I did this last year, and it helped me set myself up for the upcoming year. I think this will be a fixed feature on January 1 of each year I blog. One of my resolutions for 2014 is to be more organized – in life and in blogging. I need to get back to using my blogger planner. Between the holidays and the new puppy, that kind of fell…
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2013 has been a great year. I’ve been blogging for almost four years now and am always humbled when I read your comments and see that I have new followers. Thank you to all who visit my blog. This year has been a year of many new things for me and my blog. I’ve joined a few online book clubs (She Reads and Book Lovers Unite) and made many new…
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Each year, Sheila over at Book Journey makes a big deal over what the first book she’ll read will be for the new year and this year she’s asked us to join her. For my first book of the year, I decided to go with a book I’ve been wanting to read for a while – and one that’s been sitting on my shelf for some time as well. And…
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Here are my reading stats for December! 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 Diva Frosts a Cupcake* — Krista Davis The Wrong Girl* — Hank Phillippi Ryan Takedown Twenty*– Janet Evanovich (audio) The Silent Girl* — Tess Gerritsen ( audio) All Summer Long* — Susan Mallery (e-book) A Fool’s…
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Title: Big Sky Secrets Author: Linda Lael Miller Series: Swoon Worthy Cowboy Series, #6 Published: December 2013, Harlequin HQN Format: ARC e-copy, 384 pages Source: Netgalley Self-made tycoon Landry Sutton heads to Hangman Bend’s Ranch to sell his land to his brother Zane. Though he’s got cowboy in his blood, Landry plans to return to city life before the dust even settles on his boots. Of…
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Title: Touch & Go Author: Lisa Gardner Narrator: Elisabeth Rodgers Published: February 2013, Brilliance Audio Length: 14 hours, 29 minutes Source: Personal copy #1 New York Times bestseller Lisa Gardner, author of Catch Me and Love You More, returns with a heart-thumping thriller about what lurks behind the facade of a perfect family. This is my family: Vanished without a trace Justin and Libby Denbe have the kind of life…
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The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. I’ve decided to try a new weekly meme – a place where I can do both a weekly wrap up and share what…
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Another Bout of Books is coming and I am declaring my intention to join. As it is happening the first full week of January, I hope it will give me a good reading burst for the new year. Not familiar with what Bout of Books is? Check out the blurb from the Bout of Books gals… The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender…
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Title: A Seaside Christmas Author: Sherryl Woods Series: Chesapeake Shores, #10 Published: September 2013, Harlequin MIRA Format: ARC e-copy, 288 pages Source: Netgalley #1 New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods takes you back to Chesapeake Shores for another heartwarming holiday season As the only child of a single mom, Jenny Collins wanted nothing more than to be part of a large, rambunctious family like…
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The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. I’ve decided to try a new weekly meme – a place where I can do both a weekly wrap up and share what…
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Title: A Fool’s Gold Christmas Author: Susan Mallery Series: Fool’s Gold, #9.5 Published: October 2013, Harlequin HQN Format: ARC e-copy, 336 pages Source: Netgalley A classic heartwarming tale for the holidays from New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery The cheer in Fool’s Gold, California, is bringing out the humbug in dancer Evie Stryker. An injury has forced her to return home to her estranged family.…
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Title: All Summer Long Author: Susan Mallery Series: Fool’s Gold, #9 Published: July 2012, Harlequin HQN Format: e-book, 384 pages Source: Personal copy Former underwear model turned entrepreneur Clay Stryker has loved, tragically lost and vowed that he’ll never risk his heart again. After making his fortune, the youngest of the rugged Stryker brothers returns to Fool’s Gold, California, to put down roots on a ranch of his…
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Title: Takedown Twenty Author: Janet Evanovich Series: Stephanie Plum, #20 Narrator: Lorelei King Published: November 2013, Books on Tape Length: 6 hours, 12 minutes Source: Personal copy New Jersey bounty hunter Stephanie Plum knows better than to mess with family. But when powerful mobster Salvatore “Uncle Sunny” Sunucchi goes on the lam in Trenton, it’s up to Stephanie to find him. Uncle Sunny is…
