Shutting her down

This blog is going to be going away at the end of the year. I have played with WP enough that I think I have it figured out. Still can't figure out how to follow, but I'm sure that will come in time.

At any rate - my 2012 challenges posts are up and I'm ready for the new year! A year of keeping with one blog host!

Check me out there! My Reading Blog.


~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Facebook Page

I started a Facebook Page for my reading blog!

Since I'm posting over on my Wordpress blog I thought it would give it a try. It's a great way to know when I post (which I haven't been very much lately).

So, I'm not sure how to do a link or whatever to the actual page but it's called

wait for it

Reading on Planet Caddick

hopefully you will find me there!

~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

New Book Review

I reviewed Glimmerglass by Jenna Black. You can read it here.


~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Trying to move blogs

I've been trying to move this blog over to wordpress. I know I moved everything here earlier this year - but I really enjoy having the separate identities of my family blog and my reading blog. With both of them on Blogger I don't really have that.

I don't know if I'm sold on WP. I'm trying to figure it out - but sometimes it's just so confusing! I'm willing to keep working at though just for the sanity of keeping things apart.

I've been posting some book reviews on there and working on getting all the blogs I follow moved over to my blogroll list. If anyone knows of any easy way to this please let me know. Since we are on vacation I've not been doing too much - but I've been keeping up with my Reading Challenges numbers. I'm getting pretty close to having three done, which would be half! Woo Hoo!

 Anyway - I wanted to let you know what I'm attempting to do - and if you want to check out any of my reviews they are at my other reading blog. Don't be alarmed, since I'm not extremely creative, it's also called Reading on Planet Caddick!

Enjoy the rest of summer and a few good books!

~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Reading on Vacation

We are leaving for a trip to visit family in Ohio and Michigan. I know a lot of people read during these long drives - but reading (even looking at a map) in a moving vehicle makes me car sick like you would not believe!

What to do while we are driving hours and hours?

My husband won't listen to audiobooks (they sound too much like talk radio - another no no!). So, I took to my library - and iTunes.

I went to the online audiobook library here and downloaded a book called One Tuesday Morning by Karen Kingsbury. I couldn't figure out how to download the books I really wanted, so I had to go with a MP3 that would play on a mac so I could get it onto my computer to transfer. I hope it's good.

Then I went to iTunes - last time we did a drive like this I downloaded a season of Bones to watch. This time I opted for two more audiobooks - Ill Wind by Rachel Caine and Whiskey Sour by J.A. Konrath.

Now I have three audiobooks loaded on my iPod - hopefully these will keep me occupied during the drive.

I'm also not taking any hard copy books. *GASP* I opted to take both my Nook and Kobo. There's plenty of reading on those for the days when we are just hanging out doing nothing.

How do you guys handle road trips and vacations? Do you take a lot of books with you? Are you lucky enough to be able to read in car?

~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

~Book Review~ A Witch in Time

Who and what: A Witch in Time by Madelyn Alt; Hardcover Edition; ISBN 978-0-425-23261-3 (A Bewitching Mystery #6)

What it's about: Stony Mill, Indiana's newest witch, Maggie O'Neill, has been attached at the hip to the smoking-hot Marcus Quinn. Things couldn't get any better- until her sister Mel gives birth to not one, but two babies... 

Maggie's visiting Mel in the hospital when a whispered conversation in a cafeteria sends chills down her spine. She can't make out what they're saying, but Maggie knows malice when she hears it. The next night, death visits the hospital...twice. Nobody bats an eye, but Maggie knows something sinister is haunting the hospital. Now she'll need help if she's going to tie two murders to one killer. (goodreads)

What I thought: I've been interested in reading this series for a while - I'm way more partial to witches and such rather than vampires. I can't explain that - I like vampires, I just like witches more. Anyway...I had trouble getting into this book. I think it was more because there were a lot of references to things that happened in books past that impact things that happen here. I knew I was reading them out of order; sometimes it doesn't matter - but this time it did. Also I would have liked more actual witchcraft! LOL What can I say? I probably won't read any of the other books though.

