It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (9.12.11)

It’s Monday What Are you Reading , hosted by Sheila, isthe perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs. This weekend was a low-key weekend and thus I got a lot of reading done. The…

View Post

Review: Kill Me If You Can by James Patterson

First line: Some people are harder to kill than others. From the inside cover: An innocent art student finds $13 million in diamonds. Let the manhunt begin. RUN, RUN, RUN Matthew Bannon, a poor art student living in New York City, finds a medical bag filled with diamonds during a chaotic attack at Grand Central Terminal. Plans for a worry-free life with his gorgeous girlfriend, Katherine, fill his thoughts –…

View Post

In My Mailbox (65) 9.11.11

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I’ll post what books I’ve received either by mailbox/library/store. Purchased: Rival to the Queen by Carolly Erickson I am on quite a historical fiction kick lately, especially anything having to do with Queen Elizabeth and the Tudor Period.             From the library:       Call Me Irresistible…

View Post

Book Spotlight and Giveaway: Win an iPad 2!!!

I love Josi S. Kilpack‘s Sadie Hoffmiller series and am very excited that the sixth book in the series, Pumpkin Roll, has just been released.  This is a culinary cozy series featuring the quirky and interesting Sadie.She doesn’t fit into your typical investigator roll – which is what makes the books so entertaining. And, the recipes included in the books are pretty sweet too!     Pumpkin Roll takes Sadie on a trip…

View Post

Review: Rescue by Anita Shreve (audio book)

From the back of the audio case: A rookie paramedic pulls a young woman from her totaled car, a first rescue  that begins a lifelong tangle of love and wreckage. Sheila Arsenault is a gorgeous enigma – streetwise and tough-talking, with haunted eyes, fierce desires, and a never-look-back determination. Peter Webster, as straight an arrow as they come, falls for her instantly and entirely. Soon Sheila and Peter are embroiled…

View Post

Review: The Love Season by Elin Hilderbrand

First line: Marguerite didn’t know where to start. Why I read this: I was trying to finish reading all of Elin Hilderbrand’s older works. From the inside cover: It’s a hot August Saturday on Nantucket Island. Over the course of the next twenty-four hours, two lives will be transformed forever. Marguerite Beale, former chef of culinary hot spot Les Parapluies, has been out of the public eye for more than…

View Post

Review: Best Staged Plans by Claire Cook

First line: Okay, so I accidentally wrapped my reading glasses in one of the packages I mailed. From the inside cover: As a professional home stager, Sandy Sullivan is an expert at transforming cluttered rooms into attractive houses ready for sale. If only reinventing her life were as easy as choosing the perfect paint color. She’s eager to put her family’s suburban Boston home on the market, to downsize, and…

View Post

It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (9.5.11)

It’s Monday What Are you Reading , hosted by Sheila, isthe perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs. This week was a little better reading-wise…partly because of having no power last Monday. This past…

View Post

In My Mailbox (64) 9.4.11

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I’ll post what books I’ve received either by mailbox/library/store. Purchased: Kill Me If You Can by James Patterson A new stand-alone James Patterson book  – enough said!!!         1105 Yakima Street by Debbie Macomber I love Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove series and always look forward to the end of August/beginning…

View Post

Monthly Giveaway: September (CLOSED)

I have decided to host a monthly giveaway to help clean out some of my bookshelves. Each month I will give away some books from my collection of review copies that I have received from publishers and authors. Occasionally I might also post some books from my personal collection. The books have all been read by me and are in good condition. This month there are four books up for…

View Post

Review: Dead Men Don’t Crochet by Betty Hechtman

First line: “My name is Molly Pink and I’m a yarnoholic,” I announced to my crochet group, the Tarzana Hookers, as I put my stash on the table. Why I read this: I bought this book a while ago but had not gotten to it. My mom had read the first in the series and was eager to read the next, so I wanted to read it first before giving…

View Post

Review: Silver Girl by Elin Hilderbrand (audio book)

From the back of the audio case: A Nantucket getaway may be just what Meredith Martin Delinn needs. Her perfect life has taken a sharp downturn since it’s been revealed that her husband, Freddy, cheated rich investors out of billions of dollars. Hounded by the press, shunned by society, and separated from her sons, Meredith has no one to turn to – except her onetime best friend, Constance Flute. Although…

