Summer Days by: Susan Mallery

Title: Summer Days
Author: Susan Mallery
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 378
Series: Fool's Gold #7
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchase

Description:

New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery returns with a new Fool's Gold trilogy featuring three rugged cowboys who will find love in the unlikeliest of places.... Locked in an unexpected land dispute, Rafe Stryker is trapped in the one place he vowed never to return to-the Castle Ranch in Fool's Gold, California. He made millions facing ruthless adversaries in the boardroom, but nothing could've prepared him to go head-to-head against stubborn, beautiful Heidi Simpson. No one is more surprised than Rafe to discover that he's finding Heidi-and life as a cowboy-much more compelling than he wants to admit.

For Heidi, the Castle Ranch is the home she's always wanted. After a life on the road, the vivacious blonde has finally put down roots. She won't give that up without a fight, not even for a man whose late-night kisses make her yearn to be a little less...wholesome.

As the two turn from passionate adversaries to passionate, period, they'll discover that summer love can last a lifetime.

My Thoughts: 

This book was a fun read.  We meet Rafe Stryker who is headed back to Fool's Gold to settle an issue for his mother getting swindled out of money but Heidi Simpson's grandfather.  While intentions are pure alot gets mucked up in this story.  

The court decides that the four must try to work out some agreement while the felony charge is being investigated.  What Heidi and Rafe didn't count on was falling in love, both swearing off love finding it causes more heartbreak then it's worth.  

We also get to watch a romance bloom between Rafe's mother May and Heidi's grandfather Glen both swear they aren't looking for anything serious but in Fool's Gold anything is possible!  I really enjoy going back to Fool's Gold and seeing what everyone is up to.

Next in the series:

 

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Only Us by: Susan Mallery

Title: Only Us
Author: Susan Mallery
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages: 51
Series: Fool's Gold # 6.1
Format: ebook Nook
Source: Purchase

Description:


Fool's Gold, California, a charming small town that's short on men, has captured thousands of readers' hearts in Susan Mallery's New York Times bestselling series. Fall in love with Fool's Gold's beloved characters and heartwarming romance in Only Us: A Fool's Gold Holiday novella!

Pet groomer Carina Fiore wants nothing more than to confess her feelings to the man she loves. She's drawn to veterinarian Cameron McKenzie's good looks, caring nature and especially his devotion to his young daughter. But he's also her boss and a good friend. Putting her heart on the line could cost Rina both her job and their friendship forever.

Since his divorce, Cameron hasn't been willing to trust his heart--or his daughter--with anyone else. For months he's pushed away all thoughts of taking Rina in his arms and kissing her, unwilling to risk their friendship for a single night of pleasure. But when a kiss under the mistletoe unlocks the simmering passion between them, Rina and Cameron may just find love for the holidays after all....

My Thoughts:

Cameron McKenzie has been burned in the worst way when his ex-wife after having his daughter ditched both husband and baby.  Wanting nothing to do with either of them, they have thrived and made a life for themselves.  Rina aka Carina takes care of Kaitlyn who is need a woman's touch.

Rina is at the end of her rope with her romantic feelings towards Cameron, after professing her feelings and getting shut down by Cameron she decides to play by harder rules.  Ending their babysiting/daycare at the end of the year.  She finds it harder to deal with Cameron who wants a friendship and nothing more.

This was a great novella for the holiday season, a chance to return to Fool's Gold and see what romances are blooming.

Next in the Series:

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Happy Holidays

We at Community Bookstop wanted to take the time to wish everyone a joyful and wonderful holiday this year and we will be working on more reviews, and all things book related in 2013.  Hope you all have a great rest of 2012 and welcome 2013 in all it's glory!

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Obsidian by: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Title: Obsidian
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Pages: 361
Series: Lux #1
Format: Paperback

Description:

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I'd pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring.... until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something...unexpected happens. 

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon's touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I'm getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades. 

If I don't kill him first, that is.

My thoughts:

I've read the Turkish translation of this book which recently came out. And from what I've seen, all of us girls that have read it are in this state:

Overall, Obsidian is quite like any other book of the same genre: a boy who's not human falls in love with the human girl and because he has enemies, things start to get all messy. Don't diss "Obsidian" when you hear this because Jennifer L. Armentrout has created such an alien (literally!), handsome boy that there are Turkish readers who are trying to get in touch with NASA in hopes of figuring out the whereabouts of Daemon Black. 

The narrator, Katy, this Daemon is an ass and a dickhead, yet she melts whenever she sees him. One of my friends always says, "arrogance looks good on men!" And it does look very good on this green-eyed alien:

"Ash is going to kick your ass, Daemon."
Daemon's grin went up a notch. "Nah, she likes my ass too much for that."

Or, out of the blue he'll ask Katy (whom he calls 'Kittycat' by the way), "Do you think I'm gorgeous?" and he'll love it when she turns red. Reading about Katy and Daemon playing cat and mouse was quite fun. I also liked that Katy's mother wasn't one of those conservative, angry characters. She was the kind of mother who can go up to her daughter and say, "our neighbor is very handsome." 

After coming face-to-face with death at the end of the book, they look like they're safe and sound for now. However, it looks like there's going to be more trouble in the future books. The author really does know what she's going, and she left the ending on a such cliffhanger that Turkish readers are going to be waiting very, very excitedly for the rest of the series to be translated and published.