Would I recommend? I hate to say this - but no, I wouldn't. The book as a whole just didn't flow all that well, in my opionion.

Where I got it: De Bibliotheek 

Challenges this book counts towards: 100 Books in a Year

~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

~Book Review~ Strawberry Shortcake Murder

Who and what: Strawberry Shortcake Murder by Joanne Fluke; Hardcover Edition; ISBN: 1-57566-644-8 *Book 2 in the Hannah Swensen Mystery Series*

What it's about: The stakes start rising faster than dough when a judge from the Hartland Flour company's Dessert Bake-Off is found dead in Hannah Swensen's strawberry shortcake. Can she catch the killer before he or she cooks up another recipe -- for murder? (goodreads)


What I thought about it: I really like this series. I'm getting better at picking who the murder is, and I did with this one too - but the motive slipped past me. This was a fun cozy and the recipes included sound heavenly! 


Would I recommend this book? Yes I would - fun, interesting characters and the little town of Lake Eden, MN sounds like a great place to live.


Where I got it: The library


Challenges this book counts towards: 100 Books in a Year Challenge


~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

~Book Review~ Dark Legacy

Who and What: Dark Legacy by Anna DeStefano; eBook Version; ISBN 978-1-4285-0738-8

What it's about: “Die!” scream her nightmares. The voice is her sister’s, the compulsion stronger than any ordinary dream. 

Maddie Temple can’t go through this again. Her twin has been in a coma for the last ten years. Their psychic link was severed. At least, that’s what she thought. 

But there’s a lot Maddie doesn’t know—about the 200-year-old curse on her family, about the shadowy group that wants to exploit the Temple twins’ powers for themselves, about the sexy psychiatrist offering to help her. The only way to find the answers antd avoid being pulled into the abyss of madness is to trust her heart and confront her... Dark Legacy. (goodreads)

What I thought about it: This was another one that had reviews that varied so much I decided to take the plunge. I actually liked this book very much. I loved the whole mind melding thing - it made for an interesting twist. I didn't really care for her love interest - he was kind of a hot head - but overall it was a decent read.

Where I got it: It was a free download for my Nook.

Would I recommend it? Sure - I mean it was free - and it was pretty good.

Challenges this book counts towards: 100 Books in a Year Challenge; Show Me the Free Reading Challenge

*recently I reviewed the audiobook Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk. You can read that review here.*

~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Library Thursday 7-14-11

I actually went to the library this week. Sadly it wasn't the Berlin Library that I had pictures of last week, but you know - a library is a library!

I went crazy again this week - I always go in thinking "I'm getting just ONE book" but that never happens.
Here's what I couldn't leave on the shelves this week:

Strawberry Shortcake Murder by Joanne Fluke
A Witch in Time by Madelyn Alt
Q is for Quarry by Sue Grafton

and two audiobooks

Blasphemy by Douglas Preston
Tool & Die by Sarah Graves

Don't forget to visit the awesome Lazy Girl Reads, see what other people borrowed from the library, and wish her a belated happy birthday (her birthday was yesterday)!

~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

~Book Review~ Raising the Dead

Who and what: Raising the Dead by Mara Purnhagen; eBook edition; ISBN 9781426888786


What it's about: As the daughter of the famous Silver Spirits paranormal investigators, Charlotte Silver is used to all things weird. But when coffins start floating down her street during a flood, life turns extra strange. And wonderful, when her friend and crush Noah signs on to help Charlotte and her folks in the aftermath. Cemetery cleanup might not sound exciting, but as shocking discoveries and a lurking stranger come to light, Charlotte learns that sometimes, raising the dead can bring unexpected rewards.


What I thought about it: It was a very quick read. Not only did read quick, it was pretty good. The characters were interesting. I liked that it was a book about paranormal stuff instead of vampires and such, that was a nice change for a teen book. This book must be part of a series, because it seems like there was definitely an door left open at the end for more.


Would I recommend it: Sure - it was pretty good.


