First line: “That’s the place,” said Carmela Bertrand. From the inside cover: Carmela, owner of Memory Mine scrapbooking shop, and her best friend, Ava Gruiex, owner of Juju Voodoo, have a big project ahead. Melody Mayfeldt is converting an old mansion in the Faubourg Marigny district into an unforgettable haunted house for those who flock to New Orleans for a creepy fix. She needs Carmela’s crafty touch to make the…
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First line: It wasn’t that Carmela didn’t like Mardi Gras. From the inside cover: Amid zydeco rhythms and popping champagne corks, bead-draped revelers are moving into the streets, and Jekyl Hardy is playing host to a party in his elegant French Quarter apartment. On a wild night like this, anything can happen. The guests – including Carmela – never imagine it will be murder. But as the evening progresses, Jekyl’s…
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This week’s musing asks: Where is your favorite place to find new books to read? Blogs? The library? Newspapers? Magazines? In the backs of other books? Suggestions from friends/family? Online bookstores? On the shelves of the local bookstores? (I don’t necessarily mean, ‘where do you find books to buy’ — I mean, ‘where do you discover new titles that you add to your to-be-read lists’?). PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT…
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It’s Monday What Are you Reading 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: Death Swatch by Laura Childs (library book) Tragic Magic by Laura Childs (library book) The…
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From the back of the audio case: After years away, Maura Shaw has returned to Newport, Rhode Island, to teach English at the academy. Behind her lies a life that seemed on the surface to be all she had ever wished for. That illusion vanished in a storm off Mackinac Island in the wake of an accident that engulfed Maura’s husband and her older daughter, Carrie. For fourteen-year-old Beck, the…
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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 (1) The Deep Blue Sea for Beginners by Luanne Rice (audio book) Purchased (7) Return to Rose Cottage by Sherryl Woods The Diva Paints the town by Krista Davis (e-book) The Diva Cooks a Goose by Krista Davis (e-book) Hannah’s…
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The 4th Annual Bloggiesta is coming up January 21st – 23rd, hosted by Natasha at Maw Books Blog. What is Bloggiesta? It’s a blogging marathon. A opportunity to cross those nagging items off of your to-do list and improve your blog while in the good company of other awesome bloggers doing the same thing. Our awesome mascot Pedro (Plan. Edit. Develop. Review. Organize) is ready to break out the nachos,…
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First line: “A loup-garou!” exclaimed Carmela Bertrand. From the inside cover: With Halloween barely a week away, things are getting even spookier than usual in New Orleans. A party at Juju Voodoo draws a fabulous throng, and Carmela’s friend Ava has hired a sexy tarot reader named Giovanni to work the crowd. What he doesn’t foretell is that on her way home Carmela will find the body of a beautiful…
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The Cruisin’ thru the Cozies Reading Challenge is hosted by Socrates’ Book Reviews and it goes from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011. 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 2011. I’ll keep track of them here along with links to the…
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It’s Monday What Are you Reading 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: The Snow Globe by Sheila Roberts (library book) A Chesapeake Shores Christmas by Sherryl Woods (library…
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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 (7) A Chesapeake Shores Christmas by Sherryl Woods The Diva Runs Out of Thyme by Krista Davis The Diva Takes the Cake by Krista Davis Mums the Word by Kate Collins Frill Kill by Laura Childs Death Swatch by Laura…
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The E-Book Reading Challenge is hosted by The Ladybug Reads, and it goes from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011. I got a Nook for Christmas, so I plan on reading lots of e-books in the new year. I’m joining at the Addicted level, which means I need to read at least 12 e-books in 2011. I’ll keep track of them here. The Diva Paints the Town by Krista…
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The Audio Book Challenge is hosted by Teresa’s Reading Corner, and it goes from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011. I just started listening to audio books in 2010, so I am still a newbie at this. I’m joining at the Fascinated level, which means I need to listen to at least 6 audio books in 2011. I’ll keep track of them here. ***As of the end of May,…
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The 2011 Reading From My Shelves Project is hosted by Bibliophile By the Sea, and it goes from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011. I have so many books sitting on my shelves that need to be read that this is the perfect challenge for me. I’m hoping to read 25 books from my book shelves and then pass them on. I’ll keep track of them here. I’ll also…
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The Historical Fiction Reading Challenge is hosted by Historical Tapestry, and it goes from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011. I haven’t read much historical fiction, but I am hoping this challenge will motivate me to read more. I’m joining at the Struggling the Addiction level, which means I need to read at least 10 historical fiction books in 2011. I’ll keep track of them here. The Tudor Secret…
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The 2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge is hosted by The Book Junkie’s Bookshelf, and it goes from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011. I love my local library and love doing this challenge. I participated last year and fell one book short of my goal. I’m hoping to meet it this year. I’m joining at the Jumbo Size level, which means I need to borrow 50 books from…
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The 2011 100+ Reading Challenge is hosted by My Overstuffed Bookshelf, and it goes from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2011. I participated in this last year and ended up reading 136 books – I’m hoping to surpass that number this year. ***For this challenge, I am only including physical books/e-books that I’ve read…I am not including audio. I’ll keep track of what I read here along with links…
