Review: The Diva Cooks a Goose by Krista Davis (e-book)

First line: Dear Sophie, I nearly canceled Christmas last year when my children found their presents. Why I read this: I love Krista Davis’s Domestic  Diva series and I am using this to count towards the Cruisin’ thru the Cozies Reading Challenge.  Synopsis from Goodreads: A Scrooge steals presents right from under Sophie Winston’s family Christmas tree. Then her sister-in-law’s father show’s up with a diva girlfriend just a month…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (8.15.11)

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 back to work for me this week, and we are in the middle of a…

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Review: The Bright Side of Disaster by Katherine Center

First line: The end began with a plane crash. Why I read this: I had picked this up at a book sale last year after reading a few other books by Katherine Center and am also using this book to count towards the Reading From My Shelves Project. From the back cover: Sometimes the worst thing that can happen is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. Very pregnant and not…

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In My Mailbox (62) 8.14.11

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: Darkness, My Old Friend by Lisa Unger I read Fragile last year and really enjoyed it – looking forward to starting this one.       From the Library:   Best Staged Plans by Claire Cook   Claire Cook is one of…

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Review: Little Bitty Lies by Mary Kay Andrews

First line: Mary Bliss McGowan and Katherine Weidman had reached a point in the evening from whence there was no return. Why I read this: I picked this up at a library book sale and it’s been sitting on my shelf for a while – I was in the mood for a quick, fun read and this definitely was that and a whole lot more. I am also using this…

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Review: Killer Dreams by Iris Johansen (audio book)

From the back of the audio case: #1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen returns with a new suspense thriller guaranteed to keep listeners up all night long – an adrenaline-laced shocker that pits a mother and son against a killer who’s the stuff of nightmares. Someone is watching. He’s a shadowy figure from out of her darkest fears, and he hasn’t forgotten her. In one shocking moment of…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (8.8.10)

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 am back from my travels and am slowly catching up on everything. I did manage…

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In My Mailbox (61) 8.7.11

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 week’s mailbox post includes all the books I’ve gotten in the last few weeks while I was away on vacation. For Review (0) Library (3) Rescue by Anita Shreve (audio book) The Love Season by Elin Hilderbrand You’ve Been Warned by James Patterson…

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Review: Something Blue by Emily Giffin

First line: I was born beautiful. Why I read this: I had recently read Something Borrowed and was curious as to what would happen with Darcy. I am also using this book to count towards the Reading From My Shelves Project.  From the back cover: Darcy Rhone thought she had it all figured out: the more beautiful the girl, the more charmed her life. Never mind substance. New mind playing…

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Month in Review: July 2011

Here are my reading stats for July! 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.) A Summer Affair* by Elin Hilderbrand The Creed Legacy* by Linda Lael Miller Now You See Her* by James Patterson Beachcombers* by Nancy Thayer The Knitting Diaries* by Debbie Macomber, Susan Mallery & Christina Skye Something Blue*…

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Review: Beachcombers by Nancy Thayer

From the back over the audio case: Abbie Fox hasn’t seen her father or two younger sisters in almost two years, during which time she’s jetted around the world and experienced life. But now youngest sister Lily is begging her to return home to Nantucket because middle sister Emma has taken to her bed, devastated after the loss of her high-powered job and the break-up with her fiance. Also, Lily…

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Review: Now You See Her by James Patterson

First line: I’d already tossed the driver a twenty and was bouncing up and down like a preschooler last in line for they potty when my taxi finally stopped across from the Hudson hotel on West 58th. Why I read this: It’s a book by James Patterson – enough said!!! From the inside cover: To save her own life, Nina Bloom vanished. Now, to rescue an innocent man, she confronts…

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I’m back…

I am finally back home after two and a half weeks of traveling. I did manage to get some reading in – not as much as I had hoped, but I was visiting family and spent a lot of time catching up with my mom. I have lots of reviews to get out and will be holding a new contest soon. Thanks for sticking around!!!

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Doing a bit of traveling…

I will be taking a short break from blogging for the next few weeks…all for good stuff.  Mom and I are heading to a cousin’s wedding, visiting my brother and meeting his soon-to-be new family, and then heading to Mom’s house to help her move back in to her house after being in the Peace Corps for the past two years.We will be traveling from New York to Nova Scotia,…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (7.18.10)

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 a crazy week last week as I was running around getting ready for…

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Giveaway Winner: The Creed Legacy

CONGRATULATIONS to Deborah winner of  The Creed Legacy by Linda Lael Miller Random.org selected the winners.  Thanks to all who entered the giveaway!

