Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Loving Frank/Nancy Horan/360 pages

Nancy Horan writes a fictionalized account of the scandalous relationship between Frank Lloyd Wright and Mamah Borthwick Cheney. She and her husband commissioned Wright to build them a house in Oak Park, IL. After carrying on an affair in Oak Park, they leave their spouses and travel to Europe where they live and work for a year. From there, they move to Spring Green, WI where Wright builds their refuge from the world, Taliesin. Anyone familiar with Frank Lloyd Wright's colorful history knows this doesn't end well for Mamah, her children or four other people working at Taliesin.

To be honest, I'm not one who is taken with Frank Lloyd Wright's work or life. I'm not a fan of his overinflated ego or sense of self-worth. I have toured Taliesin West in Scottsdale, AZ and while it's interesting, he is portrayed as something of a nut. And that's from a tour guide paid to make him sound as good as possible. This book was quite interesting and certainly gave a viewpoint of his life and work. While he was difficult and selfish, he did have a tender even child-like side. It is interesting to note that while the book leaves little doubt to the cause of the tragedy that claims the lives at Taliesin, the biographical information on the FLW Foundation website mentions a fire set by accident by a servant. Thanks to Stacey Lynch for recommending this to me.

When Beauty Tamed the Beast / Eloisa James / 374 pages / R. T. Reviewer's Choice Award

This was a most enjoyable adult fairy tale. I loved the cover!!  Linnet Berry Thrynne is rumored to be pregnant because of her reaction to a bad prawn and her unfortunate ballgown.  It made her appear to be with child.  The scandal causes her father to send her to Wales to become the wife of Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant, and heir to the Duke of Windebank.  Unfortunately, Piers has no intention of marrying.  He has never forgiven his father for his opium addiction and for divorcing his mother and ruining her reputation.  Rude Dr. Piers is patterned after Dr.Gregory House on TV, from limp to problematic behavior.

77 Shadow Street / Dean Koontz / 451 pages

The Pendelton at 77 Shadow Street "was the most peaceful address in the city."  Every 38 years, however, bad things happen.  Murders are committed and suicides occur.  It is now 2011 and the Bella Vista stately mansion has been renovated into luxury condos.   Unfortunately another 38 years have passed and the unspeakable is about to happen yet again.  In this tale of heroism and science gone wrong, the reader experiences absolute terror along with the protagonists.  Do not even attempt to read this in a house alone.  Houses are quite noisy...What is that sound?...

TAG Your Posts!

Hey all, just a friendly tip.  If you want to find a quick and easy way to be able to find/read all of your past reviews; here is what you need to do:

  • When you are creating a new post make sure you add a "Label" in the Label box at the end of your post.  You can create a tag for yourself and call it whatever you want (for example my tag is Laura P.)
  • Since I have tagged all of my blog postings with the tag "Laura P." I can click on that label and see everything that I have posted that has that tag.  Thus, creating a list of all of my blog postings!
  • See, it's that simple!  enjoy!
Oh, and Yes this is so true!!!

The Girl in the Gatehouse / Julie Klassen / 391 pages / R. T. Reviewer's Choice Award

Twenty-four year old Mariah Aubrey has been disowned by her family when her lover professes that he cannot marry her but must marry a higher-born lady of his family's choosing.  She is sent with her former governess, Dixon, to live with her elderly aunt on an aging estate.  She is consigned to the gatehouse and turns to selling her secretly written novels to pay the rent after her aunt's death.  The manor house is rented to a wealthy Captain Bryant, recently retired from the navy.  Matthew has designs on Isabella, a wealthy woman whose family rejected his suit earlier because of his social standing.  Matthew and Mariah become fast friends, mutually respecting each other until Matthew's much heralded house party.  This was a very enjoyable read.  It was almost like a melodrama with many romances and a villain everyone loves to hate.

How to Woo a Reluctant Lady / Sabrina Jeffries / 345 pages / R. T. Reviewer's Choice Award

Oh my goodness!  Do not listen to this audio book when anyone else is in the room!  It is quite graphic and, to me, embarrassing...not embarrassing enough that I stopped listening, however.  Minerva has always loved Miles although she refuses to admit it, even to herself.  She devises a plan to thwart her grandmother's  decree that she must marry if she is to inherit.  She places an ad advertising that she will conduct interviews for a husband.  She is sure that her grandmother will be chagrined, cancel the interviews, and allow the inheritance.  Minerva will then be free to write her books without further interference.  Miles shows up for the interviews and Minerva and Miles decide to pretend to want to marry.  Again, Minerva is certain her grandmother will oppose the marriage because of Miles's reputation.  She does not.  Miles is secretly a spy and Minerva is drawn into his duplicitous life and he into hers.

Save Me / Lisa Scottoline / 373 pages / R .T. Reviewer's Choice Awards

"...beauty doesn't really have anything to do with what we look like.  It's who we are inside and what we do in life."

This book really makes you think twice about volunteering at your child's school.  Most have done this and haven't thought to the possibility that they might get sued if something goes wrong.  Rose McKennah is volunteering as lunch lady when there is an explosion in the cafeteria and her daughter is trapped in the handicapped bathroom behind a wall of fire.  Rose decides to delay Melly's rescue until three girls she had been talking to about bullying get out of the burning cafeteria.  She heroically rescues her daugher and then is accused of heartlessness and selfishness when one of the three girls is critically injured in the fire. Rose uncovers a plot involving murder and a crooked politician.  Great treatment of bullying and its ramifications.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children / Ransom Riggs / 351 pages

Sixteen year old Jacob Portman's grandfather was sent by his family to Miss Peregrine's school to escape the Germans during World War II.  His entire family met death at the hands of the Germans, and Jacob believes that this tragedy has affected his grandfather's mind.  He describes the school as a magical place and the pictures he shows Jacob support this contention if they have not been doctored as Jacob suspects.  His grandfather also describes horrible monsters and may have met an untimely death by them.  His grandfather's death leads him to psychotherapy and a journey with his father to the site of the infamous school.  This a most unusual read peppered with actual photographs of peculiar children.

Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind / Ann B. Ross / 273 pages

Miss Julia Springer is a proper Southern woman whose husband, Wesley, if found dead in the driveway behind the wheel of his car.  Theirs is not a particularly happy or close marriage and Miss Julia realized that she in now in control of his considerable wealth.  The local reverend has designs on the money for his church and used nefarious means to get it.  She is surprised one day when Wesley's unknown mistress shows up with Wesley's illegitimate son.  Miss Julia refuses to call him Junior and instead dubs him Lloyd.  He efforts to provide for him lead her on merry adventure filled with chuckles, rumors, determination, and thought-provoking stereotypes.

The Orchid Affair / Lauen Willig / 405 pages / R. T. Reviewer's Choice Award

This is tale of spies, mystery, and intrigue set in France just after the Revolution.  Laura takes a position as governess in the home of high-ranking official in order to feed information the the Pink Carnation, a famous female operative.  She falls in love with the master of the house and he with her.  Together they foil the plot and plans of a French offical intent on torture and murder.  Counterpoint to this tale is the story of an American in France researching the Pink Carnation

Anna Dressed in Blood / Kendrake Blake / 316 pages

Theseus Cassio (Cas) Lowood is a ghost stalker.  He hunts and kills ghosts who terrorize and kill people.  He is following in his dead father's footsteps.  His Wiccan mother makes potions and performs spells that aid him in his work.  They move often, and their most recent move has brought them to Thunder Bay, Ontario where Cas hunts Anna Dressed in Blood.  This book is a real page-turner and will certainly appeal to YA, but parts are a bit too convenient and unbelievable.

