Miranda, Queen of Argyll: Past Sins by: Julia Phillips Review

Miranda Tate knows leading a double life is hard. Keeping the lies and them facts straight is enough to drive one mad; especially when the worlds are mortal and magick. In one life, she's a computer consultant; in the other, she is the Queen of Argyll, immortal sorceress and leader of the Council of Magicks. While Miranda would gladly stay in her comfortable home in Denver, her duties call her out often; usually with frightening results. None more than her current assignment as mother and mentor to an eight-year-old child sorceress, Bryn. While in her keeping, the girl falls into an unnatural coma induced by enemies unknown; a list of infinite horrors waiting to be revisited. Forced to hide away in the sanctuary of Dalriada Castle, Miranda must untangle the clues and spells before harm befalls everyone she loves. With only seven days to solve the mystery of Bryn's illness and stop the threat, Miranda and her allies race to find the truth. Once again, the world of magick stands on the brink and she must stare down her own fears and face the apocalypse. Old hatreds and resentments must be put aside and new friends step to the front to help save the girl before her fate, and theirs, is forever lost.

My Review:

This book was very captivating. It's the story of Miranda Tate who has been living life for a very long time. She is the daughter of The Lady of the Lake and Merlin the Alchemist, her half brother is Tristan who's more known for his music and poetry then fighting wars. The story is told from various viewpoints. Mac a local detective trying to determine who Miranda really is. Samuel who is a local reporter who came across Miranda in 1997, and lost his chance with her. Miranda herself as she is dealing with the current battle at hand. Kadar who is bent on makingMiranda pay for past sins. Tessa who seems to be out for herself more than anyone else. Tessa has given birth to a baby named Bryn and then abandoned the young child, and now that she is coming into her powers has decided she wants her back. The council has decided that temporary custody would be best suited with the Queen of Argyll Miranda. Miranda knows nothing of child rearing. And while the child slips into a coma type sleep at the hands of Kadar. Miranda is stuck going into her memories of the best to figure out who would harm the child. You also learn alot about Miranda's husband Walwyn, a dragon Prince who met Miranda when she was a young woman. He was also best friends with her brother Tristan. This book was very interesting to say the least the way time bounced around. I could also see a romance blooming between Miranda and Mac. I can't wait to read the next book Miranda, Queen of Argyll Unlikely Saints. I rate this book a 5 cup book.

I was given this book by the author via NetGalley for a honest and fair review.

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The Iron Queen by: Julie Kagawa Review

Description via Goodreads:

My name is Meghan Chase.

I thought it was over. That my time with the fey, the impossible choices I had to make, the sacrifices of those I loved, was behind me. But a storm is approaching, an army of Iron fey that will drag me back, kicking and screaming. Drag me away from the banished prince who's sworn to stand by my side. Drag me into the core of conflict so powerful, I'm not sure anyone can survive it.

This time, there will be no turning back.

My Review:

Ash, Meghan and Puck join up again to eliminate the Iron King, by this point Meghan is finding herself more attached to Iron then the other books. Meghan is also having more control issues with Summer against Iron magic. I enjoy this series and really love the characters the Ice Prince, and the ever lovable Puck who does anything for a laugh. I can only imagine how the Iron Knight will play out. As Ash seems on a mission and how it will turn out is anyone guess. I also find when I'm reading these books I can just breeze right through them. Definitely worth the read. I could see introducing this series to my kids when they are teenagers. I think they would enjoy this series. I rate this book a 5 cup book, I have loved all these books. Never a disappointment.

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Lumby's Bounty by: Gail Fraser Review

Description via Goodreads:

Tucked into the foothills of the Rockies lies the charming village of Lumby, where quirky but tolerant townsfolk usually make the best of any situation. Not a week goes by without some humorous mayhem occurring under the watchful eyes of the mayor, sheriff, and, of course, the town mascot, Hank, a pink flamingo who thinks he's a bald eagle...

