Jennifer's Book Blog

Ready, Set, Go!!

2011-12-31T14:46:00.000-05:00

Seems everyone is looking back over the last year to what they didn't accomplish or what they did, and looking forward to 2012 to what they hope to accomplish. I don't really get into the whole 'resolutions' thing, but I can set goals for reading!!

I'm not sure I even remember what goal I set last year for reading, if I set one at all. I do know I started out pretty good on keeping up with what I was reading then let that fall by the wayside as I got buy with other things too. And now that I own a Kindle Fire I won't have that little slip from the library to just file away all the time either (I will still go to the library, but also read on my Kindle).

I have a Shelfari account, haven't kept up with it in a very long time. A friend recommended GoodReads to me and I will try to use it this year, sometimes, just the hassle of putting them online gets to me, and I haven't really played around over there enough to know how the whole site works yet.

So will you set a goal for how many books you read this year, or maybe pages instead? i think I may try to keep track of pages too, just to see how many there are too. I think I will set a goal of...... hmm.... 140? And to me, I won't count books that I've read before, only new books.

How do you keep track of what you have read? I guess I will have to do better at this if I am going to know whether or not I meet my goal this time next year!!

good luck & get ready, get set, go!!! Get reading!!!!

This time of year

2011-10-20T15:53:00.000-04:00

This time of year I get in the mood to read Holiday books, listen to Christmas music (yes I realize I'm early) and bake.

So while I still have lots of books to read I can't resist this one!

A Home For Christmas by Deborah Grace Staley

Kindle Books

2011-10-05T10:31:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I don't have a Kindle. But yet I can't help myself from hunting for the free Kindle books daily.
I am trying to play catch up on my I Pod Touch (where I have the Kindle app I use the most) because as I downloaded another four books yesterday I decided I would see how many I actually had on there.

Um, FIFTY!. Yes, I said fifty.

I think I should stay away from downloaded anymore until I get some of these read & deleted off. Ha!
It's become like an obsession with me though!!

So, what are you reading? Out of those fifty, I am currently reading Stars Collide by Janice Thompson (sorry this one is no longer free).

Oh, and I've decided I will have a Kindle by the end of this year. If not before Christmas, then hopefully my hubby has been paying attention and will buy me one. ;)

Free Kindle Books!

2011-08-31T16:27:00.000-04:00

I found some more today!! Sheesh, you'd think I own a Kindle or something but, I can't talk myself into spending that kind of money on myself so I'll just read on my tiny iPod Touch or Droid phone screen :)
And I don't read all of these genre's but no reason not to share with others who might!

The Oak Leaves by Maureen Lang

Untouchable by Scott O'Connor

Sixteen Brides by Stephanie Whitson

The Witch of Agnesi (Bonnie Pinkwater Series) by Robert Spiller

The Frontiersman's Daughter by Laura Frantz

Heart of Gold by Lacy Williams

Lye in Wait (A Home Crafting MysterY) by Cricket McRae

The Man of Their Lives by Francoise Bourdine

Charlotte Figg Takes Over Paradise by Joyce Magnin

Holding Out for a Hero by Stacey Joy Netzel

The Women of Tenacity by Shanna Hatfield

that's all for today!!

Kindle books

2011-08-30T10:59:00.000-04:00

Just two I saw this morning. :)

Spying in High Heels by Gemma Halliday
L.A. shoe designer, Maddie Springer, lives her life by three rules: Fashion. Fashion. Fashion. But when she stumbles upon the work of a brutal killer, her life takes an unexpected turn from Manolos to murder. And things only get worse when her boyfriend disappears - along with $20 million in embezzled funds - and her every move is suddenly under scrutiny by the LAPD's sexiest cop. With the help of her post-menopausal bridezilla of a mother, a 300 pound psychic and one seriously oversexed best friend, Maddie finds herself stepping out of her stilettos and onto the trail of a murderer. But can she catch a killer before the killer catches up to her...

and

Touched by Angels by Peggy Webb
Single mom Sarah Love is determined to make a fresh start in Alabama for herself and Jenny. Born special, Jenny struggles to do the things other four-year-olds take for granted. Sarah hadn't counted on Jenny escaping her vigilance and racing in front of Jake Townsend's motorcycle. And she certainly hadn't counted on falling for the sexy, complex daredevil who nearly wrecked his bike to save her child. Nor had Jake, who had lost his own child, expected to find himself drawn into the lives of a courageous mother and her stubborn, endearing daughter. Could Sarah and Jenny be his second chance? Could he be the hero Sarah and Jenny believe him to be?

Free Kindle books!!

2011-06-21T11:34:00.000-04:00

Remember, you can still read these even if you don't own a Kindle. iPod Touch, Pc, Android, or Blackberry devices can support the Kindle App then you can be on your way to enjoying some FREE ebooks!!!

I will sometimes get them then not like them & delete them but hey, they are free for a limited time so I can always change my mind, right?

Here are some of today's offerings, I tried to list a variety even if some of them are not anything I'd read:

Her Best Catch by Lindi Peterson (Romance)
The Days of Summer by Jill Barnett (Romance)
Stuck in the Middle (Sister to Sister Bk 1) by Virginia Smith I have already read this one & loved it!! (Inspirational, Romance)
Dating a Cougar (Never to Late Series) by Donna McDonald (Romance)
Claimed (the Circulate Series) by K.R. Smith (Paranormal, Romance)
Candy Wars: The Tooth Fairies vs The Candy King by R.G. Cordiner (Children's)
Cougar Cub Tales: I'm Just Like You by Sharon Cramer (Children's)

And, don't forget there are always lots and lots of the "classics" available for free!

FREE Books for your Kindle!

2011-05-02T13:40:00.001-04:00

Do you have a Kindle? I don't. But I do have the Kindle App on my iTouch.
Did you know that you can get free books from Amazon to read on your Kindle app often?

Here are some that are marked down to free, for a limited time (I tried to list a variety)

Amazon.com: A Fool Again: A Novella eBook: Eloisa James: Kindle Store

The Abandoned by Amanda Stevens

The Strange Case of Finley by Kady Cross

Anyways, there are three, usually if you scroll across others offered (scroll down you'll see recommendations) there are some in there too. And they always have the classics available for free.

Restriction

2011-03-02T15:43:00.000-05:00

I have friends who are expecting their 6th baby soon, due date is the 20th of March.

I'm working on a special surprise for them, I'm pretty sure she doesn't read here but just in case I won't say what it is exactly.

So, I've put myself on a reading restriction until I get it done. I didn't go in the library last week even though I was dying too & I have been reading a few on my iPod Touch on the Kindle app but nothing like I normally do.

Once I get this done, in the next day or so, I'll be back to reading full force!!

What I've read this year

2011-02-21T18:55:00.000-05:00

1. Take Three by Karen Kingsbury

2. Family Affair by Debbie Macomber

3. Forbidden Falls by Robyn Carr

4. The Hope Within by Tracie Peterson

5. Happy Ever After by Nora Roberts

6. Maybe this Time by Jennifer Crusie

7. A Place of Peace by Amy Clipston

8. Amish Love by Beth Wiseman, Kathleen Fuller & Kelly Long

9. The Christmas Journey (for a blog review, can't remember author now, it was supposed to arrive before Christmas & was late)

10. Call Me Irresistible by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

11. An Honest Love by Kathleen Fuller

12. Fools Rush In by Janice Thompson (Kindle Version)

13. The Choice (Kindle Version on my iPod) by Suzanne Woods Fisher

14. Angel Song by Sheila Walsh & Kathryn Cushman

Are you reading?

2011-01-13T14:47:00.000-05:00

We're 13 days into the new year already, are you working on your goal for this year?

So far I've read
Take Three by Karen Kingsbury
Family Affair by Debbie Macomber
Forbidden Falls by Robyn Carr

and I'm reading Last Days by Joel Rosenburg and a new author to me, Tracie Peterson's The Hope Within.

Final Tally for 2010

2011-01-01T22:14:00.000-05:00

Did you take my challenge and set yourself a goal for 2010?
Did you make your challenge if you did?
If so, Yay for you!!
If not, that's okay, neither did I. LOL! I set my goal at 135. I know for a fact that I read 114. In September I began making a baby quilt, so I quit writing down the titles I was reading & slacked off on my reading. I need to do better with my records for next year. I know I read 114, and I know I read 3 or 4 on my Ipod Touch Kindle App that aren't on the list, maybe I did meet my goal and just don't know it.

Here's my final list:
1. The Sweetheart's Knitting Club by Lori Wilde

2. Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury
3. Round Robin by Jennifer Chiaverini
4. Ford County by John Grisham
5. The Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans
6. Brides for Brothers by Debbie Macomber
7. The Marriage Risk by Debbie Macomber
8. The Last Promise by Richard Paul Evans
9. A Creed Country Christmas by Linda Lael Miller
10. At Home in Mitford Jan Karon
11. A Gift of Grace by Amy Clipston
12. Echoes by Robin Jones Gunn
13. Whispers by Robin Jones Gunn
14. Faking It by Jennifer Crusie
15. Secrets by Robin Jones Gunn
16. Why My Third Husband will be a Dog by Lisa Scottoline
17. Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky
18. Blood Game by Iris Johansen
19. Dear John by Nicholas Sparks
20. Redemption by Karen Kingsbury
21. Remember by Karen Kingsbury
22. Return by Karen Kingsbury
23. Rejoice by Karen Kingsbury
24. Partners by Nora Roberts
25. The Art of Deception by Nora Roberts
26. Cindy and the Prince by Debbie Macomber
27. Some Kind of Wonderful by Debbie Macomber
28. Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman
29. She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb
30. The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin by Josh Berk
31. Reunion by Karen Kingsbury
32. Jenna's Cowboy by Sharon Gillenwater
33. Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
34. House Rules by Jodi Picoult
35. Fodor's Maui 2009
36. Maui Revealed The Ultimate Guidebook by Andrew Doughty
37. Plain Pursuit by Beth Wiseman
38. Top Maui Restaurants From Thrifty to Four Star by James & Molly Jacobson
39. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
40. Fame by Karen Kingsbury
41. Forgiven by Karen Kingsbury
42. Found by Karen Kingsbury
43. Family by Karen Kingsbury
44. Forever by Karen Kingsbury
45. Sisters by Danielle Steel
46. Think Twice by Lisa Scottoline
47. Sunrise by Karen Kingsbury
48. Summer by Karen Kingsbury
49. Someday by Karen Kingsbury
50. Sunset by Karen Kingsbury
51. Sweet Home Carolina by Sherryl Woods
52. Sweet Tea at Sunrise by Sherryl Woods
53. Honeysuckle Summer by Sherryl Woods
54. The Summer Hideaway by Susan Wiggs
55. A Proimse of Hope by Amy Clipston
56. Return to Sender by Fern Michaels
57. Eight Days to Live by Iris Johansen
58. The Lost Hours by Karen White
59. Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts
60. The Wedding Machine by Beth Webb Hart ( don't waste your time on this one!! )
61. Hannah's List by Debbie Macomber
62. Like a Watered Garden
63. Gardenias for Breakfast Robin Jones Gunn
64. Secrets by Robin Jones Gunn
65. Lavender Morning by Jude Deveraux
66. Game Over by Fern Michaels
67. Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts
68. Like Dandelion Dust by Karen Kingsbury
69. Return to Sullivan's Island by Dorothea Benton Frank
70. Whale Island by Cathy Lamb
71. Queen of Hearts by Judy Duarte
72. The Marrying Kind by Debbie Macomber
73. The Shunning by beverly Lewis
74. The Confession by Beverly Lewis
75. The Honeymoon House by Mary Carter
76. The Reckoning by Beverly Lewis
77. Cross Roads by Fern Michaels
78. Even Now by Karen Kingsbury
79. Ever Afer by Karen Kingsbury
80. Pieces of the Heart by Karen White
81. Learning to Breathe by Karen White
82. Fodor's Walt Disney World 2010
83. Always Green by Patti Hill
84. The Preacher's Daughter by Beveryly Lewis
85. The Englisher by Beverly Lewis
86. Plain Perfect by Beth Wiseman
87. Forevermore by Cathy Marie Hake
88. More Than Friends by Barbara Delinsky
89. Take One by Karen Kingsbury
90. Take Two by Karen Kingsbury
91. The Brethren by Beverly Lewis
92. The Geometry of Sisters by Luanne Rice
93. The Last Jihad by Joel Rosenberg
94. A Widow's Hope by Mary Ellis
95. 1022 Evergreen Place by Debbie Macomber
96. The Thorn by Beverly Lewis
97. A Summer in Sonoma by Robyn Carr
98. Call Me Mrs Miracle by Debbie Macomber
99. When the Heart Cries by Cindy Woodsmall
100. The Apothecary's Daughter by Julie Klassen
101. Safe Haven by Nicholas Sparks
102. A Plain & Simple Christmas by Amy Clipston
103. Winer's Awakening by Shelly Sheperd Gray
104. Orchard Valley Brides by Debbie Macomber
15. The Pioneer Woman's Cookbook by Ree Drummond
106. One Season of Sunshine by Julia London
107. Second Nature by Nora Roberts
108. Lessons Learnd by Nora Roberts
109. First Impressions by Nora Roberts
110. The Parting by Beverly Lewis
111. Gabriel's Angel by Nora Roberts
112. A McKettrick Christmas by Linda Lael Miller
113. Christmas Letters by Debbie Macomber
114. Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury

So.................are you up for it again? This time I not only hope to meet my goal of 135, I hope to keep better track!

