Always With a Book

Virtual Book Tour & Review: Attorney-Client Privilege by Pamela Samuels Young

Virtual Book Tour & Review: Attorney-Client Privilege by Pamela Samuels Young

Attorney-Client Privilege by Pamela Samuels Young Goldman House Publishing June 2012 Format: Paperback, 396 pages First line: “Girlfriend, you need to relax.” From the back cover: A brutal murder, missing documents and an unscrupulous opposing counsel lead attorney Vernetta Henderson on a quest for justice – and ultimately – revenge. Vernetta goes after a corporation with a long history of discriminating against women. While Vernetta simply wants justice for her…

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Coming Soon: Bloggiesta!!!

Coming Soon: Bloggiesta!!!

YAY…it’s back!!! Bloggiesta will once again be upon us – mark you calendars for September 28 – 30.  It’s now hosted by Suey at It’s All About Books and Danielle at There’s a Book.  My blogging “to do” list is quite long and I keep putting it off! Not sure what Bloggiesta is?  Here’s the run down: “Bloggiesta is a three day event where participants will spend as much time as they…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (9.10.12)

It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (9.10.12)

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 looking to be a busy upcoming week, so I’m not sure how much blogging I…

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Stacking the Shelves (16) 9.9.12

Stacking the Shelves (16) 9.9.12

  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:   Love Anthony (audio) by Lisa Genova   This is the Lisa Genova’s newest book and I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to review the audio version which is narrated by Deborah Messing. I’m looking forward to listening to this one soon!    …

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Review: Split Second by Catherine Coulter

Review: Split Second by Catherine Coulter

Split Second by Catherine Coulter G.P. Putnam Sons July 2011 Format: Hardcover, 419 pages First line: Nonfat milk, Fritos, and bananas, Savich repeated to himself as he pulled into the parking lot of Mr. Patil’s Shop ‘n Go. From the inside cover: The number-one New York Times-bestselling author returns with another pulse-pounding thriller featuring FBI agents Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock, and introducing Speical Agents Lucy Carlyle and Cooper McKnight. A…

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Review: A Hundred Flowers by Gail Tsukiyama (audio)

Review: A Hundred Flowers by Gail Tsukiyama (audio)

A Hundred Flowers by Gail Tsukiyama Narrated by Simon Vance MacMillan Audio August 2012 Length: 7.5 hours From the back of the audio case: In 1957, Chairman Mao declared a new openness in China: “Let a hundred flowers bloom; let a hundred schools of thought contend.” With many intellectuals fearing that it was a trap, Kai Ying’s husband, Sheng, a headstrong teacher, promised not to jeopardize his family’s safety. Nevertheless,…

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Guest Post (& Giveaway): Sherryl Woods

Guest Post (& Giveaway): Sherryl Woods

I am pleased to welcome author Sherryl Woods to Always With a Book. Her latest book, Where Azaleas Bloom, is now available. You can read my review of her book (and enter to win a copy) here. Today Sherryl is talking about heroes. Every woman has her own definition for a hero. For some it’s the knight-in-shining-armor who sweeps her off her feet. For others it’s the man who’s kind…

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Review & Giveaway: Where Azaleas Bloom by Sherryl Woods (CLOSED)

Review & Giveaway: Where Azaleas Bloom by Sherryl Woods (CLOSED)

Where Azaleas Bloom by Sherryl Woods Harlequin MIRA August 2012 Format: Paperback, 384 pages First line: Lynn Morrow was at her wit’s end. From the back of the book: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Sherryl Woods explores the healing power of a love strong enough to join two wounded families. Single mom Lynn Morrow is determined to put food on the table for her son and daughter.…

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Monthly Giveaway: September (CLOSED)

Monthly Giveaway: September (CLOSED)

This month there are 4 selections: Kill Alex Cross By: James Patterson Format: Hardcover My review   On the Run By: Iris Johansen Format: Audio book – cds My review Death Threads By: Elizabeth Lynn Casey Format: Paperback My review Agony of the Leaves By: Laura Childs Format: ARC Paperback My review     How to enter:  This contest is open to entries from the U.S. only. The deadline for…

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Review: The Color of Tea by Hannah Tunnicliffe

