New Author Challenge

I keep telling myself no more challenges but this one is perfect for me. The New Authors Challenge is hosted by Literary Escapism and I love trying out new authors! Not only do I love the button but there are so many awesome debut authors and new to me authors out there that I just can't resist this challenge. Head on over to Literary Escapism to sign up. I thnk I'll aim for 25 new authors!

Here are the guidelines:

1.The challenge will run from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2010.

2. Since this is an author challenge, there is no restriction on choosing your novels. They can definitely be from other challenges. However, the authors must be new to you and, preferably from novels. Anthologies are a great way to try someone new, but only a third of your new authors can be from anthologies.

3. I want this to be an easy challenge, so you can pick to do either 15, 25 or 50 new authors. It all depends on how fast you read and how adventurous you want to be. For me, I’m trying another 50 new authors. If you reach your goal halfway through the year, don’t stop. Any new author you try can be added to Mr. Linky. We all want to know about your new experience.

4. After reading your new author, write your review and then come back here and add your link to Mr. Linky. Make sure you include your name and the author, but adding the title is completely up to you.

5 .Bloggers or Non-Bloggers alike are welcome

1. Witch Fire by Anya Bast
2. Eternal on the Water by Joseph Monninger
3. Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia
4. Women of Magdalene by Rosemary Poole-Carter
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To celebrate blogging friendships & my birthday two lucky readers can take their pick from a choice of 6 books in my Dec/Jan giveaway. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.

Blue Moon by Alyson Noel

Genre: YA Fantasy
Series: The Immortals Book 2
Copyright: 2009
Pages: 284
Book Source: Borrowed from Alaine Queen of Happy Endings.

Eager to learn everything she can about her new abilities as an Immortal, Ever turns to her beloved Damen to show her the way. But just as her powers are increasing, Damen’s are waning. In an attempt to save him, Ever travels to the magical dimension of Summerland, where she learns the secrets of Damen’s tortured past; a past which he has always kept hidden from her. But in her quest to cure Damen, Ever discovers an ancient text that details the workings of time. Now Ever must choose between turning back the past and saving her family from the accident that claimed their lives—or staying in the present and saving Damen, who grows sicker every day...

If you haven't read Evermore you might want to skip this as even the synopsis gives away spoilers for the 1st book. I really enjoyed Blue Moon, it didn't have the slow pace of Evermore so I found myself carried along in a state of suspense for the majority of the book. Once again the blend of 'normal' and paranormal elements creates an atmosphere that is at once captivating and unique. As Ever comes into her own in the immortal world, Damen appears to be slipping away and we are left wondering whether true love will last forever.

In Blue Moon we learn more about the fascinating dimension of Summerland, visiting this magical place really opens the door on Damen's past and Ever's past lives and the love and tragedy they've shared over the centuries. I liked the realistic school setting but if you're not into teen cliques and angst then this might not be for you. Personally  I found the immortal world very appealing and the twists and turns kept me turning the pages. The new characters introduced are an integral part of the story and love them or hate them they add to the suspense and intrigue. 

I don't mind cliffhanger endings but I was so dumbfounded by Ever's out-of-character stupidity that some of the enjoyment in the story was stolen. For a character to do a 180 degree turn after trusting her instincts through the entire book, really annoyed me. So all in all, I really enjoyed the ride but the "face-plant" at the end is the thing that has stayed with me after finishing the book. However I can't be too traumatised as I'll definitely be reading Shadowland as soon as Alaine gets it :-)

The 4th book in the Immortal series, Dark Flame is due for release in July 2010.

Radiance, book 1 in the Immortal spin-off series will be out in August 2010. It features Riley Bloom, Ever's sister.

Visit Alyson Noel's website or blog to find out more

To celebrate blogging friendships & my birthday two lucky readers can take their pick from a choice of 6 books in my Dec/Jan giveaway. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.

Twelve by Twelve Challenge

For those who don't want to commit to a year long reading challenge here's the perfect challenge. After talking with other bloggers J. Kaye has created the 12 x 12 Challenge and it could not be easier, all you have to do is Read More Books ... ooh fun!

