Giveaway Winners

Once again, I’ve fallen behind in announcing giveaway winners. Here are the winners of giveaways from the last month: ARMCHAIR BEA GIVEAWAY: The Typewriter Girl by Alison Atlee – Sprite The Fate of Mercy Alban by Wendy Webb – Shannon Gallagher Children of Liberty by Paullina Simons – Dorothy Teel JUNE MONTHLY GIVEAWAY: A Hundred Flowers by Gail Tsukiyama – Mary H. Fly Away by Kristin Hannah – Lara Newell…

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Review: Button Holed by Kylie Logan

Button Holed by Kylie Logan Series: Button Box Mystery, #1 Berkley September 2011 Format: Paperback, 264 pages Source: Personal copy In a big-picture world, it’s the little things that appeal to button dealer Josie Giancola. There’s history in every button. There’s art, and craft, and style. There might be clues to murder, too. Working out of her button shop in a Chicago brownstone, Josie Giancola has quietly become one of…

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Book Spotlight & Giveaway: From This Moment On by Bella Andre (CLOSED)

Back in January, I was first introduced to Bella Andre when she did a whirlwind tour for the e-book editions of her Sullivan series. I was fortunate to receive e-copies of the first 7 books and of the ones I’ve had time to read (5 so far) I’ve loved them!!! Now, she has joined forces with Harlequin MIRA to provide the Sullivan books in print, with new content added to…

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Review: The 9th Girl by Tami Hoag

The 9th Girl by Tami Hoag Dutton Adult June 2013 Format: e-book, 417 pages Source: Publisher via Netgalley #1 New York Times bestselling author Tami Hoag brings back her fan-favorite Minneapolis investigators Sam Kovac and Nikki Liska in the haunting new thriller The 9th Girl. “Kovac had seen more dead bodies than he could count: Men, women, children; victims of shootings, stabbings, strangulations, beatings; fresh corpses and bodies that had…

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Month in Review: June 2013

Another month has come and gone…and as we are now halfway through the year, I realize I need to focus on my reading challenges. I am doing well in some, but haven’t started a few. I guess I will have to be a little more selective in what I read moving forward. I’m really getting the hang of the whole social media thing – specifically using twitter. I’ve come across…

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Review: The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley

The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley Series: Slains, #2 Sourcebooks Landmark June 2013 Format: Paperback, 539 pages Source: Publisher/She Reads Whoever dares to seek the Firebird may find the journey—and its ending—unexpected. Nicola Marter was born with a gift. When she touches an object, she sometimes sees images; glimpses of those who have owned it before. It’s never been a gift she wants, and she keeps it a secret from most…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (7.1.13)

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. How is it July 1st already? I need to get some serious reading in if…

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Goodbye Google Reader…Hello Bloglovin’!

Don’t forget that Google Reader is shutting down July 1st. When this announcement first came out, I looked into other options and decided to go with Bloglovin’. I find it is a rather easy site to use and navigate. Plus, I can use with both my phone (I have an Android phone) and the iPad. Feel free to follow Always With a Book on Bloglovin (click on link) or you…

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Stacking the Shelves (50) 6.30.13

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: The Shadow Tracer by Meg Gardiner I’ve never read anything by Meg Gardiner, but do enjoy a good thriller! Purchased: Second Honeymoon by James Patterson A new stand-alone James Patterson book – oh how I love my James Patterson!!!     From Library:   Finger Lickin’…

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Review: Body Double by Tess Gerritsen

Body Double by Tess Gerritsen Series: Rizzoli & Isles #4 Ballantine Books July 2005 Format: Paperback, 432 pages Source: Library Boston medical examiner Dr. Maura Isles literally meets her match–and must face a savage serial killer and shattering personal revelations–in the brilliant new novel of suspense by the New York Times bestselling author of The Surgeon and The Sinner. Dr. Maura Isles makes her living dealing with death. As a pathologist in a…

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Review: The Surfing Lesson by Elin Hilderbrand

The Surfing Lesson by Elin Hilderbrand Reagan Arthur Books May 2013 Format: e-book, 44 pages Source: Personal copy A digital edition short story about a wife coming to terms with her fading marriage, based on a subplot from Elin Hilderbrand’s forthcoming novel BEAUTIFUL DAY  Margot’s reservoir of romantic feelings for her husband Drum is running dry. But while the family is on vacation in Nantucket, Margot finds an opportunity to…

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Review: Time Flies by Claire Cook

Time Flies by Claire Cook Touchtone June 2013 Format: e-book, 320 pages Source: Publisher via Netgalley TWO BEST FRIENDS, A HIGH SCHOOL REUNION, AND A ROLLICKING ROAD TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE Years ago, Melanie followed her husband, Kurt, from the New England beach town where their two young sons were thriving to the suburbs of Atlanta. She’s carved out a life as a successful metal sculptor, but when Kurt leaves…