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Title: Ice Cold Author: Tess Gerritsen Series: Rizzoli & Isles, #8 Narrator: Tanya Eby Published: June 2010, Brilliance Audio Length: 10 hours Source: Library A spur-of-the-moment ski trip becomes a bone-chilling nightmare when a wrong turn leaves Boston medical examiner Maura Isles marooned—far from home and help—in the snowbound Wyoming mountains. Seeking shelter from the cold, she and her traveling companions stumble upon Kingdom…
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The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. I’ve decided to try a new weekly meme – a place where I can do both a weekly wrap up and share what books…
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Title: A Bordeaux Dynasty Author: Francoise Bourdin Published: November 2013, Publishers Square Format: e-book, 423 pages Source: Netgalley The Laverzac family gathers twice a year around its patriarch, Aurélien, on its magnificent vineyard in Bordeaux. But this particular summer, a storm of family tension starts to simmer—one that will be far more devastating than anything that could beat down on the grapes. With the vineyard’s future at stake, Aurélien, who…
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Title: It Must Be Your Love Author: Bella Andre Series: The Sullivans, #11, (Seattle Sullivans, # 2) Published: November 2013, Bella Andre Format: ARC e-book, 400 pages Source: Author Successful Seattle Realtor Mia Sullivan is nobody’s fool…apart from that one week five years ago when she gave away her heart to a sexy musician who gave her nothing in return but a few sinfully perfect days—and nights—in his bed. Though…
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Title: Summer Days Author: Susan Mallery Series: Fool’s Gold, #7 Published: May 2012, HQN Books Format: e-book, 378 pages Source: Personal copy New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery returns with a new Fool’s Gold trilogy featuring three rugged cowboys who will find love in the unlikeliest of places…. Locked in an unexpected land dispute, Rafe Stryker is trapped in the one place he vowed never to return to-the Castle…
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Title: Close Your Eyes Author: Iris Johansen/Roy Johansen Series: Kendra Michaels, #1 Narrator: Elisabeth Rodgers Published: July 2012, Brilliance Audio Length: 10 hours, 41 minutes Source: Purchased via Audible A music therapist who thrives on helping others, Kendra Michaels cherishes the ordinary life she has achieved after stem cell surgery restored her sight. The skills she perfected during those sightless years – the ability…
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The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. I’ve decided to try a new weekly meme – a place where I can do both a weekly wrap up and share what books…
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It’s that time of year again….time when I realize that I’ve probably bitten off more than I can chew when I comes to the reading challenges I’ve signed up to participate in for the year…but guess what? I’m probably going to do the same thing again for the upcoming year. Why, you ask? Well, let’s see… Why I like reading challenges: I can be a competitive person and find reading…
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Title: The Keepsake Author: Tess Gerritsen Series: Rizzoli & Isles, #7 Narrator: Deirdre Lovejoy Published: September 2008, Random House Audio Length: 11 hours Source: Library For untold years, the perfectly preserved mummy had lain forgotten in the dusty basement of Boston’s Crispin Museum. Dubbed “Madam X,” the recently rediscovered mummy is, to all appearances, an ancient Egyptian artifact. But medical examiner Maura Isles discovers…
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***Congratulations to Suko, winner of the giveaway!!! Thanks to all who entered! Title: The Wrong Girl Author: Hank Phillippi Ryan Series: Jane Ryland/Jake Brogan #2 Published: September 2013, Forge Books Format: Hardcover, 368 pages Source: Personal copy Award-winning and Boston Globe bestselling author Hank Phillippi Ryan presents a spine-chilling, heart-wrenching suspense novel that explores a terrifying scenario striking at the heart of every family. Does a respected adoption agency have…
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***Congratulations to Marie, winner of the giveaway!!! Thanks to all who entered! Title: The Diva Frosts a Cupcake Author: Krista Davis Series: Domestic Diva Mystery, #7 Published: June 2013, Berkley Format: Paperback, 289 pages Source: Personal copy Revenge is sweet… Sophie Winston and her BFF, Nina Reid Norwood, share a sweet spot for animals. So Sophie is delighted to help when Nina cooks up Cupcakes and Pupcakes—a fundraising event for…
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***Congratulations to Traveler, winner of the giveaway!!! Thanks to all who entered! Jenn over at Jenn’s Bookshelves is hosting Cozy Mystery Week this week where she’ll be celebrating cozy mystery series all week long. I’ve decided to join in, featuring some of my favorite cozies this week along with some giveaways, too. To start the week off, I thought I would begin with the author that got me hooked on…
