The Apprentice by Tess Gerritsen Ballantine Books July 2003 Format: Paperback, 400 pages First line: Today I watched a man die. From the back cover: It is a boiling hot Boston summer. Adding to the city’s woes is a series of shocking crimes in which wealthy men are made to watch while their wives are brutalized – a sadistic demand that ends in death. The pattern suggests one man: serial…
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It’s Monday What Are you Reading , hosted by Sheila, is the perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs. It was such a busy week last week that I didn’t have much time for…
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Tynga of Tynga’s Reviews is starting a new meme to spotlight the books we receive each week. Here’s what I got: For Review: Stake & Eggs by Laura Childs I love Laura Childs’ cozy mysteries and this ARC is part of her Cackleberry Club mystery series. Won: Tres Leches Cupcakes by Josi S. Kilpack This…
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Back Fire by Catherine Coulter Putnam Adult July 2012 Format: Hardcover, 400 pages First line: Judge Ramsey Hunt listened to the lapping water break against the rocks below, a sound that always brought him back into himself and centered him. From the inside cover: San Francisco Judge Ramsey Hunt, longtime friend to FBI agents Lacey Sherlock and Dillon Savich, is presiding over the trial of Clive and Cindy Cahill –…
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Please join Rose City Reader every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author. I’m reading Zoo by James Patterson: Located in Griffith Park, a four-thousand-acre stretch of land featuring two eighteen-hole golf courses,…
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Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah Narrated by Susan Ericksen Brilliance Audio February 2010 Length: 14 hours, 48 minutes From the back of the audio case: Meredith and Nina Whitson are as different as sisters can be. One stayed at home to raise her children and manage the family business; the other followed a dream and traveled the world to become a famous photojournalist. But when their beloved father falls ill,…
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I am pleased to welcome author Sheila Roberts to Always With a Book. Her latest book, Better Than Chocolate, is now available. You can read my review of her book here. Today Sheila is a chocolate recipe from the book – yummy!!! Be sure to enter the giveaway at the end of this post! SHEILA’S LAVENDER-WHITE CHOCOLATE SCONES Makes 8 Ingredients: 2 cups flour 1 Tb. baking powder ¼ tsp.…
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Better Than Chocolate by Sheila Roberts Harlequin MIRA September 2012 Format: Paperback ARC, 400 pages First line: Manage your relationships well and your business will go well. From the back cover: Sweet Dreams Chocolate Company has been in the Sterling family for generations, ever since Great-Grandma Rose literally dreamed up her first fabulous recipe. But now it looks as if they’re about to lose Sweet Dreams to the bank –…
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The King’s Damsel by Kate Emerson Gallery Books August 2012 Format: Paperback ARC, 368 pages First line: Star of Hartlake sensed my troubled spirit. From the back cover: Handmaid. Spy. Mistress. Anxious to secure his own success at the glittering court of Henry VIII, heiress Tamsin Lodge’s ambitious guardian obtains her a position as maid of honor to young Princess Mary Tudor. Tamsin soon comes to love the neglected child,…
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Here are my reading stats for September! Books read: 14 Books I read (reviewed ones have * and link to review; books not yet reviewed will be linked up once review is posted.) The King’s Damsel— Kate Emerson The Good Woman*– Jane Porter Last to Die*– Tess Gerritsen Sheltering Hearts* — Robyn Carr Winter Garden — Kristin Hannah (audio) Attorney-Client Privileges* — Pamela Samuels Young Back Fire — Catherine Coulter…
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It’s Monday What Are you Reading , hosted by Sheila, isthe perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs. I can’t believe it’s October already…this year is certainly flying by! I wasn’t around last weekend…
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Another Bloggiesta has come to an end…I’m bummed, but feeling pretty good. I got a ton done and I always end up finishing these events feeling not only super productive, but also energized about blogging! I want to say a big THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to Suey at It’s All About Books and Danielle at There’s a Book for hosting this. I ended up accomplishing most of…
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Sheltering Hearts by Robyn Carr Harlequin May 2010 Format: e-book (free) First line: As Dory Finn pulled her twelve-year-old Pathfinder up the drive to her little house in the country, she noticed the engine was skipping, and something was making a very ugly noise. Synopsis by B&N: New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr takes readers back to her beloved Virgin River country in this heartwarming tribute to Rhonda Clemons,…
