Socrates' Book Reviews

The Less You Know by Jenny Ashley

2012-01-28T19:26:00.000-05:00

Genre:
Suspense

Format:
EBook

Publisher:
Smashwords

Release Date:
October 2011

Cecelia Parkinson is a bail bondswoman. When one of her clients disappears, she has to leave the country to re-apprehend him. She cannot fail or she’ll lost her home, since she mortgaged it for this guy.

She’s stunned when an unwelcome acquaintance from her past shows up to help in her search. Robert Lewis isn’t going away and sticks by Cecelia’s side against her wishes. Cecelia has to keep her head together around the sexy guy, but she ends up in the middle of her clients’ drug dealings and finds she needs all the help she can get.

This is a fast-paced adventure that I wish was longer. By the end of the book, I found myself wanting more (this is a good thing!) The characters were well-developed, interesting and the plot was a roller coaster of action, mystery and romance all jumbled together in one exciting story.

I’m looking forward to reading more stories by this new-to-me author.

For Reading Challenges:
2012 ARC Reading Challenge
2012 EBook Reading Challenge

FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

I feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron

2012-01-28T19:15:00.000-05:00

Genre:
Non-Fiction

Format:
Audio

Publisher:
Random House

Release Date:
April 2008

Synopsis from Fantastic Fiction:

With her disarming, intimate, completely accessible voice, and dry sense of humor, Nora Ephron shares with us her ups and downs in I Feel Bad About My Neck, a candid, hilarious look at women who are getting older and dealing with the tribulations of maintenance, menopause, empty nests, and life itself.

Ephron chronicles her life as an obsessed cook, passionate city dweller, and hapless parent. But mostly she speaks frankly and uproariously about life as a woman of a certain age. Utterly courageous, uproariously funny, and unexpectedly moving in its truth telling, I Feel Bad About My Neck is a scrumptious, irresistible treat of a book, full of truths, laugh out loud moments that will appeal to readers of all ages.

My thoughts…

I listened to the audio version on my way to and from work. It was a fun read. Some situations I really identified with…not so much about the neck. I never felt bad about my neck. I actually never thought about my neck. LOL It made for an entertaining listen and I need something entertaining when I go to work. I’m now listening to the second book.

For reading challenge:
Audio Reading Challenge

FTC Disclosure: I borrowed this book from the library for my own enjoyment.

Theme Thursday - VERY

2012-01-26T19:55:00.000-05:00

This is a new meme hosted by kavyen at Reading between Pages.. “Theme Thursdays” will be open from one thursday to the next and anyone can post it. The rules are simple:

* A theme will be posted each week (on Thursday’s)
* Select a conversation/snippet/sentence from the current book you are reading
* Post it and don’t forget to mention the author and the title of the book
* Since we may take a few days to finish a book, this event is open for one whole week

This will give us a wonderful opportunity to explore and understand different writing styles and descriptive approaches adopted by authors.

This week’s theme is – Very

A tall, thin and very attractive woman was leaning against the balcony sipping a glass of something next to him.

Booking Through Thursday - Writing or Riveting?

2012-01-26T07:11:00.000-05:00

If you'd like to join in on Booking Through Thursday, just click the button above.

This week's question...

What’s more important: Good writing? Or a good story?

(Of course, a book should have BOTH, but…)

My answer...

This is a hard one because both go hand in hand. I really don't see how you can have one without the other. There could be great writing but if the story bores me, I won't bother with it. OTOH, if it's a good story but the writing is poor, I won't bother either. Poor writing is distracting (bad grammar, using the wrong names or tenses, misspelled words)can annoy me through the entire book.

If I had to choose one over the other, I guess I'd say good writing is more important but honestly I feel this is one of those Catch 22 questions and you really need both to make a good book.

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

Cat Thursday - January 25th

2012-01-25T21:39:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the weekly meme that celebrates the wonders and sometime hilarity of cats! Join us by posting a favorite LOL cat pic you may have come across, famous cat art or even share with us pics of your own beloved cat(s). It's all for the love of cats! Enjoy! This fun meme is hosted by The True Book Addict. Go over to her site to join in the fun.

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-25T06:36:00.000-05:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

For more Wordless Wednesday go here

Teaser Tuesdays - January 24th

2012-01-23T22:36:00.000-05:00

If you'd like to play along on Teaser Tuesdays, just click the button above.

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. 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 participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This week I'm reading...

She felt irrationally angry all of a sudden. The flight alone had come out of her paycheck, and not only was she tired and cranky already, she was not in the mood for a party and putting on a fake smile and parading around in an uncomfortable dress all evening.

Musing Mondays - Young Adult Books

2012-01-23T07:05:00.000-05:00

If you'd like to play along on Musing Mondays, just click the button above to join in.

This week’s musing asks…

Why do you think that the Young Adult genre is so popular with even the adult readers? Do you read YA books, yourself?

My answer...

I don't usually read YA. I think adults like it for a change of pace. They are usually quick, light reads. Sometimes it's nice to go out of your comfort zone and read something different - if it's a lighter read, it makes it much easier to read outside what you are used to. A few of the YA borders on being adult fiction anyway. If they weren't labeled "YA", I wouldn't have even known.

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2012-01-22T21:36:00.000-05:00

This meme is hosted by Sheila at Book Journey.

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading is where we share what we read this past week, what we hope to read this week…. and anything in between! D This is a great way to plan out your reading week and see what others are currently reading as well… you never know where that next “must read” book will come from!

Last week I finished...

and I finished listening to...

I'm currently reading...

and listening to...

and hopefully I will get around to reading this one next...

Dogs Don’t Lie by Clea Simon

2012-01-22T18:25:00.000-05:00

Genre:
Cozy Mystery

Publisher:
Poisoned Pen Press

Format:
EBook (Available in paperback)

Release date:
April 2011

Pru Marlowe recently returned to her beautiful hometown in the Berkshires for some peace and quiet. Unfortunately, that’s the last thing she’s going to get. Pru has a gift. She can communicate with animals.

