you read the last page.

______________
Book Details:
Pub. Date: January 4, 2011 (reprint)
Publisher: William Morrow
Pages: 112
ISBN: 9780061997129
Genre: Romance
Source: Library

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-08-03T06:00:00.001-04:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. (Button courtesy of Bewitched Bookworms.)

Here's what I'm looking forward to:

Title: Kill Me If You Can
Authors: James Patterson & Marshall Karp
Release Date: August 29

From the author's website:

Matthew Bannon, a poor art student living in New York City, finds a duffel bag filled with diamonds during a chaotic attack at Grand Central Station. Plans for a worry-free life with his gorgeous girlfriend Katherine fill his thoughts—until he realizes that he is being hunted, and that whoever is after him won't stop until they have reclaimed the diamonds and exacted their revenge.

THE PERFECT LIE

Trailing him is the Ghost, the world's greatest assassin, who has just pulled off his most high-profile hit: killing Walter Zelvas, a top member of the international Diamond Syndicate. There's only one small problem: the diamonds he was supposed to retrieve from Zelvas are missing. Now, the Ghost is on Bannon's trail—but so is a rival assassin who would like nothing more than to make the Ghost disappear forever. From "America's #1 storyteller" (Forbes) comes a high-speed, high-stakes, winner-take-all thrill ride of adrenaline-fueled suspense.

Abby Cooper: Psychic Eye - Victoria Laurie

2011-08-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

Abby Cooper: Psychic Eye by Victoria Laurie
Book One, Psychic Eye Mystery

Abby Cooper is not the typical girl next door. As hard as she tried to be "normal" and fit in, the cards (no pun intended!) weren't lined up for her. You see, Abby is a psychic intuitive. She is able to tell the future. Abby makes a pretty good living doing this as evident by her full calendar.

On the day she gets a cancellation, Allison Pierce shows up to her office and asks Abby to see her. During her reading, Abby warns Allison about a man with dark hair. He has something to do with a loss she recently suffered and may be the reason a woman close to Allison has left. Days later Allison calls Abby again to schedule another appointment, however Abby quickly dismisses her stating it is her policy to only meet with clients once every six months. Abby abruptly disconnects the call, but cannot shake the weird feeling she has surrounding Allison.

When Allison is found brutally murdered in her home, Abby feels somewhat responsible. If only she took the time to listen to Allison and answer her questions, then maybe Allison would still be alive. Abby becomes involved with the investigation to find Allison's killer and is marked as the killer's next victim.

I've been wanting to read Laurie's Psychic Eye Mystery series for awhile now. I'm just sorry I didn't start it sooner. Abby is a likeable main character and is a competent amateur sleuth. She doesn't become overly involved with solving the mystery and doesn't appear to know it all. The tension between Dutch, the detective on the case, and Abby is perfect and doesn't overpower the mystery. It did, however, leave me wondering what's in store for these two in future books.

Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye is a great start to this long-lasting series (book nine was released in July). I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series. Recommended.

______________
Pub. Date: December 7, 2004
Publisher: Signet
ISBN: 9780451213631
Pages: 304
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Source: Personal Copy

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2011-08-01T00:00:00.002-04:00

Pinch Me - Adena Halpern
Summary: Lily learns about a family curse when she announces her engagement to her mother and grandmother.
Silver Girl - Elin Hilderbrand
Summary: Meredith seeks refuge at her friend Connie's Nantucket home after her husband is arrested for stealing his clients' investments.
Maine - J. Courtney Sullivan
Summary: Four main characters narrate this story. This particular summer finds each sharing the family's Maine summer home.

I'm reading:

The First Husband - Laura Dave

I'm listening to:

Tick Tock - James Patterson

Reading soon:

Deep Down True - Juliette Fay

What are you reading this week?

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2011-07-18T07:02:00.002-04:00

Sometimes It Happens - Lauren Barnholdt
Summary: A teenage girl is afraid of the consequences after she tells her best friend the truth about her summer.
Night Road - Kristin Hannah
Summary: One night and a bad decision forever changes a tight-knit family.
Save Me - Lisa Scottoline
Summary: A mother investigates the cause of a school fire.

I'm reading:

Pinch Me - Adena Halpern

I'm listening to:

Silver Girl - Elin Hilderbrand

Reading soon:

Maine - J. Courtney Sullivan

What are you reading this week?

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-07-13T06:10:00.000-04:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. (Button courtesy of Bewitched Bookworms.)

Here's what I'm looking forward to:

Title: With a Little Luck
Author: Caprice Crane
Release Date: July 26

From Amazon.com:

If love is in the cards, then somebody stacked the deck.

Los Angeles radio DJ Beryl “Berry” Lambert, whose name means luck, doesn’t much believe in it—although, thanks to her dear old gambling dad, she’s a bit superstitious, certain that everything happens for a reason. She keeps a four-leaf clover in her wallet, never takes off her horseshoe necklace, and won’t tempt fate by walking under a ladder or opening an umbrella indoors. Ever.

When it comes to love, though, she could use a little luck. Two disastrous relationships back-to-back can mean only one thing to a woman who knows that everything good or bad happens in threes: A third Mr. Wrong is imminent. But fellow DJ Ryan Riley goes against the odds. Their on-air battle of the sexes is a hit for the station and sparks some serious heat after hours. Ryan is funny and sexy, and he thinks Berry’s quirkiness is cute. Is their romance doomed by the numbers—or is a girl who leaves nothing to chance finally ready to gamble?

Caprice Crane’s witty, winsome novel about the game of modern romance proves that with a little luck and the right stakes, everybody wins.

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-07-06T06:10:00.003-04:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. (Button courtesy of Bewitched Bookworms.)

Here's what I'm looking forward to:

Title: Pinch Me
Author: Adena Halpern
Release Date: July 19

From Amazon.com:
LILY MARRIED THE MAN OF HER DREAMS.THEN SHE WOKE UP.“Never marry a man unless he’s short, bald, fat, stupid, and treats you badly.” That is the advice that twenty-nine-year-old Lily Burns has heard her entire life from her grandmother Dolly and her mother, Selma. Despite this, when she meets Gogo, the handsome, successful pediatrician who treats her like a queen, she has no choice but to let her heart take over. When she agrees to marry him, Dolly and Selma are inconsolable. They decide it’s time to tell her the truth: their family is cursed. If she marries for love, there will be unimaginable consequences.Nevertheless, Lily and Gogo elope. Unable to believe her good fortune, Lily asks Gogo to pinch her—to make sure all this isn’t just a dream. The moment he does, Lily finds herself transported back to the house she lived in when she was single. Gogo is gone. When Lily tracks him down, she finds that he’s married to someone else and has no memory of her. In this modern fairy tale, Lily must find a way to break the curse and turn her nightmare back into a dream come true.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2011-07-04T13:25:00.002-04:00

Friendship Bread - Darien Gee
Summary: A recipe for Amish friendship bread unites a community.
The Checklist Manifesto - Atul Gwande
Summary: Using a checklist is necessary for productivity.

I'm reading:

Night Road - Kristin Hannah
One-Minute Tips Unclutter Your Mind - Donna Smallin

I'm listening to:

Still deciding

Reading soon:

Books Can Be Deceiving - Jenn McKinlay
Sometimes It Happens - Lauren Barnholdt

What are you reading this week?

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-06-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

In this mesmerizing thriller by acclaimed author Linwood Barclay, a typical American community descends into darkness, as an ordinary man is swept into one of the most violent mysteries of modern life.

It’s the new normal at the Garber household in Connecticut: Glen, a contractor, has seen his business shaken by the housing crisis, and now his wife, Sheila, is taking a business course at night to increase her chances of landing a good-paying job.

But she should have been home by now.

Waiting for Sheila’s return, with their eight-year-old daughter sleeping soundly, Glen soon finds his worst fears confirmed: Sheila and two others have been killed in a car accident. Adding to the tragedy, the police claim Sheila was responsible.

Glen knows it’s impossible; he knew his wife and she would never do such a thing. When he investigates, Glen begins to uncover layers of lawlessness beneath the placid surface of their suburb, secret after dangerous secret behind the closed doors.

Propelled into a vortex of corruption and illegal activity, pursued by mysterious killers, and confronted by threats from neighbors he thought he knew, Glen must take his own desperate measures and go to terrifying new places in himself to avenge his wife and protect his child.

Bold and timely, with the shocking twists and startling insights that have become trademarks of this new master of domestic suspense, The Accident is a riveting triumph, a book that moves at a breathless pace to a climax no one will see coming.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2011-06-27T00:00:00.000-04:00

Groundswell - Katie Lee
Summary: A young girl marries a famous Hollywood actor and flees to Mexico after she learns of his affair.

I'm reading:

Friendship Bread - Darien Gee
One-Minute Tips Unclutter Your Mind - Donna Smallin

I'm listening to:

The Checklist Manifesto - Atul Gwande

Reading soon:

Books Can Be Deceiving - Jenn McKinlay
Night Road - Kristin Hannah

What are you reading this week?

Blog Tour: Groundswell by Katie Lee

2011-06-23T06:00:00.001-04:00

Groundswell by Katie Lee

Emma Guthrie is a Kentuckian turned New Yorker when the reader is first introduced to her in Lee's debut novel. She's struggling to make ends meet after she has to give up her college scholarship. Not wanting to return home and face her sister's "I told you so", Emma hangs in there hoping one day things will get easier.

And then they do. She's offered a position as a PA for a Garrett Walker movie. Things begin to move at a rapid pace when Emma first meets Garrett. A quick meeting in his trailer leads to him asking her out to dinner. Before long, they're dating and he's whisking her away to St. Barts for the holiday. As expected their whirlwind relationship leads to marriage and with Garrett's assistance Emma writes a screenplay that winds up being the blockbuster of the summer.

After seven years of marriage, Emma has left her old life behind. Being Mrs. Walker definitely has its perks. Emma's life is good and she appears to be happy and have everything she's ever dreamed of. But when she's given her husband's cell phone by mistake and sees a text from another woman, Emma realizes her world may not be so perfect after all.

Groundswell is the ideal beach read. Immediately I found myself drawn into the story and within two hours, I had read over half the book. Lee begins the story with Emma reading the text on her husband's phone and then flashes back to how they met. The story then returns to Emma and the text and continues from there.

Not much emphasis is placed on the seven years the couple was married. Actually, I didn't have an issue with that. Lee painted a picture of their marriage so the reader did not have to know every detail. At times, the story was predictable and I saw the ending long before I finished the book. I still found myself invested in the story and cheered Emma on.

I do have to say it reminded me a bit of Flirting with Forty by Jane Porter and How Stella Got Her Groove Back by Terry McMillan. A woman decides to travel to escape the craziness of her life and ends up meeting a gorgeous guy. So, if you've read and enjoyed either of these books, then be sure to pick up Groundswell. Even if you haven't read either book (I suggest you do - both are very good), throw Groundswell in your beach bag anyway. Being a little over 200 pages, you can devour it in one sitting.