Where I got it: it was a free download from Kobo Books for my eReader


Challenges this book counts towards: 100 Books in a Year; A to Z Reading Challenge; Show Me the Free Reading Challenge


~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

~Book Review~ Un Lun Dun

What and Who: Un Lun Dun by China Mieville; eBook edition; ISBN 978-0-345-49723-9

What it's about: By every indication, Zanna seems to be the Chosen One, the girl who is destined to set things in order and lift the evil smog. Even foxes and umbrellas pay her tribute. So when Zanna and her friend Deeba are magically transported to another realm, Un Lun Dun seems headed toward the moment of her triumph. But then, as readers of China Mieville may have already suspected, things happen that were not mentioned in prophecy -- and suddenly, 12-year-old Deeba is thrust into a world-saving situation. (goodreads)


What I thought: I've read varying reviews of this book but it just sounded so interesting I had to give it a shot. I'm glad I did. This book was extremely interesting and the descriptions of the things living in 'the other London' are wonderful. Sometimes frightening, sometimes funny, but always enjoyable. It was long - I had to break the book up by reading a novella in between (because I have a short attention span - I tend to do that a lot!). 


Would I recommend this book? Yes - a little bit of fantasy, and maybe science fiction(?) I'm not sure how to classify it but it was good.


Where I got it: Initially I checked it out from the library - but I had to return it so I bought it for my Nook.


Challenges this book counts towards: 100 Books in a Year Challenge; A to Z Reading Challenge


~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Library Thursday 7-7-11

Yes it's Thursday! Time to visit with Lazy Girl Reads and friends to find out what everyone got from the library this week!

I didn't go to the library this week. I'll wait while you get over the shock.

I know "Why Kris, why didn't you go to the library?" Well my friends, because it was closed until Tuesday and then I was studying for a test.

But - I'm not going to leave you empty handed. I found these pictures of the most AH MAZE ING library and I'm sharing them!

It's the library in Berlin Germany

I would enjoy nothing more than to wander around this library for about three days!

~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

W... W... W... Wednesdays July 6

Time for WWW Wednesdays with MizB over at Should be Reading. Just answer these three questions and you can play too!




What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you'll read next?


I'm still working on Un Lun Dun by China Mieville. It's a very good book, it's just very long!











I just finished The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer. I needed a quick little break about halfway through Un Lun Dun!







Next, hmmm I'm not sure - maybe The Jefferson Key by Steve Berry? For once I don't have a stack of books out from the library so I'm kind of at a loss on this one!


~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

~Book Review~ The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner

Who and What: The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer; Hardcover Edition; ISBN 9780316125581


What it's about: All Bree knows is that living with her fellow newborns has few certainties and even fewer rules: watch your back, don't draw attention to yourself and, above all, make it home by sunrise or die. What she doesn't know: her time as an immortal is quickly running out. 
Then Bree finds an unexpected friend in Diego, a newborn just as curious as Bree about their mysterious creator, whom they know only as "her". As they come to realize that the newborns are pawns in a game larger than anything they could have imagined, Bree and Diego must choose sides and decide whom to trust. But when everything you know about vampires is based on a lie, how do you find the truth? (goodreads)

What I thought about it: I actually enjoyed this book. I know the character was small in the Eclipse book - but I thought it was kind cool to see things from the other side of the fight. I did find it a little odd that there were no chapters though - it was just written straight through. 

Would I recommend it: Sure - it wasn't horrible by any means.

Where I got it: I bought it at Borders

Challenges this book counts towards: 100 Books in a Year Challenge

~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

~Book Review~ Naughty Neighbor

Who and What: Naughty Neighbor by Janet Evanovich; Paperback (Large Print) Edition; ISBN 978-0-06-147440-8

What it's about: Louisa Brannigan's neighbor is a handsome hell-raiser—and he's driving Louisa crazy. He makes terrible coffee, steals her newspaper, and listens through her walls. But when she's fired from her government job, Louisa is persuaded to join his undercover investigation. Sneaking around in the shadows is more fun than she ever imagined, especially when the getaway car is a Porsche.