As an animal behaviorist Pru has a variety of different pet clients including Lily, a rescue dog, who was taken in and given a home by Charles, one of the local citizens. Lily is a pit bull who loves her human, but tragedy strikes when Charles is killed and Lily is accused of his murder. Pru is the only one who believes in Lily’s innocence while the rest of the town is ready to get rid of her.

Pru uses her animal psychic abilities to talk to the animals in town, along with her live-in tabby Wallis – they set out to find a murderer.

This is the first book in the “Pet Noir” mysteries. I know a lot of people don’t like books with talking animals, but this one is different. The only one the animals talk to is Pru and that’s because of her special abilities. Otherwise the animals appear as ordinary animals to everyone else in town.

It’s a fun book with a mystery and even a dash of romance thrown together. The relationship between Pru and Wallis is just priceless. They are like two old friends instead of pet and human. I do admit that I was able to figure out who the culprit was but I enjoyed figuring it out with Pru and Wallis. It’s an enjoyable, fast-paced mystery and I’m looking forward to the second book in the series.

FTC Disclosure: I read this book from my own collection for my own enjoyment.

For reading challenges:

2012 Just For Fun Reading Challenge
Where Are You Reading? Challenge

Sunday Salon - First snow fall!

2012-01-22T00:01:00.001-05:00

If you'd like to participate with The Sunday Salon, just click the button above.

We finally had our first snow fall - we must have had about 6 inches of the white stuff. Fortunately it's not a work day so I didn't have to worry about getting to work. I just stayed home and did stuff around here...the usual boring household things. Next week our temps are supposed to be around 50 - the weather just doesn't know what it wants to do this year.

This week I managed to finish two books...

Melinda and the Wild West by Linda Weaver Clarke
Shakespeare's Landlord by Charlaine Harris

Both books were good, especially Melinda and the Wild West. What a great book and it's not even my normal reading genre!

I'm currently reading Dogs Don't Lie by Clea Simon...a really good mystery featuring both dogs and cats.

I'm probably going to join The Stephen King Challenge. I've been wanting to read his books again (it's been so long since I've read them)and since this is a perpetual challenge, I can take all the time I want :)

I'm going to be having some blog tours coming up - some will have book giveaways. Check out the schedule on my sidebar.

I do hope you all have a great week and read many great books!

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

The Stephen King Challenge

2012-01-21T17:51:00.000-05:00

I was so done with joining reading challenges, but then Michelle at The True Book Addict had to go ahead and start one that I was looking for a couple of months ago and couldn't find.

I used to love Stephen King's books but over the years I kind of got away from them. Recently I saw the TV movie Bag of Bones and my interest was back. The good thing about this challenge is that it's a perpetual challenge and I can take as long as I like to read them. Sounds good to me :)

I will list the books as I read them here...

1.

If you'd like to join us, check out the great blog that was created just for this challenge by clicking here.

Shakespeare's Landlord by Charlaine Harris

2012-01-21T00:21:00.000-05:00

Genre:
Cozy Mystery

Publisher:
Wf Howes

Format:
Audio

Release Date:
December 2010

This is the synopsis from Fantastic Fiction:

Lily Bard is a loner. Fiercely protective of her independence, she concentrates on her karate skills and her work as the proprietor of a cleaning and errand-running service, and pays little attention to the town around her. When her landlord is murdered, though, she looks like the prime suspect. Uncovering the real killer may be the only way to prove her innocence, and Lily realizes that she must focus on the other residents of tiny Shakespeare. Her job gives her easy access to people's private lives, and she begins to snoop, finding plenty of skeleton-filled closets, and exposing herself to the unwanted attentions of a murderer.

My thoughts...

This is the first book in the Lily Bard series. I love Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse books so I had to try this one. Lily has her own cleaning service and lives in an apartment building with a quirky group of neighbors. It has all the ingredients I enjoy in my cozy mysteries - A strong heroine who feels compelled to stick her nose into a local murder mystery as she can't trust the police to do their job, a cast of characters that send her on one wild goose chase after another and an intricate mystery that can go in all different directions until the case is solved. Lily even has a few secrets in her own past that she's determined to keep hidden. What a great idea for an amateur sleuth to be the local cleaning woman. She gets to come and go into everyone's house without drawing too much suspicion so she can snoop.

I listened to this one on audio and plan to listen to the rest of them on audio. This made for fun listening on my way to work. I can't wait to hear all about Lily's next adventure.

For Reading Challenges:

Cruisin' Thru the Cozies Reading Challenge
Merely Mystery Reading Challenge
Audio Book Reading Challenge
Where are you reading? challenge (Arkansas)
A to Z Reading Challenge

The Friday 56

2012-01-20T06:41:00.000-05:00

This is a fun meme to do hosted by Freda's Voice. If you'd like to join on the fun go to The Friday 56.

Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56.
*Find any sentence that grabs you.
*Post it.
*Link it here.

It's that simple.

This week I'm reading...

Specifically, I didn't know what he thought about me defending Lily, but I bet he thought it odd. Most humans would, and Creighton seemed like the kind of cop who would trust that instinct and follow up on it.

Follow Friday Four Fill-In Fun - Week 46

2012-01-20T06:33:00.000-05:00

This is a fun meme and it's hosted by Hilary at Feeling Beachie. Check out her lovely blog, if you'd like to participate.

This week’s statements

1. I used to enjoy eating junk food but now I don’t really anymore except for when there is a special occasion.

2. My first job was a salesgirl in the shoe department of a department store.

3. I am a bit obsessed with catching up on my book reviews at the moment

4. If I don’t have my husband and kitties next to me at night, I don’t sleep well

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

Booking Through Thursday - Skipping

2012-01-19T06:02:00.000-05:00

If you'd like to join in on Booking Through Thursday, just click the button above.

This week's question...

I saw this article the other day that asked, “Are you ashamed of skipping parts of books?” Which, naturally, made me want to ask all of YOU.

Do you skip ahead in a book? Do you feel badly about it when you do?

My answer...

Since I mainly read suspense and mystery these days, I don't skip ahead. I like to get caught up in a story and be surprised as it evolves. When reading romances, I might skip a few paragraphs now and then (usually if the love scenes get too intense - LOL), but I never skip to the end of the book or anything like that. It ruins things for me if I know how it's going to end.