______________
Book Details:
Pub. Date: June 21, 2011
Publisher: Gallery
Pages: 240
ISBN: 9781439183595
Genre: Beach Read, Contemporary Fiction
Source: Publisher (for participation in blog tour)

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-06-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

What makes up a family? For Casey it’s sharing a house with her fiancé, Michael, and his three children, whom she intends to nurture better than she ever took care of her self. But Casey’s plans have come undone. Michael’s silences have grown unfathomable and deep. His daughter Angel seethes as only a teenage girl can, while the wide-eyed youngest, Jewel, quietly takes it all in.

Then, son Dylan runs off and the kids’ mother, a woman never afraid to say just what she thinks, noisily barges into the home. That’s when Casey decides that the silences can no longer continue. She must begin speaking the words no one else can say. She’ll have to dig up secrets—including her own—uncovering hurts, and beginning healing that is too long overdue. And it all begins with just a few tentative words…

Review: On Maggie's Watch

2011-06-21T05:00:00.000-04:00

On Maggie's Watch by Ann Wertz Garvin

Maggie is eight months pregnant when she and her husband Martin move back to her hometown. She reconnects with her former friend Julia. Maggie is a bit different now that she's back. She suffered a great loss that has changed her views on the world and as a result she becomes obsessed with protecting her unborn child.

She decides to organize her neighborhood watch program which leads to her discovery of a sex offender living in the neighborhood. Sicken by this, Maggie decides to take matters into her own hands to let him know he is not welcomed.

On Maggie's Watch is a portrayal of how unresolved grief can influence one's behavior. At first glance, Maggie appears to be unstable and it's easy to want to judge her, but when the reader learns of her past history and the loss she endured, it's understandable why she does what she does. Don't get me wrong, though. Some of her actions I found to be a bit over the top, but when I've reacted to a situation based entirely on my emotions, my behavior was irrational, but at the same time made sense to me.

I do have to admit, I didn't like On Maggie's Watch as much as I thought I would. I never warmed up to Maggie and at times found her to be exhausting. I did, however, want her to let go of the past so she could fully enjoy the birth of her child. Despite my frustration with Maggie, I still recommend On Maggie's Watch. The story was an emotional roller coaster for me: frustration to pity to sadness to happiness. My suggestion is to read On Maggie's Watch and decide for yourself.

______________
Book Details:
Pub. Date: November 2, 2010
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Pages: 304
ISBN: 9780425236789
Genre: Fiction
Source: Crazy Book Tours

I received a copy of On Maggie's Watch from Crazy Book Tours. Receiving this free copy did not influence my review in any way.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2011-06-20T04:00:00.001-04:00

Better Read Than Dead - Victoria Laurie
Summary: Abby agrees to read Tarot cards at a wedding reception which leads to her involvement in the mob. Psychic Eye Mystery #2.
Go the F**k to Sleep - Adam Mansbach
Summary: A humorous look of someone trying to put a child to bed.
The Bedtime Book for Dogs - Bruce Littlefield
Summary: A cute story about a dog's adventure without his owner.

I'm reading:

Groundswell by Katie Lee

Reading soon:

Friendship Bread - Darien Gee
TBD

What are you reading this week?

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-06-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. (Button courtesy of Bewitched Bookworms.)

Here's what I'm looking forward to:

Title: The End of Everything
Author: Megan Abbott
Release Date: July 7

From Amazon.com:
Thirteen-year old Lizzie Hood and her next door neighbor Evie Verver are inseparable. They are best friends who swap bathing suits and field-hockey sticks, and share everything that's happened to them. Together they live in the shadow of Evie's glamorous older sister Dusty, who provides a window on the exotic, intoxicating possibilities of their own teenage horizons. To Lizzie, the Verver household, presided over by Evie's big-hearted father, is the world's most perfect place.

And then, one afternoon, Evie disappears. The only clue: a maroon sedan Lizzie spotted driving past the two girls earlier in the day. As a rabid, giddy panic spreads through the Midwestern suburban community, everyone looks to Lizzie for answers. Was Evie unhappy, troubled, upset? Had she mentioned being followed? Would she have gotten into the car of a stranger?

Lizzie takes up her own furtive pursuit of the truth, prowling nights through backyards, peering through windows, pushing herself to the dark center of Evie's world. Haunted by dreams of her lost friend and titillated by her own new power at the center of the disappearance, Lizzie uncovers secrets and lies that make her wonder if she knew her best friend at all.

Review: Ten Beach Road by Wendy Wax

2011-06-14T09:00:00.001-04:00

Ten Beach Road by Wendy Wax

Now that the hot, humid weather has arrived, my thoughts are turning to my summer reading list. As I began scanning my list, one author just grabbed my attention: Wendy Wax. Ms. Wax has been on my “new-to-me” author list for a while. I thought Ten Beach Road would be the perfect way to kick off my summer reading.

In Ten Beach Road, the reader is introduced to three women at various stages of life. First is Madeline. She’s a wife and mother and is looking forward to having an empty nest. Dreams fill her mind about what the future holds for herself and Steve, her husband, when she finds herself blindsided by her husband’s secret.

Next is Avery. She’s the co-host of the popular cable home improvement show Hammer and Nail. On the day she learns her contract will not be renewed, she is also told her inheritance from her father’s estate is gone. Now with no job or money, Avery is at a standstill for the first time in her life.

Finally there’s Nicole “Nikki”. She’s a successful matchmaker with offices in LA and New York. Business is well as evident by her lifestyle. Growing up with parents who could not afford the luxuries of life, Nikki promised herself that she nor her brother would ever go without. And now her worst fear has come true.

The three woman have are forced together when they learn their financial advisor stole their investments and made them co-owners of a run-down Florida beach house. Facing dire situations, the woman have no choice but to work together and trust each other in order to get back on their feet.

At first glance, Ten Beach Road can be viewed as a quick, light read. As the story unfolds, themes of self-growth and perseverance begin to emerge. Each woman is tested as they work together to rebuild the house to its original beauty.

So, if you’re heading out to the beach or the park or simply reading on your deck, Ten Beach Road is the perfect companion for a lazy afternoon spent reading.

______________
Book Details:
Pub. Date: May 3, 2011
Publisher: Berkley
Pages: 432
ISBN: 9780425240861
Genre: Fiction
Source: Library

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2011-06-13T01:00:00.000-04:00

Ten Beach Road - Wendy Wax
Summary: Three women lose their life savings after trusting their financial advisor. They inherit a run-down beach house and must work together to restore it.
On Maggie's Watch - Ann Wertz Garvin
Summary: Maggie, who is eight months pregnant, and her husband return to her hometown in Wisconsin. Maggie organizes the neighborhood watch and becomes obsessed with one particular neighbor.

I'm reading:

Better Read Than Dead - Victoria Laurie

Reading soon:

Gone with a Handsomer Man - Michael Lee West
Groundswell - Katie Lee

What are you reading this week?

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-06-01T06:00:00.002-04:00

Her drinking snuck up on her - as a way to sleep, to help her relax after a long day, to relieve some of the stress of the painful divorce that’s left her struggling to make ends meet with her five-year old son, Charlie.

It wasn’t always like this. Just a few years ago, Cadence seemed to have it all—a successful husband, an adorable son, and a promising career as a freelance journalist. But with the demise of her marriage, her carefully constructed life begins to spiral out of control. Suddenly she is all alone trying to juggle the demands of work and motherhood.

Logically, Cadence knows that she is drinking too much, and every day begins with renewed promises to herself that she will stop. But within a few hours, driven by something she doesn’t understand, she is reaching for the bottle - even when it means not playing with her son because she is too tired, or dropping him off at preschool late, again. And even when one calamitous night it means leaving him alone to pick up more wine at the grocery store. It’s only when her ex-husband shows up at her door to take Charlie away that Cadence realizes her best kept secret has been discovered….

Heartbreaking, haunting, and ultimately life-affirming, Best Kept Secret is more than just the story of Cadence—it’s a story of how the secrets we hold closest are the ones that can most tear us apart.

Review: Flowerbed of State - Dorothy St. James

2011-05-31T06:00:00.000-04:00

Flowerbed of State by Dorothy St. James
White House Gardener Mystery, Book 1

Meet Casey. The newest member of the White House staff. She was personally selected by the First Lady due to her gardening practices, philosophy and vision. On the day Casey is to present her new plan to the First Lady and the Grounds Committee, she is attacked and discovers the body of a Treasury Department employee.

When someone close to her is hauled into the police station for questioning, Casey takes it upon herself to learn more about the victim and why she was killed. You see, Casey is a bit of a mystery buff and always has a mystery book with her. Channeling her inner Miss Marple, Casey is able to follow the clues to solve the mystery.

Flowerbed of State is the first book in the brand new White House Gardener Mystery series. It centers around Casey Calhoun as she transitions from South Carolina to the District working for the White House. She's a likable and competent sleuth, always managing to stay one step ahead of the Secret Service.

I figured out the killer early in the story, however it did not prevent me from enjoying Flowerbed of State. St James provides a host of secondary characters that will keep the reader engaged, entertained, and interested in learning more about them. I'm looking forward to reading book two in the series. Cozy fans will enjoy this newest addition to the genre. Recommended.

______________
Book Details:
Pub. Date: May 3, 2011
Publisher: Berkley
Pages: 320
ISBN: 9780425240571
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Source: Publisher

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2011-05-30T12:58:00.002-04:00

Flowerbed of State - Dorothy St. James
Summary: The first book in the White House Gardner Mystery series. Casey discovers the body of a dead woman and vows to solve her murder.

I'm reading:

Ten Beach Road - Wendy Wax
My first summer beach read! I hope to finish it later today.

Reading soon:

On Maggie's Watch - Ann Wertz Garvin
Ten Things We Did (and Probably Shouldn't Have) - Sarah Mlynowski

What are you reading this week?

Good Enough to Eat - Stacey Ballis

2011-05-28T10:00:00.000-04:00

Title: Good Enough to Eat
Author: Stacey Ballis
ISBN: 978-0-425-22963-7

Mini-Review:
Melanie lost 145 pounds in two years. After successfully completing her weight loss goal, her husband tells her he wants a divorce. He's fallen in love with someone else. A woman twice the size that Melanie used to be.

Instead of allowing herself to wallow in self-pity, Melanie decides to quit her corporate job and follow her dreams: opening a gourmet shop. When the shop is up and running, Melanie soon faces a dire financial situation that forces her to take in a roommate.

Good Enough to Eat is a novel about starting over, having the courage to pursue one's dreams and the strength to love again. Sometimes we find ourselves on an unfamiliar path, but if we are patient it will lead us to where we were meant to be. Highly recommended.

The Night Bookmobile by Audrey Niffenegger

2011-05-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

The Night Bookmobile by Audrey Niffenegger

Alexandra first encounters the Night Bookmobile after an argument with her boyfriend Richard. She's walking home late at night when she noticed the Winnebago. Thinking it odd, but not feeling afraid, she approached the vehicle and noticed an older man reading a newspaper. He invites her in and she quickly realizes the Bookmobile has every book she has read on its shelves. Confused by this, Alexandra starts to question Mr. Openshaw, but he politely tells her the library is now closed. Its hours are from dusk to dawn.

