Charlotte's Web of Books

(12)Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

2012-01-30T12:54:00.000-07:00

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

by J.K. Rowling

Publication Date: January 28, 1987

Pages: 309

If my title of "Last person on the planet to read The Help" is questionable, I most certainly can claim the title as "The Last Person on the Planet to Read Harry Potter." My Step-Daughter asked us to get the movies to watch and since I was looking for something new to watch on the treadmill, I decided to it was high time to read/watch Harry Potter.

Since I only spend an hour at a time on the treadmill, it took me longer to watch the movie than it did to read the book. If you don't know, Harry Potter, is the story of a young boy who discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is a Wizard who goes off to school to study witchcraft and wizardry.

I think I was more impressed with the cinematic beauty of the movie than I was with the actual book. I do think that, at least with the first book, that the movie stuck pretty close to the story-line of the book. J.K Rowling's words truly come to life in the movie. It was quite impressive. Do I think the book is the "greatest story ever told" - not yet. But it is only book one. Ask me again when I finish the series.

Have you read the Harry Potter series? What was your favorite book in the series and do you think the movies stay true to the books?

(11) Point, Click, Love by Molly Shapiro

2012-01-28T07:30:00.000-07:00

Point, Click, Love

by Molly Shapiro

Publication Date: December 20, 2011

Pages: 272

I love it when an Author sets their novel in an area I am familiar with - like Kansas City. With several friends and family still living there, I consider it to be "home".

I did not know much about Point, Click, Love before I started reading. It is about four women living in the Kansas City suburbs, Johnson County to be exact, who finds the Internet playing a part in how they define love and happiness. Maxine, Claudia, Katie, and Annie are four friends who are at different places in their lives romantically. They all have the Internet to thank for their current state in life. Annie is desperate to have a child and takes to the internet to find a sperm donor. Katie is recently divorced and finds herself taking to dating websites in hopes of finding a worthy mate. Maxine finds herself getting lost in the gossip websites in hopes of forgetting that her marriage is than perfect. And Claudia. Claudia finds herself blaming her husband's addiction to Facebook for her own affair with a coworker. As these four friends navigate the Internet in search of happiness they start to learn some hard truths about themselves and how they define happiness.

I enjoyed this book mostly because of the Kansas City references. Although the author pretty much stuck to the Plaza area and JOCO,(When I lived on the Missouri side suburbs & in the Northland) there were still a lot of references that made me long for my home. The stately homes in the Brookside area and Boulevard Wheat (good luck finding it on tap in Utah) to name just a couple. Plus the fact that I spent I spent my dating years in Kansas City (and OH BOY can I relate to poor Katie) really made this book a relate-able one for me. I will be honest that I found it hard to like some of the characters all of the time. Their choices and actions were a bit distasteful, but unfortunately not all that uncommon.

Overall, Point, Click, Love is a good Chick Lit book. Obviously I loved it because of it's setting, but it is also one of those books where the author does a good job of presenting several different several different ways ones life (and love) could be impacted by the Internet. But the bottom line is,as these four ladies find out, finding love and happiness is just not as easy as pointing and clicking.

Thrifty Thursday!

2012-01-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

$4.99

(10)Half-Assed by Jennette Fulda

2012-01-25T18:10:00.001-07:00

Half-Assed

by Jennette Fulda

@jennettefulda

Publication Date: April 29, 2008

Pages: 300

After reading Kate Rockland's, 150 Pounds, I got to thinking about Weight Loss bloggers and the inspiration and motivation they provide for people like me who are struggling to lose the weight. I started poking around Google (thank God for Google) and found several success stories.

Jennette Fulda's journey has been, I don't want to say completed (this type of journey is NEVER really completed), but I will say successful for several years now. She shared her story with the world in 2008 in the form of her book, Half-Assed.

Jennette was just in her early twenties when she reached her boiling point. The point where she was done being fat and was ready to be skinny. Even though she thought about Weight Loss Surgery, she did it the old fashioned way. Diet and Exercise. And in two years she lost close to 200 pounds. Think about that for a minute. TWO HUNDRED POUNDS. Some of us (not me, but I wish) are 200 pounds and Jennette lost an ENTIRE you!! Just by changing her diet and starting to exercise. If that is not inspiring I have no idea what inspiring looks like.

Jennette takes us through her childhood and we get to see what her world looked like when she started putting on the weight. She shares some of those embarrassing moments that overweight people have in common. And she shares with us those moments when she decided to JUST DO IT, all the while keeping her sense of humor and desire to succeed. As I struggle with my New Years Resolution I need stories like Jennette's to keep me motivated. I have thought about starting a weight loss blog myself, but I am just not ready to put it all out there. Yet. But you will be the first to know when (if) it happens.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-25T08:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday!!

2012-01-24T07:00:00.001-07:00

(9)The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe

2012-01-24T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Way We Fall

by Megan Crewe

@megancrewe

Publication Date: January 24, 2012

Pages: 320

I don't know why I have been so fascinated by the "end of the world" type novels, but for some reason they strike a chord with me. Next up is The Way We Fall, by Megan Crewe.

Sixteen year old Kaelyn lives with her family on an island that just used to be their vacation home. Then her biologist father discovered that her brother, Drew, is gay. He moved them out of the city and back to the island so fast their heads were spinning. Life is going okay when people on the island start getting sick. It starts as a tickle in the throat, but soon people are dying from this disease that is spreading fast and has no cure. It isn't long before the Government has quarantined the island and cut them off from the outside world. Kaelyn is desparate to keep her family safe. But soon her mother becomes a victim of the deadly disease and then Kaelyn feels the dreaded itch...

The Way We Fall is a Young Adult novel about a family, an island, cut off from the world. With her Dad busy trying to find a cure and then her mom getting sick, Kaelyn is left to her own devices. The Way We Fall is a fast read full of "What if's..." I enjoyed seeing what Kaelyn did to help her father find a cure. The Way We Fall is pretty tame as far as Dystopian novels go, but it was still enjoyable if you like that type of novel.

(8)Undeniably Yours by Shannon Stacey

2012-01-23T09:00:00.000-07:00

Undeniably Yours

by Shannon Stacey

@ShannonStacey

Publication Date: January 24, 2012

Pages: 384

Man, sometimes there is nothing better than some literary brain candy. Nothing strenuous, no high drama, just fluff. Nothing fits that bill better than a Romance novel!

Beth Hansen is a wanderer. She never sticks around for very long in any one city. Roaming form city to city, not really in search of anything, yet not really running from anything. Putting down roots has always terrified her for some reason and so she sticks to her wandering ways. She picks up whatever jobs she can find and right now she is working for somewhat of a douche. (Pardon my language.) Derek is a skeevy kind of guy who makes up excuses to get Beth to the local sports bar in hopes of taking advantage of her. It has become a bit of a pattern where he gets drunk and makes inappropriate advances and the next day they pretend it never happened. Until the night that bar owner Kevin Kowalski steps in and gets her fired. That incident sets off a chain of events that will force Beth to reconsider her wandering ways. Will the Kowalski clan show her that roots can be a good thing? Or will they permanently scare her off, ruining the best thing that has ever happened to Kevin?

Undeniably Yours was a fast read, even at 384 pages. The author has a way of making the story flow so fast that you just whip right through the pages. Kevin & Beth are an unlikely couple, but when together their chemistry just radiates off the pages. I also really enjoyed the subplots of Paulie and Sam and of course the Kowalski family. When you put it all together you have a well written Romance novel. Shannon Stacey is a fairly new author on the Romance scene, but from what I can tell by Undeniably Yours, she will be around for quite some time to come.

(7)150 Pounds by Kate Rockland

2012-01-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

150 Pounds

by Kate Rockland

@KateRockland

Publication Date: January 17, 2012

Pages: 336

So, here we are 2012. A New Year usually means "RESOLUTIONS" (I capped it to indicate how scary that word is to me). I am no different than millions of other women who have deciding that losing weight is their New Years Resolution. As a local television ad says, 2012 is the LAST year losing weight is going to be my New Years Resolution. I have been working out daily and logging my food religiously. (and have only lost four pounds on the 20th day of the month. *sigh*)

Anyway, when I read the synopsis for 150 Pounds, I knew that it was a must read for me. 150 Pounds is the story of two bloggers. There is Shoshona, author of the Fat and Fabulous blog. Weighing in at over 200 pounds, Shoshona's blog is meant to help women be comfortable in their skin at any size. She firmly believes that dieting is evil and that women should eat what they want, in moderation. Then there is Alexis, author of the Skinny Chick blog. She weighs in at a slim 105 pounds. She has maintains her weight with a strict regiment of diet and exercise, looking down on anyone who is the slightest bit overweight, especially her counterpart, Shoshona. They live in two separate worlds. Shoshona is the life of the party surrounded by family and friends, while Alexis lives a fairly solitude kind of life where her only friends are her gay BFF, Billy and her personal trainer at the gym.

The two of them meet head to head at a filming of Oprah. There is no other way to say it than Alexis is a bitch to Shoshona. She deals verbal low-blows that would knock even the strongest of women to their knees. But Shoshona hangs on. They both go home and life happens. Alexis gets pregnant and Shoshona inherits an Apple Orchard. And soon their worlds are turned upside down as Alexis gains weight, as pregnant women will do, and Shoshona loses weight with all of the hard-work required with an Apple Orchard. Will the two of them finally gain an understanding of what it is like to walk in the other person's shoes and become friends or will their bitter feud continue?

150 Pounds is an absolute must read for any woman who has struggled with body image. The cover may look fluffy and this book may be a Chick Lit novel, but the message is an important one that many of us tend to forget. It may sound a bit cliche, but it is so very true, it doesn't matter how much weight you gain or lose, all that matters is who you are on the inside.

(6)The Baker's Daughter by Sarah McCoy

2012-01-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

The Baker's Daughter

by Sarah McCoy

@SarahMMcoy

Publication Date: January 24, 2012

Pages: 304

It has been nearly seventy years since the end of World War II. Many movies have been made and many books have been written about the atrocities that took place during the War, yet I still find myself horrified while reading novels such as The Baker's Daughter.

The Baker's Daughter takes place in two different eras in two different worlds. Elsie Schmidt is a young and naive seventeen year old girl in 1945 Germany. She has been invited to attend a Christmas celebration with an officer or Hitler's army, a young man who has been courting Elsie for some time. She thinks nothing of this gentleman, but is eager for her first taste of champagne. Sheltered herself, from the atrocities of the war, Elsie gets her first real taste of what the war really means when she finds herself rescuing the young Jewish boy who sang at dinner from being forced to return to the Camps. Her act of kindness that night changes the course of her life in ways that she never thought possible.

Flash forward sixty years to Texas and you will find Elsie and her daughter Jane running a bakery using the same recipes that Elsie's family used in their bakery all of those years ago. A young reporter enters their bakery looking to interview Elsie for a piece she is doing on cultural Christmas traditions. But as Elsie tells her story to Reba, Reba learns far more about love and loss than she ever thought possible. Will Elsie's tale help Reba decide which way to go with her own relationship?