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It’s December…and I love the holidays!!! Between my birthday and Christmas this month tends to fly by, so I’m hoping I still get some quality reading time in. I’m already starting to think about what I want to do in 2014 – blogging-wise as well as reading-wise. I still need to look into what reading challenges I’m going to participate in – in fact, I’ll be posting a general discussion…
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The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted @ Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news. A post to recap the past week, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. I’ve decided to try a new weekly meme – a place where I can do both a weekly wrap up and share what books…
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Title: Almost Summer: A Fool’s Gold Novella Author: Susan Mallery Series: Fool’s Gold, #6.2 Published: May 2012, HQN Books Format: E-book, 45 pages Source: Personal copy Ever since she was young, Paige McLean has longed to see the world. Still, she never imagined the world would land on her doorstep in the form of a charming British surgeon who needs a place to stay when his plans fall…
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Title: The Engagements Author: J. Courtney Sullivan Narrator: Kimberly Farr Published: June 2013, Random House Audio Length: 17 hours Source: Library From the New York Times best-selling author of Maine and Commencement comes a big, sprawling novel about marriage–about those who marry in a white heat of passion, those who marry for partnership and comfort, and those who live together, love each other, and…
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***Congratulations to Kelly Blackwell & Britney Adams, winners of the giveaway!!! Thanks to all who entered! Title: Candlelight Christmas Author: Susan Wiggs Series: Lakeshore Chronicles, #10 Published: October 2013, Harlequin MIRA Format: ARC e-copy, 336 pages Source: Netgalley via publicist #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR SUSAN WIGGS INVITES YOU TO AN UNFORGETTABLE CHRISTMAS IN THE CATSKILLS A single father who yearns to be a family man, Logan…
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#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR SUSAN WIGGS INVITES YOU TO AN UNFORGETTABLE CHRISTMAS IN THE CATSKILLS A single father who yearns to be a family man, Logan O’Donnell is determined to create the perfect Christmas for his son, Charlie. The entire O’Donnell clan arrives to spend the holidays in Avalon, a postcard-pretty town on the shores of Willow Lake, a place for the family to reconnect and rediscover the…
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***Congratulations to Melanie Backus & Mandi Childress, winners of the giveaway!!! Thanks to all who entered! Yesterday I posted an excerpt of Brenda Jackson’s latest book, A Madaris Bride for Christmas. You can read the excerpt here. Today, I’m pleased to announce that thanks to the publicist, I have two copies of the book to offer my readers. Title: A Madaris Bride for Christmas Author: Brenda Jackson Series: Madaris…
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Title: A Madaris Bride for Christmas Author: Brenda Jackson Series: Madaris Family & Friends, #19 Published: October 2013, Harlequin Kimani Arabesque Format: E-book, 320 pages Source: Netgalley IN HER 100TH BOOK, NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR blends heated sensuality and drama into a dazzling new novel featuring one of her most unforgettable Madaris heroes yet… One by one, Madaris men have surrendered to the matchmaking schemes…
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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. While I’m looking forward to having Thanksgiving here at my house this year, I’m…
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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: The Way You Look Tonight (e-book) by Bella Andre This is book 9 in the overall Sullivan series, but the first book in the Seattle Sullivan series. I have really come to love Bella’s books – they’re quick, fun reads with a little steam thrown in! Takedown…
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Title: Dare to Love Author: Carly Phillips Series: Dare to Love, #1 Published: November 2013, Carly Phillips Format: ARC e-copy, 204 pages Source: Publicist New York Times Bestselling Author Carly Phillips turns up the heat in her newest sexy contemporary romance series, and introduces you to the Dare family… siblings shaped by a father’s secrets and betrayal. Since finding out his father had another family on the side, Ian…
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***Congratulations to Suko, winner of the giveaway!!! Thanks to all who entered! Title: The Supreme Macaroni Company Author: Adriana Trigiani Series: Valentine, #3 Published: November 2013, Harper Format: ARC Paperback, 352 pages Source: TLC Books Tours For over a hundred years, the Angelini Shoe Company in Greenwich Village has relied on the leather produced by Vechiarelli & Son in Tuscany. This historic business partnership provides the twist of fate for…