Angel Sister / Ann H. Gabhart / 407 pages / R. T. Reviewer's Choice Award

Set in the 1930's, Angel Sister recounts the struggles of a family coping with the horrors of World War I, technological changes that make time-honored skills obsolete, rigid controlling religion, alcoholism, and the basic goodness inherent in some human beings.  Middle child Kate, though plain of face, holds her family together despite seemingly overwhelming odds.  This is a great story depicting the many nuances of faith.

R. T. Reviewer's Choice Award

The More The Terrier/Linda O. Johnston/296 pgs




This is the second title in the Pet Rescue series and no one would ever say this is heavy reading but it is enjoyable, especially if you are a dog or cat lover. In this one, shelter manager Lauren Vancouver finds out that her old mentor, Mamie Spelling, is an animal hoarder. But that is the least of Mamie's problems. She's accused of murder when the CEO of a pet shelter network who was pressuring her to join is found dead. Lauren makes it her mission to clear her former friend of murder but that may put a killer on her tail.

Only Yours / Susan Mallery 459 p.

Fifth in Mallery's Fool's Gold Romance series features Montana Hendrix, therapy dog handler, falling for scarred surgeon Simon Bradley. Simon's experiences drive him to avoid emotional attachments. He travel around the globe treating children who needs his expertise. The town culture, the friendliness of the people, the love for Montana, and yes, the special dogs send out bonds that force Simon to rethink his life style.

Mallery skillfull weaves in subplots that easily spin into another in the series. Look for many many more stories about the residents of Fool's Gold.

RT Reviewers Choice Book Award

Check the library catalog

Sins of a Highland devil / Sue-Ellen Welfonder 395 p.

This first book in a Highland warrior series finds the three strong clans, The Camerons, The MacDonalds, and the Mackintoshes, forced by the King to battle to the death with the last man standing winning the rights to the entire Glen of Many Legends. James Cameron and Catriona MacDonald of opposing clans, naturally, are so strongly attracted that the air sizzles. Both are very strong characters. Ghosts and spirits portend to the future as well as adding a romance between a Viking and a Cameron. Women leads from each clan form a secret pact to gain lasting peace to the glen--more in the next installment in the series.
RT Reviewers Choice Book Award

Check the library catalog

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

The Affair / Lee Child/ 405 pages

Jack Reacher has been around in bestselling novels for awhile. In The Affair, Lee Child explains how Major Reacher of the Military Police came to be the travelin' man who rides the bus, doesn't have a suitcase, throws away clothes and buys new, drinks lots of coffee, and prefers diners. He's the man who digs deep to get to the bottom of things and extracts justice in his own way. I'm not a Reacher reader so this was a good book to start with and I definitely want to read more. Reacher is one of those characters that seep under your skin. I would say he is Dexter with a collapsible toothbrush.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins/374p

This young adult novel takes place in a futuristic North America or what is now called Panem . The country is divided into twelve districts. Once a year the Capitol randomly selects two young people from each district to fight. They are then thrown into a reality show type setting in an arena where they have to fight one another to the death. The winner will live in comfort with their family for the rest of their days. When Katniss hears that her younger sister Prim has been chosen to play in the Hunger Games she bravely volunteers to take her place. The story follows sixteen year old Katniss and Peeta, the other fighter from her district, throughout their struggles during the Hunger Games. I wanted to read this book after I saw the trailer of the movie coming out in March. I would highly recommend it and can’t wait to start the next installment, Catching Fire. It is the kind of book that pulls you in from the beginning and you can’t wait to find out the plight of the highly likeable characters, Katniss, Peeta, and Gale to name a few. If you like this book try Scott Westerfeld's the Uglies.

Rhett Butler's People / Donald McCaig / 476 pages

This is the authorized sequel to Gone With the Wind. I found it to be enjoyable and lively. It explains more of the backgrounds of several characters from the original book, mainly Rhett Butler. It made some of the characters more real by giving more details about how they happened to be in certain situations described briefly in the original. It covers the time period of when Rhett Butler was about 12 through a few years after the conclusion of the original book. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves the first book!

All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin/354 pages

Several things attracted me to this book; the cover, the author and the chocolate! Gabrielle Zevin is the author of Elsewhere, which I read a few years ago and was a book discussion title for our young adult book group. We all loved it, so I was expecting great things from Zevin. From what I can tell this is book one of a planned trilogy and it is set in the near future in a crime ridden New York City. Chocolate and coffee are contraband and you pay postage for email. Water is scarce, the pools and fountains have been drained and the mafia controls much of the city. Anya is the daughter of a crime lord that has been murdered. Anya has been the main caretaker of her family since her mother and brother were the targets of another mob hit, killing her mother and leaving her brother mentally challenged. She is trying hard to stay out of trouble and out of the family business. She falls in love with the new DA's son and her ex-boyfriend is poisoned by, you guessed it, chocolate and Anya is the prime suspect. This is another book to add to that ever growing list of dystopian novels for young adults. Not one of my favorites, but will probably read next book just to see what happens to Anya.

Copper Beach/Jayne Ann Krentz/424 pgs



After receiving a blackmail threat, Abby Radwell, who is able to detect paranormal secrets and unlock them in old texts, hires paranormal investigator Sam Coppersmith to help protect her and find an old notebook that someone is willing to kill for. Sam has his own reasons for working for Abby too - he is also searching for the notebook and the rocks that went missing at the same time. Good story

Private Games/James Patterson/426 pgs



This book takes place in London during the Summer Olympics.

The opening ceremony is just hours away when Peter Knight, a Private investigator and single father of twins, is called to the scene of a ruthless murder-a high-ranking member of the games' organizing committee has been killed. Karen Pope, a newspaper reporter covering the games, receives a letter from a person who calls himself Cronus claiming responsibility for the murders. He states that he is going to restore the Olympics to their ancient glory and destroy those who have corrupted the games. Karen's newspaper hires Private to examine the letter, and Karen and Peter work to find out who is trying to end the games for good. This is a very good story, probably one of the best Patterson's in a while, and a very fast read

Falling Awake/Jayne Ann Kretnz/424 pgs




Isabel Wright has her dream job as an expert in dream research and lucid dreaming But when her boss suddenly dies, she loses her job at the sleep research center, and she becomes involved with a former client, Ellis Cutler, an operative for a classified government agency. She finds herself drawn into a web of betrayal and murder. Good story but not as good I think as the Arcane Society series.

Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe / Fannie Flagg / 403 pgs.

Mrs. Threadgoode's tale of two high-spirited women of the 1930s, Idgie and Ruth, helps Evelyn, a 1980s woman in a sad slump of middle age, to begin to rejuvenate her own life.

I saw the movie years ago and loved it.  I was so glad to see how closely the movie followed the book.  and was even more pleased to discover that there were additional side stories that were just as charming that were not included in the movie.  I listened to this book on tape and the narrator Lorna Raver did a fabulous job with the different character voices.  So if you are tried crying your eyes out over those Oprah books, try this sweet, uplifting story.

Kill Alex Cross/James Patterson/364 pgs.

This is one of the few series of James Patterson that I read; I believe he is the only author of this particular series. Detective Alex Cross is asked by First Lady Regina Coyle to assist in trying to locate her kidnapped children, Zoe and Ethan. In addition, Al Ayla (The Family) is setting into motion a plan to destroy the United States. To be honest, it's such a fast read that I stayed up until 2:00 am to see how it would end. It was one of the better Alex Cross books.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

One Perfect Word/Debbie Macomber/207 pgs.

This is the first non-fiction book I have read by Debbie Macomber--very inspirational. She describes how she focuses on one word for an entire year, and how it impacts her life. Macomber is a very spiritual, Christian person; the word she chooses  usually has a biblical context. She also includes prayers from the journals she has kept for years. She reveals her own journey as a writer, and the struggles she has encountered in her own life. She is a very optimistic, encouraging person, and it comes through in her writing. I'm glad I read this book.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

After/Amy Efaw/350p.