The Baker's Daughter has the potential of being one of the most talked about book at book clubs all over the country. But I will warn you that Reba's story line is not nearly as compelling as Elsie's. There were even times where I wondered if the author was trying to make a comparison between Hitler's Gestapo and the present day Border Patrol, but I talked myself out of that theory. It is just not a comparison that I am comfortable with, so I will say it was just me reading way too much into the story. Bottom line, I think this is a book that you must not miss out on reading.

Thrifty Thursday - American Gods

2012-01-19T09:15:00.001-07:00

$1.99

Buy it NOW!! I just bought it the other day on Audible for $7.95. Rumor has it that HBO has a series in development based off the book. So you KNOW you will want to read it eventually!! =)

(5) The Help by Kathryn Stockett

2012-01-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

The Help

by Kathryn Stockett

Publication Date: February 10, 2009

Pages: 544

I know, I know, I am the last person on the planet to read The Help. I have been holding on to a copy of this book for more than three years, yet for some reason resisted actually reading the book. I started watching the movie last week when I was on the treadmill and loved it so much that I pulled the book out of my library and read all 544 pages in two days.

In case you are unaware of what The Help is about, it is about a young woman fresh out of college, Eugenia. Or Skeeter as she is known to her family and friends. She has spent four years away at Ole Miss and it could be said that she has he head in the sand regarding the race relations in her hometown of Jackson, Mississippi. She starts to settle back into the social routine of Bridge Club and luncheons. It is there that she starts thinking about the injustices that are forced upon The Help. In this example, Skeeter's best friend, Miss Hilly, forces her maid to use a special restroom built specifically for her outside of the house. This gets Skeeter thinking about the maid who practically raised her and she decides that she wants to write a book featuring The Help and what it is like for them to practically raise the children of white families only to have them become their employers.

It is with great trepidation that Skeeter enlists the help of Abileen and her friend Minny to help her write the book that they know will make an impact on the people of Jackson, regardless of their color. Over the next year as tensions rise in the South, Skeeter hears story after unbelievable story from Abileen and her friends. Will they be able to get their book published without being discovered? And in the process Skeeter discovers great truths about herself and her family.

The Help is one of those game changing novels. This is a novel that will likely be read by generation after generation. It is told from the viewpoint of Skeeter, Minny, and Abileen. So you don't just get Skeeter's naive view of things. In fact getting all three viewpoints only highlights Skeeter's naivete. The movie did stay very close to the book. In fact I recognized several lines from the movie as I read the book. The adaptation was nearly flawless. There were *some* scenes that had been tweaked a bit from the book, but not anything that changed the core story.

My bottom line, if you have not read this book you must. Then you must run out and rent the movie. You will be thankful you did, I promise.

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-18T04:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday!!

2012-01-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

(4)Carrie Goes Off the Map by Phillipa Ashley

2012-01-16T09:30:00.000-07:00

Carrie Goes Off The Map

by Phillipa Ashley

Publication Date: December 1, 2011

Pages: 384

Carrie is just weeks away from her wedding to longtime beau, Huw. She is excited to finally be starting their "official" life together when he breaks the news that he does not want to marry her. Of course she is devastated. She spends the next few months in that pit of despair that all women experience when they are dumped. Her dear friend decides that enough is enough and takes her out for a night on the town, where Carrie mistakenly overhears two girls talking about a wedding they will be attending. Huw's wedding.

Carrie does what any scorned woman would do in that situation and crashes the wedding. After making a spectacle of herself and trashing the flowers at the wedding, Carrie retreats once again into herself. Until once again her friend pulls her out with the promise of a roadtrip in an old VW van. They will travel Europe and have a carefree summer to forget, until the plans change and Carrie's travel partner turns out to be a very handsome, very single Doctor. Will her plans for a carefree summer get thrown out the window or will she find a new leading character for her love story?

Carrie Goes Off the Map was the first novel that I have read by Phillipa Ashley. It is a Chick Lit novel set in the UK, which are usually my absolute most favorite. Carrie Goes Off the Map while a bit long in parts, was a decent read. I thought the British slang was fun to read, but might be a bit confusing to some readers. Overall Carrie Goes Off the Map was a fun escape from my mundane life, worth the read if you are looking for a Chick Lit book to read.

(3)The Underside of Joy by Sere Prince Halverson

2012-01-14T16:05:00.001-07:00

The Underside of Joy

by Sere Prince Halverson

Publication Date: January 12, 2012

Pages: 320

Taylor Stevens on Facebook

Thanks to Walt Disney Step-Mom's have gotten a bad rap for decades. The "Wicked Stepmother" character has played such an integral role in so many Disney Movies that even to this day people,women have to battle the Disney stereotype when they marry a man with children.

In The Underside of Joy, new author, Sere Prince Halverson tackles those stereotypes in a most magnificent way. Ella Beene meets Joe shortly after his wife has left him alone with two small children. It is not long before Ella loves Zach and Annie as much as she loves their father. She has easily slipped into the role of "Mommy" and could not possibly love the children any more if they were her own. Their fairy tale is playing out nicely until one tragic day when Joe dies unexpectedly, leaving Ella, the children, and their large extended Italian family shell shocked. It gets even worse when the kids "Mama" shows up and expects to regain custody of the children. Who should have custody of these two lovely children, the "Mama" who left them or the "Mommy" who has been raising them as her own?

There are not enough words to describe how much I enjoyed this book. I am a Stepmother, a fairly new Stepmother, but a Stepmother nonetheless. I have a Stepmother and my own Mother is a Stepmother. I can not say how GREAT it was to read about a Stepmother in a positive situation with kids who adore her as much as she adores them. Ella's scenario is not one I am ever likely to be in, but if I were, you bet your bottom dollar that I would fight to the death to make sure my Stepkids are in the best possible situation for them. I also really enjoyed the subplot of Ella's Italian in-laws, specifically her Husband's Grandfather and the time he spent in an internment camp. There are so many pieces to this story and when put all together you have an amazing tale of family, love, sacrifice and commitment.

Overall, The Underside of Joy is a wonderful read. The characters are three dimensional, the plot is compelling, and there is discussion to be had over it all. A perfect selection for your next book club read.

Thrifty Thursday

2012-01-12T08:30:00.000-07:00

$.99

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-11T13:01:00.000-07:00

(2)The Innocent by Taylor Stevens

2012-01-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

The Innocent

by Taylor Stevens

Publication Date: December 27, 2011

Page: 352

There has never been a better time for Literary Heroines than now. There have never been such bad-ass characters such as Elisbeth Salander and Vanessa "Michael" Munroe . They are as smart as they come and have combat skills that us suburban housewives could only dream about. The newest Vanessa "Michael" Munroe novel only proves that point.

The Innocent finds Michael living, no - make that existing, in Morocco with Noah, a name you will remember from The Informationist. Her old friend, Logan, (another name you should recognize) has come for a visit. But Munroe knows that he is there for more than catching up on old times. He wants a favor. A big favor. A favor which involves her going to South America to retrieve a young girl from a cult. Because it is Logan she agrees. After a stopover in New York City to pick up Miles Bradford and meet the other people in Logan's "family," Munroe, Bradford, Logan and his friends head to South America. It is during surveillance that Munroe realizes that they are not just dealing with your average cult. This one has ties to a South American mafia family and have sinister plans for the young women in the family. Even without Logan's involvement Munroe has decided she will stop at nothing to free Hannah from the cult's clutches. Will she succeed or will her own demons keep her from doing her best work.

I must say that I enjoyed The Innocent even more than the first book in the series. I will say that if you have not read The Informationist, you will want to read it before reading The Innocent. The first book really gives you the necessary background information of Munroe and her friends. The Innocent goes even further into Munroe's past, though, and you really get an understanding for why Munroe is the way she is today. I will also say that there is a development in her relationship with Miles that changed the way I felt about both of them. I won't say good or bad, but I will say that it DOES change things.

If you liked The Informationist, you will like The Innocent. I really felt like we got to go further into the mind of Munroe, and while it may have been a bit frightening, it was totally fascinating. And that is why I will eagerly await the next book in the series.

Happy Tuesday!

2012-01-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Underside Joy

(1)Journal of Best Practices by David Finch

2012-01-05T16:12:00.001-07:00

The Journal of Best Practices

by David Finch

Publication Date: January 3, 2012

Pages: 240

I think that we can thank Dr. Sheldon Cooper for making Asperger Syndrome a much more accepted way of life. We all watch the hit television show, The Big Bang Theory, (and if you don't you should) and laugh at Sheldon's rigid antics. From his famous "Roommate Agreement" to having his spot on the couch Sheldon displays traits of the syndrome that is becoming more and more common among today's youngsters and even some adults. But it is not always laughter and fun when you are living with someone with Aspergers. Just ask Leonard.

David Finch was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome as an adult after his wife made him answer questions on a form she got off of the internet. That questionnaire led to an actual diagnosis and the beginning of David's attempt to be a better husband and father. He started keeping a Journal of Best Practices. Observations of Kristen's reactions to his behavior and things she would get angry about, with the hopes of not repeating bad behaviors and helping strengthen their marriage. There are many things that made his "Best Practice" list that would do well on any Husband's list whether they are on the spectrum or not. Like getting all of the laundry out of the dryer and not just picking your stuff out. Or watching the children so your wife can take an uninterrupted shower. Oh and comparing your working wife's motherly duties to the Stay At Home Mom next door neighbor is NEVER a good idea. In the end the diagnosis made life easier for both Kristen and David, they knew what they were up against and both made extra efforts to make their marriage work. Quite admirable in any marriage, I think.

Please don't think I am making light of people with Asperger's, diagnosed or not, with my Big Bang Theory reference. I am not. I know there are varying degrees of the syndrome, but I think there are more people out there with Asperger traits than we realize. To the relief of many parents, what was once just "quirky" and "difficult" now has a name and various types of therapy. Personally, I recognized a lot of my husband's "quirks" in David Finch's book, and found myself chuckling at the comparisons I made in my head. One chapter is titled "Use Your Words" - and that is a phrase that gets used almost daily at my house. But just like Kristen loves her David, quirks and all. I love my David, quirks and all.

The Journal of Best Practices is a great look at the inside mind of an adult who has Aspergers Syndrome. But not just that, it is a great read for those who have a loved one with the diagnosis. It *is* possible to lead a happy, healthy, somewhat normal life. That reassuring reason alone is justification for you to pick up this book. Let me know what you think!

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

I am going to start this feature again - but this time I am going to use photographs that I have taken myself. By no stretch of the imagination am I a photographer, but, I live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country, so I will let the scenery speak for itself.

Happy Tuesday!