Review: The Color of Tea by Hannah Tunnicliffe

The Color of Tea by Hannah Tunnicliffe Scribner June 2012 Format: Paperback, 336 pages First line: We arrived in Macau at the end of the Year of the Golden Pig. From the back cover: Macau: the bulbous nose of China, a peninsula and two islands strung together like a three-bead necklace. It was time to find a life for myself. To make something out of nothing. The end of hope…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (9.3.12)

It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (9.3.12)

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 was a busy week, but I managed to get quite a few reviews done last…

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Stacking the Shelves (15) 9.2.12

Stacking the Shelves (15) 9.2.12

  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:   Last to Die by Tess Gerritsen   I love the Rizzoli and Isles tv show and was glad to find out that it was based on a series of books. I’ve read the first book and was thrilled was I was asked to read this…

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Month in Review: August 2012

Month in Review: August 2012

Here are my reading stats for August! Books read:  17 Books I read (reviewed ones have * and link to review; books not yet reviewed will be linked up once review is posted.) The Girl Who Played With Fire*– Stieg Larsson Angel’s Peak*– Robyn Carr Runaway Girl*– Carissa Phelps Ninepins* — Rosy Thornton The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest* — Stieg Larsson When First They Met* — Debbie Macomber…

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Review: Return to Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs

Review: Return to Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs

Return to Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs Harlequin MIRA August 2012 Format: e-book, 486 pages First line: Moments before the wedding was to begin, Sonnet Romano shuddered with a wave of nervousness. Summary from Goodreads: Sonnet Romano’s life is almost perfect. She has the ideal career, the ideal boyfriend, and has just been offered a prestigious fellowship. There’s nothing more a woman wants – except maybe a baby…sister? When Sonnet…

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New Contest for Josi S. Kilpack’s Latest Book!!! (CLOSED)

New Contest for Josi S. Kilpack’s Latest Book!!! (CLOSED)

I love Josi S. Kilpack’s Sadie Hoffmiller series and am very excited that the eighth book in the series, Tres Leches Cupcakes, will be released the first week of September.  This is a culinary cozy series featuring the quirky and interesting Sadie.She doesn’t fit into your typical investigator role – which is what makes the books so entertaining. And, the recipes included in the books are pretty sweet too!  Contest…

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Review: On the Run by Iris Johansen (audio)

Review: On the Run by Iris Johansen (audio)

On the Run by Iris Johansen Narrated by Jennifer Van Dyke Random House Audio 2005 Length: 9 hours From the back of the audio case: #1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen is back with an electrifying new thriller that pits a mother and daughter against a relentless killer who takes no prisoners, accepts no surrender, and leaves his intended victims with no choice but one: to run for…

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Blog Tour, Scavenger Hunt & Review: Big Sky Mountain by Linda Lael Miller

Blog Tour, Scavenger Hunt & Review: Big Sky Mountain by Linda Lael Miller

If you’re coming from the blog tour, welcome! Below you’ll find the next excerpt of Big Sky Mountain and the link to tomorrow’s piece as well. If this is your first stop on the tour, you’ll need to start from the beginning to get the whole excerpt. Go here, to see the full list of blog tour stops.  Big Sky Mountain by Linda Lael Miller Harlequin July 2012 Format: e-book,…

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Review: When First They Met by Debbie Macomber (e-book)

Review: When First They Met by Debbie Macomber (e-book)

When First They Met by Debbie Macomber Ballentine Books June 2012 Format: e-book, 27 pages First line: I’ve always been a big football enthusiast. Synopsis from B&N: Debbie Macomber’s Blossom Street and Cedar Cove series have won thousands of fans, thanks to her signature blend of heartfelt romance, delightful humor, and warm wisdom. Now, in this original short story available exclusively as an eBook, Macomber shares a sneak peek into…

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Review: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Stieg Larsson

Review: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Stieg Larsson

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Stieg Larsson Vintage Crime/Black Lizard February 2012 Format: Paperback, 655 pages First line: Dr. Jonasson was woken by a nurse five minutes before the helicopter was expected to land. From the back cover: In the concluding volume of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium trilogy, Lisbeth Salander lies in critical condition in a Swedish hospital, a bullet in her head. But she’s fighting for her…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (8.27.12)

It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (8.27.12)

