~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~ 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

~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~ 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

~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

~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

~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

~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

~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

~Review~ Blueberry Muffin Murder by Joanne Fluke

What and Who: Blueberry Muffin Murder by Joanne Fluke; Hardcover Edition; ISBN 9781575667072

What it's about: Preparations are underway for Lake Eden, Minnesota's annual Winter Carnival - and Hannah Swensen is set to bake up a storm at her popular shop, The Cookie Jar. Too bad the honour of creating the official Winter Carnival cake went to famous lifestyle maven Connie Mac - a half-baked idea, in Hannah's opinion. She suspects Connie Mac is a lot like the confections she whips up on her cable TV cooking show - sweet, light, and scrumptious-looking, but likely to leave a bitter taste in your mouth.Hannah's suspicions are confirmed when Connie Mac's limo rolls into town. Turns out America's 'cooking sweetheart' is a bossy, bad-tempered, and downright domineering. Things finally boil over when Hannah arrives at The Cookie Jar to find the Winter Carnival cake burnt to a crisp - and Connie Mac lying dead in her pantry, struck down while eating one of Hannah's famous blueberry muffins.Next thing Hannah knows, the police have declared The Cookie Jar's kitchen crime scene off-limits. She's a baker without an oven - and the Carnival is right around the corner. Hannah's only alternative is to cook up a plan to save her business - by finding the killer herself. (goodreads)


What I thought: I really like this series. This one was a little harder to figure out who the killer was and I enjoyed that. Plus there was so much other fun stuff going on that it made the book a very fun read. Bonus for me - there's actually a recipe in here that my husband is willing to try out! I've wanted to try all the recipes because they just sound so good. If you are looking for a fun cozy this is a good choice!


How I rate it: I really liked it - so a 4.5.


Where I got it: my favorite place - the library


Challenges this book counts towards: 2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge; A to Z Reading 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

~Review~ Heaven in High Gear by Joan Brady

What and Who: Heaven in High Gear by Joan Brady, Hardcover Edition, ISBN 9780671007720

What it's about: Brady's follow-up to her bestselling "God on a Harley" picks up where that entertaining first novel left off--in a raucous New Jersey bar, where heroine Heather Hurley's life is about to change radically. (goodreads)


What I thought about it: It wasn't bad. What it was is weird. I'm not bashing God or anything - don't get me wrong here - but the way it was written was kind of creepy. The author made it sound like Heather was physically attracted to God, which is just wrong to me. Also, as is usual with any evangelical type writing, I could have done without the bashing of the Catholic Church. We are Christians who believe in God too - I wish people would quit making it sound like that's not true. It's annoying and frustrating. 


What I give it: Normally any book I finish in a day would be a 4 or 5, but I just can't get around the weirdness of the physical attraction thing and the bashing of the Church. While I didn't exactly hate it, it was less than a "just a ok" so a 2.5.


Where I got it: The library, natch


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

~Review~ Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke

What and Who: Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke; Hardcover Edition; ISBN 978-0-7582-3489-6

What it's about: It's June in Lake Eden, Minnesota, and for Hannah Swensen, that means bridal showers galore, plus a massive fundraising event in need of confections—not to mention a killer who never learned that charity begins at home...

Early summer brings plenty of work for Hannah, even before Mayor Bascomb's wife drops by The Cookie Jar to place an order ...for eleven-hundred cookies! Stephanie Bascomb is organizing an elaborate three-day event to support local charities, and though it's a worthy cause, Hannah almost flips when her business partner, Lisa, suggests setting up an apple turnover stand. Hannah's never made a turnover—but, pushover that she is, she places her faith in Lisa's mother-in-law's recipe and agrees to be a magician's assistant in the fundraiser's talent show...

Dozens of pastries and one hideous purple dress later, Hannah has to admit that stepping out of her comfort zone has been fun as well as profitable. The only snag is the show's host, community college professor Bradford Ramsey. Hannah and her younger sister Michelle each had unfortunate romantic relationships with Ramsey, and when the cad comes sniffing around between acts, Hannah tells him off. But when the curtain doesn't go up, she discovers Ramsey backstage—dead as a doornail with a turnover in his hand...

Now, to protect her reputation and Michelle's, Hannah must get to the bottom of the professor's bitter end. There are plenty of scorned suspects, including an ex-wife who feels cheated in more ways than one, and a prominent local who may have been using Ramsey to avenge her own randy spouse. But who was unstable enough to snuff out Professor Love? A killer who's flakier than puffpastry—and far more dangerous... (goodreads)

What I think: I want to live in Lake Eden Minnesota! I love the characters in these books. I have to say I didn't see it coming this time either. I love that! I thought it wouldn't matter if I read these out of order, but apparently it does to some degree. There were some subjects brought up from previous books that it would have been nice to know what they were talking about. Not completely necessary to the reading overall though. The recipes sound so good too. Too bad I'm the only one who eats sweets in this house or I'd be trying out all the recipes! 

How I rate it: I'm going to give it a 5 - I finished it in under 12 hours - that must mean I loved it enough to not want to put it down.

Where I got it: My library (of course). You all know how much I {heart} my library.

Challenges this book counts towards: 2011 Support Your Local Library Challenge; 100 Book 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

~Dead as a Doornail~ by Charlaine Harris

What and Who: Dead as a Doornail by Charlaine Harris, hardcover edition, ISBN 9780441012794


What it's about: When she is not waitressing or preoccupied with her own amorous adventures, telepath Sookie Stackhouse is tracking down a serial killer of shapeshifters. Her sleuthing is partly altruistic, but she's also trying to save her were-panther brother, Jason, who has become the chief suspect in the crime.