2012-01-03T07:30:00.000-07:00

(185)Cinder by Marissa Meyer

2011-12-31T07:00:00.000-07:00

Cinder

by Marissa Meyer

@marissa_meyer

Publication Date: January 3, 2012

Pages: 400

Buy it Here or Here

Okay. Grab a post it note and a pen. Got it? Okay, now write this down: Cinder by Marissa Meyer. Done? Now RUN right out to the bookstore or grab your preferred reading device and BUY THIS BOOK! I am absolutely shocked at how much I enjoyed this book and how much I found myself think of Cinder long after I finished reading.

Cinder is a new, creative twist on the old tale of Cinderella. Cinder is a teenage Cyborg (half robot half human, it's okay, I really didn't know either). She lives in New Bejing sometime in the very far future. She lives with the wife of the man who rescued her all those years ago and her two "step-sisters". She provides for her family as a mechanic, working on the Androids (robots, not phones) of the land. The people of New Bejing are living in fear, not only do they fear the evil queen of Luna, but they also live in fear of deadly plague that is slowly wiping out the population. But they have one thing to look for, the Ball that the Prince will be throwing and everyone in the land is invited. Unfortunately, no matter how much she wants to go, Cinder will not be attending. Especially now that her sister, Peony, has taken ill. But that may change after Cinder helps the Prince recover some very important data off of his old Android, or is it too late for Cinder to go to the ball?

Never in a million years did I think that this was a book that I was just going to fall in love with. Androids? Cyborgs? Me? NEVER. But Marissa Meyer has done an amazing job of breathing new life into a tale as old as time. Cinder is a character who finds her way into your heart. She just wants to be left alone and live her life in peace. Unfortunately those in her life have no desire of leaving her alone. Throw in the threat of an evil Queen and a deadly plague and you really have a page turner that will entertain people of all ages.

(184)Secrets by Freya North

2011-12-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

Secrets

by Freya North

Publication Date: January 1, 2012

Pages: 496

Okay - this really shouldn't be necessary for me to say, but here it is, if you are going to write a 500 page Chick Lit novel, it really needs to be a GRIPPING page turner or you are going to lose this ADD Chick Lit fan.

Secrets is set in England and is about a woman, Tess, who takes her baby girl, Emmaline, and escapes out of London. She winds up taking a house sitting position in a quaint little village working for the handsome architect, Joe. At first they are as polite as strangers passing on the street, but soon their lives start to entwine in many different ways. But will the Secrets that each of them are keeping stop their relationship from growing into something more meaningful?

Secrets is the first book by Freya North that I have read so I wasn't quite sure what I was get myself into with a 496 page Chick Lit novel. I will be honest, it could have been about 200 pages shorter and still had a full, complete story. Even though I thought it was a bit long winded, it was a good story. I found myself getting invested in the relationship between Joe and Tess. I did think he was a bit of a dog towards the beginning of their relationship, but he redeemed himself in the end. I also loved the role that Wolfe, Joe's dog, played into the story. What a wonderful pooch! Bottom line is this, I do think it is worth the read, but you just need to prepare yourself for the 496 pages.

Thrifty Thursday!

2011-12-29T17:05:00.002-07:00

(183)The Demon Lover

2011-12-29T11:18:00.000-07:00

The Demon Lover

by Juliet Dark

Publication Date: December 27, 2011

Pages : 448

I was just in junior high, early high school when I had finished all of the Danielle Steele books in the public library and moved on to books by Victoria Holt, Mary Stewart, and Barbara Michaels. Yes, I admit it, my early love of reading can be attributed to Gothic romance novels.

Author Carol Goodman, writing under the name Juliet Dark, pays homage to those Gothic novelists of my misspent youth in her new book, The Demon Lover. She combines the old favorite, Gothic romance with the new favorite, Paranormal romance and comes up with a steamy page turner that all women will love.

Callie McFay has grown up on the same Gothic novels that I did. She has taken her love of all things Gothic and turned it into a career as a Professor teaching all about the classics to college students. She has just accepted a position at Fairwick College in Upstate New York. From the first moment she saw the Honeysuckle House, she knew she would accept the position at Fairwick and buy the house that was once owned by Gothic Romance novelist, Dahlia LaMonte. From her first night in the House, Callie has been experiencing the most erotic dreams starring "The Demon Lover". It is a stormy Thanksgiving weekend when Callie discovers that the dreams are more real than she thought and the Paranormal world full of Fairies, Incubus, and Witches are right at her doorstep. With the ultimate battle between good and evil about to be waged on her doorstep, will Callie be able win the battle and find true love?

The Demon Lover is everything a fan of Romance novels could ever want in a book. A Gothic setting in a quaint little college town, extremely steamy sex scenes, and references to your favorite authors such as Charlaine Harris. I have seen some comparison between The Demon Lover and Discovery of Witches, but that comparison is not really accurate, in my opinion. I did not get the same kind of "love story" vibe with The Demon Lover, but definitely a "sex" vibe. I did enjoy this book, though. It is has a way of hooking you - and the ending, while not what I expected, gave a hint that there is more to come!

Happy Tuesday!

2011-12-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

Lots to spend your gift cards on this week!

Buy It Here!

(182)All Fall Down by Megan Hart

2011-12-26T17:35:00.001-07:00

All Fall Down

by Megan Hart

@megan_hart

Publication Date: December 27, 2011

Pages: 400

There has been so much in the media recently about religious cults and uncommon religious beliefs, most specifically the FLDS and other Polygamous sects. There is something about these sects or cults, if you will have it, that piques the interest of so many people, myself included.

All Fall Down is about a religious cult that would be more in line with Jim Jones or Heaven's Gate cult. Sunshine is a young woman in her early twenties with three young children. She grew up inside the Family of Superior Bliss. It is in the middle of the night one night when her mother wakes her up , slips a name with an address in her hand, and tells her it is time to go. Sunny takes her three children and arrive on the doorstep of the Father she never met, only to discover the next morning that all 100 "family" members she left behind are dead.

The coming months are full of trials and tribulations for both Sunny and her Father and his wife, Liesel. As Sunny adjusts to live outside of the compound she realizes that "The Blemished" are not as bad as she was led to believe and some of the other things that she once considered "normal" are really as far from normal as normal could be. Will she be able to adjust to her new life or will she fall back into the ways of "The Family".

All Fall Down is really a gripping read. I flew right through it with a fascination that I did not expect. Sunny is a very empathetic character, her life has been so different from the mainstream world, you can not help but root for her and her children. With the Readers Guide that is included at the back of the book, All Fall Down would be a great Book Club selection.

(181)The Bungalow by Sarah Jio

2011-12-24T12:35:00.001-07:00

The Bungalow

by Sarah Jio

@ sarahjio

Publication Date: December 27, 2011

Pages:320

The Christmas presents are wrapped, the cards have been sent out, the candy has been baked, our dinner is tonight and I finally got a chance to sit down with my nook and do some quality reading. And I am so glad that I did!

It is 1942 and World War II is being waged in the Pacific and Europe, but in the elite society of Seattle, it has very little impact on Anne and her friend, Kitty. Anne has recently become engaged, but she is questioning whether their love is a passionate kind of love and is wondering if she made the right choice in agreeing to marry, Gerard. Kitty uses Anne's doubts against her and talks her into joining the Nurses Corp and going off to Bora Bora to serve their country. It is in Bora Bora, though, where Anne discovers what true love really is in the magical Bungalow that sits on the beach. But when the magic turns to tragedy Anne discovers that love is not simple and often times very messy. Will Anne return to Seattle to marry Gerrard or will her love affair with Westry continue after the War? Will true love prevail for Anne or is she destined to settle?

The Bungalow is a romantic love story that is reminiscent of old Hollywood films. Anne starts off the story as a naive, somewhat sheltered young woman who is forced to grow up because of her part in the war. She is a kind hearted character who gets her heart broken more than any young woman should. The Bungalow is a "sweeping" love story that takes us all over the world. I really enjoyed Anne, as a character, I enjoyed watching her grow and struggling with decisions that would affect her for the rest of the life.

If you have gift cards to spend this year, The Bungalow is the perfect escape from the cold and dreary weather and from the holiday hustle/bustle. Or if you are just looking for a good love story to warm your heart, this is the one for you! Happy Reading!

(180)101 Things You Thought You Knew About the Titanic... but Didn't by Tim Maltin

2011-12-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

101 Things You Thought You Knew About the Titanic

...but Didn't.

By Tim Maltin

Buy it Here!

I don't think there is a woman, young or old, that has not seen the epic movie, Titanic. We all ooooh'd and aaaaahhhh'd over the Jack and Rose love story. In fact Titanic is the only movie I saw in the theater more than once. I am not afraid to own that. LOL.

Well the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic is coming up this Spring. Author Tim Maltin took this time to debunk some of the common myths about the Titanic. Some he even validated. But the movie is referenced several times in the book. Like when Molly Brown ordered the lifeboats back, no she did not do that. And most of the lives lost were not lost due to drowning, but hypothermia. An interesting fact that I had not heard before for that there were two kidnapped kids on board of the Titanic. It was a custodial kidnapping and their father perished, an interesting little tidbit.

Overall this is the type of book that diehard fans of Jack and Rose will enjoy. I admit that it made me want to pull out the movie and watch it again. With the Anniversary coming up there will be a lot of talk about that fateful April night, 101 Things You Thought You Knew about the Titanic will help get you started.

At the Movies

2011-12-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday!!

2011-12-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday!!

2011-12-13T09:00:00.000-07:00

(179)Second Nature: A Love Story by Jacquelyn Mitchard

2011-12-12T06:30:00.000-07:00

Second Nature: A Love Story

by Jaquelyn Mitchard

@jackiemitchard

Publication Date: September 6, 2011

Pages: 384

Every now and again you run across a character that you find yourself relating to more than any character you have read in a while. For me that was the case with Sicily Coyne in Jacquelyn Mitchard's new book, Second Nature.

Second Nature tells the story of Sicily, a young woman who received horrific burns to her body, specifically face, after a church fire kills her father and twenty-two other children. It is just a short while after that when her mother is killed, leaving Sicily an orphan to be raised by her Aunt Marie. After hundreds of surgeries, Sicily has healed, but her face is left scarred and Sicily spends her days working from home and avoiding social situations that put her in the position of being stared at and having to answer questions. She has been offered a face transplant, but as a well adjusted young woman with a wonderful boyfriend she declines.

Sicily is living a happy, content life on the brink of getting married when her world is rocked by the discovery that her fiance, Joey, was an accomplice to the fire that changed her life forever and that his "love" is his self imposed penance for his act. After breaking up with Joey, Sicily agrees to the transplant in the hopes that she will be able to live a normal life and find someone to share her life with. And she does find him, or so she thinks, with Vincent Cappadora, an older man that works in film. After an amazing week together Sicily believes they have a future, but Vincent has other ideas. It isn't until she realizes that she is pregnant that Vincent comes back into her life. Now they have a decision to make. Carrying the baby to term could put Sicily in danger for a rejection, not to mention the anti-rejection medication she took daily until she discovered she was pregnant puts their baby at great risk for birth defects. Now comes the ultimate decision, do they keep the baby or terminate the pregnancy? And will their relationship survive the decision?