This is the story of a high school girl in denial about her pregnancy, who hides it from everyone, has the baby on her own, then throws the baby away. I know, a real downer, right. I had a hard time identifying with the main character, Devon. I understand she did not have the support she needed at home--her mother, who was also a teen mom, is often absent. I read this book, because I was looking for something immediately available from the library for my Nook, and the title was one of the first I saw, as they were in alphabetical order. I read a lot of YA, and I've found myself understanding things through reading, like "cutting", that I thought I'd never grasp. Likewise, I thought I might understand the motives behind Devon's decision/indecision not to deal with her pregnancy. The story kept my interest, because I kept hoping a viable reason for what she did would be found. But this was not the case.

This might be an interesting read for someone doing research on the subject, but not one I would generally recommend.

War Horse/Michael Morpurgo/120 p.


I read this one to see if it would be appropriate for my 8 year old, horse crazy daughter. I think it'll be a few years before she can appreciate this story, but I found myself irresistibly sucked in. The main character is Joey, a horse, and the story is told from his point of view. Stories set in war times are usually not my thing--too depressing. But this is more of a story about the incredible bond a person can have with a horse, than a war story. I've never been horse crazy, myself, and this story helped me understand the bond my daughter has with the horse she rides every week. I've bonded with dogs, but horses seem to be in a whole other special category. It takes a great deal of trust between rider and horse to make the relationship work, and you feel that bond when reading Joey's story.

Highly recommended for readers aged 10 and up. I may have to see the movie now.

Friday, February 24, 2012

Zero Day / David Baldacci / 434 pages

Baldacci introduces a new character (John Puller) to his suspense and intrigue repertoire. John is a character who you want to know personally and have covering your back. He's a wounded and decorated hero of Iraq and Afghanistan and an investigator for the Army who has no ambition other than doing the right thing. John is the son of a legendary general and the brother of a solider convicted of treason. His mission in this novel is to investigate the murder of a military family in a small West Virginia mining town. He knows there's more to the story because he sent in alone. After more killings, near death experiences, and hooking up with a local female deputy, John saves the world from the greedy and corrupt. Yeah. Baldacci knows how to tell a good story and he succeeds in this one.

How Lamar's Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy / Cyrstal Allen / 284 pages

What drew me to this book...the title. How can you NOT read a book with this title? It's a good debut novel for upper elementary & middle school kids but not your typical story in many ways. First of all, bowling is the featured sport. Lamar Washington, who suffers from asthma, is really good at it. Second Lamar is a normal African American 13 year old boy from a good family. His older brother Xavier is a super-star basketball player with anger issues, his mother who is Lamar's biggest fan dies from cancer, and Lamar is struggling with who he is, getting a girlfriend, and getting some attention from his dad. The story has a strong message about ethics, friendship, judging people, and how easy it is to make some really bad mistakes. The book has humor, fear, anger and grief. Lamar is a character that you care about. While not everything that happens rings true and the message can be a bit heavy-handed, it's a good read.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Step on a Crack/James Patterson/383 pages

Michael Bennett is having a bad day. His wife is in the hospital dying of cancer. Their ten, yes ten, adopted children are missing her but also wishing for a Christmas miracle. The former First Lady's funeral is taking place at St. Patrick's Cathedral when the entire church and the celebrity mourners are taken hostage by kidnappers demanding tens of millions of dollars in ransom. Michael is a former hostage negotiator, so when the official negotiator is unavailable at first, Michael is pressed into duty.

This is the first in the Michael Bennett series. It's a typically fast-paced Patterson adventure. The best part of the Pattersons, Woods, Evanoviches and the like is that you don't have to think too much. Summer reading year round.

The Black Hawk / Joanna Bourne / 304 pgs. / 2011 RT Reviewer's Choice Nominee

"Someone is stalking agent Justine DeCabrillac through London's gray streets. Under cover of the rain, the assassin strikes--and Justine staggers to the door of the one man who can save her. The man she once loved. The man she hated. Adrian Hawkhurst.  Adrian wanted the treacherous beauty known as 'Owl' back in his bed, but not wounded and clinging to life. Now, as he helps her heal, the two must learn to trust each other to confront the hidden menace that's trying to kill them--and survive long enough to explore the passion simmering between them once again."--from cover, p. [4]

Great Romance novel!  This story flows back and forth between the present storyline of Justine recovering from her injuries and the past events that shows the development and eventual breakdown of Justine's and Adrian's romance.  There is plenty of action and angst as Justine and Adrian are spies working for different countries.  Justine also has identity and romantic issues due to childhood sexual abuse which I thought the author handled well. 

2011 Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Nominee for "Historical Romance of the Year" ( http://www.rtbookreviews.com/rt-awards/nominees-and-winners?award_type=book )

Inner Harbor/Nora Roberts/341 pgs





This is the third title in the Chesapeake Bay series and it is Phillip Quinn's story. Phillip understands Seth's troubled past. He has the scars from his rough childhood on the streets. He spent his days stealing and his nights doing whatever he could to make a fast buck. But now he's an advertising executive who favors suits and wine. When he meets educated, cultured Sybill, he think that he may have found his perfect woman, but she is hiding a big secret and this is going to affect all the Quinns and may just bring everything to a conclusion.

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

The Revenant/ Sonia Gensler/ 319 pages

Willie has traveled to Oklahoma to be a teacher at the Cherokee school for girls. The school has a secret though--one of the students drowned last year and Willie is put in her room. None of the other girls wants the room because they fear it is haunted by the revanent (ghost). Willie has secrets of her own, which is why she goes by the name Angeline while she is there. Can Willie help put the ghost to rest? Can she maintain her secrets while she tries? Good book and quick read.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Nightwoods / Charles Frazier/ 259 pages



This was a creepy book with suspense, odd characters, and really great description. I listened to this on CD in my car which is good because I wouldn't want to read it at night in bed. (I'm sure this is minor suspense, but I'm a wuss about scary.) The story goes between characters. The main character is Luce, an almost hermit woman whose sister has been murdered. She is raising her sister's twin preschoolers who are damaged from the trauma and abuse and have many issues. The main villain is Bud, her sister's murderer husband. He is mostly a petty criminal and ner-do-well, but so creepy that you don't ever want to meet him.

Charles Frazier writes great descriptive paragraphs that remind me of TC Boyle where he uses many adjectives and nouns all together to paint a picture of the scene.

Listening on CD is good because of the voices that the reader uses.

Winter Garden / Kristin Hannah / 582 pages



This is a very interesting book about one woman's survival during and preceding the seige of Leningrad during World War II. It is such a heartbreaking and traumatic period for her and her family, so much so, that it impacts her later life with her husband and two daughters. The reader learns the details as the daughters do, through stories their mother tells. With understanding comes forgiveness and with forgiveness comes healing.


This is such a good book about survival and how events shape our lives and our children's lives on down.

The Death Cure/James Dashner/325 pgs





This title is the final one in the Maze Runner trilogy. and the others have been bought back to Wicked from the Scorch and have been given a choice to have their memories restored. Thomas knows that Wicked can't be trusted, but they say that they've collected all they can from the Trials and now must rely them, with memories restored, to help them with their ultimate mission, to complete the blueprint for the cure to the Flare with a final voluntary test. But Wicked doesn't know that even though Thomas declined to have his memory restored, he has remembered far more than they think. And he knows that he can't believe a word of what Wicked says. Is there really a cure for the Flare and who will survive?