In 2010, there will be 12 challenges in total, each challenge lasts one month and will be hosted by a different blogger - hence the 12 by 12 Challenge. You can join one, several, or all of them!

Head on over to J. Kayes Book Blog for all the info on the challenge and February sign up.

I think I'll aim for 10 in February, being a shorter month and all :-)


To celebrate blogging friendships & my birthday two lucky readers can take their pick from a choice of 6 books in my Dec/Jan giveaway. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.

The Twilight Before Christmas by Christine Feehan

Genre: Paranormal Romance
Series: Drake Sisters Book 2
Copyright: 2003
Pages: 284
Book Source: Own purchase

Seven sisters...and a legacy of magical secrets.

Bestselling novelist Kate Drake is one of seven sisters gifted with amazing powers of witchcraft. Returning home in time for her northern California town's annual Christmas pageant, Kate catches the spirit of the season and decides to open a bookstore in a charming but run-down historic mill. Decorated former U.S. Army Ranger Matt Granite, now a local contractor, doesn't mind working in the undeniably eerie house -- not if it means getting closer to Kate. There's something about the quiet, sensual woman that powerfully attracts him.

When an earthquake cracks the mill's foundation and reveals a burial crypt, Kate senses that a centuries-old evil has been unleashed and that it's coming after her. Though Matt vows to guard her from dusk till dawn, Kate knows she will have to summon all of her and her sisters' powers to battle the darkness threatening to destroy both Christmas and the gift of soul-searing passion her hometown hero wants her to keep forever.... 

The Twilight Before Christmas will be fondly remembered as the 1st book read on my kindle so that in itself gives this one bonus points. It was a delightful read but not nearly as enchanting as the first book in the series Magic In The Wind. Maybe that's because I like the heroine to have a few faults and Kate, the second eldest of the magical Drake sisters is almost saccharine sweet.

Kate's gift is a lovely one, she weaves magic with her voice, calming and soothing emotions. Matt is a very likeable heroine, strong, protective, sexy and I had no problems connecting with him :-) His long standing adoration of Kate is endearing and whilst the two of them have insecurities that they hold close, once they realise they're right for each other, things really heat up in the 'romance' department!

The story focuses not only on Kate and Matt's relationship but the history of Christmas in Sea Haven and the evil entity trying to destroy this peaceful town. And of course it's up to the seven Drake sisters to protect the town from the malevolent spirit. Christine Feehan has ten sisters & three brothers, inspiring her to write this series about the magic of sisters and I can assure you this magic is evident in her writing. I adored reading about the relationships between the Drake sisters, not only their special pyschic bond but the love and support they show each other.

Magic, romance, and suspense, woven together with an eerie undercurrent make this an easy, entertaining read. I can't wait to find out more about the other Drake sisters and their love interests. Next up is Abigail's story in Oceans of Fire.

See my review for book 1, Magic in the Wind.

To learn more about Christine Feehan and the Drake Sister series visit Christine's website.

To celebrate blogging friendships & my birthday two lucky readers can take their pick from a choice of 6 books in my Dec/Jan giveaway. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.

O, Juliet Love Poetry Competition

Robin Maxwell author of O, Juliet, due for release Feb 2nd, is hosting a fantastic competition, well actually 2 fantastic contests. One for young adults and one for adults and I so wish I had the ability to come up with a little poem, other than Roses are Red, Violets are Blue ...  but unfortunately I was behind the door when poetry writing ability was handed out!  But for all you budding poets, if you'd like the chance to win a signed copy of O, Juliet,  this gorgeous leather bound journal, and a chat with Robin, don't be chicken, head over to Robin's blog and throw your poem in the ring!

There'll be two separate contests (and winners), one for adults, and one for young poets age 13-18. If you fall into the latter category, you'll need to let me know that in your entry. The winner in each category will receive a signed copy of O, JULIET, a Renaissance style leather-bound journal in which you can continue writing your award-winning poetry and prose, and a leisurely phone conversation with me.

To Enter, simply send in your poem (of any length) here to this blog by February 2nd. Please clearly include your name, email address and whether your poem should be judged in the adult or 13-19 year old category. The two winners will be announced on Valentines Day, 2010

Visit The O, Juliet Love Games Blog to enter!