I'm so bad!

2010-12-15T19:16:00.000-05:00

I got lazy and quit writing down my book titles as I was reading. So did I make my goal this year?
I have no idea. I know that I slowed down a lot from earlier in the year.
I took on some paid sewing orders, school/ballet/life got me busy, and I took an editing job online. Because of those things I haven't been reading as much though I hope to get into a better routine and get back into it.

I am currently reading Karen Kingsbury's Unlocked. What are you reading?

And Julie D....did you receive your book that you won? They are always so super about shipping to me that I hope you did.

I received an offer for another one to review from a different publisher & just realized even though I responded over a week ago I haven't seen it or heard from them. Hm I'll have to check on that too.

And the winner is....................

2010-11-03T15:16:00.000-04:00

Julie!!!

You have won the copy of Call Me Mrs Miracle by Debbie Macomber.

Make sure I have your current address and I'll get your info to her pr who will send you out a book asap.
Thanks for playing along!

Giveaway!!

2010-10-19T15:56:00.000-04:00

I've got another giveaway!!

Would you like to win a copy of Debbie Macomber's Call Me Mrs Miracle that I reviewed in a previous post?

Here is your chance!! I'll take entries until Saturday, October 30th then pick a winner!!!

How to enter:

leave a comment (easy, right?)
if you follow leave a separate comment, if you don't become a follower then leave a comment
share the giveaway on your blog, facebook, or twitter and leave a comment (up to 3 this way) for each one.

I'll use random.org on Saturday evening and choose a winner then you're book will be sent out to you!!

Nicholas Sparks

2010-10-19T09:43:00.002-04:00

I met him on Saturday at the WV Book Festival. He was such a neat guy. We met in a room 'backstage', there were oh maybe 30 of us, if that. We had pictures taken, he signed books:

He told us about the filming of the The Lucky One, which started filming last week and will star Zach Effron!

And just stood around and talked for a while. Then we were escorted to front row seating for his presentation. The presentation lasted an hour or so and was very interesting, it was neat to hear how he got inspiration for The Notebook, The Guardian, Message in a Bottle and a few others. I had a great time!!

Debbie Macomber's Call Me Mrs Miracle

2010-10-06T12:22:00.000-04:00

Nothing says Christmas is coming to me like the release of one of my favorite author's Christmas book. Debbie Macomber has such fun stories at Christmas.....not that she doesn't all year long I'm just a Christmas person at heart ;) So I was so excited when I received an email with a offer of an advanced reading copy of Call Me Mrs Miracle for review.

It arrived and I tore into it, ignoring the stack of library books laying here and the baby quilt I need to get finished, sat down and began reading. It sort of has a Miracle on 34th Street feel to it, with the department store in NYC and such but it was all about the spirit of family, love, and Christmas.

The synopsis from her site:
This Christmas, Emily Merkle (call her Mrs. Miracle!) is working in the toy department at Finley’s, the last family-owned department store in New York City. And her boss is none other than…Jake Finley, the owner’s son.

For Jake, holiday memories of brightly wrapped gifts, decorated trees and family were destroyed in a Christmas Eve tragedy years before. Now Christmas means just one thing to him — and to his father. Profit. Because they need a Christmas miracle to keep the business afloat.

Holly Larson needs a miracle, too. She wants to give her eight-year-old nephew, Gabe, the holiday he deserves. Holly’s widowed brother is in the army and won’t be home for Christmas, but at least she can get Gabe that toy robot from Finley’s, the one gift he desperately wants. If she can figure out how to afford it…

Fortunately, it’s Mrs. Miracle to the rescue. Next to making children happy, she likes nothing better than helping others — and that includes doing a bit of matchmaking!

This Christmas will be different. For all of them

I read this one in a few hours, I was drawn to see what would happen to Jake with his father and their store. What would happen to little Gabe & his Aunt Holly? Well, let's just say I wasn't disappointed with the results. And I think....it's got me in the mood for Christmas already!!

And the book is being made into a movie for TV by HALLMARK CHANNEL. It'll air Saturday, November 27th at 8pm est. It's a sequel to a movie they aired last year too. I missed that one and I'll be out of state traveling the day of the 27th this year but I hope to dvr it and watch it when I get home. It stars Doris Roberts as Emily Merkle (Mrs Miracle), Jewel Staite, Eric Johnson, and Lauren Holly. I think it'll be a god way to officially 'countdown' to Christmas! You can see a clip here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9A77IibjUDM

Thanks to Mrs Macomber, and Alana Signor for the chance to read this one & post my review!!

Slacker

2010-09-29T13:37:00.000-04:00

I've been spreading myself out into other areas of my life lately and letting my book life slide a bit. But here is what I've read:

91. The Brethren by Beverly Lewis

92. The Geometry of Sisters by Luanne Rice

93. The Last Jihad by Joel Rosenberg

94. A Widow's Hope by Mary Ellis

95. 1022 Evergreen Place by Debbie Macomber

96. The Thorn by Beverly Lewis

97. A Summer in Sonoma by Robyn Carr

Be sure to stick around I've got another advanced reading copy coming up and I think a giveaway to go with it!!

And Julie, I promise I'll get those Carolina books out to you SOON!

87-90

2010-08-30T12:23:00.002-04:00

87. Forevermore by Cathy Marie Hake

88. More Than Friends by Barbara Delinsky

89. Take One by Karen Kingsbury

90. Take Two by Karen Kingsbury

Book tally update

2010-08-16T21:47:00.000-04:00

First of all, Jenn did you get your books?
Second of all, I have copies of the first two books if anyone would like to receive those let me know, I'll send them to the first to comment.
Third of all, what I've read since I last posted in July.

78. Even Now by Karen Kingsbury

79. Ever After by Karen Kingsbury

80. Pieces of the Heart by Karen White

81. Learning to Breathe by Karen White

82. Fodor's Walt Disney World 2010

83. Always Green by Patti Hill

84. The Preacher's Daughter by Beverly Lewis

85. The Englisher by Beverly Lewis
86. Walt Disney World with Kids 2009 by Kim Wright Wiley

And the winner is.....

2010-07-13T15:00:00.000-04:00

And the winner of the three Sherryl Woods books is.:

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1

Max: 14

Result: 6

And the 6th comment was from Jenn

Send me your address Jenn (jrasmom@gmail.com or on Facebook) and 'll get the books in the mail to you!! Congrats!!

And thanks to all who entered!!

Recent Reads

2010-07-01T13:52:00.002-04:00

Quickly on my way to my goal for the year!

45. Sisters by Danielle Steel

46. Think Twice by Lisa Scottoline

47. Sunrise by Karen Kingsbury

48. Summer by Karen Kingsbury

49. Someday by Karen Kingsbury

50. Sunset by Karen Kingsbury

51. Sweet Home Carolina by Sherryl Woods

52. Sweet Tea at Sunrise by Sherryl Woods

53. Honeysuckle Summer by Sherryl Woods

54. The Summer Hideaway by Susan Wiggs

55. A Proimse of Hope by Amy Clipston

56. Return to Sender by Fern Michaels

57. Eight Days to Live by Iris Johansen

58. The Lost Hours by Karen White

59. Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts

60. The Wedding Machine by Beth Webb Hart ( don't waste your time on this one!! )

61. Hannah's List by Debbie Macomber

62. Like a Watered Garden

63. Gardenias for Breakfast Robin Jones Gunn

64. Secrets by Robin Jones Gunn

65. Lavender Morning by Jude Deveraux

66. Game Over by Fern Michaels

67. Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts

68. Like Dandelion Dust by Karen Kingsbury

69. Return to Sullivan's Island by Dorothea Benton Frank

70. Whale Island by Cathy Lamb

71. Queen of Hearts by Judy Duarte

72. The Marrying Kind by Debbie Macomber

73. The Shunning by beverly Lewis

74. The Confession by Beverly Lewis

75. The Honeymoon House by Mary Carter

76. The Reckoning by Beverly Lewis

77. This Side of Heaven by Karen Kingsbury

Don't miss the giveaway being offered below!!

It's a GIVEAWAY

2010-06-28T14:53:00.001-04:00

Now that I've reviews the three recent books in Sheryl Woods "A Sweet Magnolia Novel" series I've got something for you!!!

You can read my reviews of these three books here, here, and here.

You can enter for a chance to win a copy of these three books of your very own!!

There are a few ways to enter.

Leave a comment on this post
become a follower then leave another comment to tell me you did.
Share this post with others, leave another comment posting the link where you shared.
this post is open to ANYONE, no matter where you live. :)

That's it, sit back & wait!!! I'll use random.org to draw a winning number on Monday, July 12th.

Good Luck!!

Honeysuckle Summer by Sheryl Woods

2010-06-28T14:42:00.001-04:00

This is the third book in the series I began reviewing last month, sorry it took me so long to get this last one posted, things have been hectic around here.

From the author's website:

Her devastating marriage behind her, Raylene Hammond is truly thankful for her best friends, the Sweet Magnolias. They’ve taken her in, shielding her from the world. Then she meets sheriff’s deputy Carter Rollins, and suddenly Raylene’s haven no longer feels quite so safe.

Carter understands why Raylene is trapped inside. He’s even taken to bringing the outside world to her. But with two kid sisters to raise, just how much time can he devote to this woman who's stolen his heart?

Raylene knows Carter is a man worth loving, but she may never be strong enough to accept what he’s offering. How long can she ask him to wait? Maybe they’ll never have more than this one sweet summer.

I really enjoyed this book. To see Raylene begin to come out of her shell and consider love again in her life is inspiring to many I imagine. I love how this is a true romance novel but yet it keeps you guessing in places too.

Happy Anniversary!!

2010-06-24T10:58:00.000-04:00

Marriage is not a noun; it's a verb. It isn't something you get. It's something you do. It's the way you love your partner every day.

Barbara De Angelis
American Expert on Relationship & Love, Author
more famous quotes

Today is our 15th wedding anniversary!!!

I promise to get back to the book stuff soon, I've just had no inspiration to blog lately!

Aloha

2010-05-13T14:59:00.000-04:00

I'm off to Hawaii on a anniversary trip with my hubby.

I promise when I get back I'll get the review of the last Sherryl Woods book I read.

Along with a giveaway of copies of the first two books, reviewed below.

Sweet Tea at Sunrise by Sherryl Woods

2010-05-05T16:33:00.000-04:00

Sweet Tea at Sunrise By Sherryl Woods

Publish date May 2010

From the Authors website:

Emotionally-wounded single mom Sarah Price has come home to Serenity, South Carolina, for a fresh start. With support from her two best friends — the newest generation of Sweet Magnolias — she can face any crisis. But sometimes a woman needs more than even treasured friends can provide.

Sexy Travis McDonald may be exactly what Sarah’s battered self-confidence requires. The newcomer is intent on getting Sarah to work at his fledgling radio station...and maybe into his bed, as well.

Sarah has learned not to trust sweet words. She’ll measure the man by his actions. Is Travis the one to heal her heart? Or will he break it again?

I tell you those Sweet Magnolia's are one protective bunch, as soon as Travis starts showing an interest in Sarah they begin making phone calls, threats, inneundos, anything to protect her. Do they protect her? Perhaps. This book shows how living in a small town can be when you're trying to date someone, begin a relationship ~ personal or business ~ with someone when you're an outsider. They can get protective, nosey, and downright bossy sometimes. If you've read the first book in this series, don't stop there, follow along with Sarah's story in this one to see if she can get over the hurt and emotional abuse she's still recovering from to give Travis a chance at being a employer, a friend, and more!

I really like this series and if you like a chance to read these first two books in the series be sure to stick around, I've got two brand new copies of them to giveaway here!!

Home in Carolina by Sherryl Woods, a review

2010-05-03T11:47:00.000-04:00

From the authors website

There’s no place like home, especially if it’s Serenity, South Carolina. For Annie Sullivan, though, the homecoming is bittersweet. She’d always envisioned a life there with her childhood best friend, Tyler Townsend. But Ty’s betrayal has cost her the family and the future they’d once planned.