Angel's Rest/Emily March/327 pgs




Gabriel Callahan has lost everything that mattered. All he wants is solitude on an isolated mountain estate in Eternity Springs, CO. Instead, he finds a lost dog who seems to attach himself to Gabe and the no-nonsense vet, Nic Sullivan. Nic and the rest of the town have an uncanny plan to lure this talented architect back to the world of the living. First the dog, then renovating a old home into a spa and, finally, with a night of passion that ends with a surprise. Good story.

Risky Business/Nora Roberts/344 pgs

Liz Palmer runs a dive business in Cozumel and enjoys a quiet life. Until the day a routine trip over the reef reveals the body of her newest employee - diver Jerry Sharpe. When his twin brother, Jonas, shows up asking questions, Liz can't see how she can help. She barely knew Jerry. Then someone breaks into Liz's apartment, intent on her murder. Both Jonas and Liz decide that they have to find out what happened in Jerry in order to save Liz's life.

A Home by the Sea/Christina Skye/355 pgs




This is the second title in the Summer Island series. Noah McKay's job defusing bombs for the government is so secret he can't even tell his family about it, One snowy night, Noah sees a woman in a window and is fascinated by her. A short time later, he sees that same woman climb into a Dumpster to rescue a cat and that is it he is smitten. She turns out to be a globe-trotting food writer and restaurant consultant who was horribly betrayed by her late fiance. When she learns that her grandfather has been hurt and in intensive care, Grace rushes to Summer Island, Oregon. Once she gets there she decides that she has to stay and, with her two best friends, start renovating a historical mansion to accommodate a restaurant and yarn store. Noah comes for a visit and well you know the rest of the story.

Animal Attraction / Jill Shalvis 293 p.

Sunshine, Idaho proves to be the perfect refuge for Jade Bennett. Veterinarian Dell Connelly hires the super-efficient, spreadsheet list maker Jade as office manager. Trauma from the past has Jade skittish form close ties. Plus, she has promised to return to Chicago. Dell also has a history that keeps him wary. When Jade goes into a panic in the parking lot, Dell steps in to teach her self-defense--lowering his own at the same time. This is the second in the animal magnetism series from Jill Shalvis.

RT Reviewers Choice Book Award

Marriage Wager / Jane Ashford 371 p.

Lady Emma Tarrant watched her husband gamble his life away. When she saw another young man losing heavily she had to act. She challenges Lord Colin Wareham to a game where the stake is all the debts of the young man. Lord Colin has just returned from the Napoleonic Wars. He is a changed man weary and haunted by the loss of friends. Lady Emma is very different from the current crop of young debs.

Readers who enjoy Mary Balogh may also enjoy this.

Finishing Basements & Attics / Black & Decker 159 p.

Black & Decker takes you through expanding your living space by utilizing your basement or attic. Go through the entire remodeling process, from a through examination of the unfinished attic or basement, planning, framing the walls.

Monday, February 20, 2012

Tuesdays at the Castle / Jessica Daygeorge / 238 pages

Imagine having a castle as a friend...a castle that adds rooms or changes them at will.  The castle is Princess Cecelia's friend.  She has documented its changes and the atlas already has over 300 pages.  When a rider arrives at the castle saying the king, queen, and oldest prince are missing and feared dead, the castle and Cecelia are instrumental in thwarting plots and aiding the royal family.  I would definitely recommend this one!

Secrets at Sea / Richard Peck / 238 pages / Best of 2011

Set on the eve of Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee, this children's book recounts the Cranston family voyage from America to Europe to find a husband for Olive.  Accompanying them on this cruise are the Cranston family mice, Helena and her younger sisters.  Husbands are indeed found!

"Hold your family with open hands, setting them free to find their own destiny."
"Without mice what would humans do?  Their heads are always in the clouds."
"Fame and secrets are alike.  Both are hard to keep."

Legend / Maire Lu / 305 pages

"Money is the most important thing in the world...money can buy you happiness...It'll buy you relief, status, friends, safety...all sorts of things."  Day insists that this is so, but he is no mercenary, rather, he has become a folk hero for the poor and oppressed in the Rupublic.  He has refused to join the Patriots who are fighting the Republic.  When he breaks into the hospital to steal plague antidote for his younger brother, he throws his knife at Metias, a guard of the Republic.  He is accused of killing and Metias's sister, June, is assigned the task of tracking him down and bringing him in for sentencing.  This dystopian novel will appeal to fans of Hunger Games.

An O'Brien Family Christmas / Sherryl Woods / 282 pages

This was an enjoyable audio recording of a heart-warming family Christmas story.  Matthew O'Brien has decided to marry Laila Riley during his Irish family's Christmas trip to Ireland.  Laila has recently lost her job at her father's bank because of her relationship with Matthew, but she agrees to go on the trip because of her ties to the O'Brien clan.  The Irish brogues add much to this romantic story of the true meaning of Christmas and family.

Wait Until Midnight / Amanda Quick / 487 pages

Carolyn Fordyce is a novelist masquerading as a widow.  She is currently working on fleshing out the character of her villain in her latest novel.  When she meets Adam Hardesty, she patterns Drake after him.  Carolyn and Adam become involved in the investigation of the murders of several mediums and, in the course of their investigations, they become involved...and married.

"Noble nature imposes a great sense of responsibility."

Midnight Bayou / Nora Roberts / 352 pages

Decan Fitzgerald has left his law practice in Boston to restore a derelict plantation home near New Orleans.  he and a college friend, Remy, broke into the house and briefly partied there in their college days.  The house has an unusual hold on Dec.  He sees visions of rooms in their original decor and hears ghosts, as do the workmen he hires to aid in the restoration.  Add into this mix a feisty, bar-owning heroine...and perhaps some reincarnation, and you have a read-me-now-and-don't-forget-me-ever story.

Cinder / Marissa Meyer / 390 pages

In this Cinderella story, Cinder is a cyborg - half human and half machine.  She works in a machine shop and is reputed to be the best mechanic in New Beijing.  She, of course, has 2 stepsisters and a stepmother.  Prince Kai brings his android into Cinder's shop for repair and, again, of course, Cinder longs to attend his ball.  The prince has recently lost his mother to letumosis, the Blue Fever.  A worldwide pandemic has killed hundreds of thousands.  The cause and cure are unknown.  When Kai's father, the emperor, succumbs to letumosis, Kai is visited by Levana, Queen of Lunar.  Possessing glamours allowing her to control Earthens thoughts and feelings, she has designs on Kai's kingdom and earth itself.  The plot is further complicated by Cinder's discovery that she, too, is Lunar...  This story is unresolved when the book ends...waiting for book two.

A Lonely Death / Charles Todd / 343 pages / Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award

Inspector Ian Rutledge was buried alive in a shelling during World War I.  He is haunted by a fellow soldier whom he had sentenced to the firing squad.  Hamish is now his invisible although not silent companion as he solves the mystery of garroting deaths in Eastland and Hastings.  He is also able to solve Inspector Cummins's one unsolved case.

Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award

Everywhere That Mary Went / Lisa Scottoline / 359 pages

Mary is being stalked.  An attorney who is up for partnership in her law firm, she is still coping with the death of her husband, Mike, and reluctant to start a new relationship.  When her secretary/best friend, Brent, is killed, she requests help from the police and suspects her co-worker, Ned, who is up for the same partnership promotion.  Also suspecting one of the senior law partners, she makes a near fatal mistake.  This book has great subplot involving Mary's twin sister and vocations.

The Absolute Value of Mike / Kathryn Erskine / 247 pages / Best of 2011

This is absolutely fantastic!  Mike is shipped off for the summer to live with his father's aunt and uncle while his fathers goes overseas on an important scientific project.  He thinks Mike is working an important science project of his own - the Artesian Spring.  There has been a miscommunication, however, and the project involves engineering of a different sort.  Mike engineers a project to adopt a Romanian orphan, release Poppy from his trance, help Moo with her declining faculties, and reconnect with his father.

