The Diary by Eileen Goudge Vanguard Press April 2009 Format: Paperback, 224 pages First line: The diary was bound in maroon leather dulled with age, its gilt tooling worn away in spots. From the back cover: From New York Times bestselling author Eileen Goudge comes an unforgettable tale that you’ll want to pass on to someone you love. When two grown daughters discover their mother’s diary in her attic, they…
View Post
The Look of Love by Bella Andre Bella Andre June 2011 Format: e-book, 201 pages First line: It was good to get out on the open road. Book description: Chloe Peterson is having a bad night. A really bad night. The large bruise on her cheek can attest to that. And when her car skids off the side of a wet country road straight into a ditch, she’s convinced even…
View Post
I participated in the Bout of Books 6.0 last week and while I got a lot done, I didn’t get quite as much as I was hoping. Here is some info about the read-a-thon from the founders: “The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 7th and…
View Post
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. Books Completed last week: The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak (mine) The Look of Love…
View Post
Tynga of Tynga’s Reviews is starting a new meme to spotlight the books we receive each week. Here’s what I got: ***Be prepared – this was a busy week…I received 10 review books and also got 3 library books…it might be the best week ever for new books!!! For Review: As part of Fall in Love with the Sullivans whirlwind tour with Novel Publicity, I received all 7 e-books in Bella Andre’s…
View Post
My Kind of Christmas by Robyn Carr Mira October 2012 Format: Paperback, 320 pages First line: “I think a little vacation in Virgin River is exactly what Angie needs,” Sam Sheridan announced as he looked around the table at his family, all gathered at his home for Thanksgiving dinner. From the back cover: Patrick Riordan always thought that nothing could match the adrenaline rush he gets from his job. But…
View Post
Please join Rose City Reader every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author. I’m reading From this Moment On by Bella Andre: Marcus Sullivan was a man on a mission. I’m participating in…
View Post
Please enjoy this guest post by Bella Andre, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of the contemporary romance series, The Sullivans. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including special romantic swag baskets for each book, an iPad Mini, Kindle Fire, Nook Color, and Kobo eReader, and Amazon and iTunes gift cards! Why I Love Family-Based Romance Series A guest post by…
View Post
The monthly giveaway is back. This month there are 4 selections: Love Anthony By: Lisa Genova Format: Audiobook Cds My review Better Than Chocolate By: Sheila Roberts Format: ARC Paperback My review The Diva Digs Up the Dirt By: Krista Davis Format: Paperback My review First Lady By: Susan Elizabeth Phillips Format: Paperback My review How to enter: This contest is open to entries from the U.S.…
View Post
Sunrise Point by Robyn Carr Mira April 2012 Format: Paperback, 378 pages First line: There was a small note on the bulletin board at the Virgin River Presbyterian Church. From the back cover: Tom Cavanaugh may think he wants a traditional woman, but in Virgin River, the greatest tradition is falling in love unexpectedly. Former marine Tom Cavanaugh has come home to Virgin River, ready to take over his family’s…
View Post
This time around, I’ve decided I will put all my updates for the read-a-thon in one post. For more information visit the Bout of Books site. My goals for Bout of Books 6.0 can be found here. Monday Books read: *The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak – 60 pages, 1 + 1/2 hours Audio Progress: *Summer House by Nancy Thayer – 1 hour *Seven…
View Post
Redwood Bend by Robyn Carr Mira February 2012 Format: Paperback, 377 pages First line: Katie Malone quit her job and packed up her little Vermont house. From the back cover: In Virgin River, you never know what you might find around the bend in the road… Former actor Dylan Childress left the L.A. scene behind years ago for a quiet life running an aviation company in Montana. But with business…
View Post
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. Well, the first week of the new year has come and gone and I didn’t get…
View Post
Last August I participated in the Bout of Books read-a-thon for the first time and loved it. So, I thought I would do it again. Here is some info about the read-a-thon from the founders: “The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 7th and runs through…
View Post
Tynga of Tynga’s Reviews is starting a new meme to spotlight the books we receive each week. Here’s what I got: For Review: Children of Liberty by Paullina Simons This looks to be a good historical fiction book. From what I understand, it’s actually a prequel to Paullina Simons’ The Bronze Horsemen series, which I have not read. From Library: Perfect Fit by Carly Phillips This…
View Post
Dreams of Joy by Lisa See Random House May 2011 Format: Hardcover, 354 pages First line: The wail of a police siren in the distance tears through my body. From the inside cover: In her beloved New York Times bestsellers Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Peony in Love, and, most recently, Shanghai Girls, Lisa See has brilliantly illuminated the potent bonds of mother love, romantic love, and love of…
View Post
Please join Rose City Reader every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author. I’m reading The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak: The spies you learn about are either those who get exposed or…
View Post