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

Theme Thursday - COME (came, arrive, coming etc)

2012-01-19T05:53:00.000-05:00

People, they're trouble. But animals? When it comes to fur and four legs, I'm a softie.

Cat Thursday - January 19th

2012-01-18T22:38:00.002-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-17T22:32:00.000-05:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

For more Wordless Wednesday go here

Teaser Tuesdays - January 17th

2012-01-17T22:00:00.000-05:00

That's the problem I was facing on a perfectly fine September morning, when I'd rather have been back in bed...drinking coffee on the porch...Cleaning litter boxes. Anything rather than trying to explain why I had my hands on the bloody collar of a panicked pit bull named Lily, and why neither of us was responsible for the corpse at our feet.

Musing Mondays - EReaders

2012-01-16T06:54:00.000-05:00

If you'd like to play along on Musing Mondays, just click the button above to join in.

This week’s musing asks…

What devices –if any– do you read books on? Do you find it enjoyable, or still somewhat bothersome? Or: If you only read the print books, why haven’t you chosen to read on any devices?

My answer...

Oh yes...I'm definitely an ereader now. It's almost all I use to read these days. Let me first start by saying, I never ever thought I would enjoy an ereader. When people first started talking about the Kindle, I just didn't see the appeal. I thought there was no way I'd ever want one.

Then, my TBR of physical books started to take over the house and we were discussing the possibility of relocating (which never happened and most likely wont at this point - nothing to do with my crazy book collection - LOL). It got me to thinking of how I'd possibly be able to relocate my TBR. The cost of moving the books would be ridiculous and would just take up too much space. It got me to thinking that I should check out an ereader where all my books would be stored on one small device. I work across the street from Barnes & Noble so I went in to hold their demonstration model of the Nook and decided to go for it. I've never looked back. I adore my Nook - I now have an original Nook and a Nook Color (another thing I vowed not to get but I was able to get a great deal). I, also, have a Kobo that I bought for a cheap price when Borders closed.

Besides the storage issue, I discovered that increasing the font size is a huge help. Publishers make the print so small and you obviously can't change the font size of a physical book. You can buy larger print size books, but not all books are available in that format and they are pretty big books. The ereader is just so much more convenient for me. It's gotten to the point where I try not to even accept physical books for review anymore. Once in awhile I do, but overall, I want my ebooks.

We also go on vacation often, so I can take my entire TBR with me and decide what to read when I'm there. A big plus because I'm a moody reader. I used to take 10-12 physical books on vacation so I'd have a choice of what to read.

Although an ereader isn't for everyone, I've had an ereader for 2 years now and never looked back.

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2012-01-16T00:01:00.001-05:00

Started reading...

Next up...

Have a great week everyone!

Melinda and the Wild West: A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho by Linda Weaver Clarke

2012-01-15T00:09:00.000-05:00

Genre:
Historical Romance

Publisher:
American Book Publishing

Release Date:
December, 2006

Format:
EBook (Available in paperback)

Melinda Gamble is about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. She’s leaving the safety of her Boston hometown, as well as her family and her former fiancé to accept a teaching position in the wild west. Against everyone’s advice, she’s determined to make a new life for herself with her aunt and uncle in Bear Lake, Idaho.

She immediately learns why the west is called “wild” after she’s held at gunpoint by Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch gang, attacked by a bear and nearly dying of hypothermia during a huge blizzard. After only a few months of being out west she’s had more excitement than she ever had in her lifetime back east.

Things really get interesting when, Gilbert, the father of one of her students takes a liking to her as does the school’s superintendent, Henry. Melinda never expected to be in the middle of a romantic triangle – especially since her former fiancé from the east isn’t giving up either.

Linda Weaver Clarke has created a beautiful story of love, strength and endurance in this first book of her Bear Lake series. Melinda is a character readers will admire and cheer for. Each character will touch the reader’s heart and hold onto it until the very last page and beyond. The author does an amazing job of blending fiction with true historical facts. It’s very obvious she did much research for this book and definitely got it right. I loved every minute of this book.

Any book that has such memorable characters deserves 5 kitties and my Socrates Great Book Alert!

FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

For reading challenges:

2012 ARC Reading Challenge
2012 EBook Reading Challenge
Romance Reading Challenge 2012
2012 Where are you reading? Challenge

Theme Thursday - KNOW (aware, knowing, realize etc)

2012-01-12T18:30:00.000-05:00

"Mama, I'm not self-willed. I'm determined. I know that there is a life out there for me. I feel it inside my heart. And my heart tells me to go."

Booking Through Thursday - Interview

2012-01-12T07:19:00.000-05:00

If you'd like to join in on Booking Through Thursday, just click the button above.

This week's question...

Booking Through Thursday is interviewing us this week. So here are the questions, along with my answers...

1. What’s your favorite time of day to read?

In the evening. I love to cuddle up in bed and read.

2. Do you read during breakfast? (Assuming you eat breakfast.)

No. Usually breakfast is on the go as I'm going to work. On the weekends, it's not so rushed, but I can't concentrate when I'm eating. LOL

3. What’s your favorite breakfast food? (Noting that breakfast foods can be eaten any time of day.)

Pancakes or an everything bagel with cream cheese.

4. How many hours a day would you say you read?

During the week, maybe 2 since I work full time. On the weekends, it's more. It depends on what's going on.

5. Do you read more or less now than you did, say, 10 years ago?

I think more.

6. Do you consider yourself a speed reader?

No, in fact, I think I'm slower than most. Sometimes I'll see huge long lists of books people read each month. I can only average about 6 or 7. Anything more is usually because I'm home from work during a vacation or holiday break.

7. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Speed. I would love to be able to do everything in a matter of seconds like clean the house or get from place to place.

8. Do you carry a book with you everywhere you go?

Yes, I always have my Nook with me in my pocketbook.

9. What KIND of book?

Not sure what is meant by what kind of book - whatever genre I happen to be reading and an ebook since it's on my Nook.

10. How old were you when you got your first library card?

I'm not sure but it had to be in grade school.

11. What’s the oldest book you have in your collection? (Oldest physical copy? Longest in the collection? Oldest copyright?)