She returns home to find Richard waiting for her. She explains what happened, but Richard flat out doesn't believe her. From that moment on, Alexandra becomes obsessed with finding the Bookmobile again. Richard eventually leaves her and she spends every moment, when she's not working, reading Every night she walks in hopes of seeing the Winnebago. Nine years later, her path crosses with Mr. Openshaw again.

This time she asks him if she can work for him. He declines and suggests she becomes a librarian. She immediately goes to school and upon graduating, she is hired at a new library branch in Chicago. Years later she meets Mr. Openshaw again and asks if she can work for him. Again he refused.

This time, the rejection is too much for Alexandra to handle. She begins to resent all the time she has spent reading and that she allowed her life to pass her by while she primarily focused on books and building her collection.

I'm not sure what I expected when I picked up The Night Bookmobile. The ending definitely caught me off guard, so much so that I had to reread it. What began as a light, quick read turned very dark quickly. The ending left me full of questions as I wondered what will happen next for Alexandra.

Be sure to read the author's "After Words" upon finishing the story. It will provide insight on the novel.

______________
Pub. Date: September 10, 2010
Publisher: Abrams ComicArts (An imprint of Abrams)
Pages: 40
ISBN: 978-0-8109-9617-5
Genre: Graphic Novel
Source: Library

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-05-25T08:10:00.000-04:00

Lindsey is getting into her groove as the director of the Briar Creek Public Library when a New York editor visits town, creating quite a buzz. Lindsey's friend Beth wants to sell the editor her children's book, but Beth's boyfriend, a famous author, gets in the way. When they go to confront him, he's found murdered-and Beth is the prime suspect. Lindsey has to act fast before they throw the book at the wrong person.

A new cozy series + story about libraries = an EXCITED me! I'm always looking for a new series to start. I've heard wonderful things about McKinlay's Cupcake Bakery Mystery series (which I hope to start soon) and her newest series, A Library Lover's Mystery, looks just as enticing.

The Postcard Killers - James Patterson & Liza Marklund

2011-05-24T08:29:00.005-04:00

The Postcard Killers by James Patterson & Liza Marklund
Narrated by Katherine Kellgren, Eric Singer and Reg Rogers

Paris is stunning in the summer

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

The killing is simply marvelous

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

Wish you were here

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

My thoughts:
Last summer when The Postcard Killers was first released I attempted to read it. Key word: attempted! For whatever reason, I could not finish the Prologue. Never a good sign. I put it down thinking it was just the mood I was in and didn't think much about it.

Last week I was at the library and noticed The Postcard Killers in the audio book section. I decided maybe listening to it would be a better option. I was able to move past the place where I first stopped and soon found myself engaged with the story.

While listening to the audio book, it took me awhile to warm up to the narrators. This was my first experience with multiple narrators and the switching back and forth didn't work with me initially. I found myself paying more attention to which narrator was speaking instead of the plot itself. As the plot started to develop, and true to Patterson's style of twists and turns, I was able to let it go and focus on the storyline.

I certainly wouldn't say The Postcard Killers is Patterson's "most compelling thriller" (the Alex Cross series, in my opinion, is more compelling), but it's worth a listen for Patterson's fans. Be warned, some scenes are graphic and the killers are dark and twisted.

Length: 7 hours, 30 minutes

Source: Library

This review can also be found at Audiobook Jukebox .

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-05-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. (Button courtesy of Bewitched Bookworms.)

Here's what I'm looking forward to:

Title: Escape
Author: Barbara Delinsky
Release Date: July 5

From Amazon.com:
In her luminous new novel, Barbara Delinsky explores every woman’s desire to abandon the endless obligations of work and marriage—and the idea that the most passionate romance can be found with the person you know best.

Emily Aulenbach is thirty, a lawyer married to a lawyer, working in Manhattan. An idealist, she had once dreamed of representing victims of corporate abuse, but she spends her days in a cubicle talking on the phone with victims of tainted bottled water—and she is on the bottler’s side.

And it isn’t only work. It’s her sister, her friends, even her husband, Tim, with whom she doesn’t connect the way she used to. She doesn’t connect to much in her life, period, with the exception of three things—her computer, her BlackBerry, and her watch.

Acting on impulse, Emily leaves work early one day, goes home, packs her bag, and takes off. Groping toward the future, uncharacteristically following her gut rather than her mind, she heads north toward a New Hampshire town tucked between mountains. She knows this town. During her college years, she spent a watershed summer here. Painful as it is to return, she knows that if she is to right her life, she has to start here.

Pictures of You by Caroline Leavitt

2011-05-16T07:00:00.000-04:00

Pictures of You by Caroline Leavitt

April. Charlie and Sam. Isabelle. Four lives that intersect as a result of a decision to escape one's life.

Pictures of You begins with Isabelle fleeing her marriage after she discovers her husband is having an affair. Luke is not the man her mother wants her to be with when she began dating him as a teenager. Instead of listening to her mother's warnings, Isabelle runs off with Luke and later marries him.

April is not the typical "girl-next-door" type. Which is why Charlie fell in love with her the moment he first saw her. The pair eventually marry and have one son, Sam. Sam suffers from asthma and finds himself always under his parents' cautious watch. Some may think April's parenting style is unconventional, but it's obvious she adores Sam.

That same fateful day Isabelle decides to leave her husband, April is also escaping her life. The two collide on a foggy day leaving April dead, Charlie and Sam grieving over her death and Isabelle feeling responsible for killing her. Weighed down with remorse, Isabelle seeks out Charlie and Sam. She wants to tell them how sorry she is for what has happened and asks for Charlie's forgiveness. Instead she finds herself drawn to Sam and begins a relationship with Charlie.

Pictures of You provides an inside look on how grief affects the living. For Charlie, he now is forced to raise Sam alone and to honestly look at his marriage and the woman he fell in love with. How well do we really know our spouse? Charlie is left with many unanswered questions surrounding April's death.

Isabelle initially isolates after the accident. When she starts picking up the pieces to move forward, she is given a second chance. Will she take advantage of this opportunity despite what has happened? Or will she wallow in self-guilt about the accident and the end of her marriage that she remains permanently stuck?

And Sam. How does a young boy grow up without his mother? April was different than the others moms. She took him out of school so the two of them could have an adventure. How will he adjust to Isabelle's and Charlie's relationship?

Pictures of You is by no means a light, quick read. Leavitt created characters so complex that I found myself slowing down to take in the story. I admit I was against Isabelle's and Charlie's relationship from the start. Leavitt's style of writing vividly painted the raw pain and deep loss both felt after the accident, that it was almost as though they were drawn to each other as two magnets. Yes, I understood their immediate attraction for each other, however I did not want to see them as a couple.

April is the link that ties Charlie, Sam and Isabelle together. Unfortunately the reader does not hear April's story in her own voice. Instead the reader learns about April through memories and other people's perceptions. From this, I found it difficult to like April and easy to judge her. I wish I could have read April's story in her voice, especially the events that led her to leave Charlie.

Despite my reservations with Charlie's relationship with Isabelle and not hearing April's voice, I still highly recommend Pictures of You. Leavitt will keep you up long into the night as you find yourself being pulled into the story.

______________
Pub. Date: January 25, 2011
Publisher: Algonquin Books (A Division of Workman Publishing)
Pages: 336
ISBN: 978-1-56512-631-2
Genre: Fiction
Source: Personal Copy

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-05-11T01:00:00.000-04:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. (Button courtesy of Bewitched Bookworms.)

Here's what I'm looking forward to:

Title: Kindred Spirits
Author: Sarah Strohmeyer
Release Date: June 30

From Amazon.com:
When life gives you lemons, call your best girlfriends and whip up some lemon martinis. Such is the mantra for the Ladies' Society for the Conservation of Martinis, which was established after one fateful PTA meeting, when four young mothers-Lynne, Mary Kay, Beth, and Carol- discovered they had more in common than they ever thought possible. Meeting once a month, the women would share laughs and secrets and toast to their blossoming friendship with a clink of their sacred martini glasses. The Society was their salvation, their refuge, but when life-shattering circumstances force the group to dissolve, their friendship is never quite the same...until two years later, when a tragic event puts the Society back in session.

When Lynne passes away suddenly, she leaves behind one simple request: that her old friends sort through her belongings. Reluctantly, the women reunite to rummage through her closets. There's nothing remarkable; no kinky sex toys, no embarrassing diary. But buried deep within Lynne's lingerie drawer is an envelope addressed to the Society. And inside they find a letter that reveals a shocking secret and a final wish that will send the women on a life-changing journey...proving that nothing is more powerful than the will of a true girlfriend and a good, strong martini.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2011-05-09T01:00:00.000-04:00

Pictures of You - Caroline Leavitt
Summary: Two women's lives cross paths as both are running away from their lives.

I'm reading:

The Ninth Wife by Amy Stolls

Reading soon:

Don't Breathe a Word by Jennifer McMahon
Toys by James Patterson

What are you reading this week?

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-05-04T06:51:00.003-04:00

Katarina Bishop has worn a lot of labels in her short life: Friend. Niece. Daughter. Thief. But for the last two months she’s simply been known as the girl who ran the crew that robbed the greatest museum in the world. That’s why Kat isn’t surprised when she’s asked to steal the infamous Cleopatra Emerald so it can be returned to its rightful owners. There are only three problems. First, the gem hasn’t been seen in public in thirty years. Second, since the fall of the Egyptian empire and the suicide of Cleopatra, no one who holds the emerald keeps it for long — and in Kat’s world, history almost always repeats itself. But it’s the third problem that makes Kat’s crew the most nervous, and that is . . . the emerald is cursed. Kat might be in way over her head, but she’s not going down without a fight. After all, she has her best friend — the gorgeous Hale — and the rest of her crew with her as they chase the Cleopatra around the globe, dodging curses and realizing that the same tricks and cons her family has used for centuries are useless this time. Which means, this time, Katarina Bishop is making up her own rules.

Earlier this year, I read Heist Society, book one of the series and loved it. It reminded me of Ocean's Eleven or The Italian Job for teenagers. I'm looking forward to finding out what's next for Kat and Hale.

A New Look!

2011-04-28T08:24:00.003-04:00

Earlier this year, I found myself getting very bored with my blog design. Which left me feeling very unmotivated to write my outstanding book reviews and tackle other blogging tasks. I had a vision on how I wanted my blog to look, but unfortunately did not have a clue on how to make it happen.

Enter Staci at Blogging Bella Designs! I've always loved the new designs she created for other bloggers. I sent her an email explaining how I vision the header, the color theme (orange had to be one of the color as it's my favorite) and to include my two adorable reading buddies: my cats. She immediately responded to my email and I knew she just "got" me. I quickly completed her questionnaire to secure my spot in line and the rest, as they say, is history.

It amazes me how Staci was able to pull together my new blog design based on numerous email chains and a questionnaire. Didn't she do a FANTASTIC job?! She also created a new Twitter page for me.

If you are looking for a new blog design, I highly recommend Blogging Bella Designs. You will not be disappointed!

