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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Don’t forget to enter the following giveaways: Hollywood Ending by Lucie Simone ends November 28th ENDED Not My Daughter by Barbara Delinsky (5 copies available) ends November 30th ENDED
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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 have multiple books going at once? Or do you prefer to stick to one book at a time? Up until just recently, I have always had the same answer to this question – no, I only read one book at a time. But, I have finally started…
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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 other…
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First line: It had been months since Kyle Craig had killed a man. From the inside cover: Detective Alex Cross and Bree Stone’s wedding plans are put on hold when Alex is called to the scene of the perfectly executed assassination of two of Washington DC’s most corrupt: a dirty congressman and an underhanded lobbyist. Next, the elusive gunman begins picking off other crooked insiders, sparking a blaze of theories…
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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. ***I was away last week, so I am including the last 2 weeks. Books Completed in the…
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From the back of the audio case: In the first sequel to Anne of Green Gables, Lucy Montgomery’s feisty red-headed heroine is now sixteen and a school teacher in the small village of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island. Although older, she isn’t necessarily wiser – and she hasn’t outgrown her mischievous antics. She learns how complicated life can be when she takes two new orphans at Green Gables under her…
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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) – Key Lime Pie by Josi S. Kilpack Borrowed from family member (0) From Paperback Swap – (0) Won (0) – **It was quiet this week, but that’s ok – maybe I can catch up on all…
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First line: According to Holly Maguire’s late grandmother, revered on Blue Crab Island, Maine for her fortune-telling as much as her cooking, the great love of Holly’s life would be one of the few people on earth to like sa cordula, an Italian delicacy. From the back cover: Holly Maguire’s grandmother Camilla was the Love Goddess of Blue Crab Island, Maine – a Milanese fortune-teller who could predict the right…
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Welcome to A-Z Wednesday!! A-Z Wednesday is hosted by Vicki at Reading At The Beach. To join in, visit her blog for the guidelines and leave your link in a comment. THIS WEEK’S LETTER IS: “P” My book is: The Bachelor by Carly Phillips Synopsis from Amazon: The small town of Yorkshire Falls and its colorful inhabitants including a mysterious panty-raider and a fun-loving but devious mother are a sturdy…
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First line: As Katie wound her way among tables, a breeze from the Atlantic rippled through her hair. From the inside cover: When a mysterious young woman named Katie appears in the small North Carolina town of Southport, her sudden arrival raises questions about her past. Beautiful yet self-effacing, Katie seems determined to avoid forming personal ties until a series of events draws her into two reluctant relationships: one with…
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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: Once you begin a book, do you feel compelled to finish it? Or have you been known to give up in the middle of a book, to walk away from a book that is just too annoying, boring, etc.? I have to say I think I have only abandoned one…
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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 other…
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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) The Tapestry of Love by Rosy Thornton Library (1) House Rules by Jodi Picoult (audio book) Purchased (1) – Cross Fire by James Patterson Borrowed from family member (0) From Paperback Swap – (0) Won (0) – What’s in your mailbox?
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First line: Grief came in waves, hard and choppy, buffeting and breaking the heart. From the inside cover: #1 New York Times bestselling author Nora Roberts cordially invites you to meet childhood friends, Parker, Emma, Laurel, and Mac – the founders of Vows, one of Connecticut’s premier wedding planning companies. Parker Brown turned the quartet’s childhood game of Wedding Day into their dream jobs. And now she’s the face of…
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Please join me in welcoming Barbara Delinsky, author of Not My Daughter to Always With a Book! If you missed my review, you can read it here. Today Barbara guest blogs about her moving from writing romance novels to fiction. Enjoy and be sure to enter the giveaway below! Breaking Out is Hard to Do… Okay. I know what at least a few of you are thinking. “Barbara Delinsky –…
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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:Where do you get the books you read? Are you a faithful library patron? Or maybe a bookstore junkie? Do you exchange books with friends or family members? I tend to get my books from a number of places… * Library – I do use the library, sometimes more often than…
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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 other…
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