Charles Dickens was a big cat-lover

Famous for saying, "What greater gift than the love of a cat?" Charles Dickens has proven in more ways than one how much he loved cats. His beloved cat Bob, who always sat by him, passed away in 1862. And Dickens got the blade you see in the above pictured made: the handle of the blade is Bob's actual paw. 

At first I was icked when I first saw this. I imagined carrying my cat's paw with me at all times, and I didn't like that idea because that would mean it didn't belong to them anymore. But then I read that during those times it was common for people to commission keepsakes like this in memory of their beloved pets.

What do you think of this trend?

I myself must admit I'm glad it didn't make it to our day.

P.S. You can read the original article here.

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The Fault in Our Stars by: John Green

Title: The Fault in Our Stars
Author: John Green
Publisher: Dutton Books
Pages: 313
Format: Hardcover
Source: Amazon.com

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now. 

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault. 

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

My thoughts:

John Green came highly recommended from a lot of folks, which is how I found out about and decided to check him out. The Fault in Our Stars is his latest book, and the one I saw and read many things about, so I decided to start my John Green journey with it. When I was done with the book, my first thought was, "Thank goodness there is a YA author like this exists in the world!" Even though I've only read two books of his by now (after this one, I also finished his first novel, Looking for Alaska), I can confidently say that I love John Green. 

None of us strangers to stories where children come face-to-face with death due to illness. And most of them are based on real stories. First one that comes to my mind is a Jodi Picoult novel called My Sister's Keeper. Then there are movies like Lorenzo's Oil and Letters to God...

The Fault in Our Stars is different in the way that it doesn't focus on the people around the sick person; it tells the story of the sick instead. It's also different in the way that there isn't one sick person, as there usually is the case, and the rest is healthy people. The Fault in Our Stars is also one of the best love stories I've ever read; funny and sad and powerful all at the same time.

Hazel was diagnosed with thyroid cancer at the age of 13. When she 14, she got better due to a miracle treatment. While reading the book, I've also found myself questioning what words like "good" and "better" really mean. So when I say she got better, I mean further from death than she was before the miracle treatment. She meets Augustus Waters at the cancer support group her mother forces her to attend. They're two individuals who are both very much aware of their situation and where it might lead. They are also teens who haven't given up on living and learning and can make fun of their sickness. The similarities and the differences in how they see the world bring them together. I don't want to give spoilers, so I'm not going to tell you what adventures they set sail to. There's no way my telling you about it can get closer to what a great job John Green has done anyway.

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Some Like it Hot by: K.J. Larsen

Title: Some Like It Hot
Author: K.J. Larsen
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Pages: 250
Series: Cat DeLuca Mystery #3
Format: ebook Arc
Source: NetGalley

Description:

When an old friend buys a trenchcoat and opens his own detective agency, PI Cat DeLuca sees a train wreck. Because everything Billy Bonham knows about being a private dick, he learned from Humphrey Bogart. And that’s just enough to make him dangerous. The bungling detective is way over his head on a case involving murder and a stolen pair of Marilyn Monroe’s dazzling diamond earrings. His outrageous client, Cristina McTigue, is pursued by men who want her dead. Five minutes after meeting the woman, Cat would cheerfully kill her too. 

When Billy is gunned down on the street, it’s up to Cat to save his crazy client and nail a murderer. She soon finds herself dodging bullets, knee-deep in trouble, and chasing diamonds. Before it’s over, she’ll be helped by her sexy FBI boyfriend, a hunky ex-spy, her outrageous Italian family of Chicago cops, and her interfering Mama who keeps the cannoli coming. 

With a cast of zany characters and a pace that’s unrelenting, this laugh-out-loud mystery is best served hot. 

My Thoughts:

 I love reading this series and see what people in Bridgeport are up to.  Cat gets herself into all sorts of trouble in this one.  From a murder of friend of Cat's to Marilyn Monroe's missing earrings.  When Cat tries to find out who killed Santa Claus aka Billy Bonham a friend of hers from way back, the first boy she kissed, the one who told her he was going to marry him when they were kids.