Sookie's got just a month, before the next full moon, to find out who wants her brother dead - and to stop the fiend! Sookie Stackhouse enjoys her life, mostly. She's a great cocktail waitress in a fun bar; she has a love life, albeit a bit complicated, and most people have come to terms with her telepathy. The problem is, Sookie wants a quiet life - but things just seem to happen to her and her friends. Now her brother Jason's eyes are starting to change: he's about to turn into a were-panther for the first time. She can deal with that, but her normal sisterly concern turns to cold fear when a sniper sets his deadly sights on the local changeling population. She afraid not just because Jason's at risk, but because his new were-brethren suspect Jason may be the shooter. Sookie has until the next full moon to find out who's behind the attacks - unless the killer decides to find her first. (goodreads)


What I thought: This is the second time I've picked up this book to read it. At least I finished it this time. It doesn't seem as good to me as the other Southern Vampire books - too much going on that's more weird than ever.


How I rate it: Sorry all my friends who love Sookie - for me it was just o.k. so I give a 3.


Where I got it: I checked it out from the Wesmark Branch of the library.


Challenges this book counts towards: 100 Books in a Year Challenge and 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~ Zapped by Carol Higgins Clark

Who and What?  Zapped by Carol Higgins Clark. Hardcover edition. ISBN 978-1-4165-6215-3


What it's about: Sleuth Regan Reilly and her husband, Jack, return to New York from their honeymoon in Ireland and discover that their next-door neighbor has put up his apartment for sale. They decide to buy it and enlarge the loft Jack lived in as a bachelor.

Regan takes time off from her work as a Private Investigator to supervise the construction, while Jack resumes his job as head of the Manhattan Major Case Squad.

On a sweltering summer night, a major blackout hits New York City and more than one person in the Reilly's building blows their fuse! In the midst of the chaos, with Jack out coping with the city's problems, Regan finds herself drawn into a case she would never expect to happen in her own home.

Zapped, set in New York City, blends Clark's sophisticated humor with her remarkable gift for portraying characters in different walks of life. Here, she creates a penetrating, humorous profile of bosses and workers in the New York real estate and construction business and the ardors of renovating a home, which we all know can drive one crazy. (goodreads)

What I thought about it: This was my first Carol Higgins Clark novel. I'm a huge fan of Mary Higgins Clark and have read most of her books - so I decided to give it a try. At first I wasn't sure, but the more I read the more I got into it. I loved how all the different characters, from all over the city, ended up coming together in some way. I found all the characters to be quite believable.

How I rate it: I give it a four.

Where I got it: I checked it out from the Sumter County Main Library

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

~This Pen for Hire~ by Laura Levine

What and who? This Pen for Hire by Laura Levine


How I got it: I checked it out from the library

What it's about: Jaine Austen is a hip, jack-of-all-trades writer who spends her days penning steamy personal ads. No one needs her help more than geeky Howard Murdoch, whom Jaine successfully sets up on a date. All goes well until Valentine's Day, when Howard finds his new love has been bludgeoned to death. (from goodreads)


What did I think? I love the way Laura Levine writes. Jaine is a real person (well, you can imagine that she is). This is the first book in the Jaine Austen Mystery series, and the second one I've read. I've not been disappointed either time. I discovered her by chance when I checked out an audiobook that had a Christmas mystery on it. Sometimes it's good to try new things! I now have a new cozy author to love and let's face it - I love my cozies!

How am I rating it? I'm rating it a 4.5 - which falls someplace between liked it and loved it!

This book counts towards these challenges: 2011 Support Your Library Challenge and 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

Shakespeare's Landlord by Charlaine Harris

I know all of you recognize Charlaine Harris from the Sookie Stackhouse series. Here is another one of hers that I think you'll like.

Lily Bard settled in Shakespeare Arkansas after a brutal past. She's the towns cleaning lady and likes her job. When she sees a body get dumped right across the street from her house things start to change. It was wonderful watching her start to interact with the people of the town she adopted on more than an employee/employer level as the book progressed.

A quick cozy if you need something to break up all the heavy reading. Or if you just love the cozies.

I give it a four - I liked it!


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

A Couple of Reviews

Well, not really reviews - you know how I do this. Here's what I thought of the following books:

Xone of Contention by Piers Anthony - This was my foray into Science Fiction to try and get an 'X' book for my A to Z reading challenge. It didn't work out so well. As a matter of fact, I had to change my rating system to include a 'Didn't Finish' category. I tried, I really did - but after slogging my way through the first two chapters I had to quit. I'm still on the look out for any books titled 'X' if anyone has any suggestions at all!

So, this book gets a 1 - Did not finish

The Kingdom Keepers (Disney After Dark) - OK, I loved this book. I read it in about three days - it would have been less, but I was monitoring end of year testing at Zach's school - so for four hours a day I was there. I love Disney and we've been to DisneyWorld several times, so it was fun knowing what they were talking about. Also, the added excitement of knowing that maybe, just maybe, those animatronic people are real! I know I've always thought that they hang out in the parks after dark, ever since my first trip to DisneyLand! Anyway, I thought it was great and I highly recommend it. It's a YA book - but it's still entertaining enough even for this 43 year old.

I'm giving this book my first new 5 - I loved it!




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