View Post

Month in Review: August 2011

Here are my reading stats for August! Books read:  12 Books I read (reviewed ones have * and link to review; books not yet reviewed will be linked up once review is posted.) Twenties Girl* by Sophie Kinsella You’ve Been Warned* by James Patterson Firefly Lane* by Kristin Hannah Silver Girl* by Elin Hilderbrand Dead Men Don’t Crochet* by Betty Hechtman Best Staged Plans* by Claire Cook The Love Season*…

View Post

Review: Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

First line: They used to be called the Firefly Lane girls. Why I read this: I picked this up at a book sale last year after not having read anything by this author in a while. From the back cover: In the turbulent summer of 1974, Kate Mularkey has accepted her place at the bottom of the eighth-grade social food chain. Then, to her amazement, the “coolest girl in the…

View Post

The James Patterson Reading Challenge II Wrap Up Post

The James Patterson Reading Challenge II   Hosted by: Socrates’ Book Reviews Timeline: 01 Sep 2010 – 31 Aug 2011      I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to finish this challenge as I was one book short as of Sunday, August 28. Luckily the newest book was released (Kill Me If You Can) on Tuesday and I ran to the store to pick it up and…

View Post

Review: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

First line: Only three people were left under the red and white awning of the grease joint: Grady, me and the fry cook. Why I read this: This was my book club book for July. Synopsis from Goodreads: Though he may not speak of them, the memories still dwell inside Jacob Jankowski’s ninety-something-year-old mind. Memories of himself as a young man, tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was…

View Post

It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (8.29.11)

It’s Monday What Are you Reading , hosted by Sheila, is the perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs.So I was doing really well with getting caught up with some reviews last week until…

View Post

In My Mailbox (63) 8.28.11

***I’m posting this a little late due to power loss from Hurricane Irene.   In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I’ll post what books I’ve received either by mailbox/library/store. From the library: Hide (audio) by Lisa Gardner I have reviewed the latest two (#4 and #5) in Lisa Gardner’s Dectective DD Warren series and decided to go back and…

View Post

Review: Midnight Angel by Carly Phillips (e-book)

First line: Dylan North walked down the streets of Acton, savoring the familiar sights. Why I read this: This is one of Carly Phillips earlier works and when I saw that it was available for my Nook, I jumped on it. Synopsis from Goodreads: You never forget your first love … High school sweethearts, Dylan North and Holly Evans believed their future together was a done deal. But right after…

View Post

Review: You’ve Been Warned by James Patterson

First line: It’s way too early in the morning for dead people. Why I read this: It’s a James Patterson book that I somehow missed when it came out. From the inside cover: YOU’VE BEEN NICE, VERY NICE Kristin Burns has lived her life by the philosophy “Don’t think, just shoot” – pictures, that is. Struggling to make ends meet, she works full-time as the nanny for the fabulously wealthy…

View Post

It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (8.22.11)

It’s Monday What Are you Reading , hosted by Sheila, isthe perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs. Time for reading didn’t seem to be on my side last week…between going back to work…

View Post

In My Mailbox (62) 8.21.11

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I’ll post what books I’ve received either by mailbox/library/store. From the library: The Island (audio) by Elin Hilderbrand I love Elin Hilderbrand’s books and somehow I missed this one when I first started reading her. What’s in your mailbox?

View Post

Review: Twenties Girl by Sophie Kinsella (e-book)

First line: The thing about lying to your parents is, you have to do it to protect them. Why I read this: I’ve read all the Shopaholic books by Sophie Kinsella and when I saw that this one was available for my Nook, I decided to give it a try. Synopsis from Goodreads: Lara Lington has always had an overactive imagination, but suddenly that imagination seems to be in overdrive.…

View Post

Review: Perfect Partners by Carly Phillips (e-book)

First line: “I’ve reached a decision.” Why I read this: This is one of Carly Phillips earlier works and when I saw that it was available for my Nook, I jumped on it. Synopsis from Goodreads: No sooner had Chelsie Russell and Griffin Stuart lost their siblings in a car crash than they find themselves fighting for custody of their two year old niece. Griff wins only to discover Chelsie…

View Post

Review: The Diva Cooks a Goose by Krista Davis (e-book)