I believe that all of you who enjoy YA will love this book. But beware of this:

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Guilt by: Jonathan Kellerman

Title: Guilt
Author: Jonathan Kellerman
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Pages: 336
Series: Alex Delaware #28
Format: ebook Arc
Source: NetGalley

Description:

A series of horrifying events occur in quick succession in the same upscale L.A. neighborhood. A backyard renovation unearths an infant’s body, buried sixty years ago. And soon thereafter in a nearby park, another disturbingly bizarre discovery is made not far from the body of a young woman shot in the head. Helping LAPD homicide detective Milo Sturgis to link these eerie incidents is brilliant psychologist Alex Delaware. But even the good doctor’s vast experience with matters both clinical and criminal might not be enough to cut down to the bone of this chilling case—and draw out the disturbing truth.

Backtracking six decades into the past stirs up tales of a beautiful nurse with a mystery lover, a handsome, wealthy doctor who seems too good to be true, and a hospital with a notorious reputation—all of them long gone, along with any records of a newborn, and destined for anonymity. But the specter of fame rears its head when the case unexpectedly twists in the direction of the highest echelons of celebrity privilege. Entering this sheltered world, Alex little imagines the macabre layer just below the surface—a decadent quagmire of unholy rituals and grisly sacrifice.

Before their work is done, Alex and Milo, “the most original whodunit duo since Watson and Holmes” (Forbes), must confront a fanatically deranged mind of such monstrous cunning that even the most depraved madman would shudder.

My Thoughts:

 This book began with the discovery of baby bones found in a neighborhood.  Alex Delaware gets called in to help solve the crime, which turns up more bodies and less clues as to what is going on. One of the women found was a religious person who had no apparent connection to what she ended up tied too, They learn alot about a local doctor for many years ago who seemed too good to be true.

This book also delves into Hollywood and how wild they can be and what they can get others to do.  Things you couldn't think imaginable becomes manageable only in Hollywood!

This book had so many twists and turns it was incredible.  I found myself deep in the world of Alex and Milo trying to figure out along with them who committed these crimes, and what the connection is with the various murders.

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Treason by: S.M. Boyce

Title: Treason
Author: S.M. Boyce
Publisher: Immortal Ink Publishing
Series: Grimoire Trilogy #2
Format: ebook
Source: Link to Tour

Description:

Ourea has always been a deadly place. The lichgates tying the hidden world to Earth keep its creatures at bay—for now. Kara Magari ignited a war when she stumbled into Ourea and found the Grimoire: a powerful artifact filled with secrets. To protect the one person she has left, she strikes a deal that goes against everything she believes in. But things don’t go as planned.

Braeden Drakonin can no longer run from who—and what—he is. He has to face the facts. He’s a prince. He’s a murderer. He’s a wanted man. And after a betrayal that leaves him heartbroken, he’s out for blood.

To survive, both Kara and Braeden must become the evil each has grown to hate.

My Thoughts: 

This book was sent to me in exchange for a honest and fair review.  This book focuses on Kara a vagabond and Braeden Drakonin.  The two end up together in the beginning headed to a Gala being held by the  Gavin Braeden's brother.  

The two both have feelings for each other but spend their time pushing each other away.  Gavin even goes so far as forbid Braeden from contact with Kara. What Gavin doesn't know is the power he thinks he has over Braeden isn't as strong as one would think.

Kara is also being careful not to let Braeden become a liability by expressing her feelings, fearing that Gavin will call on those close to Kara to find out what she is really thinking.

When Braeden is jailed for who he truely is, it's up to Kara show her power and free Braeden.  He ends up on a suicide mission to save those held captive by Braeden's birth father, and to face what he never wanted.

This was a great book with a lot of twists and turns and adventure and action.

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5-B Poppy Lane by: Debbie Macomber

Title: 5-B Poppy Lane
Author: Debbie Macomber
Publisher: Harlequin
Format: ebook
Source: Purchased Barnes & Noble

Description:

Drop in at 5-B Poppy Lane, where you’ll get a chance to visit with Helen Shelton, her granddaughter Ruth and Ruth’s husband, Paul. They’ll offer you a cup of mulled cider and the story of how they met — and they’ll share Helen’s breathtaking adventures during the Second World War.

My Thoughts:

This was a great story mixing in military and Christmas.  We learn about how Ruth met her husband Paul and the obstacles they overcame to be together and while this was going on intermixed is the story of Helen Shelton and her battles during WWII including a previous marriage conspiring against the German's spending two years in a concentration camp and being rescued by her second husband Sam prior to them knowing what they were going to be two each other.

So much homeyness in this book and hints of romance it was such a refereshing change from reading mysteries lately!

If you have any books like this you want to recommend feel free to comment below!

 

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Editorial: Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting

Some of you may know that I live in CT and with the recent events of Sandy Hook Elementary school and the school shooting on Friday, I won't be reviewing books that are harmful to children, as our family is suffering from the situation just like everyone else in CT. When we heard about all we were told is a CT elementary school had a shooting.  

My heart and prayers go out to those family members who suffered from the brutal shooting at Sandy Hook, I pray that they are able to find some kind of closure and understanding to why this happened to such young children, all around my daughter Alexis's age (6).  I applaud the teachers that became true heroes by protecting the kids and sacrificing themselves to keep the kids safe.

My kids will be wearing green tomorrow to support those families and kids that will never have Christmas, or graduation etc.  I hope we as a country can find a way to protect those we hold dear.  And get a better understanding as to why this had to happen, but I imagine we will never fully understand what was going through that man's head last Friday.

I will also be taking a book tour break once I have finished up my current tours as I want to revamp my reading list and find "happier" books to read to lift the heavy spirits around here in light of what has happened.

May you all have a peaceful and blessed holiday this season!

Paula

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Golden Chariot by: Chris Karlsen Tour

Title: Golden Chariot
Author: Chris Karlsen
Publisher: Books To Go Now
Pages; 356
Format: Paperback
Source: FMB Blog Tour

Description:

The rare discovery of a ship sunk during the time of the Trojan War has been found off the coast of Turkey, near Troy. Charlotte Dashiell is an American nautical archaeologist and thrilled to be part of the recovery team. The wreck may contain proof of her highly controversial theory about the Trojan War.