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Day 2 of Bloggiesta, being hosted by Suey at It’s All About Books and Danielle at There’s a Book, has come to an end and now we are on to day 3. Another productive day!!! I spent quite a lot of time updating my Review Archive that I had created last Bloggiesta and then never touched again until now – what a pain that is to update it! Today…
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Raising Wild Ginger by Tara Woolpy Bats in the Boathouse Press July 2012 Format: e-book ARC, 217 pages First line: For our anniversary, Sam and I trekked in to the site of our first kiss. Synopsis from Goodreads: Parenting is hard. That’s what Edward Rosenberg has always assumed, although his only experience with children has been as the drunken uncle. Now the love of his life, Sam DaCosta, is yearning…
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Day 1 of Bloggiesta,being hosted by Suey atIt’s All About Booksand Danielle atThere’s a Book, has come to an end and now we are on to day 2. I got quite a bit done yesterday despite having to run out to the mall on an emergency shopping trip for a cocktail dress for my awards ceremony next week – the dress I had been planning on wearing didn’t fit…
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The Good Woman by Jane Porter Berkley Trade September 2012 Format: Paperback ARC, 368 pages First line: He was good. From the back cover: The firstborn of a large Irish-American family, Meg Brennan Roberts is a successful publicist, faithful wife, and doting mother who prides herself on always making the right decisions. But years of being “the good woman” have taken a toll and though her winery career thrives, Meg…
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This weekend I will be participating in my fourth Bloggiesta! This is a great weekend blogging marathon being hosted by Suey at It’s All About Books and Danielle at There’s a Book. The premise of the bloggiesta, for those that haven’t participated before, is to spend the entire weekend working, updating, improving your blog. From minor things such as writing up posts, to reaching out for guests posts and…
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Last to Die by Tess Gerritsen Ballantine Books August 2012 Format: Hardcover; 352 pages First line: We called him Icarus. From the inside cover: For the second time in his short life, Teddy Clock has survived a massacre. Two years ago, he barely escaped when his entire family was slaughtered. Now, at fourteen, in a hideous echo of the past, Teddy is the lone survivor of his foster family’s mass…
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Katrina over at Callapidder Days is hosting the Fall Into Reading Challenge. The challenge is to pick books you would like to read this fall and then keep a record of how you do. The challenge runs from September 22 to December 21. If you’d like to join, head over here to Callapidder Days! Here’s my list as of now: Zoo by James Patterson Bella Fortuna by Rosanna Chiofalo Sleep…
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At the King’s Pleasure by Kate Emerson Gallery Books January 2012 Format: Paperback, 351 pages First line: “This latest news from the court pleases me,” said Edward Stafford, third Duke of Buckingham, “but my brother’s continued confinement in the Tower of London is worrisome.” From the back cover: Married to one man. Desiring another. Beautiful Lady Anne Stafford, lady-in- waiting to Queen Catherine of Aragon, is torn between her love…
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A Stitch in Crime by Betty Hechtman Berkley February 2010 Format: Paperback, 304 pages First line: “Molly, please try to get through the weekend without any dead bodies,” Mrs. Shedd said, pushing the rhinestone-encrusted clipboard across her desk to me. From the back cover: Molly Pink and her crochet group friends are packing up for a creative weekend away. But with danger following them, trying to solve the latest mystery…
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It’s Monday What Are you Reading , hosted by Sheila, isthe perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs. Fall is definitely in the air and I am loving it!!! I spent some time this…
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Tynga of Tynga’s Reviews is starting a new meme to spotlight the books we receive each week. Here’s what I got: From the library: Summer House (audio) by Nancy Thayer This finally became available for download and I can’t wait to listen to it…I really enjoy Nancy Thayer’s books. Four to Score by Janet Evanovich I’m up…
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The Inn at Rose Harbor by Debbie Macomber Ballantine Books August 2012 Format: Hardcover, 330 pages First line: Last night I dreamed of Paul. From the inside cover: From #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber comes a heartwarming new series based in the Pacific Northwest town of Cedar Cove, where a charming cast of characters finds love, forgiveness, and renewal behind the doors of the cozy Rose Harbor…
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Moonlight Road by Robyn Carr Mira Books March 2010 Format: Paperback, 409 pages First line: In the two weeks Aiden Riordan has been in Virgin River, he’d hiked over a hundred miles and grown himself a pretty hefty dark red beard. From the back cover: With her beloved younger siblings settled and happy, Erin Foley has empty nest syndrome. At age thirty-five. So she’s hitting the pause button on her…