You may recognize the Cappadora name from Mitchard's most famous work, The Deep End of the Ocean. I honestly did not put it all together until I went back and read the synopsis more than half way through the book. You do get to catch up with several of the characters from that story, but the heart of Second Nature belongs to Sicily.

Having grown up with a birth defect I was often asked, "If you could have two hands, would you?" - and to answer that question, no. I am who I am and I do just fine (most of the time) with the way I was born. I understand why Sicily initially said no - she was doing just fine as she was. And I also understand why she decided to say yes - she stopped being fine when she discovered her fiance pitied her instead of loved her. For someone who is "different" there is nothing worse than pity. I could relate rather well to that punched in the gut feeling Sicily had when she discovered that the man she loved was with her out of pity and remorse. As for Vincent and the heart-wrenching decision they had to make? Well, I can not judge, I don't know what I would do in their shoes, but it made the story that much more engrossing.

I am giving Second Nature a "Best of 2011" tag because of the feelings evoked by Sicily and her story. I cried when she cried and I felt extremely protective of her during certain sections. But most of all because her story touched my heart and stayed with me days after finishing. Have you read Second Nature? I would love to hear what you thought!

Thrifty Thursday

2011-12-08T15:13:00.001-07:00

Not only did I review this one early this year, but in last weeks issue of Entertainment Weekly Stephen King listed it among the Top 20 of 2011!

(178)The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson and Richard DiLallo

2011-12-05T06:30:00.000-07:00

The Christmas Wedding

by James Patterson & Richard DiLallo

Publication Date: October 17, 2011

Pages: 288

I lifted my self imposed ban on James Patterson novels (I refuse to read them because he doesn't write them!) long enough to read this charming little Christmas novel, The Christmas Wedding.

Christmas is drawing near and Widow Gaby Summerhill invites her grown children to spend the holiday with her via a video she emails to them. But with the invitation comes the news that she is getting married to one of three men. All three have proposed, but she is keeping her choice a secret until the actual ceremony. If that doesn't get her children to come home, nothing will! Each of her children are dealing with their own life struggles, but they are looking forward to family time on the farm, and the little surprise their mother is waiting to reveal!

The Christmas Wedding was a really quick read, but it was really cute. Gaby was the kind of Grandmother that all kids wish was theirs. And she was a supportive, if not a bit meddlesome, Mother. I enjoyed the way the grown children worked through their "stuff" to be there for their Mom. If you don't get a chance to read it this year, have no fear, for I suspect it will be one of those cheesy holiday movies that I love on The Hallmark Channel or ABC Family!

We Need to Talk About Kevin

2011-12-05T03:00:00.000-07:00

Ohhhhhhhhh -- this looks so good!!! From what the trailer shows it looks like the intensity of the book translates really well to the screen. Thoughts?

(177)Once Upon A Time, There Was You by Elizabeth Berg

2011-12-04T18:57:00.001-07:00

Once Upon A Time, There Was You

by Elizabeth Berg

Publication Date: October 4, 2011

Pages: 304

Elizabeth Berg is one of the most prolific woman's authors around. But Once Upon A Time, There Was You is the first book by this author I have read. And honestly I was not that impressed.

The night before John & Irene got married they both had doubts that they were doing the right thing. They both ignored their doubts and went through with the wedding. Flash forward nearly twenty years and they are divorced with John in Minnesota and Irene on the West Coast with their college aged daughter shuttling between the two of them. Their lives really don't intersect after that until one day their daughter goes missing. She was supposed to have gone hiking with friends, but in reality she was waiting for her secret boyfriend, Ron to pick her up. When he is late she does something incredibly stupid and winds up a kidnapping victim, forcing her parents into dealing with each other once again. Will Sadie be found and returned to her family? Will John and Irene make peace with their past and each other? Read to find out!

I am really sorry to say that I didn't really care for this book. It started out promising, but by the time Sadie was kidnapped I just wanted it to be over. The author really set up the scene to be this horrific, scary event - but it really turned out to be anticlimactic. Then what happens after is so far fetched I just went "Really?". It is pretty bad. I would love to hear what others thought, though. Maybe it was just the cold medicine, but I was so disappointed that such a prolific author wrote this novel. Thoughts?

Happy Tuesday!

2011-12-03T09:30:00.001-07:00

Of all the books releasing this week, this is the only one I am even remotely interested in, so sad, given we are in the busiest book buying season of the year.

Thrifty Thursday

2011-12-01T10:58:00.001-07:00

$3.28

(176)Wish Upon A Star by Sarah Morgan

2011-12-01T09:30:00.000-07:00

Wish Upon A Star

by Sarah Morgan

Publication Date: October 7, 2011

There is just something about the covers for UK Chick Lit novels that just captivates me. One of these days I will do a post just about these covers, but it is more than you would think, that I find myself browsing through British Chick Lit blogs just to look at the covers of the books. The soft colors and pretty images just have a way getting me every time!

Well. Wish Upon A Star was recently released as an e-book in the States and I had a chance to review a copy. Honestly, I should have just kept the illusion that pretty covers equals pretty stories.

Wish Upon A Star is a book with two stories about two women. The first is Christy. She and her husband have been having a major problem with communication, so much so that she took the kids and moved to London. They return "home" for the holidays and the kids see it as an opportunity for Mom & Dad to work things out. Will the kids get their wish?

The second story is about Miranda, a Midwife who has come to the hospital (same hospital that Christy and her husband work at) and finds herself in the way of sexy Doctor Jake Blackwell more than she would like. Jake finds himself drawn to the Midwife, but will his feelings change once he discovers the single woman is about to become a Mother?

Both stories were a bit predictable. Okay, a LOT predictable. I liked Miranda's story a bit better, but still, exactly the kind of story that my Grandmother would read. If you are looking for light and easy, give this one a shot, but don't say I didn't warn you about the predictability.

(175)Breaking Silence by Linda Castillo

2011-11-30T08:30:00.000-07:00

Breaking Silence

by Linda Castillo

Publication Date: June 21, 2011

Pages: 320

Buy it Here or Here

I hate it when I push my favorite authors to the back burner so I can read ARC's of books that are only half as good. That is going to be one of my reading goals for the New Year. Linda Castillo's latest book came out in June, yet it took a 15 hour car ride for me to sit down and read Breaking Silence.

Once again, author Linda Castillo, has taken us to the fictional town of Painters Mill. Chief of Police, Kate Burkholder is baffled by the steady stream of hate crimes against the Amish in her town. And one night it goes too far when three members of the same family are murdered. That is when the state sends John Tomasetti in to help Kate find the people behind these hate crimes. Together they discover that not all of the crimes are linked and there may be a more sinister force behind the murders.

Once again Linda Castillo has written a page turner. I loved how there was a new development in the relationship between Kate & Tomasetti. I also loved how we get to see some more of Kate's flaws. They only seem to humanize her more. As for "whodunit" - I figured it was not as simple as it appeared, but I was a bit shocked by the twist at the end. Overall, a great mystery.

(174)You're (Not) The One by Alexandra Potter

2011-11-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

You're (Not) the One

by Alexandra Potter

Publication Date: November 29, 2011

384 Pages

So what happens when "The One" turns out to not be "The One"? Let's ask Lucy Hemingway. She was eighteen years old when she spent the Summer in Venice and met Nate Kennedy. That Summer was a "Summer of Love". After hearing a legend about the Bridge of Sighs, Lucy and Nate are bound and determined to let the Legend work for them. They kiss under the bridge while hearing bells and believe that it means that they are destined to be together forever.

Flash forward ten years. Lucy and Nate have lost touch, but Lucy still believes that Nate is "THE One. She has moved to New York City to work for an art gallery. She is sent on an assignment to deliver artwork to a wealthy patron, Nate Kennedy. After a week-long romance, Lucy finally comes to the realization that Nate is an insufferable cad. She is ready to be done with him and move on to someone else. Except for the fact that Nate is everywhere she turns. From the Sushi restaurant to the flight to Martha's Vineyard, he is EVERYWHERE. Is getting rid of "The One" really that hard to do? Apparently so. Will Lucy ever get rid of Nate and find true love? Or is Nate REALLY "The One".

You're (Not) The One was a really unique Chick Lit. Every single girl is out there looking for "The One". Lucy thought she had "The One" when she found Nate, but like happens to so many of us, her illusions were shattered. While a bit long at times, You're (Not) the One was funny and entertaining. Everything we want out of a good Chick Lit novel!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T08:00:00.000-07:00

With the help of Adam Sandler, I say Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

Thrifty Thursday

2011-11-24T01:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday!!

2011-11-22T06:00:00.001-07:00

Salem Falls on Lifetime Tonight!

2011-11-19T12:49:00.002-07:00

Tonight on Lifetime at 8:00 PM

Thrifty Thursday

2011-11-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

$4.99

(This is a GREAT one! I don't know how long it is going to last so grab it now!)

Happy Tuesday!

2011-11-15T03:30:00.000-07:00

(173) The Very Picture of You by Isabel Wolff

2011-11-12T12:04:00.001-07:00

The Very Picture of You

by Isabel Wolff

@IsabelWolff

Publication Date: October 4, 2011

Pages : 336

I need to apologize to you, my readers, for my absence over the last couple of weeks. I have been participating in my very first National Novel Writing Month and it has been sucking up all of my reading time. I was able to finish reading the newest book by Isabel Wolff, and it was enjoyable.

The Very Picture of You is a story about Ella, an artist specializing in portraits. She has several interesting clients, including the beautiful wife of a wealthy man, an elderly lady nearing the end of her life, and a politician busy with elections. But she agrees to paint the portrait of her sister's new fiance, Nate. A man that Ella strongly disapproves of because of a phone conversation she overheard on the night they first met. But painting a portrait can be a very intimate thing and as the days go on, Ella starts to truly get to know Nate and the feelings that she starts to develop are not the kind of feelings a woman should have for her future brother-in-law. Will she be able to standby and watch the man she loves marry her sister?

The Very Picture of You is one of those darling novels set in the UK. And you all know how much I adore books set in the UK. Ella is a wonderful character and I think the author did a fabulous job of setting up Ella's back-story, especially the relationship between her Mother & Father. I will say it was a bit predictable, but I enjoyed the characters so much that I really did not care. Overall a well told story and a great way to pass a rainy afternoon.

Thrifty Thursday

2011-11-10T07:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday

2011-11-08T05:30:00.000-07:00

Buy It Here!

FREE Audiobook!

2011-11-05T09:34:00.000-06:00

FREE from Audible!!!

I don't know how long this one will last - but I "read" Water For Elephants in the audiobook form & it was the narrators that had me so in love with this book! Check it out!

You can't go wrong with "free"!

