~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

PBS Books

Oh my - I got a lot of books from Paperback Swap this week. I've had to move stuff around on my bookshelves and try to make room for all the books I've been collecting lately!

I ordered this one because it's not at my library. I'm determined to finish the series!

Another one I couldn't get at my library. I'm not opposed to inter library loans, but if the only book any branch has is a paperback, I'd rather use a credit and get a hardcover!

I have the three before this one checked out from the library and honestly, I didn't want to have to wait for this one. Sometimes I'm like that....















Why am I so excited about a book of Anthologies of Medicine in Literature? Definitely not my normal fare - but it is a book I need for my fall English Class! Yep - I'm so thrilled that this is one book I didn't have to fork out big bucks for. Now if I get my other wish-listed text books by the time class starts I'll be super happy!






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

~Book Review~ Espresso Shot

Who and What: Espresso Shot by Cleo Coyle; Hardcover Edition; ISBN 978-0425-22177-8 *This is book seven in the Coffeehouse Mystery Series*

What it's about: Coffeehouse manager Clare Cosi has been hired to create a gourmet coffee and dessert bar for her ex-husband's wedding. But her main problem is bridezilla Breanne Summour. When people close to Breanne begin to suffer fatal accidents, it's Clare who may get burned. (goodreads)


What I thought: I really liked this book. A little longer than a typical cozy but it never dragged. There were a lot of little twists that kept it interesting and maybe it's because I've never read this author before but I didn't know who the bad guy was until it was revealed. That always makes the book more fun in my opinion. I don't think starting late in the series made a difference, the author supplied some background so you would know who was who. 


Would I recommend this book: Yes - sit down and enjoy...


Where I got it: The Library


Challenges this book counts towards: 100 Books in a Year; 2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge; Book 3 in my June Goodreads Mini Challenge


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

Reading Challenge Update

What started out as procrastination posts to avoid paper writing has become something I actually look forward to. Even though my challenges page is updated frequently, I like to look at the post from the previous month and see how much I've actually read. It's kind of cool.

My challenges went very well in the past month. It's amazing how much you can read when you're not in school!

Show Me the Free Reading Reading Challenge: I've read 5 out of 12 (41% complete). I read two more books the past month towards this challenge.

2011 Audiobook Challenge: I'm exactly 50% complete (6 out of 12)! Not bad for a challenge I started pretty late in the year. This count is also up two books from last month.

2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge: This is one of the challenges I kicked some serious butt in this month - I read 13 books! This brings me to 68% complete (17 out of 25)!

A to Z Reading Challenge: I'm up to 19 out of 26 (73% complete). This is up six books from my last update.

100 Books in a Year: I managed to pull myself to only 9 books behind on this challenge having read 16 books since my May update! That makes me feel like I'm not sinking quite as fast. I'm at 35 out of 100 (35% complete).

Wonder if hubby would go for me dropping out of school to just read?!

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

~Book Review~ South Carolina Ghosts from the Coast to the Mountains

Who and What: South Carolina Ghosts from the Coast to the Mountains by Nancy Roberts; Paperback; ISBN 0-87249-429-2

What it's about: Eighteen stories based upon actual events including the famous Gray Man of Pawley's Island, Alice of Murrells Inlet, and the hitchhiker of Hwy 107. (goodreads)

What I thought: Well, I love all things paranormal - so I thought this book would be a great change from my normal cozies and thrillers. The writing though left me cold. The stories could have been really interesting but the author had no emotion in her writing. Normally you would expect pictures that show shadowy blobs, black mists, and the like. While this book has a few pictures none of them are of the ilk normally found in books of this genre. I wasn't drawn to looking to see if I could make something out. They were just, well, pictures. Overall, it was a disappointment.

Would I recommend this book? Nope. Not unless you are a hard core paranormal buff who hasn't heard any of these stories before.

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

Friday Blog Hops

It's been more than a couple weeks since I've participated in these fun hops. I visit the blogs, I've just not posted.

So first, we're going to go with Crazy-For-Books Book Blogger Hop. This week it's being hosted by Lori's Reading Corner.

Today's question - Who's the one author you're dying to meet?

It's hard to narrow this down to just one, but if I had to choose (and I do!) I would have to say Steve Berry. I love his books and would love to chat with him about all his travels researching the history he includes in each one.