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Review: The Knitting Diaries by Debbie Macomber, Susan Mallery & Christina Skye

First line: Today I signed the papers on our first house! Why I read this: I love anything by Debbie Macomber and Susan Mallery and so when I saw this, I had to get it. From the back cover:  Knitting is many things to many people Knitting is a way of life The Twenty-First Wish by Debbie Macomber Anne Marie Roche and her adopted daughter, ten-year-old Ellen, have each written…

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Review: Room by Emma Donoghue

First line: Today I’m five. Why I read this: I’ve had this on my tbr list for a while now and was glad that my book club picked it for our June read. From the back cover: To five-year-old Jack, Room is the world. It’s where he was born, it’s where he and his Ma eat and sleep and play and learn. At night, Ma shuts him safely in the…

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Review: A Summer Affair by Elin Hilderbrand

First line: The guilt was like a clump of tar in her hair, warm and sticky, impossible to remove. Why I read this: I love Elin Hilderbrand’s books and have had this one sitting on my shelf for a while – now that it’s summer, it was the perfect read! I also read this for the Reading From My Shelves Project. From the inside cover: Claire Danner Crispin has a…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading (7.11.11)

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 have not taken on any blog tours this month because I will be doing a…

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In My Mailbox (60) 7.10.11

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: Perfect Partners (e-book) by Carly Phillips This was another Carly Phillips book that was available on the Nook that I had not read yet. For Review:   The Queen’s Gamble by Barbara Kyle   This is for a blog tour for September.  …

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Review: Playing the Game by Barbara Taylor Bradford (audio book)

From the back of the audio case: Annette Remmington, a London art consultant and private dealer, is at the top of her game. She is considered a rising star in the international world of art, with a roster of wealthy clients who trust her judgment and her business acumen. Her success reaches new heights when a rare and long-lost Rembrandt finds its way into her hands. When she restores it…

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Review: Something Borrowed by Emily Giffin

First line: I was in the fifth grade the first time I thought about thirty. Why I read this: I’ve had this book on my shelf for a while and now that the movie is out, I needed to read it first before heading to the theater. From the back cover: Meet Rachel White, a young attorney living and working in Manhattan. Rachel has always been the consummate good girl…

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Review and Giveaway: The Creed Legacy by Linda Lael Miller

First line: Ranching, Brody Creed thought, shifting in the saddle as he surveyed the sprawling range land from a high ridge. From the back cover: Rough-and-tumble rodeo cowboy Brody Creed like life on the move. Until a chance encounter with his long-estranged twin brother brings him “home” for the first time in years. Suddenly Brody is in Creed territory – at thirty-three, he’s a restless bad boy among family with…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (7.4.11)

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. Last week was very busy at work – I am trying to finish up a bunch…

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In My Mailbox (59) 7.3.11

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: Now You See Her by James Patterson This is JP’s latest book and I can’t wait to start it!!! The Creed Legacy by Linda Lael Miller This is the third of the series. Solitary Man (e-book) by Carly Phillips I love Carly Phillips…

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Review: Alone by Lisa Gardner

First line: He’d put in a fifteen-hour shift the night the call came in. Why I read this: I had read the last two in the DD Warren series and wanted to go back and read the rest of the series. Synopsis: Alone . . . Massachusetts State Trooper Bobby Dodge watches a tense hostage standoff unfold through the scope of his sniper rifle. Just across the street, in wealthy…

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Month in Review: June 2011

Here are my reading stats for June! Books read:  15 Books I read (reviewed ones have * and link to review) The Hundred Secret Senses* by Amy Tan Summer in the South* by Cathy Holton A Creed in Stone Creek* by Linda Lael Miller Creed’s Honor* by Linda Lael Miller Slate* by Brian Rowe Chasing the Night* by Iris Johansen The Confessions of Catherine de Medici* by CW Gortner Alone…

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Review: Mothers & Daughters by Rae Meadows

First line: Sam was hungry for pound cake. Why I read this: I was sent a request to read and review this book. From the back cover: When a box of Iris’s belongings arrives on Sam’s doorstep, she discovers things about her mother she never knew – or could even guess. But she is puzzled by much of what she finds. She learns that Violet, the woman she knows as…

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Giveaway Winner: Creed’s Honor

CONGRATULATIONS to Melissa winner of  Creed’s Honor by Linda Lael Miller Random.org selected the winners.  Thanks to all who entered the giveaway!

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Review: Beach Lane by Sherryl Woods

First line: Men were the bane of Susie O’Brien’s life. Why I read this: I reserved this from the library and because it’s new, I only have it for a week, so I had to read right away! From the back cover: In the close-knit community of Chesapeake Shores, Maryland, Susie O’Brien and Mack Franklin’s “not-dating” claim befuddles everyone, especially since the two spend every spare minute together. Susie’s thrilled…

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It’s Monday – What Are You Reading? (6.27.11)

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. Well, it ended up being a productive reading week and a productive week getting reviews done!…

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Author Meet & Greet: Lisa See

The local independent bookstore near me, Books and Greetings, has author visits all the time. I’ve been a few times – to see children’s book author Jane O’Connor (she writes the Fancy Nancy books), Nicholas Sparks when he was touring with his latest book, Safe Haven, and Elizabeth Berg, when she was touring with her newest book, Once Upon a Time, There Was You. The other night, Lisa See was…

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Giveaway Winners: Summer in the South

CONGRATULATIONS to Margie, Kristen, & Bailey winners of  Summer in the South by Cathy Holton Random.org selected the winners.  Thanks to all who entered the giveaway!