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Review: Chasing Perfect by Susan Mallery

Chasing Perfect by Susan Mallery Series: Fool’s Gold #1 HQN April 2010 Format: Paperback, 376 pages Source: Library Welcome to Fool’s Gold, California, a charming community in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. There’s lots to do and plenty of people to meet, especially women. Because there’s just one tiny problem in Fool’s Gold: the men don’t seem to stick around. Maybe it’s the lure of big-city life, or maybe…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (6.24.13)

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. Last week was Audiobook Week, hosted by Jen at Devourer of Books. It was a…

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Stacking the Shelves (49) 6.23.13

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: The Tudor Conspiracy  by C.W.  Gortner This is the latest in C.W. Gortner’s Spymaster  Chronicles series and I am looking forward to reading it! Can’t Help Falling in Love  by Bella Andre  This is my newest favorite series and the latest one coming out in paperback!…

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Audiobook Week 2013: Finding Audiobooks

Today is the final discussion post for Audiobook Week 2013. I want to thank  Jen at Devourer of Books for hosting a great week of discussions centered around audiobooks this week. Here’s today’s discussion topic:   Where do you learn about great audiobook titles? Buy your audiobooks? Share your secrets with the rest of us! We’d particularly love to know what narrators or publishers are active in social media of do…

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Review: Innocent Traitor: A Novel of Lady Jane Grey by Alison Weir (audio)

Innocent Traitor: A Novel of Lady Jane Grey by Alison Weir Read by: Stina Nielsen, Davina Porter, Bianca Amato, Jenny Sterlin, Jill Tanner, Gerard Doyle, & Robert Ian Mackenzie Recorded Books, LLC 2007 Length: 18.25 hours Source: Library New York Times best-selling author Alison Weir has earned her reputation as the preeminent historian of British royalty. Now with Innocent Traitor, Weir utilizes her vast knowledge and captivating narrative style to…

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Audiobook Week 2013: Audiobook Tasks

June is Audiobook Month and Jen at Devourer of Books is hosting a special week dedicated to audiobooks this week. Today’s discussion topic is about what we do while listening to audiobooks:   What do you do while you listen? Any particular tasks or games that you find amazing for audio time? Ever since starting to listen to audios, about three and a half years ago, I’ve found myself listening while…

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Audiobook Week 2013: Mid-Week Meme

Welcome to day three of Audio Book Week, hosted by Jen at Devourer of Books! Today is the mid-week meme.  Current/most recent audiobook: I’m currently listening to 2 audio books:   * in the car: Fly Away by Kristin Hannah, read by Susan Ericksen   * on the iPod: Come Home by Lisa Scottoline, read by Maggie-Meg Reed Impressions: Fly Away: I loved Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah and this…

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Review: Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich (audio)

Plum Spooky by Janet Evanovich Series: Stephanie Plum #14.5, Between the Number #4 Read by Lorelei King Macmillan Audio 2009 Length: 6.5 hours Source: Library Turn on all the lights and check under your bed. Things are about to get spooky in Trenton, New Jersey. Wulf Grimoire is a world wanderer and an opportunist who can kill without remorse and disappear like smoke. He’s chosen Martin Munch, boy genius, as…

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Audiobook Week 2013: How Do You Choose Your Audiobooks?

  June is Audiobook Month and Jen at Devourer of Books is hosting a special week dedicated to audiobooks this week. Today’s discussion topic is about how we choose our audiobooks:   How do you decide what you’ll listen to? Do you mostly listen, or split time between listening and reading? Particularly if you split time, how do you decide what you’ll consume in audio and what in print? I split…

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June Monthly Giveaway (CLOSED)

In honor of Audiobook Month, the giveaways this month are all audios. I received these either from a publisher or won in a giveaway. They’ve all been gently used.  Spring Fever By: Mary Kaye Andrews Format: Audiobook My review   A Hundred Flowers By: Gail Tsukiyama Format: Audiobook My review Fly Away By: Kristin Hannah Format: Audiobook (Almost done listening to this one – then review will go up!)  …

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Audiobook Week 2013: Your Audiobook Year

    June is Audiobook Month and Jen at Devourer of Books is hosting a special week dedicated to audiobooks this week. This is my third year participating and I can’t wait to see what’s in store all week! The first discussion topic for this week is “2012-2013, Your Audiobook Year.” And the description for this discussion topic is:  Are you new to audiobooks in the last year? Have you…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (6.17.13)

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. On Saturday, I met my mom in New York City and we did a walking…

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Stacking the Shelves (48) 6.16.13

Tynga of Tynga’s Reviews is starting a new meme to spotlight the books we receive each week.        Here’s what I got:   Purchased: All the Summer Girls by Meg Donohue This has been all over the blog0sphere and when I saw it at the store, I couldn’t resist picking it up.   The Wishing Tree (e-book) by Marybeth Whalen This is another book that’s been around the blogosphere and was…