Next is Follow Friday hosted by Parajunkee's View.

Today the question is - The magic book fairy pops out of your cereal box and says "You and your favorite character (from a book of course) can switch places!" Who are you going to switch with?

Another hard one because I don't really have a favorite. I think I would switch places with Hermoine Granger. She's smart and a witch. And she gets to hang out with some pretty cool people too.


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

Why do I go there?

Not the library, although that's a valid question! I mean the little Borders in my "mall". Actually, it's a Waldenbooks, and it's very small, but I still manage to spend entirely too much time in there!

I wandered in there today to pre order the next Diary of a Wimpy Kid for Zach. I ended up spending about 80 bucks. Urg - I suck so bad - I'm not supposed to be spending money on books.

Well, three of them (four counting DWK) were for Zach - so I'm going to count that as good parenting, mkay?

For me I walked out with Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter, The Godfather, and Ghosts and Legends of Charleston South Carolina. Not my regular fare at all! That makes me proud....


~ 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 to see what everyone got from the library this week!

This week I only checked out 1 book. Yes one. Because I'm embarrassed to admit how many I have hanging around from previous library trips. And how many of those have zero renewals left and I haven't even cracked them open. *sigh*

So, this week I got

And I should get some kind of award for actually returning more books than I checked out! Maybe I should keep track - you know - like 4/1 (four returned, one checked out). Maybe I wouldn't feel so bad about hoarding all the books then.

Did you visit the library this week? Do you have pictures of a cool library? Link up and share!

~ 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 8

To play just answer the three burning questions:

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


And don't forget to share with MizB at Should be Reading so we can all learn about some new to us books!

Currently I'm reading Espresso Shot by Cleo Coyle and Sweet Poison by Ellen Hart. Also I have Rusty Nail by J.A. Konrath that I'm listening to in the car.

Recently I finished reading Ghost at Work by Carolyn Hart. I ended up not liking it. My review is here.

The next book on my stack of never diminishing library books is Last Writes by Laura Levine. I'm looking forward to this one because so far I've loved the series so much.







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

~Book Review~ Ghost at Work

who and what: Ghost at Work by Carolyn Hart; Hardcover Edition; ISBN 978-0-06-087436-0; Book 1 in the Baily Ruth Series

what it's about: Bailey Ruth Raeburn has always been great at solving mysteries. Why should a little thing like her death change anything? In fact, being dead gives her more of an opportunity to be on top of events. Bailey Ruth is delighted that her unique position as a ghost makes it possible for her to lend a helping hand, sometimes seen and sometimes not. And if anybody needs a little help, it's Kathleen, the pastor's wife. There's a dead man on her porch, and once the body is discovered, the pastor is sure to become a suspect. 
 

Uncharitable people might call it meddling, but Bailey Ruth knows Kathleen needs her help! As a member of Heaven's Department of Good Intentions, Bailey Ruth goes back to earth to extricate Kathleen from a dire situation. If Bailey Ruth has to bend a few rules to help Kathleen save her family, Wiggins, her fussbudget supervisor, will make sure it all turns out right in the end. (goodreads)

what I thought: Oh my goodness - I really did not like this book. I never felt any connection to the characters at all. I thought the idea was very good, and I read one of Carolyn Hart's 'Death on Demand' series and enjoyed it very much but I just couldn't get into this one. I wish I could put my finger on exactly why I didn't enjoy it, but I think it was just a little bit of everything. At least I finished it *whew* but I won't be reading any more in this series.

where I got it: Let's all say it together "The Library"

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

Goodreads June mini challenge 2/5 

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

PBS Books

This week I did really well on my PBS requests. I only received one. I've requested a book that I need for my next semesters English class though and hopefully that will be here for next weeks post!

This week I received Death by Chocolate by G.A. McKevett. As I said before, she was my introduction to the cozy field - a very nice 'random library pick' a couple years ago. This is the 8th book in the Savannah Reid Mystery Series.

