Last year, I had the opportunity to read and review The Queen’s Vow: A Novel of Isabella of Castile by C.W. Gortner when it came out in hardcover. Now, the book is available in paperback and C.W. is once again touring the blogosphere with the book. The Queen’s Vow: A Novel of Isabella Castile by C.W. Gortner Ballantine Books July 2013 416 pages No one believed I was destined for…
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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. We ended up heading up to our cabin this past weekend and it was so…
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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 Other Woman by Hank Phillippi Ryan This will be my first Hank Phillippi Ryan book and I can’t wait to read it…it’s also the first in a series! From the library: Beautiful Day by Elin Hilderbrand Summer means a new Elin Hilderbrand book and I…
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Almost Perfect by Susan Mallery Series: Fool’s Gold, #2 HQN June 2010 Format: Paperback, 379pages Source: Library Back in high school, Liz Sutton was the girl from the wrong side of the tracks. Then she’d stolen the heart of the most popular boy in town, and their secret romance helped her through the worst of times. Until Ethan Hendrix betrayed her and everything they’d ever meant to each other. Devastated…
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Fly Away by Kristin Hannah Series: Firefly Lane, #2 Read by Susan Ericksen Macmillan Audio 2013 Length: 16 hours Source: Personal copy Once, a long time ago, I walked down a night-darkened road called Firefly Lane, all alone, on the worst night of my life, and I found a kindred spirit. That was our beginning. More than thirty years ago. TullyandKate. You and me against the world. Best friends forever.…
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The Winter Sea by Susanna Kearsley Series: Slains, #1 Sourcebooks December 2010 Format: e-book, 527 pages Source: Personal copy In the spring of 1708, an invading Jacobite fleet of French and Scottish soldiers nearly succeeded in landing the exiled James Stewart in Scotland to reclaim his crown. Now, Carrie McClelland hopes to turn that story into her next bestselling novel. Settling herself in the shadow of Slains Castle, she creates…
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The Newcomer by Robyn Carr Series: Thunder Point, #2 Harlequin MIRA June 2013 Format: ARC e-book, 368 pages Source: Netgalley via Little Bird Publicity With humor and insight, #1 New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr looks at letting go of the past-and knowing when you’ve found something worth building your future on Single dad and Thunder Point’s deputy sheriff “Mac” McCain has worked hard to keep everyone safe and…
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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 been a hot week – we had temps in the 90s and since it…
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Tynga of Tynga’s Reviews is starting a new meme to spotlight the books we receive each week. Here’s what I got: From the library: Vanish by Tess Gerritsen I love Tess Gerritsen’s Rizzoli and Isles series and this is book 5…one of the three series I’m trying to catch up on. Almost Perfect by Susan Mallery The second in Susan Mallery’s Fool’s Gold series…this is another of…
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Come Home by Lisa Scottoline Narrated by Maggie-Meg Reed MacMillan Audio 2012 Length: 12 hours, 25 minutes Source: Library Lisa Scottoline has delivered taut thrillers with a powerful emotional wallop in her New York Times bestsellers Save Me, Think Twice, and Look Again. Now, with her new novel, Come Home, she ratchets up the suspense with the riveting story of a mother who sacrifices her future for a child from…
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Looking for Me by Beth Hoffman Pamela Dorman Books May 2013 Format: Hardcover, 368 pages Source: Library Beth Hoffman’s bestselling debut, Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, won admirers and acclaim with its heartwarming story and cast of unforgettable characters. Now her unique flair for evocative settings and richly drawn Southern personalities shines in her compelling new novel, Looking for Me. Teddi Overman found her life’s passion for furniture in a broken-down chair…
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Here are this month’s giveaway selections: I, Michael Bennett By: James Patterson Format: Hardcover My review The Opposite of Me By: Sarah Pekkanen Format: ARC Paperback My review Wind Chime Point By: Sherryl Woods Format: ARC Paperback My review Body Heat By: Brenda Novak Format: Paperback My review Killer in Crinolines By: Duffy Brown Format: Paperback My review How to enter: This contest is open to entries…
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Once again, I’ve fallen behind in announcing giveaway winners. Here are the winners of giveaways from the last month: ARMCHAIR BEA GIVEAWAY: The Typewriter Girl by Alison Atlee – Sprite The Fate of Mercy Alban by Wendy Webb – Shannon Gallagher Children of Liberty by Paullina Simons – Dorothy Teel JUNE MONTHLY GIVEAWAY: A Hundred Flowers by Gail Tsukiyama – Mary H. Fly Away by Kristin Hannah – Lara Newell…