How Lumby has come to host a hot air balloon festival is a long story, but the town's residents are jumping right into preparations. But in the Lumby tradition, it won't all be blue skies and smooth sailing...
My Review:

When Brian Beezer decides to enter Lumby into a Balloon festival while his heart is in the right place, he know next to nothing about the details. The Mayor decides instead of trying to back out and going broke in the process the best thing to do is to learn about balloon flying and make their own balloon. The monks at the Abbey are being over run with seekers, who aren't necessarily seeking anything other than free meals and lodging. The towns folk learn to lean on each other and utilize skills they each have. Brian shows the Monks how they can get rid of drifters than are using the Monks. Brian also learns about his great uncle Brother Benjamin and what happened to him way back when. Definitely solved some issues laying in Brian's mind. Another great book!

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Stealing Lumby by: Gail Fraser Review

Description via Goodreads:


Just a dot on the map of the northwest, Lumby looms big in the hearts of its residents. The townsfolk consider each other family as well as friends. And though the annual cow race can bring out the competitiveness in people, when times get tough, there is no better person to turn to than your nearest neighbor.

Lumby is thrown into the spotlight when one of the most important paintings of the twentieth century, The Barns of Lumby, is stolen. Town matriarch Charlotte Ross has a very personal connection to the painting-and to the artist, Dana Porter. And as a media frenzy descends on the little town, one of the actual barns disappears overnight from the rural landscape-and pieces of it begin showing up in the strangest places.

My Review:

I enjoyed venturing back to Lumby with all the great characters. especially the beloved Hank the Flamingo. Of course there were sad parts to this book, but the humor was overwhelming. I am always amazed and how Gail is able to write from various viewpoints like the Monks at the Abbey, the two trouble maker teens etc. A book I would definitely read again if I needed a good laugh.

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The Secret Hour by: Luanne Rice Review

The Secret Hour is by Luanne Rice Description via book jacket:

Beneath his careful and controlled demeanor, attorney John O'Rourke is a man whose life is in turmoil. Since the death of his wife, he has been juggling the rigors of a controversial capital murder case and the demands of raising two children. Eleven year old Maggie's crooked bangs and rumpled clothes eloquently reproach John's earnest but haphazard attempts at mothering. Teddy, John's stalwart fourteen year old has quietly assumed responsibilities far too weighty for his young shoulders, as he longs for the way things used to be and tries to ignore the hostility that has swirled around his family since his father took on the defense of a killer whose crimes have rocked Connecticut.

A brick through the window one autumn morning signals a dangerous new level of hatred. But a quieter event also takes place that day. A woman arrives on the O'Rourke doorstep to find a household on the brink of chaos but brimming with love--and, she hopes, answers. Kate Harris is searching for the key to her own mystery. Six months ago her younger sister fled far from their beloved home following a devastating confrontation. After mailing a single postcard from the New England shore, Willa Harris vanished. With only a postmark to go on, Kate takes a leave of absence from her job as a marine biologist to come to the seaside Willa adored--and discovers the one man who may be able to help her.

My Review:
What a great story. When John takes on the case of a murder on death row, he doesn't gain many friends in his community that he has known since childhood. John has lots of time separating his work from home life. When Kate walks in, you can feel the attraction the two have. Her story is just as sad as his. And the web of conspiracy all around them insane. Meanwhile with all that going on they are able to rescue a kidnapped woman, and bring the guilty to justice. A great book taking place in a small CT town. People are very similar to what you would see in small town living.

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Practical Magic by: Alice Hoffman Review

The bestselling author of Second Nature, Illumination Night and Turtle Moon now offers her most fascinating and tantalizingly accomplished novel yet -- a winning tale that amply confirms Alice Hoffman's reputation not only as a genius of the vivid scene and unforgettable character but as one of America's most captivating storytellers.

When the beautiful and precocious sisters Sally and Gillian Owens are orphaned at a young age, they are taken to a small Massachusetts town to be raised by their eccentric aunts, who happen to dwell in the darkest, eeriest house in town. As they become more aware of their aunts' mysterious and sometimes frightening powers -- and as their own powers begin to surface -- the sisters grow determined to escape their strange upbringing by blending into "normal" society.