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-04-27T06:00:00.000-04:00

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-04-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

After her father’s death, twenty-six-year-old Gray Lachmann finds herself compulsively eating. Desperate to stop bingeing, she abandons her life in New York City for a job at a southern weight-loss camp. There, caught among the warring egos of her devious co-counselor, Sheena; the self-aggrandizing camp director, Lewis; his attractive assistant, Bennett; and a throng of combative teenage campers, she is confronted by a captivating mystery: her teenage half-sister, Eden, whom Gray never knew existed. Now, while unraveling her father’s lies, Gray must tackle her own self-deceptions and take control of her body and her life.

Visceral, poignant, and often wickedly funny, Skinny illuminates a young woman’s struggle to make sense of the link between hunger and emotion, and to make peace with her demons, her body, and herself.

Read-a-Thon: Mid-Event Survey

2011-04-09T20:47:00.002-04:00

1. What are you reading right now?
I just finished reading The Bird House by Kelly Simmons. I haven't decided what to read next.

2. How many books have you read so far?
One

3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?
All in my TBR stack look good. I really don't have a favorite or "must read" book. Although other titles are coming to mind that are on my shelf that aren't included in the stack. So I'm not sure what I'll end up reading!

4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day?
I had appointments this morning that I would not cancel. The rest of the day has been free.

5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?
I did find myself getting sleepy very early and took a nap. I wasn't expecting to get tired so soon.

6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?
Due to my late start (I began reading at noon), it has taken me awhile to really get into reading. I've been somewhat unmotivated and at times really dragging. I feel a bit behind and it's impacting my reading. Going into these last hours, I've decided my attitude is to remember it's not a race, enjoy myself and just have fun.

7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?
No, it's been running smoothly.

8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year?
Go to bed earlier the night before, read shorter books and plan better for writing blog posts, amount of time on Twitter, visiting other blogs, etc.

9. Are you getting tired yet?
Yes, but not as tired as I felt early on.

10. Do you have any tips for other Readers or Cheerleaders, something you think is working well for you that others may not have discovered?
I read with my kitchen timer. I decide how long I want to read and set the timer. I also use it for breaks. This is the second time I've used my timer and it helps me stick to my reading schedule.

Read-a-thon Update

2011-04-09T17:05:00.004-04:00

The last 3 hours started out good, but then quickly fizzled. I found myself getting very, very sleepy and ended up taking an unplanned nap. Hopefully my reading will pick up again.

Here's my progress so far:

Hours: 2pm-5pm

Time spent reading: 1 hour
Pages read: 43
Books completed: 0
Time spent blogging: 15 minutes
Mini-Challenges completed: 1
Currently reading: The Bird House by Kelly Simmons

Books read:

_____________________________
Total time spent reading: 3 hrs, 45 min
Total pages read: 121
Total books read: 0

Read-a-Thon: Quick update

2011-04-09T14:11:00.005-04:00

I just finished my second hour of today's read-a-thon. I had a late start due to previously scheduled appointments, so I began reading at noon. I did manage to listen to my audio book while driving this morning, totaling 30 minutes of audio time.

I'm currently reading The Bird House by Kelly Simmons. It's really good so far and I'm glad it's my first book of the read-a-thon. I don't know about you, but deciding which book to start with is hard. It HAS to be just right...

Here's my progress so far:

Hours: 12pm-2pm

Time spent reading: 1 hr, 45 minutes
Pages read: 78
Books completed: 0
Time spent blogging: 15 minutes
Mini-Challenges completed: 0
Currently reading: The Bird House by Kelly Simmons

Books read:

_____________________________
Total time spent reading: 2 hrs, 15 min
Total pages read: 78
Total books read: 0

On your mark... Get set... READ!!!

2011-04-09T05:00:00.003-04:00

At 8:00 am (my time) many readers will find themselves in their favorite spots reading. Yes, it's that time of the year again.... Dewey's 24 hour read-a-thon!

As for me, I won't be starting then. I have prior scheduled appointments this morning and hope to start reading by noon (1:00 pm at the very latest). Here's my reading pile:

Toys - James Patterson
Tick Tock - James Patterson
Fall for Anything Courtney Summers
The Book of Spells - Kate Brian
Ominous - Kate Brian
Tales From the Yoga Studio - Rain Mitchell
The Bird House - Kelly Simmons

And on my Kindle:

I Scream, You Scream - Wendy Lyn Watson
Scoop to Kill - Wendy Lyn Watson
I Heart New York - Lindsey Kelk

I also stopped by the library earlier this week to check out The Night Bookmobile by Audrey Niffenegger and a few children's picture books. You know... for the wee hours when I'm just too tired to read any longer as my eyes are begging me to allow them to close. I'll reach for this stack just so I can squeeze in one or two more books before sleep wins the battle.

I'm looking forward to curling up on my couch with my cats by my side and my book (or Kindle) in my hand.

The Baby Planner - Josie Brown

2011-04-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

The Baby Planner by Josie Brown

Review:
Katie is married to Alex. From the outside looking in, it appears they have a good marriage. And for the most part, this is true. What will make their marriage better for Katie is a baby. Unfortunately Alex doesn't feel the same. Katie is Alex's second wife. He has a son, Peter, with his ex-wife Willemina. Willemina has shut Alex out of Peter's life and as a result Alex has no desire to have any more children.

Babies are the world to Katie. On her 37th birthday, the desire to have a baby is even stronger. It doesn't help matters when she learns her younger sister is pregnant with her second child during her birthday celebration. She attempts to talk to Alex again about starting a family, but as usual he puts her off.

Then an interesting twist happens. Katie loses her job due to budget cuts and begins assisting her sister with planning for her baby. Soon Katie finds herself in a new career: the baby planner.

The Baby Planner is a quick chick lit read dealing with a serious subject matter. Katie is a likable character although the reader may not support all of her decisions. She desperately wants a baby with Alex and as a result makes emotional choices. The Baby Planner is a look into what makes a family. Recommended.

______________
Book Details:
Pub. Date: April 5, 2011
Publisher: Gallery Books (A Division of Simon & Schuster)
Pages: 337
ISBN: 978-1-4391-9712-7
Genre: Chick Lit
Source: Publisher

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher as a participant of the blog tour. Receiving a free copy did not influence my review in any way.

Murder Takes the Cake - Gayle Trent

2011-03-31T20:28:00.003-04:00

Murder Takes the Cake by Gayle Trent
A Daphne Martin Cake Mystery, Book 1

Review:
At the age of 40, Daphne Martin is beginning a new chapter in her life. She has relocated from Tennessee to her Virgina hometown after divorcing her abusive husband Todd (who is currently serving time in prison). She's trying to make a fresh start by turning her passion for baking cakes into her own business: Daphne's Delectable Cakes.

Unfortunately for Daphne her first client, Yodel Watson, is ornery and the town's gossip. Ms. Watson is quite difficult (to put it mildly) and has Daphne running in circles with the changes for her cake orders. Naturally Daphne remains professional and tries to accommodate Yodel's unrealistic demands (she is her first client after all). When Daphne arrives at Yodel's home with her third cake, she unexpectedly finds herself involved in a murder investigation.

Rumor has it that Yodel was poisoned. And because Daphne found her dead, it is assumed that an ingredient in one of Daphne's cakes may have poisoned her. To prove her innocence and keep her business from being ruined before it even begins, Daphne must find Yodel's killer.

Murder Takes the Cake is the first book in this cozy series. Although the story centers around Daphne's attempt to rebuild her life, the reader is also introduced to a host of secondary characters. Fans of cozy mysteries will enjoy this light, quick read. Murder Takes the Cake is a good start to a promising series. Recommended.

______________
Book Details:
Pub. Date: March 29, 2011 (Reissue)
Publisher: Gallery Books (A Division of Simon & Schuster)
Pages: 288
ISBN: 978-1-4516-0001-8
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Source: Publicist

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. Receiving a free copy did not influence my review in any way.

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-03-16T05:00:00.000-04:00

Who has not read about—or experienced—with a sinking feeling the fear that someone else out there may be using your credit cards, accessing your bank account, even stealing your identity.

In I'll Walk Alone, Alexandra “Zan” Moreland, a gifted, beautiful interior designer on the threshold of a successful Manhattan career, is terrified to discover that somebody is not only using her credit cards and manipulating her financial accounts to bankrupt her and destroy her reputation, but may also be impersonating her in a scheme that may involve the much more brutal crimes of kidnapping and murder. Zan is already haunted by the disappearance of her own son, Matthew, kidnapped in broad daylight two years ago in Central Park—a tragedy that has left her torn between hope and despair.

Now, on what would be Matthew’s fifth birthday, photos surface that seem to show Zan kidnapping her own child, followed by a chain of events that suggests somebody—but who? Zan asks herself desperately, and why?—has stolen her identity.

Hounded by the press, under investigation by the police, attacked by both her angry ex-husband and a vindictive business rival, Zan, wracked by fear and pain and sustained only by her belief, which nobody else shares, that Matthew is still alive, sets out to discover who is behind this cruel hoax.

What she does not realize is that with every step she takes toward the truth, she is putting herself— and those she loves most—in mortal danger from the person who has ingeniously plotted out her destruction.

Even Zan’s supporters, who include Alvirah Meehan, the lottery winner and amateur detective, and Father Aiden O’Brien, who thinks that Zan may have confessed to him a secret he cannot reveal, believe she may have kidnapped little Matthew. Zan herself begins to doubt her own sanity, until, in the kind of fast-paced explosive ending that is Mary Higgins Clark’s trademark, the pieces of the puzzle fall into place with an unexpected and shocking revelation.

Deeply satisfying, I’ll Walk Alone is Mary Higgins Clark at the top of her form.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2011-03-14T10:17:00.004-04:00

Sheila, of One Persons Journey Through a World of Books, is the host of It's Monday! What Are You Reading? This is a weekly event to share what we read last week, what we are currently reading and what books we plan to read this week.

Recently read:
It has been awhile since I participated in the It's Monday weekly meme. I've had to work late on numerous occasions and as a result my reading suffered. In the last two weeks I've managed to finish one book: The Last Time I Saw You by Elizabeth Berg. I think work is starting to slow down somewhat and I won't have to spend my evenings there. I'm looking forward to getting my reading back on track.

I'm reading:

Save as Draft - Cavanaugh Lee
Cutting For Stone - Abraham Verghese

Reading soon:

Sing You Home - Jodi Picoult
Pictures of You - Carol Leavitt
Stitch Me Deadly - Amanda Lee

What are you reading this week?

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-03-02T05:00:00.000-05:00

In EXPOSURE, Therese Fowler has written her most gripping novel to date—a ripped-from-the-headlines story of intense young love and a nightmarish legal maelstrom that threatens to destroy two families.

Amelia Wilkes’ strict father does not allow her to date, but that doesn’t stop the talented, winsome high school senior from carrying on a secret romance with her classmate, Anthony Winter. Desperately in love, the two envision a life together and plan to tell Amelia’s parents when she turns eighteen and is legally an adult. Anthony’s mother, Kim Winter, who teaches at their school, knows—and keeps—their secret. But the couple’s passion is exposed sooner than planned: Amelia’s father, Harlan, is shocked and infuriated to find naked pictures of Anthony on his daughter’s computer. Just hours later, Anthony is arrested.