To celebrate blogging friendships & my birthday two lucky readers can take their pick from a choice of 6 books in my Dec/Jan giveaway. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.

Aussie Author Challenge

Just in time for Australia Day I thought I'd join this challenge showcasing Australian authors hosted by Booklover Book Reviews. I'm an Aussie and enjoy reads from some very talented Aussie authors, so thought I'd join this challenge at the Fair Dinkum level. Head on over to Booklover Book Reviews to sign up for this one.

Challenge starts 1 January 2010 and ends 31 December 2010

2 challenge levels - TOURIST and FAIR DINKUM!

TOURIST - Read and review 3 books by 3 different Australian authors

FAIR DINKUM - Read and review 8 books by Australian authors (a minimum of 5 different Australian authors)

My list so far:

1. Cold Justice by Katherine Howell
2. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
3. Captive of Sin by Anna Campbell
4. Tempt the Devil by Anna Campbell
5. Lirael by Garth Nix
6. Cybele's Secret by Juliet Marillier
7. Shatter by Michael Robotham
8.

Don't panic there's a link on Booklover Book Reviews that provides a great list of Australian Authors and book titles!

To celebrate blogging friendships & my birthday two lucky readers can take their pick from a choice of 6 books in my Dec/Jan giveaway. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.

What Are You Reading Monday

A weekly event hosted by J. Kaye’s Book Blog to discuss your reading week ~ the books you've read and those you plan on reading in the coming week.

Thanks everyone for the birhday wishes and comments on Friday, I had the most wonderful day and got spoilt rotten. Hubby is back to work today and the new school year starts for Cal on Thursday, my youngest is a senior this year, year 11, wow time flies!

Click on the title to see my reviews for

A GOOD YARN by Debbie Macomber - 4.5 stars

THE TRUTH ABOUT FOREVER by Sarah Dessen - 4.5 stars

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Books Completed Last Week:

ETERNAL ON THE WATER by Joseph Monninger (B & N First Look Club)  - 5 stars, OMG beautiful

BLUE MOON by Alyson Noel - 4 stars

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This Week's Reading List:

WOMEN OF MAGDALENE by Rosemary Poole-Carter

BEAUTIFUL CREATURES by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl

CAPTIVE OF SIN by Anna Campbell

 

To celebrate blogging friendships & my birthday two lucky readers can take their pick from a choice of 6 books in my Dec/Jan giveaway. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.

Blog Awards and Comment Love

Time to post some blog love I've received lately. I hope I haven't forgotten anyone, please forgive me if I have, I've got a brain like a seive at the moment so if I don't do things straight away they're gone.

The Over the Top Award comes from Aye.Me? @ Reversing the Monotony ... and I'm told it means over the top in a good way LOL.

The rules are pretty simple. Answer the following questions with Single Word answers then pass this along to 5 other bloggers. Make sure you let them know about it though.

Your Cell Phone? Important

Your Hair? Brown

Your Mother? Heaven

Your Father? Happy

Your Favorite Food? Chocolate

Your Dream Last Night? Sad

Your Favorite Drink? Water

Your Dream/Goal? Healthy

What Room Are You In? Bedroom

Your Hobby? Scrapbooking

Your Fear? Mice

Where Do You Want To Be In Six Years? Alive

Where Were You Last Night? Home

Something That You Aren't? Fit

Muffins? Yummy

Wish List Item? Books

Where Did You Grow Up? Australia

Last Thing You Did? Read

What Are You Wearing? PJs

Your TV? Big

Your Pets? Dead

Friends? Loyal

Your Life? Chaotic

Your Mood? Tired

Missing Someone? Mum

Vehicle? Toyota

Something You Aren't Wearing? Socks

Your Favorite Store? Bookstore

Your Favorite Color? Pink

When Was The Last Time You Laughed? Today

Last Time You Cried? Yesterday

Your Best Friend? Caring

One Place You Go To Over And Over Again? Blogs

Facebook? Procrastinator

Favorite Place To Eat? Lounge

This one goes out to the following bloggers I've recently come across:

Shy from The Bibliophile's Journal

Jean from Tuning into YA Books

Wings from Storywings

In the Hammock

Justpeachy36 from Debbie's Book Bag

Blogger Buddie Award from J. Kaye @ J. Kaye's Book Blog. Isn't this just adorable! Right back at ya J. Kaye. This one goes out to all the wonderful blogging buddies that follow and comment on my blog. A blog is a boring place without comments, so keep them coming ... I love them!!

