This weekend I participated in the first mini-Bloggiesta! I got a ton done and felt that it was very low-key and relaxed. I didn’t even keep track of how much time I spent on my to-do list as I usually do, but still managed to get it all done! I want to say a big THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to Suey at It’s All About Books and Danielle…
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Tynga of Tynga’s Reviews is starting a new meme to spotlight the books we receive each week. Here’s what I got: For Review: The Best Man by Kristan Higgins This is Kristan Higgins’ newest book and I just love her stories. I was lucky to get an early copy of this one and can’t wait to start reading it! Purchased: Henry VIII Wives: History in an Hour by…
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This weekend I will be participating in the first mini-Bloggiesta! This is a great weekend blogging marathon being hosted by Suey at It’s All About Books and Danielle at There’s a Book. The premise of the bloggiesta, for those that haven’t participated before, is to spend the entire weekend working, updating, improving your blog. From minor things such as writing up posts, to reaching out for guests posts and reorganizing…
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The first month of the new year has flown by!!! Besides reading, I am in the homestretch for my training for the 3-day, 50 mile walk I am doing the first weekend in March for MS. After a minor set-back in December (spraining my ankle), I am back on track with the trainings, even getting a long walk in outside this week. I’ve also been doing a fair amount of…
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Please join Rose City Reader every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author. I’m reading Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker by Jennifer Chiaverini: On Election Day, Elizabeth Keckley hurried home from a midafternoon dress fitting…
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Summer House by Nancy Thayer Read by Emily Durante Tantor Media 2011 Length: 11 hours, 34 minutes Description: From Nancy Thayer, the New York Times bestselling author of Moon Shell Beach, comes a luminous novel that brings together three generations of strong-willed women on the island of Nantucket, each wrestling with life-changing decisions. After years of wandering from whim to whim, thirty-year-old Charlotte Wheelwright seems to have at last found…
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The Typewriter Girl by Alison Atlee Gallery Books January 2013 Format: Paperback, 384 pages First line: Typewriter girls, they oughtn’t think too much. From the back cover: All Betsey Dobson has ever asked is the chance to be viewed on her own merits, but in a man’s world, that is the unforgivable sin. When Betsey disembarks from the London train in the seaside resort of Idensea, all she owns is…
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The 2013 1st in a Series Reading Challenge is hosted by Darlene’s Book Nook, and it goes from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. I love reading series and love finding new ones to read! I’ll be joining at the Series Lover level, which means that I have to start 10 series. I’ll keep track of them here. I’ll also link my reviews to the list. Here are…
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The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society by Darien Gee Ballantine Books January 2013 Format: e-book ARC, 448 pages First line: The goat was Connie’s idea. Summary from Goodreads: Welcome to Avalon, Illinois, Pop. 4,243 At Madeline’s Tea Salon, the cozy hub of the Avalon community, local residents scrapbook their memories and make new ones. But across town, other Avalonians are struggling to free themselves of the past: Isabel Kidd is fixing…
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The Forgotten Queen by D.L. Bogdan Kensington Publishing January 2013 Format: Paperback ARC, 384 pages First line: It began with smoke. Synopsis: From her earliest days, Margaret Tudor knows she will not have the luxury of choosing a husband. Her duty is to gain alliances for England. Barely out of girlhood, Margaret is married by proxy to James IV and travels to Edinburgh to become Queen of Scotland. Despite her…
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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 am so excited that the mini-Bloggiesta is this coming weekend. I definitely have quite…
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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: Sweet Tea Revenge by Laura Childs This is the latest in Laura Childs’ Tea Shop Mystery series. From the Library: Visions of Sugar Plums by Janet Evanovich This is part of the Stephanie Plum series – a between-the-numbers short story. Purchased: Private…
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Please join Rose City Reader every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author. I’m reading The Typewriter Girl by Alison Atlee: Type-writer girls, they oughtn’t think too much. I’m reading this book for…
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Hard Eight by Janet Evanovich Read by CJ Critt Recorded Books 2002 Length: 10 hours From the back of the audiocase: The zany and hilarious Stephanie Plum mysteries from #1 New York Times best-selling author Janet Evanovich are smash hits with fans and critics alike. In this wildly entertaining tale, Evanovich’s bold heroine pursues an unusual case for a bounty hunter while maintaining her steadfast devotion to Tastykakes. Although she’s…
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Big Sky River by Linda Lael Miller Harlequin HQN December 2012 Format: Paperback, 368 pages First line: Sheriff Boone Taylor, enjoying a rare off-duty day, drew back his battered fishing rod and cast the flyhook far out over the rushing, sun-spangled waters of Big Sky River. From the back cover: The “First Lady of the West,” #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller, brings you to Parable, Montana-where…
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Perfect Fit by Carly Phillips Berkley December 2012 Format: Paperback, 304 pages First line: Perfection was overrated, Mike Marsden thought, as he approached his childhood home. From the back cover: In the picturesque town of Serendipity, New York, three siblings have grown up in the shadow of their proud and respected police chief father. But what do love, fate, and fortune have in store for the next generation of Serendipity’s…