But both find that they cannot elude their magic-filled past. And when trouble strikes -- in the form of a menacing backyard ghost -- the sisters must not only reunite three generations of Owens women but embrace their magic as a gift -- and their key to a future of love and passion. Funny, haunting, and shamelessly romantic, Practical Magic is bewitching entertainment -- Alice Hoffman at her spectacular best.

My Review:

This book was great filled with more than the movie had. You can actually see the bickering that the Owen's sisters had through the book and how everything wasn't always easy for them. How they ran from the aunts and what they taught them. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Definitely made me appreciate the movie more. One that could be read again. Filled with humor, adventure, mishaps and love. A great story for anyone looking for fiction, magic and love intertwined. A 5 cup book.

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Train of Consequences by: Tom Jarvis Review

Back of the Book Description:

It is early 1991, and Shelton Cole has just turned thirteen. Barely surviving the aftermath of a car accident that has killed not only his brother but also his parents marriage, Shelton is thrilled when he becomes instant chums with Richie Kemp, a transplant from New York who has moved to New Hampshire with his mother to escape the stigma of his father's imprisonment. But after Richie's mother marries a man who revels in abusing Richie, the two troubled teenagers decide to embark on a journey that will change their lives forever.

My Review:

This book was sent to me via the author for a honest and fair review. And all I can say is wow, what a great ride to go on. While the bad experience the boys face and right in your face, the journey they take was great to say the least. They were there when the other needed someone to help make things better. When Richie can't take it anymore he flees with Shelton with him. They go through some pretty intense situations, the writing used in this story was great. Telling the story of two boys coming to grip with life. Shelton takes us on a great journey through what happened to them. Definitely a book I could read again and again. I can't wait to see what the author will write next. Definitely a 5 cup book.

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For the Heart of Phillip Trailer

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Letters From Home by: Kristina McMorris Review

Description via Goodreads:

Chicago, 1944. Liz Stephens has little interest in attending a USO club dance with her friends Betty and Julia. She doesn't need a flirtation with a lonely serviceman when she's set to marry her childhood sweetheart. Yet something happens the moment Liz glimpses Morgan McClain. They share only a brief exchange--cut short by the soldier's evident interest in Betty--but Liz can't forget him. Thus, when Betty asks her to ghostwrite a letter to Morgan, stationed overseas, Liz reluctantly agrees.

Thousands of miles away, Morgan struggles to adjust to the brutality of war. His letters from "Betty" are a comfort, their soul-baring correspondence a revelation to them both. While Liz is torn by her feelings for a man who doesn't know her true identity, Betty and Julia each become immersed in their own romantic entanglements. And as the war draws to a close, all three will face heart-wrenching choices, painful losses, and the bittersweet joy of new beginnings.

Beautifully rendered and deeply moving, Letters from Home is a story of hope and connection, of sacrifices made in love and war--and the chance encounters that change us forever.

Kristina McMorris is an award-winning author and graduate of Pepperdine University. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two sons. Letters from Home is her first novel.

My Review: 

This book was a great smooth read, you felt yourself being dragged into the trenches with the characters. I felt like I was along side Morgan and what he was facing in the war zone. Also felt like I was right along side Liz and her choices she was making. This is a great fresh read into our history. Really showed how the war affected so many and how women survived with so much turmoil.

Definitely will be looking for more books by this author she has really hit on something great and wonderful. Her ability at story telling was amazing. I was actually surprised how engrossed in this story I got so quickly. Which is something most books are lacking. Most of them have dead areas, and this story didn't I was captivated wanting to see how it played out.

It definitely showed how the War grew young adults up in a rather quick motion. And how what we plan isn't always what transpires things happen, choices are made and not the ones we plan. I can only imagine her parents love story was as great as Liz and Morgan's. Kristina McMorris has definitely turned me onto reading this period type work. As generally I surpass it as too much blood shed and horror, but she has given it a romantic spin, of how kids were and how they dealt with life challenges.