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. How is this the last week of August already? This summer has flown by. For those…

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Stacking the Shelves (14) 8.26.12

Stacking the Shelves (14) 8.26.12

  Tynga of Tynga’s Reviews is starting a new meme to spotlight the books we receive each week.  Here’s what I got:      Purchased:     The Shoemaker’s Wife by Adriana Trigiani   I got this from the library when it first came out in April, but loved it so much I wanted my own copy. This past week, Adriana was at the local bookstore and so I not only purchased…

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Review: Ninepins by Rosy Thornton

Review: Ninepins by Rosy Thornton

Ninepins by Rosy Thornton Sandstone Press April 2012 Format: Paperback, 320 pages First line: Half past two: she was certain she’d said half past two. From the back cover: Deep in the Cambridgeshire fens, Laura is living alone with her 12-year old daughter Beth, in the old tollhouse known as Ninepins. She’s in the habit of renting out the pumphouse, once a fen drainage station, to students, but this year…

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Review: Angel’s Peak by Robyn Carr

Review: Angel’s Peak by Robyn Carr

Angel’s Peak by Robyn Carr Mira Books January 2010 Format: Paperback, 373 pages First line: Once the sun went down in Virgin River there wasn’t a whole lot of entertainment for Sean Riordan, unless he wanted to sit by the fire at his brother Luke’s house. From the back cover:  Four years ago, Air Force sweethearts Franci Duncan and Sean Riordan reached an impasse. She wanted marriage and a family.…

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Review: The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson

Review: The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson

The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson Vintage Crime/Black Lizard May 2006 Format: Trade Paperback, 630 pages First line: She lay on her back fastened by leather straps to a narrow bed with a steel frame. From the back cover: Part blistering espionage thriller, part riveting police procedural, and part piercing exposé on social injustice, The Girl Who Played with Fire is a masterful, endlessly satisfying novel. Mikael…

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Giveaway: The Shoemaker’s Wife by Adriana Trigiani (CLOSED)

Giveaway: The Shoemaker’s Wife by Adriana Trigiani (CLOSED)

To celebrate the release of the paperback edition of The Shoemaker’s Wife by Adriana Trigiani, the great people at Harper are sponsoring a giveaway. This is my absolute favorite book of the year. I read The Shoemaker’s Wife when it first came out in April and you can read my review of the book here. Be sure to come back later this week when I post about my meeting Adriana…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (8.20.12)

It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (8.20.12)

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. I finished my second read-a-thon, the Bout of Books Read-a-thon and had a great time.…

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Bout of Books 5.0: Wrap Up Post

Bout of Books 5.0: Wrap Up Post

Bout of Books read-a-thon has come to an end and I had a great time participating – I will definitely be doing this again!  For more information about Bout of Books, click here.    I had some pretty ambitious goals for this read-a-thon and I think overall, I did pretty well. I’m really happy with all the progress I made with both audio books.     Books Read:  The Color…

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Review: The Great Escape by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Review: The Great Escape by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

The Great Escape by Susan Elizabeth Phillips William Morrow July 2012 Format: Hardcover, 384 pages First line: Lucy couldn’t breathe. From the inside cover: “Where do you run to when your life has fallen apart?” Lucy Jorik is a champ at never embarrassing the family she adores–not surprising since her mother is one of the most famous women in the world. But now Lucy has done just that. And on…

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Stacking the Shelves (13) 8.19.12

Stacking the Shelves (13) 8.19.12

  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 Good Woman by Jane Porter   This is the first in Jane Porter’s new trilogy and I am looking forward to reading it.           The King’s Damsel by Kate Emerson   This is the 5thin Kate Emerson’s Secrets of…

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Bout of Books 5.0: Day 6 Recap

Bout of Books 5.0: Day 6 Recap

Well, another day of Bout of Books has come and gone. For more information about Bout of Books, click here. My goals for the read-a-thon can be seen here. Books Read: Split Second by Catherine Coulter: Read 174 pages, time: 3 hrs, 55 min  Audio Progress: The Hundred Flowers by Gail Tsukiyama: 30 minutes I’ve Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella: 2 hours 5 min Challenges: None TOTALS: Total Pages…

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Bout of Books 5.0: Day 5 Recap

