First line: She’d lost the job of a lifetime because of a man! From the inside cover: Dating Matthew O’Brien – a playboy and a younger man – cost Laila her career and her parents’ respect. A high price, even for love – and when Laila decides it was just a fling, she breaks it off, despite Matthew’s objections. But the O’Brien family has other ideas, and they conspire to…
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First line: The visiting hour was almost over, so the hummingbird man encountered only the occasional carriage as he pushed his cart along the narrow strip of road between the mansions of Newport and the Atlantic Ocean. Synopsis: Traveling abroad with her mother at the turn of the twentieth century to seek a titled husband, beautiful, vivacious Cora Cash, whose family mansion in Newport dwarfs the Vanderbilts’, suddenly finds herself…
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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, they were still working on my house, so I had lots of quality reading…
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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: The Christmas Wedding by James Patterson I already read this and loved it – as is typical of James Patterson’s books, I read this in one afternoon! Flirting With Mermaids by John Kretschmer This is the book selection for this month’s book club…
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First line: On her knees in the bathroom floor, Hannah Raymond viewed parts of the toilet that were never meant to be seen at such short range. From the back cover: It was a night she’d never forget…two strangers coming together in one breathless moment of intense need and heart-stopping desire. But now sheltered Hannah Raymond is expecting the child of rugged naval seaman Riley Murdock – a man she…
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First line: Outside, somewhere, the next gun blast thudded through the air, rattling the mahogany-framed photograph of Papa. From the back cover: Paris, 1944: The city steams in the summer heat, bristling with anticipation of its impending liberation. It marks the beginning of the end of a devastating war…and the beginning of a year like no other for Marie-Therese Brillard and her children, Colette and Christophe. They first came to…
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FIR is hosted by Katrina atCallapidderdays. Every Wednesday this fall, Katrina will be posting a question about reading. Today’s question: How large is your personal/family collection of books? And where do you keep them? With both my husband and I avid readers, the answer to this is a lot! And by a lot I mean we probably have close to 750 books. He enjoys old books and my…
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First line: If the spark-throwing screech of iron-on-iron hadn’t wrenched Clay McKettrick out of his uneasy sleep, the train’s lurching stop – which nearly pitched him onto the facing seat – would surely have done the trick. From the inside cover: The sudden death of the town marshal leaves Blue River, Texas, without a lawman…and twenty-five-year-old Dara Rose Nolan without a husband. As winter approaches and her meager seamstress income…
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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 past week I’ve had construction going on in my house, so the pup and…
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First line: Dear Sophie, My neighborhood goes all out for Halloween. From the back cover: This Halloween, a murderer is up to mischief. Domestic diva Sophie Winston is getting into the holiday spirit, and her decorations for a community haunted house are so good, it’s scary. Not to be outdone, rival domestic diva Natasha is throwing a spooktacular Halloween party at her house. But when Sophie arrives, she discovers one…
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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 Library: Serendipity by Carly Phillips This is the first in Carly Phillips’ newest series. What’s in your mailbox?