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

~Book Review~ Icing Ivy by Evan Marshall

Who and What: Icing Ivy by Evan Marshall; Hardcover Edition; ISBN 0-7582-0224-5

What it's about: Once Jane Stuart and Ivy Benson were best friends - until Ivy's daughter Marlene took a job as nanny to Jane's son and was later murdered. Now it's time for Jane and Ivy to heal past wounds and catch up on old times. The perfect opportunity presents itself at a week at the off-season mountain lodge where Jane has scheduled a fiction writers' retreat

So much for best intentions. Ivy's brought Johnny, the new man in her life, who has eyes for one of Jane's students-a local waitress with little promise as a writer but a great future as a home wrecker. But Carla's not the only reason for Johnny's guest appearance. The handsome lothario is also a man on the run, and the Mt. Munsee Lodge is his perfect hideaway.

What Johnny's running from is soon catching up with all of them--and with a blizzard leaving them snowbound, there's little chance for escape. Especially Ivy. Jane's discovered her old pal dead--stabbed with an ice pick--on a lonely mountain trail. Johnny's the likely suspect, except he's disappeared. And as far as Jane's concerned, he had no real motive to ice his latest flame. But one of her student's apparently did.

As the melting ice gives way to startling clues, Jane and Winky's investigation leads them into Ivy's complicated past--and the deadly secrets of a writer who has the clever manipulations of the murder mystery down cold...(from the jacket flap)

What I thought about it: Naturally the person who gets killed is less than likable - but I found Ivy even more so - and the list of suspects was a cast of rude, appalling characters that made me cringe. Normally I really like this series, but for some reason with this cast of characters, I found myself not caring why Ivy was killed or who did it. Granted, I thought the ending was surprising - I missed the clues along the way - but maybe that's because I wanted all of them to go down for the crime? I didn't hate it, but it certainly wasn't one I liked a whole lot either. This is the fourth book in the Jane Stuart and Winky Mystery Series.

Where I got it: the library

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

June Mini Challenge

I know, you all are thinking "Stop already with the challenges!" but I couldn't help myself, this one seems like so much fun.

I belong to the Cozy Mysteries group on Goodreads. I mostly lurk and get tips on great cozies from the members. I do that with blogs too. So, what made me decide to actually participate in something? Well, like I said it seemed like fun.

The challenge is uncommon holidays in June and you read a book that matches that odd holiday. It's all readers choice and since I have a stack of library books screaming at me I was able to pick most of my choices from that stack. Sort of like killing two birds with one stone.

So here are the holidays and the books I've chosen:

June 1st - Flip a Coin Day - choose two books and flip a coin to see which one you'll read. I had Icing Ivy and Yankee Doodle Dead next on my stack - Yankee Doodle Dead by Carolyn Hart won the toss.

June 8th - Best Friends Day - pick a book off one your Goodreads friends shelf. I picked Espresso Shot by Cleo Coyle from Jess McC's shelf. She is a bloggy friend and fellow military wife. Her blog is Just a Geek Named Jess - you should check it out. I have this one already checked out from the library too.

June 8th - Name Your Poison Day - Choose a book that has 'poison' in the title or mentioned in the book. I didn't have one these from the library so I chose Sweet Poison by Ellen Hart. I downloaded it to my Kobo.

June 18th - National Splurge Day - Read the most recent mystery book you bought. Since I buy mine in groups I got to pick from the last group I bought and chose Devil's Food Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke.

June 28th - Paul Bunyan Day - Read a book that's 400 or more pages (because Paul Bunyan was huge) or that has a blue cover in honor of Babe, the big blue ox. I went the blue cover route and picked it from my library stack - Ghost at Work by Carolyn Hart.

Other than choosing my own books (which was a blast) you can read them in any order - as long as you read them in June. I already finished Yankee Doodle Dead and I've started Sweet Poison. Also, it lets me focus on a different challenge for the month instead of the ones I have on my challenge page. A little mini break because that 100 Books in a Year Challenge is making me all stressed out!

