It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (4.912)

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. So after a productive Bloggiesta weekend getting ahead on reviews, I seem to once again be…

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Giveaway Reminder – LAST DAY TO ENTER!!!

LAST DAY TO ENTER:  Russian Winterby Daphne Kalotay – 5 copies available; open internationally. Ends April 8th.

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Monthly Giveaway: April (CLOSED)

This month’s selections are: Big Stone Gap By: Adriana Trigiani Format: Paperback My review   The Summer We Came to Life By: Deborah Cloyed Format: Paperback My review It’s A Waverly Life By: Maria Murnane Format: Paperback My review It Had To Be You By: Susan Elizabeth Philips Format: Paperback   How to enter:  This contest is open to entries from the U.S. only. The deadline for entry is midnight,…

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March Giveaway Winners

Here are the March giveaway winners: Pleating for Mercy By: Melissa Bourbon Winner: Mary (Bookfan)   Knit the Season By: Kate Jacobs Winner: Margie A Creed in Stone Creek By: Linda Lael Miller Winner: Susan   Tuesday Tells It Slant By: Holly Christine Winner: Rachel W. Thanks to all who entered and don’t forget to stop by later today to see a new set of books up for grabs!  

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Review: Black Hills by Nora Roberts

First line: Cooper Sullivan’s life, as he’d known it, was over. From the inside cover: A summer at his grandparents’ South Dakota ranch is not eleven-year-old Cooper Sullivan’s idea of a good time. But things are a bit more bearable now that he’s discovered  the neighbor girl, Lil Chance, and her homemade batting cage. Even horseback riding isn’t as awful as Coop thought it would be. Each year, with Coop’s…

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Review: Second Chance Pass by Robyn Carr (e-book)

First line: Paul Haggerty was finally back in Grants Pass after almost six months in Virgin River and there was an ache in his chest he just couldn’t ease. Synopsis from B&N: In the space of a few months Vanessa buried her husband, Matt, and gave birth to their son—breaking her heart while filling it with a whole new kind of love. But the one man she longs to share…

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Review: Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali

First line: “Who are you?” From the back cover:  One of today’s most admired and controversial political figures, Ayaan Hirsi Ali burst into international headlines following the murder of Theo van Gogh by an Islamist who threatened that she would be next. She made headlines again when she was stripped of her citizenship and resigned from the Dutch Parliament. Infidel shows the coming of age of this distinguished political superstar…

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Book Blogger Confessions #7 (4.2.12)

Book Blogger Confession is a new blog meme hosted by Tiger of All Consuming Books and Karen of For What It’s Worth. The meme will run on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month  to discuss some of the frustrations that are unique to book bloggers. You can read the introductory post here. Here’s this week’s question: Spoilers in reviews: Do you read them, do you include them? How to…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (4.2.12)

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. This past weekend I participated in Bloggiesta and I got a lot done. Check out my…

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Bloggiesta Wrap Up

I’m so bummed that Bloggiesta has come to an end. I got so much done!!! First 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 first participated in a Bloggiesta about six months after starting my blog and found it to be so helpful! I did one more after that…

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In My Mailbox (89) 4.1.12

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I’ll post what books I’ve received either by mailbox/library/store.  Purchased: Guilty Wives by James Patterson A new James Patterson stand-alone…of course I had to buy it. Just finished it last night – review will be posted in a few days. What’s in your mailbox?

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Month in Review: March 2012

Here are my reading stats for March! Books read:  12 Books I read (reviewed ones have * and link to review; books not yet reviewed will be linked up once review is posted.) Glitter Baby* by Susan Elizabeth Phillips Agony of the Leaves* by Laura Childs Infidel* by Ayaan Hirsi Ali The Sister Queens* by Sophie Perinot Second Chance Pass* by Robyn Carr Black Hills* by Nora Roberts Temptation Ridge*…

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Bloggiesta Update #2

Day 2 of Bloggiesta, being hosted by Suey at It’s All About Books and Danielle at There’s a Book, has come to a close for me – I’ve been sitting at my computer all day and am starting to go cross-eyed, plus I have only about 50 pages left of the book I’m reading (Guilty Wives by James Patterson) and I really want to finish it! I got a lot…