Charlotte is present when the Turkish government agent assigned to guard the site is murdered. Her possible involvement and a questionable connection to a private collector of black market relics bring her under suspicion. Atakan Vadim is the Turkish agent sent to investigate her. Unknown to either of them, the smuggler behind the murder plans to steal a valuable artifact and frame Charlotte for the theft...after they murder her.

My Thoughts: 


This book was sent to me via Holly at Full Moon Bites for a honest and fair review, no monetary compensation was included with this review.  Purely my own thoughts and opinions on this book. 

Our story takes place in the Aegean Sea and in parts of Greece and Turkey.  Archeologist Charlotte Dashiell is part of a team that finds one of the most impressive sites from the Trojan War.  Charlotte is then dragged into a conspiracy to frame her for the death of an officer sent to guard the find, and make sure that a smuggler is able to make off with the priceless goods.

The premise of the book is sound, and it’s always nice to read about Greek Mythos, and the time period surrounding the Trojan War.   However well researched this book is though, the writing comes across a bit dry, almost like a 10^th grade Book report, rather than a gripping novel.

Some readers may have trouble following the plot, as the author jumps around lot, from place to place and person to person, with very little warning.  Again, the basic plot is sound, the research is top notch, but unless you really enjoy a very dry narrative, this book is not for you.

I would give it 3 cups, only because of the fact that with a little more polish it could be an awesome read.

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Christmas in High Heels by: Gemma Halliday

Title: Christmas In High Heels
Author: Gemma Halliday
Format: ebook
Source: Purchase
Series: A High Heels Mystery #3.5

Description:

Fashion designer turned amateur sleuth Maddie Springer can't wait to spend the holidays with her boyfriend, LAPD Detective Jack Ramirez. It's their first Christmas together, and Maddie wants it to be perfect. But between her zany family and wacky friends, Maddie's having a hard time finding alone time with her man. But come Christmas morning, this is one holiday she'll be sure to remember - naughty or nice!

My Thoughts:

Maddie wants to spend Christmas with her LAPD Detective boyfriend Jack, for their first Christmas Eve alone together.  Everytime Maddie turns around someone as at the door wanting something from Maddie and when all the guests have left and Maddie gets back to Jack she finds him fast asleep.

The next morning the two find an envelope under the tree with tickets to Hawaii for a getaway for their first Christmas and they decide to skip the family Christmas dinner and go to Hawaii.

It was a cute introduction for anyone who hasn't read this series yet.  Makes me eager to read more.

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Christmas Crumble by: M.C Beaton

Title: Christmas Crumble
Author: M.C. Beaton
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Pages: 32
Format: ebook
Source: Purchase

Description:

Christmas tale that’s holly, jolly—and deadly, by golly… 

At home alone for the holidays, Agatha Raisin decides to host a dinner party for the elder residents in her Cotswold village of Winter Parva. Agatha’s never been much of a homemaker, but she’s dead-set on making this the perfect holiday for the “crumblies,” as she affectionately calls them. She’s decorated a tree while fending off her cats Hodge and Boswell, and even made a (lumpy) Christmas pudding in between swigs of rum. But when Agatha dumps the pudding on the head of the local self-proclaimed Lothario—an eighty-five year old with a beer belly and fingers like sausages—his death by dessert proves more than a trifle as mysteries mount higher than the season’s snowfall. So much for trying to do good by her neighbors. Now Agatha needs no less than a Christmas miracle to get herself out of this one...

My Thoughts: 

All I can say about Agatha is she has got to be the most dysfunctional cook in the world.  She really makes you laugh at her concoctions.   This year Agatha is attempting to serve a holiday dinner to some local elderly people.  Most of the people learn through the night to appreciate what she did for this holiday except for two people one is Len Leech who seems to think Agatha has the hots for him, boy is he far off in that assumption the other is Freda Pinch who has it out for Agatha from the beginning of the book til the bittersweet end.

When Len makes one pass to many Agatha dumps her concoction of pudding and other things in it on Len's head and he winds up taking the swan dive, Agatha finds herself in deep trouble and can't seem to shake what is going on with Freda Pinch who takes it upon herself to damand that Agatha is guilty, and when that fails she decides to sue Agatha.  

The really mysterious part was after Agatha was declared not guilty by the police and Freda sues Agatha, Agatha goes to see the women to find something else going on and Agatha's spinning mind won't quit til she solves the mystery.

The only thing I disliked, like most people that the book was too short.  Ended before it began,  I was glad to find a quick introduction to Agatha and can't wait to read more of her books!

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The Gingerbread Bump-Off by: Livia Washburn

Title: The Gingerbread Bump-Off
Author: Livia Washburn
Publisher: New American Library
Pages: 304
Series: A Fresh-Baked Mystery #6
Format: Nook ebook
Source: Purchase

Description:


A Christmas killer has been icing Phylis Newsom's friends in the sixth Fresh-Baked mystery.

Not only will Phyllis Newsom's house be featured in the annual Christmas Jingle Bell Tour of Homes, she also has a Christmas Eve bridal shower and a New Year's Eve wedding to bake goodies for. But like her tasty treats, she rises to the occasion.

Before the tour gets under way, Phyllis makes a gruesome discovery on her porch: someone has tried to kill her friend. As Santa's naughty list gets longer, Phyllis tries to catch a half-baked killer.