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The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak Bantam Books October 2012 Format: Paperback, First line: The spies you learn about are either those who get exposed or those who reveal themselves. From the back cover: Her name is Barbara—in Russian, Varvara. Nimble-witted and attentive, she’s allowed into the employ of the Empress Elizabeth, amid the glitter and cruelty of the world’s most eminent court. Under the tutelage of Count Bestuzhev, Chancellor…
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It’s Monday What Are you Reading , hosted by Sheila, is the perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs. Last week was a rough week – I ended up getting that nasty stomach bug…
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Getting the Pretty Back by Molly Ringwald It Books April 2011 Format: Paperback, 240 pages First line: It happens to all of us. From the back cover: To her millions of fans, Molly Ringwald will forever be sixteen–having defined teenage angst, love, and heartbreak as the endearing star of the John Hughes classics Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Pretty in Pink. Facing a completely new, angst-inducing time in her…
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Tynga of Tynga’s Reviews is starting a new meme to spotlight the books we receive each week. Here’s what I got: For Review: The Wanderer (e-book) by Robyn Carr This is the first in Robyn Carr’s new series, Thunder Point and I am looking forward to reading it. It appears she will be taking a break from the Virgin River series…hopefully not permanently! In the meantime, this series…
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Seven Up by Janet Evanovich Read by Lorelei King Audio Renaissance 2001 Length: 8.5 hours From the back of the audio case: BLOWN UP All New Jersey bounty hunter Stephanie Plum has to do is bring in semi-retired bail jumper Eddie DeChooch. For an old man he’s still got a knack for slipping out of sight–and raising hell. How else can Stephanie explain the bullet-riddled corpse in Eddie’s garden? Who…
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From This Moment On by Bella Andre Bella Andre August 2011 Format: e-book, 176 pages First line: Marcus Sullivan was a man on a mission. Book description: For thirty-six years, Marcus Sullivan has been the responsible older brother, stepping in to take care of his seven siblings after their father died when they were children. But when the perfectly ordered future he’s planned for himself turns out to be nothing…
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The Diary by Eileen Goudge Vanguard Press April 2009 Format: Paperback, 224 pages First line: The diary was bound in maroon leather dulled with age, its gilt tooling worn away in spots. From the back cover: From New York Times bestselling author Eileen Goudge comes an unforgettable tale that you’ll want to pass on to someone you love. When two grown daughters discover their mother’s diary in her attic, they…
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The Look of Love by Bella Andre Bella Andre June 2011 Format: e-book, 201 pages First line: It was good to get out on the open road. Book description: Chloe Peterson is having a bad night. A really bad night. The large bruise on her cheek can attest to that. And when her car skids off the side of a wet country road straight into a ditch, she’s convinced even…
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I participated in the Bout of Books 6.0 last week and while I got a lot done, I didn’t get quite as much as I was hoping. 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, January 7th and…
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It’s Monday What Are you Reading , hosted by Sheila, is the perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs. Books Completed last week: The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak (mine) The Look of Love…
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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: ***Be prepared – this was a busy week…I received 10 review books and also got 3 library books…it might be the best week ever for new books!!! For Review: As part of Fall in Love with the Sullivans whirlwind tour with Novel Publicity, I received all 7 e-books in Bella Andre’s…
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My Kind of Christmas by Robyn Carr Mira October 2012 Format: Paperback, 320 pages First line: “I think a little vacation in Virgin River is exactly what Angie needs,” Sam Sheridan announced as he looked around the table at his family, all gathered at his home for Thanksgiving dinner. From the back cover: Patrick Riordan always thought that nothing could match the adrenaline rush he gets from his job. But…
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Please join Rose City Reader every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author. I’m reading From this Moment On by Bella Andre: Marcus Sullivan was a man on a mission. I’m participating in…
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Please enjoy this guest post by Bella Andre, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of the contemporary romance series, The Sullivans. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including special romantic swag baskets for each book, an iPad Mini, Kindle Fire, Nook Color, and Kobo eReader, and Amazon and iTunes gift cards! Why I Love Family-Based Romance Series A guest post by…
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The monthly giveaway is back. This month there are 4 selections: Love Anthony By: Lisa Genova Format: Audiobook Cds My review Better Than Chocolate By: Sheila Roberts Format: ARC Paperback My review The Diva Digs Up the Dirt By: Krista Davis Format: Paperback My review First Lady By: Susan Elizabeth Phillips Format: Paperback My review How to enter: This contest is open to entries from the U.S.…
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Sunrise Point by Robyn Carr Mira April 2012 Format: Paperback, 378 pages First line: There was a small note on the bulletin board at the Virgin River Presbyterian Church. From the back cover: Tom Cavanaugh may think he wants a traditional woman, but in Virgin River, the greatest tradition is falling in love unexpectedly. Former marine Tom Cavanaugh has come home to Virgin River, ready to take over his family’s…
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This time around, I’ve decided I will put all my updates for the read-a-thon in one post. For more information visit the Bout of Books site. My goals for Bout of Books 6.0 can be found here. Monday Books read: *The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak – 60 pages, 1 + 1/2 hours Audio Progress: *Summer House by Nancy Thayer – 1 hour *Seven…