I rate this book as 5 stars as never has a novel grabbed me like this one. It grabbed me sucked me in, held my emotions and gave me tons of insight. I will be checking out any and all work by this Author. Way to go your story rocks. I couldn't even put it into words how great it was!

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The Night Season by: Chelsea Cain Review

Description via FSB Media:

With the Beauty Killer Gretchen Lowell locked away behind bars once again, Archie Sheridan -- a Portland police detective and nearly one of her victims -- can finally rest a little easier. Meanwhile, the city of Portland is in crisis. Heavy rains have flooded the Willamette River, and several people have drowned in the quickly rising waters. Or at least that's what they thought until the medical examiner discovers that the latest victim didn't drown: She was poisoned before she went into the water. Soon after, three of those drownings are also proven to be murders. Portland has a new serial killer on its hands, and Archie and his task force have a new case.

Reporter Susan Ward is chasing this story of a new serial killer with gusto, but she's also got another lead to follow for an entirely separate mystery: The flooding has unearthed a skeleton, a man who might have died more than sixty years ago, the last time Portland flooded this badly, when the river washed away an entire neighborhood and killed at least fifteen people.

With Archie following the bizarre trail of evidence and evil deeds to catch a killer and possibly regain his life, and Susan Ward close behind, Chelsea Cain -- one of today's most talented suspense writers -- launches the next installment of her bestselling series with an electric thriller.

My Review:

This book was sent to me via FSB Media for a honest and fair review. This book definitely had you really hating the rain that kept falling as the bodies are piling up and you find yourself wanting to find this killer to give them a dose of reality. You find yourself bouncing between the detective and reporter. The only references to Beauty Killer Gretchen Lowell are memories Archie has from his time being tortured by her. Susan Ward has a close relationship with the cops in this local town, spending more time there then at her job. You also see the damage that can be brought on by a serial killer like Gretchen Lowell how she screwed up Archie's head. Definitely a great series, lots of action and thriller appeal. I will be looking for more by Ms. Cain her style of writing is great and easy flowing chapters.

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Final Vector by: Allan Leverone

Description from Medallion Press Inc. Site:

Atlas flight #317 is in trouble and needs to land immediately. Air traffic controller Nick Jensen is working the Final Vector position at Boston’s Logan International Airport and must bring the plane in safely—but that’s not his only problem.

Unbeknownst to Nick, his wife, a Pentagon auditor, has just discovered potentially treasonous material on a fellow employee’s computer. On her way home to Nick, she is followed . . . by an assassin.

During another midnight shift, while returning to the Ops Room from a break, Nick sees three heavily armed men dressed head to toe in black fatigues patrolling the corridors of the supposedly secure FAA facility.

Meanwhile, the president of the United States is on his way to Logan’s International Airport.

To rescue a friend and dismantle the terrorists’ assassination plot, Nick must risk everything.

The clock is ticking as Air Force One approaches its Final Vector.

My Review:

This book was sent to me via Pump Up Your Books for an honest and fair review. This book was a great read it reminded me of the Die Hard Movies. You have Nick who is working as a Air Traffic Controller, after having suffered some loss he goes back to work to get into something while mourning his wife. When one night all hell breaks loose and Nick finds the strength to fight the terrorists. It definitely had me on the edge of my seat wondering how the terrorists would be defeated. I will definitely be looking for more books by this author. His story telling was terrific, there was action, mystery, adventure. And the start of an interesting romance in the book. It was a great break from your typical mystery book. This book had you rooting for Nick the whole time. I rate this book 5 cups, and a must have for anyone looking for a great page turner with mystery and mayhem.