My Thoughts:

Phyllis Newsom has just finished up Thanksgiving and is getting ready for Christmas and a bridal shower for her friend Eve who is marrying the mysterious Roy Porter that no one knows much about.  Phyllis gets contacted by her friend Georgia Hallerbee who runs the Christmas Jingle Bell Tours* and invites Phyllis to join at the last second as someone else dropped out.  While the tour is beginning at other homes Georgia stops by Phyllis home and gets attcked by a gingerbread man statue dressed up as Ms. Claus.

Phyllis finds herself at odds with CJBT* group as they want her to solve the mystery and release details of her friend Georgia and Phyllis won't.  Phyllis wants to let the police do their job and not investigate the murder, even if it did happen on her front porch.

This book had no shortage of who could have possibly whacked Georgia.  The most simplest explanation was the one that didn't come up til the end of the book.  I loved it and I loved reading more about the relationship between Phyllis and Sam I really enjoy the spark those two have together!

Up Next in the series is:

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Foam of the Daze by: Boris Vian

Title: Foam of the Daze
Author: Boris Vian
Publisher: Tam Tam Press
Pages: 261
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchase

Description:

The definition of Boris Vian: engineer, inventor, chronicler of jazz, trumpet player, poet and novelist, creator of spectacles, lyric writer and singer, and of course pataphysician.

TamTam Books is very proud to announce the upcoming publication of Boris Vian's masterpiece L'Ecume des jours. We are bringing out a new translation by Brian Harper with the full approval of the Vian estate. The English title is Foam of the Daze.

The translation made by Brian Harper takes into account the critical edition of Boris Vian's L'Ecume des jours edited with additional in depth footnotes by Gilbert Pestureau and Michel Rybalka published in France 1994.

L'Ecume des jours (Foam of the Daze) is a jazz fueled Science Fiction story that is both romantic and nihilistic! Vian's novel is an assortment of bittersweet romance, absurdity and the frailty of life. Foam of the Daze is a nimble-fingered masterpiece that is both witty and incredibly moving. It is a story of a wealthy young man Colin and the love of his life Chloe, who develops a water lily in her lung.

The supporting cast includes Chick, an obsessive collector of noted philosopher Jean-Sol Partre's books and stained pants, and Nicolas who is a combination of P.G. Wodehouse's fictional butler Jeeves and the Green Hornet's Kato. The soul of the book is about the nature of life disappearing and loving things intensely as if one was making love on a live grenade!

My thoughts:
1. Boris Vian was 26 years old when he wrote this book. 
2. He wrote it in two days.

If we really need to categorize books, then Foam of the Daze is a love story. A rich, young man named Colin only wants to fall in love. The reason behind this somehow is that his friend Chick has started going out with a girl named Alise. He sees how she loves him and cares for him and wants that for himself as well. Alise is Colin's cook / butler / chauffeur Nicolas' cousin. Anyway, so Colin sees how affectionate Alise is toward Chick, and he thinks, "I want that too!" so he decides to fall in love. And he does fall in love with a young girl names Chloe. They get married with a gorgeous ceremony and are very happy, but then Chloe gets sick. Her sickness is a water lilly that opens in her lungs. The only cure is for her to be surrounded by fresh flowers all day. 

I can hear you going, "water lilly? In the lungs? Pffft." But I'm really not brilliant enough to make this up. And the water lilly opening in Chloe's chest isn't even the weirdest thing in the story. Colin has mice living in his house. It seems as if he couldn't get rid of them so he decided to become friends with them. What came into my when I read this was an oompa-loompa grooming Willy Wonka's hair. Anyway, even when Chloe gets sick there's a mouse keeping her company.

As a result, Colin needs to get a job because fresh flowers are very expensive, and he soon runs out of money. He does find work, but none last very long main due to his belief that human beings aren't born to work. I think we all agree with him on this one. Vian criticizes many similar subjects in this book, both those I understood and those I haven't a clue about. When I was discussing the book with my book club, we all believed that Foam of the Daze was "a book of its time" and there's a lot in it that we can't understand.

I myself also think Vian was somehow under the influence while writing this book. I have no proof that this is true, but how else do you come up with rooms that physically change shape according to the occupant's mood and a piano that forms drinks when you play it? 

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It's Monday what are you reading? #21

It’s Monday What are you Reading? Is a weekly bookish meme where we get together to share what books we’ve read in the past week, what books we’re currently reading and what new books we’re planning on reading in the coming week along with any reviews or interesting posts. It’s hosted by Sheila @One Person’s Journey through a World of Books

Author Interviews: 

Jodi Meadows

Finished Reading:

Paula:

Killer Crust

The Surgeon

Daire Meets Ever

Rosedale The Vampyre

Plum Pudding Murder

Classified as Murder

Simay: 

The Girl on Paper

Currently Reading:

Paula:

Gingerbread Bump-Off by: Livia Washburn

Guilt by: Jonathan Kellerman

The Apprentice by: Tess Gerritsen

Simay:

Family Fang by: Kevin Wilson 

Foam of the Daze by Boris Vian

To be read Next:
Come back next week to see what we are reading next!  What are you reading this week feel free to share below

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Classified as Murder by: Miranda James

Title: Classified as Murder
Author: Miranda James
Publisher: Berkley
Pages: 294
Series: A Cat in the Stacks #2
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchase

Description:

Aging eccentric James Delacorte asks Charlie the librarian to do an inventory of his rare book collection-but the job goes from tedious to terrifying when James turns up dead. Relying on his cat Diesel to paw around for clues, Charlie has to catch the killer before another victim checks out.