I don't have a collection of old books. The oldest book would be from my Harlequin Romance books which would go back to sometime in the late 1970's. (I'm just guessing.)

12. Do you read in bed?

Yes, my favorite place :)

13. Do you write in your books?

Never.

14. If you had one piece of advice to a new reader, what would it be?

Don't overload yourself with books. I find whenever I get involved in something new that I enjoy, I will go overboard. There is such a thing that you can have too much of a good thing.

15. What question have I NOT asked at BTT that you’d love me to ask? (Actually, leave the answer to this one in the comments on this post, huh? So I can find them when I need inspiration!)

I think just about everything has been asked and maybe this has been asked, too, but here it goes...What do you look for when reading a book blog? Does the blogger have to read the same genre? Do you like reviews? Personal posts? Memes? Giveaways? What attracts you to a book blog?

Cat Thursday - January 12th

2012-01-12T00:01:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-11T07:26:00.000-05:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

For more Wordless Wednesday go here

Citizen Insane by Karen Cantwell

2012-01-10T23:07:00.000-05:00

Genre:
Cozy Mystery

Publisher:
Books on the Green

Release Date:
June 2011

Format:
EBook

It’s never a dull moment for movie blogger and mom Barbara Marr. Just as she’s ready to enjoy a pedicure with her friends…not just any pedicure, but a Sweet Tangerine Spice Ultra-Ultimate Pedicure, one of her neighbors is acting crazy on her front lawn screaming about killing rabbits. Not to mention that Barbara is sure this nut is having an affair with her George Clooney look-alike FBI agent husband.

When another neighbor is nearly killed, Barbara knows there’s something ominous going on and she’d have to do a bit of investigation of her own – even if it means missing out on her Ultra-Ultimate pedicure! After all, her friends are in danger and so is her own family. The pedicure would have to wait.

The wacky adventures of Barbara Marr will have readers laughing out loud. The story is complete with devoted friends, a husband who wants to reunite with her, his sexy flirty friend, and even a couple of zany mobsters. Barbara makes me think of a married Stephanie Plum. Reading this book is a great way to relax and spend a few hours.

Citizen Insane is the second book of the series. Although it stands alone, you’ll want to read the first one, Take the Monkeys and Run. You won’t want to miss a moment of Barbara’s antics.

I can’t say enough good things about this series and the author. She’s amazing! These books are better than a box of chocolates (and I love chocolate!) I’m just sorry it took me so long to get around to reading it.

and how could I not give it....

FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

For reading challenges:

A to Z Reading Challenge
Cruisin' thru the Cozies
2012 ARC Reading Challenge
2012 EBook Reading Challenge
Merely Mystery Reading Challenge
Where Are You Reading? (Virginia)

Teaser Tuesdays - January 10th

2012-01-10T22:24:00.000-05:00

Her mother, after hearing about the letter, was not too happy. "Melinda, you have a life here. How about James? I know that he wants to marry you."

"But Mama, I'm not in love with him, and he knows it, too."

"Melinda, that comes with time. It comes with marriage. Don't expect to be swept off your feet, my dear."

My Horizontal Life: A Collection of One Night Stands by Chelsea Handler

2012-01-10T20:32:00.000-05:00

Genre:
Non-Fiction, humor

Format:
Audio

Publisher:
Tantor Media

Release Date:
August, 2008

Synopsis from Amazon:

You've either done it or know someone who has: the one-night stand, the familiar outcome of a night spent at a bar, sometimes the sole payoff for your friend's irritating wedding, or the only relief from a disastrous vacation. Often embarrassing and uncomfortable, occasionally outlandish, but most times just a necessary and irresistible evil, the one-night stand is a social rite as old as sex itself and as common as a bar stool.Enter Chelsea Handler. Gorgeous, sharp, and anything but shy, Chelsea loves men and lots of them. My Horizontal Life chronicles her romp through the different bedrooms of a variety of suitors, a no-holds-barred account of what can happen between a man and a sometimes very intoxicated, outgoing woman during one night of passion. From her short fling with a Vegas stripper to her even shorter dalliance with a well-endowed little person, from her uncomfortable tryst with a cruise ship performer to her misguided rebound with a man who likes to play leather dress-up, Chelsea recalls the highs and lows of her one-night stands with hilarious honesty. Encouraged by her motley collection of friends (aka: her partners in crime) but challenged by her family members (who at times find themselves a surprise part of the encounter), Chelsea hits bottom and bounces back, unafraid to share the gritty details. My Horizontal Life is one guilty pleasure you won't be ashamed to talk about in the morning.

My thoughts:

This was a funny read. I nearly laughed out loud as I drove to work (this could be a dangerous thing). It was a nice diversion and a book that didn’t take itself too seriously. Not all the stories were funny to me, but most were. I loved how Chelsea says what’s on her mind. She’s sure not afraid to say how she feels. I would definitely listen to her other books. I probably wouldn’t want a steady diet of these type of books, as Chelsea’s lifestyle is foreign to me, but it was nice for a change of pace.

For reading challenges:

A to Z Reading Challenge
2012 Audio Book Reading Challenge

Disclosure: I borrowed this from my library to listen to for my own enjoyment.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2012-01-09T07:09:00.000-05:00

Still reading...

and

still listening to...

Next up...

It's going to depend on what kind of mood I'm in :)

Have a great week everyone!

The Color Coded Reading Challenge

2012-01-08T16:57:00.000-05:00

This challenge sounded like fun and I couldn't resist. I noticed it too late last year to join in, but now I'm signing up for the 2012 version. It's hosted by Bev at My Reader's Block.

Here are the rules:
*Read nine books in the following categories.
1. A book with "Blue" in the title.
2. A book with "Red" in the title.
3. A book with "Yellow" in the title.
4. A book with "Green" in the title.
5. A book with "Brown" in the title.
6. A book with "Black" in the title.
7. A book with "White" in the title.
8. A book with any other color in the title (Purple, Orange, Turquoise, Pink, Magneta, etc.).
9. A book with a word that implies color (Rainbow, Polka-dot, Plaid, Paisley, Stripe, etc.).

* Any book read from January 1 through December 31, 2012 will count.