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2010 has been a great year. I started blogging in February and was immediately welcomed to the fantastic book blogging world – so thank you to all my readers. I have been introduced to so many great authors and books as a result of blogging. So, here are my stats for 2010. Overall, I read 136 books – that’s the most I have ever read in one year! I also…
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This is the very first reading challenge I signed up for as a new blogger. I surpassed my goal of reading 100 books and was quite pleased. I definitely plan on joining this challenge again in 2011. Books read in 2010: Light on Snow by Anita Shreve Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows Knit Two…
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This was one of the first challenges I signed up for as a new blogger. My goal was to read 50 books from the library and I fell one short. Oh well, it was fun participating and I plan on joining the challenge again in 2011. Library Books Read in 2010: Talk of the Town by Sherrill Bodine Lakeshore Christmas by Susan Wiggs Skylark by Patricia MacLachlan Caleb’s Story by…
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First line: “For what reason do you wish to leave France?” Summary: As heiress to the famous Laurent Fashion Dolls business, Marguerite Ashby’s future seems secure. but France still seethes with violence in the wake of the Revolution. And when Marguerite’s husband, Nicholas is killed during a riot at their shop, she leaves home vowing never to return. Instead, the young widow travels to Edinburgh and joins her old friend,…
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Here are my reading stats for December! Books read: 13 Books I read (reviewed ones have * and link to review) Murder on the Down Low* by Pamela Samuels Young Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling Key Lime Pie* by Josi S. Kilpack House Rules* by Jodi Picoult Lucia, Lucia* by Adriana Trigiani A Veiled Deception* by Annette Blair A Vintage Affair* by Isabel Wolff Killer Heat*…
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First line: “My very favorite holiday is Thanksgiving.” From the back cover: Few can compete with the Natasha Smith when it comes to entertaining, but her childhood rival, Sophie Winston, certainly tries. While Natasha is known for her intricate centerpieces and painstakingly prepared gourmet meals, Sophie likes to keep things simple…real simple. Natasha may have stolen the spotlight – and Sophie’s husband – but Sophie is determined to take home…
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First line: It was only the second time in the more than twelve years since her divorce that Megan O’Brien had been home in Chesapeake Shores during the holiday season. From the inside cover: After years apart, Mick and Megan O’Brien are finally ready to make it official…again. Most of their grown children couldn’t be happier about their rekindled love and impending marriage this holiday season. Only Connor is a…
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First line: Something drew Kiley Gray to the antique shop. From the inside cover: On a blustery afternoon, Kiley Gray wanders into an antique shop and buys an enchanting snow globe. “There’s a story behind that snow globe,” the antique dealer tells her. The original owner, he explains, was a German toymaker who lost his wife and son right before Christmas. When the grieving widower received the handcrafted snow globe…
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First line: Francesca Moretti thought she couldn’t be seeing what she was seeing. From the back cover: The bodies of seven women have been discovered in Skull Valley, Arizona. Jonah Young, a private security operative from Department 6, has been hired by the Yavapai County sheriff to assist in solving these murders. But Jonah’s not prepared for the complications that arise when he’s forced to work with a woman from…
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First line: “…seven-teen, eight-teen…nine-teen…twenty!” From the inside cover: Her friends are stunned when Phoebe Swift abruptly leaves a plum job at the prestigious Sotheby’s auction house to open her own vintage clothing shop in London – but to Phoebe, it’s the fulfillment of a dream. In the sunlight-flooded interior of Village Vintage, surrounded by Yves Saint Laurent silk scarves, Vivienne Westwood bustle skirts, cupcake dresses, and satin gowns, Phoebe hopes…
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First line: My father would never have asked me to take a leave of absence from my job in New York City if he could have handled my sister’s wedding and the “Jezebel” plotting to preempt it without me. From the back cover: With years of experience working for a top New York designer, Madeira Cutler has learned to appreciate the clean line, rich texture, and elegant draping of a…
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First line: From her window Kit Zanetti can see absolutely everything that happens on Commerce Street. From the back cover: It is 1950 in glittering, vibrant New York City. Lucia Sartori is the beautiful twenty-five-old daughter of a prosperous Italian grocer in Greenwich Village. The postwar boom is rife with opportunities for talented girls with ambition, and Lucia becomes an apprentice to an up-and-coming designer at chic B. Altman department…
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It’s Monday What Are you Reading 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: A Royal Likeness by Christine Trent (review) Reading Now: The Snow Globe by Sheila Roberts…
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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 (2) Scones and Bones by Laura Childs Bedeviled Eggs by Laura Childs Library (4) The Snow Globe by Sheila Roberts Anne of Windy Poplars by LM Montgomery Anne’s House of Dreams by LM Montgomery Anne of Ingleside by LM Montgomery Purchased (4) …
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Another challenge has come to a close. As you can see from my list, I finished reading 23 out of the 25 books I had listed and I am in the middle of reading one right now. I was also able to read an additional 11 books during this time that were not on my original list. That puts my total number of books read from September 22 to December…
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It’s Monday What Are you Reading 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: Lucia, Lucia by Adriana Trigiani (mine) A Veiled Deception by Annette Blair (mine) A Vintage Affair…
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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 (1) Brooklyn Story by Suzanne Corso Library (1) The Geometry of Sisters by Luanne Rice (audio book) Purchased (0) Borrowed from family member (0) From Paperback Swap – (0) Won (0) What’s in your mailbox?