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It's Monday what are you reading? #13

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 Last Week:

Lumby’s Bounty by: Gail Fraser
The Iron Queen by: Julie Kagawa

Currently Reading:

Letters from Home by: Kristina McMorris
Final Vector by: Allan Leverone

Up Next:

I am thinking of reading The Postmistress by Sarah Blake
and The White Queen by Philippa Gregory

What are you reading this week?

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Calling All Readers

I am reading a book based on WWII and am interested in checking out more period pieces from both WWI and WWII and wondering if anyone has any suggestion. Like Romance, genre. Haven't read too many yet but am looking to broaden my horizons with these type of books. I like the USO and the dances that are described in the book I am reading. Thanks for any and all assistance.  Usually I do other genre's more heavily but after coming across Letters From Home by Kristina McMorris I am more interested in checking out WWI and WWII themed fiction books.  Not that the war thrills me, it's the stories of love and relationships.

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Buying Book Ban

This was brought up by Lady Violet and I feel the need to jump in on this one, as the cost of e-books and regular physical books can easily add up to $100. before you know it.  While I have authors I still love I have so many in my tbr pile it's ridiculous.  So I am going to try not to spend any money in February in the hopes that I can read books I have like oh The Hunger Games still, I know I'm bad but new books always pop up.  So we shall see what February brings.

Why am I taking this break you ask?

Simple enough I've got 4 kids, hellish winter weather and can't see having ups showing up in 27 1/2 inches of snow  and  ice and other icky weather to break their neck to send me the next greatest read.  So any recommendations will be considered in the spring when I hope the weather vacates.  

Anyone interested here's my question...What would cause you to take a book buying ban or book buying break?  Does the money influence it or is it something else?  Feel free to comment below.

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Bouncing Around The Blogs #8

Bounce Around The Blogs

Bouncing Around The Blogs is something I am creating for another Blog Hop. While most of them are really huge I'm hoping to make this one hop to just as much so feel free to check it out and sign in with the mister linky.
The rules are simple and fun for all:

1. Sign up with linky.
2. Check out other blogs.
3. Friending others is not a requirement it is to your discretion of course, which ever blogs you happen across take them time to comment that you stopped through.

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New Kindle Books #1

While it is snowing like no tomorrow outside I am spending my time adding to my kindle collection. So I thought I'd share with everyone the books I got:

Need by: Carrie Jones

Kindle Format

Zara White suspects there's a freaky guy semi-stalking her. She's also obsessed with phobias. And it's true, she hasn't exactly been herself since her stepfather died. But exiling her to shivery Maine to live with her grandmother? That seems a bit extreme. The move is supposed to help her stay sane...but Zara's pretty sure her mom just can't deal with her right now.

She couldn't be more wrong. Turns out the semi-stalker is not a figment of Zara's overactive imagination. In fact, he's still following her, leaving behind an eerie trail of gold dust. There's something not right - not human - in this sleepy Maine town, and all signs point to Zara.

In this creepy, compelling breakout novel, Carrie Jones delivers romance, suspense, and a creature you never thought you'd have to fear.

Her Last Letter by: Nancy C. Johnson

Kindle Format

In the Colorado mountain town of Glenwood Springs, not far from Aspen, artist/photographer Gwyn Sanders discovers a cryptic letter her sister Kelly left behind. The victim of a deadly hit and run, Kelly reveals she was sexually involved with her sister's boyfriend and is scared for her life. Both Gwyn and her remaining sister Linda have since married their boyfriends, so either could be guilty of murder. The sisters received a large inheritance before meeting these men, and know little of either man's background. Worse, both Gwyn and Linda love their husbands deeply, but steps must be taken to find the truth. And the truth is complicated. Is it one of the two men, or another previous lover? Or none of them? Danger abounds and everyone is a suspect as Gwyn tries with the help of a gifted private detective to track a killer

My Sister's Keeper by: Bill Benners

Kindle Format

Somebody is snatching the little girls of Wilmington, North Carolina, videotaping their rape, then tossing them in the Cape Fear River to drown. But when Richard Baimbridge's sister Martha is brutally attacked and left in a wheelchair while investigating these rapes for a newspaper, Richard rushes back to his coastal hometown to assist with her recovery only to be drawn by her into the dark underside of this quiet coastal community where he comes face to face with his tormented past and a dark family secret. My Sister's Keeper is a riveting suspense thriller that not only explores the special bond between a brother and a sister, but holds you in spellbinding suspense as it carries Richard through romance, action, and overwhelming terror. Come along if you dare.