For Ty, losing Annie was heartbreaking. Still, he can’t imagine life without the three-year-old son whose mother left him for Ty to raise. Ty wants it all — Annie, his child and the future he’d dreamed about — and he’s back home in Serenity to fight for it. But getting Annie to forgive and forget may be the hardest challenge he’s ever faced. With the stakes so high, this is one game he can’t afford to lose.

I absolutely loved this book, it reminded me alot of Debbie Macombers style of writing just set on a different coast. This small town atmosphere is just the kind of thing I love and I could envision this town perfectly, thanks to Sherryl's descriptive writing!

Even with the issues Ty & Annie face, from residing in a small town and everyone knowing your business, to the betrayal that she's reminded with everytime she sees his little boy, Annie has a hard time staying away from her childhood friend. And from worrying about issues she suffered from in the past, Ty worries about her life if he spends too much time with her.

Grab a glass of sweat tea and come see what happens in this quaint town of Serenity, where the Sweet Magnolias live, and be prepared to want to read the next two titles which are released in May & June!

Book Review

2010-05-03T10:53:00.000-04:00

I was sent three books by the author Sherryl Woods to review a few weeks ago. I have to apologize now for not getting these reviews up earlier. With the death of my husband's grandfather & then having two sick kids all last week and trying to get ready for our trip coming up I haven't taken the time to sit down and write these out.

Nor have I taken time to submit interview quesitons to the author!! Now can I honestly admit I don't know what to ask her? I used to dream of being a journalist adn doing interviews, actually my dream was to be a famous author, funny how now I'm reading her books & have the opportunity to interview her and I'm at a loss! Good thing I didn't follow through on my career path, huh?

Okay, okay I need to do the review(s) I'll put those in another post since I've rambled on and on I think!

Exciting news!!

2010-04-25T20:18:00.000-04:00

I've been approached to read three titles (it's a series) that haven't been released yet for review here. Not only do I get the books ahead of everyone else, I get to interview the author to put here too!! And I've got two copies of the first two titles to give away here to lucky readers too!!

So be sure to stick around , the reviews are coming up soon!!!

100 book Challenge ~ 2010

2010-04-06T14:59:00.000-04:00

These are the books I've read so far for 2010. My goal is to read between 135-150 books this year.

1. The Sweetheart's Knitting Club by Lori Wilde

2. Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury

3. Round Robin by Jennifer Chiaverini

4. Ford County by John Grisham

5. The Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans

6. Brides for Brothers by Debbie Macomber

7. The Marriage Risk by Debbie Macomber

8. The Last Promise by Richard Paul Evans

9. A Creed Country Christmas by Linda Lael Miller

10. At Home in Mitford Jan Karon

11. A Gift of Grace by Amy Clipston

12. Echoes by Robin Jones Gunn

13. Whispers by Robin Jones Gunn

14. Faking It by Jennifer Crusie

15. Secrets by Robin Jones Gunn

16. Why My Third Husband will be a Dog by Lisa Scottoline

17. Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky

18. Blood Game by Iris Johansen

19. Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

20. Redemption by Karen Kingsbury

21. Remember by Karen Kingsbury

22. Return by Karen Kingsbury

23. Rejoice by Karen Kingsbury

24. Partners by Nora Roberts

25. The Art of Deception by Nora Roberts

26. Cindy and the Prince by Debbie Macomber

27. Some Kind of Wonderful by Debbie Macomber

28. Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman

29. She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb

30. The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin by Josh Berk

31. Reunion by Karen Kingsbury

32. Jenna's Cowboy by Sharon Gillenwater

33. Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

34. House Rules by Jodi Picoult

35. Fodor's Maui 2009

36. Maui Revealed The Ultimate Guidebook by Andrew Doughty

37. Plain Pursuit by Beth Wiseman

38. Top Maui Restaurants From Thrifty to Four Star by James & Molly Jacobson

39. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

40. Fame by Karen Kingsbury

41. Forgiven by Karen Kingsbury

42. Found by Karen Kingsbury

43. Family by Karen Kingsbury

44. Forever by Karen Kingsbury

A review....

2010-03-27T22:48:00.000-04:00

A few months ago I told you about this new site I had found that gave bloggers books to read for FREE as long as said blogger agreed to post a review on their site and one other site. I've had my book for a while & just made myself skip a trip to the library so I'd run out of books and read this one. Not that I wasn't looking forward to reading this one I was, I just have this weird library fetish going on LOL!!

I received Plain Pursuit by Beth Wiseman. This is the synopsis from her website.

When Carley Marek takes a hiatus from her job, she leaves Texas and visits her friend, Lillian, in Amish Country, Pennsylvania. Carley isn't there long when she meets Lillian's charming-but shunned-brother-inlaw, Dr. Noah Stoltzfus.

When Lillian's stepson is stricken with a life-threatening disease, Noah is forbidden to intervene, but he resolves to do whatever it takes to save the boy's life. Carley finds herself caught in the middle of her feelings for Noah and her loyalty to Lillian. And to further complicate matters, everyone around her is talking about God--a God she doesn't know and who appears to be punishing her for her past mistakes.

When her hiatus is up, Carley must make a life-changing decision: stay and face the path that is set before her, or flee and leave the only love she's ever known.

I was looking forward to reading another book set in Amish country, why this setting has been speaking out to m so much lately I'm not sure. I don't know if it's the fascination of their way of life, the things they do without that the rest of us would simply never think we could do without. Maybe it's the way their faith really comes out, makes me question my faith, whether I'm doing all I should be as a Christian. Or maybe it's the inevitable 'amish' recipes that are always in the back of these books? *Smile* I'm not sure but I'm going to keep reading.

If you want to read a simple, uplifting story, this is it. Follow Carley as she struggles with issues from her own life as she struggles with recent events in her life. As she adjusts to living with Lillian in Amish country, just doing without the everyday things one is used to. To being caught in the middle when Lillian's stepson becomes gravely ill. To learning to live her life again once she returns home. The author has such a way with her words, I could picture myself driving up to that big beautiful farm house, I could smell the homemade bread Carly went on and on about, or hear the cows mooing in the field outside!

As I mentioned I had read some previous books set in Amish country, but it was nice that the author included a small glossary of Amish 'words' in the front of the book for any reader who wanted to verify them.

I absolutely loved this book!! Be warned, it is part of a series and this is the second one, normally I don't like to read them out of order. I don't think this affected any of the story in this one and I plan to look for the others at my library!

Titles 33-40 for 2010

2010-03-27T21:42:00.000-04:00

33. Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

34. House Rules by Jodi Picoult

35. Fodor's Maui 2009

36. Maui Revealed The Ultimate Guidebook by Andrew Doughty

37. Plain Pursuit by Beth Wiseman

38. Top Maui Restaurants From Thrifty to Four Star by James & Molly Jacobson

39. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

40. Fame by Karen Kingsbury

How are you doing with your reading goal for the year?

More titles

2010-03-10T14:03:00.000-05:00

So yes, I've been busy reading. Obviously, I've not been busy blogging. I'm such a bad blogger sometimes that I don't keep up with these things! Then again, all what 2 of you who follow me will forgive me, right? ;)

Here is what I've read this year, added to my previous list.
9. A Creed Country Christmas by Linda Lael Miller

10. At Home in Mitford Jan Karon

11. A Gift of Grace by Amy Clipston

12. Echoes by Robin Jones Gunn

13. Whispers by Robin Jones Gunn

14. Faking It by Jennifer Crusie

15. Secrets by Robin Jones Gunn

16. Why My Third Husband will be a Dog by Lisa Scottoline

17. Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky

18. Blood Game by Iris Johansen

19. Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

20. Redemption by Karen Kingsbury

21. Remember by Karen Kingsbury

22. Return by Karen Kingsbury

23. Rejoice by Karen Kingsbury

24. Partners by Nora Roberts

25. The Art of Deception by Nora Roberts

26. Cindy and the Prince by Debbie Macomber

27. Some Kind of Wonderful by Debbie Macomber

28. Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman

29. She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb

30. The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin by Josh Berk

31. Reunion by Karen Kingsbury

32. Jenna's Cowboy by Sharon Gillenwater

I love this!

2010-03-03T20:18:00.000-05:00

I'm a big fan of Jodi Picoult and her new book, House Rules was released yesterday. I receive nenwsletters from her and got this one yesterday. I just loved this & wanted to share (in case you don't get her newsletters).

March 1, 2010

Top Ten Reasons you should go out tomorrow and buy HOUSE RULES

10. Because Glee is still in reruns and you have nothing better to do at night.

9. The voices in your head told you to.

8. You know someone autistic. Or you know someone who knows someone autistic.

7. You’ve been waiting for a new Picoult book since, oh, this time last year.

6. It’s Mud Season. Really, isn’t that reason enough to treat yourself to ANYTHING?

5. James Patterson doesn’t have a new book out this week

4. You’re in the mood to laugh, cry, think, and feel. All at once.

3. It features one of my all time favorite narrators. And with 17 books under my belt that’s nothing to sneeze at.

2. You already can’t wait to talk about it with your mom/spouse/sister/co-worker.

AND THE NUMBER ONE REASON YOU SHOULD GO OUT TOMORROW AND BUY HOUSE RULES:

1. It’s a great read.

So, are you planning to read it? I am.....just as soon as I get notice from the library that it's my turn!!

Booksneeze

2010-02-11T15:05:00.000-05:00

I received my first book in the mail from Booksneeze a week or so ago.
Now I need to get my behind in gear and read it instead of reading all these library books I picked up LOL!!

A New Site

2010-01-13T16:55:00.000-05:00

Oh I've found a new site for book lovers, especailly book lovers who blog!!

Booksneeze.com

They offer books for review, free! You request your book, read it and post a 200 word review on your blog. That's it.

Guess who just signed up? Me!! And I just requested my first book too!! Yippee

More titles

2010-01-11T18:52:00.000-05:00

Man, I'm telling you this winter sure is improving my reading. I have not been out of the house since last Sunday (other then to carry wood in for the fire), January 4th. We have been hit with two snow storms in teh last week. The first one was ice that then turned to snow, my van has been parked at the bottom of our driveway since last Monday evening when Jason came home from work. He had to use the company 4 wheel drive truck to get to work the rest of the week, thank God for a great boss & small company that he works for!!

Anyways I've also read these titles:

5. The Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans

6. Brides for Brothers by Debbie Macomber
7. The Marriage Risk by Debbie Macomber
8. The Last Promise by Richard Paul Evans

Karen Kingsbury

2010-01-09T12:39:00.000-05:00

This is a new author to my reading list. She's been around for quite a few years and has quite a few book titles under her belt. She is a inspirational novelist, I've heard her mentioned several times over the years by friends and family. I've just never picked one up for some reason. You can read her all about her here.

Well, that has all changed for me now. I saw a ad in a magazine for Shades of Blue and then saw another mention of it in a newspaper type magazine I picked up at my library with a bunch of new titles in it. It peaked my interest again, I logged on to my libraries website and put it on hold and began to wait for my turn. I didn't have to wait long actually and I have to say WOW. I will definitely be reading more of her books.

Is it sad someone asked? Yes, it was in some parts. But then it was so uplifting in other parts. It was about trials & tribulations and keeping faith in God.

From her website:
Shades of Blue

Sometimes hope lies somewhere in the shades of blue.

Brad Cutler, twenty-eight, is a rising star at his New York ad agency, about to marry the girl of his dreams. Anyone would agree he has it all … a great career, a beautiful and loving fiancee, and a fairy tale life ahead of him—when memories of a high school girlfriend begin to torment him.

Lost innocence and one very difficult choice flood his conscience, and he is no longer sure what the future will bring except for this: He must find his old love and make amends. Haunted by the past and confused about the future, he turns to God seeking forgiveness and redemption.

Three people must work through the repercussions of a decision made long ago before any of them can look toward a new future.

Now I've got to do some research of my own and figure out which book to I want to read next!!

Books Read in 2010

2010-01-08T16:56:00.000-05:00

1. A Sweetheart's Knitting Club by Lori Wilde
2. Shades of Blue by Karen Kingsbury ( I absolutely LOVED this one!!!)
3. Round Robin by Jennifer Chiaverini
4. The Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans

Goals for 2010?

2010-01-02T13:58:00.000-05:00

After the challenge from the library last year I've decided to set my own reading goal for 2010.

I ended up reading 127.5 books in 2009, just barely started that last half ;) and I didn't get started until mid-January last year. So for 2010 I think I'm going to try to read 135 books. I'd love to possibly hit 150 but I know I'm spending a week in Maui in May & I don't plan on reading much then ;) Among everything that goes on in a normal day around here I'm not sure I'll be able to reach 150 so I'll aim lower for 135.