Despite Amelia’s frantic protests, Harlan uses his wealth and influence with local law enforcement and the media to label Anthony a deviant who preyed on his innocent daughter. Spearheaded by a zealous prosecutor anxious to turn the case into a public crusade against “sexting,” the investigation soon takes an even more disturbing and destructive turn.

As events spiral wildly out of control and the scandalous story makes national news, Amelia and Anthony risk everything in a bold and dangerous plan to clear their names and end the madness once and for all.

A captivating page-turner, Therese Fowler’s EXPOSURE is also a deftly crafted, provocative, and timely novel that serves as a haunting allegory of the consequences of love in the modern age.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2011-02-28T01:00:00.000-05:00

Skipping a Beat - Sarah Pekkanen
Summary: A woman's husband's near death experience impacts their marriage.
These Things Hidden - heather Gudenkauf
Summary: A former popular high school student is released from prison and attempts to move forward with her life.

I'm reading:

How to Host a Killer Party - Penny Warner

Reading soon:

How to Crash a Killer Bash - Penny Warner
Tales From the Yoga Studio - Rain Mitchell
Save as Draft - Cavanaugh Lee

What are you reading?

The DUFF by Kody Keplinger

2011-02-26T10:00:00.003-05:00

The DUFF: Designate Ugly Fat Friend by Kody Keplinger

Review:
Bianca Piper is not the prettiest of her friends. Well, that's what Wesley Rush thinks anyway. He tells her she's the "Duff". Designated Ugly Fat Friend. See, Wesley's plan is to be nice to Bianca in order to get closer to her two gorgeous friends, Casey and Jessica. And just who is Wesley Rush? He's the hottest, richest guy in their high school. Every girl has a crush on him. Almost every girl, anyway. Bianca certainly doesn't believe in young, teen love and really doesn't see why other girls are fascinated with Wesley. He's really NOT all that.

Bianca is furious with Wesley for labeling her this way. She vows not to speak to him and avoids him at all costs. But this changes when she's paired with him for a school project. What started out as a "I HATE YOU" relationship turns into an enemies with benefit relationship. Bianca and Wesley start sleeping together and initially Bianca feels she has it under control. Sex with Wesley is a means to an end. She's using him to distract herself from how terrible and out of control her home life is. Soon, things take an unexpected turn for Bianca when she realizes she has developed feelings for Wesley.

The DUFF may not be a book for all readers (but in fairness, can't that be said for any book?) due to its sexual content. Yes, Bianca and Wesley have a lot sex. . . casual sex which raises red flags given their age. It's quite easy for the reader to quickly judge Bianca for her actions and easily conclude she's no different from the girls she ridicules.

It's here where the reader needs to take a step back and focus on why she makes these decisions. The world that she knows, the world that she's so protective of is falling apart and there's nothing she can do but watch it crumble. To distract her from the pain, she sleeps with Wesley. But what she doesn't realize is her emotions are causing her to connect to him on a level that is just as equally frightening.

Bianca certainly isn't an easy character to like. She's cynical, flawed and very judgmental. She's secretive and withholding, but she's scared and so insecure. She's a teenage girl who sometimes doesn't make the best decisions. Although circumstances may be different, some readers may see a little of themselves in Bianca.

The DUFF was a quick read for me, as I read it in less than three hours. I admit, I picked it up for that reason only so I was quite surprised that I was still thinking about it days later. Recommended.
______________
Book Details:
Pub. Date: September 7, 2010
Publisher: Poppy, an imprint of Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Pages: 277
ISBN: 9780316084239
Genre: Young Adult
Source: Library

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-02-23T04:00:00.001-05:00

Suburban soccer mom Amy has always wanted to stand out from the crowd. Former child prodigy Linnie just wants to fit in. The two sisters have been estranged for years, but thanks to a series of personal crises and their wily grandmother, they've teamed up to enter a high-stakes national bake-off in the hopes of winning some serious cash. Armed with the top-secret recipe for Grammy’s apple pie, they should be unstoppable. Sure, neither one of them has ever baked anything beyond brownie mix, but it’s just pie—how hard could it be?!

When the competition heats up, what begins as a straightforward pact for victory deteriorates into a sugar-coated free-for-all. Amy and Linnie struggle to rebuild their relationship as family secrets, old betrayals and new romances enter into the mix. Given the right recipe and an unexpected blend of bitter and sweet, even the oddest pairings can produce something delicious.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2011-02-21T08:50:00.000-05:00

The Diva Takes the Cake - Krista Davis
Summary: Sophie plans her sister's wedding. An unexpected visitor is found murdered in a neighbor's yard.
The Diva Paints the Town - Krista Davis
Summary: Sophie's recluse neighbor dies and a body is found in his house. When Sophie calls the police, the body mysteriously disappears before they arrive.
Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You - Nancy Tillman
Summary: A heartwarming story that tells the reader he/she is loved no mater where he/she is.
I Won't Comb My Hair - Annette Langen
Summary: No matter how hard they try, her parents cannot convince Tanya to comb her hair.
I'm So NOT Wearing a Dress - Julie Merberg
Summary: Shelby likes playing catch and digging for worms. She doesn't want to wear a dress to her aunt's wedding.

I'm reading:

Skipping a Beat - Sarah Pekkanen

Reading soon:

These Things Hidden - Heather Gudenkauf
Fall for Anything - Courtney Summers

What are you reading this week?

Blast from the Past by Meg Cabot

2011-02-19T07:43:00.005-05:00

Blast from the Past by Meg Cabot
Allie Finkle Rules for Girls, Book 6
Narrated by Tara Sands

Mini-review:
Allie Finkle has never been on a school field trip. At her previous school, her class went to the children’s museum (which included a Barbie exhibit!) and Allie was beyond excited about. Her then BFF Mary Kay suggested Allie give her signed permission slip to Mary Kay because Allie may lose it. So of course Allie did. On the day of the field trip, Mary Kay accidentally on purpose forgot to hand Allie’s in. So Allie had to spend the day at school while the rest of her class went on a fun day to the museum.

When Allie’s teacher Ms. Hunter announced the class would go on a field trip, Allie was thrilled! This time she would hand in her permission slip! And the best part is the class would have to take a school bus there! Allie walks to school so she’s never been on a school bus before. Unfortunately Allie’s excitement is short lived when she learns her former school will also be joining in on their field trip. Which means she will have to see Mary Kay and other the mean girls from her former school. To make matters even worse, Mary Kay is assigned to be her buddy! Can anything good come from this day?

Length: 3 hours, 55 minutes

Source: Library

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

This review can also be found at Audiobook Jukebox.

To Have and To Kill by Mary Jane Clark

2011-02-12T17:44:00.003-05:00

To Have and To Kill by Mary Jane Clark
A Wedding Cake Mystery, Book 1

Review:
Piper Donovan is down on her luck. She was recently written out of her soap opera, A Little Rain Must Fall. Not having any callbacks from her auditions, Piper is forced to give up her Manhattan apartment. She returns home to Jersey to live with her parents. Her father is a former cop and her mother owns The Icing on the Cupcake bakery. It's there that Piper spends most of her days when she's not auditioning.

Piper stayed in touch with the leading actress from A Little Rain Must Fall, Glenna Brooks. When the two friends meet for lunch, Glenna announces she's getting married on Christmas Eve and asks Piper if her mother would be so kind to make her wedding cake. Piper immediately accepts on her mother's behalf. It's also during this lunch that Glenna discloses she has received a disturbing letter (anonymously written) about her upcoming nuptials. Piper warns Glenna to be careful.

Days following their lunch, someone close to Glenna is mysteriously murdered. All clues lead back to this letter. And it's not until another person from the soap is left for dead that Piper begins to realize someone is determined to not see Glenna walk down the aisle and will kill anyone that is in the way.

To Have and To Kill is the first book in Clark's new Wedding Cake Mystery series. I've read and thoroughly enjoyed her previous Key News series, so I was looking forward to reading this mystery. As usual, Clark did not disappoint. She has created a likable and intelligent amateur sleuth in Piper. There's a hint of a love interest for Piper, but it doesn't overshadow the mystery. Piper's parents round out the storyline as her mother is battling personal issues that may threatened her livelihood.

Overall I really enjoyed To Have and To Kill. It's a light, cozy mystery that is perfect reading for a lazy afternoon. I'm looking forward to reading future mysteries starring Piper.

______________
Book Details:
Pub. Date: December 28, 2010
Publisher: William Morrow
Pages: 303
ISBN: 9780061995545
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Source: Library

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-02-09T00:00:00.000-05:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Here's what I'm looking forward to:

Title: Ten Beach Road
Author: Wendy Wax
Release Date: May 3

From Amazon.com:

Madeline, Avery, and Nikki are strangers to each other, but they have one thing in common. They each wake up one morning to discover their life savings have vanished, along with their trusted financial manager- leaving them with nothing but co-ownership of a ramshackle beachfront house.

Throwing their lots in together, they take on the challenge of restoring the historic property. But just as they begin to reinvent themselves and discover the power of friendship, secrets threaten to tear down their trust-and destroy their lives a second time.

There's Cake in My Future - Kim Gruenenfelder

2011-02-05T09:50:00.004-05:00

Title: There's Cake in My Future
Author: Kim Gruenenfelder
Genre: Chick Lit
Pub. Date: December 21, 2010
Pages: 358
Source: Library

It's a week before Nicole's wedding. The night of her bridal shower, Nicole informs her best friends, Seema and Melissa, that she rigged her cake in order to give each woman her "happily ever after". For Melissa, Nicole wants her to have the engagement ring. Melissa is currently dating Fred and he still "hasn't put a ring on it". And it's been six years. SIX!!! Seema will get the red hot chili pepper. She's been secretly in love with Scott and is afraid to tell him in fear it will ruin their friendship. And for herself, Nic wants the shovel. She was laid off from her newspaper and desperately wants to find a job. The shovel represents a lifetime of hard work.

Unfortunately neither woman pulls her intended charm: Nic gets the baby carriage; Seema gets the shovel and Melissa pulls the red hot chili pepper. Not completely buying into the fate of the pulled charms, each woman begins to panic when it appears as though the charms are leading them down a road they are not ready to explore.

Gruenenfelder did a fantastic job of bringing these friends to life. Told in alternating chapters, the reader can easily slip into the characters' stories and root for each to find happiness.

There's Cake in My Future is an amusing and engaging read. The ending left an opening for a sequel and I hope Gruenenfelder will bring back these characters. I felt as though I met new friends and I want to know what's next for these three women. This is one not to be missed by fans of chick lit. Recommended.

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-02-02T05:00:00.000-05:00

Jude Farraday is a happily married, stay-at-home mom who puts everyone’s needs above her own. Her twins, Mia and Zach, are bright and happy teenagers. When Lexi Baill enters their lives, no one is more supportive than Jude. A former foster child with a dark past, Lexi quickly becomes Mia’s best friend. Then Zach falls in love with Lexi and the three become inseparable. But senior year of high school brings unexpected dangers and one night, Jude’s worst fears are confirmed: there is an accident. In an instant, her idyllic life is shattered and her close-knit community is torn apart. People—and Jude—demand justice, and when the finger of blame is pointed, it lands solely on eighteen-year-old Lexi Baill. In a heartbeat, their love for each other will be shattered, the family broken. Lexi gives up everything that matters to her—the boy she loves, her place in the family, the best friend she ever had—while Jude loses even more.