*Crossovers with other challenges are fine.

*Everyone who completes all nine categories will be entered in a year-end drawing for a book-related prize package.

*Please post about the challenge on your blog. Sign ups accepted until Nov 30, 2012.

I'll list my books here...

1.
2.
3.
4
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Holiday Hideout by Vicki Lewis Thompson, Jill Shalvis and Julie Kenner

2012-01-07T15:51:00.000-05:00

Genre:
Romance

Publisher:
Harlequin

Release Date:
November 2011

Format:
EBook

This is a cute romance anthology written by three of Harlequin’s leading authors. All three stories are set in a “mystical”, Lake Tahoe cabin owned by college professors Ken and Jillian Vickers. The “mystical” part involves couples falling in love when they stay over. As part of their research, the Vickers are trying to prove that the cabin indeed brings romance to people’s lives. In order to do this, they rent out the cabin throughout the holiday season.

In the first story…

The Thanksgiving Fix by Vicki Lewis Thompson

Beth spends her Thanksgiving holiday in the cabin intending to be alone and getting away from everything and everyone. However, the Vickers arrange for their local handyman, Mac, to pay a house call for fear that the cabin has a leak. It’s not long before the sparks fly and Beth and Mac find their way into each other’s arms.

The Christmas Set-Up by Jill Shalvis

Zoe and Jason are both up for promotions at the same architect firm. They each must come up with a design that will win them the job, but with a little help from a matchmaking brother, a snow storm and a romantic cabin in Lake Tahoe, these two colleagues find much more than the perfect design. They find love.

The New Year's Deal by Julie Kenner

Cleo and Josh always planned to go to college and eventually marry, but when Josh’s father dies, his plans change. He refuses to leave his family or the family business. Cleo and Josh tearfully decide to break up. Five years later, they each remember a plan to reunite for New Year’s. What better place to reunite than a secluded cabin in Lake Tahoe. They rediscover their feelings for each other and wonder if they can give their relationship another try.

My thoughts…

I always enjoy the work of these three authors and these stories were good ones. However, anthologies can be tricky. Sometimes the length of the individual stories just isn’t long enough to develop a believable storyline. I loved the premise for all three stories, but they wrap things up too quickly which is the “nature of the beast” when it comes to anthologies. I would have liked to see more character and plot development.
Basically, I wish these were three full length books. That’s not a bad thing, it’s actually a good thing…I wanted more! This is a great anthology for the holidays though. It gives us a chance to celebrate all three holidays with three different couples. It’s a quick read.

FTC Disclosure: Netgalley provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

Cat Thursday - January 5th

2012-01-05T00:01:00.000-05:00

Larceny and Lace by Annette Blair

2012-01-04T20:12:00.000-05:00

Genre:
Cozy Mystery

Publisher:
Berkley Prime Crime Mystery

Release Date:
August 2009

Format:
EBook

Madeira Cutler is finally leaving her life and job in New York behind as she moves to her family hometown in Mystic, Connecticut. Maddie has huge plans which includes opening a vintage clothing store in a renovated morgue. The building needs much work, but Maddie is determined to have it completed by opening day. Unfortunately, an obstacle gets tossed in her way when an intruder breaks in and old bones are discovered in one of the morgue drawers.

Meanwhile, the building next door goes up in flames along with its owner. The police and Maddie begin to thing the two incidents are connected. Maddie and her best friend, Eve, decide to do some investigating on their own. They don’t want anything to get in the way of the store’s grand opening, which increases their desperation to uncover the truth.

Annette Blair gives her readers a great cast of characters in this second book of her “A Vintage Magic Mystery” series. Maddie is developing into a wonderful heroine, complete with supernatural powers – she touches vintage clothing and it opens the doorway for her to see directly into the past.

The rest of the cast vary in quirky to loveable to a few that aren’t quite so nice, including two men vying for Maddie’s attention. Toss in the morgue’s resident ghost and Maddie has her hands full. This is a fast-paced book which has readers going in a couple of different directions. The third book is already in my TBR waiting for me.

FTC Disclosure: I read this book from my own collection for my own enjoyment.

Wordless Wednesday - Awwww!

2012-01-04T20:07:00.000-05:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

For more Wordless Wednesday go here

Teaser Tuesdays - January 3rd

2012-01-03T00:01:00.001-05:00

"We might as well be back in fifth grade hiding beneath Fiona's window," I whispered, tugging my hand from Eve's clammy grasp.

"Shush," Eve snapped. "And don't pee your pants this time."

Musing Mondays - First Book of 2012

2012-01-01T22:40:00.000-05:00

If you'd like to play along on Musing Mondays, just click the button above to join in.

This week’s musing asks…

What is/are the first book(s) you’re reading for the new year?

My answer...

I'm reading Annette Blair's Larceny and Lace on my Nook. It's the second book of her "Vintage Magic Mystery" series. Unfortunately, it doesn't qualify for any of my reading challenges since I started it before January 1st.

My first audio will be My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler. Sounds good.

What are you reading?

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2012-01-01T22:29:00.000-05:00

Still reading...

and

will start listening to...

Next up...

I have no clue! LOL

Sunday Salon - Wrapping up 2011 and Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T00:01:00.002-05:00

If you'd like to participate with The Sunday Salon, just click the button above.

Another year is gone, it goes so fast, doesn't it? Well, here is my wrap up for 2011...

Total number of books read: 98 (Darn, I missed 100 by just 2!)

Audio Books: 23
EBooks: 65
Paper Books: 10

Looking at the above numbers, it looks like I'm almost completely changed over to ebooks and I'm very happy with that :)

Socrates Great Book Alert - 24 (These are books that I rated 5 kitties and loved. These are books that I really felt emotional about in one way or another. To view my complete list, click here.

My first book of 2011 was Go Small or Go Home by Heather Wardell, you can check out my review here My first book of the year was a 5 kitty review with a Socrates Great Book Alert award.

My last book of 2011 was Needled to Death by Maggie Sefton. Very fitting that I ended the year with my favorite genre - cozy mysteries. You can check out my review here.

52 of the books were for reviews.