Among the Missing / Morag Joss / 255 pages / Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award

"A masterly novel about the invisible ties that bind us to our identities, to our histories, and to one another."  Three lives collide in the wake of an unforeseeable bridge collapse in the Highlands of Scotland.  Ron - recently released from prison for negligent manslaughter, Annabel - escaping an unhappy marriage and a husband who wants her to get rid of her pregnancy, and Silva - an illegal living in a trailer in the woods with her husband and daughter.  This book is easy to follow, captivating, and features a surprise ending!

1225 Christmas Tree Lane / Debbie Maccomber / 295 pages

Bailey and Sophie have invited their dad to spend Christmas with them and their mother, his ex-wife, Beth Morehouse.  They want to get their parents back together again.  There are obstacles to their plan, however,...10 lab puppies, an attractive vet, and a traveling companion/friend.  Part of a series, much of this book is reminding the faithful reader of plots and occurrences in earlier stories.  Fun read!

The Baker's Wife / Erin Healy / 345 pages / Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Awards

"...being a good person is about loving people well.  It's not about having all the right answers or doing all the right things."
"Sometimes mercy is the best weapon against evil."
The baker's wife, Audrey, and her son, Ed, are involved in an accident on their way to the bakery in an early morning fog.  They do not see the motor scooter before they hit it.  Audrey slips in blood as she emerges from the car, but no body is found.  The scooter belongs to Julie Mansfield, a math teacher at the local high school.  Her husband Jack, a detective, blames Audrey, Ed, and Geoff, the former pastor, for his wife's disappearance.  The pastor lost his job at Jack's insistence over the abortion of their grandchild.  Diane Hall, recently released from prison for murder, used to live in the bakery which her parents ran as a drug store.  She came back looking for a family heirloom, an uncut diamond.  This page-turner is inspirational, thought-provoking, and a great read.
Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Award

In Desperation / Rick Mofina / 380 pages / Romantic Times Reviewer's Choice Awards

James Rollins, New York Times bestselling author, says this book is "a blisteringly paced story that cuts to the bone.  It left me ripping through the pages deep into the night."  WPA reporter Jack Gannon is in Mexico working on a news expose of the drug cartels.  He abruptly leaves his story when he discovers that his niece has been kidnapped and his runaway sister needs his help.  She has been missing for 20 years and Jack didn't know if she was even still alive.  He certainly didn't know he had a niece.  His parents were killed in a car accident so Tilly and Cora are the only family he has.  This page-turner deals with the massive outreach and destruction of the drug business and is an excellent read.

Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Award

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Chasing Lincoln's Killer/James L. Swanson/194 pages

This book is based on the best selling adult book by Swanson, Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer.  Swanson has created a young adult version of the Edgar Award winning best true crime book of the year. All of the characters were alive during manhunt for Lincoln's assassin and the text comes from authentic letters, manuscripts, newspapers and other documents. It was an interesting story about the conspiracy surrounding Lincoln's assasination and attempts on other political figures of the time. This book had enough action and suspense to keep most readers entertained. At times, I felt the author was trying to hard to reach the younger audience and some of the writing was a bit disconnected and choppy. Overall, I did enjoy the book and would recommend to younger readers that enjoy a good action story or historical fiction.

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Water for Elephants/ Sara Gruen/335p

Elephants, big tops, traveling circus performers; not a book I would normally choose. After reading the book a few years ago, I just finished listening to the audio version for book club and I enjoyed it just as much the second time around. The author has written a beautiful, but sometimes harsh, story about living during the depression era  through the eyes of a young man that has lost everything as he is getting ready to take his tests for veterinary medicine and go to work with his father's practice. The main character and narrator is Dr. Jacob Jankowski, and we fall in love with the cantankerous old fellow in the nursing home who can't decide what to have for lunch. We can't wait to hear his story about joining the circus, as a frightened young man,  falling in love with the animal trainer's wife and then falling in love with Rosie, the elephant. The author does such a good job with the characters and describing the setting and the feelings you feel like you're sitting in the big top watching the show. There are some terribly cruel scenes but also some selfless acts of kindness shown by her characters. Great book, would highly recommend.

Peter Nimble & his Fantastic Eyes / Jonathan Auxier / 381 pages

This is Auxier's debut novel for children and it's a fantastic read. It's a fantasy with a vast array of interesting characters (from a blind boy who is the greatest thief in the world to talking fish, apes, ravens, a man-horse-cat creature and a very evil villain) who grow beyond their self-image and embark on amazing adventures involving heroic deeds and creative gambits. Peter Nimble begins his life as a baby whose eyes have been plucked out by a raven & is discovered floating in a reed basket by some sailors. He is named Peter Nimble by the town officials who mash up some nursery rhymes and throw him out on the streets to survive on his own. Peter is discovered by a Fagan type character who teaches him how to be the greatest thief in the world. In the end he discovers who he really is as he uses 3 sets of fantastic eyes made of gold, onyx and emerald to complete his mission of discovering the Vanished Kingdom. This is the type of children's book that could have a subtle but great impact on its readers. It would be a fantastic book discussion group selection.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Last Night at the Lobster/Stewart O'Nan/146 pages

Manny is the manager of a local Red Lobster that is being closed due to low numbers. He is being transferred to an Olive Garden which is also owned by Darden Restaurants but only as an assistant manager. He was allowed to take 5 employees with him. Now he's faced with the last day of operation and wonders which employees will show up for the last day. He's surprised to find a mix of people who get to transfer with him and some soon-to-be unemployed showing up for their final shifts. A snow storm keeps almost all the customers away, but Manny still maintains his restaurant to his high standards. Even so, he has time to contemplate his job, his employees and his life outside the restaurant.

Thanks to booklover@KL for the original review of this book. It intrigued me enough to want to read it. Someone saw the title I was reading and recommended other books by the same author.

Rising Tides/Nora Roberts/339 pgs




This is the second title in the Chesapeake Bay saga from Nora Roberts and is Ethan Quinn's story. Ethan Quinn is the son who stayed home and he is now working to make the family's boat building business a success and helping to raise Seth with his brothers. He has a connection with the boy due to his past and because of this past he is unwilling to find happiness with the woman whom he has always loved, Grace. But he didn't take Grace in to consideration with his decision and she is going to make him face up to his feelings for her.

Anna Dressed in Blood/ Kendare Blake/ 316 pages

Anna Dressed in Blood is an infamous ghost in Thunder Bay. And Cas in on his way to put her back where she belongs. Cas's father was a ghost hunter until his untimely death and now Cas has inherited his knife and his ability to send ghosts back to wherever it is they go. So, he heads to Canada to seek out "Anna Dressed in Blood", but he gets more than he bargained for. This was a good quick read and not too scary.

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Call Me Irresistible/Susan Elizabeth Phillips/387 pgs






Meg Koranda goes to Texas for her best friend Lucy's wedding, and finds herself the enemy when Lucy cancels the wedding and everyone blames her. The daughter of famous parents who have cut her off - for her own good - she finds herself stranded and where she unexpectedly falls for Ted Beaudine, Lucy's ex-fiance. Very good story - now I will have to read the other titles in the series.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Sara Moulton Cooks at Home / Sara Moulton 384 p.

Sara Moulton's charming television personality shines through this work featuring what she cooks at home. Each recipe is accompanying with an engaging history of the recipe, tips and hints, and even photographs. Interesting vignettes feature her varied career from working with Julia Child to stints as food editor for Good Morning America to executive chef for Gourmet.

Check library catalog

James Patterson/Private #1 Suspect/432 p.

The second in the Private series about Jack's private investigation company handed to him from his father. Jack has three murder investigations to solve. The first is near and dear to his heart, second he deals with the mob friend he is not crazy being friends with and third, a beautiful woman and hotel murders. Fast past action to solve the crimes and murders quick while Jack is undergoing his own scrutiny.