My Thoughts:

Charlie Harris and his beloved Maine Coon Cat Diesel are up to the stacks in murder when a local resident is found poisoned in his library full of rare collection books. It’s up to Charlie and Diesel to sniff out the murderer. Also along for the ride is Charlie’s son Sean. Early on all we know is Sean quit his job and is living with his father. He doesn’t speak about what happened in Texas and Charlie is cautious not to push it too hard. The family Charlie is investigating via the Chief Deputy Barry’s request is the most eccentric family, everything from women dressed as Scarlett O’Hara to conniving ones that are the rudest Charlie has encountered. She has him working on the collection of rare books and collecting silent information he may over hear along with his son Sean and Sean’s pet Dante a french poodle.

Charlie also learns he is excutor to the will of the late Mr. James Delacorte which surprises Charlie not to mention the fact of where the rare books go once they are cataloged The Athena College, which end up in Charlie’s lap twice as he is the person in charge at the college of rare books. I love going back to this author and visiting with Charlie, Diesel and all their friends. Especially love reading about the Maine Coon cat as I have never met one but they sound adorable.

Next in the series: 

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Plum Pudding Murder by: Joanne Fluke

Title: Plum Pudding Murder
Author: Joanne Fluke
Publisher: Kensington
Pages: 405
Series: Hannah Swensen #12
Format: Paperback
Source: Purchase

Description:

The Cookie Jar's busiest time of the year also happens to be the most wonderful time...for Christmas cookies, Hannah's own special plum pudding - and romance! Holiday orders are high, and Hannah's slated to provide dessert at the Reverend Knudsen's upcoming nuptials. She's busy as can be and loving it. She also gets a kick out of 'Lunatic Larry Jaeger's Crazy Elf Christmas Tree Lot', a kitschy carnival taking place smack-dab in the middle of the village green. Larry thinks he's crazy like a fox with his wild business schemes, but this time, the entrepreneur may have bitten off more than he can chew. Rumour has it that Larry's in the red - an idea that takes a sinister turn when Hannah discovers the man himself dead as a doornail in his own office...

It seems quite a few people would have liked to fill Larry's stocking with coal and then bash him with it - including his bitter ex-wife, his ex-partner's daughter, a woman he was wooing, and the Crazy Elf Tree lot's extremely exasperated investors...Now, with so many suspects to investigate and the twelve days of Christmas ticking away, Hannah's running out of time to nab a murderous Scrooge who doesn't want her to see the New Year!

My Thoughts:

 Hannah and her friends are getting ready for Christmas and enjoying Crazy Elf Christmas Tree Lot with the kids rides, cookie shop, Christmas Trees for sale.  Hannah also makes her own spin on Plum Pudding including plums into her treat.

When Larry turns up dead it's up to Hannah and her friends to find out who put an end to Lunatic Larry.  All this while finding out what is going with Norman's mother and her disappearing magic act.  Every time anyone invites her to anything including her son, she flakes out with flimsy excuses.  Is she hiding a dark side?  Or something worse.

I really enjoyed this book as all her others in this series we have the amateur sleuth, Hannah and her friends and family always lend a hand when it comes to sleuthing.  We also have the two men both dating Hannah which would be nice if that would narrow down, but doesn't seem to be getting any closer to an answer in that department.

Next in the series:

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Rosedale The Vampyre by: Lev Raphael

Title: Rosedale The Vampyre
Author: Lev Raphael
Publisher: Amazoin Digital
Pages: 46
Format: ebook
Source: Pump Up Your Books Promotion

Description:

Grief-stricken by his wife's untimely death, a wealthy New York banker turns to sexual abandon in the bordellos of 1907 New York. Then one fateful night, after a mysterious attack, he dies to his old life and is reborn a Vampyre. Once obsessed solely with making money and social advancement, he's now driven by a new, perverse hunger for blood.

Written in a period voice, this deeply erotic work takes us into dark corners of the psyche as it explores a secret world of power and obsession.

My Thoughts:

This book was sent to me from Dorothy via Pump Up Your Book Promotions for a honest and fair review.  This book is about Rosedale a man who has lost his wife and finds himself going to Madame DuPont's where he gets his sexual satisfaction.  One night he looses some time and finds a pain on his neck not sure what happened during that mysterious time frame.

Not long after that he learns about the world of vampyre's and that his is one. A Lord named Walpole explains to Rosedale what is happening to him, and his transition.  That Rosedale being a Jewish Vampire makes him immune to sunlight, crosses and holy water, and that he is a rare breed of vampyre.  Rosedale finds this all a bit hard to swallow.

This was a very interesting story not your typical vampire book at all I think adults will enjoy the different aspect of vampyre's and how one reacts to being turned.

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Daire Meets Ever by: Alyson Noel

Title: Daire Meets Ever
Author: Alyson Noel
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Pages: 45
Series: The Soul Seekers #0.5
Format: ebook
Source: Barnes and Noble Purchase

Description:

What happens when an immortal meets a soul seeker? Find out in this bonus scene as Ever Bloom and Daire Santos cross paths! From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Immortals, Alyson Noël, comes Fated—a breathtaking novel brimming with magic, mystery, and an intoxicating love story that will steal your heart away. Meet The Soul Seekers. Experience the enchantment of Fated and the new The Soul Seekers series with this special release featuring: the bonus scene, a note from Alyson Noël and selections from Fated.

My Thoughts:

This was short novella which introduced Daire Santos as she is being examined by doctors for seeing glowing people.  Daire goes outside for fresh air and meets a young girl who reassures her she is ok and not 'crazy' what you find out quickly is that she is meeting Ever and Damen who were last seen in Everlasting.  Ever explains that she will die many times and that she shouldn't feel 'crazy' cause she is far from it.

Next book in the series is:

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The Surgeon by: Tess Gerritsen

Title: The Surgeon
Author: Tess Gerritsen
Publisher: Random House
Pages: 220
Series: Rizzoli & Isles #1

Description:


In her most masterful novel of medical suspense, "NewYork Times" bestselling author Tess Gerritsen creates a villain of unforgettable evil--and the one woman who can catch him before he kills again.