When Justice Steps Out by: Cooper Sterling

Kindle Format

A Vigilante steps in when justice steps out…
There’s a serial killer loose in Cranberry County – trouble is, no one seems to care.
As the number of murdered pedophiles grows, single mother Detective Molly O’Brien is secretly pleased - but her partner Jake, follows the letter of the law, and is ruthless in his pursuit to find the vigilante. Enter FBI agent Luke Foreman who carries his own secrets, a bumbling detective who is compromising crime scenes, a hyperactive Chippendale Dancer who happens to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and worries he’s a suspect, and a gun found by Molly in her best friends closet that matches the one used in the crimes.
**This book does not contain explicit violence and if it were turned into a movie, it would probably garner a PG rating.
Not as serious as a Grisham novel – nor as humorous as Janet Evanovich – it is somewhere in between.
Proceeds of this book will be donated to organizations that help children who have been the victims of violent crimes.

Thirteen Diamonds by: Alan Cook

Kindle Format

Lillian Morgan is bored with life in a retirement community, but she gets more excitement than she hoped for when a fellow resident drops dead at the bridge table--while holding a perfect hand of thirteen diamonds. Intrigued by the astronomical odds against this happening, she uses her mathematical background plus assistance from her beautiful granddaughter and friends to prove that a murder was committed--but not everybody wants her to find the murderer.

Catch a Falling Knife by: Alan Cook 

Kindle Format

When her granddaughter’s boyfriend, Mark, is accused of sexual harassment soon after starting a teaching job at a small college, Lillian Morgan tries to help him and finds that the "harassment policy from hell "could end his career. Then a student is murdered and Mark becomes the chief suspect. While attempting to clear Mark, Lillian forms an unlikely alliance with the owner of a strip club and finds that life on campus isn’t what it used to be.

Deadly Gamble by: Connie Shelton

Kindle Format

Charlie doesn't want to be an investigator. She's simply the accountant for her brother's private investigation firm. When it turns out that Charlie's best friend Stacy has been seeing a man besides her boyfriend, and that man is found murdered, things really heat up. Stacy is accused of the murder, and Charlie feels she must try to find the real killer.

Coffee Clutch by: Marshall Thorton

Kindle Format

In the first Jan Birch mystery, a sixties homemaker maintains a tight circle of friends in her Upstate New York suburban neighborhood. When the divorcée down the street is murdered, the women attribute her death to a hobo they’d seen months before. Quickly, though, Jan begins to suspect that the hobo had left the neighborhood long before and the murderer may be one of her dear friends.




Identity Crisis by: Debbi Mack 
Kindle Format

A simple domestic abuse case turns deadly when the alleged abuser is killed and Stephanie Ann “Sam” McRae’s client disappears. When a friend asks Sam to find Melanie Hayes, the Maryland attorney is drawn into a complex case of murder and identity theft that has her running from the Mob, breaking into a strip club and forming a shaky alliance with an offbeat private investigator to discover the truth about Melanie and her ex-boyfriend.

With her career and life on the line, Sam’s search takes her from the blue-collar Baltimore suburbs to the mansions of Gibson Island. Along the way, she learns that false identities can hide dark secrets, and those secrets can destroy lives.


The Obituary Murders by: E.N.J. Crockett
Kindle Format


Former police officer, turned actor, is blamed for murder of famous teaching coach, and goes on the run to solve case.


Final Passage by: Timothy Frost
Kindle Format


When Martin Lancaster was eighteen, his father was mysteriously lost at sea during a yacht race. Years later Martin discovers long-lost logbooks in his mother's attic and vows to find out the truth. But he meets implacable resistance from family, business colleagues and officials, who seem prepared to stop at nothing to prevent him discovering what really happened all those years ago.