From This Day/Nora Roberts/216 pgs


BJ Clark is the manager of a small inn in Vermont and is preparing for the arrival of the new owner. Taylor Reynolds, the new owner, arrives early and they end up getting off on the wrong foot of course. She is afraid that he is going to change the nature of the inn into a resort. Of course, love ensues and everything turns out fine but not without a few misunderstanding along the way.

Seducing Mr. Heywood / Jo Manning 248 p.

Lady Sophia Rowley, married and widowed three times, returns to Rowley Hall after marriage plans to her London lover falls through. Vicar Charles Heywood, guardian to her sons, promises to provide entertainment. Surprising Charles has depths of character she has not experienced. Sophia's evolving from a jaded hard ton beauty to a spirited loving person is thrown off course by the return of her father--a down and out bad man who sold his daughter into marriage to an every worse man not just once but twice. Her late third husband paid the father to off to live outside of England. But with Lord Rowley's death, he feels free to return and work to get Sophia hooked up with his bad-nobleman sidekick. Manning prose is very nice.

Consider this a good work for those readers who enjoy Mary Balogh.

Check library catalog

Then He Kissed Me / Christie Ridgway 293 p.

Second in the series about the three Baci sisters has Stevie returning to the floundering family winery to be the wedding coordinator (a business started by her sister to bring in cash for the winery). The first customer she must deal with is her ex-boyfriend Emerson and his princess bride Roxy. Roxy's rather fragile so her "bad-boy" brother Jack elects himself protector by being in Stevie's air space all the times. Lust abounds and Jack announces that they are engaged when they are caught together. Features detailed lovemaking.

RT Reviewers Choice Book Award

Check library catalog

Monday, February 13, 2012

House at Riverton/Kate Morton/614p

It's hard to believe this is Kate Morton’s first book. It had a intriguing plot and
the characters were well developed. Taking place in England, Grace Bradley tells the story of how a young poet supposedly takes his life at a summer party that takes place back in the 1920's. Grace begins as a young maid for the family that lives in this huge estate. She is drawn into the family’s lives as well as the secrets that they keep. Grace will go onto lead an interesting life and to retell her story to a local movie producer. Even though the story seems a little drawn out at times the shocking ending keeps you guessing until the end. If you like this story I would also suggest The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton.

The Widower's Tale/Julia Glass/402 pages

Percy Darling lives in a historic farmhouse in a suburb outside of Boston. He is a retired librarian and a widower for decades. He raised two daughters after his young wife tragically died. His grandson, Robert, is a premed student at Harvard and destined for great things. Percy and his grandson are closer than he is with either of his daughters. His oldest daughter, Clover, is a flighty mess, so he secures her a job that means he has to sacrifice his privacy by donating his barn to a local preschool in need. One of the teachers, Ira, wants to build a treehouse for the children, so Robert, his roommate Arturo and a gardener named Celestino help out. All the men have stories that intertwine with one another and come together in a very dramatic way.

I saw this book on a list for best books of the year, so I checked it out. I checked it out and renewed it 6 times. For some reason, it took me until 5 days before it was due that final time before I starting reading it. I'm so sorry I waited so long. This was a great story. I can't wait to read her earlier books.

Blue Smoke/Nora Roberts/437 pgs




After a fire destroys her family's pizzeria when she was a child, Reena Hale pursues a career as an arson unit investigator. Soon she finds herself the target of a serial arsonist and tries to find what links the crimes and why she is the target. She also meets the boy next door who has been in love with her for years, Bo Goodnight. Typical Nora Roberts novel.

Deadly Little Lies/Jeanne Adams/352 pgs




Billionaire Davros Gianakopulos has been in love with art gallery owner Carrie McCray for years. But just when it looks like he may have a chance with her, a vengeful enemy traps Dav and Carrie in a ruthless battle of wits. Carrie has faced down trouble before—betrayal taught her how. But staying one step ahead of those hunting her and Dav is as dangerous as her urgent feelings for him. Good story but pretty predictable

Roam: a novel with music/Alan Lazar/306 pgs






Nelson is a bright-eyed, inquisitive half beagle, half poodle. He lives with Katey, his Great Love, and Don, newlyweds whose marriage is falling apart. One day Don leaves the gate open and Nelson follows his nose and gets lost. the Story is about what happens to Nelson as he tries to make it back home to his Great Love. The book also contains links/tags for music that was written just for the book. A very good story about how you can always go back home.

Undead & Unpopular/MaryJanice Davidson/257 pgs




Betsy is still trying to come to terms with being Queen of the Vampires even after a year. With her birthday coming up, Betsy isn't thinking about the powerful European vampires who have finally come to pay their respects. Playing politics is not her strong suit, especially after she finds out her best friend Jessica may have a life-threatening illness and her fiance Eric is avoiding all wedding plans.

Devil's Gate / Clive Cussler & Graham Brown / 474 pages

Devil's Gate is a quick, action-packed romp in which Kurt Austin & his trusty sidekick Joe Savala join forces with NUMA to save the world from a new weapon of mass destruction. You've got to hand it to Cussler. He is a fantastic storyteller, keeping the reader engaged with one superhuman stunt after another. He always comes up with the most unique modes that help the good guys conquer the evil, greedy forces. This time submersibles, hang gliders, a lunatic express, oxygen tanks and other tools help Kurt to save the world. If you want a good, fast read that 's lots of fun, just pick up a Cussler, any Cussler.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Liesl & Po / Lauren Oliver / 307 pages

This is YA author Oliver's first attempt at writing for the middle grades. It has all the right elements...ghosts, evil alchemist, murdering stepmother, magic, a true friend and a simple-minded hero but may be a hard sell for most readers. I thought it was a bit heavy on the message that there is reason to live and we can be happy even after someone very important to us dies. It is a satisfying read in that the evil characters do get their just desserts. There are abundant illustrations which help to make the story and the characters come alive. Recommended but maybe not for every reader.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest/Stieg Larsson/563 p

This is the third and final book of the powerful "Millenium Trilogy" which was released after the author's death and includes "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and "The Girl Who Played with Fire".  The books and the movies were first released in Sweden, reaching great popularity and then made their way to the US.  The books are contemporary crime fiction and are pretty descriptive, not for the light-hearted. The author writes with great detail and sometimes I would get bored with the background on Swedish politics and government. But the story he tells and the characters he creates will keep you on the edge of your seat. Everything comes together in this final book for  the savvy investigative journalist and the kick-some-butt misfit who finally get their revenge, not only against the men who tried to kill her but also the government institutions that kept her hostage and nearly ruined her life.

Friday, February 10, 2012

Heart of Darkness / Gena Showalter, Maggie Shayne, Susan Krinard / 328 p

Hummm, what can I say about this book?  I picked it up because I like paranormal romance and since this book contained three short stories I was able to sample three new authors.  The three stories were just okay.  (I think I am just burning out on paranormal romance). 

The Darkest Angel, by Gena Showalter: Is about a demon assassin and angel, Lysander who has never known love/lust, runs into trouble when he is assigned to destroy Bianka, a demon spawned from the bloodline of Lucifer.

Love me to death, Maggie Shayne:  I enjoyed this story the most.  "Twenty-two years ago four teenage boys were convicted of a young girl's murder. Now, in the form of a beautiful woman, the 'victim' is seeking vengeance. And only one man dares to dig into the past to uncover its secrets...and set her free."  I love revenge stories, but what creeped me out the most is the "victim" is 22 years old and the Main man is 38; and somehow I have to be convinced that they are "soul mates" instead of creepy older/distinguished gentleman and his cute fresh from college girlfriend. 