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Button Holed by Kylie Logan Series: Button Box Mystery, #1 Berkley September 2011 Format: Paperback, 264 pages Source: Personal copy In a big-picture world, it’s the little things that appeal to button dealer Josie Giancola. There’s history in every button. There’s art, and craft, and style. There might be clues to murder, too. Working out of her button shop in a Chicago brownstone, Josie Giancola has quietly become one of…
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Back in January, I was first introduced to Bella Andre when she did a whirlwind tour for the e-book editions of her Sullivan series. I was fortunate to receive e-copies of the first 7 books and of the ones I’ve had time to read (5 so far) I’ve loved them!!! Now, she has joined forces with Harlequin MIRA to provide the Sullivan books in print, with new content added to…
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The 9th Girl by Tami Hoag Dutton Adult June 2013 Format: e-book, 417 pages Source: Publisher via Netgalley #1 New York Times bestselling author Tami Hoag brings back her fan-favorite Minneapolis investigators Sam Kovac and Nikki Liska in the haunting new thriller The 9th Girl. “Kovac had seen more dead bodies than he could count: Men, women, children; victims of shootings, stabbings, strangulations, beatings; fresh corpses and bodies that had…
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Another month has come and gone…and as we are now halfway through the year, I realize I need to focus on my reading challenges. I am doing well in some, but haven’t started a few. I guess I will have to be a little more selective in what I read moving forward. I’m really getting the hang of the whole social media thing – specifically using twitter. I’ve come across…
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The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley Series: Slains, #2 Sourcebooks Landmark June 2013 Format: Paperback, 539 pages Source: Publisher/She Reads Whoever dares to seek the Firebird may find the journey—and its ending—unexpected. Nicola Marter was born with a gift. When she touches an object, she sometimes sees images; glimpses of those who have owned it before. It’s never been a gift she wants, and she keeps it a secret from most…
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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. How is it July 1st already? I need to get some serious reading in if…
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Don’t forget that Google Reader is shutting down July 1st. When this announcement first came out, I looked into other options and decided to go with Bloglovin’. I find it is a rather easy site to use and navigate. Plus, I can use with both my phone (I have an Android phone) and the iPad. Feel free to follow Always With a Book on Bloglovin (click on link) or you…
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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 Shadow Tracer by Meg Gardiner I’ve never read anything by Meg Gardiner, but do enjoy a good thriller! Purchased: Second Honeymoon by James Patterson A new stand-alone James Patterson book – oh how I love my James Patterson!!! From Library: Finger Lickin’…
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Body Double by Tess Gerritsen Series: Rizzoli & Isles #4 Ballantine Books July 2005 Format: Paperback, 432 pages Source: Library Boston medical examiner Dr. Maura Isles literally meets her match–and must face a savage serial killer and shattering personal revelations–in the brilliant new novel of suspense by the New York Times bestselling author of The Surgeon and The Sinner. Dr. Maura Isles makes her living dealing with death. As a pathologist in a…
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The Surfing Lesson by Elin Hilderbrand Reagan Arthur Books May 2013 Format: e-book, 44 pages Source: Personal copy A digital edition short story about a wife coming to terms with her fading marriage, based on a subplot from Elin Hilderbrand’s forthcoming novel BEAUTIFUL DAY Margot’s reservoir of romantic feelings for her husband Drum is running dry. But while the family is on vacation in Nantucket, Margot finds an opportunity to…
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Time Flies by Claire Cook Touchtone June 2013 Format: e-book, 320 pages Source: Publisher via Netgalley TWO BEST FRIENDS, A HIGH SCHOOL REUNION, AND A ROLLICKING ROAD TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE Years ago, Melanie followed her husband, Kurt, from the New England beach town where their two young sons were thriving to the suburbs of Atlanta. She’s carved out a life as a successful metal sculptor, but when Kurt leaves…