Reading Challenges:

Reading Challenges I joined in 2011: 14
Reading Challenges I hosted in 2011: 6
Completed Reading Challenges: 6
Completed Reading Challenges that I host: 4
Incomplete Challenges: 8
Incomplete Challenges that I host: 2

As for next year...

2012 reading challenges

I joined 17 reading challenges
I'm hosting 3 reading challenges (and will have a fourth when the animal reading challenge ends in February and re-starts in March)

My 2012 reading in general...

I'm going to try and mix review books with books I read for pure enjoyment a little more. I'm going to have to limit the amount of books I accept for review until I get caught up a bit. I'm going to limit it to books that are in one of the genres I read (cozy mysteries, suspense/thrillers and romance) and blog tours that I agree to. I just know that I have to do more reading for enjoyment than I've been doing.

I'm once again going to try and read 100 books (and I'm still bummed out that I only missed it by 2 books.)

A personal reading challenge - I want to start reading some series that I've been looking at for years...one of which is to read Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. While I would have loved to join some of the Outlander reading challenges, I figure I should concentrate on at least reading the first book. So, that's on my list this year. I also want to read at least the first book in Sue Grafton's series. I've heard so many good things about her alphabet series and I already have "A" on my Nook.

That's the extent of my "New Year's Reading Resolutions"...I don't really make many to begin with.

I wish everyone a happy, healthy and safe 2012! I hope everyone has the best year yet!

Magickal Graphics

Magickal Graphics

Book Giveaway Winner!

2011-12-31T15:33:00.000-05:00

We have a winner for Vincent Zandri's ebook "Scream Catcher"

Congratulations to Patty R!!!

Thanks to all who entered and a big congrats to Patty! I hope you like this book as much as I did.

Reading Challenges I Host

2011-12-31T15:26:00.000-05:00

I decided to make separate blogs for each of the challenges I host. I know it's crazy to have more blogs, but I felt it was easier to keep track of each challenge if they were on separate blogs. Putting the Mister Linkies for sign ups, completed reviews and wrap ups in all one post was getting confusing to everyone. This way I'll have everything separate on each individual blog. If you joined any of my challenges - not to worry - you don't have to sign up again. I moved all the Mister Linkies over there.

The challenge buttons in my sidebar will always lead you to their individual blogs. Also, the tab at the top of this blog "Reading Challenges I Host 2012" will have the new links as well.

In fact, here are the new links for the challenges...

Click on the links to sign up!

Cruisin' thru the Cozies Reading Challenge

Finishing the Series Reading Challenge

Rizzoli and Isles Reading Challenge

I will be creating a new blog for the What an Animal Reading Challenge as well.

My Life According to the Books I Read in 2011

2011-12-31T00:02:00.000-05:00

This is a fun meme hosted by Christine at The happily every after...

Using only titles of books that you read this year (2011), complete the prompts below. Try not to repeat any book titles. Think creatively and have fun!

Describe yourself:
A Red Hot Mess by Kimberly Van Meter

How do you feel:
Stir Until Thoroughly Confused by Heather Wardell

Describe where you currently live:
Driftwood Cottage by Sherryl Wood

If you could go anywhere, where would you go:
Cruiseship Chronicles: Cozumel Cool by James Vaughn

Your favorite form of transportation:
To Fetch a Thief by Spencer Quinn (Sorry, but I couldn't think of anything else and fetching is a form of transportation - LOL)

Your best friend is:
The Last Darling by Cloud Buchholz

You and your friends are:
Better Together by Raymond Rose

What's the weather like:
Season to Knit by Kate Jacobs

What is life to you:
How Sweet It Is by Sophie Gunn

Favorite time of day:
Always on Sunday by Michael Harris

Your fear:
Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris

What is the best advice you have to give:
You Can Be Happy by Richard Carlson

Thought for the day:
A Life That Fits by Heather Wardell

How I would like to die:
Eternity Embraced by Larissa Ione

My soul's present condition:
Ecstasy by Belle Andre

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

Needled to Death by Maggie Sefton

2011-12-31T00:01:00.000-05:00

Genre:
Cozy Mystery

Publisher:
Berkley Prime Crime

Format:
EBook

Release Date:
September 2005

Kelly Flynn is settling into her new home in Colorado quite nicely, which includes learning to knit with her new friends. When Kelly agrees to escort a group of tourists to Vicki Claymore’s alpaca ranch, she makes a shocking discovery. Vicki is very much dead and the quiet Colorado town isn’t so quiet anymore.

Kelly can’t help but jump right into the investigation, especially when Vicki’s daughter begs for her assistance. Kelly vows not to let her down. Her search uncovers secrets which could lead to a killer and more tragedy for her new hometown.

This is the second book in the “A Knitting Mystery” series and this is proving to be a fun set of books. Readers get to see the characters, especially Kelly, grow from the first book. I always love to watch character growth. That’s what makes me love this series so much. The plot was a good one, but it wasn’t complicated or difficult to figure out. There’s even a touch of romance in this book, but it’s not the focus of the story.

The only problem I had was that it tended to get bogged down with the technicalities of knitting. I don’t knit, but I’ve read other books that revolve around knitting but didn’t get too caught up in the specifics as much as this book did. However, it didn’t ruin things for me. It was still fast-paced and I’m definitely going to be reading the next book.

FTC Disclosure: I read this book from my own collection for my own enjoyment.

Follow Friday Four Fill-In Fun - Week 43

2011-12-30T08:53:00.000-05:00

This is a fun meme and it's hosted by Hilary at Feeling Beachie. Check out her lovely blog, if you'd like to participate.

This week’s statements

1. Lately, I have been feeling a little overwhelmed and depressed.

2. I am usually a quiet person, but lately I've been letting my feelings be known.

3. Lying in bed with a good book, cats by my side and husband next to me is always the best feeling at the end of the day

4. Like I have a choice, feeding the cats is always the first thing I do in the morning

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

Cover Art Weekend Blog Hop

2011-12-30T00:01:00.000-05:00

I'd just like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year! I'm going to take this meme on a bit of a hiatus for now. Things have been crazy, but maybe I can start it up again at some point. I'm going to be concentrating more on reading for now and, yes, I will still be blogging! I'm just going to end this meme for now.