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Review: Slate by Brian Rowe

First line: I am a star. Why I read this: I was asked by the author to read this book. Synopsis:Hollywood casting director Vivien Slate thought she had it all, until coming home one day to find her husband cheating on her with a younger woman. With her marriage on the rocks, she decides it’s the perfect time to recapture her sexual identity… by finding a younger man of her…

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Review: Chasing the Night by Iris Johansen (audio book)

From the back of the audio case: From the #1 New York Times bestselling author comes an Eve Duncan thriller about the search for a child who has been missing for nine agonizing years… A CIA agent’s two-year-old child was stolen in the night as a brutal act of vengeance. Nine years later, Catherine Ling’s instincts – maternal and professional – tell her that her son is still alive, but…

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Review: The Hundred Secret Senses by Amy Tan

First line: My sister Kwan believes she has yin eyes. Why I read this: The publicist promoting the re-release of this book asked if I would be willing to read it. From the back of the book: Set in San Francisco and in a remote village of Southwestern China, Amy Tan’s The Hundred Secret Senses is a tale of American assumptions shaken by Chinese ghosts and broadened with hope.in 1962,…

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Review: I’ll Have Who She’s Having by Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke

First line: I’m shaking as I leave him, still in shock over what just happened. Why I read this: I got a request from a publicist wanting to know if I would be interested in participating in the authors blog tour. Synopsis: What happens when a man comes between one desperately single and one very married sister? Kate’s been depressed ever since yet another long-term boyfriend unceremoniously dumped her. When…

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Review: The D Word by Liz Fenton and Lisa Steinke

First line: It has been exactly 350 days since I decided I’d be better off without him. Why I read this: I got a request from a publicist wanting to know if I would be interested in participating in the authors blog tour. Synopsis: Jordan Daniels and Elle Ryan thought their lives would become less complicated when they walked away from their respective relationships one year ago. But instead, they…

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Spring Reading Thing 2011 Wrap Up

Another reading challenged has come to a close. As you can see from my list, I finished reading 18 out of the 20 books I had listed and I am in the middle of reading one right now. I was also able to read an additional 14 books  during this time that were not on my original list. That puts my total number of books read from March 20 to…

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Virtual Book Tour & Review: The Confessions of Catherine de Medici by C.W. Gortner

First line: I am not a sentimental woman. Why I read this: I love historical fiction and when I saw this book was touring with Pump Up Your Book Promotions, I requested to be part of it. I’ve also read another book by C.W. Gortner, The Tudor Secret, which I really enjoyed. From the back cover: The truth is, not one of us is innocent. We all have sins to…

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It’s Monday – What Are You Reading? (6.20.11)

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. Last week managed to be a productive reading week, but not so much with reviews…I foresee…

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In My Mailbox (58) 6.19.11

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. Borrowed from the library:     Playing the Game (audio book) by Barbara Taylor Bradford  I have read many books by BTB and have enjoyed them all – was thrilled to see this one in audio! We Are All Welcome Here (audio book) by…

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Guest Post: Tara Woolpy

Please join me in welcomingTara Woolpy, author of Releasing Gillian’s Wolves to Always With a Book! If you missed my review, you can read it here. Today Tara guest blogs about why she included recipes in her new novel. Releasing Gillian’s Wolves is a novel in four parts. Each section begins with a recipe. Since in many ways this is the story of a woman stepping out of the kitchen…

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Review: Releasing Gillan’s Wolves by Tara Woolpy

First line: The moon drew a rippling arrow across the surface of the lake, exposing Edward and Sam making love on the dock. Why I read it: The author contacted me to read and review the book – it is her debut novel. From the back cover: The wife of an adulterous politician must choose between the safety of denial and a new life in the light. Thirty years ago,…

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Review and Giveaway: Creed’s Honor by Linda Lael Miller

First line: Tricia McCall was not the type to see apparitions, but there were times – especially when lonely, tired or both – that she caught just the merest flicker of a glimpse of her dog, Rusty, out of the corner of one eye. Why I read this: I was sent this book to review. From the back cover: Conner Creed knows exactly who he is: a hardworking rancher carrying…

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It’s Monday – What Are You Reading? (6.13.11)

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. Last week was Audio Book Week hosted by Jen at Devourer of Books and I had…

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Review: Eight Days to Live by Iris Johansen (audio book)

From the back of the audio case: In eight days they will take her… It all begins with a painting called Guilt. Eve Duncan’s daughter, Jane, has no idea why she painted the portrait of the chilling face that now hangs in a Paris gallery. But the members of a cult that dates back to the time of Christ know both the face  and the significance behind it. They believe…

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Review: A Creed in Stone Creek by Linda Lael Miller

First line: Some instinct – or maybe just a stir of a breeze – awakened Steven Creed; he sat up in bed, took a fraction of a moment to orient himself to unfamiliar surroundings. Why I read it: I was asked to review Creed’s Honor, which is the second in Linda Lael Miller’s Creed Cowboy’s trilogy. As you might know, I don’t like picking up a book that’s in the…

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In My Mailbox (57) 6.12.11

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: The Tudors: The Complete Story of England’s Most Notorious Dynasty  by G.J. Meyers I am obsessed with The Tudors and love picking up books about them to add to my collection! Dreams of Joy   by Lisa See   Lisa See is coming…

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