The Dragon's Loyalty Award is from the wonderful Ladybug @ Escape in a Book

I'm passing this one to the top commenters on my blog at the time of this post. Thanks so much your comments mean a lot! Please don't feel obliged to pass these on if you've already received them or have adopted an award free blog policy!

Alaine @ Alaine Queen of Happy Endings

Vivienne @ Serendipity

Cj'alhafiz @  Coffee N Crackers

Staci @ Life in the Thumb

dArLyN @  dArLyN & Books

Stacy @ Stacy's Books

Mishel @ Mis(h)takes

Sharon @ Books to the Ceiling

J. Kaye @ J. Kaye's Book Blog

Shweta @ Shweta's Book Journal

Another one from the wonderful J. Kaye @ J. Kaye's Book Blog and it comes with the most awesome sentiment. Thanks J. Kaye.

It signifies all the bloggers out there who constantly work hard to keep an updated and insightful website. They aren't afraid to take a bite with their honest reviews and enjoyable content. You amaze me, you inspire me so I call you a blog monster.

Super Comments Award comes from Stephanie at Laughing Stars. Thanks Stephanie aka Stark Raving Bibliophile. I've already passed on the top commenters award so I just wanted to do a shout out to Stephanie and her awesome blog!

To celebrate blogging friendships & my birthday two lucky readers can take their pick from a choice of 6 books in my Dec/Jan giveaway. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.

A Good Yarn by Debbie Macomber

Genre: General Fiction, Romance
Series: Blossom Street Book 2
Copyright: 2006
Pages: 400

Lydia Hoffman owns the shop on Blossom Street. In the year since it opened, A Good Yarn has thrived -- and so has Lydia.

A lot of that is due to Brad Goetz. But when Brad's ex-wife reappears, Lydia is suddenly afraid to trust her newfound happiness. Three women join Lydia's newest class. Elisa Beaumont, retired and bitterly divorced, learns that her onetime husband is reentering her life. Bethanne Hamlin is facing the fallout from a much more recent divorce. And Courtney Pulanski is a depressed and overweight teenager, whose grandmother's idea of helping her is to drag her to seniors' swim sessions -- and to the knitting class at A Good Yarn.

A Good Yarn follows on from The Shop on Blossom Street and I really liked both these books. Light, entertaining reads with a story and characters you can connect with without having to think too much; the perfect comfort read for recovering from surgery :-)

If you're a stickler for reading a series in order, don't panic, the first chapter of A Good Yarn recaps The Shop on Blossom Street almost in its entirety (slight exaggeration, but you get the idea.) The original characters/customers from book one; Alix, Jacqueline & Carol make an appearance in A Good Yarn and I loved that continuity. In this installment Lydia's new sock knitting class brings in another 3 regular customers, Elise, Bethanne & Courtney and once again I found myself drawn in to the ordinary every day lives of this diverse group of women who become the unlikeliest of friends.

If you like the premise of ordinary women bonding, sharing, and establishing lasting friendships through a common interest in knitting, then this may be a series for you. At another time I may not have enjoyed this book as much as I did but right now it was exactly what I needed, heart warming, feel-good and unchallenging. I'm looking forward to the next one in the series.

The Shop On Blossom Street

A Good Yarn

Back On Blossom Street

Twenty Wishes

Summer on Blossom Street

Debbie Macomber has a wonderful website packed full of information on her books, knitting patterns, recipes and other fun stuff. Check it out here.

To celebrate blogging friendships & my birthday two lucky readers can take their pick from a choice of 6 books in my Dec/Jan giveaway. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.