Pete Streeter never figured on finding such an attractive partner in crime. Louisa is all he ever wanted in a woman, and more. But once he's taught her to enjoy living on the edge, will she finally feel safe in his love? (goodreads)

What I thought: This book felt more like a novella. It was 200 (large print) pages of fun! I picked it because I was looking for smallish books from the library - and it ended up not being a bad pick. I would consider it a perfect beach read!

Would I recommend it: Yes. It's not deep, but it's extremely readable.

Where I got it: The Library

Challenges this book counts towards: 100 Books in a Year Challenge; A to Z Reading Challenge

~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

~Book Review~ Holes

Who and What: Holes by Louis Sachar; Hardcover Edition; ISBN 0-374-33265-7

What it's about: (goodreads) Stanley Yelnats is unjustly sent to Camp Green Lake where he and other boys are sentenced to dig holes to build character. Stanley learns the warden has them digging holes for something else- but what?


What I thought: OMG - have you read this book? O.K. probably but I couldn't put this thing down. I read it in one night! It was just a very well written, interesting book. I completely enjoyed it.


Where I got it: My home away from home - The Sumter County Library


Would I recommend it: Yes. I actually think Zach might like this one - so after he's done with his summer reading project I'm going to have him read it.


Challenges this book counts toward: 100 Books in a Year; 2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge; 


*this book also appears on the 100 Books List at #83*


~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

~Book Review~ Sweet Poison

Who and What: Sweet Poison by Ellen Hart; eBook edition; ISBN 9781429946070; *book 16 in the Jane Lawless Series*


What it's about: Jane Lawless is at her wit’s end keeping her Minneapolis restaurants running while volunteering on her father’s campaign for governor. With an eleven-point lead, the race is Ray Lawless’s to lose, but all that changes when his rival posts a list of violent criminals that are back on the streets early, thanks to Ray’s work during his career as a defense lawyer.

Corey Hodge is one of the convicts that took Ray’s advice to plead guilty for a crime that he swears he didn’t commit. Bitter from time served, revenge lurks in the back of his mind. Then one of Ray’s young campaign volunteers is killed, and with the murder mirroring the crime Corey was convicted of, Jane has to bring the killer to justice to save her father’s political career and to keep Corey from going to prison again.

The high stakes and political intrigue that fuel Sweet Poison, the latest in Lambda and Minnesota Book Award--winning author Ellen Hart’s absorbing Jane Lawless series, make for an intense mystery of ambition and obsession. (goodreads)

What I thought about it: Even though it took me a while to read it wasn't because it was a bad book. In fact, I found it very well written with enough twists to keep you guessing, but not too many that you get confused. The ending definitely left me wanting to know what happens in the next book. I had never read anything by Ellen Hart before and I picked this just based on the title alone. 

Where I got it: I bought it from Kobo Books for my eReader

Would I recommend it: Yes - *but* the majority of the relationships in this book are homosexual. There is nothing graphic, just basic relationship drama. I have friends and family who are gay so it doesn't bother me at all - but if you are going to bothered I wouldn't read it. It would be a shame though because it really is a good book.

Challenges this book counts towards: 100 Books in a Year; Goodreads June Mini Challenge (4/5)

~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Library Thursday 6-30-11

Holy Cow! It's the last day of June? Where has this year gone? Oh my....

Thursday means Library Thursday with Lazy Girl Reads!

Before I start with what I checked out this week I'd like to say I cleared my over-crowded library slate. Yes, I returned every book, read or unread, with the exception of one - and started fresh. I was starting to feel overwhelmed with the amount of books I had checked out!

The one book I kept was Un Lun Dun by China Mieville

The other books I checked out were -

Squirrel Meets Chipmunk by David Sederis (Audio Book)
Holes by Louis Sachar
Naughty Neighbor by Janet Evanovich
To Cut a Long Story Short by Jeffrey Archer

Sorry I'm being lame and didn't do pictures today! Don't forget to link up and see what everyone else got from the library this week!


~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

W... W... W... Wednesdays June 29

I missed this last week - I don't even know why - but it's time for WWW Wednesdays with MizB at Should be Reading.

Just answer these three little questions:
What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you'll read next?