First line: Dear Sophie, I nearly canceled Christmas last year when my children found their presents. Why I read this: I love Krista Davis’s Domestic  Diva series and I am using this to count towards the Cruisin’ thru the Cozies Reading Challenge.  Synopsis from Goodreads: A Scrooge steals presents right from under Sophie Winston’s family Christmas tree. Then her sister-in-law’s father show’s up with a diva girlfriend just a month…

View Post

It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (8.15.11)

It’s Monday What Are you Reading , hosted by Sheila, isthe perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs. It’s back to work for me this week, and we are in the middle of a…

View Post

Review: The Bright Side of Disaster by Katherine Center

First line: The end began with a plane crash. Why I read this: I had picked this up at a book sale last year after reading a few other books by Katherine Center and am also using this book to count towards the Reading From My Shelves Project. From the back cover: Sometimes the worst thing that can happen is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. Very pregnant and not…

View Post

In My Mailbox (62) 8.14.11

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I’ll post what books I’ve received either by mailbox/library/store. For Review: Darkness, My Old Friend by Lisa Unger I read Fragile last year and really enjoyed it – looking forward to starting this one.       From the Library:   Best Staged Plans by Claire Cook   Claire Cook is one of…

View Post

Review: Little Bitty Lies by Mary Kay Andrews

First line: Mary Bliss McGowan and Katherine Weidman had reached a point in the evening from whence there was no return. Why I read this: I picked this up at a library book sale and it’s been sitting on my shelf for a while – I was in the mood for a quick, fun read and this definitely was that and a whole lot more. I am also using this…

View Post

Review: Killer Dreams by Iris Johansen (audio book)

From the back of the audio case: #1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen returns with a new suspense thriller guaranteed to keep listeners up all night long – an adrenaline-laced shocker that pits a mother and son against a killer who’s the stuff of nightmares. Someone is watching. He’s a shadowy figure from out of her darkest fears, and he hasn’t forgotten her. In one shocking moment of…

View Post

It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (8.8.10)

It’s Monday What Are you Reading , hosted by Sheila, isthe perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs. I am back from my travels and am slowly catching up on everything. I did manage…

View Post

In My Mailbox (61) 8.7.11

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I’ll post what books I’ve received either by mailbox/library/store. ***This week’s mailbox post includes all the books I’ve gotten in the last few weeks while I was away on vacation. For Review (0) Library (3) Rescue by Anita Shreve (audio book) The Love Season by Elin Hilderbrand You’ve Been Warned by James Patterson…

View Post

Review: Something Blue by Emily Giffin

First line: I was born beautiful. Why I read this: I had recently read Something Borrowed and was curious as to what would happen with Darcy. I am also using this book to count towards the Reading From My Shelves Project.  From the back cover: Darcy Rhone thought she had it all figured out: the more beautiful the girl, the more charmed her life. Never mind substance. New mind playing…

View Post

Month in Review: July 2011

Here are my reading stats for July! Books read:  13 Books I read (reviewed ones have * and link to review; books not yet reviewed will be linked up once review is posted.) A Summer Affair* by Elin Hilderbrand The Creed Legacy* by Linda Lael Miller Now You See Her* by James Patterson Beachcombers* by Nancy Thayer The Knitting Diaries* by Debbie Macomber, Susan Mallery & Christina Skye Something Blue*…

View Post

Review: Beachcombers by Nancy Thayer

From the back over the audio case: Abbie Fox hasn’t seen her father or two younger sisters in almost two years, during which time she’s jetted around the world and experienced life. But now youngest sister Lily is begging her to return home to Nantucket because middle sister Emma has taken to her bed, devastated after the loss of her high-powered job and the break-up with her fiance. Also, Lily…

View Post

Review: Now You See Her by James Patterson

First line: I’d already tossed the driver a twenty and was bouncing up and down like a preschooler last in line for they potty when my taxi finally stopped across from the Hudson hotel on West 58th. Why I read this: It’s a book by James Patterson – enough said!!! From the inside cover: To save her own life, Nina Bloom vanished. Now, to rescue an innocent man, she confronts…

View Post

I’m back…

I am finally back home after two and a half weeks of traveling. I did manage to get some reading in – not as much as I had hoped, but I was visiting family and spent a lot of time catching up with my mom. I have lots of reviews to get out and will be holding a new contest soon. Thanks for sticking around!!!