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Chasing Perfect by Susan Mallery Series: Fool’s Gold #1 HQN April 2010 Format: Paperback, 376 pages Source: Library Welcome to Fool’s Gold, California, a charming community in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. There’s lots to do and plenty of people to meet, especially women. Because there’s just one tiny problem in Fool’s Gold: the men don’t seem to stick around. Maybe it’s the lure of big-city life, or maybe…
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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. Last week was Audiobook Week, hosted by Jen at Devourer of Books. It was a…
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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 Tudor Conspiracy by C.W. Gortner This is the latest in C.W. Gortner’s Spymaster Chronicles series and I am looking forward to reading it! Can’t Help Falling in Love by Bella Andre This is my newest favorite series and the latest one coming out in paperback!…
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Today is the final discussion post for Audiobook Week 2013. I want to thank Jen at Devourer of Books for hosting a great week of discussions centered around audiobooks this week. Here’s today’s discussion topic: Where do you learn about great audiobook titles? Buy your audiobooks? Share your secrets with the rest of us! We’d particularly love to know what narrators or publishers are active in social media of do…
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Innocent Traitor: A Novel of Lady Jane Grey by Alison Weir Read by: Stina Nielsen, Davina Porter, Bianca Amato, Jenny Sterlin, Jill Tanner, Gerard Doyle, & Robert Ian Mackenzie Recorded Books, LLC 2007 Length: 18.25 hours Source: Library New York Times best-selling author Alison Weir has earned her reputation as the preeminent historian of British royalty. Now with Innocent Traitor, Weir utilizes her vast knowledge and captivating narrative style to…
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June is Audiobook Month and Jen at Devourer of Books is hosting a special week dedicated to audiobooks this week. Today’s discussion topic is about what we do while listening to audiobooks: What do you do while you listen? Any particular tasks or games that you find amazing for audio time? Ever since starting to listen to audios, about three and a half years ago, I’ve found myself listening while…
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Welcome to day three of Audio Book Week, hosted by Jen at Devourer of Books! Today is the mid-week meme. Current/most recent audiobook: I’m currently listening to 2 audio books: * in the car: Fly Away by Kristin Hannah, read by Susan Ericksen * on the iPod: Come Home by Lisa Scottoline, read by Maggie-Meg Reed Impressions: Fly Away: I loved Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah and this…
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Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich Series: Stephanie Plum #14.5, Between the Number #4 Read by Lorelei King Macmillan Audio 2009 Length: 6.5 hours Source: Library Turn on all the lights and check under your bed. Things are about to get spooky in Trenton, New Jersey. Wulf Grimoire is a world wanderer and an opportunist who can kill without remorse and disappear like smoke. He’s chosen Martin Munch, boy genius, as…
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June is Audiobook Month and Jen at Devourer of Books is hosting a special week dedicated to audiobooks this week. Today’s discussion topic is about how we choose our audiobooks: How do you decide what you’ll listen to? Do you mostly listen, or split time between listening and reading? Particularly if you split time, how do you decide what you’ll consume in audio and what in print? I split…
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In honor of Audiobook Month, the giveaways this month are all audios. I received these either from a publisher or won in a giveaway. They’ve all been gently used. Spring Fever By: Mary Kaye Andrews Format: Audiobook My review A Hundred Flowers By: Gail Tsukiyama Format: Audiobook My review Fly Away By: Kristin Hannah Format: Audiobook (Almost done listening to this one – then review will go up!) …
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June is Audiobook Month and Jen at Devourer of Books is hosting a special week dedicated to audiobooks this week. This is my third year participating and I can’t wait to see what’s in store all week! The first discussion topic for this week is “2012-2013, Your Audiobook Year.” And the description for this discussion topic is: Are you new to audiobooks in the last year? Have you…
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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. On Saturday, I met my mom in New York City and we did a walking…
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Tynga of Tynga’s Reviews is starting a new meme to spotlight the books we receive each week. Here’s what I got: Purchased: All the Summer Girls by Meg Donohue This has been all over the blog0sphere and when I saw it at the store, I couldn’t resist picking it up. The Wishing Tree (e-book) by Marybeth Whalen This is another book that’s been around the blogosphere and was…