Thrifty Thursday

2011-11-03T07:30:00.000-06:00

$1.99

$2.51

$1.99

*Disclaimer* - I have no idea how long B&N will keep these prices reduced, but the prices listed are the prices they were at time of posting.

(172)Paper Angels by Jimmy Wayne with Travis Thrasher

2011-11-01T09:00:00.000-06:00

Paper Angels

by Jimmy Wayne

with Travis Thrasher

Publication Date: November 1, 2011

Pages: 304

Buy It Here!

Can you believe that it is that time of year already? This years batch of Christmas novels are starting to roll out with increasing speed. The first up for me is Paper Angels, by Jimmy Wayne.

Paper Angels is about two families. The first is Thomas and his sister, Sarah, and their Mom. They left his abusive, alcoholic Father a year ago and have been struggling ever since. This year his Mom has lost her job and signed them up to receive gifts from the Salvation Army Angel Tree. The second family is Kevin and his wife, Jenny. Kevin's company is on the verge of going belly up and Jenny is pregnant with twin boys. Even though they face great uncertainty, Kevin feels called to take a Paper Angel. It just so happen to have Thomas's name on it and his list is great. A new pair of Nike basketball shoes, a digital camera, an iPod, and an autographed Michael Jordan Bulls Jersey. Will he be able to afford all of the gifts that Thomas wants let alone find them before the deadline?

I knew that Paper Angels was written by a Country Music star, but I had no idea that the book was based on his song, Paper Angels.

The book is a quick little read, but packs quite a punch when it comes to the message. While I think it is written for adults, it most certainly could be read by teens, too. In fact, I think it should be read as a family, the message is so very important.

Happy Tuesday!!

2011-11-01T02:00:00.000-06:00

Buy it here for only $7.99

(171)World War Z by Max Brooks

2011-10-31T07:30:00.000-06:00

World War Z

An Oral History of the Zombie War

by Max Brooks

Publication Date: September 12, 2006

Pages: 432

My 13 year old Step Son is all about Zombies. Anything & everything Zombies. So when I was in Sams and saw the Mass Market paperback for dirt cheap I thought I would pick it up and read it to see if it was okay for him to read. After reading it in just two short sittings, I will say that it is okay for a 13 year old to read

World War Z picks up 12 years after VA day. America, really, the world, is starting to really put everything back together after the World War Z. The story is about a reporter who has gathered all of these stories from all over the world to go into a US Government Commissioned report, like the Warren Report. In the introduction, the author tells us that the Government does not use nearly enough of his material, so he wrote this book. The book is just a series of interviews with people all over the world who tell their experiences during World War Z. From doctors to military personnel to regular civilians we get a pretty comprehensive view of what happened during the War. And I gotta tell you, it is a pretty gripping read.

Some of the military interviews got to be a bit long for me because of all of the technical gobbleygook, but I assure you, my 13 year old will just EAT it UP! There was one interview that had some foul language, but nothing too extreme. I was so engrossed in the Zombie War that I stopped in the middle of the book and watched Zombies: A Living History on the History Channel. Which, I discovered within the first five minutes, features Max Brooks (author of this book and son of the genius, Mel Brooks) as an expert on all things Zombies. The documentary was actually just as interesting as the book. AND will be a movie released in December of 2012 starring Brad Pitt.

So, if you are looking for something "scary" to read in between Trick-or-Treaters tonight, pick this one up. It is not really scary, in the typical horror book kind of way, but in the "OMG what if that really happened" kind of way. If you have read World War Z, I would love to hear your thoughts!

(170)Reality Jane by Shannon Nering

2011-10-30T07:00:00.000-06:00

Jane Kaufman is minding her own business working on a news show in her homeland of Canada when a friend she met on vacation informed her of a wonderful career opportunity as a reality television show producer in Hollywood. Well of course she won't turn down an opportunity like that!

Jane's world is turned completely turned upside down. Her days are now spent babysitting reality show stars and although she has very little time to date, she finds out the dating world in Hollywood is a million times different than Canada. Will she ever find true happiness or love in Hollywood?

I will be honest that this was one of those books that was almost painful to get through. It was really hard to "get into" any of the characters, specifically Jane. Her choice in men, time after time, proved to be bad and I just wanted to scream at her. You know we all have had that friend with the perpetually broken picker. Jane seems to be that kind of girl. Overall, a pretty disappointing book.

(169)Awkward Family Pet Photos by Mike Bender & Doug Chernack

2011-10-27T08:30:00.000-06:00

Awkward Family Pet Photos

by Mike Bender & Doug Chernack

Publication Date: November 1, 2011

Pages: 176

Okay, we have all seen the hysterical, Awkward Family Photos. If you have not, you must click that link immediately and prepare yourself for hours of laughter. Well, I had no idea that because of their success they created a spin off website, Awkward Family Pet Photos.

There isn't a whole lot to say, but Mike Bender and Doug Chernack have gathered the best of the best. Hysterical family photos with all sorts of pets. Cats, dogs, birds and other exotic animals. This would be a great stocking stuffer for the pet lovers in your life!

(168)The Taker by Alma Katsu

2011-10-26T07:30:00.000-06:00

The Taker

by Alma Katsu

@almakatsu

Publication Date: September 6, 2011

Pages: 448

The Taker is exactly the kind of book you should pick up to read the weekend before Halloween. It is Gothic, spooky, suspenseful, and even a little romantic.

The book starts in present day. Dr. Luke Findley is working the graveyard shift when an enigmatic young woman is brought in as a prisoner by the police. She is accused of killing a man in the woods. Luke's only focus is to make sure she isn't injured herself when she starts to tell her tale. Yes, Lanny killed that man, but there is a back-story there that spans nearly 200 years.

Lanore tells the story of her youth in St. Andrew, but it was in the early 1800's. She tells the story of her love for Jonathon St. Andrew. And she tells of how she is sent away when she discovers that she is pregnant with Jonathon's baby. She finds herself alone and destitute in Boston when she is taken in by Adair. She soon discovers that Adair is not all he seems and her suspicions are founded when he gives her the elixir that will give her eternal life. No matter what they have been through, Adair knows that there is another man who holds Lanny's heart. Adair commands her to bring him Jonathon, setting off a chain of events that will change the course of their lives. Will Jonathon and Lanny ever be free of Adair's reign of terror? Who was that man in the woods and did Lanny really kill him? All will be answered if you dare to pick up The Taker.

I am really surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. The chapters flash back and forth between present day and Boston circa early 1800's. And as Lanny starts to unravel the mysteries of her path one thing becomes clear, she is a very manipulative woman. Even though I could see that flaw, it was also very easy to like her. She is a survivor and will do whatever it takes to survive. Luke is great character because you think you can see him fall into Lanny's spell, then he will say or do something to let you know that he still has his wits about him. Bottom line this was a book that had me hooked from page one. The last ten pages nearly did me in, because it is a teaser from the sequel. It is one sequel that I will be lining up to buy.

Happy Tuesday!!

2011-10-25T20:26:00.000-06:00

Buy it Here.

(167)Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins

2011-10-25T09:00:00.000-06:00

Until There Was You

by Kristan Higgins

Publication Date: October 25, 2011

Pages: 416

Admit it. You had a slight crush on the "Bad Boy" in your High School. Every school had a "Bad Boy". You know, the guy who always wore a leather jacket and drove either a motorcycle or an equally dangerous "Bad Ass" kind of car. Kristan Higgins' new character, Posey, also had a crush on the town Bad Boy, Liam Murphy. Until Prom Night when he broke her heart.

Posey Osterhagen was always that awkward girl that got made fun of in high school. She was so thin the kids called her Anne Frank It seemed that she had been redeemed a bit when beauty, Emma Tate, got one of the most popular boys in school to take her to Prom. Granted Rick was not Liam Murphy, Posey's true crush, but he was still cute and popular, and Posey was thrilled to go to Prom with him. Until she overheard Liam making fun of her to Rick at Prom. Right after which Rick dumped her. At Prom. Posey was literally traumatized for life.

Flash forward fifteen years and Liam Murphy has come back to town with his fifteen year old daughter, Nicole. He is desperate to protect Nicole from boys just like him, but he wants Nicole to grow up in the town that once was home. Posey still lives in that small New Hampshire town. She has made a name for herself with her Architectural Salvage company and helping out at her parents German restaurant when needed. She is shocked to hear that Liam Murphy is back in town. And even more shocked when he asked her to the movies. Could he really like her or is he just using her to spy on his daughter? Will Posey be able to forgive past sins and fall in love with the town's oldest Bad Boy?

Kristan Higgins is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. Her books are technically considered Romance, but they are so much more than that. They are funny, intelligent, heartwarming, and unique. Her cast of characters are always well rounded and so unique that they really bring the story to life. In Until There Was You, it is Posey's cousin Gretchen and Brother in Law, Jon, that just have me cracking up repeatedly through this book. OH - and there is the fact that Posey uses "Beiber" as if it were a curse word! And to many of us it truly is a curse word. LOL.

Until There Was You is a fun and whimsical story about a young woman who just wants to fit in and find someone to love. The story of Posey and Liam will warm your heart and tickle your funny bone at the same time. Look past the moniker of "Romance novel" and you will find a great book that you will not regret reading!

(166)Wyoming Tough by Diana Palmer

2011-10-24T10:00:00.000-06:00

Wyoming Tough

by Diana Palmer

Publication Date: October 25, 2011

320 Pages

Buy it Here.

The first time I read a novel by Diana Palmer I was fourteen and had sneaked it out of the bag of giveaway books my Grandma had sitting by the front door. That started my love affair with Diana Palmer and Harlequin Romance novels.

It has been a long time since I have read a book by Diana Palmer, but when I saw the title "Wyoming Tough" - I just had to see what it was about. Having just spent eighteen months living in Wyoming and becoming pretty good friends with one of the largest ranch owners in the entire state, well I wanted to see how accurate the book was. And then I remembered, it is a Harlequin Romance novel and I needed to lower my expectations. LOL.

Morie Brannt has set off for Wyoming to prove to her wealthy rancher of a father that she can handle ranch life. She was hired as a ranch hand by wealthy rancher, Mallory Kirk. She quickly becomes one of the most liked ranch hands they have, but Mallory's gold digger girlfriend will do anything possible to get rid of Morie. Including framing her for theft. Will Mallory see through his girlfriend's accusations or will he ignore what his heart is telling him and have Morie arrested.

Well, I must say that I have got to stop picking up books that are set in Wyoming just because they are set in Wyoming and I miss that beautiful state. Diana Palmer has her place in my memory as an author that fostered my love of reading, but that is where she needs to stay, in my memory. Wyoming Tough was so predictable that it was laughable. And the "love scenes" weren't really any steamier than your average novel. Bottom line, next time I mention reading a beloved author from my past, stop me and refer me back to this post. Thank you in advance.

