Review: Cut, Crop and Die by Joanna Campbell Slan

First line: “All we’re missing is a corpse.” From the back cover: All it took was one scone. When the hot-tempered (and widely hated) hobbyist Yvonne Gaynor eats a tainted pastry at Kiki’s scrapbooking crop party, it triggers an allergy that leads to Yvonne’s death. Even worse, the police suspect foul play when they realize that someone tampered with the treats and swiped the victim’s allergy medication. An expect at…

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Teaser Tuesdays 5-11-10

MizB of Should Be Reading hosts Teaser Tuesday. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read Open to a random page Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT…

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Review: Paper, Scissors, Death by Joanna Campbell Slan

First line: Two days before Thanksgiving, a man doesn’t think about dying. From the back cover: Mousy housewife Kiki Lowenstein has two great loves: scrapbooking and her young daughter, Anya. But her happy family album is ruined when her husband, George, is found naked and dead in a hotel room. As Kiki tracks down George’s murderer, she discovers his sordid secret life. Cruel taunts by George’s former flame compel Kiki…

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Musing Mondays 5-10-10

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about reading time. Do you have to carve out time in your day for reading (due to work and other obligations), or does your reading just happen naturally? (Question courtesy of MizB) PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Musing Mondays post, or share your opinion in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks. **MUSING MONDAYS is hosted…

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In My Mailbox (3) 5-9-10

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 (0) Library (3) Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery Get Lucky by Katherine Center Everyone is Beautiful by Katherine Center Purchased (3) Savor the Moment by Nora Roberts 9th Judgment by James Patterson Shanghai Girls by Lisa See Won (1) Small…

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Author Interview: Jennifer Ross (and Giveaway)

Welcome to my first interview and giveaway!!! Giveaway details will be at the bottom of this post. I recently posted a review of Jennifer Ross’s book, The Icing on the Cupcake. If you missed it, you can find it here. About the Author: Jennifer Ross is an avid baker. She learned from watching her grandmother’s covert business – selling cookies to her friends for the holidays so that they could…

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Review: The Icing on the Cupcake by Jennifer Ross

First line: For Vivian death was a social event. From the back cover: In Ansley Waller’s world of Southern belles and gentlemen, getting a diamond ring isn’t just important – it’s the ultimate goal. So when her fiance, Parish, unceremoniously kicks her to the curb and cancels their upcoming wedding. Ansley is so ashamed that she decides to leave Dallas and make a fresh start. In a surprising move, she…

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The Book Blogger Hop 5-7-10

Happy Friday Book Lovers! It’s time again for another Book Blogger Hop!!! This fantastic idea to help the large community of book bloggers around the web get to know each other comes to us via Jennifer from Crazy-for-Books. Basically, the Hop is a weekly event, where book bloggers and readers can connect to find new blogs to read. It’s a great way to find new blogs to read and to…

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WWW Wednesdays 5-5-10

A Week in Books   WWW Wednesdays is hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading. To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions… What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? What do you think you’ll read next? What are you currently reading? Summer on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber ~ I’m a bit behind on this series. What did you recently finish reading?…

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Teaser Tuesday 5-4-10

MizB of Should Be Reading hosts Teaser Tuesday. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read Open to a random page Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT…

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Review: One Amazing Thing by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

First line: When the first rumble came, no on in the visa office, down in the basement of the Indian consolate, thought anything of it. From the inside cover: Late afternoon in a passport and visa office in an unnamed American city. Most customers and even most office workers have come and gone, but nine people remain. A punky teenager with an unexpected gift. An upper-class Caucasian couple whose relationship…

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In My Mailbox (2) 5-2-10

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 (0) Library (3) Shanghai Girls by Lisa See Summer on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber Blood Game by Iris Johansen Purchased (2) The Geometry of Sisters by Luanne Rice Accidentally Yours by Susan Mallery Borrowed from a friend (1) Eat, Pray, Love…

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Month in Review: April 2010

Here are my reading stats for April! Books read:  11 Books I read (reviewed ones have * and link to review) The Teaberry Strangler* by Laura Childs Lip Service* by Susan Mallery Straight from the Hip* by Susan Mallery Hot on Her Heels* by Susan Mallery Eggs in Purgatory* by Laura Childs The Seductive One* by Susan Mallery The Marcelli Bride* by Susan Mallery The Marcelli Princess* by Susan Mallery…