When Lexi returns, older and wiser, she demands a reckoning. Long buried feelings will rise again, and Jude will finally have to face the woman she has become. She must decide whether to remain broken or try to forgive both Lexi…and herself.

Night Road is a vivid, emotionally complex novel that raises profound questions about motherhood, loss, identity, and forgiveness. It is an exquisite, heartbreaking novel that speaks to women everywhere about the things that matter most. (From Barnes and Noble)

The Proper Care and Maintenance of Friendship ~ Lisa Verge Higgins

2011-01-26T05:00:00.002-05:00

Friends Sarah, Bobbie Jo, "Jo", and Kate are shocked to their core when Rachel, the most daring and vivacious of the group, suddenly dies of cancer. After her passing, each woman receives an unexpected letter from Rachel. In her letters, Rachel requests something of each woman: to experience life outside of her comfort zone.

For Kate, that means sky-diving. Kate was spontaneous and care-free before she become a married mom of three. Somewhere along the way her marriage to Paul become routine and stale.

Jo is a high-powered business woman aiming for the vice presidency at her company, a position that is so close, she can see the name plate on her office door. Rachel's request for her is to become her daughter's legal guardian. And Jo knows absolutely nothing about being anyone's mother.

Rachel's request of Sarah is to reconnect wtih her one true love. Either Sarah makes it work with him or find closure so she can move on and find love again.

The Proper Care and Maintenance of Friendship is a book about taking risks. Leaving what's comfortable in order to discover the treasures life has to offer. As each woman fulfills Rachel's requests, she learns valuable lessons about the woman she once was and the woman she has now become. Rachel's presence is very much felt throughout the book, making her a significant character. I enjoyed how the author used her letters and flashbacks to tell her story. I could vividly picture Rachel as I was reading.

I've been looking forward to The Proper Care and Maintenance of Friendship since I first heard about it last summer. I'm very pleased to say it was worth the wait. Highly recommended.

____________
Book details:
Genre: Women's Fiction
Pub. Date: January 26, 2011
Pages: 352

My copy of The Proper Care and Maintenance of Friendship was provided by the publisher for my honest review.

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-01-26T05:00:00.000-05:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Here's what I'm looking forward to:

Title: Sing You Home
Author: Jodi Picoult
Release Date: March 1

From Amazon.com

Every life has a soundtrack. All you have to do is listen.

Music has set the tone for most of Zoe Baxter’s life. There’s the melody that reminds her of the summer she spent rubbing baby oil on her stomach in pursuit of the perfect tan. A dance beat that makes her think of using a fake ID to slip into a nightclub. A dirge that marked the years she spent trying to get pregnant.

For better or for worse, music is the language of memory. It is also the language of love.

In the aftermath of a series of personal tragedies, Zoe throws herself into her career as a music therapist. When an unexpected friendship slowly blossoms into love, she makes plans for a new life, but to her shock and inevitable rage, some people—even those she loves and trusts most—don’t want that to happen.

Sing You Home is about identity, love, marriage, and parenthood. It’s about people wanting to do the right thing for the greater good, even as they work to fulfill their own personal desires and dreams. And it’s about what happens when the outside world brutally calls into question the very thing closest to our hearts: family.

Sing You Home is on my "must read" list for 2011.

Anna and the French Kiss ~ Stephanie Perkins

2011-01-25T06:00:00.000-05:00

It's Anna's senior year and she's not happy. Her dad (without consulting her) decided she needed a good learning experience and living in Paris would accomplish that. Just like that, Anna is whisked away to the School of America in Paris. Of course that summer, things were finally starting to happen with her crush Toph. Anna is almost certain they would become a couple. Now thanks to her father, she'll have to wait until holiday break to see if her hunch is correct.

Her first night in Paris, she meets her neighbor Meredith. And St. Clair. St. Clair is the gorgeous guy every girl has a crush on, but he's currently dating Ellie.

As Anna settles into her new school and begins to make friends, she finds herself gradually falling for St. Clair. Could the beautiful St. Clair also be falling for her too?

Anna and the French Kiss is a story the reader can easily get lost in. I read most of it on a Sunday afternoon and could not wait to pick it up again Monday after work. I found myself interested in Anna and her budding friendship (and romance) with St. Clair. Although I thought Anna's holiday break was very predictable, it didn't take away from the story. In fact, I think it helped with Anna's character growth.

There's a lot of buzz about this book. So much so, I almost did not want to read it. I wondered if the book would live up to its hype. But after I finished the book, I'm so glad I did. Anna and the French Kiss is a wonderful addition to the young adult genre. What's even better? Perkins has two companion novels in the works: Lola and the Boy Next Door and Isla and the Happily Ever After to be published in September 2011 and 2012 respectively.

Adult fans of young adult fiction will not be embarrassed to be caught reading this book in public. It's a heartwarming love story. Highly recommended.
____________
Book details:
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
Pub. Date: December 2, 2010
Pages: 372
Source: Library

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2011-01-24T05:00:00.001-05:00

Anna and the French Kiss - Stephanie Perkins
Summary: Anna falls in love during her senior year in Paris.
Shadowland - Meg Cabot
Summary: Suze can see and talk to ghosts. (Think of her as a teenage ghost whisper.) In the first book of The Mediator series, Heather was the popular girl in school and returns to seek revenge on her former boyfriend. (Audiobook)
The Proper Care and Maintenance of Friendship - Lisa Verge Higgins
Summary: Three women receive letters from their friend after she dies. Each letter asks the women to confront her fear.

I'm reading:

There's Future in My Future - Kim Gruenenfelder

Reading soon:

Here Lies Bridget - Paige Harbison
Left Neglected - Lisa Genova

What are you reading this week?

The Transformation of Things ~ Jillian Cantor

2011-01-20T06:00:00.000-05:00

Jen Levenworth is at the hair salon when she sees the breaking news story. Her husband Will, the youngest judge in Deerfield County, has been indicted on bribery charges. Shocked and embarrassed, Jen flies out of her chair with damp hair and races home to find Will.

Will is home when she arrives and looks beaten and distraught. A look that is uncharacteristic for him as he is always put together and everything is its place when he's around. Seeing Will this way frightens Jen and she begins to wonder about his innocence. And her marriage.

The Transformation of Things is a story about seeing things for what they are versus what we want them to be. Which we all now is very, very hard (and scary) to do. Early in their marriage, Jen and Will lived a great life in the city. Being newly married and having great careers allowed them to be young and carefree. After making Partner at his law firm, Will set his sights on becoming a judge. This decision uprooted them from city life to suburbia. Jen's job at the magazine became a distant memory as she attempted to settle in as being country club housewife.

This transition did not come easily for Jen. No matter how close she was with her friends, she thought she was still kept at arm's length in their immediate circle. This was evident when the news story about Will's arrest broke and her friends started to pull away from Jen. Slowly Jen and Will are trying to pick up the pieces after being ostracized from the country club. As Will begins a new job, Jen also finds herself freelancing at her former magazine. Will's change in behavior is at first uncomfortable for Jen, but soon she cautiously welcomes it as she ponders the future of her marriage.

And then the dreams begin. Jen has vivid dreams about those close to her: her sister Kelly, Will, Kat, a former co-worker and friend at the magazine, and Lisa, another country club member. Jen had preconceived notions about each, but after her dreams, she begins to question how well she truly knows them.

There's an unexpected twist at the end that I really can't say more about without ruining the book. I'm not sure how I feel about it to be quite honest. It took away from the book just a bit for me. Having said that, I still recommend The Transformation of Things to fans of women's fiction.

____________
Book details:
Genre: Women's Fiction
Pub. Date: November 2, 2o1o
Pages: 270
Source: Library

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-01-19T06:00:00.000-05:00

NYC's #1 detective, Michael Bennett, has a huge problem—the Son of Sam, the Werewolf of Wisteria and the Mad Bomber are all back. The city has never been more terrified!

Tick—a killer's countdown begins, but...
A rash of horrifying crimes tears through the city, throwing it into complete chaos and terrorizing everyone living there. Immediately, it becomes clear that they are not the work of an amateur, but of a calculating, efficient, and deadly mastermind.

Tick—can Michael Bennett catch him before...
The city calls on Detective Michael Bennett, pulling him away from a seaside retreat with his ten adopted children, his grandfather, and their beloved nanny, Mary Catherine. Not only does it tear apart their first vacation since Michael's wife Maeve died—it leaves the entire family open to attack.

Tock—your time is up.
Bennett enlists the help of a former colleague, FBI Agent Emily Parker. As his affection for Emily grows into something stronger, his relationship with Mary Catherine takes an unexpected turn. All too soon, another appalling crime leads Bennett to a shocking discovery that exposes the killer's pattern and the earth-shattering enormity of his plan. From the creator of the #1 New York detective series comes the most volatile and most explosive Michael Bennett novel ever.

Heist Society - Ally Carter

2011-01-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

Title: Heist Society
Author: Ally Carter
Narrator: Angela Dawe

About the book: When Katarina Bishop was three, her parents took her to the Louvre...to case it. For her seventh birthday, Katarina and her Uncle Eddie traveled to Austria...to steal the crown jewels. When Kat turned fifteen, she planned a con of her own--scamming her way into the best boarding school in the country, determined to leave the family business behind. Unfortunately, leaving "the life" for a normal life proves harder than she'd expected.

Soon, Kat's friend and former co-conspirator, Hale, appears out of nowhere to bring her back into the world she tried so hard to escape. But he has good reason: a powerful mobster's art collection has been stolen, and he wants it returned. Only a master thief could have pulled this job, and Kat’s father isn’t just on the suspect list, he is the list. Caught between Interpol and a far more deadly enemy, Kat’s dad needs her help.

For Kat there is only one solution: track down the paintings and steal them back. So what if it’s a spectacularly impossible job? She’s got two weeks, a teenage crew, and hopefully just enough talent to pull off the biggest heist in her family’s (very crooked) history--and, with any luck, steal her life back along the way. (Taken from the inside cover)

Review: Heist Society is a fantastic read about teenage art thieves. It's a fun story that can easily be pictured as a movie. Dawe narrates the story flawlessly as each character can be distinctly recognized without an introduction. Carter spins a great plot and created a likable main character with Kat. She's trying hard to be a typical teenage girl, but when her father finds himself in trouble, she has no choice but to return to the family business in order to save him.

The relationship between Kat and Hale is endearing. The reader can tell the direction their friendship is headed, but it's not forced in any way. Carter's pace along with Kat and Hale's back and forth banter makes the anticipation worth it.

Although Heist Society is young adult fiction, adult fans of The Italian Job or Ocean's Eleven will also enjoy this book. I'm definitely looking forward to book two, Uncommon Criminals, in June.