Birthday Fun

Happy Birthday to ME

I've had the most wonderful day and it's not over yet. My hubby is still home on holidays looking after me so I got presents this morning ...  check out my raised garden bed for veges and herbs. Having a pool and a back deck we don't have a lot of extra garden room for things like veges and I really miss growing my own. Callum chose the veges, brocolli, carrots, beans and lettuce but there is still a bit of room for me to plant a few of my faves. The boys also gave me a voucher for an hour long massage when I'm feeling better... aren't I just the luckiest, nothing better than a pampering! 

Then my best friend Alaine and her boys came over with a truck load of presents and spoilt me rotten and I got my very own tray of the best vanilla slices in the world. I kid you not, Alaine's vanilla slices are 100 times yummier  than shop bought ones and my all-time favourite treat. I got two books off my wishlist from Alaine - Fallen by Lauren Kate & Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia, not to mention My Sister's Keeper on DVD and scrapbooking goodies and some other cute pressies. I also got Captive of Sin by Anna Campbell from Annie which I'm excited about reading.

I am truly blessed to have a friend like Alaine, and it was so lovely to spend time together today. Love ya Alaine!

Hubby and the boys are taking me to our local Italian restaurant for dinner tonight. This will be my first outing since surgery so I'm really looking forward to it and the food is always scrumptious!

To celebrate blogging friendships & my birthday two lucky readers can take their pick from a choice of 6 books in my Dec/Jan giveaway. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.

Alaine's Read Around The World

I was so excited when Alaine - Queen of Happy Endings told me about this read around the world. Saving CeeCee Honeycut is a book I've wanted to read since seeing Vivienne's wonderful review on her blog Serendipity (check it out here)  ...  yippee, can't wait to start! 

Here's what Alaine is doing:

"I want to send this book around the world to be read by lots of my blogging friends until it eventually journeys back to me with everybody's name in it. If you are interested in joining me on this read along all you have to do is send an email to alaineb at bigpond dot net dot au and include your postal address. You also have to tell me if you aren't able to send a book overseas and I will make sure you only post within your own country. Once I've mapped out the books' journey I will put up a post with a Mr Linky on it so that you can let everyone know when you've sent the book on. Each participant will have 2 weeks to read the book and post it on. So essentially you'll get to read this wonderful book for the cost of postage. So send me an email if you want to join or if you have any questions."

If you'd like to participate, head on over to Alaine's blog for all the details. You need to have your email to Alaine by Friday 5th February.

Book Synopsis: Steel Magnolias meets The Help in this Southern debut novel sparkling with humor, heart, and feminine wisdom.

Twelve-year-old CeeCee Honeycutt is in trouble. For years, she has been the caretaker of her psychotic mother, Camille-the tiara-toting, lipstick-smeared laughingstock of an entire town-a woman trapped in her long-ago moment of glory as the 1951 Vidalia Onion Queen. But when Camille is hit by a truck and killed, CeeCee is left to fend for herself. To the rescue comes her previously unknown great-aunt, Tootie Caldwell.

In her vintage Packard convertible, Tootie whisks CeeCee away to Savannah's perfumed world of prosperity and Southern eccentricity, a world that seems to be run entirely by women. From the exotic Miz Thelma Rae Goodpepper, who bathes in her backyard bathtub and uses garden slugs as her secret weapons, to Tootie's all-knowing housekeeper, Oletta Jones, to Violene Hobbs, who entertains a local police officer in her canary-yellow peignoir, the women of Gaston Street keep CeeCee entertained and enthralled for an entire summer.

Laugh-out-loud funny and deeply touching, Beth Hoffman's sparkling debut is, as Kristin Hannah says, "packed full of Southern charm, strong women, wacky humor, and good old-fashioned heart." It is a novel that explores the indomitable strengths of female friendship and gives us the story of a young girl who loses one mother and finds many others.

To celebrate blogging friendships & my birthday two lucky readers can take their pick from a choice of 6 books in my Dec/Jan giveaway. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.