What about you do you have a goal? Julie, go for 150!! YAY YOU!! Would you like to join in with me? Keep track of what you read, children's books do not count but books on tape/cd do.

The End of the 2009

2009-12-29T16:12:00.000-05:00

The end of the year brings to end the 'Read 100 Stories/Novels in a year' challenge that was put on by my library system. I did make it, I did receive my gold card, three mnths early in fact!

I have kept on reading but have slacked off some.
Here is my completed list for the year, I'm still finishing up the last one, I've got three days to finish!

1. Tribute by Nora Roberts

2. Tomorrow's Promise by Sandra Brown
3. Someone to Love by Jude Deveraux
4. Crazy in Love by Luanne Rice
5. A Country Affair by Rebecca Shaw
6. Country Wives by Rebecca Shaw
7. Country Lovers by Rebecca Shaw
8. Hissy Fit by Mary Kay Andrews
9. The Summerhouse by Jude Deveraux
10. Stone Heart by Luanne Rice
11. By My Side by Nora Roberts
12. 1000 Places to See Before You Die (USA & Canada version) by Patricia Schultz
13. Mobil Travel Guide for Southern California & Hawaii
14. The Enchanted Land by Jude Deveraux
15. Finding the Dream by Nora Roberts
16. Endless Chain by Emilie Richards
17. Not a Girl Detective by Susan Kandel
18. Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
19. Prospect Street by Emilie Richards
20. Eyewitness Travel Guides HAWAII
21. Emma and the Outlaw by Linda Lael Miller
22. Big Sky Winter by Diana Palmer
23. Plain Truth by Jodi PIcoult
24. Carpe Demon (Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom) by Julie Kenner
25. Sister's Choice by Emilie Richards
26. Home to Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
27. Frommer's Hawaii 2007
28. Adventure Guide Maui
29. Traveller's Hawaii
30. The everything family guide to Hawaii
31. Isle of Palms by Dorothea Benton Frank
32. Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult
33. Naughty Neighbor by Janet Evanovich
34. The Manninng Brides by Debbie Macomber
35. Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich
36. Last Kiss by Luanne Rice
37. Secrets by Jude Deveraux
38. Restoring Grace by Katie Fforde
39. Wife for Hire by Janet Evanovich
40. If the Shoe Fits by Stephanie Rowe
41. Rogue by Danielle Steele
42. Deja Demon by Julie Kenner
43. Deep Dish by Mary Kay Andrews
44. The Widows of Eden by George Shaffner
45. Manhunting by Jennifer Crusie
46. High Heels are Murder by Elaine Viets
47. The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes by Jennifer Crusie, Eileen Dreyer, Anne Stuart
48. What I Did for Love by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
49. We Are All Welcome Here by Elizabeth Berg
50. Sealed with a Kiss by Carly Phillips
51. Fast Women by Jennifer Crusie
52. A Year of Pleasures by Elizabeth Berg
53. The Letters by Luanne Rice & Joseph Monninger
54. Under the Radar by Fern Michaels
55. The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks
56. Dark Summer by Iris Johansen
57. The Stanislaski Stories (Taming Natasha & Luring a Lady)by Nora Roberts
58, Practically Perfect by Katie Fforde
59. Look Again by Lisa Scottoline
60. Summer on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber
61. Savannah Breeze by Mary Kay Andrews
62. Legend by Jude Deveraux
63. Mr & Miss Anonymous by Fern Michaels
64. Destination: Marriage by Jill Marie Landis, Jo Leigh, & Jackie Braun
65. Heartbreak Hotel by Anne Rivers Siddons
66. Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger
67. Vision in White by Nora Roberts
68. The Mulberry Tree by Jude Deveraux
69. The Complete Idiots Guide to Hawaii
70. The Rustler by Linda Lael Miller
71. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
72. True Colors by Kristin Hannah
73. Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews
74. Little Bitty Lies by Mary Kay Andrews
75. Tara Road by Maeve Binchy
76. Picture Perfect by Jodi Picoult
77. Summer Island by Kristin Hannah
78. New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
79. Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
80. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
81. The Matchmakers by Debbie Macomber
82. Wifey by Judy Blume
83. Razor Sharp by Fern MIchaels
84. The Fixer Upper by Mary Kay Andrews
85. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
86. Summer's Child by Luanne Rice
87. Insider Guide to N.C. Outer Banks by Molly Perkins Harrison
88. Sisterchicks on the Loose by Robin Jones Gunn
89. Black Hills by Nora Roberts
90. The Scoop by Fern Michaels
91. Sisterchicks do the Hula by Robin Jones Gunn
92. Happiness Key by Emilie Richards
93. Sisterchicks in Sombreros by Robin Jones Gunn
94. Sister Mine by Tawni O'Dell
95. Almost Paradise by Debbie Macomber
96. Yours and Mine by Debbie Macomber
97. Married in Seattle by Debbie Macomber
98. The Guy Not Taken by Jennifer Weiner
99. Lost Lady by Jude Deveraux
100. Swapping Lives by Jane Green
101. Finger Lickin' fifteen by Janet Evanovich
102. The Cinderella Pact by Sarah Stroyhemeyer
103. Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes by Robin Jones Gunn
104. 92 Pacific Boulevard by Debbie Macomber
105. Rhett Butler's People by Donald McCaig
106. Top Maui Restaurants 2008 From Thrify to Four Star
107. Maui Revealed, The Ultimate Guidebook by Andrew Doughty
108. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
109. The Perfect Christmas by Debbie Macomber
110. The Quilter's Apprentice by Jennifer Chiaverini
111. The Cross-Country Quilters' by Jennifer Chiaverini
112. The Sugar Camp Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini
113. The Circle of Quilter's by Jennifer Chiaverini
114. The New Year's Quilt by Jennifer Chiaverini
115. Looking for Salvation at the Dairy Queen by Susan Gregg Gillmore
116. What Happens In Paris by Nancy Richards Thompson
117. Grace by Richard Paul Evans
118, Deadly Deal by Fern Michaels
119. The Great Christmas Bowl by Susan May Warren
120. Finding Noel by Richard Paul Evans
121. The Christmas List by Richard Paul Evans
122. The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans
123. Timepiece by RPE
124. The Letter by RPE
125. A Perfect Day by RPE
126. The Looking Glass by RPE
127. The Legend of Mammy Jane by Sylvia Jarive Pishke
128. The Sweethearts Knitting Club by Lori Wilde

So...here's the question or should I say challenge to you. I'm going to challenge myself to read 135 books next year, do you want to take the challenge to read 100?

I'm still here & reading

2009-12-14T13:40:00.003-05:00

I admit that I slacked off once I hit my goal of 100 in September (three months ahead of time)but I've also been a busy bee with the family and house!!

I am still reading, right now I'm on a 'Christmas' theme book kick ;) I don't care I will read them anytime of year but enjoy them moreso I think this time of year.

A friend recommended a new author to me, Richard Paul Evans, actually she sent me one last year to read first, so I checked several of his out at the library.

So what are you reading? Do you read 'holiday themed' books around different holidays through out the year?

A New Author

2009-10-28T14:46:00.002-04:00

I saw an ad in All You magazine for a book titled The Cross-Country Quilters by Jennifer Chiaverini a few weeks ago.

It looked interesting and reminded me of one of my favorite series by Emilie Richards, The Shenandoah Album Novels, they all seem to revolve around a quilt pattern in some way.

So I looked up the author online at my county library, I wanted to reserve this book. Well I discovered that this is the third story in a series of books, and actually this one isn't the newest edition so I'm not sure why it was in such a big ad in that magazine. I found the first book in the series, The Quilter's Apprentice and put it on hold.

I loved it!! Granted it may not have been the greatest story ever told but the actually quilting, mentioning of patterns, etc in this book just drew me in. I come from a line of quilters, and I really want to get into quilting myself.

So, once I read the first one I decided to read the others too. I haven't been reading them in order because for some odd reason my county library doesn't have the second on in their system. I did read The Cross-Country Quilters and now I'm reading The Sugar Camp Quilt.

Rhett Butler's People

2009-10-10T14:15:00.004-04:00

Rhett Butler's People by Donald McCaig has been on my want to read list for a few months now. My mom had it laying in her pile from the library so I snatched it and brought it home to read.

I posted below about my *funk* and I was really hoping it would help to get my out of my funk. I have to say it hasn't disappointed. It was a little hard to get into at first but I'm hooked!!

I love the book (and movie) Gone With the Wind. I've read Scarlett and enjoyed it too. And now to see this side of the 'story' and how things fall into place with Gone With the Wind is keeping my interest I'm sure.

Have any of you (okay, Julie...my one & only reader here LOL!!)read any of his other works? I'm thinking I might have to look up Jacob's Ladder and try reading it sometime too.

If you enjoy books of this genre you should try it out!!

In a rut

2009-10-04T21:07:00.002-04:00

Since I hit my 100th book of the year I seem to be in a rut.

I've read 4 or 5 books since the beginning of September, that is it.

Nothing I've picked up has really kept my interest, I did read Debbie Macomber's new Cedar Cove series book in September. But even that took me a while to read, not flying through it in a day or two like I usually would.

I feel so *odd* this is so unlike me!! So I decided to turn all the library books I had out back in and start anew with choosing books. I actually took one from my mom's to be read pile at her house today....Rhett Butler's People, I've had this one on my want to read list for a while now. I'm hoping it pulls me in and I get back into the groove of things LOL!!

Books

2009-09-25T14:40:00.002-04:00

I'm a HUGE advocate of my county library system. I think you can tell that if you read my blog much. I refuse to spend money on books when I can save that money and get them at the library for free. Helps my budget, helps them. I mean, come on I've read 104 books this year if I had bought all of those books can you imagine how much money I would have spent?

So with that said...my hubby is planning to take me to Hawaii next year to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary. I have been researching online and reading any Hawaii travel book I can find at the library for months now. The problem with that is that most of the time they are already a year or so old, so some of the information is already out of date.

I had someone recommend Maui Revealed: The Ultimate Guidebook by Andrew Doughty to me to purchase. Granted it is a 2007 edition it's supposed to be a super good book. So I bit the bullet and ordered it.

That just got me in trouble though because while looking for that one I found these two new editions, that I couldn't resist ordering too!!

1. Top Maui Restaurants 2008 From Thrifty to Four Star: Indispensable Advice from Experts Who Live, Play & Eat on Maui by James Jacobson & Molly Jacobson

2. Fodor's Maui 2009

I can't wait until these arrive, I'll have some good reading all winter, as I'm sure I'll read them over & over, with highlighter in hand soaking in all I can before we say Aloha!!

Such a nerd am I

2009-09-09T20:50:00.002-04:00

With four months still to go in the libraries program to read 100 stories this year & earn a gold card, I picked this up today.

Websites

2009-08-26T15:49:00.002-04:00

These are a few websites that I like to check out every so often relating to books.

Bookreporter.com This one offers reviews on various books, new releases etc. They also host special giveaways and such.

Read It Forward This one is from Random House and you can sign up to get FREE copies of hot, new titles to read. I actually just received one in the mail last week to read!!

I use Shelfari all the time to keep up with what I've read, what I'm reading, and books I want to read.

I am subscribed to a few of my favorite authors websites so I receive updates from them via email, and I have a few on my Facebook account too.

I was thinking there was one more but now I can't remember what it is.

Are there any book related sites that you use or love?

Almost there!!