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Review: Glitter Baby by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

First line: The Glitter Baby was back. From the back cover: Fleur Savagar is the most beautiful woman in the world…to everyone but herself. With her oversized hands and paddle-boat feet, her streaky blond hair and funny green eyes, she lives a life filled with secrets that began before she was born. That was when her bewitching mother left home to find James Dean and met Errol Flynn instead. Now…

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Review: The Silver Boat by Luanne Rice (audio book)

From the back of the audio case: From the beloved New York Times bestselling author Luanne Rice comes a heartwarming yet heart-wrenching portrait of three far-flung sisters who come home to Martha’s Vineyard one last time to say goodbye to the family beach house. Memories of their grandmother, mother, and their Irish father, who sailed away the year Dar, the oldest, turned twelve, rise up and expose the fine cracks…

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Bloggiesta Update #1

Day 1 of Bloggiesta, being hosted by Suey at It’s All About Books and Danielle at There’s a Book is done and now we are on to Day 2. I got a quite a bit done on Day 1, despite not being home all day. I had gone down to my sister’s to help her out for a few days, but luckily was able to spend most of yesterday on…

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Deleted Scene from Catch Me by Lisa Gardner

Back in February, I read and reviewed the bookCatch Me by Lisa Gardner (click on the title to read my review). It was the 6th book in her Detective D.D. Warren series.  This book featured the character, Charline Rosalind Carter Grant (aka Charlie), who worked as a 9-1-1 operator.  Lisa Gardner originally created a scene highlighting the multi-tasking involved in this position, but in the grand scheme of things, it…

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Bloggiesta – My To-Do List

This weekend I will be participating in my thirdBloggiesta! This is a great weekend blogging marathon being hosted by Suey at It’s All About Books 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 reorganizing all of your tags and categories. So…

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Review: The Sister Queens by Sophie Perinot

First line: M, the sun is out and so should we be. From the back cover: Like most sisters, Marguerite and Eleanor were rivals. They were also queens. Raised at the court of their father, Raymond Berenger, Count of Provence, Marguerite and Eleanor are separated by royal marriages – but never truly parted. Patient, perfect, reticent, and used to being first, Marguerite becomes Queen of France. Her husband, Louis IX,…

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Review: Destiny by Carly Phillips

First line: Nash Barron might be cynical about life and more recently about love, but even he normally enjoyed a good wedding. From the back cover: Nash Barron might be cynical about life and more recently about love, but even he normally enjoyed a good wedding. Still, the only good thing about his brother’s wedding is seeing Kelly Moss again. Nash can’t help but admire her confidence and beauty, but…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (3.26.12)

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 been a slow week, trying to catch up from being away on vacation. How is…

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Review & Giveaway: Russian Winter by Daphne Kalotay (CLOSED)

First line: The afternoon was so cold, so relentlessly gray, few pedestrians passed the long island of trees dividing Commonwealth Avenue, and even little dogs, shunted along impatiently, wore thermal coats and offered expressions. From the back cover: When Nina Revskaya, once a great star of the Bolshoi Ballet, decides to auction her jewellery collection, she believes she has finally drawn a curtain on her past. Instead she is overwhelmed…

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In My Mailbox (88) 3.25.12

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I’ll post what books I’ve received either by mailbox/library/store.  ***This is for the past 2 weeks. For Review: A Conflict of Interest by Adam Mitzner This came while I was on vacation – sounds like a good thriller!           Purchased: Kiki Lowenstein & the Lucky Charm (e-book) by Joanna…

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Review: Private Games by James Patterson

First line: There are supermen and superwomen who walk this earth. From the inside cover: Celebrate the glory of the Olympic Games – before a psychopathic killer extinguishes the flame forever.  ON YOUR MARK Private, the world’s most renowned investigation firm, has been commissioned to provide security for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Its agents are the smartest, fastest, and most technologically advanced in the world, and 400 of…

