2011 has been a great year. I’ve been blogging for almost two 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. So, here are my stats for 2011. Overall, I completed 145 books (that includes audio books)…
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Here are my reading stats for December! Books read: 10 Books I read (reviewed ones have * and link to review; books not yet reviewed will be linked up once review is posted.) Inseparable* by Dora Heldt Knit the Season* by Kate Jacobs Secrets of the Tudor Court: By Royal Decree* by Kate Emerson Still Alice* by Lisa Genova The Nine Lives of Christmas* by Sheila Roberts Shanghai Girls* by…
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First line: The stone walls stood as they had for more than two centuries, simple, sturdy, and strong. From the back cover: #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts introduces you to the Montgomery brothers – Beckett, Ryder, and Owen – as they bring an intimate bed-and-breakfast to life in their hometown. The historic hotel in Boonsboro has endured war and peace, the changing of hands, and even rumored…
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First line: “Our daughter looks like a South China peasant with those red cheeks,” my father complains, pointedly ignoring the soup before him. From the back cover: In 1937 Shanghai – the Paris of Asia – twenty-one-year-old Pearl Chin and her younger sister, May, are having the time of their lives. Both are beautiful, modern, and carefree – until the day their father tells them that he has gambled away…
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First line: When a guy is in trouble he starts making deals with his creator, and Ambrose was dealing like crazy. From the inside cover: Two people are about to discover that when it comes to finding love, sometimes Christmas magic isn’t enough…sometimes it takes a pesky orange cat named Ambrose. When a guy is in trouble, he starts making deals with his Creator…and Ambrose the cat is no exception.…
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From the back of the audio case: Fifty-year-old psychologist Alice Howland is content with life. Not only is she a revered Harvard professor, but she also has a successful husband and three grown kids. However, Alice’s life is turned upside-down when she succumbs to a degenerative brain disease, leaving her perfect family reeling from her sudden memory loss. Read by: Lisa Genova My thoughts: I first came across Lisa Genova…
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First line: On the twenty-ninth day of January in 1542, twenty-six eligible young women sat at the table in White Hall Palace with King Henry. From the back cover: Charming. Desirable. Forbidden. Brought to court with other eligible young noblewomen by the decree of King Henry VIII, lovely Elizabeth “Bess” Brooke realizes for the first time that beauty can be hazardous. Although Bess has no desire to wed the aging…
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From the back of the audio case: The upcoming holiday season is all about showing off her talents as a pastry chef for college-age Dakota Walker – when she’s not busy stitching at Walker & Daughter, the coziest little yarn shop on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Now, with the help of the family that’s always sustained her, including the women of the Friday Night Knitting Club, Dakota remembers what is…
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First line: The distance across the Narrow Seas between Calais, the last English outpost on the coast of France, and the town of Dover, in Kent, was less than twenty-five miles. From the back cover: Pretty, flirtatious, and ambitious. Nan Bassett hopes that an appointment at the court of King Henry VIII will bring her a grand marriage. But soon after she becomes a maid of honor to Queen Jane,…
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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. As you can see, not much happened on my blog last week and not much…
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Now available in paperback with a cool new cover: About the book: After the unexpected death of her parents, shy and sheltered Ginny Selvaggio, a young woman with Asperger’s syndrome, seeks comfort in the kitchen. The rich aroma of ribollita, painstakingly recreated from her Italian grandmother’s handwritten recipe, calms her senses. But it also draws an unexpected visitor—the ghost of Nonna herself—and Ginny soon discovers she has the power to…
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Another challenge has come to a close. As you can see from my list, I finished reading 24 out of the 25 books I had listed and I am in the middle of reading the last one right now. I was also able to read an additional 9 books during this time that were not on my original list. That puts my total number of books read from September 23…
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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 of not much reading happening. I have been busy trying to finish up…
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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: Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman by Robert K. Massie I have always been fascinated with Catherine the Great and I knew I had to get this one. What’s in your mailbox?
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From the back of the audio case: The Grey sisters had only each other when their mother died years ago. Their father provided for them physically on Water’s Edge, the ranch that had been in their family for three generations; each of them, however, longed for their father’s love. Winona, the oldest, knew early on that she could never get it. An over-weight dreamer and reader, she didn’t exhibit the…
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First line: I was a child of eight in April of the year of our Lord fourteen hundred and ninety-eight. From the back cover: Beautiful. Seductive. Innocent. Jane Popyncourt was brought to the court as a child to be ward of the king and a companion to his daughters – the princesses Margaret and Mary. With no money of her own, Jane could not hope for a powerful marriage, or…
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CONGRATULATIONS to Mo Wilson winner of Bring Me Home for Christmas by Robyn Carr Random.org selected the winners. Thanks to all who entered the giveaway!