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Attorney-Client Privilege by Pamela Samuels Young Goldman House Publishing June 2012 Format: Paperback, 396 pages First line: “Girlfriend, you need to relax.” From the back cover: A brutal murder, missing documents and an unscrupulous opposing counsel lead attorney Vernetta Henderson on a quest for justice – and ultimately – revenge. Vernetta goes after a corporation with a long history of discriminating against women. While Vernetta simply wants justice for her…
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YAY…it’s back!!! Bloggiesta will once again be upon us – mark you calendars for September 28 – 30. It’s now hosted by Suey at It’s All About Books and Danielle at There’s a Book. My blogging “to do” list is quite long and I keep putting it off! Not sure what Bloggiesta is? Here’s the run down: “Bloggiesta is a three day event where participants will spend as much time as they…
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It’s Monday What Are you Reading , hosted by Sheila, isthe perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs. It’s looking to be a busy upcoming week, so I’m not sure how much blogging I…
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Tynga of Tynga’s Reviews is starting a new meme to spotlight the books we receive each week. Here’s what I got: For Review: Love Anthony (audio) by Lisa Genova This is the Lisa Genova’s newest book and I was thrilled to be given the opportunity to review the audio version which is narrated by Deborah Messing. I’m looking forward to listening to this one soon! …
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Split Second by Catherine Coulter G.P. Putnam Sons July 2011 Format: Hardcover, 419 pages First line: Nonfat milk, Fritos, and bananas, Savich repeated to himself as he pulled into the parking lot of Mr. Patil’s Shop ‘n Go. From the inside cover: The number-one New York Times-bestselling author returns with another pulse-pounding thriller featuring FBI agents Dillon Savich and Lacey Sherlock, and introducing Speical Agents Lucy Carlyle and Cooper McKnight. A…
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A Hundred Flowers by Gail Tsukiyama Narrated by Simon Vance MacMillan Audio August 2012 Length: 7.5 hours From the back of the audio case: In 1957, Chairman Mao declared a new openness in China: “Let a hundred flowers bloom; let a hundred schools of thought contend.” With many intellectuals fearing that it was a trap, Kai Ying’s husband, Sheng, a headstrong teacher, promised not to jeopardize his family’s safety. Nevertheless,…
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I am pleased to welcome author Sherryl Woods to Always With a Book. Her latest book, Where Azaleas Bloom, is now available. You can read my review of her book (and enter to win a copy) here. Today Sherryl is talking about heroes. Every woman has her own definition for a hero. For some it’s the knight-in-shining-armor who sweeps her off her feet. For others it’s the man who’s kind…
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Where Azaleas Bloom by Sherryl Woods Harlequin MIRA August 2012 Format: Paperback, 384 pages First line: Lynn Morrow was at her wit’s end. From the back of the book: New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Sherryl Woods explores the healing power of a love strong enough to join two wounded families. Single mom Lynn Morrow is determined to put food on the table for her son and daughter.…
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This month there are 4 selections: Kill Alex Cross By: James Patterson Format: Hardcover My review On the Run By: Iris Johansen Format: Audio book – cds My review Death Threads By: Elizabeth Lynn Casey Format: Paperback My review Agony of the Leaves By: Laura Childs Format: ARC Paperback My review How to enter: This contest is open to entries from the U.S. only. The deadline for…
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The Color of Tea by Hannah Tunnicliffe Scribner June 2012 Format: Paperback, 336 pages First line: We arrived in Macau at the end of the Year of the Golden Pig. From the back cover: Macau: the bulbous nose of China, a peninsula and two islands strung together like a three-bead necklace. It was time to find a life for myself. To make something out of nothing. The end of hope…
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It’s Monday What Are you Reading , hosted by Sheila, isthe perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs. It was a busy week, but I managed to get quite a few reviews done last…
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Tynga of Tynga’s Reviews is starting a new meme to spotlight the books we receive each week. Here’s what I got: For Review: Last to Die by Tess Gerritsen I love the Rizzoli and Isles tv show and was glad to find out that it was based on a series of books. I’ve read the first book and was thrilled was I was asked to read this…
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Here are my reading stats for August! Books read: 17 Books I read (reviewed ones have * and link to review; books not yet reviewed will be linked up once review is posted.) The Girl Who Played With Fire*– Stieg Larsson Angel’s Peak*– Robyn Carr Runaway Girl*– Carissa Phelps Ninepins* — Rosy Thornton The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest* — Stieg Larsson When First They Met* — Debbie Macomber…