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Review: If You Were Mine by Bella Andre

If You Were Mine by Bella Andre Series: The Sullivans #5 Oak Press May 2012 Format: e-book, 194 pages Source: Novel Publicity Can two people who have both sworn off love find forever in each other’s arms? The last thing Zach Sullivan wants is to take care of his brother’s new puppy for two weeks. Until he meets the dog trainer, that is. Heather is bright, beautiful, and he can’t…

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Review: Taking Eve by Iris Johansen

Taking Eve by Iris Johansen Series: Eve Duncan #18 St. Martin’s Press April 2013 Format: Hardcover, 384 pages Source: Library #1 New York Times bestselling author Iris Johansen is back with the first book in a chilling new Eve Duncan trilogy that asks the question: will Eve survive what lies ahead? Forensic sculptor Eve Duncan’s mission is to bring closure to the families whose loved ones have vanished.  She knows their…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (6.10.13)

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. Another week has flown by and unfortunately not only did I not get a lot…

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Stacking the Shelves (47) 6.9.13

Tynga of Tynga’s Reviews is starting a new meme to spotlight the books we receive each week.        Here’s what I got: Won:     The Bookman’s Tale by Charlies Lovett   I won this from Jen at Devourer of Books and it sounds really intriguing…thanks for the giveaway!!!     Purchased: *** I purchased the following 5 books while attending Beach Reads 2013 at the Princeton Library this week. I was…

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Book Event: Beach Reads Night 2013

Last night, I had the opportunity to attend Princeton’s Library’s Beach Reads Night 2013 and what a night it was! Not even the threat of Tropical Storm Andrea was going to keep me away from attending. The night was co-sponsored by Chick Lit Central with the lovely Amy Bromberg as moderator. Six fabulous authors were there to not only chat about their latest novels, but also to talk about what…

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Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: Big Sky Summer by Linda Lael Miller (GIVEAWAY CLOSED)

Big Sky Summer by Linda Lael Miller Harlequin HQN May 2013 Format: ARC e-copy, 384 pages Source: Netgalley via Little Bird Publicity The “First Lady of the West,” #1 New York Times bestselling author Linda Lael Miller, welcomes you home to Parable, Montana-where love awaits.   With his father’s rodeo legacy to continue and a prosperous spread to run, Walker Parrish has no time to dwell on wrecked relationships. But country-western…

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Author Q&A: Bella Andre (Plus Book Announcement & Giveaway!) GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Back in January, I was first introduced to Bella Andre when she did a whirlwind tour for the e-book editions of her Sullivan series. I was fortunate to receive e-copies of the first 7 books and of the ones I’ve had time to read (5 so far) I’ve loved them!!! Now, she has joined forces with Harlequin MIRA to provide the Sullivan books in print, with new content added to…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (6.3.13)

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. What a week!!! I participated in ArmchairBEA 2013 and it kept me quite busy. There…

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ArmchairBEA 2013: Wrap-Up

Design credit: Nina of Nina Reads Armchair BEA 2013 has come to an end and I had a great time. This was my second year participating and it was just as informative and fun as the first time I participated. One day I would love to get to the actual BEA, but until that happens, ArmchairBEA is the place to be! Here’s a recap of all my posts related to…

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Stacking the Shelves (46) 6.2.13

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:     Looking for Me by Beth Hoffman   This will be my first Beth Hoffman book and I can’t wait to read it…so many people have been raving about it and I think I will really like it.   From Netgalley: Before I Met You (e-book) by…

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Month in Review: May 2013

Wow…another month has come and gone. I really don’t know where the time is going. This past month was quite busy with work, but I managed to get back on track with my fitness regimen – walking and doing yoga. I have a fitbit and my daily goal is to get a least 10,000 steps in each day.  Some days I get way more than that, and others fall short.…

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ArmchairBEA 2013: Keeping it Real, Fresh & Fun

Design credit: Nina of Nina Reads Today is day five of Armchair BEA and we are discussing how we keep our blogs real, fresh and fun. The prompt for today is: How do you keep your material fresh? How do you continue to keep blogging fun? How do you not only grow an audience, but how do you keep them coming back for more? I started this blog as a…

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ArmchairBEA 2013 Genre Discussion: Non-Fiction

Design credit: Sarah of Puss Reboots Today’s genre discussion is all about non-fiction. I have to admit that on the whole, I tend to stay away from non-fiction. When I read, I like a good story. That’s not to say that I haven’t read non-fiction or that I will not read it, it’s just not usually my go-to choice.  I recently came across a series of non-fiction books that definitely…

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Review: Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich (audio)

Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich Read by Lorelei King MacMillan Audio 2008 Length: 7 hours Source: Library Bounty Hunter Stephanie Plum goes on her most explosive adventure yet. The Crime:  Armed robbery to the tune of nine million dollars Dom Rizzi robbed a bank, stashed the money, and did the time. His family couldn’t be more proud. He always was the smart one. The Cousin:  Joe Morelli Joe Morelli, Dom…

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ArmchairBEA 2013: Ethics in Blogging

Design credit: Nina of Nina Reads Today is day 4 ofArmchair BEA and we jump back into the discussions. The focus of today’s discussion is on ethics. I tend to stay away from all the drama that happens in the blogging world – a lot of the times because I only hear about it after-the-fact. What I can share is what I practice and that’s the following: * Give credit…

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Review: The Sassy Belles by Beth Albright

The Sassy Belles by Beth Albright Harlequin MIRA May 2013 Format: ARC, e-copy, 304 pages Source: Netgalley via Kaye Publicity Meet the Sassy Belles They’re strong as a mint julep, sweet as peach cobbler, and no matter what, they stick together. There are only two seasons in Tuscaloosa—football and waiting-for-football. When Lewis Heart, football announcer and voice of the Crimson Tide, vanishes after an impromptu romp with Vivi Ann McFadden…

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ArmchairBEA 2013: Giveaway Day!!!

Design credit: Nina of Nina Reads Today is day 3 of ArmchairBEA and it’s everyone’s favorite day – giveaway day!!! In honor of this, I am giving away 3 gently used books sent to me for review. The giveaway is open to US residents only. The Typewriter Girl by Alison Atlee My review Source: Gallery Books The Fate of Mercy Alban by Wendy Webb My review Source: Hyperion Books Children…

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ArmchairBEA 2013 Genre Discussion: Genre Fiction

Design credit: Sarah of Puss Reboots Today’s genre discussion is genre fiction which is a wide category. Within that category, I tend to stick to women’s fiction, contemporary fiction, chick lit, romance, romantic suspense, mysteries/psychological thrillers, cozy mysteries and historical fiction. I just recently started reading some magical realism, but as a whole, tend to stay away from straight fantasy/paranormal fantasy, dystopian fiction and horror. Before blogging, I primarily read…

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Review & Giveaway: Sea Glass Island by Sherryl Woods (CLOSED)

Sea Glass Island by Sherryl Woods Harlequin MIRA May 2013 Format: ARC e-book, 384 pages Source: Netgalley Under summer skies, New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods evokes family, friendship and heartfelt emotion With her two younger sisters heading for the altar, will Samantha Castle exchange old dreams for new ones? Lately she’d rather be on the North Carolina coast with family than in New York with agents and actors.…

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ArmchairBEA 2013: Blogger Development

Design credit: Nina of Nina Reads Today is day two of Armchair BEA and we are discussing blogger development. Prompt for the day: How do you develop yourself as a blogger. Have you branched out into your community? Do you partner with other bloggers? Have you gone “pro” or begun supplementing your income through your blog? Are you a long-term blogger, and how has your online personality developed over the…

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ArmchairBEA 2013 Genre Discussion: The Classics

Design credit: Sarah of Puss Reboots The Classics…an area that I’ve been wanting to delve into for a while, but never seem to get to. I remember in high school reading the requisite books for English classes. There were the Shakespeare plays – Romeo & Juliet, Julius Cesar, Macbeth – and then the books – A Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations both by Charles Dickens, To Kill a…

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Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: Cascade by Maryanne O’Hara (CLOSED)

Cascade by Maryanne O’Hara Penguin Books April 2013 Format: ARC e-book, 384 pages Source: Publisher via Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours A novel of art and desire in the 1930s It’s 1935, and Desdemona Hart Spaulding has sacrificed her plans to work as an artist in New York to care for her bankrupt, ailing father in Cascade, Massachusetts. When he dies, Dez finds herself caught in a marriage of convenience,…

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Armchair BEA 2013: Introductions

Design credit: Nina of Nina Reads Today is Day One of Armchair BEA.  This is my second time participating and I’m very excited – last year was so much fun! Day One is all about introductions and getting to know fellow book bloggers.  So here is a little bit about me:  Please tell us a little bit about yourself: Who are you? How long have you been blogging? Why did…

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It’s Monday…What Are You Reading? (5.27.13)

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. Well, the weather didn’t pan out exactly as I had hoped for the holiday weekend,…

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Stacking the Shelves (45) 5.26.13

Tynga of Tynga’s Reviews is starting a new meme to spotlight the books we receive each week.      Here’s what I got (be prepared…it’s a long list this week): For Review:     The 9th Girl (e-book) by Tami Hoag   I just read my first Tami Hoag book – The 1st Victim – which was actually a prequel to this one and I can’t wait to start this latest one! The Lavender…

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