Currently I'm reading Un Lun Dun by China Mieville. I'm not very far along, but so far I like it - I just haven't had as much time to read lately.

Recently I finished reading The Homeplace by Janet Daily. I hadn't read a 70's written romance since, well, the 70's.

Next I will actually finish Sweet Poison by Ellen Hart. I've been working on it for almost a month now and it's quite good - but once again - it's the whole time thing. But I need to finish it before I can start anything else new.






~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Lists and an Author Comment

Normally today would be my PBS Book day - but I haven't received anything, because I haven't requested anything. Except for another book for my fall class - but that was just yesterday.

I don't know what came over me, but I've been making lists. Lists of the books I have, books on my Kobo (and if they were free), lists of the 1051 Books I have to read before I die. It's been list mania here! Maybe I'm getting burned out on reading because I've been doing it so much - trying to squeeze in as much as I can before I start the next semester in school. Who knows? But I think I've finally made every book related list I can think of - for now.

Last week, I wrote a review on the book TimeRiders. Anyone who's read my reviews knows I'm not a professional reviewer - I do it to maybe help people decide if they would like to read a book. I do it so my friends can know if that might be a book they'd like to check out (or have their kids check out). I kind of just do it for me and hope in some way I can help other people.

Imagine my surprise when the actual author of TimeRiders, Alex Scarrow, commented on my post! Eek!! It was exciting - and I kind of felt bad - because I liked the book, but didn't love it. It made me wish I had loved it so I could have written some glowing comments. I still think it's exciting and since Mr. Scarrow was nice enough to comment I will read the next book and see if I like it better.

Most importantly, it made me realize that anything you put out there, even this little blog with it's 38 followers, can be found and read. Which I always knew, but is still way cool.

~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

~Book Review~ The Homeplace

What and Who: The Homeplace by Janet Dailey; Large Print Hardcover Edition; ISBN 0-7838-8686-1

What it's about: Every novel in this collection is your passport to a romantic tour of the United States through time-honored favorites by America's First Lady of romance fiction. Each of the fifty novels is set in a different state, researched by Janet and her husband, Bill. For the Daileys it was an odyssey of discovery. For you, it's the journey of a lifetime. Your tour of desire begins with this story set in Iowa.


What I thought: When I was younger (like much younger - back when Jr. High was Jr. High and not Middle School) I read Janet Dailey like a fiend. That's why I checked this book out - I wanted to see what I loved about the books so much. Honestly, I don't remember - I'm just glad this book was only 200 pages - I couldn't have read anymore than that. It was all just so silly - why hate a guy because he bought the farm? I don't get it. Oh well, nothing ventured, nothing gained. 


Would I recommend this book: I would never tell anyone not to read a book - but you may be able to pass on this one.


Where I got it: The library


Challenges this book counts towards: 100 Books in a Year Challenge; 2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge

~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

~Book Review~ TimeRiders

Who and What: TimeRiders by Alex Scarrow; Hardcover Edition; ISBN 978-0-8027-2172-3 *First in a new series*

What it's about: Maddy should have died in a plane crash. Liam should have died at sea when the Titanic sank. Sal should have died in a tragic fire. But a mysterious man whisked them away to safety.

Maddy, Liam, and Sal quickly learn that time travel is no longer just a hope for the future; it is a dangerous reality. And they weren't just rescued from their terrible fates. . . they were recruited for the agency of TimeRiders created to protect the world from those seeking to alter the course of history for personal gain. By reliving the highly documented events in New York City on 9/11, they can closely monitor history for any deviations—large or small. When just such a change is detected, they are alerted that a threat is at hand unleashing the evil of the Nazis to wreak havoc with Earth's present and future. Can Maddy, Liam, and Sal fulfill their destinies as keepers of time to save the world from utter destruction? (goodreads)

What I thought: The premise was good - the execution was a little lacking. It was always interesting, I was about halfway through before I had to know what was going to happen next. There was never any doubt what time (or version of time) you were reading about and it does make you think "what if". Overall I enjoyed it, but I wouldn't put it on my list of very favorites.

Would I recommend it: Tough to say - I guess if someone was looking for a book about time travel, I would.