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Spring Reading Thing 2012

Katrina over at Callapidder Days is hosting the Spring Reading Thing Reading Challenge. The challenge is to pick books you would like to read this spring and then keep a record of how you do. The challenge runs from March 20 to June 20. If you’d like to join, head over hereto sign up. Here’s my list as of now: Russian Winter by Daphne Kalotay The Sumerton Women by D.L.…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (3.21.12)

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. OK…I know it’s Wednesday, but I just got back from vacation last night. Aruba was…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (3.12.12)

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. This was a quiet, somewhat productive week. I got some reviews done and managed to get…

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Giveaway Reminder

Don’t forget to enter the following giveaway: By the King’s Design by Christine Trent ends March 11th 

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In My Mailbox (87) 3.11.12

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I’ll post what books I’ve received either by mailbox/library/store.  For Review: The Flower Reader by Elizabeth Loupas I am looking forward to reading this – a story set during the beginning of the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots. What’s in your mailbox?

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Review: A Virgin River Christmas by Robyn Carr (e-book)

First line: Marcie stood beside her limegreen Volkswagen, shivering in the November chill, the morning sun barely over the horizon. Synopsis from B&N: Last Christmas Marcie Sullivan said a final goodbye to her husband, Bobby. This Christmas she’s come to Virgin River to find the man who saved his life and gave her three more years to love him. Fellow marine Ian Buchanan dragged Bobby’s shattered body onto a medical…

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Book Blogger Confessions #4 (3.8.12)

Book Blogger Confession is a new blog meme hosted by Tiger of All Consuming Books and Karen of For What It’s Worth.The meme will run on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of every month  to discuss some of the frustrations that are unique to book bloggers. You can read the introductory post here. I’m a little late in getting this done, but here’s this week’s question:   Let’s talk about the positive…

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Review: Heat Wave by Nancy Thayer (audio book)

From the back of the audio case: Making the discovery that her family finances are in dire straights is only the latest shock endured by Carley Winsted after her husband’s sudden death from a heart attack. Resisting her in-laws’ well-meaning overtures to take in Carley and her two daughters, the young widow instead devises a plan to keep her family in their beloved home, a grand historic house on the…

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Monthly Giveaway: March (CLOSED)

This month’s selections are: Pleating for Mercy By: Melissa Bourbon Format: Paperback My review   Knit the Season By: Kate Jacobs Format: Paperback My review A Creed in Stone Creek By: Linda Lael Miller Format: Paperback My review   Tuesday Tells It Slant By: Holly Christine Format: Paperback My review   How to enter:  This contest is open to entries from the U.S. only. The deadline for entry is midnight,…

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Review: Agony of the Leaves by Laura Child

First line: Elegant green tendrils of kelp swayed in graceful, undulating motions as grouper and sea bass peeked out from their leafy sanctuary. From the back cover: In the latest novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Scones and Bones, Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning finds herself in hot water when a body surfaces at the grand opening of Charleston’s Neptune Aquarium… The opening of the aquarium…

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Bloggiesta is Back…March 30, 31 and April 1

YAY…it’s back!!! Bloggiesta 2012 is coming soon – mark you calendars for March 30, 31, and April 1.  It’s now hosted by Suey at It’s All About Books and Danielle at There’s a Book.   I was beyond thrilled when I saw their announcement.  My blogging “to do” list is quite long and I keep putting it off! Not sure what Bloggiesta is?  Here’s the run down, from Suey’s blog:…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (3.5.12)

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. This past week was a much quieter week, made even quieter after coming down with a…

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In My Mailbox (86) 3.4.12

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I’ll post what books I’ve received either by mailbox/library/store.  For Review: Russian Winter by Daphne Kalotay I’ve had my eye on this one for a while! Purchased: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Stieg Larsson I’ve been waiting for this to come out in paperback…now I can finish the series! A…

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Review: First Lady by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

First line: Cornelia Litchfield Case had an itchy nose. From the back cover: How does the most famous woman in the world hide in plain sight? The beautiful young widow of the President of the United States thought she was free of the White House, but circumstances have forced her back into the role of First Lady. Not for long, however, because she’s made up her mind to escape –…

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February Giveaway Winners

The winners of February’s giveaways are: Stay By: Alie Larkin Winner: Emily Drake   The Knitting Diaries  By: Debbie Macomber, Susan Mallery, Christina Skye Winner: Mamabunny Moonlight Cove By: Sherryl Woods Winner: Paula The Transformation of Bartholomew Fortuno By: Eileen Bryson Winner: LadyInRead   Thanks to all who entered and don’t forget to stop by next month to see a new set of books up for grabs!