2009-08-24T21:19:00.002-04:00

1. Tribute by Nora Roberts
2. Tomorrow's Promise by Sandra Brown
3. Someone to Love by Jude Deveraux
4. Crazy in Love by Luanne Rice
5. A Country Affair by Rebecca Shaw
6. Country Wives by Rebecca Shaw
7. Country Lovers by Rebecca Shaw
8. Hissy Fit by Mary Kay Andrews
9. The Summerhouse by Jude Deveraux
10. Stone Heart by Luanne Rice
11. By My Side by Nora Roberts
12. 1000 Places to See Before You Die (USA & Canada version) by Patricia Schultz
13. Mobil Travel Guide for Southern California & Hawaii
14. The Enchanted Land by Jude Deveraux
15. Finding the Dream by Nora Roberts
16. Endless Chain by Emilie Richards
17. Not a Girl Detective by Susan Kandel
18. Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
19. Prospect Street by Emilie Richards
20. Eyewitness Travel Guides HAWAII
21. Emma and the Outlaw by Linda Lael Miller
22. Big Sky Winter by Diana Palmer
23. Plain Truth by Jodi PIcoult
24. Carpe Demon (Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom) by Julie Kenner
25. Sister's Choice by Emilie Richards
26. Home to Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
27. Frommer's Hawaii 2007
28. Adventure Guide Maui
29. Traveller's Hawaii
30. The everything family guide to Hawaii
31. Isle of Palms by Dorothea Benton Frank
32. Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult
33. Naughty Neighbor by Janet Evanovich
34. The Manninng Brides by Debbie Macomber
35. Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich
36. Last Kiss by Luanne Rice
37. Secrets by Jude Deveraux
38. Restoring Grace by Katie Fforde
39. Wife for Hire by Janet Evanovich
40. If the Shoe Fits by Stephanie Rowe
41. Rogue by Danielle Steele
42. Deja Demon by Julie Kenner
43. Deep Dish by Mary Kay Andrews
44. The Widows of Eden by George Shaffner
45. Manhunting by Jennifer Crusie
46. High Heels are Murder by Elaine Viets
47. The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes by Jennifer Crusie, Eileen Dreyer, Anne Stuart
48. What I Did for Love by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
49. We Are All Welcome Here by Elizabeth Berg
50. Sealed with a Kiss by Carly Phillips
51. Fast Women by Jennifer Crusie
52. A Year of Pleasures by Elizabeth Berg
53. The Letters by Luanne Rice & Joseph Monninger
54. Under the Radar by Fern Michaels
55. The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks
56. Dark Summer by Iris Johansen
57. The Stanislaski Stories (Taming Natasha & Luring a Lady)by Nora Roberts
58, Practically Perfect by Katie Fforde
59. Look Again by Lisa Scottoline
60. Summer on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber
61. Savannah Breeze by Mary Kay Andrews
62. Legend by Jude Deveraux
63. Mr & Miss Anonymous by Fern Michaels
64. Destination: Marriage by Jill Marie Landis, Jo Leigh, & Jackie Braun
65. Heartbreak Hotel by Anne Rivers Siddons
66. Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger
67. Vision in White by Nora Roberts
68. The Mulberry Tree by Jude Deveraux
69. The Complete Idiots Guide to Hawaii
70. The Rustler by Linda Lael Miller
71. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer
72. True Colors by Kristin Hannah
73. Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews
74. Little Bitty Lies by Mary Kay Andrews
75. Tara Road by Maeve Binchy
76. Picture Perfect by Jodi Picoult
77. Summer Island by Kristin Hannah
78. New Moon by Stephenie Meyer
79. Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer
80. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
81. The Matchmakers by Debbie Macomber
82. Wifey by Judy Blume
83. Razor Sharp by Fern MIchaels
84. The Fixer Upper by Mary Kay Andrews
85. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer
86. Summer's Child by Luanne Rice
87. Insider Guide to N.C. Outer Banks by Molly Perkins Harrison
88. Sisterchicks on the Loose by Robin Jones Gunn
89. Black Hills by Nora Roberts
90. The Scoop by Fern Michaels
91. Sisterchicks do the Hula by Robin Jones Gunn
92. Happiness Key by Emilie Richards

Andrews

2009-07-02T15:23:00.002-04:00

Yes, her again. I am on a mission to read all of her books I can get my hands on.

I just discovered Mary Kay Andrews earlier this year as part of the 100 Challenge from my library. I'm so glad I discovered her!!

In the last week I've read Savannah Blues and Little Bitty Lies. Both were funny, good, easy to read books!!

Now I'm going to read Tara Road by Maeve Binchy, it was recommended by Julie I hope I like it ;0)

Admitting....

2009-06-25T11:26:00.003-04:00

that I finally gave in and read Twilight over the weekend.
Just the first book of the series but once I finished it I think I will read the others.
Just as soon as my turn at the library comes up, I'm in no hurry I've got a stack of nine others here to read.

Currently I'm finishing up True Colors by Kristin Hannah.

FYI..

2009-06-05T12:13:00.003-04:00

And while there I'll be reading:

Chasing Harry Winston by Lauren Weisberger

Vision in White by Nora Roberts

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Hawaii (I'm researching for next year!!!)

and maybe if I have time:

The Mulberry Tree by Jude Deveraux

Anne Rivers Siddons

2009-06-04T10:41:00.002-04:00

Do you read her books? Do you like them?

I checked out Heartbreak Hotel by her, I kept thinking I've heard people talking about her books & recommending them.

I'm sorry I tried....but I just couldn't get into it. I actually skimmed the whole book after the 5th chapter so I could finish it and count it on my 100 challenge list.

Maybe it was just this book or are all her books like this, so much detail blah blah blah stuff?

Now I'm going to read Chasing Harry Winston by Laruen Weisberger.

I'm going on vacation next week and my mom picked up my copy of Vision in White by Nora Roberts for me @ the library branch close to her house so I can't wait until Saturday when we meet them at the beach and I can get started on that!! I hope it's good! I really enjoyed her last one, Tribute.

Seriously....

2009-05-27T20:10:00.003-04:00

If you haven't read any of Mary Kay Andrews books you should.

They are so full of southern humor and I love that!! They get my interest from page one and keep me reading just fo the laughs! I literally laughed out loud all through this one and my hubby just kept looking at me LOL!!

I just recently finished Savannah Breeze. I've also read Deep Dish, Blue Christmas, and Hissy Fit.

There are a few she's written that I haven't read yet and I just found out a new one is coming out on June 23rd!! I'm off to the library web page to see if I can reserve it!!

What I've been doing lately

2009-05-23T21:43:00.003-04:00

Reading LOL!! I am surprised by how far along I am in the 100 book challenge. I was really doubting I could make it at one point. And I kept telling myself I had to hit 50 by June, 6 months in half way mark would make sense right?

Well I'm on 61!! YAY!! And I'm not going to stop, I love to read so even once I hit the 100 mark I won't stop, I'm going to keep going as much as I have to see how many I can read in 50 weeks. I say 50 because I was a week or two late starting the challenge at my library which began the first of the year.

I've taken this challenge so far that I've challenged my friends on a online forum's book club area to read 100 with me this year! And I'm earning a "gold card" from my library once I complete the challenge so I've offered up our very own 'gold book club card' for those that meet the quota. I'm actually thinking of using different colors for all participants depending on how many they've read. Sort of like the Olympic medals come in different colors, everyone should be included LOL!!

So here is what I've read since the last post:

The Letters by Luanne Rice & Joseph Monninger

Under the Radar by Fern Michaels Another great edition to The Sisterhood Series!

The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks Always love his books.

Dark Summer by Iris Johansen Loved this one!

The Stanislaski Stories (Taming Natasha & Luring a Lady)by Nora Roberts

Practically Perfect by Katie Fforde

Look Again by Lisa Scottoline Absolutely LOVE Scottoline!!! I read this in a few hours!

Summer on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber A true Macomber novel, I enjoy this series too, can't wait until the next in her Cedar Cover series comes out in September.

Savannah Breeze by Mary Kay Andrews this is a "new" author to me, she's on the list below I just discovered her while doing this challenge and I do enjoy her books. Such southern humor!!

Anyone out there care to share what you're reading? =0) Julie I know you're list LOL!!

I hit the halfway mark!

2009-05-05T19:50:00.005-04:00

On my libraries read 100 stories this year challenge. I hit the halfway mark!!
Just a recap of what I've read since mid-January.

Tribute by Nora Roberts
Tomorrow's Promise by Sandra Brown
Someone to Love by Jude Deveraux
Crazy in Love by Luanne Rice
A Country Affair by Rebecca Shaw
Country Wives by Rebecca Shaw
Country Lovers by Rebecca Shaw
Hissy Fit by Mary Kay Andrews
The Summerhouse by Jude Deveraux
Stone Heart by Luanne Rice
By My Side by Nora Roberts
1000 Places to See Before You Die (USA & Canada version) by Patricia Schultz
Mobil Travel Guide for Southern California & Hawaii
The Enchanted Land by Jude Deveraux
Finding the Dream by Nora Roberts
Endless Chain by Emilie Richards
Not a Girl Detective by Susan Kandel
Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
Prospect Street by Emilie Richards
Eyewitness Travel Guides HAWAII
Emma and the Outlaw by Linda Lael Miller
Big Sky Winter by Diana Palmer
Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult
Carpe' Demon (Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom) by Julie Kenner
Sister's Choice by Emilie Richards
Home to Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
Frommer's Hawaii 2007
Adventure Guide Maui
Traveller's Hawaii
The everything family guide to Hawaii
Isle of Palms by Dorothea Benton Frank
Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult
Naughty Neighbor by Janet Evanovich
The Manning Brides by Debbie Macomber
Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich
Last Kiss by Luanne Rice
Secrets by Jude Deveraux
Restoring Grace by Katie Fforde
Wife for Hire by Janet Evanovich
If the Shoe Fits by Stephanie Rowe
Rogue by Danielle Steele
Deja' Demon by Julie Kenner
Deep Dish by Mary Kay Andrews
The Widows of Eden by George Shaffner
Manhunting by Jennifer Crusie
High Heels are Murder by Elaine Viets
The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes by Jennifer Crusie, Eileen Dreyer, Anne Stuart
What I Did for Love by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
We Are All Welcome Here by Elizabeth Berg
Sealed with a Kiss by Carly Phillips
Fast Women by Jennifer Crusie
A Year of Pleasures by Elizabeth Berg
The Letters by Luanne Rice & Joseph Monninger
Under the Radar by Fern Michaels

And after doing this post and labeling it I see some of my favorite author names that I haven't read in the last four months! I'll have to see if they have some I've missed, like Lisa Scottoline I've read most of hers if not all. I know she has a new one out or coming out I'll have to see what I can find.

Moving on.....

2009-05-03T20:45:00.003-04:00

I picked these up on a quick stop by the library last week.

Taming Natasha & Luring a Lady (this is two stories in one book) by Nora Roberts
Practically Perfect by Katie Fforde
Under the Radar by Fern Michaels
The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks
Dark Summer by Iris Johansen

And I've added this to my to be read list....The Help by Kathryn Stockett. Thanks Julie ;)

So I think this is like #55 that I'm reading now, I'm finishing up The Letters by Luanne Rice.

Whatch'a reading?

2009-04-14T19:31:00.004-04:00

I finished Deep Dish by Mary Kay Andrews on Saturday. I've read two others of hers Blue Christmas and more recently Hissy Fit. I really like her books, she has such a sense of southern humor and I love that!!

Currently I'm reading another new author, so far so good I guess. It's not sucking me in, refusing to let me go do other things, can't put it down title but I'm liking it okay.

The Widows of Eden by George Shaffner

I picked up Saving Fish from Drowning by Amy Tan today for a online book discussion group. I've never read any of her work before. But after reading about her on the back of the book I realize I'm familiar with some of her work in children's books. My dd used to like to watch Sagwa on PBS.

Then I have these from the library too:

High Heels are Murder by Elaine Viets
The Year of Treasures by Elizabeth Berg
We All Are Welcome Here by Elizabeth Berg
What I Did for Love by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
The Letters by Luanne Rice & Joseph Monninger
The Unfortunate Miss Fortunes by Jennifer Crusie
Sealed with a Kiss by Carly Phillips
Fast Women by Jennifer Crusie

I've read most of these authors before at least once. The only one I haven't read is Elaine Viets....I think and Joseph Monninger. So anyways, once I read all of these & add them to my list I'm up to 54 for the year!!!

Oh, I've got Manhunting by Jennifer Crusie here too. I think I've read it before but I'll read the first couple of chapters to be sure at least.

Moving ahead to 100

2009-04-01T19:25:00.003-04:00

I'm still here....I'm busy reading!! Oh and enjoying the nice warm weather days ~ when we get those ;0) I'm all about sitting in the sun or being somewhere soaking up some Vitamin D.

Anyways, I've read 38 books so far for the Read 100 stories in a year challenge.

I've got some more library books laying here so once I read those I'll be up to book #44, not to bad for 4 months I guess.

Right now I'm reading Restoring Grace by Katie Fforde.

She is a new author to me but I'm really enjoying her 'quirky' sense of humor writing.

Happy reading!!

Handle With Care

2009-03-24T12:42:00.002-04:00

Wow!

I managed to read the newest Jodi Picoult book in two days. Nothing odd about that I guess, I usually do get sucked into her books like that.

I was so shocked by the ending, not what I was expecting at all.

Do you read Jodi Picoult? Have you read this newest one? What did you think?

By the way on my 100 challenge I've completed something like 34 or 35 for the year so far. I've been picking up some books that once I get them home are actually two books re-released in one. I need to pay more attention because they only count as one but if I had checked them both out I would get to count them as two. I mean I read them regardless so why not get to count both? I've got to pay more attention ;) And I'm still reading about Hawaii too.....planning, dreaming. ;0)

11 New Library Books to REad

2009-03-18T20:43:00.001-04:00

And I'm starting with
Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult

then I picked up these too:

Last Kiss by Luanne Rice
Secrets by Jude Deveraux
Rogue by Danielle Steel
If the Shoe Fits by Stephanie Rowe
Deja Demon by Julie Kenner
Restoring Grace by Katie Fforde
Wife for Hire by Janet Evanovich
Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich
Naughty Neighbor by Janet Evanovich
The Manning Brides by Debbie Macomber.