The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen

Genre: Young Adult Contemporary

Published: 2006

Pages: 400

Book Source: Library Borrow

In The Truth About Forever, when asked how she is coping with her father's death, invariably seventeen year old Macy Queen's answer is "fine," when nothing could be further from the truth. In actuality, she is drowning in grief while maintaining a flawless façade of good grades and unblemished behavior. Though she feels lost when her boyfriend heads to "Brain Camp" for the summer, she finds herself a job with the quirky Wish Catering crew, and meets "sa-woon"-worthy Wes, whose chaotic lifestyle is in direct opposition to her own. As the two share their stories over the summer, Macy realizes she can no longer keep her feelings on ice. Though it feels like her future ended with her dad's death, Macy's learns that forever is all about beginnings. Dessen charts Macy's navigation of grief in such an honest way it will touch every reader who meets her.

I've now enjoyed 3 Dessen novels, Along For The Ride, Just Listen, and The Truth About Forever would have to be my favourite. I don't read a lot of contemporary YA so I do have to remind myself when reading Dessen's stories that these are not action-packed, page turning YA fiction. All 3 books have followed a similar theme; addressing a serious subject matter in a very realistic, real-life manner that is relatable for teens and older readers alike. My only complaint is I could have done without the overuse of some corny dialogue like "sa-woon" and "donneven" but that could be due to the fact I'm a few decades past my teen years :-)

When Macy's father suffers a massive heart attack and dies, Macy squashes down all her emotions, and locks up her grief and guilt behind a rigid wall of perfection that her mother approves of. Dessen gives us an insightful look at a young woman keeping up a pretense of a happy life, pleasing everyone except herself and the lengths someone grieving can go to to protect themselves from actually feeling. "Anyone can hide. Facing up to things, working through them, that's what makes you strong."

The Truth About Forever is another character driven novel but the refreshing thing about this one is the injection of fun provided by the characters of the chaotic and quirky Wish Catering company. I really loved what owner Delia, and staff Kristy, Bert, Monica & Wes brought to the story and the lightbulb they turned on for Macy. Wes and Macy's  friendship was really sweet and there were some very perceptive conversations between the two of them which I loved. With the help of her new friends and the blossoming love between her and Wes, Macy finally realises the moment you are living now is your forever.

"Life can be long or short, it all depends on how you choose to live it. it's like forever, always changing. For any of us our forever could end in an hour, or a hundred years from now. You can never know for sure, so you'd better make every second count. What you have to decide is how you want your life to be. If your forever was ending tomorrow, is this how you'd want to have spent it?"

Honest, hopeful and far from depressing, The Truth About Forever left me with a smile on my face.

Visit Sarah Dessen's website and blog to find out more about this wonderful author.

To celebrate blogging friendships & my birthday two lucky readers can take their pick from a choice of 6 books in my Dec/Jan giveaway. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.

What's In a Name Challenge

The What's in a Name Challenge is hosted by Beth of Beth Fish Reads.

Sign up on the challenge page here

So here's how it works:
Between January 1 and December 31, 2010, read one book in each of the following categories:

1. A book with a food in the title: Clockwork Orange, Grapes of Wrath, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

2. A book with a body of water in the title: A River Runs through It, Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters, The Lake House

3. A book with a title (queen, president) in the title: The Murder of King Tut, The Count of Monte Cristo, Lady Susan

4. A book with a plant in the title: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Wind in the Willows, The Name of the Rose

5. A book with a place name (city, country) in the title: Out of Africa; London; Between, Georgia

6. A book with a music term in the title: Song of Solomon, Ragtime, The Piano Teacher

The book titles are just suggestions, you can read whatever book you want to fit the category.

Other Things to Know

* Books may be any form (audio, print, e-book).

* Books may overlap other challenges.

* Books may not overlap categories; you need a different book for each category.

* Creativity for matching the categories is allowed.

* You do not have to make a list of books before hand.

* You do not have to read through the categories in any particular order.

* There will be a single prize at the end of the challenge. Readers who complete the challenge and write up a wrap-up post (or wrap-up comment) are eligible. I'll figure out a way to make it international.

Here's my choices so far:

1. A book with a food in the title -

2. A book with a body of water in the title -

3. A book with a title (queen, president) in the title - The Game of Kings by Dorothy Dunnett

4. A book with a plant in the title - The Crying Tree by Naseem Rakhar

5. A book with a place name (city, country) in the title - Kitty Goes To Washington by Carrie Vaughn

6. A book with a music term in the title - The Cellist of Sarajevo by Stephen Galloway

To celebrate blogging friendships & my birthday two lucky readers can take their pick from a choice of 6 books in my Dec/Jan giveaway. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.