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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. The last two weeks have gone by in a blur and I’m sorry to say…
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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 is for the last 2 weeks. For Review: The Kitchen Daughter by Jael McHenry This just came out in paperback and I can’t wait to read it. From the library: Knit the Season (audio book) By Kate Jacobs This is…
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First line: Forty-four years old. From the back cover: As Christine approaches her forty-fourth birthday, life isn’t looking particularly rosy. Admittedly, her career has never been better, but her personal life has been pretty much dead in the water since she discovered her husband was sleeping with her (former) best friend. Now, not only is Christine divorced and childless – she doesn’t even have a cat! – she is beginning…
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FIR is hosted by Katrina atCallapidderdays. Every Wednesday this fall, Katrina will be posting a question about reading. This week’s question: Share a special memory relating to books or reading — something you’ll never forget. I have a lot of memories relating to books and reading but the best one I have involves my dad reading to us at the dining room table during dinner. He was an elementary…
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First line: It began with President Coyle’s children, Ethan and Zoe, both high-profile personalities since they had arrived in Washington, and probably even before that. From the inside cover: THE ONLY WAY Detective Alex Cross is one of the first on the scene of the biggest case he’s ever been part of. The president’s son and daughter have been abducted from their school – an impossible crime, but somehow the…
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First line: I decided to listen to my family and get back out there. From the back cover: Voluptuous, sensuous, alluring and fun. Barely 40 DWF seeks special man to share starlit nights. Must love dogs. Life after divorce for Sarah Hurlihy consists of juggling her job as a preschool teacher and the demands of her interfering family. Then her bossy big sister decides to place a personal ad for…
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First line: Two days before my sixteenth birthday, I woke up so early that my maid was still asleep on the floor at the foot of my bed. From the back cover: In seventeenth-century China, in an elaborate villa on the shores of Hangzhou’s West Lake, Peony lives a sheltered life. One night, during a theatrical performance in her family’s garden, Peony catches sight of an elegant, handsome man and…
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Here are my reading stats for November! Books read: 11 Books I read (reviewed ones have * and link to review; books not yet reviewed will be linked up once review is posted.) The Secret History of the Pink Carnation* by Lauren Willig Until There Was You* by Kristan Higgins Left Neglected* by Lisa Genova Peony in Love* by Lisa See It’s a Waverly Life* by Maria Murnane Bring Me…
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FIR is hosted by Katrina atCallapidderdays. Every Wednesday this fall, Katrina will be posting a question about reading. This week’s question: In what ways do you encourage others to read or support their reading habits? How do you share your love of reading with others? I have always felt that the best gift to give anyone, especially young children, is to encourage them to read. I love picking…
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The winners of November’s giveaway are: Already Home By: Susan Mallery Winner: Jane Haunting Jasmine By: Anjali Banerjee Winner: Bev @ The Wormhole The Diva Haunts the House By: Krista Davis Winner: Tanya Patrice Murder Past Due By: Miranda James Winner: Paula 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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I am pleased to welcome author Adrienne McDonnell to Always With a Book. Her book, The Doctor and the Diva, is now available in paperback with a gorgeous new cover. Be sure to enter the giveaway at the end of this – two copies are available! What is THE DOCTOR AND THE DIVA about? The story begins in 1903, in Boston. A young, Harvard-educated obstetrician who is a rising star…
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I realized I forgot to announce who had won some previous giveaways, so here they are: CONGRATULATIONS to Mamabunny winner of A Lawman’s Christmas by Linda Lael Miller ************************************************************* CONGRATULATIONS to Jane winner of Paris Noire by Francine Thomas Howard ************************************************************************************** CONGRATULATIONS to Mamabunny winner of Until There Was You by Kristan Higgins Random.org selected the winners. Thanks to all who entered the giveaway!
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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. Where did the week go? I had such grand aspirations for reading, catching up on…
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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 the Library: Still Alice (audio version) by Lisa Genova I recently listened to Left Neglected by Lisa Genova and loved it. I have heard that this one is also good. What’s in your mailbox?