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The Book Blogger Hop 4-30-10

Happy Friday Book Lovers! It’s time again for another Book Blogger Hop!!! This fantastic idea to help the large community of book bloggers around the web get to know each other comes to us via Jennifer from Crazy-for-Books. Basically, the Hop is a weekly event, where book bloggers and readers can connect to find new blogs to read. It’s a great way to find new blogs to read and to…

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WWW Wednesdays 4-28-10

A Week in Books   WWW Wednesdays is hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading. To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions… What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? What do you think you’ll read next? What are you currently reading? The Icing on the Cupcake by Jennifer Ross ~ I am loving this book – can’t put it down!. What did…

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Review: The Next Best Thing by Kristan Higgins

First line: “You have a whisker.” From the back cover: Lucy Lang isn’t looking for fireworks. She’s looking for a nice, decent man. Someone who’ll mow the lawn, flip chicken on the barbecue, teach their future children to play soccer. But most important: someone who won’t inspire the slightest stirring in her heart…or anywhere else. A young widow, Lucy can’t risk that kind of loss again. But sharing her life…

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Teaser Tuesday 4-27-10

MizB of Should Be Reading hosts Teaser Tuesday. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read Open to a random page Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT…

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Musing Mondays 4-26-10

Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about the war books With yesterday being Anzac Day, I thought I’d ask a theme question this week. Are you a reader of war books? And if so, do you have any favourites? PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT with either the link to your own Musing Mondays post, or share your opinion in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thanks.  **MUSING MONDAYS is…

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In My Mailbox (1) 4-25-10

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 (2) Lemon Tart by Josi Kilpack Photo, Snap, Shot by Joanna Campbell Slan Library (4) One Amazing Thing by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni Too Good To Be True by Kristan Higgins Paper, Scissors, Death by Joanna Campbell Slan Cut, Crop, and Die by…

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Review: The Marcelli Princess by Susan Mallery

First line: Mia Marcelli was used to sleeping alone so it came as something of a shock to wake up with a strange man in her bed. From the back cover: A smart, independent woman with a gorgeous four-year-old son, Mia Marcelli lost her one true love. Four years ago, while working undercover for the CIA, she watched Diego, the father of her unborn child, perish before her very eyes…

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Review: The Marcelli Bride by Susan Mallery

First line: If Darcy Jensen had known she was going to be kidnapped, she would have worn better shoes. From the back cover: The rebel of the Marcelli family, Joe never joined his sisters Katie, Francesca, and Brenna in running the winery business. Instead, he chose a life of military service. But now that this handsome, headstrong, former Navy SEAL has received a new, undercover assignment – protecting none other…

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Review: The Seductive One by Susan Mallery

First line: Borrowing a million dollars from the devil was one thing; picking a fight with him while doing it was something else. From the back cover: Of all the Marcelli sisters, the only one who dreams of running the family’s winery is Brenna – and she’s about to get her chance. But taking the helm at Marcelli Winery is tougher than she bargains for – especially when she butts…

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The Book Blogger Hop 4-23-10

Happy Friday Book Lovers! It’s time again for another Book Blogger Hop!!! Jennifer at Crazy-for-Bookshosts the fabulous Friday Book Blogger Hop! This is a fantastic idea to help the large community of book bloggers around the web get to know each other.  Basically, the Hop is a weekly event, where book bloggers and readers can connect to find new blogs to read. It’s a great way to find new blogs…

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Blog Update 4-16-10

This week has been a slow week for my blog because my husband and I just moved into our new house. All my books are still in boxes and I am not sure when I will get to them…I do have a few books out, but needless to say, there will probably only be a few posts for the next few days. One good thing about the house is the…

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The Book Blogger Hop 4-16-10

Happy Friday Book Lovers! It’s time again for another Book Blogger Hop!!! This fantastic idea to help the large community of book bloggers around the web get to know each other comes to us via Jennifer from Crazy-for-Books. Basically, the Hop is a weekly event, where book bloggers and readers can connect to find new blogs to read. It’s a great way to find new blogs to read and to…

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Teaser Tuesday 4-13-10

MizB of Should Be Reading hosts Teaser Tuesday. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read Open to a random page Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other TT…

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Review: Eggs in Purgatory by Laura Childs