(165)The Best of Me by Nicholas Sparks

2011-10-22T16:44:00.002-06:00

The Best of Me

by Nicholas Sparks

@sparksnicholas

Publication Date: October 11, 2011

Pages: 304

Recently I have been secretly proud of myself for resisting the urge to read new books by old favored authors that I had been disappointed in lately. I should have kept my streak going with the latest effort by Nicholas Sparks.

Dawson and Amanda, old high school flames, are called home because of the death of a mutual friend, Tucker. They hadn't seen each other since they broke up right out of high school and Dawson was sent to prison for vehicular homicide. They reunite to honor Tuck's last wishes and in the process ignite the flame that was once between them. But Amanda must return home after their magical weekend and as they part ways once again they both encounter tragedies that will change the course of their lives. Will their love hold strong or is it destroyed forever.

*sigh* Nicholas Sparks has become so predictable that I am almost ready to demand my $12 back because I feel live I have read this story before. Oh wait, I have,

(Spoilers below. Stop reading if you don't want to know.)

Nights in Rodanthe with different names and just a few plot changes. I used to really enjoy his books, but I guess he has become one of those authors where if you have read one of them you have read them all. Remind me next fall to stay strong and just say no to Nicholas Sparks.

(164)Triangles by Ellen Hopkins

2011-10-19T12:00:00.000-06:00

Triangles

by Ellen Hopkins

@EllenHopkinsYA

Publication Date: October 18, 2011

Pages: 544

Right off the bat I need to say that this is NOT your teen's Ellen Hopkins. The cover alone hints at the fact that this book is not Ellen Hopkin's typical YA novel. Instead I should say you need to take extra precautions that this novel does not fall into the hands of your teens or you will be in for a looooot of questions.

Triangles is a story about three women, told in typical Ellen Hopkins poetry style. There is Holly, a woman on the brink of 40 and in search of something that even she can not define. Andrea is a single mother seeking a partner for life. And there is Marissa, Andrea's sister, whose entire world is her five year old special needs daughter. She is so focused on her care that she does not realize that her son and husband are slipping away.

Told in alternating voices we get to watch as each one of their lives spin out of control for various reasons. For Marissa, she has just discovered that her son is gay and her husband has been having a long term affair. Holly joins a writers group and gets sexually wrapped up in a guy from the group. She is so infatuated she is blinded to what is happening with her own kids. And Andrea, at first she is envious that Holly and Marissa are married, but when she starts to see the cracks in their marriages, she starts to rethink the envy.

If I had to sum up Triangles in one word it would have to be "Intense." All three women are going into "mid-life" kicking and screaming. Their lives have not turned out the way they had planned as young girls and they struggle to come to grips with reality. This book is intense, heartbreaking, sexy, risque, and a little bit dangerous. But no matter how shocked I was by the antics of Holly,I could not stop reading. That is a sure sign of a good book, no?

(163)Practical Jean by Trevor Cole

2011-10-18T09:00:00.000-06:00

Practical Jean

by Trevor Cole

@trevor_cole

Publication Date: October 18, 2011

320 Pages

Jean has always been the "practical" one. Doing what is expected of her. Including leaving her husband and moving in with her Mother while she is dying of cancer. Jean is practically emotionless after her mother dies. Going into work mode in order to sort out her mother's affairs. All the while dwelling on the indignities of death. From the loneliness of Cancer to the physical ailments that come along with the disease. Jean vows to spare those closest to her, her friends, from the indignities of growing old and getting sick. One by one she kills them. Will her law enforcement (and clueless) brothers put a stop to her "good deeds" or will Jean go on unnoticed and take out all of her friends one by one?

Practical Jean is a dark, dark satire. Think Jon Waters dark. Jean is one of those characters that can rationalize anything, even murder. I enjoyed it, in the same way that I enjoyed Serial Mom. It was engrossing and a bit terrifying, but mostly very engrossing. Although a departure from my normal types of reading material, I will say that I enjoyed Practical Jean.

(162) If This is Paradise, I Want My Money Back by Claudia Carroll

2011-10-18T08:30:00.000-06:00

If This is Paradise, I Want My Money Back

by Claudia Carroll

Publication Date: October 18, 2011

480 Pages

There is something about Irish Chick Lit that just makes it feel like home. I know that sounds weird, but it is just so familiar to me that if feels like home. Claudia Carroll is one of those authors that just feel cozy to me.

Charlotte (great name, huh?) is in a horrific car crash after her boyfriend of five years tells her that he has fallen in love with Actress, Sophie "bleeding" Kelly. The next thing Charlotte knows her late father is by her side and she is being given an opportunity to return to earth as a Guardian Angel. Only Charlotte forgot about the pesky little rule of "don't interfere with free will". Will she earn her wings are there other plans for her....

I really, really enjoyed If This Is Paradise I Want My Money Back. Claudia Carroll has collected a fun, yet rag tag cast of characters with only one thing in common. Charlotte Grey. Charlotte was a fun character who truly believed that she was doing the best for all of those that she loved, in reality she was complicating things beyond belief. Her hysterical antics really made the book a fun read. The book is a light-hearted look at the "What If's" of the afterlife. A perfectly fluffy way to pass the day!

Happy Tuesday!!

2011-10-18T04:00:00.000-06:00

Triangles

Buy it here !

(161) I Don't Know How She Does It by Allison Pearson

2011-10-14T09:00:00.000-06:00

I Don't Know How She Does It

by Allison Pearson

Publication Date: October 1, 2002

Pages: 352

For ONCE I got to "read" a book before I saw the movie! I saw the previews for this movie, and being a SJP fan, I couldn't wait to see the movie,but first I wanted to read the book.

Having bought it from Audible, I was a pleasantly surprised to discover that the book is actually set in England. Kate Reddy is not your typical British Mum. She is literally juggling her career as a successful Hedgefund Manager, being Mum to two small children, and being a wife to Richard, an architect. Kate feels the pressures of trying to be perfect in all of her roles. Whether it be staying up until the wee hours of the morning to prepare treats for Emily's school or rushing off to America to sell a prospective client on her abilities to manage their money. Kate is constantly on the go. She guiltily relies on their nanny, Paula, to help out with the children, but as the "main breadwinner" Kate feels as if she is trapped in her career or risk an impoverished life. Will she ever be able to enjoy being a mother and a wife without sacrificing her career or will she end up dropping a ball and losing it all?

I was really surprised at the quality of writing you will find within this book. I don't mean that as an insult to other "Chick Lit" books, because you know I love me some fluff, but Allison Pearson's writing was very quite insightful and often times hysterical. Several times throughout the book (I listen while I walk) I wished I had a piece of paper & pen to write down some meaningful line that I KNOW would appeal to every Mother out there, working or not. The infamous "Mommy Wars" wage on, but they have nothing on the internal war that Kate Reddy battled everyday. I am really excited to see this movie now, because I am really excited to see how it translates to the big screen. Have you seen the movie? What did you think?

(160)Love Times Three by Joe, Alina, Vicki, and Valerie Darger

2011-10-13T06:30:00.000-06:00

Love Times Three

By The Dargers

Publication Date: September 13, 2011

Pages: 304

I blame it all on Bill Paxton. My fascination with the Polygamous lifestyle that is. I watched Big Love from the very beginning and I belong to an online community where there was a big bruhaha over this show, so I could not resist watching. And I was hooked.

Then the Brown's came along with their TLC show, Sister Wives. It aired not long after I got married (for the first time) and had moved far away from my family. I admittedly was a little enamored with Janelle, Meri, and Christine. I envied their companionship. There was something very appealing about having Sister Wives, but there is that whole, two other women sleeping with *MY* husband thing, so I decided the "Principle" was not for me.

I saw the Dargers on Good Morning America and promptly bought their book, Love Times Three. And you know what, I really enjoyed their story. They seem like your average family with the same ups and downs as any marriage or family. They each, Joe and his wives, told their stories in alternating chapter and shared their experiences with plural marriages. What their childhood was like in a Polygamous family, what their courting was like, and what their life has been like over the last twenty years. Even a few of their older children had chapters where they briefly talk about their family life. It was really quite heartwarming.

The Darger's are not the perfect family, but neither are they anywhere remotely like Warren Jeffs, the image we all default to when we hear "Polygamous". We all know that the Hendrickson's are a fictional family, but they started to plant the seed that Polygamy is not as criminal as we are led to believe. Then we met the Brown's. And while Kody Brown is NOT the kind of man I would ever want to marry, he obviously loves his family and strives to do right by all of them. Now we have the Darger's and I truly believe that their "version" of Polygamy should not be labeled a crime. Warren Jeffs, yes. Joe Darger and Kody Brown - not even close. Besides, as long as the parties involved are consenting adults, to each their own, right?

The Raven

2011-10-12T16:28:00.001-06:00

I think it looks FABULOUS!!! Thoughts?

(161)To the Moon and Back by Jill Mansell

2011-10-12T10:00:00.000-06:00

To the Moon and Back

by Jill Mansell

@jillmansell

Publication Date : September 1, 2011

Pages: 448

I can not even begin to imagine what my life would be like without my husband. It is not something that I can even conjour up, but we are still in that honeymoon stage.

Ellie Kendall is a newlywed just like me. Except on a night when she chooses to go to a showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show, her husband, Jamie went to a reunion with his best friend, Todd. There was a horrific accident and Jamie is killed, leaving Ellie a young widow.

Flash forward fifteen months and Ellie is coping, barely. She is tired of everyone being nice to her because Jamie died. With the help of her famous father-in-law, Ellie has moved into a fabulous flat, met a wonderful new friend, and has started a new job working for the ever so handsome Zack McLaren. As Ellie copes with her new reality, she struggles with the feelings she starts to develop for Zack. Can she resolve these feelings of guilt and go on

to find happiness or will she be stuck living with Jamie's ghost for the rest of her life?

I really enjoyed To the Moon and Back. Ellie is a wonderful character that has a lot of heart. I feel so badly for her when she loses Jamie, that I actually cried. I just could not even imagine going through that. I was happy for her when her father-in-law stepped in regarding her housing situation. I was really glad that the author chose to give them such a great relationship. The people in her life are interesting characters and I loved to see them interact with Ellie. It is a sweet story and I am glad that I read this book.

Happy Tuesday!!

2011-10-11T06:30:00.000-06:00

(160)Everything We Ever Wanted by Sara Shepherd

2011-10-11T06:00:00.002-06:00

Everything We Ever Wanted is a book about longing. Longing for parental approval by both Johanna and Charles, her husband. Johanna also longs to be accepted by the ladies in their new neighborhood.

Charles grew up with a life of privileged. His grandfather made sure of that and his family, the benefactors of the swanky prep school, Swithin, are revered and respected by one and all in their Pennsylvania town. When a young scholarship boy suddenly dies at Swithin, Charles' adopted brother, Scott, is implicated and their family is the talk of the town. Johanna, Charles' wife did not grow up in a home of privilege, she feels a little lucky and a lot overwhelmed in the social circles that her husband runs with. When she answers the phone to find his "perfect" ex-girlfriend, Johanna reacts in a way that could destroy their marriage. Will they be able to navigate the waters of their new marriage and live happily ever after? Or will their insecurities drive them apart for good?