Bout of Books 5.0: Day 5 Recap

Well, another day of Bout of Books has come and gone. For more information about Bout of Books, click here. My goals for the read-a-thon can be seen here. Books Read: Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel: Read Part 2 for Read-a-long, read 75 pages, time: 3 hrs, 5 min  Audio Progress: The Hundred Flowers by Gail Tsukiyama: 50 minutes Challenges: None TOTALS: Total Pages Read: 995 Total Books Read: 2 …

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Bout of Books 5.0: Day 4 Recap

Bout of Books 5.0: Day 4 Recap

Well, another day of Bout of Books has come and gone. For more information about Bout of Books, click here. My goals for the read-a-thon can be seen here. Books Read: Return to Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs: Finished, read 174 pages, time: 2 hrs, 10 min  Audio Progress: I’ve Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella: 25 minutes The Hundred Flowers by Gail Tsukiyama: 45 minutes Challenges: None TOTALS: Total…

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Bout of Books 5.0: Day 3 Recap

Bout of Books 5.0: Day 3 Recap

Well, another day of Bout of Books has come and gone. For more information about Bout of Books, click here. My goals for the read-a-thon can be seen here. Books Read: Return to Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs: Started, read 311 pages, time: 3 hrs, 10 min  Audio Progress: I’ve Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella: 50 minutes Challenges: Book Word Search hosted by The Musings of ALMYBNENR – so…

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Review (& Book Trailer): Runaway Girl: Escaping Life on the Streets, One Helping Hand at a Time by Carissa Phelps

Review (& Book Trailer): Runaway Girl: Escaping Life on the Streets, One Helping Hand at a Time by Carissa Phelps

Runaway Girl: Escaping Life on the Streets, One Helping Hand at a Time by Carissa Phelps Viking July 2012 Format: Hardcover, 320 pages First line: Early one bright, hot August morning, during the first week of second grade, my stepfather picked me up and tossed me out the front door. From the inside cover: Carissa Phelps was a runner. Growing up in a troubled home, she would pedal her bike…

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Bout of Books 5.0: Day 2 Recap

Bout of Books 5.0: Day 2 Recap

Well, the second day of Bout of Books has come and gone. For more information about Bout of Books, click here. My goals for the read-a-thon can be seen here. Books Read: Big Sky Mountain by Linda Lael Miller: Finished, read 257 pages, time: 4 hrs, 5 min  Audio Progress: I’ve Got Your Number by Sophie Kinsella: 30 minutes The Hundred Flowers by Gail Tsukiyama:  30 minutes Challenges: None TOTALS:…

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Review: I, Michael Bennett by James Patterson

Review: I, Michael Bennett by James Patterson

I, Michael Bennett by James Patterson Little, Brown and Company July 2012 Format: Hardcover, 416 pages First line: Starting to gasp as she climbed the increasingly steep slope of the tangled hiking trail, Mary Catherine was about to take a breather when the tree line opened. From the inside cover:The NYPD’s Micheal Bennett is James Patterson’s greatest detective ever. POLICE OFFICERS SHOT Detective Michael Bennett arrests an infamous Mexican crime…

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Bout of Books 5.0: Day 1 Recap

Bout of Books 5.0: Day 1 Recap

Well, my first day of participating in Bout of Books went pretty well. I had hoped to get a little more reading time in, but did manage to get in quite a bit of listening in! For more information about Bout of Books, click here. My goals for the read-a-thon can be seen here. Books Read: The Color of Tea by Hannah Tunnicliffe: I had 18 pages left in this…

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Bout of Books 5.0: Goals

Bout of Books 5.0: Goals

I have decided to participate in the Bout of Books read-a-thon. 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, August 13th and runs through Sunday, August 19th in whatever time zone you are in.  Bout of Books is…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (8.13.12)

It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (8.13.12)

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. I finished my first read-a-thon (Summer Wrap-Up Read-a-thon) and am now starting a second –Bout…

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Summer Wrap-Up Read-a-thon: The End

Summer Wrap-Up Read-a-thon: The End

This read-a-thon was hosted by Jennifer at Some Like It Paranormal and Jude at In Between and it was my very first read-a-thon!!! Here’s what I read: Angel’s Peak by Robyn Carr (had 116 pages left) – COMPLETED Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel (read Part 1 for the Read-a-long) – COMPLETED Runaway Girl by Carissa Phelps – review book – COMPLETED Ninepins by Rosy Thornton – review book – COMPLETED…