He slips into their homes at night and walks silently into bedrooms where women lie sleeping, unaware of the horrors they soon will endure. The precision of the killer's methods suggests he is a deranged man of medicine, propelling the Boston newspapers and thefrightened public to name him "The Surgeon."

The cops' only clue rests with another surgeon, the victim of a nearly identical crime. Two years ago, Dr. Catherine Cordell fought back and killed her attacker before he could complete his assault. Now she hides her fears of intimacy behind a cool and elegant exterior and a well-earned reputation as a top trauma surgeon.

Cordell's careful facade isabout to crack as this new killer recreates, with chilling accuracy, the details of Cordell's own ordeal. With every new murder he seems to be taunting her, cutting ever closer, from her hospital to her home. Her onlycomfort comes from Thomas Moore, the detective assigned to the case. But even Moore cannot protect Cordell from a brilliant hunter who somehow understands--and savors--the secret fears of every woman he kills.

Filled with the authentic detail that is the trademark of this doctor turned author . . . and peopled with rich and complex characters--from the ER to the squad room to the city morgue--here is a thriller of unprecedented depth and suspense. Exposing the shocking link between those who kill and cure, punish and protect, The Surgeon is just the beginning of Tess Gerritsen's pulse-pounding series of crime thrillers featuring the unforgettable characters Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles.

My Thoughts:

This book is incredible Jane Rizzoli is trying to solve the murder of women in Boston which match up to a killer who went after four women in Georgia, where only one woman survived a Boston Dr. Catherine Cordell, who has tried very hard to erase what happened to her back in Georgia and the man who died Catherine's attacker.

The Surgeon is a crafty little bugger who manages to sneak around the hospital without anyone figuring out who he is.  He's driving little Catherine quite bananas as she can't figure out who it is and now she is afraid of the people she works with.  Could it be the partners in her Dr. office?  The man who is a partner and been trying to pick up Catherine since she started at the hospital.

This book had tons of twists and turns, action and adventure and the big curiosity about whether Rizzoli would get the bad guy in time.  A great page turner that I fell deeply into and couldn't predict the outcome if I tried.

Like others I'm a HUGE fan of the show and thought I'd see where the books get me and since my mother in law is a huge Tess Gerritsen fan I figured what the heck why not!

The Next Book in the series is:

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The Girl on Paper by: Guillaume Musso

Title: The Girl on Paper
Author: Guillaume Musso
Publisher: Gallic Books
Pages: 320
Format: Paperback

Description:

What happens when fantasy is the only thing that seems real? Just a few months ago, Tom Boyd was a multi-million-selling author living in LA, in love with a world-famous pianist. But after a very public break-uo he's shut himself away, suffering from a total writer's block, with only drink and drugs for company. One night, a beautiful, naked stranger appears in Tom's house. She claims to be Billie, a character from his novels, who has fallen into the real world because of a printer's error in his latest book. Crazy as her story sounds, Tom comes to see that this must be the real Billie. And she wants to strike a deal with him: if he writes his next novel she can go back to the world of fiction: in return she will help him win back his beloved Aurore. What does he have to lose? Guillaume Musso's latest romantic adventure is a story of friendship, love and the special place that books have in our lives.

My thoughts:

I've spent a good part of my childhood looking for Peter Pan's shadow. Then, there were people who, in detail, explained to me that not everything in books was real. I didn't believe them then, and I don't believe them now.

The Girl on Paper is a book for those like me who don't believe. Popular author Tom Boyd has just broken up with his girlfriend, hit rock bottom and believes he's lost the ability to write. Just then, one of the characters from his book, Billie, a beautiful girl falls down into his house from the sky. Just as you will guess, these two will end up falling in love at the end of the book. Yet, their journey is one you will enjoy. Billie is going to die if she can't go back to the fictional world, meaning Tom not writing will kill her. Uncooperative at first, Tom doesn't take too long to believe that Billie is real. And when he starts to really like her, he starts writing as if his own life depends on it.

While reading the books, I kept asking myself, "Haven't I read this book before?" I couldn't find what book I thought it was alike, but I must point out that it's not a very different book. The ending turned out to be just what I thought it would be. But still it wasn't a disappointment, and I enjoyed it quite a lot. In this book, there's hope, happiness, friends who care about one another to the death, people who made their way out of darkness and readers who believe in their favorite author.

After this, I'm going to continue searching for Peter Pan's shadows, picking up from where I left off more than 10 years ago.

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Killer Crust by: Chris Cavender

Title: Killer Crust
Author: Chris Cavender
Publisher: Kensington
Pages: 304
Series: Pizza Lovers #5
Format: ebook Arc
Source: NetGalley

Description:


Eleanor Swift isn’t amused when Laughing Luigi—the sketchy frozen pizza dough baron—walks into her Timber Ridge, North Carolina, pizzeria. But the contract for his pizza-making contest seems on the up-and-up…and sprucing up her beloved pizzeria, A Slice of Delight, with $25,000 in first-prize money would truly be a dream come true…

Sneaky Luigi, of course, left enough wiggle room in that contract to change the rules…and maybe settle some old scores. It seems Eleanor and her sister Maddy aren’t the only ones dishing the dirt on Luigi—the other contestants also know he’s a rat in the kitchen. Which makes things all the messier when the pizza dough king fails to rise after being found on the floor…murdered, with a slice of poisoned pizza!

If Eleanor and Maddy want to find the real killer and win the $25,000, they’re going to have to juggle seriously surreptitious sleuthing with pressure-packed pizza-making performances…before the real killer dishes them their own slices of death!