Thanks to all who participated and I hope everyone has a great 2012!!!!

Theme Thursday - OLD (worn out, torn, past etc)

2011-12-29T06:26:00.000-05:00

I took Chakra to make use of the sand near my driveway before we checked out the boxes by the front door. They were stuffed with old clothes and notes from Mystick Falls neighbors, friends who didn't want me to fail and must have known I was coming home today.

Cat Thursday - December 29th

2011-12-29T00:01:00.000-05:00

2012 Sports Romance Reading Challenge

2011-12-28T20:53:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I know...I said I wasn't going to join anymore challenges, but I couldn't resist this one. I love, love, love sports romances so this is definitely my type of book.

This year Crazy Book Slut is hosting 2012 Sports Romance Reading Challenge.

::::drool:::::

The rules are simple and there are only 2

Challenge does NOT start until January 1, 2012

and please make a post about this challenge linking back to this post.

Crossover's with other challenges are okay, ebooks are okay!

Levels:

Pee Wee: 1-3 books

Jr. Varsity: 4-7 books

Varsity: 8-11 books

Pro Baby: anything over 11 books

If you'd like to join in, click here.

I'm going to start at the Pee Wee level

1.
2.
3.

Wordless Wednesday - Happy New Year!

2011-12-27T22:04:00.000-05:00

For more Wordless Wednesday go here

Romance Reading Challenge 2012

2011-12-27T19:11:00.001-05:00

I've been waiting for this challenge! It's hosted by Naida at The Bookworm. I've done it for the past couple of years and loved it. This will probably be the last challenge I join for 2012 (famous last words!), but I wasn't about to miss out on this one.

Without further ado, here are the rules:

1. The challenge runs from January 1st, 2012 through December 31st, 2012.

2. "Romance" isn't limited to steamy Harlequin novels. There is a huge selection of books in this category such as contemporary romance, historical romance, romantic suspense and paranormal romance to name a few. As long as the story has romantic love between the two main characters your selection will fit this challenge. The novels do not need to have a happy ending either, there can also be unrequited love.

3. Choose at least 5 novels to read. You can change your choices at any time. Crossovers between other challenges are fine.

All kinds of books count such as eBooks, Audiobooks...etc.

If you are looking for suggested reading see Best Romance Novels Today, Romance Novels on Wiki or Best Romance Stories.

In my opinion, you can't go wrong with Jane Austen, Nora Roberts, Nicholas Sparks and Georgette Heyer.

4. Read the books at your own pace in 2012 then post the link to your review(s). You don't need to have a blog, posting your reviews on Goodreads and LibraryThing counts as well.

I will be listing my choices here...

1. Melinda and the Wild West by Linda Weaver Clarke (Click here for review.)

2.
3.
4.
5.

Teaser Tuesdays - December 27th

2011-12-27T12:00:00.000-05:00

When she skirted around the rust-colored leather sofa, however, Kelly came to an abrupt halt. Vickie lay on the floor, her dark hair spread out on the handwoven rug in stark contrast to her pale face. A pool of blood, blackish red, swirled across the intricate pattern woven into the gray and white wool.

2012 Where are you reading challenge?

2011-12-26T19:49:00.007-05:00

I've been eying this challenge for awhile and I finally decided to take the plunge and join in.

Here are the details...

So what is the point of this challenge? It is to try to read in each of the 50 States between January 1 2012 – December 31, 2012.
So how do you decide what state a book is categorized under?

1. In a fiction read it would be the State or Country that the book spends the most time in. (Ie. If your main character is from Wisconsin but the book is all about his/her time in college in California – the books should categorize under California….)

2. Non fiction reads categorize in whatever State or Country it is about (Ie…. a book about fly fishing in Colorado is a Colorado point, and a book about women in Afghanistan is an Afghanistan point.

3. If the book goes from one state to another… go with the state that most of the time is spent.

How to get started

Set up a map under Google Maps. It is easy to do! Every time you read a book in 2012, upload a cover picture to Picasa Web Albums (there may be other sites to use, feel free to use what works best for you).

Questions?

Do you have to have a blog to participate? No. You can do everything on the map above without linking the book to a review.

Do I have to have my post up by January 1st, 2012? No, but I would think you would want to get started right away at the beginning of the year. However, you will be able to sign up throughout January as well.

How will people see my map? There are a couple of possibilities. On your original challenge post you should have a link to your map. You could also put it on your side bar to draw interest to it (see mine on my left side bar) I will be linking my map to every review I will also set up a monthly link here to post updates if you wish.

I dont get it – I cant figure out how to use Google maps but I really want to participate! No worries! You are welcome to create a challenge post that lists the 50 states (as well as bonus out of USA spots) and then fill them in as you read in the areas.

Do audio books count? ABSOLUTELY!

My map will be here.

(Of course if I did this wrong, the map won't be right but we'll see.)

If you'd like to join in, go to Book Journey who is hosting this challenge.

Books I read...

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas - ~~Shakespeare's Landlord by Charlaine Harris~~
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho - ~~Melinda and the Wild West~~ by Linda Weaver Clarke
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts - ~~Dogs Don't Lie~~ by Clea Simon
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia - ~~Citizen Insane~~ by Karen Cantwell
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2011-12-26T00:01:00.002-05:00

Started reading...

and

Still reading...

Sunday Salon - Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T09:56:00.001-05:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

Rizzoli and Isles Reading Challenge

2011-12-24T22:06:00.003-05:00

I think I've gone reading challenge crazy, but I'm hosting yet another reading challenge. This is for the Rizzoli and Isles series by Tess Gerritsen. I've read other books by Tess Gerritsen but none of the R&I series. I love the TV series and I've been wanting to start reading the books. I thought a reading challenge might keep me focused on doing that. I didn't see any other reading challenges for this so I decided to start my own.

These are the current books in the series...

1) THE SURGEON (2001)
2) THE APPRENTICE (2002)
3) THE SINNER (2003)
4) BODY DOUBLE (2004)
5) VANISH (2005)
6) THE MEPHISTO CLUB (2005)
7) THE KEEPSAKE (UK title: KEEPING THE DEAD) (2008)
8) ICE COLD (UK title: THE KILLING PLACE) (2010)
9) THE SILENT GIRL (July 2011)

If you'd like to join me, here are the guidelines.