One of Billy's cases is protecting a girl named Cristina McTigue  who is more trouble than she is worth.  With crazy people who want something she has, or they think she has.  Cat has alot to deal with Cristina is a crazy chic unto herself.  Cat has to rely on using her family of cops to help her alot in this case. 

Let alone the release of Devin from his drug treatment who is set on driving Cat insane.  How she deals with it at times is a wonder add in Cleo the gun toting crazy gun chick, it's always a laugh to pick up this series and see how everyone is doing and how many times Cat's mom can go to father Timothy over her daughter's crazy lifestyle.

This is an awesome series something I would compare to Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum.  Definitely the same level of crazy family members.  It is so much fun to read K.J. Larsen's book and the world they have created and I learned abit about the authors as well.  Kudos to the Larsen sisters.

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Best of 2012

Simay and I came up with our best of 2012 so enjoy:

Favorite Book of 2012:

Simay: The Help by: Kathryn Stockett
Paula: I agree as well The Help by: Kathryn Stockett

Favorite Author:

Simay: John Green
Paula: Bethany Griffin

Favorite Mystery Writer of 2012:

Simay: Mark Z. Danielewski
Paula: Gerald Jay

Favorite YA of 2012:

Simay: I have two I can't bear to part with 1. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by: Laini Taylor, 2. The Fault in our Stars by: John Green
Paula: Forbidden by: Syrie James & Ryan M. James

What books/authors are you looking forward to in 2013:

Simay: John Green and AM Homes
Paula: Lauren Oliver, Elizabeth Lynn Casey

What are your best of 2012?  What are you looking forward to reading in 2013?

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My Goals of 2013

I am hoping to get many things accomplished on this blog in 2013.  For one getting my two kids to review more books they keep reading and not reviewing books, but that is life for kids.

Reviews: I am hoping to get more books read this year and reviewed as well.  My tbr pile is insane between physical books and e-books so I'd really like to get a handle on that.

Reading Challenges: Due to lack of keeping up with various reading challenges, I am only doing one reading challenge the Goodreads Reading Challenge I set my goal as 150 and am hoping to accomplish that challenge.

Book Tours: I am hoping to keep up with some book tours but not so many I can't do other things.

Editorial/Articles: I am also hoping to share more of my thoughts on various things book related more than I did in 2012.

What are your goals/aspirations for 2013 feel free to share them!

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Let It Sew by: Elizabeth Lynn Casey

Title: Let It Sew
Author: Elizabeth Lynn Casey
Publisher: Berkley
Pages: 288
Series: A Southern Sewing Circle #7
Format: Nook ebook
Source: Purchase

Description:

Down south, the holidays mean family—and for Yankee librarian Tori Sinclair, family means the Sweet Briar Ladies Society sewing circle. It may not be a white Christmas, but it’s one she’ll never forget—no matter how hard she tries…  

Instead of spending a nice, relaxing Christmas with her fiancé, Tori Sinclair has been drafted into Sweet Briar’s holiday Decorating Committee. And the season has brought sad tidings as well: Charlotte Devereaux, a sewing circle founding member who unraveled after her storybook marriage fell apart, has passed away. Charlotte’s last days were foggy, distressed, and feverish… except for the sketches she produced. One detail in particular jumps out at Tori and leads to a shocking revelation: Charlotte’s husband didn’t leave her—he was murdered! And as she gets closer to the truth, Tori will discover that just about everyone in town has got notches on the naughty list this year.

My Thoughts: 

This is a great series revolving around Tori Sinclair also called Victoria, and her sewing circle sisters.  Tori works at the local library, and gets roped into running a Christmas Decorating Commitee normally hosted by one of the sewing sisters has now gone to the council members new girlfriend who has stripped so much holiday cheer out of her plans.

Meanwhile early on in the book Charlotte Devereaux a original sewing circle member dies after battling Alzheimer's disease, her only passion at the end of her time was drawing pictures.  One of the pictures ends up leading Tori and fellow sewing circle sisters to discover Charlotte's dead husband Parker.  Which creates bigger questions including how a 69 year old woman would bury her dead husband in the yard at the library?

This book is great, warm and cozy it starts at Thanksgiving and leading up to Christmas.  What a great cozy mystery I will definitely read more by this great author!

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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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