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First line: “Mom!” From the inside cover: Welcome to Christmas Town! The people of Cedar Cove know how to celebrate Christmas. Like Grace and Olivia and everyone else, Beth Morehouse expects this Christmas to be one of her best. Her small Christmas-tree farm is prospering, her daughters and her dogs are happy and well, and her new relationship with local vet Ted Reynolds is showing plenty of romantic promise. But…someone…
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FIR is hosted by Katrina atCallapidderdays. Every Wednesday this fall, Katrina will be posting a question about reading. Today’s question: On what devices, if any, do you read books? Or are you strictly a “physical book” reader? Up until last Christmas, I was strictly a “physical book” reader. Then, my awesome hubby got me the NookColor and I have to say I really enjoy it. I still…
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First line: “So, what’s the difference between a sociopath and a psychopath?” From the back cover: HALLOWEEN SALE AT THE WICK’D WHICH Experiencing paranormal activity in your home? Worried about ghosts, ghouls or goblins? Hearing voices? Slamming doors? Feeling a cold mist? Maybe it’s time for a quarterly cleansing…Hurry in now! Sadie Hoffmiller believes in her abilities as a cook and as a detective. She believes in the beauty of…
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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 I ended up taking some time for myself – I didn’t work at…
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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 (0) Library (3) Night Road by Kristin Hannah Perfect on Paper by Maria Murnane An O’Brien Family Christmas by Sherryl Woods Purchased (0) Free Downloads (0) Borrowed from family member (0) From Paperback Swap (1) Joy School by Elizabeth Berg…
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First line: Another day in Mayberry, Jamie Moore thought as she waved the last two customers of the day out the door of the Chocolate Bar. From the back cover: Keep the heart in Heart Lake. That’s exactly what three small-town shop owners hope to do when they launch their crazy-ambitious “Have a Heart” campaign – asking neighbors to commit one random act of kindness every day. Emma, Sarah, and…
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First line: Rain. From the back cover: Busy attorney Catherine Fredrickson loved her job at a submarine base in Washington, but her new boss, Royce Nyland, had her spirits sinking fast. The icy widower was distant, demanding…and incredibly attractive. And though he kept her at arm’s length, he aroused a stormy passion in Catherine that was impossible to deny. Already struggling to keep afloat while caring for his energetic daughter,…
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Since I had a decent turnout for last month’s giveaway, I think I will make this a permanent feature here at Always With a Book. The books are a combination 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’s selections are: Everything…
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FIR is hosted by Katrina atCallapidderdays. Every Wednesday this fall, Katrina will be posting a question about reading. Today’s question: How often do you re-read books? What does it take to make you re-read? Because there are so many good books out there that I haven’t read yet and so many being released each day, I rarely have an opportunity to reread anything. With that being said, there are…
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From the back of the audio cover: Bette Nolan moves to a small town after the death of her husband to try to begin life anew. Though still dealing with her sorrow, Betta nonetheless is determined to find pleasure in her simple daily routines. Among those who help her in both expected and unexpected ways are the ten-year-old boy next door, three wild women friends from her college days with…
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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 super busy as I was getting ready for my baby sister’s wedding!…
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Here are my reading stats for September! 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.) The King’s Daughter* by Barbara Kyle The Queen’s Captive* by Barbara Kyle The Queen’s Gamble* by Barbara Kyle Navy Blues* by Debbie Macomber Call Me Irresistible* by Susan Elizabeth Phillips Hide* by Lisa Gardner 1105 Yakima Street*…
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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. *** Another week of receiving 10 books – two weeks in a row!!! For Review (5) It’s a Waverly Life by Maria Murnane Inseparable by Dora Heldt Paris Noire by Francine Thomas Howard Already Gone by John Rector Dove Season by Johnny…
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First line: There it sat, a Cloud Nine queen-sized luxury gold comforter with red ribbon applique and metallic embroidery. From the back cover: Take a trip to the charming little town of Heart Lake, and meet three best friends who you’ll never forget… Rachel, Jessica and Tiffany have money problems – major money problems. Tiffany’s whipped out the plastic one too many times, and now a mountain of debt is…
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First line: Sunshine splashed into the windows of the Bremerton waterfront cafe. From the back cover: Dear Reader, You’ve probably heard that my wife has left me. Rachel’s pregnant, and she says she can’t handle the stress in our household anymore. My thirteen-year-old daughter, Jolene, is jealous of her. Maybe it’s my fault. As a widower I spoiled her – Jolene was reading over my shoulder just now and says…
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From the back of the audio case: It was a case that haunts Bobby Dodge to this day – the case that nearly killed him and changed his life forever. Now, the gruesome discovery of six mummified corpses, resurrects his worst nightmare: the return of a killer he thought dead and buried. Bobby’s only lead is wrapped around a dead woman’s neck. Annabelle Granger’s childhood was a blur of new…
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FIR is hosted by Katrina atCallapidderdays. Every Wednesday this fall, Katrina will be posting a question about reading. Today’s question: How much do book reviews influence your decision to acquire and/or read a book? As I tend to read the most among my friends and family, I tend to rely on reviews from other bloggers as to whether I will read a book. Of course, there are certain authors…
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First line: More than a few residents of Wynette, Texas, thought Ted Beaudine was marrying beneath himself. From the inside cover: R.S.V.P. to the most riotous wedding of the year… Lucy Jorik is the daughter of a former president of the United States. Meg Koranda is the offspring of legends. One of them is about to marry Mr. Irresistible – Ted Beaudine – the favorite son of Wynette, Texas. The…
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The winners of this month’s giveaway are: Perfection By: Julie Metz Winner: Jane This Must Be the Place by: Kate Raccula Winner: Lindsey With Friends Like These By: Sally Koslow Winner: Kritter Tick Tock By: James Patterson Winner: Mamabunny Thanks to all who entered and don’t forget to stop by next month to see a new set of books up for grabs!