Where I got it: An ILL from The Marion County Library

Challenges this book counts towards: 2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge; 100 Books in a Year

~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Library Thursday 6-23-11

Oh my goodness - I tried so hard to avoid the library this week. But then I forgot - I had three inter library loans out there, and they came in. And of course I just wasn't going to come out with three measly books!

Don't forget to link up with Lazy Girl Reads and see what other people couldn't walk out of the library without!

Thanks not only to the Sumter Library - but also the Darlington, Chester, and Marion County Libraries for supporting my habit this week!

And now for my continuing list of shame - Clockwork Angel, Don't Hex with Texas, The Homeplace, Real Murders, Rusty Nail, and Shoes to Die For (I also have Antiques Flee Market, but that's read and ready to return)


More shame - currently I have 13 books checked out....

~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

~Audiobook Review~ Rusty Nail

Who and What: Rusty Nail by J.A. Konrath, Audiobook Edition, ISBN 9781423312383, Narrated by Susie Breck and Dick Hall; #3 in The Jack Daniels Mystery Series


What it's about: Lt. Jacqueline “Jack” Daniels of the Chicago Police Department is back, and once again she's up to her Armani in murder. Someone is sending Jack snuff videos. The victims are people she knows, and they share a common trait - all were involved in one of Jack's previous cases. With her stalwart partner, Herb, hospitalized and unable to help, Jack follows a trail of death throughout the Midwest, on a collision course with the smartest and deadliest adversary she has ever known.

During the chase, Jack jeopardizes her career, her love life, and her closest friends. She also comes to a startling realization - serial killers have families, and blood runs thick. (goodreads)

What I thought: A lot more graphic than a cozy - there were parts where I was cringing for sure. To me, it didn't take away from the book at all. This is the first of this series that I've ventured into and I completely enjoyed it. I loved the fact that there were two narrators, it made it super interesting. The Chicago accents were spot on too. Made me miss home! I seriously never zoned out at all during this book.

Would I recommend it: Definitely. If you don't like gory (sometimes graphic) details of torture you might want to take a pass though.

Where I got it: The library

Challenges this counts towards: 2011 Audiobook Challenge

~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

eReading and The Boy

I found out a few weeks ago that my son has a pretty big summer reading assignment. I posted about it here and needless to say he was less than thrilled. I was making him read anyway - but he was not impressed with having to pick from a list (especially a list that didn't include any of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books!).

But he chose, and I downloaded one of his choices onto my eReader (Captain Nobody by Dean Pitchford). Yesterday he told me "I really like reading on this - maybe I could get one."

Oh my heck - I was laughing so hard - the boy is a reluctant reader at best. So I told him we could share the one I have and maybe at some future date we could get him one - but he has to really show a great love for reading.

Then of course, I started thinking "Well, if he had his own maybe he would become a more avid reader." But nope - not chancing that!

So I'm hoping that him reading eBooks will help grow his love for reading. To me, that's worth sharing the Kobo!

~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

PBS Books

Welcome to my little PBS world! I've slowed down on ordering, finally filling most of the gaps in my books. I love when things come together!

So, this week I got

Catering to Nobody by Diane Mott Davidson. This is the first in some mystery series - Goldy Bear?

Sounded interesting - and I liked the pretty purple cover. Yeah, sometimes I pick books like that....








~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

~Book Review~ Antiques Flee Market

Who and What: Antiques Flee Market by Barbara Allen; Hardcover Edition; ISBN 978-0-7582-1195-8  This is the third book in the Trash 'N' Treasures Mystery Series


What it's about: Brandy Borne's new life in the small Mississippi River town of Serenity is anything but serene. Moving back in with her bipolar mom, Vivian-an antique herself, who treats Brandy like a perpetual five-year old-is challenging enough, but stocking and running their antiques holiday booth at the mall together is positively daunting. And as the big Christmas season gets into full swing, they find themselves in the midst of small-town mayhem when an old flame of Vivian's turns up mysteriously deceased. `Tis the season-to be murdered?