First line: Suzanne Dietz didn’t set out to start the Cackleberry Club, the whole thing just sort of happened. From the back cover: Suzanne, Toni, and Petra lost their husbands but found independence – and, in each other, a life raft of support, inspiration, fresh baked goods, and their own business. But when the Cackleberry Club cafe opened its doors in the town of Kindred, who’d have guessed that the…

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Review: Hot On Her Heels by Susan Mallery

First line: It had taken four months, calling in every favor ever owed, a case of expensive Scotch and a date with a slimy private investigator who had made the mistake of thinking “date” meant “sex”. From the back cover:  Dana Birch vowed never to put herself at the mercy of a powerful man. She became a deputy so that she could take care of herself, and protect those she…

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Review: Straight From the Hip by Susan Mallery

First line: In the movies there was always a warning before something bad happened. From the back cover: Izzy has always been the fearless Titan sister.  But when an oil rig blows up, leaving her barely able to see, her sisters find themselves as concerned by her emotional withdrawal as by the possibility that the explosion was no accident.  Are the mind games their long-lost brother Garth has been playing…

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Review: Lip Service by Susan Mallery

First line: “I’d like you to marry my daughter.” From the back cover: Skye Titan’s wealthy father thinks he can still dictate his daughter’s choice in men. Now widowed and a single mother, Skye isn’t the yes-girl she once was. Especially since the love of her life is back in Texas after eight long years. He won’t like the answers to the questions he’s asking. About why she left him…

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Review: Under Her Skin by Susan Mallery

First line: “It’s only two million.” From the back cover: Lexi Titan can just see the headlines. All of Titanville will be buzzing. Not that she has any other choice. Faced with exactly thirty days to come up with two million dollars, she is out of options. Marry Cruz Rodriquez or lose everything – the successful day spa she built herself, her tyrant father’s respect. And the long-standing competition with…

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The Book Blogger Hop 4-9-10

Happy Friday Book Lovers! It’s time again for another Book Blogger Hop!!! This fantastic idea to help the large community of book bloggers around the web get to know each other comes to us via Jennifer from Crazy-for-Books. Basically, the Hop is a weekly event, where book bloggers and readers can connect to find new blogs to read. It’s a great way to find new blogs to read and to…

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WWW Wednesday 4-7-10

A Week in Books   WWW Wednesdays is hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading. To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions… What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? What do you think you’ll read next? What are you currently reading? Sushi for Beginners by Marion Keyes ~ I am just about to start this book – I have never read anything…

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Teaser Tuesdays 4-6-10

t MizB of Should Be Reading hosts Teaser Tuesday. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read Open to a random page Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that other…

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Review: The Teaberry Strangler by Laura Childs

First line: A back-alley crawl had certainly sounded like a tantalizing idea to Theodosia when she’d first conceived it. From the inside cover: It was the Dickensian evening Theodosia Browning had hoped for. Flickering candles lined the narrow cobblestone alleys of Charleston as shop owners, dressed in cloaks of yore, threw open their back doors to shoppers. Visitors took advantage of bargains on antiques, heaping bowls of crab chowder –…

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The Book Blogger Hop 4-2-10

Happy Friday Book Lovers! It’s time again for another Book Blogger Hop!!! This fantastic idea to help the large community of book bloggers around the web get to know each other comes to us via Jennifer from Crazy-for-Books. Basically, the Hop is a weekly event hosted at Crazy-for-Books, where book bloggers and readers can connect to find new blogs to read.It’s a great way to find new blogs to read…

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Month in Review: March 2010

Here are my reading stats for March! Books read:  11 Books I read (reviewed ones have * and link to review) The Postmistress by Sarah Blake The Sassy One by Susan Mallery The Summer Hideaway by Susan Wiggs The Queen’s Dollmaker* by Christine Trent Worst Case by James Patterson Under Her Skin by Susan Mallery Pieces of Happily Ever After* by Irene Zutell Three Cups of Tea* by Greg Mortenson…

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WWW Wednesday 3-31-10

A Week in Books   WWW Wednesdays is hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading. To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions… What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? What do you think you’ll read next? What are you currently reading? The Teaberry Strangler by Laura Childs ~ This is the newest of the Tea Shop Mysteries, book #11. What did you…

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Review: Love in Bloom by Sheila Roberts