The Abigail Affair by: Timothy Frost
Kindle Format


Toby Robinson is 22 and broke. He lands a job as junior steward on a Russian oligarch's yacht in the Caribbean and feels his luck is about to change. It is, but not in the way Toby hoped. On his first night aboard he is framed for a brutal murder. Armed only with a winning smile and a flair for mixing cocktails, can Toby clear his name, stay alive " and foil a sinister international conspiracy?

Live Free or Die by: Jessie Crockett
Kindle Format

Life in tiny Winslow Falls, New Hampshire, is pretty darned good-until an arsonist decides to ruin everyone's Christmas. The way volunteer fire chief and local postmistress Gwen Fifield sees it, her life in rural New Hampshire is as good as it can be. Sure, she's gained twenty pounds, and her property taxes have skyrocketed, but her basement didn't flood this year, and the general store started delivering pizza. All things considered, Gwen's got no complaints ... that is, until she finds a body sizzled like a sausage in the smoldering remains of the Winslow Falls museum. When an artifact is traced to an immigrant family, most local residents are quick to blame the outsiders. But clues from the past convince Gwen that the town she's always trusted is harboring a home-grown murderer.


What made these great finds is none of these books alone cost 5.00 they were all under.  Which I thought was great in itself.

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City of Ashes by: Cassandra Clare Review

As readers of series starter City of Bones already know, teenager Clary Fray is a Shadowhunter, a demon slayer who has the gift of spotting Downworlder werewolves, vampires, and faeries. She is also an adolescent in an abnormally dysfunctional family: Her mom is in a magically induced coma and her father is probably insane and undoubtedly evil. All of which places Clary in situations that would challenge even the most talented average American girl.

My Review: 

I love the Mortal Instruments and my enjoyment gets better with each book.  In the sequel to City of Bones we learn more about Valentine and his plan for domination.  We also learn more about all of the characters and the good and bad and which side people lay on.  I thoroughly enjoy this series and am never disappointed with them.  Cassandra Clare's writing just seems to get better each time I read something of hers.  Definitely a book I couldn't put down I read it while I was in the hospital.  I actually called my boyfriend to have him bring it to me to continue reading while I was laid up.  A 5 cup book as I couldn't put it down.  Can't wait to read City of Glass.

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The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan Review

Percy Jackson is about to be kicked out of boarding school...again. And that's the least of his troubles. Lately, mythological monsters and the gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy's Greek mythology textbook and into his life. And worse, he's angered a few of them. Zeus's master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect.

Now Percy and his friends have just ten days to find and return Zeus's stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief: he must come to terms with the father who abandoned him; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves.

My Review: 

I enjoyed this book with Percy being a guy in a major role as opposed to girls being in the major butt kicking roles.  I think the author hit on a  series not being done with Greek Mythology being used like this.  I enjoyed reading about the rivalry between Zeus, Hades and Poseidon.  I am eager to see how this series progresses.  I rate this book a 5 cup book and can't wait to read more.

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Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard Book Review

Everyone has something to hide—especially high school juniors Spencer, Aria, Emily, and Hanna.

Spencer covets her sister's boyfriend. Aria's fantasizing about her English teacher. Emily's crushing on the new girl at school. Hanna uses some ugly tricks to stay beautiful.

But they've all kept an even bigger secret since their friend Alison vanished.

How do I know? Because I know everything about the bad girls they were, the naughty girls they are, and all the dirty secrets they've kept. And guess what? I'm telling.