I have really luke-warm feelings about this book and it's characters. It wasn't horrible, but it wasn't as enthralling as I had hoped. It was really hard to relate to, or even like, Charles and his family. The communication between Johanna and Charles was mediocre at best, and it really isn't explained why these newlyweds have such a hard time, with communication or anything else. It is a very stunted relationship. Overall, I think this book is not really one to recommend. I think diehard fans will have a really hard time with it, because it is such a departure from her normal stuff and fans of literature in general will have a hard time with it because of the characters. But maybe I am wrong, give it a read & tell me what you thinl.

(159)Falling Together by Marisa de los Santos

2011-10-10T09:00:00.000-06:00

Falling Together

by Marisa de los Santos

Publication Date: October 4, 2011

Pages: 368

It has been six years since Pen Calloway lost her best friends. No, nothing tragic happened,but Cat, Pen, and Will all went their separate ways. A lot has happened for Pen in those six years. She got pregnant and became a single mother, she switched careers, and she lost her beloved father. She thought she was done missing Cat and Will until she gets an email from Cat summoning her to their 10th anniversary, she needs her help. Of course Pen will be there, how can she not?

What Pen does not expect is all of the old feelings that seeing Will brings up. They have a lot to catch up on, but first, they must find Cat. She has run off and her husband hints at the fact that she may be in trouble. So they try to put the last six years aside and head off to the Phillipines to find her and bring her home. But what Pen realizes is that everything she has been searching for all along was part of her life all those years ago. Will she be able to find true love and happiness or is it too late for her?

Maris de los Santos has this amazing ability to tell a story in a way that makes you feel as if you truly know all of the characters involved. I really, really enjoyed getting to know Pen and Will. Pen is the kind of character that I could see myself hanging out with. I enjoyed watching her get to know Will again and I LOVED how Augusta, Pen's daughter, fit into the story. Overall, the author has written a wonderful piece of Women's Fiction. Real characters with real problems and real solutions. Good read!

(158)LIE by Carloine Bock

2011-10-06T18:13:00.001-06:00

LIE

by Caroline Bock

Publication Date: August 30, 2011

Pages: 224

For a limited time - $2.99

Seventeen year old Skylar Thompson is in love. She was a bit shocked when heartthrob Jimmy chose HER to be his girlfriend. She no longer felt lost after her mother's death, instead she felt loved and cherished. She would do anything for Jimmy and would do anything to protect him.

So when she is sitting at the police station being questioned about the events of last Saturday night, she will do what she has to do to protect Jimmy Seeger. She doesn't talk. You see last Saturday night Jimmy and his buddy Sean, and Skylar and her BFF Lisa Marie, were together when Sean & Jimmy used a baseball bat get the "beaners". But that night their hate crime turned into murder. Will Skylar be able to keep quiet and protect Jimmy, or will the truth eventually come out and what will happen to Jimmy if it does?

LIE is a character driven novel. Each chapter is told from a different perspective. You get to see all sides of this situation, from the baseball coach to the mother of victims. You get to see what kind of impact the actions of Jimmy and Sean have on others, not just those directly involved. I really felt for Skylar, she is feeling trapped by the events. She knows what happened was wrong, but she is afraid of losing Jimmy and is willing to do anything to protect him. I was satisfied with the ending and felt that the author really played it out well. LIE is a great example of "your actions have consequences." The message is one that I think all teens, heck even some adults, can learn from.

Nook Deals!

2011-10-05T19:44:00.000-06:00

For a limited time - $1.99

(157) The 5 Levels of Leadership by John C. Maxwell

2011-10-05T09:28:00.000-06:00

The 5 Levels of Leadership

by John C. Maxwell

@JohnCMaxwell

Publication Date: October 4, 2011

304 Pages

It has been almost two years since I last held a "manager" position, but I still consider myself a leader. I gained some great insight from reading past books by John C. Maxwell, so I jumped at the chance to read the ARC of his new book, The 5 Levels of Leadership.

The 5 Levels of Leadership are:

1. Position - Pretty much leader in title only.

2. Permission - People follow because they like your style of leading.

3. Production - People follow you because of the results you have gotten for your company.

4. People Development - People follow you because of the results you have gotten for THEM (raises, promotions,etc...)

5. Personhood - People follow you for the person that you are and the things that you stand for.

Maxwell gets very detailed about each level. He states that you are not at any one level for all of your followers. For someone you just hired you are back at a Level One, but for an employee who has worked with you for two years, you might be a Level Four. There are assessments to help you determine which Level you are at and even assessments that someone from your team can take so you can see what Level you are perceived to be at by your team. And of course, as with all of his books, John C. Maxwell has peppered his book with quotes and truisms of some of the most successful leaders of all time.

You don't have to have a title to be a leader. Whether it be in a business, a church organization, or the local PTA, there are opportunities all around you to lead and inspire. The 5 Levels of Leadership can help leaders at all levels grow in their roles, and that makes this book worth every penny.

(156)The Night Strangers by Chris

2011-10-04T09:00:00.000-06:00

The Night Strangers

by Chris Bohjalian

@chrisbohjalian

Publication Date: October 4, 2011

Pages: 400

I know I have mentioned before that I am a chicken shit. I don't really do well with horror movies or scary stories. My imagination is just too vivid and the mental images usually haunt me for days. The cover alone is enough to hint at the terror that awaits within the pages. It has been several years ago, but I met Chris Bohjalian when he stopped by my old store to sign stock on his way to the KC airport and I would have NEVER guessed that such a nice guy could write such a terrifying ghost story!!

Chip Linton has become a household name. He was the pilot that was flying that plane that hit the birds. Not the one that landed safely on the Hudson, but the other one that crash landed on Lake Champlagne. Thirty-nine people died, including Chip's co-pilot. Even though months have passed, Chip still suffers from PTSD and has a serious case of survivors guilt. He and his wife, Emily, even moved their family to New Hampshire with the hopes that the quiet little hamlet out of the public eye will help heal Chip's broken spirit. While Chip is struggling with the ghosts of the accident, literally, his wife and twin daughters are being swept up into the neighborhood hobby, practicing New Age homeopathic-type recipes that will literally scare you to death. This young family has suffered so much tragedy in the last year that they are blind to the dangers of their own home. Will they be able to shake the hold that the mysterious village has on them before it is too late?

Just in time for Halloween comes a story that will scare the socks right off of you! Chris Bohjalian has written a novel that could very easily stand up to works by Stephen King and Dean Koontz. Within it's pages, The Night Strangers holds a run down gothic home that is full of secret passages, hidden weapons, and even a dead body. The little hamlet of Bethel is something right out of your own nightmares, where on the surface everything is quaint and lovely, but underneath deadly secrets have the residents in a grip that may never be broken. Throw in the fact that Chip Linton is battling his own ghosts unrelated to this weird little town and you have a horror story that will chill you to the bone.

I really - really enjoyed this novel. The Night Strangers is going to be the next big Halloween favorite. I guarantee that it will be on Halloween displays for years to come. There are so many facets to this novel that if it were any one of them alone, it would make for good reading, but combine the ghosts, with the witches, with the gothic type of house, which is really a character in and of itself, well it makes for GREAT reading. I can't wait to hear what you guys have to say about this one! Hurry - run out and get it TODAY so we can chat!!

Happy Tuesday

2011-10-04T06:00:00.000-06:00

One For The Money!

2011-10-01T11:00:00.000-06:00

(155) Next to Love by Ellen Feldman

2011-09-30T17:05:00.002-06:00

Next to Love

by Ellen Feldman

Publication Date: July 2, 2011

Pages: 304

What an absolutely WONDERFUL book! I just had to get that out of the way.

Next to Love is a book about three childhood friends. They have been friends for as long as any of them can remember. They are new to womanhood and marriage when World War II takes their men off to war. The strength of their friendship carries them through the war and after when only Babe's husband returns home. The author follows these three women through the decades as their children grow up, as Millie and Grace remarry, as their lives, careers, and families develop, they remain integral in each others lives.

I can not put into words how much I enjoyed this novel. The author did an amazing job of taking the reader back to the time where women only worked with their husband's permission and black men could be beaten for riding in a car with a white woman. It was a much different time. Some would say simpler, but the pressures these women dealt with were anything but simple. I found it utterly fascinating and really felt as if I were taken back to that era. I would say this novel is for anyone who enjoys novels about friendship, love, or history. The author wraps all three up into this amazing little novel.

Nook Deals - The Hunger Games Trilogy

2011-09-29T17:23:00.000-06:00

The entire trilogy for a limited time price of $4.38

(154)Saint's Gate by Carla Neggers

2011-09-29T09:00:00.000-06:00

Saint's Gate

by Carla Neggers

@carlaneggers

Publication Date: August 23, 2011

Pages: 400

The one thing I like about Carla Neggers is her love for Ireland. It just seems to creep into all of her books in one way or another. Saint's Gate is no different.

FBI Agent Emma Sharpe has returned to her roots. At the request of Sister Joanne, Emma has returned to the Convent where she was a Novice nearly four years ago. Emma is just about to discover why the Sister summoned her when Sister Joanne is attacked at murdered. The investigation takes Emma from the Maine coast back to her family roots in Dublin. But along for the ride is another agent, handsome Colin Donovan. Will they be able to get to the bottom of Sister Joanne's murder before another life is taken?

I would say the Ireland portion of this book was my favorite thing about Saint's Gate. It was a decent novel, a mindless read, really. If you are looking for an exciting page turner, to be honest, this is not what you are looking for, but if you are just looking for a mindless read with a hint of romance. Go for it.

nook deals - Perfect Timing by Jill Mansell

2011-09-28T16:25:00.003-06:00

For a limited time - $1.99

(153)The Kingdom of Childhood by Rebecca Coleman

2011-09-28T13:59:00.000-06:00

The Kingdom of Childhood

by Rebecca Coleman

@rebeccabooks

Publication Date: September 27, 2011

352 Pages

Well. Where do I begin. The Kingdom of Childhood is one of those books that I need to process before I could talk about. Almost like taking a shower after sex. The main character, Judy McFarland, is a seemingly normal woman. A Kindergarten teacher at a very New Agey type of Prep school. She has been watching her family unravel for quite sometime and is just holding on until her son, Scott, graduates high school before she can be free from it all.

Something unexpected happens though that breaths fresh life into the weary teacher. While supervising a friend of her son's, Sixteen year old Zach, with a service project for school they kiss. That kiss leads to an affair that absolutely consumes Judy & Zach. Their whole world becomes each other. When they can see each other again, when they can kiss again, when they can make love again. Judy knows the danger that such an affair brings her. To be caught would certainly mean the loss of her job, the loss of her family, and quite likely the loss of her freedom. But she can not stop. Their love is like a drug and they can not get enough of each other. As the months go on, one of them want to end things. Will their illicit affair end before it is discovered by others or will their secret be discovered and their lives change in the most horrid of ways?