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Month in Review: February 2012

Here are my reading stats for February! Books read:  13 Books I read (reviewed ones have * and link to review; books not yet reviewed will be linked up once review is posted.) Home at Rose Cottage* by Sherryl Woods The Surgeon* by Tess Gerritsen The Little Giant of Aberdeen County* by Tiffany Baker Private London* by James Patterson The 7th Month* by Lisa Gardner Catch Me* by Lisa Gardner…

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Review: Catch Me by Lisa Gardner

First line: The little girl woke up the way she’d been trained: quickly and quietly. From the inside cover: In four days, someone is going to kill me . . . Detective D. D. Warren is hard to surprise. But a lone woman outside D.D.’s latest crime scene shocks her with a remarkable proposition: Charlene Rosalind Carter Grant believes she will be murdered in four days. And she wants Boston’s…

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Review: The 7th Month by Lisa Gardner (e-book)

First line: Have you ever contemplated killing someone? Synopsis from B&N: In Lisa Gardner’s first-ever short story following thirteen bestselling novels, The 7th Month takes readers between the books and into a day in the life of Boston Detective D. D. Warren. In her seventh month of pregnancy, D.D. should be taking it easy. Instead, she accepts a small consulting role on the set of a serial killer film shooting…

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Review: Private London by James Patterson

First line: Hannah Shapiro was having a wonderful day. From the back cover: For Hannah Shapiro, a beautiful young American student, this particular nightmare began eight years ago in Los Angeles, when Jack Morgan, owner of Private – the world’s most exclusive detective agency – saved her from a horrific death. She has fled her country, but can’t flee her past. The terror has followed her to London, and now…

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Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: By the King’s Design by Christine Trent

First line: “Remember what I told you, brothers.” From the back cover: Strong-willed Annabelle Stirling is more than capable of running the family draper shop after the untimely death of her parents. Under her father’s tutelage, she became a talented cloth merchant, while her brother Wesley, the true heir, was busy philandering about Yorkshire. Knowing she must change with the times to survive, Belle installs new machinery that finishes twice…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (2.27.12)

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 crazy week. My brother-in-law was admitted to the hospital and on the ICU/CCU…

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Review: The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker (audio)

From the back of the audio case: Since she was born, Truly has paid a price for her large size. Her father blamed her for her mother’s death in childbirth, and he was ill-equipped to raise either this giant child or her sister, Serena Jane, the epitome of feminine perfection. When their father died, the sisters were separated, Serena Jane to live a life of privilege and Truly to live…

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In My Mailbox (85) 2.26.12

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I’ll post what books I’ve received either by mailbox/library/store.    For Review:   The Sister Queens by Sophie Perinot An historical fiction novel about sisters Marguerite and Eleanor, one who becomes Queen of France and one who becomes Queen of England.       From the library:   Destiny by Carly Phillips The…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (2.20.12)

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. Books Completed last week:  Heat Wave by Nancy Thayer (library audio book) A Virgin River Christmas…

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In My Mailbox (84) 2.19.12

In My Mailbox (IMM) is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi @ The Story Siren. Every week I’ll post what books I’ve received either by mailbox/library/store.    For Review:   The Sumerton Women by D.L. Bogdan Another historical fiction novel set during the Tudor period by a new-to-me author – and I am participating in the blog tour for this in April.       Purchased:   Private Games by…

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Review: The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen

First line: Today they will find her body. From the inside cover: In her most masterful novel of medical suspense, New York Times bestselling author Tess Gerritsen creates a villain of unforgettable evil–and the one woman who can catch him before he kills again. He slips into their homes at night and walks silently into bedrooms where women lie sleeping, unaware of the horrors they soon will endure. The precision…

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