First line:  “I need flowers, dead ones.” From the back cover:  Hope Walker survived early breast cancer at just thirty-years-old, but a mastectomy left her with a lot of scarring—and some serious fears about dating.  Hope owns Changing Seasons, Heart Lake’s most popular flower shop.  When it comes to love and relationships, she’s able to work magic through her expert flower arranging…for everyone but herself.  Then one day a handsome…

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Review: Bikini Season by Sheila Roberts

First line: Was it a bad omen when you couldn’t zip up your wedding dress? From the back cover: Erin Merritt has returned to her scenic hometown of Heart Lake to plan her wedding, but when she repeatedly runs into her childhood crush, she wonders if she’s engaged to the wrong man.  To make matters worse, all the stress is making her eat, and now she can’t fit into her…

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Review: Big Girl by Danielle Steel

First line: Jim Dawson was handsome from the day he was born. From the inside cover: In this heartfelt and incisive new novel, Danielle Steel celebrates the virtues of unconventional beauty while exploring deeply resonant issues of weight, self-image, sisterhood, and family. A chubby little girl with blond hair, blue eyes, and ordinary looks, Victoria Dawson has always felt out of place in her family, especially in body-conscious L.A. Her…

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Review: Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson & David Oliver Relin

First Line: In Pakistan’s Karakoram, bristling across an area barely one hundred miles wide, more than sixty of the world’s tallest mountains lord their severe alpine beauty over a witnessless high-altitude wilderness. From the back cover: In 1993 a mountaineer named Greg Mortenson drifted into an impoverished Pakistan village in the Karakoram mountains after a failed attempt to climb K2. Moved by the inhabitants’ kindness, he promised to return and…

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The Book Blogger Hop 3-26-10

Happy Friday Book Lovers! It’s time again for another Book Blogger Hop!!! This fantastic idea to help the large community of book bloggers around the web get to know each other comes to us via Jennifer from Crazy-for-Books. Basically, the Hop is a weekly event hosted at Crazy-for-Books, where book bloggers and readers can connect to find new blogs to read.It’s a great way to find new blogs to read…

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Review: Pieces of Happily Ever After by Irene Zutell

First line: I spy on them. From the back cover: What happens after “happily ever after”? Alice Hirsh is about to find out.      Alice, a former New Yorker who thought she’d never feel at home in the bizarre world of the San Fernando Valley, was adapting, raising her five-year-old daughter while trying to keep her job and make her new house a home. When her attorney husband lands a…

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Booking Through Thursday: Break (3-25-10)

 ((BTT is hosted at http://btt2.wordpress.com)) This week’s question asks: Do you take breaks while reading a book? Or read it straight through? (And, by breaks, I don’t mean sleeping, eating and going to work; I mean putting it aside for a time while you read something else.) No, I definitely do not take breaks while reading a book. I find it amazing that some people, like my husband for instance,…

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WWW Wednesday 3-24-10

A Week in Books   WWW Wednesdays is hosted by MizB over at Should Be Reading. To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions… What are you currently reading? What did you recently finish reading? What do you think you’ll read next? What are you currently reading? Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin ~ This is our pick for this month’s book club.…

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Teaser Tuesday 3-23-10

    MizB of Should Be Reading hosts Teaser Tuesday. Anyone can play along! Just do the following: Grab your current read Open to a random page Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!) Share the title & author, too, so that…

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Review: Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

First line: I am what they call in our village “one who has not yet died” – a widow, eighty years old. From the back cover: In nineteenth-century China, in a remote Hunan county, a girl named Lily, at the tender age of seven, is paired with a laotong, or “old same,” in an emotional match that will last a lifetime. The laotong, Snow Flower, introduces herself by sending Lily…

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The Friday 56 3-19-10

Here’s a fun meme from Storytime with Tonya and Friends  called The Friday 56. Rules: * Grab the book nearest you. Right now. * Turn to page 56. * Find the fifth sentence. * Post that sentence (plus one or two others if you like) along with these instructions on your blog or (if you do not have your own blog) in the comments section of this blog. *Post a…

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The Book Blogger Hop 3-19-10

It’s Friday, which means it’s time for another Book Blogger Hop!! Check out Jennifer’s page, Crazy-for-Books, and enter your link and check out some of the other book blogs out there!! It’s a great way to find new blogs to read and to find new readers!! So join up and spread the word about this fun event!!

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