Brandy and her diva mom last saw the recently departed dealer, Walter Yeager, at a flea market where Vivian made her usual theatrical scene while saving Walter from under-pricing a valuable first edition of Tarzan and the Apes. The prospective buyer was furious, and when Walter winds up dead the next day-"officially" of a heart attack-and the book goes missing, Vivian senses a Yuletide homicide.

As the season's first flakes of snow drift lazily down over Serenity, Brandy and her mother-with moral support from Sushi, the decidedly spoiled Shih Tzu-must unearth vintage clues that point to restless ghosts from the town's past. If there's any duo that can tell a fake from the real thing, it's Brandy and her scene-stealing mother. But even though they may know who's been naughty and who's been nice, they'll have to be very careful not to disturb too many ghosts from Christmas past...

What I thought: I enjoyed the first book of this series very much, but I had trouble with this one. Maybe because I skipped the second one? I don't know for sure. There were enough questions left at the end though that I feel compelled to read the rest of the series. It seems that the books might actually be getting some substance to the characters towards the end, which makes checking the next one out worth it.


Would I recommend it? Probably not. Unless you really want some antiquing tips which show up at the end of each chapter. I'm only sucked in because I actually read the dang thing - so don't go there!


Where I got it: The Sumter County Library


Challenges this book counts towards: 100 Books in a Year; 2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge

~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

~Book Review~ Killer Blonde

Who and What: Killer Blonde by Laura Levine; Hardcover Edition; ISBN 0-75820162-1; Third book in the Jaine Austen mystery series

What it's about: A gal with a serious Ben & jerry's habit and credits including a tome entitled "I Was Henry Kissinger's Sex Slave" can't afford to be too picky about employment opportunities. So when Beverly Hills socialite Sue Ellen Kingsley offers Jaine megabucks to ghostwrite a book of hostess tips, it's time to sharpen the #2s. So what if Jaine has to take dictation from a rail-thin lady of leisure in a bubble bath? Pride doesn't feed the cat and the dubious side benefit of this particular job is an up-close, personal view of the amorous exploits of Hollywood's ladies-who-lunch. The only bright spot is sixteen-year-old Heidi, a girl after Jaine's own heart. Shy, overweight, and oppressed by her step-mother, Sue Ellen, Heidi could use a friend as much as Jaine could use an ally. But everything short circuits when Jaine finds Sue Ellen floating face down in her tub, fried by her own blow dryer. Peroxided suspects abound, including a very private masseuse, a jealous nurse, a former game show hostess...even a closet blonde with a surprising secret. One of them is hiding a murderous heart behind pricey highlights, and laine's out to expose the killer's dark roots. Because blondes have enough fun without getting away with murder. (Amazon Product Description)

My thoughts: I'm back on the Jaine Train! After the last offering, which I found lacking, I was very glad to see the writing I fell in love with is back! This one actually had a surprise ending that I didn't see coming - so it gets extra points for that. The main characters are starting to grow on me - even the man crazy best friend - and Jaine's parents - what a hoot!

Would I recommend it? Yes - it was a fun, summertime read.

Where I got it: The Library

Challenges this book counts towards: 100 Books in a Year; 2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge

~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

~Book Review~ Hex Hall

Who and What: Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins; Hardcover Edition; ISBN 978-142312130-5; First book in the Hex Hall Series

What it's about: Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father--an elusive European warlock--only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters.     By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tagalong ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.     As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her. (from goodreads)

What I thought about it: I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It grabbed me in from the very first and I couldn't put it down. The characters seem like regular kids - just with abilities. The cliques form different ways in the school, but you get to see them as normal (almost) teenagers. It's a perfect sit down and enjoy kind of book.

Would I recommend it? Yeck YA! It was a very good book - I only hope the second book is written as well.

Where did I get it? The Library

Challenges this book counts toward: 100 Books in a Year Challenge; 2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge

~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Oh No!

I found out that my Borders (Waldens) is closing. This is the only bookstore in town. How annoying and frustrating. I love to go in there and wander around, find new books, grab something that catches my fancy. Now with an hour drive to the nearest bookstore I won't be able to wander randomly nearly as long as I'd like to. *sigh* On the good side - they have to get rid of all those books, right? Maybe there will be a kick ass sale....