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Stacking the Shelves (12) 8.12.12

Stacking the Shelves (12) 8.12.12

   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:     Split Second by Catherine Coulter   I am trying to catch up on Catherine Coulter’s FBI Thriller series and this is book 15 out of 16…I think I can catch up before the end of the year!            …

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Wolf Hall Read-a-Long Week 1: Check in (Part 1)

Wolf Hall Read-a-Long Week 1: Check in (Part 1)

This is the first read-a-long I am participating in and I am quite excited about it. It’s being hosted by The True Book Addict and Fiction State of Mind. For week one, we read Part 1, which included an in-depth cast of characters and two family trees and Kai at Fiction State is hosting the discussion – click here to see this week’s discussion.   ***There may be some spoilers included…

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Review: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (audio)

Review: The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (audio)

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson Narrated by Simon Vance Random House Audio 2008 Length: 16 hrs, 30 min From the back of the audio case: A spellbinding amalgam of murder mystery, family saga, love story and financial intrigue. It’s about the disappearance forty years ago of Harriet Vanger, a young scion of one of the wealthiest families in Sweden…and about her octogenarian uncle, determined to know…

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Guest Post: Sherryl Woods (and giveaway, too!)

Guest Post: Sherryl Woods (and giveaway, too!)

I am pleased to welcome author Sherryl Woods to Always With a Book. Her latest book, Catching Fireflies, is now available. You can read my review of her book (and enter to win a copy) here. Today Sherryl is talking about the main message in her new book – bullying. Way, way back I was the fat kid. I dreaded walking into a classroom or attempting to climb a rope…

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Review & Giveaway: Catching Fireflies by Sherryl Woods (CLOSED)

Review & Giveaway: Catching Fireflies by Sherryl Woods (CLOSED)

Catching Fireflies by Sherryl Woods Mira Books August 2012 Format: Paperback, 400 pages First line: It was a little more than six weeks into the new school year, and already Serenity High School English teacher Laura Reed was seeing signs of a potential problem with one of her juniors. From the back cover: New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Sherryl Woods captures a community’s heartfelt fight to preserve…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (8.6.12)

It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (8.6.12)

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 in the middle of participating in my first ever read-a-thon, the Summer Wrap-Up Read-a-thon…

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Stacking the Shelves (11) 8.5.12

Stacking the Shelves (11) 8.5.12

   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:     Runaway Girl by Carissa Phelps   This is just an amazing book – look for my review later this week.               The Making of Us by Lisa Jewell   This appeared in my mailbox this week and it…

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July Giveaway Winners

July Giveaway Winners

Here are the July winners: Private #1 Suspect By: James Patterson Winner: Paula   Big Sky Country By: Linda Lael Miller Winner: Melissa Zgonc A Sheetcake Named Desire By: Jacklyn Brady Winner: Felicia the Geeky Blogger Knock Out By: Catherine Coulter Winner: Emma @ Words and Peace Inseparable By: Dora Heldt Winner: Emily Drake Thanks to all who entered and don’t forget to stop by early next week to see…

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Summer Wrap-up Read-a-thon: Goals

Summer Wrap-up Read-a-thon: Goals

This read-a-thon is hosted by Jennifer at Some Like It Paranormal and Jude at In Between and it’s my very first read-a-thon!!! Details The read-a-thon takes place August 4th-August 12th. It will provide some motivation to finish up all the reading you were hoping to get done over the summer. You can read whatever you want and as much or little as you want. For more information or to sign…

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Review: Still Missing by Chevy Stevens (audio book)

Review: Still Missing by Chevy Stevens (audio book)

Still Missing by Chevy Stevens Narrated by Angela Dawe Brilliance Audio 2010 Length: 9 hours, 13 minutes Synopsis from Goodreads:On the day she was abducted, Annie O’Sullivan, a 32-year-old realtor, had three goals—sell a house, forget about a recent argument with her mother, and be on time for dinner with her ever-patient boyfriend. The open house is slow, but when her last visitor pulls up in a van as she’s…

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