Lady of the Nile, Susan Krinard: "Lady Tameri believes herself to be the reincarnation of an ancient Egyptian princess, and Leo Erskine has set out to prove her wrong...never dreaming that the two of them are about to discover a prophecy that will bind them together forever."  Ummm, yeah, I'm not quite sure how I finished this book.

Final Verdict: ...Meh...

Thursday, February 9, 2012

February's Reading Challenge

February's Reading Challenge:

Last February (in 2011) we looked at the prestigious RITA awards , given out by the Romance Writers of America and recognizes the best 12 Romance Books published each year.   

For 2012, we will focus on the another Big Name in the Romance Reader's world "The Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Book Awards"  The Reviewers' Choice Awards honor the best books of the year.The winners and nominees are selected by our staff of over 50 reviewers representing the readers' voice in the women's fiction industry.


The 2011 Nominees are listed with the winners being announced at the Romantic Times Convention which will be held April 11-15th 2012 in (wait for it........) CHICAGO!!!!!!

 I will award "2" bonus points for any book you read off of the 2011 Nominee List found here: http://www.rtbookreviews.com/rt-awards/nominees-and-winners?award_type=book&year=2011

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Iron House / John Hart / 421 pages

Oh no, now I have another author to add to my list!!! Iron House is about two brothers who are abandoned & left to die by their mother. They grow up in an unbelievably stark and abusive orphanage. This is the story of what happens to the two brothers when their lives take separate paths. The stronger, protective brother takes the rap after his younger, weaker brother kills a bully minutes before they are both to be adopted by a rich Senator's wife. Michael, the older brother ends up working as an enforcer for organized crime. Julian, the younger brother, is adopted and develops schizophrenia and writes children's books. (ha) John Hart writes a good thriller novel with many layers and lots of action. Plus, he winds everything up nicely in the end. Violence level above average.

The Reluctant Prophet / Nancy Rue / 490 pages



This is a contemporary Christian fiction novel. Allison has been going to church and participating in a Bible study for seven years and wants to do God's will. God answers. He tells her to buy a Harley. What! Did she hear right? Yup. Unlike most people, Allison steps out of her comfort zone and buys the Harley. One thing points to the next and she finds herself helping a prostitute come off drugs to change her life and taking in her pre-teen son. Wow, the reaction of her fellow Bible study mates and church members is predictable. Are you crazy? or what? This book asks the big questions. What would you do if God wanted you to do something that really took more than you wanted to give, that was difficult, and you couldn't see an endpoint? It'd be great for a religious book club

Only Yours/Susan Mallery/378 pgs




Montana Hendrix has found her perfect job—working with therapy dogs. One day she runs into Dr. Simon Bradley a surgeon who specializes in burn victims. Scarred since childhood, he avoids emotions by moving from place to place to heal children who need his skillful touch. But can the love of Montana and a very special little girl make him change his mind about staying in Fool's Gold permanently?? Good story - now will have to read the rest of the series.

D.C. Dead/Stuart Woods/287 pages

In the last book, Son of Stone, Stone Barrington was married for about a nanosecond. In this new book, he has grieved for about half that and then is ready to move on in classic Stone style. Stone and Dino, faithful sidekick and NY police detective, have been summoned to Washington D.C at the request of the CIA and the President. They are under contract to the CIA, so they hop on Stone's plane and fly down to see what's up. They are asked by Holly Barker (another series by Woods), Will Lee (President and star of yet a different series by Woods) and his wife, Katherine Rule Lee (conveniently head of the CIA) to investigate a year old murder/suicide that involved the White House and one of its staffers. After a cursory search of the crime scene, Dino finds the murder weapon with DNA evidence still in tact after a year. Of course. Stone and Dino begin interviewing the people involved. They find that the staffer wasn't who he seemed. Stone finds several love interests while Dino seems to settle for one. Another character from previous books, Teddy Faye, also makes an appearance. The ending isn't very surprising, but it's a fairly good read.

Woods blends several series together in this one. As a result, it is fairly enjoyable and less superficial than the last half dozen or so Stone adventures. He obviously put more thought into this one. When I first started reading this series, I loved the characters and the plots. The last few years, I've been kicking myself for wasting my time reading them. Hopefully, he's back on track.

The 7th Month/Lisa Gardner/71 pages

D.D. Warren is a detective with the Boston P.D. Currently on desk duty because of her advanced state of pregnancy, she meets Don Bilger, executive producer of a movie that is filming in the area. He's looking for a replacement expert on police procedure for his movie because the retired officer he hired has gone missing. The show must go on, so he needs a new expert now. D.D. decides that it might be interesting and the money can't hurt, so she arranges to go to the set after her shift. Before she gets there, the body of the retired officer is found, so instead of easy money, she's back on a case.

I've read this author before, but I somehow missed this series. I'll add her to my list of future reads. This was an ebook only, so that accounts for the small page count. It was just enough to give me a taste of the character.

Seducing an Angel / Mary Balogh 325 p.

Fourth in the series about the Huxtables has widow Lady Paget broke. She barters her beauty for a protector, Stephen Huxtable, London's most eligible and wealthy bachelor. The ton whispers that she murdered her husband with an axe. Marriage is not in her plans...widows have freedom! Woven into the plot are the themes of alcoholism, domestic violence, miscarriages, and women's independence. Balogh adds depth to the Regency romance.

Check library catalog

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

The Reading Promise / Alice Ozma / 279 pages

This book was not what I expected but it was wonderful. In the Reading Promise, Alice not only talks about the special promise her father made to her when she was in the 4th grade to read to her every night for 100 nights but also the special relationship she had with her father. The "streak" as they begin to call their nightly ritual actually extended much, much longer than 100 nights. In Alice's words we find out the impact reading to a child can have on relationships, growing up, a child's sense of security, and communication not to mention success in school and life. The story is at times amusing and at times heart wrenching. For those with young children, read aloud to them as much as you can because the rewards are immeasurable. I regret that I didn't read to my own children long enough.

We Was Robbed!!!


I know that I should be happy that we won 2nd place in the State Wide Missouri Book Challenge .  But the fact that we lost to Springfield Greene County?!!  That does not make any sense.   Call me a sore loser, but when an opposing team crashes and burns like they did, it just makes me question the scoring system.  Just saying.   :)  Well, that just gives me the ammunition to go after them even stronger this year.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Stop the Train / McCaughrean, Geraldine / 289 pages


Stop the Train is a historical fiction book ideal for late elementary school to early middle school students.  Based on the Oklahoma Land Rush of the 1890’s, Stop the Train is a fast paced toothy account of what one town and its newly arrived inhabitants did to make land ownership possible. A cast of characters is laid out at the beginning of the book so one can keep track of the land dwellers.  Names like Habakkuk (Kookie) Warboys, Cissy Sissney, and Lloyd Lentz pepper the cast.  Teaching history through a novel, the reader will find out what land squatters are.  Why was train service so important to a parcel of land in an unbeknownst town of Kansas?  Would or would not the train stop in Florence, MO?  The suspenseful plot includes scandal, determination, persistence, manipulation, adventure, sacrifice, bribery, defeat, and lessons learned that have spanned generations.  Even reluctant history readers may find this book appealing.  Historical fiction buffs will want to add it to their collection. Home school teachers may classify this as a “living book.”  Who will turn this book into a movie?  Can’t wait to see it!

Scorpio Races/Maggie Stiefvater/409 pages






"It's the first day of November and so, today, someone will die." Actually, lots of people die in the races of the capaill uisce (water horses). Maggie Stiefvater's newest novel for teens centers around an ancient myth, and though it's bloody, I think it can be called a love story.