Length: 6 hrs, 10 min

Source: Library

This review can also be found at Audiobook Jukebox.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2011-01-17T09:55:00.002-05:00

The Transformation of Things - Jillian Cantor
Summary: Jen's husband Will, a judge, is indicted on bribery charges. Feeling stressed and worried about the state of her marriage, she starts to have vivid dreams about those close to her.

I'm reading:

Anna and the French Kiss - Stephanie Perkins

I'm listening to:

Shadowland (Mediator #1) - Meg Cabot

Reading soon:

The Proper Care and Maintenance of Friendship - Lisa Verge Higgins
The DUFF: Designated Ugly Fat Friend - Kody Keplinger

What are you reading this week?

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-01-12T05:00:00.000-05:00

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Here's what I'm looking forward to:

Title: Skipping a Beat
Author: Sarah Pekkanen
Release Date: February 22

From the author's website:

What would you do if your husband wanted to rewrite the rules of your relationship?

Julia Dunhill, a thirty-something party planner, seems to have it all: Married to her high school sweetheart and living in a gorgeous home in Washington D.C., she imagines her future unfolding very much as it has for the past few years, since she and her husband Michael successfully launched their companies. There will be dinner parties to attend, operas to dress up for, and weddings and benefits to organize for her growing list of clients. There will be shopping sprees with her best friend, Isabelle, and inevitably those last five pounds to shed. In her darker moments, she worries that her marriage has dissolved from a true partnership into a façade, but she convinces herself it’s due to the intensity of their careers and fast-paced lifestyle.

So as she arranges the molten chocolate cupcakes for the annual Opera benefit, how can she know that her carefully-constructed world is about to fall apart? That her husband will stand up from the head of the table in his company’s boardroom, open his mouth to speak, and crash to the carpeted floor… all in the amount of time it will take her to walk across a ballroom floor just a few miles away. Four minutes and eight seconds after his cardiac arrest, a portable defibrillator jump-starts Michael’s heart. But in those lost minutes he becomes a different man, with an altered perspective on the rarified life they’ve been living and a determination to regain the true intimacy they once shared. Now it is up to Julia to decide — is it worth upending her comfortable world to try to find her way back to the husband she once adored, or should she walk away from this new Michael, who truthfully became a stranger to her long before his change of heart?

Skipping a Beat is one of my anticipated reads in 2011.

Never Look Away - Linwood Barclay

2011-01-11T18:38:00.003-05:00

What began as an innocent family outing, turned into David Harwood’s worst nightmare. His wife, Jan, purchased tickets to the Five Mountains amusement park. David leaves Ethan with Jan to buy ice cream. When he returns Jan informs him someone has taken Ethan. Both go in opposite directions to find their son. Luckily Ethan is found minutes later unharmed. The only problem is Jan is now missing.

So begins Barclay’s Never Look Away. When the police become involved in Jan’s case, there’s only one person of interest (read suspect) on their list: David. In order to clear his name, David must dig deep into his wife’s past. As her past starts to unravel, he begins to wonder how well did he know his wife. When he learns the shocking truth, will their marriage survive?

Barclay has been repeatedly recommended to me solely based on my love for Harlan Coben. I’ve constantly heard, “if you like Coben, then you will definitely like Barclay.” I would have to agree with this statement as I did enjoy Never Look Away and I plan to read more of his books.

While reading mysteries, I try to figure it out, piece it together as much as I can. However, with Never Look Away, I found this to be quite difficult. There are obvious things that happened that I think Barclay wanted the reader to know ahead of David to set the pace for the story. At the same time, there are twist and turns that the reader will not see coming. The pace is fast and at times I just could not put the book down. And when I did, I often thought about when I could pick it up again.

Never Look Away is the perfect read for these cold, wintry days. Just know when you start, you will not want to put it down.

____________
Book details:
Genre: Mystery/Suspense, Thriller
Pub. Date: March 9, 2010
Pages: 432
Source: Library eBook

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2011-01-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

The Atlas of Love - Laurie Frankel
Summary: Three friends decide to move in together when one learns she is pregnant. (review)
Heist Society - Ally Carter
Summary: Katrina is pulled back into the family business after her father is accused of stealing valuable paintings.
Never Look Away - Linwood Barclay
Summary: David Harwood is accused of murdering his wife after she disappears.

I'm reading:

The Transformation of Things - Jillian Cantor

I'm listening to:

I haven't decided which audio book to start this week. I'm not quite sure what I'm in the mood for.

Reading soon:

The Proper Care and Maintenance of Friendship - Lisa Verge Higgins
Bundle of Trouble - Diana Orgain
Anna and the French Kiss - Stephanie Perkins
Fall for Anything - Courtney Summers

What are you reading this week?

The Atlas of Love ~ Laurie Frankel

2011-01-08T10:00:00.001-05:00

What makes us a family? Sharing the same mother and father? Our siblings or grandparents? What about the close family friend who, as long as you can remember, you called Uncle So and So even though he is not your mother's brother or your father's. And your best friend. . . is she family? She may not be your sister, but you certainly feel as though she is. In The Atlas of Love, the debut novel by Laurie Frankel, this question is pushed to its limits.

No matter how we plan our lives, right down to the smallest detail, our lives often take an unexpected turn. For Jill, this occurs when she learns she's pregnant and her boyfriend isn't thrilled to become a father. As he fades from her life, best friends Janey and Katie step in and offer to co-parent. The three friends are also graduate students and devise a plan that will allow each to attend and teach class, study and take care of Jill's baby. After Jill gives birth, neither woman is prepared for what comes next.

The Atlas of Love is told in Janey's voice. Janey is the peacemaker of the group. She definitely takes care of everyone (she cooks all the meals) and puts her friends' needs in front of her own. Katie is the romantic. She is looking to marry and have children. Each time she dates a new guy, she looks at him as being The One. And then there's Jill. She's the hardest one for me to describe. At times she can be kind and sweet, while at other times she's downright selfish and entitled.

Despite their planning, this new living arrangement begins to spin out of control. A medical emergency will cause each woman to evaluate her life as well as their friendship. As each woman begins her own journey, the meaning of family will begin to take shape. How each defines family will be different, however necessary as all three women begin a new chapter in their lives.

The Atlas of Love is a novel that should not be missed. Frankel is a talented author. I am looking forward to reading her future works.
____________
Book details:
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Pub. Date: August 17, 2010
Pages: 336
Source: Personal copy

The Lying Game - Sara Shepard

2011-01-04T05:00:00.000-05:00

Life hasn't been good to Emma. Her mother abandons her at a young age causing her to be bounced around from foster home to foster home for most of her life. As graduation is around the corner, Emma finds herself living with Clarice and her slimy son Travis. When Clarice accuses her of stealing money (which she didn't steal, of course) she finds herself out of a home, but also learns of her long-lost twin sister Sutton. So begins Shepard's newest series The Lying Games.

Emma connects with Sutton via Facebook and arranges a face-to-face meeting. Feeling both nervous and excited to meet her twin, Emma sets out to Arizona. Quickly things turn out to not be as she imagined when Sutton is late to arrive. Things take an even weirder turn when Sutton's friends "kidnap" Emma, mistaking her for Sutton.

When Emma receives a threatening note saying Sutton has been murdered and she needs to be Sutton or else she's next, Emma is aware this family reunion has turned into a dangerous affair.

Having read the Pretty Little Liars series and absolutely loving it, I was excited to hear Shepard was working on a new series. I told myself to go into the story without comparing it to PLL, but after reading the first few chapters, I found this hard to do. (I don't want to explain further so as not to ruin the PLL series for anyone.)

I admit it took several chapters for me to finally settle in and get hooked by the story. Shepard does a great job by not confusing the reader with Emma's perception and Sutton's thoughts and memories. The more I read, I found myself getting swept into Sutton's life and trying to figure out who killed Sutton and why.

The reader slowly learns about Sutton's life and friends when Emma slips into her life. As Emma discovers more about Sutton (this girl is NOT nice), the potential suspects list continues to grow. By the end of the book, I was no closer to figuring out who killed Sutton. Shepard worked her magic by keeping the reader guessing with all the twists and turns the story took before reaching the last page.

Despite its slow start (for me, anyway), I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in the series Never Have I Ever. Fans of PLL will enjoy book one of this new series. Even if you haven't read PLL, pick it up anyway. Shepard is a young adult author not to be missed.

____________
Book details:
Genre: YA Mystery
Series: The Lying Game #1
Pub. Date: December 7, 2010
Pages: 307
Source: Library

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2011-01-03T10:14:00.002-05:00

The Lying Game - Sara Shepard
Summary: First in a new series, The Lying Game begins with Emma learning she has a twin sister, Sutton.
Call Me Mrs. Miracle - Debbie Macomber
Summary: Mrs. Miracles helps two families to have their best Christmas yet.
Promise Me - Richard Paul Evans
Summary: Beth Cardell meets a mysterious man during the holiday season.

I'm reading:

The Atlas of Love - Laurie Frankel

I'm listening to:

Heist Society - Ally Carter

Reading soon:

The Proper Care and Maintenance of Friendship - Lisa Verge Higgins
Bundle of Trouble - Diana Orgain
The Transformation of Things - Jillian Cantor

What are you reading this week?

Sunday Salon

2011-01-02T13:52:00.002-05:00

Happy 2011! A new year is here and it's a nice welcome. Not saying that 2010 was a horrible year. Yes, it had its share of ups and downs and I faced many challenges, but I have to say for the first time in years, I wasn't in a hurry to see a year end.

I am happy to see 2011 because I am expecting God to do great things in my life. I went to church this morning knowing my pastor would preach a great sermon about the start of a new year. And I was not disappointed. His sermon only validated what I know to be true.

I'm also happy for the arrival of 2011 because it will be the year I read whatever I want, whenever I want! I've only signed up for two challenges: What's in a Name 4 and 2011 eBook Reading Challenge. There are several that are so very tempting, but I've decided to read one or two books that will fit these challenges and not sign up for them.

I want to read more from my shelves. In order for me to reach this goal, I definitely have to limit my library checkouts. Which is so hard to do. I'm still thinking about how to do this so I don't set myself up to fail. To start, I'm not going to place any titles on hold until March 1. (The holds I placed in 2010 are allowed.)

Staying true to my goal, my first book for the year is The Atlas of Love, the debut novel from Laurie Frankel. It's about a grad student who learns she's pregnant and her two friends decide to help her raise the baby. I can't remember where I first saw this book, but I do remember my immediate thought was to add it to my wish list. It was one of the first books I purchased on my Kindle, however I did not read it in 2010. It was always on my mind to read, so I decided to begin the year with this one. So far, it's a great pick to begin a new year of reading.

What's the first book you plan to read in 2011? Do you think the first book will set the tone for your reading in 2011? Best wishes for a great 2011 everyone!

Mini Review: Holiday Books

2010-12-25T09:52:00.007-05:00

Title: Promise Me
Author: Richard Paul Evans
Pages: 334

It’s 1989 and a year that will be very complicated and mysterious for Beth Cardall. Her six-year old daughter Charlotte is sick and only getting worse. The doctors are stumped about her illness and are not sure about the diagnosis. If that’s not enough, she learns her husband, Mark, has been unfaithful. They separate for awhile and Beth rethinks this as Charlotte’s illness intensifies. They reconcile under the condition that it’s for Charlotte’s best interest. Beth soon realizes she still loves Mark and wants to move past his infidelity. The same day she’s ready to give their marriage a second chance, Mark tells her even more devastating news.