View Post

Doing a bit of traveling…

I will be taking a short break from blogging for the next few weeks…all for good stuff.  Mom and I are heading to a cousin’s wedding, visiting my brother and meeting his soon-to-be new family, and then heading to Mom’s house to help her move back in to her house after being in the Peace Corps for the past two years.We will be traveling from New York to Nova Scotia,…

View Post

It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (7.18.10)

It’s Monday What Are you Reading , hosted by Sheila, is the perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs. It was a crazy week last week as I was running around getting ready for…

View Post

Giveaway Winner: The Creed Legacy

CONGRATULATIONS to Deborah winner of  The Creed Legacy by Linda Lael Miller Random.org selected the winners.  Thanks to all who entered the giveaway!

View Post

Review: The Knitting Diaries by Debbie Macomber, Susan Mallery & Christina Skye

First line: Today I signed the papers on our first house! Why I read this: I love anything by Debbie Macomber and Susan Mallery and so when I saw this, I had to get it. From the back cover:  Knitting is many things to many people Knitting is a way of life The Twenty-First Wish by Debbie Macomber Anne Marie Roche and her adopted daughter, ten-year-old Ellen, have each written…

View Post

Review: Room by Emma Donoghue

First line: Today I’m five. Why I read this: I’ve had this on my tbr list for a while now and was glad that my book club picked it for our June read. From the back cover: To five-year-old Jack, Room is the world. It’s where he was born, it’s where he and his Ma eat and sleep and play and learn. At night, Ma shuts him safely in the…

View Post

Review: A Summer Affair by Elin Hilderbrand

First line: The guilt was like a clump of tar in her hair, warm and sticky, impossible to remove. Why I read this: I love Elin Hilderbrand’s books and have had this one sitting on my shelf for a while – now that it’s summer, it was the perfect read! I also read this for the Reading From My Shelves Project. From the inside cover: Claire Danner Crispin has a…

View Post

It’s Monday…What Are You Reading (7.11.11)

It’s Monday What Are you Reading , hosted by Sheila, isthe perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs. I have not taken on any blog tours this month because I will be doing a…

View Post

In My Mailbox (60) 7.10.11

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I’ll post what books I’ve received either by mailbox/library/store. Purchased: Perfect Partners (e-book) by Carly Phillips This was another Carly Phillips book that was available on the Nook that I had not read yet. For Review:   The Queen’s Gamble by Barbara Kyle   This is for a blog tour for September.  …

View Post

Review: Playing the Game by Barbara Taylor Bradford (audio book)

From the back of the audio case: Annette Remmington, a London art consultant and private dealer, is at the top of her game. She is considered a rising star in the international world of art, with a roster of wealthy clients who trust her judgment and her business acumen. Her success reaches new heights when a rare and long-lost Rembrandt finds its way into her hands. When she restores it…

View Post

Review: Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin

First line: I was in the fifth grade the first time I thought about thirty. Why I read this: I’ve had this book on my shelf for a while and now that the movie is out, I needed to read it first before heading to the theater. From the back cover: Meet Rachel White, a young attorney living and working in Manhattan. Rachel has always been the consummate good girl…

View Post

Review and Giveaway: The Creed Legacy by Linda Lael Miller

First line: Ranching, Brody Creed thought, shifting in the saddle as he surveyed the sprawling range land from a high ridge. From the back cover: Rough-and-tumble rodeo cowboy Brody Creed like life on the move. Until a chance encounter with his long-estranged twin brother brings him “home” for the first time in years. Suddenly Brody is in Creed territory – at thirty-three, he’s a restless bad boy among family with…

View Post

It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (7.4.11)

It’s Monday What Are you Reading , hosted by Sheila, isthe perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs. Last week was very busy at work – I am trying to finish up a bunch…

View Post

In My Mailbox (59) 7.3.11

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I’ll post what books I’ve received either by mailbox/library/store. Purchased: Now You See Her by James Patterson This is JP’s latest book and I can’t wait to start it!!! The Creed Legacy by Linda Lael Miller This is the third of the series. Solitary Man (e-book) by Carly Phillips I love Carly Phillips…

View Post