A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty by Joshilyn Jackson Read by Joshilyn Jackson Hachette Audio January 2012 Length: 12.5 hours From the back of the audio case: When a long-hidden grave is unearthed in the backyard, headstrong young Mosey Slocumb is determined to investigate. What she learns could cost her family everything… Every fifteen years, trouble comes after the three Slocumb women. Now, as the youngest turns fifteen, she’s desperate to…
View Post
The Christmas Cookie Club by Ann Pearlman Pocket Books October 2011 Format: Paperback, 340 pages First line: My dream flutters away as I open my eyes. From the back cover: Ann Pearlman’s irresistible debut novel provides the perfect ingredients for a fun and touching read about a group of women who gather each year to share a journey of friendship, hope, heartbreak—and recipes. Every year at Christmastime, Marnie and her…
View Post
Hi, my name is Kristin and I am a reading challenge addict! This year I have signed up for 12 year-long reading challenges and I also usually end up participating in 2 shorter reading challenges throughout the year (Spring Reading Thing and Fall Into Reading). This is the first time I am joining the Reading Challenge Addict Challenge and I’m looking forward to the support and encouragement of those who…
View Post
The Audio Book Challenge is hosted by Teresa’s Reading Corner, and it goes from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. I love listening to audio books and now that I have figured out how to get them on my iPod, I can listen at the gym, too! I’m joining at the Married level, which means I need to listen to more than 25 audio books in 2013. I’ll…
View Post
The Cruisin’ thru the Cozies Reading Challenge is hosted by Socrates’ Book Reviews and it goes from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. I love reading cozy mysteries and think this will be a fun challenge to join! I’m joining at the Super Sleuth level, which means I need to read at least 13 cozy mysteries in 2013. I’ll keep track of them here along with links to…
View Post
The Finish the Series Reading Challenge is hosted by Socrates’ Book Reviews, and it goes from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. I love reading series and have quite a few that I really need to catch up on. I’m joining at the Level 3, which means I need to complete three or more series (and hopefully I’ll be able to do more!). I’ll keep track of them…
View Post
The2012 E-Book Challengeis hosted by Workaday Reads and it goes from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. I have a Nook and just got an iPad, so between the two, I’m hoping to get to all the e-books I’ve gotten over the past year. I’m joining at the DVD level, which means I need to read at least 25 e-books in 2013. I’ll keep track of them here. ***As…
View Post
The Historical Fiction Reading Challenge is hosted by Historical Tapestry, and it goes from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. I participated in this challenge last year and ended up reading 13 historical fiction books so I am going to push myself to read a few more this year. I’m joining at the Ancient History level, which means I need to read at least 25 historical fiction books…
View Post
The Classics Reading Challenge is hosted by Thoughts at One in the Morning, and it goes from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. I’ve been meaning to read some of the classics, mainly the Jane Austen books I have sitting on my shelf for a while, so I’m thrilled to do this challenge. There is no set levels for this challenge – the goal is to read at least…
View Post
The 2013 First Reads Reading Challenge is hosted by b00k r3vi3ws, and it goes from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. The goal of this reading challenge is to read new-to-you authors. I’m joining at the Lover level, which means that I need to read between 11-20 books from new-to-me authors. I’ll keep track of them here. I’ll also link my reviews to the list. ***As of April 2nd,…
View Post
The 2013 Tea & Books Reading Challenge is hosted by The Book Garden, and it goes from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. The goal of this reading challenge is to read books with more than 650 pages. I’m joining at the Chamomile Lover level, which means I need to read at least 2 books that have more than 650 pages. I’ll keep track of them here along…
View Post
The 2013 Off the Shelf is hosted by Bookish Ardour, and it goes from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. I participated in this challenge last year, but didn’t quite make my goal. I’m hoping to be successful this time around as at last count, I have about 200 books on my shelves that I have not read yet. I’m joining at the Making a Dint level, which means…
View Post
The 2013 Library Books Reading Challenge is hosted by Book Dragon’s Lair, and it goes from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. I love my local library and love doing this challenge. This is my fourth year participating in a library challenge! I’m joining at the Just Insert IV level, which means I need to borrow at least 50 books from the library in 2013. I’ll keep track…
View Post
The 2013 Read-A-Latte Reading Challenge is hosted by Kimberly’s Bookshelf, and it goes from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. This is a reading challenge where we are challenged to read… -a- latte! I am going to join this challenge at the Cappuccino level, where I hope to read 100 books. ***For this challenge, I am only including physical books/e-books that I’ve read…I am not including audio. ***As…
View Post
I did this last year, and it helped me set myself up for the upcoming year. I think this will be a fixed feature on January 1 of each year I blog. One of my resolutions for 2013 is to be more organized – in life and in blogging. After Bloggiesta this past September, I came up with a blogger planner – a calendar/to-do list specifically for blogging. It was…
View Post