Travel Guides

2009-03-16T19:46:00.002-04:00

These seem to be taking up some of my valuable reading time lately.

We're discussing a trip to Hawaii, just the two of us, perhaps in the fall of 2010. So in this discussion I've become a little um.....obsessed with reading all the books I can find on Hawaii, particularly Maui (we think that is the island we've decided on) and watching all the shows on TV that I can find about it too!!

Right now I have three Hawaii travel guides going back to the library tomorrow, and four more still here to browse through for the next few weeks. I've read them but I keep going back and reading some sections again and again. Oh and who can forget the beautiful photographs!! LOL!!

Hey there

2009-03-03T19:52:00.004-05:00

Well I'm 1/5th of the way to my goal of 100 books this year! I finished reading #20 this morning and began on #21 this afternoon ;0)

I made an impromptu stop at the library last Thrusday & didn't have my list of recommendations with me so I didn't walk out with any of those, but I will get to them! Okay IT I've had one recommendation ;)

This is what I walked out with:

Emma and the Outlaw by Linda Lael Miller
Big Sky Winter by Diana Palmer
Isle of Palms by Dorothea Benton Frank
Carpe' Demon by Julie Kenner
Sisters Choice by Emilie Richards
Home to Big Stone Gap by Adriani Trigiani

Mainly just a bunch of romance stuff ;) but sometime those are so easy to fly through so I can move on to more LOL!!

I've got recommendations!!

2009-02-08T20:32:00.002-05:00

From one of my commentators ;0) Thanks Julie!!

Have you read Wally Lamb? His books are long....but they are so good. Some of the best I've read.

I get a weekly email from bookreporter.com. You should sign up for it! It's so good and reviews tons of books so I get a lot of ideas from that.

I have not read his books nor heard of that newsletter BUT I will check them both out!! I always go through the catalogs that come in the mail to join the bookclub and look for good books but I haven't gotten one of those since we moved so this will help!!

A review/recommendation

2009-02-06T20:44:00.001-05:00

I listed Tribute by Nora Roberts in my posts a few weeks ago as a book I'd checked out and was just beginning to read. I really like this one!!! I never really know what to say about a book but I really enjoyed it. Maybe part of it was the house she was working on, knowing what that is to take a house, remodel make it yours etc. But anyways check it out!!

Virginia's Shenandoah Valley is a long way from Hollywood. And that's exactly how Cilla McGowan wants it. Cilla, a former child star who has found more satisfying work as a restorer of old houses, has come to her grandmother's farmhouse, tools at her side, to rescue it from ruin. Sadly, no one was able to save her grandmother, the legendary Janet Hardy. An actress with a tumultuous life, Janet entertained glamorous guests and engaged in decadent affairs - but died of an overdose in this very house more than thirty years earlier. To this day, Janet haunts Cilla's dreams. And during waking hours, Cilla is haunted by her melodramatic, five-times-married mother, who carried on in the public spotlight and never gave her a chance at a normal childhood. By coming east, rolling up her sleeves, and rehabbing this wreck of a house, Cilla intends to find some kind of normalcy for herself.Plunging into the project with gusto, she's almost too busy to notice her neighbor, graphic novelist Ford Sawyer - but his lanky form, green eyes, and easy, unflappable humor (not to mention his delightfully ugly dog, Spock) are hard to ignore. Determined not to perpetuate the family tradition of ill-fated romances, Cilla steels herself against Ford's quirky charm, but she can't help indulging in a little fantasy.But love and a peaceful life may not be in the cards for Cilla. In the attic, she has found a cache of unsigned letters suggesting that Janet Hardy was pregnant when she died - and that the father was a local married man. Cilla can't help but wonder what really happened all those years ago. The mystery only deepens with a series of intimidating acts and a frightening, violent assault. And if Cilla and Ford are unable to sort out who is targeting her and why, she may - like her world-famous grandmother - be cut down in the prime of her life. By Nora Roberts

On with the Challenge!!

2009-02-06T20:37:00.003-05:00

I made another trip to the library today to get more books for the 100 Challenge (read below).
This is what I came home with:

Endless Chain by Emilie Richards
Prospect Street by Emilie Richards
Not a Girl Detective by Susan Kandel
Finding the Dream by Nora Roberts
Big Stone Gap by Adriana Trigiani
The Summerhouse by Jude Deveraux (this one is also for a online book discussion group)
By My Side by Nora Roberts
The Enchanted Land by Jude Deveraux
Stone Heart by Luanne Rice

I also read Tomorrow's Promise by Sandra Brown that wasn't listed in my last post, my mom gave it to me from her stash of library books ;)

I tend to go back to the same authors time & again. While there is nothing wrong with that, some new ones wouldn't hrut. Adriana Trigiani was recommended to me. Care to recommend some of your favorite books or authors?

I want that card!

2009-01-28T15:47:00.001-05:00

Do you patronize your local library? I do. It's not a unknown fact that I love to read. I'm cheap so I refuse to pay money for a book that I can easily borrow. Besides, I couldn't afford my habit LOL!!

So this year my local county library is celebrating it's 100th anniversary. They host book clubs in the summer & winter but this year they are doing something else. Any patron that signs up and read 100 books this year will be awarded a gold library card! OOOOOOOHHHHHHH! They are also having give aways every three months or so. You do have to actually borrow their books for them to count and adults can't have children's books listed.

Well anyways, I signed up last week. A few weeks late getting into the game but I have read 4 books already so not too bad. I WANT that gold card, I have no idea why but I do!!

Whatcha Reading?

2009-01-14T10:21:00.004-05:00

I have been MIA again, sorry about that!!

Right now I'm reading Tribute by Nora Roberts. I've only read about the first 20 pages or so but I like what I've read.

I went to the library yesterday, to pick up a book that I put on reserve for a online book club I wanted to participate in. Only to find out I marked the wrong pick up location when reserving it so it wasn't there at all. It's at a different location, near my parent's house...if I can get there in the next few days I'll try to pick it up and hop into the discussion late I guess.

I also picked up:

A Country Affair by Rebecca Shaw
Country Wives by Rebecca Shaw
Country Lovers by Rebecca Shaw (yes these three go together. I've never read her before but I picked up all three hoping I love the series ;0) )
Crazy in Love by Luanne Rice
Someone to Love by Jude Deveraux
Hissy Fit by Mary Kay Andrews
Marley A Dog Like No Other by John Grogan (yes this is the book the movie is based on. And this is the young readers adaption so I can read it with Rachel)

So have you read any of these?

Another Library Run

2008-12-10T16:41:00.003-05:00

And this time I came home with a lot of Christmas/Holiday themed books, alot but not all.

Tell Me Lies by Jennifer Crusie
A Gift of Love* is a collection by Judith McNaught, Jude Deveraux, Kimberly Cates, Andrea Kane, and Judith O'Brien
The Christmas Pearl by Dorothea Benton Frank
Blue Christmas by Mary Kay Andrews
Glad Tidings by Debbie Macomber
First Impressions by Nora Roberts
Gabriel's Angel by Nora Roberts

and lastly I rechecked out
The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs
I had put off reading this one, being a big Debbie Macomber fan I thought it sounded too much like her Shop on Blossom Street series. Finally my turn at the library came up and I'm glad I did read this one. About the only similarities to Macomber's book was that it was about a yarn shop. I really enjoyed this and was not expecting the ending to turn out the way it did.

*I'm reading this one now.

2008-11-25T20:35:00.004-05:00

So I can't remember what I've read since I posted last (sorry about that) but I will try to remember.

Let's see, I do know I read Debbie Macomber's A Cedar Cove Christmas.

I read Luanne Rice's Light of the Moon it was okay but I was kind of disappointed. And I picked it as a book club discussion on a forum I belong to, I really hated that it wasn't as good as some of her other's I've read.

Let's see did I mention Final Justice by Fern Michaels already? Or how about Wedding Belles by Haywood Smith? This one was cute, I've never read any of her purple hat club hat books before, this isn't one but it mentions the club ;)

Currently I am reading Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah. I've missed reading her books!! I'm off now to read for a few hours, of course I'll have to stop and put the kids to bed as hubby is at a college basketball game but I want to finish this one to move on to The Friday Night Knitting Club, Bull's Island by Dorothea Benton Frank, and a Nora Roberts novel that I can't remember the name of currently.

Jennifer Crusie

2008-10-23T21:00:00.002-04:00

This is a author who I have mentioned quite often in the last few months. I stumbled upon the first one of hers I read and fell in love.

Romances are my favorite but these aren't the sappy kind of lovey dovey ooey gooey love stories that you might think of when someone mentions romance.

Hers are romance but they are so funny! She is so witty & quirky!!

You can read her biography here.

Some that I've read are collaborations with Bob Mayer, I loved these almost as much as her solo books.

IF I had to pick my absolute favorite one of hers that I've read, perhaps for you to read first? It would be the first one I read. Bet Me would be my choice hands down.

Library Trip

2008-10-21T16:50:00.002-04:00

Just back and this is what I brought with me.

Deadly Deceptions by Linda Lael Miller
Sweet Revenge by Fern Michaels
Final Justice by Fern Michaels
Goodnight Nobody by Jennifer Weiner
The Bay at Midnight by Diane Chamberlain
Wedding Belles by Haywood Smith

I've been reading alot of Jennifer Crusie lately ~ finishing up my third one now ~ as my mother in-law passed them to me and I hadn't had time to get to the library.

What are you reading?

Book meme!

2008-10-01T19:17:00.002-04:00

I've been tagged by Jenn to do this fun book meme!

She tagged me for my home blog but I thought it was appropriate for here too.

Here's the rules: Grab the nearest book. Open the book to page 56. Find the fifth sentence. Post the text of the next two to five sentences in your journal/blog along with these instructions. Don't dig for your favorite book, the cool book, or the intellectual one: pick the CLOSEST.
Tag five other people to do the same.

The closest book to me is actually the one I'm reading right now. Little Earthquakes by Jennifer Weiner.

And page 56 is the end of a chapter with only 7 sentences so I'll post what there is.

"Perfect. It was all going to be perfect."

I tag anyone who reads here and wants to play along. If you play along let me know and I'll stop by and see what you're reading!!

Book clubs

2008-09-29T11:23:00.002-04:00

Do you belong to any?

I've never found any in my area to join, granted there are some at the library I think but it seems every time I check it out online it's something that wouldn't interest me at all. The subject of the book or the genre itself, I mean.

So after much prodding by someone on a forum I belong to I joined the book club there this month.

The book selected for reading and discussion is Little Earthquakes by Jennifer Weiner.

I'm loving the book. Today the first question was posted to get the discussion going.

And I'm freaking! I am over thinking my answer trying to find more, trying to wrap my brain around the question, figure out if my answer is the correct answer, and just think I don't have it in me to discuss books. *Sigh* I love to read, I love to talk about them after I've read the whole thing but this in part thing I think is hard for me LOL!! Now I know why I've been leery of really joining a book club. I'll continue on with it but will wonder aloud to myself the whole time how stupid my answer sounds, how far off I am on the subject etc.

Such. A. Nerd. Am. I.

Whatch'a Reading?

2008-09-27T14:49:00.005-04:00

This is what I've been reading over the past month, I just haven't kept up very good with this.

Swine Not? by Jimmy Buffet
Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner
Drop Dead, Gorgeous by Mary Janice Davidson
Almost Perfect by Julie Ortolon
Too Perfect by Julie Ortolon
The Secret Life of Cee Cee Wilkes by Diane Chamberlain
Led Astray by Sandra Brown
Deadly Gamble by Linda Lael Miller
and
The McKettrick Way by Linda Lael Miller

I also read two by Jennifer Crusie: Strange Bedpersons and Charlies All Night.

Now I just finished Debbie Macomber's 8 Sandpiper Way this morning.

At lunch time I started reading Little Earthquakes by Jennifer Weiner for a book club on a forum I belong to.

Then it's on to:
Undead and Unpopular by Mary Janice Davidson
Doing it Right also by Mary Janice Davidson
Summer Lovin' by Carly Phillips

So whatch'a reading?

Patterson & Crusie

2008-08-20T11:06:00.002-04:00

I read James Patterson's Sundays at Tiffany's last week after waiting my turn on the library's list for a few months. I really like it. I don't normally read his other writings, I have read a few of the Alex Cross books but not a lot. I have however, read the others like this one Sam's Letters to Jennifer, Susanne's Diary for Nicholas, those type.

This one had some twist and turns in it that I wasn't expecting but I really enjoyed it alot!