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Return to Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs Harlequin MIRA August 2012 Format: e-book, 486 pages First line: Moments before the wedding was to begin, Sonnet Romano shuddered with a wave of nervousness. Summary from Goodreads: Sonnet Romano’s life is almost perfect. She has the ideal career, the ideal boyfriend, and has just been offered a prestigious fellowship. There’s nothing more a woman wants – except maybe a baby…sister? When Sonnet…
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I love Josi S. Kilpack’s Sadie Hoffmiller series and am very excited that the eighth book in the series, Tres Leches Cupcakes, will be released the first week of September. This is a culinary cozy series featuring the quirky and interesting Sadie.She doesn’t fit into your typical investigator role – which is what makes the books so entertaining. And, the recipes included in the books are pretty sweet too! Contest…
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On the Run by Iris Johansen Narrated by Jennifer Van Dyke Random House Audio 2005 Length: 9 hours From the back of the audio case: #1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen is back with an electrifying new thriller that pits a mother and daughter against a relentless killer who takes no prisoners, accepts no surrender, and leaves his intended victims with no choice but one: to run for…
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If you’re coming from the blog tour, welcome! Below you’ll find the next excerpt of Big Sky Mountain and the link to tomorrow’s piece as well. If this is your first stop on the tour, you’ll need to start from the beginning to get the whole excerpt. Go here, to see the full list of blog tour stops. Big Sky Mountain by Linda Lael Miller Harlequin July 2012 Format: e-book,…
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When First They Met by Debbie Macomber Ballentine Books June 2012 Format: e-book, 27 pages First line: I’ve always been a big football enthusiast. Synopsis from B&N: Debbie Macomber’s Blossom Street and Cedar Cove series have won thousands of fans, thanks to her signature blend of heartfelt romance, delightful humor, and warm wisdom. Now, in this original short story available exclusively as an eBook, Macomber shares a sneak peek into…
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The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Stieg Larsson Vintage Crime/Black Lizard February 2012 Format: Paperback, 655 pages First line: Dr. Jonasson was woken by a nurse five minutes before the helicopter was expected to land. From the back cover: In the concluding volume of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium trilogy, Lisbeth Salander lies in critical condition in a Swedish hospital, a bullet in her head. But she’s fighting for her…
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It’s Monday What Are you Reading , hosted by Sheila, isthe perfect way for me to begin my week and allows me to focus on what needs to be read and to see what I have or have not accomplished the previous week. I also enjoy discovering new books by visiting other participants blogs. How is this the last week of August already? This summer has flown by. For those…
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Tynga of Tynga’s Reviews is starting a new meme to spotlight the books we receive each week. Here’s what I got: Purchased: The Shoemaker’s Wife by Adriana Trigiani I got this from the library when it first came out in April, but loved it so much I wanted my own copy. This past week, Adriana was at the local bookstore and so I not only purchased…
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Ninepins by Rosy Thornton Sandstone Press April 2012 Format: Paperback, 320 pages First line: Half past two: she was certain she’d said half past two. From the back cover: Deep in the Cambridgeshire fens, Laura is living alone with her 12-year old daughter Beth, in the old tollhouse known as Ninepins. She’s in the habit of renting out the pumphouse, once a fen drainage station, to students, but this year…
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Angel’s Peak by Robyn Carr Mira Books January 2010 Format: Paperback, 373 pages First line: Once the sun went down in Virgin River there wasn’t a whole lot of entertainment for Sean Riordan, unless he wanted to sit by the fire at his brother Luke’s house. From the back cover: Four years ago, Air Force sweethearts Franci Duncan and Sean Riordan reached an impasse. She wanted marriage and a family.…
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The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson Vintage Crime/Black Lizard May 2006 Format: Trade Paperback, 630 pages First line: She lay on her back fastened by leather straps to a narrow bed with a steel frame. From the back cover: Part blistering espionage thriller, part riveting police procedural, and part piercing exposé on social injustice, The Girl Who Played with Fire is a masterful, endlessly satisfying novel. Mikael…
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