Read Your Name Challenge

Read Your Name Challenge is hosted by Victoria from Erik is (so not) Dead. Head on over to the Read Your Name Challenge Blog to find out more and sign up. I think this will be fun, it fits in with all my other challenges and I'm hoping I will find most of the books on my bookshelf (really boosting my RYOB challenge.)

The challenge is to read your name in book title first letters, ultimately spelling out your name. That means:

Using your first name, or blogger name, or your pets name, or even your favorite literary character's name; whichever you like, choose books with first title letters that spell out your name. (Audio books and eBooks are also okay.)

I'm using my first name (3 e's, that's pretty scary lol)

Stargazer by Claudia Gray

Heartmate by Robin D. Owens

Eternal on the Water by Joseph Monninger

R

E

E

To celebrate blogging friendships & my birthday two lucky readers can take their pick from a choice of 6 books in my Dec/Jan giveaway. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.

What Are You Reading On Monday

A weekly event hosted by J. Kaye’s Book Blog to discuss your reading week ~ the books you've read and those you plan on reading in the coming week.

A pretty good week for me; reading, relaxing and recovering and I managed to get a couple of reviews posted *shock horror.*

See my reviews for

LIFE AFTER 187 by Wade J. Halverson

MIRACLE IN SUMATRA: The Story of Gutsy Gus by Jeanne McNaney


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Books Completed Last Week:

WITCHFIRE by Anya Bast - 4 stars. For review on Royal Reviews in a week or two.

A GOOD YARN by Debbie Macomber - 4.5 stars

TWILIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS by Christine Feehan - 4 stars
 
 
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This Week's Reading List:

ETERNAL ON THE WATER by Joseph Monninger (B & N First Look Club)

BLUE MOON by Alyson Noel




To celebrate blogging friendships & my birthday two lucky readers can take their pick from a choice of 6 books in my Dec/Jan giveaway. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.

Mailbox Monday

Thank you to Marcia at The Printed Page for hosting Mailbox Monday every week.

Christmas festivities and surgery prevented me from posting so this is actually my mailbox loot from the last few weeks.

I did really well. How about you?


Eternal on the Water by Joseph Monninger
ARC received from Barnes & Noble First Look Club

A poignant novel from Joseph Monninger about a timeless love between two people and a devastating disease that forces them to make drastic decisions.




The next two novels I won @ Teens Read & Write. Thanks Alyssa, Jake and Greg.

Glass Houses by Rachel Caine
The Morganville Vampires Book 1

Welcome to Morganville, Texas.

Just don't stay out after dark.

College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation, where the popular girls never let her forget just where she ranks in the school's social scene: somewhere less than zero.

When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life. But they'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood.

A Circle Of Souls by Preetham Grandhi

The sleepy town of Newbury, Connecticut, is shocked when a little girl is found brutally murdered. With the murderer on the loose, the police desperately look for any clues to lead to his identy. Meanwhile, a psychiatrist in a nearby hospital is also in a desperate search to find the cause of seven-year-old Naya Hastings s devastating nightmares. Afraid that she might hurt herself in the midst of a torturous episode, Naya s parents have turned to the bright young doctor as their only hope. When these two situations converge, they set off an alarming chain of events. In this stunning psychological thriller, innocence gives way to evil, and trust lies forgotten in a web of deceit, fear, and murder

And this last one was my own purchase from Borders

The Awakening by L. J. Smith
The Vampire Diaries Book 1

A deadly love triangle

Elena: beautiful and popular, the girl who can have any boy she wants.

Stefan: brooding and mysterious, desperately trying to resist his desire for Elena . . . for her own good.

Damon: sexy, dangerous, and driven by an urge for revenge against Stefan, the brother who betrayed him.

Elena finds herself drawn to both brothers . . . who will she choose?

To celebrate blogging friendships & my birthday two lucky readers can take their pick from a choice of 6 books in my Dec/Jan giveaway. Check this blog post for details. International entrants welcome.