In other related annoying book news - yesterday I saw a book that someone was reading (on the WWW Wednesday blog hop) that sounds exactly like my kind of book. It's called Diavolino by Steve Emmett. So, I began my search - Borders.com, the library, paperback swap, Kobo - nothing. Then I went to Amazon - and they have it - but just for the Kindle. Barnes and Noble - only for the Nook. *sigh again* I have a Kobo folks - and I really want to read this book. Frustrating. If anyone has seen or heard of this book in another form please let me know!

I had to vent my new book frustrations - have a great evening!


~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

Library Thursday

Time to link up with Lazy Girl Reads and see what we all got from the library this week. I more than made up for my one lone book last week! This week I picked up:

I've been in a ghosty mood lately plus I really love paranormal stuff. What can I say? I figured it was time to check out something other than a cozy!

Believe me, I'm not crazy about no carbs. At all. But when your doctor "highly recommends" something because if you don't do anything you're in danger of keeling over - well I guess I have to follow that advice.

I've been reading a lot of reviews lately about Steampunk and it seems like it might be an interesting genre. I saw this book on more than one list about the subject, so I thought it might be a good one to test out the waters on.






And now for my list of shame: the books I've had checked out for weeks and haven't finished reading yet:
Antiques Flee Market, Hex Hall, Don't Hex with Texas, The Homeplace, Killer Blonde, Real Murders, Rusty Nail, and Shoes to Die For


Yeah, I'm thinking I really need to stay out of the library for a while!


~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

~Book Review~ Last Writes

Who and What: Last Writes by Laura Levine, Hardcover Edition, ISBN 0-7582-0160-5, This is the second book in the Jaine Austen Mystery Series.

What it's about: (from goodreads)  Jaine still hasn t found a good man or a way to keep all those sugary snacks from going straight to her hips. But with a little help from her best friend Kandi she s finally landed a gig as a sitcom writer! True, Muffy n Me (aka Bewitched with Tits ) isn t going to win any Emmys. And her office at Miracle Studios needs a little sprucing up, and a few dozen rat traps. But it sure beats writing boring brochures and bad resumes, so Jaine s not complaining. Until the plot thickens with murder

Jaine figures the trouble all started when Muffy n Me s hottest star, gorgeous Quinn Kirkland, seduced the head writer whose husband also works on the show. But when Quinn s caught in bed with the barely-legal actress who plays his niece, things really heat up and his many jealous girlfriends start to figure things out

So when the no-good heartthrob drops dead after nibbling a poisoned doughnut, Jaine isn t terribly surprised. But who could have done it? A competitive co-star and a couple of scorned lovers top Jaine s list of suspects, but the police have zeroed in on her man-crazy pal Kandi. She fell hard for Quinn and nearly fell apart when she learned of all his other women. Now Jaine has to figure out who finally stopped Quinn s cheatin heart before her best friend ends up behind bars

What I thought: I actually like this series a lot, but for some reason this one didn't speak to me as much as the others I've read. I love Jaine, Prozac, and her crazy parents and the book was fairly well written. I think the problem is I've hit a cozy wall and it's time to read something different. Overall it was just o.k. for me.

Would I recommend? Yes, it was still a decent read.

Where I got it: The Library

Challenges this book counts towards: 2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge; 100 Books in a Year Challenge

~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown

W... W... W... Wednesdays June 15

Time to share with Should be Reading. Want to play? Just answer these three questions:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you'll read next?

Currently I'm reading Last Writes by Laura Levine. It's the second book in the Jaine Austen Mystery Series

Recently I finished Espresso Shot by Cleo Coyle. The seventh in the Coffee House Mystery Series. The first one I read, but I'm like that - I usually always start somewhere in the middle.

Next I plan on reading Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins. It's one of my almost overdue library books so I need to get it read and returned pronto! This, surprisingly, seems to be the first in a series - who knew?!







~ Anyone who says they have only one life to live must not know how to read a book. ~ Author Unknown