My Thoughts:

In this book Eleanor Swift and her sister Maddy are in a local competition to see who makes the best pizza.  Laughing Luigi is hosting a pizza making contest.  One couple is from Asheville, one is from Charlotte, Eleanor and Maddy form Timber Ridge, and a couple from Raleigh.  Two of them seem over confident they are going to win and two teams seem to be trying their best.

Then Laughing Luigi winds up murdered and everyone is a suspect.  Police Chief Kevin Hurley asks Eleanor and Maddy to investigate the murder, as does Gina from Tree Line the hotel hosting the contest.

There are plenty of suspects and a good part of this story was trying to narrow the suspects down, but that seemed slow going.  Between preforming contests and finding people to talk to the girls.  With the help of Hank a worker of Tree Line and the few contestants that would talk to them the girls were able to nab the murder before they were next.

I really enjoyed this book and was impressed with incorporating a contest mixed in with a mystery.  Definitely a great job and another cozy mystery series I love!

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Author interview: Jodi Meadows

Around the time this review was published, I had interviewed Jodi Meadows for our first Turkish blog tour. Here's the interview for you guys to read as well :)

What will readers find in Incarnate?

Different readers will see different things in every book, but some of the most important themes of Incarnate to me are overcoming the past, looking toward the future, hope, love, healing, and finding one's place in the world. 

Most of the YA novels I've read so far deal with the "soulless." How did the idea of creating a community of old souls come about?

I had the idea for Incarnate three years before I actually wrote the story. I made a note about a world where everyone was perpetually reincarnated -- all except one new soul -- and put it in a file on my computer. I didn't touch it for three years because I thought it would be really hard to write. And it was. But when I was ready for the challenge, I pulled out that note and got started. 

I don't remember what I was doing when I had the idea anymore, but . . . I'm really glad I did.

I hear you've already finished all the books in the trilogy. How long did that take?

After Incarnate got an agent, I immediately started working on the second book. And when the trilogy sold to HarperCollins, I finished the second book and wrote the third as well. All of that happened in less than a year. I was really excited to work on the story more, and I had a plan for all three books.

But then I did edits on Incarnate that changed things in book 2 (Asunder). And then I made huge edits in Asunder that changed book 3. So instead of trying to revise book 3 using what I had, I threw away 75000 words and started over completely with a new synopsis. I still have to edit book 3 after my editor reads it, but I think it's better than it was.

So from start to now . . . years. I started Incarnate in October 2009. By the time I'm finished editing book 3, it will be January 2013.

Even though Incarnate has quite a dark subject matter, it's also full of hope and love. Which characters/parts were the hardest to write about?

Ana has a very abusive past, and that was difficult to write about. Just knowing what she's gone through, knowing how hard it is for her to trust anyone after that . . . it's really difficult. 

That said, trying to get my mind around a society of super old people was quite a challenge!

You mention on your website that once you found books where magic and other fantastic elements were real, you were hooked. What are some books that inspired your writing?

A few authors that really shaped the writer I am today: Robin McKinley, Tamora Pierce, Sherryl Jordan, and Mary Downing Hahn.

You're a knitter! Both knitting and writing are time-consuming activities. How do you make time for it all? Can you take us through your daily routine?

I figure most people will make time for things they love doing, and I'm no exception. I knit while I watch TV, or when I need a break from writing. 

I don't have a routine really. I get up, make coffee, check emails and respond to anything that needs immediate attention, write if I'm in the middle of something I can't stop thinking about it. During lunch, I watch TV and knit or spin. In the afternoon and evening, I write. When emails come in, I usually only answer things from my agent or editor. 

When I'm between writing or revising something, I read books or critique manuscripts for friends. 

Did you imagine your books would be read in different languages all over the world. How does it feel?

I always hoped people would be able to read my stories in their own language, but like Ana, who never imagined she'd get to experience music, this was always a dream for me. And now it's real life. That's pretty amazing. 

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It's Monday what are you reading? #20

It’s Monday What are you Reading? Is a weekly bookish meme where we get together to share what books we’ve read in the past week, what books we’re currently reading and what new books we’re planning on reading in the coming week along with any reviews or interesting posts. It’s hosted by Sheila @One Person’s Journey through a World of Books

Finished Reading:

Paula's List:

Now It Begins

Tommy Goes Trick or Treating

Tempestuous

The Girl in the Wall

Twas The Night Before Christmas

Simay's List:

 Pandora's Succession

Tiger in Red Weather

Currently Reading: 

Paula's List:

Killer Crust by: Chris Cavender

Treason by: S.M Boyce

Simay's List:

Family Fang by Kevin Wilson
Foam of the Daze by Boris Vian

Up Next:
Check back next week to see what we are up too.

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Now It Begins by: Gary Markwick

Title: Now It Begins
Author: Gary Markwick
Format: ebook arc
Source: Author Request Review

Description:

Now It Begins is a comprehensive self-help book that draws upon personal testimony, professional guidance and the best of New Age thinking to empower people to fully take control of their lives.

Split into 10 distinct "phases" it systematically tackles some of life's biggest and most personal questions about identity and interconnectivity, love and fear, and choice and destiny.

Arguing that most of us are trapped in a harmful illusionary world of our own subconscious creation, Gary Markwick urges readers to break the mental chains holding them back and by exercising the gift of choice take responsibility for their own future happiness.

At the heart the title is the simple assertion that once you can let go of illusion and draw upon a more fundamental, universal source of motivation, then you will reconnect with your true purpose on earth. Illustrated throughout with ancient learning and pithy stories that gently bring home the important points being made, Now It Begins will consistently inspire and encourage people on their exciting journey to freedom and fulfilment. The world is now on the verge of a great spiritual awakening and everybody owes it to themselves, and their neighbours, to tap into the limitless energy of the moment and bring about a lasting change for the better.