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

~Book Review~ Yankee Doodle Dead by Carolyn Hart

Who and What: Yankee Doodle Dead by Carolyn Hart; Hardcover Edition; ISBN 9780380793266


What it's about: Sleuthing couple Annie and Max Darling watch as the Fourth of July explodes not only with fun and fireworks, but with murder. The new library board member has alienated everyone in town, especially the women. But Annie finds it difficult to ignore him--particularly when he is shot dead before her eyes. (goodreads)


What I think: This is book 10 in the Death on Demand Series, but the first one I've read. Of course I always show up in the middle of a series, especially when I'm looking for titles that fill my A to Z reading challenge! Not knowing everyone's background didn't detract from the story though. I loved how the detectives in this case are a couple. It was fun to see what each of them was doing while trying to figure out the killer. I loved how the authors descriptions of South Carolina during the summer were spot on and found it amusing that she even pointed out that South Carolinians call roaches 'palmetto bugs'. Yes, they really do. This book was written a little differently than most cozies, the suspects all had huge personal reasons to do the killing. It also solved in more of a real sleuthing manner than most cozies now. Kind of reminded me of the Hardy Boys, only married adults! 


Would I recommend this book? Yes, I think it was a fun read and worth the time to check out.


Where I got it: The Library


Challenges this book counts towards: 2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge; 100 Books in a Year Reading 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~ The Emperor's Tomb by Steve Berry

Who and What: The Emperor's Tomb by Steve Berry; Hardcover Edition; ISBN 9780345505491

What it's about: Hearing that his old friend Cassiopeia Vitt is in trouble, Malone follows the few clues he has and realises that they are in the middle of something huge, involving Russian and US oil interests and a centuries-old secret. After stumbling across two dead bodies and into the crosshairs of his former boss, Malone finds himself in a race to unravel the mystery of an emperor's tomb, a sinister society, and a deadly battle between two ruthless men for supremacy in China -- and the world. (goodreads)

What I thought: I was a little worried after The Charlemagne Pursuit that Berry had lost his touch, but all I can say is "He's back". The absolute perfect blend of suspense and history. So many double crosses you really can't figure out who's good and who's bad. In the end, you just think they are all human. The backdrop of this book focuses on Chinese history. I knew little of this (you know, like they invented fireworks) but it was interesting to learn that they did so much more and long before Western Civilization. As always, Berry includes the separation of fact from fiction at the end.

How I Rate It: Well, I took my number system away (yes the ever changing blog o' Kris) so I'm just going to say - I loved it.

Where I got it: The library.

Challenges this counts towards: 2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge, A to Z Reading Challenge, 100 Books in a Year Reading Challenge

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

Library Thursday

Crazy me - couldn't resist the library again! I've taken to putting the books on my challenge page so when I have to return them unread, I know which ones to check out again!

What did I pick up this week?

Rusty Nail by J.A. Konrath (audiobook)
Don't Hex with Texas by Shanna Swendson
The Homeplace by Janet Daily
Shoes to Die For by Laura Levine
Real Murders by Charlaine Harris
Killer Blonde by Laura Levine


These added to my stack of already have checked outs makes 15 books! I started a summer class on Monday and now for the next 8 weeks I don't know how much time I'll have to do fun reading. So, I must really stop myself from browsing when I return books for the next little while!

What did you check out from the library this week? Link up with Lazy Girl Reads and find out what other people couldn't resist!

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

~Audiobook Review~ The Gingerbread Girl by Stephen King

Who and What: The Gingerbread Girl by Stephen King; Audiobook Edition; ISBN 9780743571180; Narrated by Mare Winningham


What it's about: In the emotional aftermath of her baby's sudden death, Em starts running. Soon she runs from her husband, to the airport, down to the Florida Gulf and out to the loneliest stretch of Vermillion Key, where her father has offered the use of a conch shack he has kept there for years. Em keeps up her running -- barefoot on the beach, sneakers on the road -- and sees virtually no one. This is doing her all kinds of good, until one day she makes the mistake of looking into the driveway of a man named Pickering. Pickering also enjoys the privacy of Vermillion Key, but the young women he brings there suffer the consequences. Will Em be next? (goodreads) 

What I thought about it: The narration was spot on. A well written novella that had me gasping, hoping, and even saying "Don't do that!". Not freaky scary like a lot of King's other offerings, but suspenseful scary. If you are thinking about trying audiobooks I would suggest this as a good starting point - it's not too long and it's worth the listen.

How I rate it: For the first time in a long time I can actually say I loved a book. Even though I'm sure a lot had to do with the brilliant narration the story was still well written.

Where I got it: My personal bookshop (AKA the public 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