2012 has been a great year. I’ve been blogging for almost three years now and am always humbled when I read your comments and see that I have new followers. I have been introduced to so many great authors and books as a result of blogging. Thank you to all who visit my blog. My top reads of 2012 are (in no particular order): By the King’s Design by Christine…
View Post
Here are my reading stats for December! Books read: 15 Books I read (reviewed ones have * and link to review; books not yet reviewed will be linked up once review is posted.) Fated* — Carly Phillips (e-book novella) Baltimore Blues*– Laura Lippman (e-book) Hot Six*– Janet Evanovich (audio) Rococo* — Adriana Trigiani Vets in Love* –Cathy Woodman Hidden Summit* — Robyn Carr Buzz Off* –Hannah Reed The Christmas Cookie…
View Post
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’s hard to believe that tomorrow is the first of the new year. The past…
View Post
Tynga of Tynga’s Reviews is starting a new meme to spotlight the books we receive each week. Here’s what I got: For Review: Lady of Ashes by Christine Trent I am so excited to read this…Christine Trent is one of my favorite authors. I have loved all her books and this one is the first in a new historical mystery series…look for my review to be…
View Post
Buzz Off by Hannah Reed Berkley September 2010 Format: Paperback, 336 pages First line: If I hadn’t been drinking champagne at noon on Friday, I would have been over at the honey house with Manny Chapman, my beekeeping mentor and owner of Queen Bee Honey, and possibly, just possibly, I might have saved him from what must have been a very painful death. From the back cover: When beekeeper Story…
View Post
Hidden Summit by Robyn Carr Mira December 2011 Format: Paperback, 347 pages First line: Brie Valenzuela finished her large latte and looked into the empty cup. From the back cover: Sometimes romance is hiding in plain sight… When Connor Danson becomes an unwitting witness to a violent crime, he is forced to leave Sacramento and keep a low profile until the trial is over. He arrives in the tiny mountain…
View Post
Rococo by Adriana Trigiani Ballantine Books April 2006 Format: Paperback, 320 pages First line: I want you to imagine my house. From the back cover: Bartolomeo di Crespi is the acclaimed interior decorator – not to mention the most eligible bachelor – in Our Lady of Fatima (OLOF), New Jersey. From the dazzling shores of the Garden State to the legendary fabric houses of New York City, from the prickly…
View Post
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 busy week with last minute Christmas errands and holiday baking. For the…
View Post
Tynga of Tynga’s Reviews is starting a new meme to spotlight the books we receive each week. Here’s what I got: For Review: The Fate of Mercy Alban by Wendy Webb This just peaked my curiosity…haven’t read anything by Wendy Webb before, so I hope I like it! Purchased: The Kommandant’s Girl by Pam Jenoff I’m doing a tour…
View Post
Another challenge has come to a close. As you can see from my list, I finished reading all the books I had listed – this is the first time I was able to get to all the books on my list!!!! I was also able to read an additional 10 books during this time that were not on my original list. That puts my total number of books read from…
View Post
Baltimore Blues by Laura Lippman Harper Collins Publisher October 2009 Format: e-book, 384 pages First line: On the last night of August, Tess Monaghan went to the drugstore and bought a composition book-one with a black and-white marble cover. Synopsis from B&N: In a city where someone is murdered almost every day, attorney Michael Abramowitz’s death should be just another statistic. But the slain lawyer’s notoriety—and his taste for illicit…
View Post
Vets in Love by Cathy Woodman Arrow December 2012 Format: Paperback, 400 pages First line: It’s just before nine on Monday morning, and the rush has already begun. From the back cover: Love is in the air in Talyton St. George, Devon’s most romantic town. Glamorous GP Nicci (aka the galloping doctor) and Matt, the very handsome equine vet, have caught each other’s eye. On paper it looks like a…
View Post
CONGRATULATIONS to Kirsten winner of The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak Random.org selected the winners. Thanks to all who entered the giveaway and thanks for sharing your favorite historical fiction novel – I have lots of titles I will be adding to my tbr list!
View Post
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. Well, it ended up being a rather productive week – due partly to the fact that…
View Post
Fated by Carly Phillips Penguin Group December 2012 Format: Netgalley ARC e-book First line: Kate Andrews loved a man in uniform. Synopsis from Goodreads: New York Times bestselling author Carly Phillips presents a never-before-published novella set in a quaint upstate New York town—where Serendipity’s finest show exactly what they’re made of… Kate Andews is the original rebound girl. But she has had enough and has vowed to never be someone’s…
View Post
The Quilter’s Apprentice by Jennifer Chiaverini Plume April 2000 Format: Paperback, 272 pages First line: Sarah leaned against the brick wall and tried to look comfortable, hoping no one walking by would notice her or wonder why she was standing around in a suit on such a hot day. From the back cover: When Sarah McClure and her husband, Matt, move to Waterford, Pennsylvania, she hopes to make a…
View Post
Hot Six by Janet Evanovich Read by CJ Critt Recorded Books 2001 Length: 9.5 hours From the back of the audio case: Stephanie Plum, America’s favorite bounty hunter, returns to the streets of Trenton, New Jersey for another rousing adventure. With high-spirited sidekicks like the bizarre Grandma Mazur and ex-hooker Lula, its easy to see why Stephanie’s fan base grows every day. While trying to make an honest buck apprehending…
View Post
Please join Rose City Reader every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author. I’m reading Dreams of Joy by Lisa See: The wail of a police siren in the distance tears through my…
View Post