Then I just finished Agnes and the Hitman by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer. This book was so funny (as most of her books are), it's about a food critic & a hitman (obviously). I didn't want to put this one down nor did I want it to end it was that good. I finished it on Monday and just couldn't bring myself to pick up another one that day as I wanted to keep reading on that one ~ but it was finished.

So I am now reading Killer Knots by Nancy J. Cohen. It's a mystery and it's pretty good so far. It was just one that popped out at me on the library shelf so I picked it out. We'll see if I continue to look for more in this series (Bad Hair Day Mysteries)after I finish this one.

GGGRRRR Errors!!

2008-08-20T11:02:00.002-04:00

I'm trying to pull up my Shelfari shelf to update this blog on what I've read AND my self and I keep getting ERRORS all different kinds!

So I guess I'll do that later!

OOPS!!

2008-08-17T19:51:00.002-04:00

All along I've been raving about Jennifer Crusie and misspelling her name as Jennifer Cruise.
DUH, man that makes me feel so horrible!!

I'm currently reading her book "Agnes and the Hitman" it is so funny and I've just started reading it!

She really is a good author, maybe you should scroll down find all post tagged with Cruise and check out some of her books, even though it should be tagged Crusie ~ which they will be from now on. *faint*

I've been so busy with the move that I've slacked on posting what I've been reading. I haven't slowed down on my reading until just the last 2 weeks or so as we prepared to move. I'll try to figure out from my shelfari list and post here what I've read since I posted last.

So far behind!!

2008-07-14T19:56:00.005-04:00

No, I haven't stopped reading I've just not been keeping up with the review part *sigh* So I'll try to list the ones I've read, if any of you are actually reading here and are curious about one leave me a comment and I'll respond then. Yes, I know that's cheating but I've got a lot going on let alone keep up with TWO blogs LOL!!

I've read these in the past 2 months:

McKettrick's Choice by Linda Lael Miller
Vendetta by Fern Michaels
Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber
Summer of Roses by Luanne Rice
Heart of Winter by Diana Palmer
A Week from Sunday by Dorothy Garlock
The Man from Stone Creek by Linda Lael Miller
Natural Born Charmer by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Cross My Heart by Carly Phillips
Anyone But You by Jennifer Crusie
The Bachelor by Carly Phillips
Hide and Seek by Fern Michaels

As you can see I tend to read some of the same authors over & over. I've found a few new ones I like and I tend to read all they have out as long as I can get my hands on them so I'll be all caught up if a new one comes out LOL!!

I made a run to the library today and these are next up to be read:

Lethal Justice by Fern Michaels
The Last Juror by John Grisham
Pawley's Island:A Low Country Tale by Dorothea Benton Frank
Lawman by Diana Palmer
A Wanted Man (A Stone Creek Novel) by Linda Lael Miller
Quicksand by Iris Johansen
Getting Rid of Bradley by Jennifer Cruise
Delta Belles by Penelope J. Stokes

Steel, Michaels, and Kinsella

2008-06-12T16:46:00.004-04:00

These three ladies have been keeping me occupied.
I'm tired of the humidity that is keeping me indoors with 3 kids most days.
Trying to keep the house clean while it's been up for sale. More on that on my home blog ;)

So since last Thursday evening ( the 5th of June) this is what I've read.

Honor Thyself by Danielle Steel
"A world-renowned actress falls victim to a terrifying explosion in Paris—and begins a courageous journey of survival, memory, and self-discovery in Danielle Steel’s mesmerizing new novel."

Fast Track by Fern Michaels
This one is part of her 'Sisterhood' series.

and
Shopaholic & Sister by Sophie Kinsella, this was the first I've read of this series. I might have to read more!

That's what I've been up to. Now I've got to choose between one by Carly Phillips, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Linda Lael Miller, or Emily Giffin.

Lisa Scottoline

2008-06-03T16:52:00.002-04:00

Anyone a fan?

I happened upon a copy of her newest release Lady Killer at the library two weeks ago. I read through that thing in 2 days!! I love her books, especially when they are part of the Mary DiNuzio lawyer series, which this new one is.

From scottoline.com
In LADY KILLER, all of Mary DiNunzio’s teenage angst comes flooding back when her high school nemesis, Trish Gambone (dubbed “Trash” by Mary) comes seeking her help. It doesn’t matter that Mary is now the rainmaker of Rosato & Associates, Trish’s mere presence is enough to make Mary feel like she’s at the bottom of the food chain. As it turns out, however, Trish’s life has taken a horrifying turn. She is terrified of her live-in boyfriend, an abusive South Philly mobster, who just happens to be one of Mary’s ex-boyfriends. When Trish vanishes, Mary makes it her personal mission to find her longtime enemy, and works against the clock to save her life. Complete with a Scottoline style shocking surprise ending, DiNunzio is forced to confront some very uncomfortable truths about her own past and the profound effects of lifelong love — and hate.

Change of Hearts by Jodi Picoult

2008-05-20T14:20:00.005-04:00

*Side note* I've loved all of her novels I've read, because of topics and me being weird there is only one I haven't completed once I began reading it. With that said this one just....wow... just wow.

I was anxious to read the new Jodi Picoult novel Change of Hearts. I even put my name on the waiting list at the library a month or two ago so I could get my hands on a copy relatively quickly. I got my notice last weekend and picked it up on Tuesday. I finished it Friday morning. I guess I can be thankful for those two days of rain, cold weather, and hubby's golf trip to VA for work for the extra reading time.

From her website:
Synopsis:
Shay Bourne - New Hampshire’s first death row prisoner in 69 years – has only one last request: to donate his heart post-execution to the sister of his victim, who is looking for a transplant. Bourne says it’s the only way he can redeem himself…but with lethal injection as his form of execution, this is medically impossible. Enter Father Michael Wright, a young local priest. Called in as Shay’s spiritual advisor, he knows redemption has nothing to do with organ donation – and plans to convince Bourne. But then Bourne begins to perform miracles at the prison that are witnessed by officers, fellow inmates, and even Father Michael – and the media begins to call him a messiah. Could an unkempt, bipolar, convicted murderer be a savior? It seems highly unlikely, to the priest. Until he realizes that the things Shay says may not come from the Bible…but are, verbatim, from a gospel that the early Christian church rejected two thousand years ago…and that is still considered heresy.

Once again this one made me stop and think. What would I do for one of my kids? Would I be able to take what was offered by the same person who previously took my family from me?

What about the performing miracles, supposed messiah thing. Will we recognize him when he returns? Are we paying close enough attention? And what about those that profess to be but aren't, are we paying close enough attention to them to tell the difference?

Anyways, if you've read any of her previous novels, go out, get your hands on a copy of this one. You won't be disappointed.

Shem Creek by Dorothea Benton Frank

2008-05-14T12:02:00.003-04:00

Some friends had been talking about Ms Franks books and offering one to pass along to the next person to read. I was game, I very rarely turn down a book if it's free and highly talked about to read. I believe the first one I read was Ain't She Sweet or The Land of the Mango Sunsets. I've read several since then, this was the latest.

I really liked this one, you can read the first page of the book on her website.
It was a real southern tale, with romance included of course LOL!! I could just picture some of this area in my head, loving The Carolina's like I do.

So I've been busy reading as you can see and I got my hands on a copy of Jodi Picoult's new book yesterday that I'm dying to just sit and read & let everything else go but I can't do that, we've got a few major things going on around here this week!!

gods in Alabama by Joshilyn Jackson

2008-05-14T11:55:00.002-04:00

Hmm...well what can I say. The title kind of grabbed my attention and I'd never read anything by her so I pulled it off the shelf. It was actually pretty good, it kept me guessing right up to the end as to what actually happened. It does have quite a 'southern' thing going on, of which I understood most of it but I'm not sure all the references would be understood by everyone/everywhere.

Here is what her website has to say about the book.
When Arlene Fleet headed off to college in Chicago, she made three promises to God: She would never again lie, she would stop fornicating with every boy who crossed her path, and she'd never, ever go back to her tiny hometown of Possett, Alabama (the "fourth rack of Hell"). All God had to do in exchange was to make sure the body of high school quarterback Jim Beverly was never found.
Ten years later, Arlene has kept her promises, but an old school-mate has recently turned up asking questions. And now Arlene's African American beau has given her a tough ultimatum: introduce him to her family, or he's gone. As she prepares to confront guilt, discrimination, and a decade of deception, Arlene is about to discover just how far she will go to find redemption - and love.

Sohpie Kinsella

2008-05-14T11:52:00.003-04:00

I'm sure that name grabs some attention. I have seen her mentioned over and over again here, there, a little of everywhere. Especially for her 'shopaholic' books.
I found this book written by her at the library and thought I'd give her a try. It was called "Can You Keep a Secret?" It's not part of the shopaholic series, obviously but I've wanted to try one of her books so this was the one I found.

It was okay, it had a little too much use of the *F* word for my liking, why can't a different word that means the same thing be used instead? Anyways, I read it and it was a cute story I guess. But not one of my top picks.

Kristin Hannah

2008-05-09T20:23:00.003-04:00

Let me just say she is now officially one of my new favorite authors. In the last month, actually the last few weeks I've read two more of her books. And can I just say WOW. These are stories that will stay with me for a long time to come, Magic Hour and The Things We Do For Love. Her name is definitely on my to be read list from now on until I read them all.

Magic Hour
Deep in the Pacific Northwest lies the Olympic National Forest– nearly one million acres of impenetrable darkness and impossible beauty. Even in this modern age, much of it remains undiscovered and uncharted. From the heart of this old forest, a six-year-old girl appears. Speechless and alone, she can give no clue as to her identity, no hint of her past…

The Things We Do For Love
The youngest of three daughters, Angela DeSaria Malone was always "the princess" of the family, a girl who thought she knew how her life would unfold. High School. College. Marriage. Motherhood. That was how it had gone for her sisters, her cousins, her friends. But it didn't work out that way for Angie. She and her husband tried desperately to have a child; year after year, their perfectly decorated nursery remained empty. Finally, their marriage collapsed under the weight of lost dreams........

The Jury, Blue Moon, Don't Look Down

2008-04-25T12:05:00.004-04:00

I've finished all those listed on my Shelfari list except for Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah (of which I'm half way through and LOVING IT!) and the one by Wendy Markham. I just haven't taken the time to update my Shelfari bookshelf, guess I should do that.

So....The Jury by Fern Michaels this was another of The Sisterhood series. It was pretty good. Some things I knew how they'd turn out because of a previous one I'd read that was newer then this one and had been referred to in the newer one but still I enjoyed it. Had some quirky humor in there too!

But speaking of quirky humor, Don't Look Down by Jennifer Crusie was full of it!! A nice, easy, quick read for me. I liked it but by far my favorite of hers is Bet Me.

Blue Moon by Luanne Rice. This one had some parts in it that made me think of myself, my marriage, etc. And it really put things in perspective sometimes too, makes you think about how blessed you really are.

Now, I'm off to finish Magic Hour sometime this weekend, I am dying to see how this one ends LOL!!

Distant Shores

2008-04-03T14:45:00.004-04:00

Distant Shores by Kristin Hannah.

You know I don't think I've read one of her books yet that I haven't enjoyed.
It was a little slow the first chapter or so but maybe that was just me. I've been feeling a little burnt out on reading (GASP!!!), just not into it kind of feeling (EGADS!!!!)but I'm still reading LOL!!

So this one, kind of touched home for me. It's about a couple who have been married for like 24 years, since they were very young. Throughout the marriage she's put all her dreams on hold to follow her husband in his career path, to raise their girls, to do everything for everyone else. Now, the kids are gone and she's feeling like the real Elizabeth doesn't exist anymore. She doesn't know what to do with her life now that there are no kids to take care of, no school volunteering etc. I could so relate to that. Not that I am in that spot yet but I can see how I could be ~ easily.

I've often wondered what we're going to talk about once the kids are grown and gone. It's like every conversation revolves around them and that hurts my heart to even think that.

But anyways, to the book it makes them both see what they have and realize what they've had all along, taken for granted over the years and such. It was a good story.

I'm almost done with Blue Moon by Luanne Rice now, might finish it by this weekend...then again the hubby is gone for business so I might just crash when the kids do.

Library Run!!

2008-03-27T14:20:00.004-04:00

I went to the library the other day to pick up a few books that I pulled from my Shelfari 'Plan to Read' shelf. I picked a few, requested a hold on them then went and got them the next day. This is a good way for me to pick up books otherwise I can lose hours in the library!! Yes, you read right HOURS! Of course that depends on if I have kids with me or not, obviously I can't spend as much time there with them as I could alone.