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From the back of the audio case: One of America’s most popular authors, Jodi Picoult has earned a reputation for crafting riveting, topical fiction. With House Rules she delivers a note-perfect blend of entertainment and social commentary. Teenager Jacob Hunt has Asperger’s syndrome. A forensic science wizard, he follows his police scanner to crime scenes and gives law enforcement officials brilliant advice. But when he is accused of murder, his…
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First line: “Hey.” From the back cover: MISSING! Name: Megan Burton Age: 25 Description: dark hair, blue eyes; no identifiable scars; wearing a diamond tennis bracelet Last seen three years ago in Key West, Florida If you have any information, please contact the police immediately When Sadie Hoffmiller’s new friend, Eric Burton, receives work that his missing daughter’s body may have been found in Florida, he immediately packs his bags,…
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FIR is hosted by Katrina atCallapidderdays. Every Tuesday this fall, Katrina will be posting a question about reading. This is the last question, as the challenge ends next Tuesday. I want to thank Katrina for hosting this challenge and for adding this fun spin to it…I have looked forward to reading everyone’s answers that participate each week. Today’s question – there are actual 4 questions to choose from this week:…
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MizB of Should Be Reading hosts Teaser Tuesday. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read Open to a random page Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that…
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It’s Monday What Are you Reading 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: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows by JK Rowling (mine) Key Lime Pie by Josi S.…
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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 (0) Purchased (1) Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff Borrowed from family member (1) The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory From Paperback Swap – (0) Won (0) This weekend I received my Secret Santa gift from the Book Blogger Holiday…
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Please join me in welcoming Pamela Samuels Young, author of Murder on the Down Low to Always With a Book! If you missed my review, you can read it here. Today Pamela guest blogs about pursuing your passion. Today is a new day, which means you have a fresh opportunity to pursue your passion. Have you been thinking about changing careers? Perhaps you’d like to go back to school or…
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First line: Dr. Quentin Banks was a man’s man. From the back cover: Savvy L.A. attorney Vernetta Henderson takes center stage in another fast-paced legal thriller that erupts into a scandalous tale of vengeance. Prominent African-American men are being gunned down on the streets of Los Angeles, leaving police completely baffled. The victims are all quintessential family men. Well-Educated. Attractive. Successful. But appearances can be deceiving. At the same time,…
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CONGRATULATIONS to Tore Teresa Carol Regina Colleen winners of Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky Random.org selected the winners. Thanks to all who entered the giveaway!
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CONGRATULATIONS to Karen K winner of Hollywood Ending by Lucie Simone Random.org selected the winner. Thanks to all who entered the giveaway!
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FIR is hosted by Katrina atCallapidderdays. Every Tuesday this fall, Katrina will be posting a question about reading. Today’s question: Do you ever read the end of a book before you actually get there? Have you sneaked a peek at the last page or two to find out what happens? Or do you faithfully avoid the final pages until you’ve “earned” them by reading to that point? No, I…
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It’s Monday What Are you Reading 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: Little Bee by Chris Cleave (library book) Murder on the Down Low by Pamela Samuels…
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First line: Most days I wish I was a British pound coin instead of an African girl. From the inside cover: We don’t want to tell you WHAT HAPPENS in this book. It is a truly SPECIAL STORY and we don’t want to spoil it. NEVERTHELESS, you need to know enough to buy it, so we will just say this: This is the story of two women. Their lives collide…
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First line: Have I made terrible mistakes? From the back cover: A kind, bookish only child born in the 1940s, Alice Lindgren has no idea that she will one day end up in the White House, married to the president. In her small Wisconsin hometown she learns the virtues of politeness, but a tragic accident when she is seventeen shatters her identity and changes the trajectory of her life. More…
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Here are my reading stats for November! Books read: 12 Books I read (reviewed ones have * and link to review) The Big Short* by Michael Lewis Honeymoon* by James Patterson Hollywood Ending* by Lucie Simone Happy Ever After* by Nora Roberts Not My Daughter* by Barbara Delinsky Safe Haven* by Nicholas Sparks The Love Goddess’ Cooking School* by Melissa Senate Anne of Avonlea* by L.M. Montgomery Cross Fire* by…
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From the back of the audio case: Anne of Green Gables, the story of a mischievous, carrot-topped waif, is beloved by generations of girls. Now Anne has grown into a lovely woman. Leaving the tranquility of her home on Prince Edward Island, she begins a new life on the mainland as a freshman at Redmond College. Will she be ready for the challenge of a cranky professor who thinks education…
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