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Redwood Bend by Robyn Carr Mira February 2012 Format: Paperback, 377 pages First line: Katie Malone quit her job and packed up her little Vermont house. From the back cover: In Virgin River, you never know what you might find around the bend in the road… Former actor Dylan Childress left the L.A. scene behind years ago for a quiet life running an aviation company in Montana. But with business…
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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. Well, the first week of the new year has come and gone and I didn’t get…
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Last August I participated in the Bout of Books read-a-thon for the first time and loved it. So, I thought I would do it again. 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, January 7th and runs through…
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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: Children of Liberty by Paullina Simons This looks to be a good historical fiction book. From what I understand, it’s actually a prequel to Paullina Simons’ The Bronze Horsemen series, which I have not read. From Library: Perfect Fit by Carly Phillips This…
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Dreams of Joy by Lisa See Random House May 2011 Format: Hardcover, 354 pages First line: The wail of a police siren in the distance tears through my body. From the inside cover: In her beloved New York Times bestsellers Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Peony in Love, and, most recently, Shanghai Girls, Lisa See has brilliantly illuminated the potent bonds of mother love, romantic love, and love of…
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Please join Rose City Reader every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author. I’m reading The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak: The spies you learn about are either those who get exposed or…
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A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty by Joshilyn Jackson Read by Joshilyn Jackson Hachette Audio January 2012 Length: 12.5 hours From the back of the audio case: When a long-hidden grave is unearthed in the backyard, headstrong young Mosey Slocumb is determined to investigate. What she learns could cost her family everything… Every fifteen years, trouble comes after the three Slocumb women. Now, as the youngest turns fifteen, she’s desperate to…
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The Christmas Cookie Club by Ann Pearlman Pocket Books October 2011 Format: Paperback, 340 pages First line: My dream flutters away as I open my eyes. From the back cover: Ann Pearlman’s irresistible debut novel provides the perfect ingredients for a fun and touching read about a group of women who gather each year to share a journey of friendship, hope, heartbreak—and recipes. Every year at Christmastime, Marnie and her…
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Hi, my name is Kristin and I am a reading challenge addict! This year I have signed up for 12 year-long reading challenges and I also usually end up participating in 2 shorter reading challenges throughout the year (Spring Reading Thing and Fall Into Reading). This is the first time I am joining the Reading Challenge Addict Challenge and I’m looking forward to the support and encouragement of those who…
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The Finish the Series Reading Challenge is hosted by Socrates’ Book Reviews, and it goes from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. I love reading series and have quite a few that I really need to catch up on. I’m joining at the Level 3, which means I need to complete three or more series (and hopefully I’ll be able to do more!). I’ll keep track of them…
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The Cruisin’ thru the Cozies Reading Challenge is hosted by Socrates’ Book Reviews and it goes from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. I love reading cozy mysteries and think this will be a fun challenge to join! I’m joining at the Super Sleuth level, which means I need to read at least 13 cozy mysteries in 2013. I’ll keep track of them here along with links to…
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The Audio Book Challenge is hosted by Teresa’s Reading Corner, and it goes from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. I love listening to audio books and now that I have figured out how to get them on my iPod, I can listen at the gym, too! I’m joining at the Married level, which means I need to listen to more than 25 audio books in 2013. I’ll…
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The Classics Reading Challenge is hosted by Thoughts at One in the Morning, and it goes from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. I’ve been meaning to read some of the classics, mainly the Jane Austen books I have sitting on my shelf for a while, so I’m thrilled to do this challenge. There is no set levels for this challenge – the goal is to read at least…
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The Historical Fiction Reading Challenge is hosted by Historical Tapestry, and it goes from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. I participated in this challenge last year and ended up reading 13 historical fiction books so I am going to push myself to read a few more this year. I’m joining at the Ancient History level, which means I need to read at least 25 historical fiction books…
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The2012 E-Book Challengeis hosted by Workaday Reads and it goes from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. I have a Nook and just got an iPad, so between the two, I’m hoping to get to all the e-books I’ve gotten over the past year. I’m joining at the DVD level, which means I need to read at least 25 e-books in 2013. I’ll keep track of them here. ***As…
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The 2013 Tea & Books Reading Challenge is hosted by The Book Garden, and it goes from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. The goal of this reading challenge is to read books with more than 650 pages. I’m joining at the Chamomile Lover level, which means I need to read at least 2 books that have more than 650 pages. I’ll keep track of them here along…
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The 2013 First Reads Reading Challenge is hosted by b00k r3vi3ws, and it goes from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013. The goal of this reading challenge is to read new-to-you authors. I’m joining at the Lover level, which means that I need to read between 11-20 books from new-to-me authors. I’ll keep track of them here. I’ll also link my reviews to the list. ***As of April 2nd,…
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