My Thoughts: 

This book was sent to my via Gary Markwick for a honest and fair review.  This book was great for those looking to improve their spirituality.  It was a great read and could really use parts to relate in my own life.  

While reading this you definitely will get a better understanding of life and what is important to you.  I recommend this to those who are looking to work on spirituality.  A great job he did incorporating stories into this book.  I enjoyed the journey one man went on to gain insight into a book to find out the mystery of the book!

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Tommy Goes Trick or Treating by: Emlyn Chand

Title: Tommy Goes Trick or Treating
Author: Emlyn Chand
Publisher: Evolved Publishing
Format: ebook
Source: Author Share

Description:


Tommy is a mischievous little woodpecker who loves to fly to the edge of the forest and watch the people in the nearby suburb. One evening, something strange and exciting happens—people emerge from their houses wearing costumes and carrying colorful buckets with smiling faces on them. What’s even crazier is that they shout a special codeword while standing outside of each house, and are given delicious-looking candy.

Tommy simply must join in the fun. He and his friend, Michael the raccoon, fashion their own costumes and head off to join in the festivities. Thanks to Tommy’s knock-knocking beak and Michael’s quick paws, the duo is able to heist many a candy bar from the unsuspecting homeowners and children.

But are they missing out on the true spirit of Halloween?

My Thoughts:

This was a great kids story about a woodpecker named Tommy and his friend Michael the raccoon who are curious to the holiday of Halloween and kids in costumes and getting candy.  When the duo ends up stealing all the candy and eating too much, they learn that sometimes things like Halloween are better for humans.

I enjoyed this story and loved the pictures.  I think all sorts of kids would love this story.  Thank you to Emlyn Chand for sharing such a great kids story!

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Tempestuous by: Kim Askew & Amy Helmes Review

Title: Tempestuous
Author: Kim Askew & Amy Helmes
Publisher: Merit Press
Pages: 222
Format: Paperback
Source: FSB Media

Description:

Recently banished, unfairly, by the school’s popular crowd, former “it girl,” Miranda Prospero, finds herself in a brave new world: holding dominion amongst a rag-tag crew of geeks and misfits where she works at the Hot-Dog Kabob in the food court of her local mall. When the worst winter storm of the season causes mall workers and last-minute shoppers to be snowed-in for the night, Miranda seizes the opportunity to get revenge against the catty clique behind her social exile. With help from her delightfully dweeby coworker, Ariel, and a sullen loner named Caleb who works at the mall’s nearby gaming and magic shop, Miranda uses charm and trickery to set things to right during this spirited take on Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

My Thoughts: 

Former 'it girl' Miranda is working at the Hot-Dog Kabob in the local mall where all the people she had a falling out hang out or work.  Miranda is getting ready for Ariel's birthday when the mall goes on lockdown due to the weather outside.

Also going on in the mall is a robbery someone is stealing mp3 players, jewelry, etc it's up to Miranda and her band of misfits to find out what is going on.  All this while Miranda is handcuffed to Caleb the worker at a gaming store in the mall.

Miranda and Ariel also set up to put a few of the 'cool kids' in place with some pranks to remind them that they could easily be outcasts.  This was a great book showing that looks can be deceiving and about not judging people before you really know them, and most of all not to tick of a former 'it girl'.  I loved it!

The Next Book in this series is:

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The Girl in the Wall by: Daphne Benedis-Grab Review

Title: The Girl in the Wall
Author: Daphne Benedis Grab
Publisher: Merit Press
Pages: 256
Format: Paperback
Source: FSB Media

Description:

Ariel's birthday weekend looks to be the event of the season, with a private concert by rock star Hudson Winters on the grounds of her family's east coast estate, and all of Ariel's elite prep school friends in attendance. The only person who's dreading the party is Sera, Ariel's former best friend, whose father is forcing her to go. Sera has been the school pariah since she betrayed Ariel, and she now avoids Ariel and their former friends. Thrown together, Ariel and Sera can agree on one thing: this could be one very long night.

They have no idea just how right they are. 

Only moments after the concert begins and the lights go down, thugs open fire on parents and schoolmates alike, in a plot against Ariel's father that quickly spins out of control. As the entire party is taken hostage, the girls are forced apart. Ariel escapes into the hidden tunnels in the family mansion, where she and Sera played as children. Only Sera, who forges an unlikely alliance with Hudson Winters, knows where her friend could be. As the industrial terrorist plot unravels and the death toll climbs, Ariel and Sera must recall the sisterhood that once sustained them as they try to save themselves and each other on the longest night of their lives.

My Thoughts: 

This book was sent to me via FSB Media for a honest and fair review the opinions expressed here are mine and mine alone. No monetary compensation was made for this review.

I loved this book we first meet Sera who's having a hard time when here ex-bestfriend Ariel is having a birthday party and her father is forcing her to go.  The relationship between Ariel and Sera was damaged about a year ago when something traumatic happened to Ariel in Mexico and Sera being a best friend did what she thought was right out of love for Ariel.  Unfortunatly Ariel doesn't see it that way and has turned Sera into an outcast at their school.

As the birthday party and concert are getting underway men with guns have kidnapped the kids having killed Ariel's father and new best friend who could easily be a twin to Ariel.  Ariel scared escaped into the walls of the house where tunnels are hidden away.  Ariel manages to get a few 'agents' to assist her Nico the gardener for Ariel's father is assisting her and getting Sera to assist along with rockstar Hudson Winters who assists with coming up with a plan to survive the night.

This book was amazing and I felt myself getting dragged in quickly and quite the page turner.  What a great book glad I was able to review it!

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