To use an overused phrase, The Kingdom of Childhood is a train-wreck and you just can't look away. What starts as a mutual attraction quickly spirals into something dangerous where one person, tragically, has all of the control. The relationship between Zach and Judy is far from a healthy one. The story is told from both of their perspectives. One chapter is Judy and the next chapter is Zach. As the unhealthy obsession unfolds it is very hard to put the book down. The reader is almost like a confidant to Judy and Zach, a witness to their bad behavior. And as the story goes on you want to step in and help. You want to stand up for the weaker of the two and put a stop to the madness. But you can't, you can only watch helplessly as lives are destroyed.

Was that cryptic enough for you? To be any less vague is to give away key elements of the story, which I do not want to do. I enjoyed The Kingdom of Childhood, but felt guilty in doing so, if that makes sense. The subject matter is so taboo and something that you only read about in the papers or see on a Lifetime movie. I can't even say that the characters are very likable because they aren't. But the story is one that you will not be able to put down, that I promise you.

(152)A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

2011-09-27T07:40:00.003-06:00

A Beautiful Dark

by Jocelyn Davies

@jocelyndavies

Publication Date: September 27, 2011

400 Pages

Skye is your typical seventeen year old. She is a star athlete, she is a good student, and she has close friends who will do anything to make her seventeenth birthday special. What they didn't expect was for the boiler to explode and everyone to have to leave early. That is when Skye first meets Asher & Devin.

Asher and Devin, "cousins" from Denver are new to Skye's school and they seem to be everywhere that she goes. What she eventually learns is that they are her "guardians" so to speak. They are each representatives for "The Order" and "The Rebels". Because her parents belonged to the respective groups, both groups are interested in what powers their offspring, Skye, may have. The battle between good and evil heat up and Sky is caught in the middle. She is looking for answers, but most of all she is looking for happiness and peace of mind. Will she find what she is looking for with Asher or with Devin?

A Beautiful Dark will be LOVED by teen girls. Skye is a great character and both Asher and Devin have "swoon worthy" qualities. The "Good vs Evil" tale is one as old as time, but with the right characters the story never gets old. Jocelyn Davies has done a good job with her debut novel. Teen girls everywhere will devour it and come back for more!

Happy Tuesday!!

2011-09-27T01:00:00.000-06:00

nook deals - The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz

2011-09-26T16:09:00.004-06:00

For a limited time -- $1.99

(151)It's Classified by Nicolle Wallace

2011-09-26T10:00:00.000-06:00

It's Classified

by Nicolle Wallace

Publication Date: September 27, 2011

336 Pages

It has been almost a year now since I first read, Eighteen Acres. The novel about President Charlotte Kramer and her first term as President of the United States.

Here we are a year later and the President is divorced from her husband, Peter, and has been reelected to a second term as President. Except this time she reached across the aisle to find her Vice President, Tara. Together, Charlotte hopes that they can unify the great political divide that has torn the country apart. The Vice President has hired Dale Smith, the woman who broke up the President's marriage, to be on her Communications team. And everything is going well, until Dale starts to notice erratic and inconsistent behavior in the Vice President. She is torn between talking to the President about the behavior and taking the risk of letting the country be run by someone who may or may not have mental issues. Will she do the right thing?

I really liked Eighteen Acres and was thrilled to find out that there was going to be a sequel, but I am still trying to process how I feel about the Vice President's character. Here we are on the brink of a Presidential race where there will be more female candidates than ever and the author, a female herself, writes a book where the VP is not only an unmedicated depressed and possibly bipolar woman, but married to a controlling and overbearing man. I know the book is fictional, but I just think that a lot of old-school male voters out there still feel that the majority of woman are hormonal, emotional messes and this book just perpetuates that myth.

I don't know. I would be really interested in hearing what others think of this book. Like I said, I really enjoyed Eighteen Acres. And if Nicolle Wallace continues this series, I will probably read that book, too. But It's Classified just kind of left a bad taste in my mouth.

(150)The Sixes by Kate White

2011-09-25T12:35:00.000-06:00

The Sixes

by Kate White

@katemwhte

Publication Date: August 2, 2011

Pages: 384

Nothing says Fall like novels set at Universities or Colleges. As I type this I hear college football on the television in the other room, there is a cool breeze coming in the window, my husband is outside fertilizing the lawn, and the aroma of my new Yankee Candle, Natures Paintbrush fills the air. Fall is the most beautiful time of the year and I love to read about the season in books as well.

The Sixes is set on a college campus in a small Pennsylvania town. World renowned biographer, Phoebe Hall, has gone to Lyle College under the guise of teaching, but in reality, she is licking the wounds caused by the accusations of plagiarism on her last book. She takes comfort in her best friend, Glenda, who is also the college's President. When a young coed goes missing, Glenda asks Phoebe to use her investigative skills to see if she can get to the bottom of things before the police can. But when strange things start happening at Phoebe's house, she starts to believe the rumors of a secret society on campus called The Sixes. Are these young women behind the missing young woman? Are they behind the mysterious break-ins at Phoebe's house? Will she be able to find the missing woman and bring her home safely? Or have The Sixes taken "Mean Girls" to a whole new level?

The Sixes is one of those novels that you can easily see translated to the Big Screen. Phoebe is a flawed, yet interesting character who has her own past dealings with a group of "Mean Girls". Those memories keep creeping back as deals with The Sixes. Phoebe also has interesting relationships with some of the other characters and the author has a way of putting doubt in the mind of the reader, and Phoebe about the sincerity of their friendships. Mix that all with the fast paced setting of a college campus and you have the makings of a really, really good suspense thriller. And nothing says Fall more than a great suspense novel on a brisk Saturday afternoon.

Girl With the Dragon Tattoo!

2011-09-23T10:00:00.000-06:00

(149)Upper Cut by Carrie White

2011-09-20T09:00:00.000-06:00

Upper Cut

by Carrie White

Publication Date: September 20, 2011

400 Pages

Until I read Carrie White's new book, Upper Cut, I had no idea that being a Hairdresser could be so stinking fascinating.

I had never heard of Carrie White until I read this book. She grew up in California with an alcoholic mother. Be forewarned, the book starts off by launching into Carrie's sexual abuse by her stepfather. It is a bit hard to take, but it is necessary to understand Carrie's childhood. It is only about the first fifteen pages or so, so don't let it keep you from reading this book. Carrie moved around a bit as a teen, but enjoyed her high school years because of sororities, parties, and boys. After high school she realized that she should have focused a little more on school and a little less on parties. She did what a lot of women did during those times did, she went to Cosmetology School.

Carrie soon became the darling hairdresser to the stars. Every name you could possibly think of is in this book from Roman Polanski and Sharon Tate to (every book lover's star) Michael Crichton. With Hollywood success comes great risk. The champagne and cocaine flow freely. And even though Carrie has five kids by the age of twenty-eight, she is in danger of losing all of them because of her habits. She falls in love with a Princess, only referred to as D, and soon the only thing Carrie cares about is how they are going to get to their dealer and pay for their next score. In graphic detail Carrie is brutally honest with herself and the reader as she talks about this dark time in her life. She knows what she is doing is wrong. She knows how the drugs impact her children's lives, but she can not live without the drugs and she can not live without D.

Upper Cut is one of those memoirs that you just can NOT put down. Once Carrie is out of high school and the A-List celebrities start showing up on the pages, you just can not stop reading. We know what Carrie is doing is wrong, but she is such an empathetic character that you just HAVE to finish reading because you just HAVE to see how it turns out. I mean anyone who goes knocking on *THE* Ann-Margaret's door asking to borrow money for drugs most certainly has a tale to tell. Upper Cut is a well written memoir that could easily rival the most decadent of rock-star's memoirs. If you love the type of juicy memoir that drops names of the rich and famous, I strongly urge you to run right out and pick up Upper Cut.

Happy Tuesday!!

2011-09-20T06:30:00.000-06:00

This is what I did today...

2011-09-17T18:02:00.002-06:00

Do you remember last year when we moved to Wyoming? I blogged about The A Team. When we moved I created three piles. The A team, the books that made the move from Kansas City to Casper in the car. The B team, the books that I had to leave in storage in KC, and the C team. The group of books that I gave away.

Well since then we have moved again, this time to Utah. My In-Law's came out last weekend to visit and brought the rest of our stuff from KC. Including about twelve boxes of books. The B Team.

So the Husband and I bought a couple more bookcases and he put them together for me last night. I started this morning about 8:30am and finished shortly after five. Only stopping to eat lunch. I rearranged and divided out my books. I had books fall on me. I had a bookshelf (the YA shelf) completely disintegrate and I ended up salvaging some of it, but only after turning it upside down. But it is DONE!

I have a Hardcover bookshelf, completely alphabetized. I have a trade paperback shelf, completely alphabetized. I have a YA shelf for the kids, not alphabetized, but sorted by author and age. And I have my Mass Market Paperback shelves. Loosely alphabetized, but organized so that all books by an author are grouped together and not just piled on the shelf. Here are the pictures, taken with my cell phone, so I apologize for the quality.

Before the project today.

In Progress.

Trade Paperbacks, Hardcovers & the YA Shelves.

The Mass Market Paperbacks

The Comfy Couch in the library.

(148) Fallen by Karin Slaughter

2011-09-15T06:12:00.000-06:00

Fallen

by Karin Slaughter

Publication Date: June 21, 2011

400 Pages

Karin Slaughter has become my faithful Summer friend. Much like "Beach Read" authors, such as Elin Hildebrand or Nancy Thayer. We have come to expect new books from these authors every Summer. Karin Slaughter is one of those Mystery authors that I look forward to every summer, too.

Thanks to Karin, we have come to know Faith Mitchell and Will Trent quite well. We know that Will had an extremely difficult childhood and we also know that Faith was a teen mom. Now, nearly 20 years later Faith has a new baby, Emma. She runs over to her mother's house, retired Police Sergeant, Evelyn Mitchell, to pick up Emma and walks into a nightmare. They got her mother, but not after a bloody battle. Faith is shook to her core. She will do whatever necessary to protect her family, but what if she can't protect her mother from the sins of her past?

Once again Karin Slaughter has written an engrossing novel featuring my two old friends. We got to see both Faith and Will move along on an emotional level. Faith, with her mother and Will with the beautiful, Dr. Sarah Linton. I have been reading the series for years, and even though I should remember all of the backstory, I don't (it sucks getting old). Karin Slaughter does a great job of catching the reader up in a way that you don't realize that is what she is doing. So have no fear, if you have never read a book by Karin Slaughter, now is the time to start. You won't be lost. I promise.

(147)What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty

2011-09-14T08:00:00.000-06:00

What Alice Forgot

by Liane Moriarty

Liane on Facebook

Publication Date: June 28, 2011

432 Pages