As the holiday season approaches, Beth finds herself alone still trying to cope with Charlotte’s illness. On Christmas Eve, she meets the handsome Matthew and instantly her life is transformed. I figured out Matthew's connection to Beth pretty early, however I didn’t find that it took away from the storyline. Evans is a pro at telling holiday-themed stories filled with hope that the reader can’t help but to get lost in. As with his previous holiday novels, Promise Me will leave you feeling satisfied and believing the best in all things.

Title: Call Me Mrs. Miracle
Author: Debbie Macomber
Pages: 253

It's Christmastime in New York City. Mrs. Miracle aka Emily Merkle is spending the holiday season working in the toy department at Finlay's department store. Jake Finlay has went against the store buyer's suggestion of ordering 500 Intellytrons. J.R. Finlay, Jake's father and store owner, is not convinced his son made the right decision and questions whether his son will be able to run the store when he retires.

Meanwhile, Holly is looking after her nephew Gabe when her brother is called to return to Afghanistan. It hasn't been a smooth transition for either of them as both are sadden that Mickey will not be with them for Christmas.

A chance meeting at a coffee shop brings these two stories together. With Mrs. Miracle's help, Jake and his father, along with Holly and Gabe will have their best Christmas yet.

Goodnight Tweetheart - Teresa Medeiros

2010-12-16T06:15:00.003-05:00

Abby Donovan's first novel was a bestseller and an Oprah Book Club pick. Now she's writing her second novel and is currently stuck on Chapter Five. Her publicist signs her up for a Twitter account to gain more exposure to her readers. Abby had no idea what Twitter is let alone tweets, hashtags or DMs. Her curiosity wins out when she gains a follower named Mark Baynard.

Slowly Abby finds herself drawn to Mark and anxiously waits the chirp of TweetDeck announcing a new message. As their relationship progresses, Abby begins to lower the walls she built after her father's death and her mother's diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer's.

Goodnight Tweetheart is a contemporary romance written mostly in tweets and direct messages. Medeiros illustrates how easily someone can connect to his/her online relationships. Hiding behind her computer screen, Abby feels more comfortable with herself than she does in real life. What started out as a flirtatious banter, flowed into a honest friendship leaving Abby wanting more.

Less than 230 pages, Goodnight Tweetheart can easily be read in few hours. Don't be fooled by the cute cover. It appears to be a quick chick lit/romance novel, but it's much more than that. I felt for Abby and Mark and wanted them to have the "happily ever after" ending. I do hope Medeiros brings them back in a follow-up novel. The ending certainly left me wanting more.

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Book details:
Genre: Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance
Pub. Date: December 14, 2010
Pages: 222
Source: Publisher

I received a complimentary copy of this book for the Goodnight Tweetheart blog tour. My participation in this tour and receiving a free copy did not influence my review in any way.

Sunday Salon

2010-12-12T09:40:00.004-05:00

As Christmas rapidly approaches and 2011 is not too far behind, I can't help but think how fast 2010 has flown by. I guess it's true what they say: the older you are, the faster time goes by. It's quite scary when I sit down and really think about it. After reconnecting with high school friends on Facebook (most of which I also went to elementary school with), memories fill my mind of that time period. Which was years and years ago, but still seems like yesterday. At the end of the year, I always find myself walking down memory lane and reminiscing about the "good ole days". Certainly nostalgia at its best.

As quickly as I walk back into the past, I also turn around and think about the brand new year. All the possibilities it will bring. The clean, fresh slate it represents. Second chances to make things right, to fix those mistakes, learn from past lessons and to finally make those necessary changes. Excitement about the unknown and the surprises that await me in the new year. Plans and goals to create to make the new year my "best year yet".

Since September or October, I've been really thinking about my 2011 reading goals. I wanted to limit myself to challenges and am proud to say I've only signed up for two! What's in a Name 4 and 2011 eBook Reading Challenge. I'll admit that several are still tempting me and I may sign up for one or two more, but so far I'm standing strong.

In preparation for 2011, I spent an afternoon really looking at my TBR list. The idea occurred to me to break this list down even further into books I really want to read by December 31, 2011. Now this smaller list, I can work with. It's not daunting or makes me want to turn from my iMac screaming in the other direction. No. . . it's definitely doable.

So, what's on the list?

Majority of the titles are books from my shelves that I haven't read yet. Some are purchases from 2010 and others are purchases from. . . well, it doesn't matter when I purchased them. They're still unread.
Titles that my library owns that I wanted to read this year, but did not
New releases in 2011. I know I couldn't just stick with books published prior to 2011. So I've added new books by James Patterson, Wendy Corsi Staub, Sarah Pekkanen, Jodi Picoult and Mary Higgins Clark, just to name a few.
Kindle purchases since October.

Next year, I really want to read what I want, when I want to read it. Return to the days of reading without putting pressure on myself to read what everyone else is currently reading or reading a book just because I'm in the mood to read it. I need to get back to my roots and the reasons why I read.

So what are your 2011 plans? Do you have plans? Or is your plan not to have any plans?

Have a great Sunday everyone!

The Snow Globe - Sheila Roberts

2010-12-09T18:43:00.000-05:00

Sentence summary: A snow globe affects the lives of three friends.

My review: Kylie is down on her luck this holiday season. Her boyfriend dumped her (for her sister!) and she’s recently unemployed. During a girls’ weekend with her two best friends, she wanders into an antique shop. A snow globe catches her eye and the shop owner tells her its history. Believing in miracles, Kylie buys it and hopes it will bring good things into her life.

As she prepares to spend the holidays with her family and her ex-boyfriend, she begins to see the scenery change within the snow globe. A toy shop is the main fixture and Kylie begins searching for the shop. When she finds it, she's surprised that the owner is a young man who is single and very cute. With the help of the snow globe, Kylie’s holiday will be merry and bright.

Suzanne is a busy woman: she’s a wife, a mother and runs her own real estate company. She wants to have the perfect home which leaves her harried and always on the go. Having her doubts about the snow globe to begin with, she’s even more skeptical when Kylie gifts it to her. One thing leads to another and Suzanne finds herself involved in a freak accident that leaves her immobile. Perhaps this is exactly what she needs to gain perspective.

Alison is facing the holidays alone without her beloved grandmother. Her mother died when she was young and spending the holidays with her family is something she dreads. The snow globe helps her see maybe she isn’t as alone as she thinks she is.

Lasting impression: The Snow Globe is a quick read. Less than 200 pages, it's easy to read in one sitting. Quite honestly, I didn’t enjoy it as much as I thought I would, especially Alison’s story (which seemed rushed and unfinished).

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Book details:
Genre: Fiction (Holiday)
Pub. Date: October 26, 2010
Pages: 166
Source: Library

Waiting on Wednesday

2010-12-08T05:00:00.000-05:00

After listening to her closest friends’ latest travails in love, parenting, and careers, superstitious bride-to-be Nicole (Nic) believes she has the perfect recipe for everyone’s happiness: a bridal shower “cake pull” in which each ribboned silver charm planted in her cake will bring its recipient the magical assistance she needs to change her destiny. Melissa (Mel), still ringless after dating the same man for six years, deserves the engagement ring charm. The red hot chili pepper would be perfect for Seema, who is in love with her best male friend Scott, but can’t seem to make their relationship more than platonic. And recently laid off journalist Nic wants the shovel, which symbolizes hard work, to help her get her career back on track. Nic does everything she can to control who gets which silver keepsake – as well as the future it represents. But when the charmed cake is mysteriously shifted from the place settings Nic arranged around it, no one gets the charm she chose for them. And when the other party guests’ fortunes begin coming true, Mel, Seema, and Nic can’t help but wonder…. Is the cake trying to tell them something?

Sunday Salon

2010-12-05T11:27:00.002-05:00

On this chilly, first Sunday of December I am feeling very congested and battling periods of uncontrollable coughing fits. I came back from Thanksgiving feeling a bit sluggish, with a trace of a sore throat. By Tuesday evening, I knew I had my first cold of the season.

This weekend, I've been lounging around my house trying to relax and shake this cold. Usually this is the perfect time for me to read, but for whatever reason I really haven't been in the mood to read. Last night I did manage to start reading The Snow Globe by Sheila Roberts. I've been meaning to start this since Tuesday. I plan to finish it today as it's less than 200 pages. I originally wanted to spend December reading holiday-themed books, but now I am rethinking that. While doing chores this morning, I started listening to Promise Me by Richard Paul Evans. I'm about an hour into it and I am really enjoying it so far. These two may be the only holiday-themed books I will read. Up next will be Simply From Scratch by Alicia Bessette. I've been wanting to read this one for awhile now and finally managed to check it out from the library.

For the past two years or so I've always looked forward to early December to read about next year's reading challenges. As I've mentioned before, I want 2011 to be different for me reading wise. I've been thinking about goals and the books I want to read next year, with an emphasis on reading books from my shelves. So sticking to this plan means limiting myself to reading challenges. Surprisingly my favorite challenges aren't calling to me for next year, while two or three new ones are so very tempting. I do know I will sign-up for What's in a Name 4 hosted by Beth Fish Reads. Soon I'll have to begin writing my wrap-up posts for 2010 challenges.

That's it from my corner of the world. I plan to continue relaxing today and hope to finish The Snow Globe later this afternoon. I really want to work out sometime today, but the verdict is still out on that. (I think I'm going through working out withdrawal!) My other huge task is to finish my Christmas cards by Wednesday. Usually they are finished by now, but this cold has stalled my plans.

Have a great Sunday everyone!

Waiting on Wednesday

2010-12-01T05:00:00.000-05:00

Rachel Braun was the inspiration to her group of friends, the one who lived each day to the fullest - and the one whose life was cut tragically short. Upon her untimely death, Rachel left letters for her three best friends challenging them to face their biggest fears.

Sarah, an international relief worker, must travel half way around the world to track down the only man she ever loved. Stay-at-home mom Kate must confront her fear of heights by skydiving and soon finds that her new hobby is affecting her once-tranquil marriage. And Jo, a media mogul voted 'least likely to breed', is given the most terrifying assignment of all: caring for Rachel's orphaned and grieving little girl.

Even as these women mourn Rachel's passing, her legacy lives on and their lives are enriched by a friend who, in many ways, knew them better than they knew themselves.

Cross Fire - James Patterson

2010-11-30T20:30:00.000-05:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My rating: 4/5

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

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

Waiting on Wednesday

2010-11-24T04:00:00.000-05:00

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

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

Kid Konnection

2010-11-20T07:00:00.000-05:00

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

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

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

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

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

Pure Sin - Kate Brian

2010-11-18T06:00:00.000-05:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My rating: 4/5

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Book details:
Genre: YA Fiction (Series)
Series: Privilege #5
Pub. Date: October 5, 2010
Pages: 191
Source: Library

Waiting on Wednesday

2010-11-17T05:00:00.000-05:00

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

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

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