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If You Were Mine by Bella Andre Series: The Sullivans #5 Oak Press May 2012 Format: e-book, 194 pages Source: Novel Publicity Can two people who have both sworn off love find forever in each other’s arms? The last thing Zach Sullivan wants is to take care of his brother’s new puppy for two weeks. Until he meets the dog trainer, that is. Heather is bright, beautiful, and he can’t…
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Taking Eve by Iris Johansen Series: Eve Duncan #18 St. Martin’s Press April 2013 Format: Hardcover, 384 pages Source: Library #1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen is back with the first book in a chilling new Eve Duncan trilogy that asks the question: will Eve survive what lies ahead? Forensic sculptor Eve Duncan’s mission is to bring closure to the families whose loved ones have vanished. She knows their…
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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. Another week has flown by and unfortunately not only did I not get a lot…
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Tynga of Tynga’s Reviews is starting a new meme to spotlight the books we receive each week. Here’s what I got: Won: The Bookman’s Tale by Charlies Lovett I won this from Jen at Devourer of Books and it sounds really intriguing…thanks for the giveaway!!! Purchased: *** I purchased the following 5 books while attending Beach Reads 2013 at the Princeton Library this week. I was…
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Last night, I had the opportunity to attend Princeton’s Library’s Beach Reads Night 2013 and what a night it was! Not even the threat of Tropical Storm Andrea was going to keep me away from attending. The night was co-sponsored by Chick Lit Central with the lovely Amy Bromberg as moderator. Six fabulous authors were there to not only chat about their latest novels, but also to talk about what…
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Big Sky Summer by Linda Lael Miller Harlequin HQN May 2013 Format: ARC e-copy, 384 pages Source: Netgalley via Little Bird Publicity The “First Lady of the West,” #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller, welcomes you home to Parable, Montana-where love awaits. With his father’s rodeo legacy to continue and a prosperous spread to run, Walker Parrish has no time to dwell on wrecked relationships. But country-western…
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Back in January, I was first introduced to Bella Andre when she did a whirlwind tour for the e-book editions of her Sullivan series. I was fortunate to receive e-copies of the first 7 books and of the ones I’ve had time to read (5 so far) I’ve loved them!!! Now, she has joined forces with Harlequin MIRA to provide the Sullivan books in print, with new content added to…
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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. What a week!!! I participated in ArmchairBEA 2013 and it kept me quite busy. There…
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Design credit: Nina of Nina Reads Armchair BEA 2013 has come to an end and I had a great time. This was my second year participating and it was just as informative and fun as the first time I participated. One day I would love to get to the actual BEA, but until that happens, ArmchairBEA is the place to be! Here’s a recap of all my posts related to…
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Tynga of Tynga’s Reviews is starting a new meme to spotlight the books we receive each week. Here’s what I got: From the Library: Looking for Me by Beth Hoffman This will be my first Beth Hoffman book and I can’t wait to read it…so many people have been raving about it and I think I will really like it. From Netgalley: Before I Met You (e-book) by…
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Wow…another month has come and gone. I really don’t know where the time is going. This past month was quite busy with work, but I managed to get back on track with my fitness regimen – walking and doing yoga. I have a fitbit and my daily goal is to get a least 10,000 steps in each day. Some days I get way more than that, and others fall short.…
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Design credit: Nina of Nina Reads Today is day five of Armchair BEA and we are discussing how we keep our blogs real, fresh and fun. The prompt for today is: How do you keep your material fresh? How do you continue to keep blogging fun? How do you not only grow an audience, but how do you keep them coming back for more? I started this blog as a…
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Design credit: Sarah of Puss Reboots Today’s genre discussion is all about non-fiction. I have to admit that on the whole, I tend to stay away from non-fiction. When I read, I like a good story. That’s not to say that I haven’t read non-fiction or that I will not read it, it’s just not usually my go-to choice. I recently came across a series of non-fiction books that definitely…
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