Puck Connolly and Sean Kendrick live on an isolated British island that becomes overrun with visiting spectators each Fall for the world renown Scorpio races. In October the water horses emerge from the sea, hungry for meat, be it human, each other, or the family pet. They are savage but beautiful and wonderously fast horses, feared by most, but loved by Sean Kendrick.



When Puck Connolly, an orphan, finds out her oldest brother is moving to the mainland, and they will lose their house, she enters the Scorpio Races on her "island pony" hoping to win the prize money. Puck will not ride a water horse, because her parents were killed by the capaill uisce. She is the first girl to enter the races and the first to not ride a water horse. Sean Kendrick has won 4 years in a row on his beloved water horse, Corr.




Puck and Sean share a love for horses and of their strange island home. But they must compete against each other for the Scorpio Race's purse. Who will win? Will they fall in love? Who will die? Read the book and find out!

New Competition!

Hey if you notice on the list at the right we have some new challengers this year! 

Let's welcome:

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.....................................


In Dreams/Nora Roberts/81 pgs




In this story, an antique dealer from Boston, gets lost on vacation in Ireland and ends up crashing her car into a tree. She wanders off and finds herself at a manor owned by a magician who states that he is 528 years old and has been cursed where he only lives as a mortal for 7 days every 100 years. He also tells her that he has been dreaming of her. Of course they fall in love - this is Nora Roberts after all, but what will happen when the 7 days is over??

Copper Beach/Jayne Ann Krentz/337 pgs.

This is the first of a trilogy, and one that deals in the paranormal. Abby Radwell has a psychic talent involving "unlocking" the text of certain ancient, rare books. Someone desperately needs her help in locating and unlocking a particular text. There is mystery, danger, and of course, romance. It's a quick read, and one that I would recommend.

Spellbound/Nora Roberts/81 pgs




I had listened to the audio version of this and so am guessing on the pages. Spellbound follows photographer Calin Farrell on his much-needed vacation in Ireland. He has for years had dreams that he has had no explanation for. While in Ireland, Calin meets Bryna Torrence, who seems to have been waiting for him. She tries to explain to him that they have been meant for each other for centuries. And that everything depends on him standing by her against evil.

The Venetian Betrayal/Steve Berry/473 pgs




This is the third title and in this one, ex-secret agent and bookseller, Cotton Malone and his partner, Cassiopeia Vitt, are pitted against a ruthless dictator as they search for the final resting place of Alexander the Great. They are also not aware that the grave may hold the cure that could save the lives of millions.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

No Place for a Lady / Maggie Brendan / 303 pages

Crystal's father has died, and after settling his estate and breaking up with Drew, she leaves Georgia to go live with her Aunt Kate in Colorado.  Crystal is a lady and unused to life on a ranch.  Her aunt owns Aspengold which has fallen on hard times due to rough weather conditions. She is indebted to a local businessman, McBride, who has designs on her land.  Aunt Kate had taken in fourteen year old Luke when his parents died of typhoid.  He was the son she never had and is now her foreman.  The upcoming cattle drive can save the ranch and all are determined to make it successful especially after Aunt Kate's death in a tornado.  This story is filled with romance, faith, and descriptions of the beauty of the West.

Friday, February 3, 2012

"A Day No Pigs Would Die" Robert Newton Peck

            “A Day No Pigs Would Die” by Robert Newton Peck is one of my favorite books of all time. It is a coming of age story, set in the 1970’s, about a Shaker boy named Robert Peck. The author weaves a beautiful story of the hardships faced by this average 13 year old boy as he grows up. The main character discovers that becoming an adult is not that easy. He faces the fact that sometimes you have to do what is right even if it is difficult. This story is full of wonderful moments of joy that make you smile. But, just like life this book has some dark and tough moments that the reader has to face just like the characters. What makes this book so good is that when you finish it you will smile and view the world and yourself a little differently.  

Entranced/Nora Roberts/297 pgs



This is the second title in the Donovan family series and is psychic Sebastian Donovan's story. He is hired to help skeptical PI, Mary Ellen Sutherland find a kidnapped baby and he realizes that the two of them are destined to be together--forever. Now he just has to convince her.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

The Jungle / Upton Sinclair / 341 Pages

This book is based in the earlier 1900's in the Chicago stockyards. Upton Sinclair has you follow the trials, tribulations, hopes, fears, love and losses of the main character, Jurgis Rudkus, who came to America from Lithuania, along with his family and friends, to improve their lives.

I had first read this book back in the 1970's and thought it would be interesting to read it again. It bothered me this time physically, mentally, and emotionally as much as it did the first time I read it. Physically, it turns your stomach and you think you may never eat meat again. Or any other type of processed food. Mentally, you can not imagine how any person could possibly treat another person that poorly. It was a study in, how much would someone be pushed down before they break. Emotionally, the amount of personal loss that is experienced in such a short time frame is unimaginable. It also gets you thinking about how things have changed... or have they?


One Summer / David Baldacci / 333 pages

Baldacci steps outside of his usual suspenseful fiction writing and gives us a family story with a touch of romance. It reads pretty much like a TV drama of the week. Totally, totally, totally unbelievable plot but I did like how the main character, Jack, steps up to the plate and figures out what it takes to be a good father.

Divergent / Veronica Roth / 487 pgs.

In a future Chicago, sixteen-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomoly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all.

I will never say that this book is Better than "The Hunger Games", but I will say it is a great read.  It has plenty of action, little romance, a great strong female lead, and throws in some poignant social issues to chew on.  It was also an added bonus that the book is set in Chicago and the author throws in famous landmarks to identify where the characters are at and how the world has been destroyed and decayed by that point. 
This book will make a great recommendation for the teen that LOVED the Hunger Games and wants something good to keep on that high feeling you get from reading a great book!  I am also on the list for the sequal "Insurgent" coming out May 1st, and I can't wait!

Quicksand/Iris Johansen/340 pgs




In an effort to find the man who she thinks may have murdered her daughter, Bonnie, Eve Duncan enlists the aid of Dr. Megan Blair. She hears voices of people who have been murdered and they are after one of the men that Eve has been told could be the one who took Bonnie. This story was different in that it didn't deal so much with Eve's job as a forensic sculptor but more on the search for the killer.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

The Masque of the Black Tulip / Lauren Willig / 406 pages



This is book 2 of a series (History of Pink Carnation). The main character is "Hen" or Henrietta, sister of Richard Selwick, the leading male character in the previous book. This is her story of romance and spy work. It is set in the time of Napoleon in England and the situations and dialogue are still quite funny.


There are two stories running through the novel. The 1805 story and the current day story where the graduate student Eloise is uncovering letters containing the information about the Black Tulip. I could do without Eloise. I simply don't care about her storyline. I really like the other part. So, there you have it. A book where you get two stories for the price of one, but you might not even care. I listened on the cd so I couldn't just skip over the Eloise parts like I could in a book. C'est la vie. I will most likely listen to the next. or at least try it.

Without A Trace/Nora Roberts/249 pgs




This is the final title in the O'Hurley series. It is the story of Trace O'Hurley. Trace had left the family behind 12 years ago when his father didn't understand that he didn't want to be part of the act. Instead he has gone to work for the ISS and is traveling the world. When the flame-haired Irish beauty Gillian Fitzpatrick asked him to help her rescue her family, he is a disillusioned man with nothing left to lose. But somehow Gillian made him believe that he could do the impossible--rescue her family, take down a terrorist organization. And maybe once again be an O'Hurley

A Precious Jewel / Mary Balogh 316 p.

Sir Gerald Stapleton meets a jewel of a woman in a bordello dubbed a "finishing school." He has sworn off any complications of the heart including marriage. Priscille Wentworth tumbles down a path of misfortune into Gerald's bed. A very different setting for Mary Balogh's brand of romance.

Some of the characters appear in Christmas Bride.

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