So in the queue to be read in the next 28 days are the following:

Trilby by Diana Palmer
The Jury by Fern Michaels
Hello, it's me by Wendy Markham
More Than Words Vol. 2 by Debbie Macomber, Sharon Sala, Jasmine Cresswell, Beverly Barton, and Julie Elizabeth Leto
Don't Look Down by Jennifer Crusie
Magic Hour by Kristin Hannah
Distant Shores also by Kristin Hannah
and last by not least.
Blue Moon by Luanne Rice

I've actually already finished Trilby. It was really good, it even had some history thrown in there. There were times when it would speed up like she knew she was running out of pages and she needed to get the story told quickly, jumping months or years ahead. Yeah, sometimes the end does skip a few years to tell what has happened to them since then etc. but she did it a few times in this book that really caught my attention. But still, it was a good book!

Danielle Steel & Fern Michaels

2008-03-17T19:28:00.003-04:00

So I read through Bungalow 2 by Danielle Steel pretty quickly, I've just been lazy about posting here. I never receive comments so I honestly don't know if anyone is OUT THERE reading? If you are just say Hi or anything so I know someone is out there ;0)

Anyways, this wasn't what I was expecting. At least not the ending, I was actually a little surprised. This one is a pretty new release I think. It's about a woman who has sacrificed everything for her family for the past twenty years, to stay home take care of her kids, her home, her husband etc. but done some writing work on the side from home. Her dream job of writing a screenplay lands in her lap, she refuses to leave home to do the job but her husband convinces her that they can handle it, she's just going to LA from the San Francisco area. Anyways once she leaves for a few months but comes on the weekends thing in her family change. They hate her for leaving, turning to another lady for attention etc. You'll follow her through the nine months on the job, traveling home on weekends, enduring so much just to follow her dream.

I also finished The Real Deal by Fern Michaels it took me a little while to get into this one but it was a really good story after I did!! I don't know what is with me lately but I can't seem to get really into ANY book. Maybe my brain needs a little down time, time to veg in front of the TV or something. That might happen with the shows now coming back with new episodes. But anyways being a fan of Fern Michaels I really liked this one.

Someone had asked me if I'd read Friday Night Knit Club as they needed to read it for a book group. I haven't. I asked if it was any good after they read it and I never got a response, have any of you read it? Care to give me a review? Thumbs Up? Thumbs Down? I like Debbie Macomber and like her Blossom Street series is this like a knock off of that? I picked the FNKC up at Books A Million today and read the back cover and it almost sounded like A Good Yarn by Debbie Macomber? I might look it up online at the library and reserve it but I'd like to know what someone thought of it if you've read it ;0)

Manhunting by Jennifer Crusie

2008-03-04T19:51:00.006-05:00

This was a new author to me. I'd read another book by her a few weeks ago that made me look for more. I like the other one (Bet Me) better, it had a little more humor in it then this one.

Don't get me wrong, this one was good too but not as humorous...or at least not to me.
From http://www.jennycrusie.com/books/manhunting.php
Kate Svenson is attractive, successful, a brilliant businesswoman-and miserable. After three failed engagements, she realizes it's time for a PLAN - an organized, detailed agenda with a clear goal: finding Mr. Right. The Cabins resort is ripe with eligible bachelors, all rich distinguished, and ambitious - just her type. And they're dropping like flies around her... at least, that's how Jake Templeton views the situation. After he's stuck pulling her latest reject out of the swimming pool. Jake's convinced this femme fatale is trouble. Especially for him. But can a man who's sworn off ambition for good and a woman hanging from the top of the corporate ladder find common ground in the unpredictable territory called the heart, where the word proposal takes on a very different meaning...?

Manhunting is the first novel I ever wrote and I love it. Its full of flaws, theres some headhopping, theres probably infodump although I tried to edit it out, but I dont care,
I love it. I still think those scenes on the lake are hysterical, and the dates, well, I was on a roll there, especially the mashed potato date, that one still kills fifteen years later. (Why no, Im not modest. Whats the point?) And the best friend, Jessie is the first best friend I ever wrote and I … well, you know. I love this book.

Now I'm reading Bungalow 2 by Danielle Steel. I've read several of her books years ago then it seemed like they were all the same so I quit reading her until my husband kept mentioning Amazing Grace a few months ago when I was trying to remember the new books I'd seen at Sam's Club ;). So anyways, that is what I'm reading now.

Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult

2008-02-29T20:56:00.003-05:00

This was a awesome book!
I've loved most of her books but this one really makes you stop and think.

What would you do to protect your kids if you thought they needed it?
Would you break the law to 'protect' them?
And who should decide what is right or wrong in this situation?

It was a very touching book and made me stop and think. And I have to say, after reading it I can see exactly why Delia's father did what he did and wasn't ashamed to say he'd do it again if given the chance.

Read it!!

The Goddess Rules by Clare Naylor

2008-02-22T20:36:00.002-05:00

I don't know what to say other then I don't think I'll be looking for any of her others.
I struggled through this whole book. I wasn't sure if it was my mood lately. The fact that I'm kind of needing a good TV fix or another really good book to read but this wasn't the really good book to read. At least not to my liking. It was okay ~ at best. Not one I'd recommend at all.

Now I need to read Jodi Picoult's Vanishing Acts, Luanne Rice's The Edge of Winter, and another one I have here that I can't remember ~ something about weekends (it's on my Shelfari list) before Thursday. NOT gonna happen but I'll try!! Then I'll renew if whatever I'm reading is worth renewing so I can finish ;0)

I finished.

2008-02-21T19:14:00.003-05:00

Hokus Pokus by Fern Michaels a few days ago. It was good, I guess. It's part of her Sister's series. I haven't read the first one but wasn't lost on this one. It wasn't as good as some of her others but I have to admit I've been in a funk kind of lately too when it comes to reading ~ GASP! ~ Did I just admit that?

I'm working on reading The Goddess Rules by Clare Naylor right now. And I even read the first page of Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult. But I just can't seem to get into either of them enough to finish something. I'm going to have to finish them quickly they are due back to the library one day next week!!

The Choice by Nicholas Sparks

2008-02-14T14:35:00.003-05:00

WOW!!

I knew I loved his books but WOW!

I picked this one up from a hold at the library on Tuesday evening.

I finished it this morning.

It was a very touching love story, suitable for Valentine's Day huh?

Really made me think on some aspects that we've been discussing too.

READ IT and let me know what you think.

P.S. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

Bet Me by Jennifer Crusie

2008-02-13T11:20:00.005-05:00

Lover's Knot by Emilie Richards

2008-02-07T20:02:00.001-05:00

I stumbled onto Emilie Richards last summer. The quilt on the front of her book Touching Stars caught my eye. It is part of The Shenandoah Album series. I didn't know then that it was a series, and for that matter don't know now how many there are or what order they come in, I need to look that up somewhere ;0) Well I just finished another in that series Lover's Knot had to do with a old quilt in the lover's knot pattern.

I guess the quilt part fascinates me because my Grandma was a quilter, my aunt is still a quilter. Some of her quilts are beautiful! I'd love to know how to quilt a wedding ring or double wedding ring pattern, shoot to quilt at all LOL!! I wish that I had learned to do that from my Grandma before she passed away when I was 16. My mom does quilting too but not the pieced together block kind ;0). This was a true love story with a great history lesson tied in!

Here is the synopsis I found on Lover's Knot:
"After narrowly escaping death, newspaper journalist Kendra Taylor retreats to a cabin nestled in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley to heal and sort out her feelings about her troubled marriage. The land was bequeathed to her husband by a maternal grandmother he never knew, and the cabin has been abandoned for years.

As she is welcomed into the rural community of Toms Brook, Kendra becomes curious about an heirloom lover's knot quilt, which is another piece of Isaac's unexplored past. The unusual quilt clearly has a story to tell, and Kendra is convinced that helping her husband connect with his roots might help him reconnect with her, as well.

At first Isaac's reluctant visits to the cabin only underscore the difficulties in their marriage. But as circumstances force them to piece together a new relationship, Isaac discovers that the history of a family he's never known might hold the key to his future.

As a passionate story of strength, loss and desperation unfolds, the secrets of two quilts are revealed and the threads of an unraveling marriage are secured. In the rich, evocative prose that earned high praise for Wedding Ring and Endless Chain, Emilie Richards crafts the third tale in the Shenandoah Album series, resonant with the power of love and family ties."

I looked on her website to see how many are in this series, looks like there are three listed on there, although the one I read last summer isn't even listed there. It begins with Wedding Ring, Endless Chain, Lover's Knot, then I'm assuming Touching Stars was the latest release ~ odd it isn't listed on her own website. Regardless I love this series, I hope she writes more of these!

Amazing Grace by Danielle Steele

2008-02-05T20:02:00.001-05:00

I just realized I never posted about this book, other then that I was reading it. I can't believe I didn't post about this book!!!

I've read several of her books before but this one just....WOW. Touched me. I could picture myself in it sometimes too as I was just in California visiting in California. And after reading this soooooooooooooooooo thankful that I didn't experience a earthquake while I was there. LOL!! It was an easy read, not hard to follow and yes you might need to break out the tissues for this one.

It gets a 4 star rating on Shelfari. And here is a synopsis on it, again I hate to say too much in case I ruin it for anyone else!! **Editorial Review courtesy of Shelfari.com **

"On a warm May night in San Francisco, the Ritz-Carlton ballroom shimmers with crystal and silver as a glittering, celebrity-studded crowd gathers for a charity dinner dance. The evening is perfect–until, just minutes before midnight, the room begins to sway. Glass shatters. And as the lights go out, people begin to scream….

In the earthquake’s aftermath, the lives of four strangers will converge.… Sarah Sloane, the beautiful wife of a financial whiz, watches her perfect world fall to pieces…. Grammy-winning singer Melanie Free, the event’s headliner, comes to a turning point in her life and career…. Photographer Everett Carson, a former war correspondent whose personal demons have demoted him to covering society parties, finds new purpose amid the carnage…and Sister Maggie Kent, a nun who normally works in jeans and high-tops with the homeless, searches through the rubble–and knows instantly that there is much work to be done….

As the city staggers back to life, a chain reaction of extraordinary events will touch each of the survivors.… For Sarah, it begins with the discovery of a crime and a betrayal, then a strength she never knew she had. For Melanie, volunteering at a refugee camp will open new worlds of possibility. And Everett will be shaken by the unlikely relationship he forges with Maggie, who helps him rebuild his shattered life–and upends her own in the process. But as a year passes, and the anniversary of the earthquake approaches, more surprises are in store–as each discovers the unexpected gifts in a tragedy’s wake…and the amazing grace of new beginnings.

Throughout these enthralling pages, Danielle Steel creates a stunning array of contrasts–from the dazzle of a society benefit to the chaos of a makeshift hospital, from the pampered lives of rock stars to the quiet heroism of emergency volunteers. It is her most powerful and life-affirming novel to date."

My Latest Read(s)

2008-02-05T19:54:00.002-05:00

Last week I read I Did (But I Wouldn't Now) by Cara Lockwood. I hadn't read anything by her before and didn't realize it was a spinoff from a earlier book. But I didn't really feel that I had to have read that first one to understand this one. It was just simple, no brain required chick lit. A nice, easy, simple read.

Now it's on to.

Lover's Knot by Emilie Richards
The Goddess Rules by Clare Naylor
Hokus Pokus by Fern Michaels
Alphabet Weekends by Elizabeth Noble
The Edge of Winter by Luanne Rice
Vanishing Acts by Jodi Picoult

I am actually almost done with the first one and loving this one as much as I did Touching Stars by her too.

I see some of you have been reading (good ol' view counter over there ;0) ) but no one has any good books to recommend to me? LOL!! Come on ladies (or gents) give some ideas to check into on my next splurge thru the library records!!

Sea Gypsy by Fern Michaels

2008-01-27T18:49:00.001-05:00

This was one I just stumbled upon at the library too. I'm sure you will soon realize that I tend to get stuck on authors sometimes. If I find that I enjoyed a book then I'm bad about searching for another by that same author.

I've read a few by Fern Michaels since summer, mostly new releases. Such as The Marriage Game : A Novel, Up Close and Personal, Fool Me Once, and while it may have been longer since I read this one I remember Pretty Woman too.

Anyways, this one was an older book, being re-released recently to hardcover according to her site. And it was a good little quick read of chick lit ;) I don't think it was as good as some of the others I've read written by her recently but it was good for a short, quick read.

Now, I'm reading I Did (But I Wouldn't Now) by Cara Lockwood. I didn't realize it was a sequel to one of her earlier writings. Actually this is the first of hers that I've read. The colors on the book caught my eye. So far, I like her style.

Maybe tomorrow I will go to the library's website and pick out some more books to be put on hold for me and take the kids to the library one day this week, this will be the last of my supply from the library and I KNOW there will not be much to watch on TV this week ~ same as the past few weeks. Anyone have any suggestions of a good book you've read lately?