My Review: 

This book was great.  I really enjoyed the torment caused by A to the girls and it shows how deadly secrets can be.  I can most attach myself to Aria.  I'm far from the overachiever that Spencer Hastings is or the it girl that Hanna is.  I thought this book was great, as they got to find out what happened to Alison a year ago.  While it didn't tell you who did it, it did sink it's claws into you begging you for more.  Atleast that is what it did for me.  I was so hooked once I started it I couldn't stop.  And now I'm dying to figure out who killed Alison and who A really is.  My inital hooking off this began while I was in the hospital with nothing to do but watch tv and saw some of the marathon on ABC Family last Monday when I got home I picked up my copy of PLL and began reading, and didn't stop until it was over.  I rate this book a 5 cup book.  I found myself craving more of Rosewood and the girls.  On to Flawless.

Synopsis via Goodreads

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New World Order Type Books

Now I know authors are branching out and doing the New World Order type books. Matched is a good example so isn't The Hunger Games. My question is, is that the era we are walking into where these books are what sells?  I still look for a good story line, whether it be action, romance or otherwise.  But I am wondering if the reason they do so well is the whole Society tells you what to do, so it seems simpler, or is it something more?  I generally vere away from books that are political as I hate when the two cross paths I think it takes away from a book if it's too political.  So what are your thoughts on this?  

Trying to branch out and not do just reviews but opinions on things as well.

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It's Monday what are you reading? #12

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:
Awakened by: P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast
Pretty Little Liars by: Sara Shepard
City of Ashes by: Cassandra Clare

Currently Reading:
Rotten to the Core by: Sheila Connolly
Flawless by: Sara Shepard
Matched by: Ally Condie
Stealing Lumby by: Gail Fraser

Up Next:
City of Glass by: Cassandra Clare
The Secret Hour by: Luanne Rice
The Hunger Games by: Suzanne Collins (this one keeps winding up on a tbr pile)
Witch and Wizard: The Gift by: James Patterson

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Awakened by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast Review

Awakened picks up where Burned ended.  Zoey has returned from the otherworld as has Stark, her Warrior/Guardian, along with them is Kalona, who finds his world turned upside down by Neferet.  Neferet has decided to make Kalona her slave so to speak.  Zoey and Stark are very much changed by the Otherwold experience.  And Stevie Rae is dealing with the Raven Mocker she saved.  While evil things are still a foot lines are drawn at the Tulsa House of Night.  How much can the house suffer.

My Review: 

This book was great in many ways and in some ways I feel Neferet's evil is being drawn out.  I have a feeling the Casts won't get rid of Neferet until the last book.  Which does have me still eager for the next story.  I'm hoping for some resolve and a break for the fledglings.  How much can they indure?  Zoey has already shown she needs a break.  I think what happened in the Otherworld was a precursor to how much the 'nerd herd' has suffered.  And for some reason I want to shout at the adult Vampyre's for not listening to the children.  They seem to have a big clue as to what is happening.  For once I was happy to see Zoey wasn't attached to so many men, just one.  It's nice for her to some what settle into a relationship instead of mass juggling.  I rate this a four cup book as I'm sick of Neferet and the fact she isn't getting dealt with and banished. 

If you read this book what did you think?

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Passion Cover Release

The cover for the newest book by Lauren Kate, which will be Passion was released this week!  Such a beautiful cover work.  What do you think of the cover?

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Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare Book Review

Clockwork Angel Description off Goodreads:
Magic is dangerous--but love is more dangerous still.

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life

at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

What a great book, I enjoyed this book. For me it took a bit to take off first you find yourself dealing with the Dark Sisters wondering if Tessa will be able to break free of them and their reign on her. Then you find yourself meeting the different characters at the London Institute. The hardest part I had was remembering that this isn't the Mortal Instruments. While I noticed a few age period eras. One was while Nate is recovering and Jessamine Lovelace is sitting with him. She talks to Nate after hearing that talking to people in comas which is good for them. I don't think this was discovered for many years to come. But otherwise it was a great book and story and personally I'm torn between which leading man I would see Tessa with they both have great personality's. Definitely a 4 cup book. My problems with it lay with the speed in which the story progesses rather slowly. Seemed to take forever for the story to pick up and once it did you find yourself at the end. Go Figure :)

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