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FIR is hosted by Katrina atCallapidderdays. Every Wednesday this fall, Katrina will be posting a question about reading. This week’s question: What else do you do while you are reading? Eat? Drink? Household tasks? Or do you usually put aside absolutely everything to focus solely on the book at hand? When reading, there isn’t much else I am doing, except maybe having something to eat or drink. I love…
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First line: Rich Timm drove into Virgin River a mere ten hours after leaving San Diego. From the back cover: This year, Becca Timm knows the number one item on her Christmas wish list: getting over Denny Cutler. Three years ago Denny broke her heart before heading off to war. It’s time she got over her silly college relationship and moved on. So she takes matters into her own hands…
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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. Books Completed last week: Must Love Dogs by Claire Cook (mine) Kill Alex Cross by James…
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First line: Time was quickly running out. From the back cover: New decade. New job. New shenanigans. After rebounding from a broken engagement and relinquishing her job in sports PR, the irrepressible Waverly Bryson has a new man, a new career, and a new lease on life. Her part-time gig as an advice columnist has proven to be as entertaining as it is affirming, and her fledgling greeting-card line, Honey…
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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: Kill Alex Cross by James Patterson This is the latest Alex Cross book and I was at the store the day it was released! The Christmas Cookie Club by Ann Pearlman I saw…
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From the back of the audio case: Sarah Nickerson is like any other career-driven supermom in Welmont, the affluent Boston suburb where she leads a hectic but charmed life with her husband Bob, faithful nanny, and three children. Between recruiting the best and brightest minds as the Vice President of Human Resources at Berkley Consulting; shuttling the kids to soccer, day care, and piano lessons; and making it home in…
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First line: The Tube had broken down. From the back cover: Nothing goes right for Eloise. The one day she wears her new suede boots, it rains cats and dogs. When the subway stops short, she’s always the one thrown into some stranger’s lap. Plus, she’s has more than her share of misfortune in the way of love. In fact, after she realizes romantic heroes are a thing of the…
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FIR is hosted by Katrina atCallapidderdays. Every Wednesday this fall, Katrina will be posting a question about reading. This week’s question: Where do you love to read? Do you have a favorite chair, a favorite room, a favorite place…somewhere that inspires you to put everything else aside and pick up a book? I have to say that I can read just about anywhere…the car, at doctor’s appointments, in…
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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. It ended up being quite a lazy week last week, so I got quite a lot…
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From the back of the audio case: For eighteen years, Jude Farraday has put her children’s needs above her own, and it shows – her twins, Mia and Zach, are bright and happy teenagers. When Lexi Baill moves into their small, close-knit community, no one is more welcoming than Jude. Lexi, a former foster child with a dark past, quickly becomes Mia’s best friend. Then Zach falls in love with…
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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 the Library: True Colors (audio book) by Kristin Hannah This has been on my tbr list for a while and it was finally available at the library in audio. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison…
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First line: Carmela Bertrand stepped into the dark interior of St. Tristan’s Church and uttered one word. From the inside cover: The last thing Carmela Bertrand and her friend Ava expected to bear witness to in St. Tristan’s Church was a crime. But now a beloved member of their scrapbooking circle is lying lifeless next to a smashed statue of St. Sebastian – and a mysterious hooded figure has absconded…
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First line: I make landfalls for a living. From the back cover: In the course of twenty years of delivering sailboats to far-flung quaysides, John Kretschmer has had innumerable adventures, both humorous and terrifying. In Flirting with Mermaids, he recounts the most memorable of them. He crosses the Western Carribean with a crew of eccentric Swedes researching ancient Mayan mariners, lands in Aden at the outbreak of civil war, and…
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First line: Every woman has a fantasy about running into the man who broke her heart. From the back cover: Posey Osterhagen can’t complain. She owns a successful architectural salvaging company, she’s surrounds by her lovable, if off-center, family and she has a boyfriend – sort of. Still, something’s missing. Something tall, brooding and criminally good-looking…something like Liam Murphy. When Posey was sixteen, the bad boy of Bellsford, New Hampshire,…
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FIR is hosted by Katrina atCallapidderdays. Every Wednesday this fall, Katrina will be posting a question about reading. I wasn’t able to get to this last week, so I am including my answers to both questions plus the bonus question that Katrina included this week. Last week’s question: When it comes to fiction, are you more of a “plot person” or a “character person”? If you had to choose,…
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First line: Only twenty-four days until Christmas, and this Christmas is going to be one you won’t forget. From the inside cover: Gaby Summerhill is ready to walk down the aisle… The tree is decorated, the cookies are baked, and the packages are wrapped, but the biggest cause for celebration this Christmas is Gaby Summerhill’s wedding. Since her husband died three years ago, Gaby’s four children have drifted apart, consumed…
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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 was a crazy week for me as I started another tutor training session for my…
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First line: “I still can’t believe this is happening.” From the back cover: Waverly Bryson is a successful businesswoman in her late 20s who almost has it all: a dream job in sports PR, two best friends, and a bar where everybody knows her name. What she doesn’t have is a ring on her finger. And after being ditched at the altar, she’s in no hurry to get one. Besides,…
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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: Bring Me Home for Christmas by Robyn Carr I recently just started reading Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series and while I am not exactly up to this one yet (I’ve only read the first 2 books in the series) I couldn’t…
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