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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 I managed to get a quite a few reviews done, but didn’t get that…
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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 was a crazy week as far as getting books – last few weeks have been pretty light and this week I ended up with 10 books…now if only I can read as fast as I seem to be acquiring these books!!!…
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First line: For eight years I dreamed of fire. From the back cover: The Victorian language of flowers was used to convey romantic expressions: honeysuckle for devotion, aster for patience, and red roses for love. But for Victoria Jones, it’s been more useful in communicating grief, mistrust, and solitude. After a childhood spent in the foster-care system, she is unable to get close to anybody, and her only connection to…
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Katrina over at Callapidder Days is hosting the Fall Into Reading Challenge. The challenge is to pick books you would like to read this fall and then keep a record of how you do. The challenge runs from September 23 to December 21. If you’d like to join, head over here to sign up. Here’s my list as of now: The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin Pumpkin Roll by Josi…
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First line: Seducing her ex-husband wasn’t going to be easy, Carol Kyle decided, but she was determined. From the back cover: Despite her ex-husband’s bullheadedness, Carol Kyle knew he’d be the perfect man to father the child she so desperately wanted. Yet she also realized that the strong, honorable man would never allow his child to be raised without a father. So Carol needed to plot, to plan, to maneuver,…
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First line: They came for her at dawn. From the back cover: England, 1554. In the wake of the failed Wyatt Rebellion, a vengeful Queen Mary has ordered all conspirators captured and executed. Among the imprisoned is her own sister, twenty-one-year-old Princess Elizabeth. Though she protests her innocence, Elizabeth’s brave stand only angers Mary more. Elizabeth longs to gain her liberty – and her sister’s crown. In Honor and Richard…
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First line: Snow crunched under the feet of three cloaked figures – a queen, her lady, and a gravedigger – as they hurried along a moonlit path in Windsor Castle’s lower ward. From the back cover: Upon the death of her father, Henry VIII, Queen Mary assumes the throne after a long and bitter wait. Her first order of business is to wed the devout Prince Phillip of Spain, creating…
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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 we went up to our cabin. It was the perfect fall weekend up there…
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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: Pumpkin Roll by Josi S. Kilpack I love this series and am excited to be participating in the blog tour for it – look for my review and a guest post by Josi to be posted Oct 11th and 12th. In the…
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First line: She would remember this forever after as the night she watched two men die, one at peace and one in terror. From the back cover: London, 1527. Marry or serve: for Honor Larke, the choice is clear. Unwilling to perish of boredom as an obedient wife, she leaves the home of her ward, the brilliant Sir Thomas More, to attend Her Majesty, Queen Catherine of Aragon. But life…
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From the back of the audio case: Birdie Cousins has thrown herself into the details of her daughter, Chess’s lavish wedding, from the floating dance floor in her Connecticut backyard pond to the color of the cocktail napkins. Like any mother of a bride-to-be, she is weathering the storms of excitement and chaos, tears and joy. But Birdie, a woman who prides herself on preparing for every possibility, could never…
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First line: Failure wasn’t a feeling; it was a taste in his mouth, an ache at the base of his neck. From the inside cover: After giving up his post at the Hollows Police Department, Jones Cooper is at loose ends. He is having trouble facing a horrible event from his past and finding a second act. Then, on a brisk October morning, he has a visitor. Eloise Montgomery, the…
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First line: Isabel Valverde was coming home. From the back cover: Young Queen Elizabeth I’s path to the throne has been a perilous one, and already she faces a dangerous crisis. French troops have landed in Scotland to quell a rebel Protestant army, and Elizabeth fears once they are entrenched on the border, they will invade England. Isabel Thornleigh has returned to London from the New World with her Spanish…
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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…
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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 –…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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