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Title: Only Us: A Fool’s Gold Holiday Novella Author: Susan Mallery Series: Fool’s Gold, #6.1 Published: November 2011, Harlequin Books Format: e-book, 51 pages Source: Personal copy Fool’s Gold, California, a charming small town that’s short on men, has captured thousands of readers’ hearts in Susan Mallery’s New York Times bestselling series. Fall in love with Fool’s Gold’s beloved characters and heartwarming romance in Only Us: A Fool’s Gold…
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***Congratulations to Anonymous #3 – Jill, winner of the giveaway!!! Thanks to all who entered! Back in February, I read and posted my review of Jennifer Chiaverini’s debut stand-alone novel, Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker, which I absolutely loved!!! You can find my thoughts on the book here. The book has recently been released in paperback and Jennifer is touring with TLC Books. Title: Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker Author: Jennifer Chiaverini…
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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. I got quite a bit of reading time in this weekend – hubby was away…
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Title: Someone Else’s Love Story Author: Joshilyn Jackson Published: November 2013, William Morrow Format: Paperback ARC, 300 pages Source: Publisher/She Reads At twenty-one, Shandi Pierce is juggling finishing college, raising her delightful three-year-old genius son Natty, and keeping the peace between her eternally warring, long-divorced Catholic mother and Jewish father. She’s got enough complications without getting caught in the middle of a stick-up in a gas station mini-mart…
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Title: My Own Miraculous Author: Joshilyn Jackson Published: October 2013, William Morrow Impulse Format: e-book Source: Personal copy Shandi Pierce got pregnant when she was only seventeen years old. She fell for her son—deeply, instantly, completely—but as she sat at the table feeding him, her own mother was sliding eggs and bacon on her plate, feeding her. Now, four years later, Shandi is still more parented than parent.…
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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: It Must Be Your Love (e-book) by Bella Andre This is the latest book in Bella Andre’s Sullivan series (due out this week) and I am so excited to read it…I love this series!!! For those who read these books, this is actually part of the…
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Title: Only His Author: Susan Mallery Series: Fool’s Gold, #6 Published: September 2011, HQN Books Format: Paperback, 344 pages Source: Library Wedding bells are ringing in Fool’s Gold, but not for Nevada Hendrix. Her triplet sisters are engaged, and even her mother has a more active love life than she does. Determined to make a fresh start, she applies for her dream job, only to discover that her new boss…
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I am pleased to welcome author Mary Ellen Taylor to Always With a Book. Her latest book, Sweet Expectations, is now available. You can read my review of her book here. Today Mary Ellen discusses her new book, which is the second in her Union Street Bakery series and then shares with us some holiday recipes with us!!! Be sure to enter the giveaway at the end of this post!…
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***Congratulations to Traveler, winner of the giveaway!!! Thanks to all who entered! Title: Sweet Expectations Author: Mary Ellen Taylor Series: Union Street Bakery Novel, #2 Published: November 2013, Berkley Trade Format: ARC e-book, 352 pages Source: Netgalley via publisher Daisy McCrae knows that change can be sudden—and devastating. And while it doesn’t have to be a bad thing, change has the power to turn your whole world upside down…. Running…
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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. Books Completed last week: Before I Met You by Lisa Jewell (review e-book) My Own…
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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: Big Sky Secrets (e-book) by Linda Lael Miller This is the final book in Linda Lael Miller’s Swoon-Worthy Cowboy series and while I’m excited to read this, I’m bummed that it’s the last book in the series! Sweet Expectations (e-book) by Mary Ellen Taylor This is…
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Title: Only Yours Author: Susan Mallery Series: Fool’s Gold, #5 Published: August 2011, HQN Format: Paperback, 378 pages Source: Library Montana Hendrix has found her calling: working with therapy dogs. With a career she loves in a hometown she adores, she’s finally ready to look for her own happily ever after. Could one of her dogs help her find Mr. Right – or maybe Dr. Right? Surgeon…
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***Congratulations to Meghan, winner of the giveaway!!! Thanks to all who entered! Title: Before I Met You Author: Lisa Jewell Published: October 2013 Atria Books (first published July 2012) Format: ARC e-copy, 448 pages Source: Netgalley Jazz Age London, a passionate and forbidden interracial romance, and the unbreakable bond between a bright young woman and her eccentric grandmother come together brilliantly in this gem of a novel, perfect for fans of…
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