1) Grab the button on top and put it on your blog and link to this challenge.

2) Sign up with the link at my new blog for this challenge - Rizzoli and Isles Reading Challenge. Please make sure the url you use goes directly to your blog post about this challenge.

3) If you don't have a blog, that's okay. Just comment below that you want to join. Then come back to let us know which books you've read. Or you can post them on other sites such as Goodreads or Shelfari. For those with a blog and posting reviews, I will have a link for completed reviews.

ADDENDUM: IF YOU WANT TO LINK UP YOUR REVIEWS OR, FOR THOSE WITHOUT A BLOG, LEAVE A COMMENT WITH YOUR REVIEW, GO TO THE RIZZOLI AND ISLES BLOG, JUST CLICK HERE.

4) Make a list of which books in the series you still have to read. Whether you are just beginning or up to #2, 3, 4, etc...that's how many books you have to read.

5) Books can be in any format (print, ebook, audio) and you can crossover to other challenges.

6) The challenge goes from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012.

Please use the linky below to sign up. Please use the url that goes directly to your blog post (not to your homepage).

I need to read all of the books, so I have 9 books and will list them here...

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Blog Tour: Scream Catcher by Vincent Zandri - Review and Giveaway!

2011-12-24T00:01:00.002-05:00

Genre:
Thriller

Publisher:
StoneGate Ink

Format:
EBook

Release Date:
August, 2011

Jude Parrish is a troubled man. Although he has a wonderful son and a beautiful wife, who is about to give birth to his second child, Parrish is eaten up by demons in his past. Those demons led to him giving up his career as a cop and becoming a best-selling author. Just when he is ready to let himself be happy with his family, he witnesses a brutal murder. A murder committed by a serial killer who had been declared dead a long time ago. Now that killer has to stop Jude from being an eyewitness for the prosecutor.

Hector “the Black Dragon” Lennox is no ordinary killer. He also happens to be the designer of a killer video game which includes screams of his actual victims. Now he’s creating a new game and prepares himself to catch new screams. This time, he wants the screams of Parrish and his precious family. It becomes a race against time for the Parrish family as they desperately try to beat a murderer at his own game.

This book is amazing. It’s a rollercoaster ride from page one to the very last page. This is a fast-paced adventure that will have readers hanging on each and every word. I could not put this one down. It’s the second book I’ve read by this author and I really really need to collect his backlist and download them to my Nook. He’s truly a master storyteller.

One small warning: There is a lot of violence in this book, so if you don't like that aspect in your books, this one isn't for you.

FTC Disclosure: Partners in Crime Blog Tours provided me with a copy of this book to review for the blog tour. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

Now would you like a copy of your own? Thanks to Partners in Crime Blog Tours and Vincent Zandri, I have one ebook copy of Scream Catchers that I can offer as a giveaway.

Just fill out the form below to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Bio

Vincent Zandri is the No. 1 International Bestselling Amazon Kindle author of THE INNOCENT, GODCHILD, THE REMAINS, MOONLIGHT FALLS, CONCRETE PEARL and the forthcoming MOONLIGHT RISES. He is also the author of the bestselling digital shorts, PATHOLOGICAL and MOONLIGHT MAFIA. Harlan Coben has described his novels as "...gritty, fast-paced, lyrical and haunting," while the New York Post called THE INNOCENT, "Sensational...Masterful...Brilliant!" In March, April and May of 2011, he sold more than 100,000 Kindle E-Books editions of his novels, and is rapidly closing in on the 200K mark all totaled. An MFA in Writing graduate of Vermont College, Zandri's work is translated into many languages including the Dutch, Russian and Japanese. An adventurer, foreign correspondent, and freelance photo-journalist for RT, Globalspec, IBTimes and more, he divides his time between New York and Florence, Italy.

Connect With Vincent:

Next blog tour stop...

December 25: Spotlight&Giveaway@ cmashlovestoread.blogspot.com

Cover Art Weekend Blog Hop

2011-12-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

This is a brand new meme to display all those beautiful, funny, crazy and even those that make you think book covers you come across each week. I don't know about the rest of you, but I love looking at different book covers. You may not be able to judge a book by its cover, but they are sure fun to look at. So, if you'd like to join in the fun, all you have to do is...

1. Take the button at the top of this post and post it on your blog.

2. Chose a book cover of your choice and post it. (You can post as many covers as you'd like.)

3. Sign up with Mr. Linky below. Please use the url that links directly to your cover art post.

4. Visit other blogs on the list to see what covers they are featuring this week.

Instead of just one day, I thought I'd run this through the weekends - from Fridays to Mondays. That gives people more of a chance to blog hop.

Have fun!

I haven't read this one yet, but it looked like a pretty holiday cover.

What An Animal Reading Challenge IV

2011-12-22T06:50:00.000-05:00

This is just a reminder about the What An Animal Reading Challenge IV.

As some of you know, I host this challenge and I didn't want it to get lost in the shuffle with all the new challenges starting January 1st. This one has a different time frame from the others. It began on March 1st and will end on February 28th. So, you still have time if you haven't completed it yet. The challenge page is here.

I will be hosting this challenge again and it will start on February 29th, but I will post the sign up info when we get closer to the date.

Theme Thursday - CLOTHES

2011-12-22T06:11:00.000-05:00

In his mind she's still dressed in her white nightgown, a protruding belly four months pregnant, open hand gently pressed against it.

Cat Thursday - December 22nd

2011-12-22T00:01:00.003-05:00

Teaser Tuesdays - December 20th

2011-12-20T07:08:00.000-05:00

A killer has gotten away with murder. Maybe his head feels like it's about to split down the center; spill his brains all over the lot.

...

He can provide the old Captain with a decent ID of the killer he let get away.

Wordless Wednesday - Happy Hanukkah!

2011-12-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

For more Wordless Wednesday go here

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2011-12-18T23:15:00.000-05:00

Still reading...

Started reading...

Not sure what's up next...

The Dog Who Knew Too Much by Spencer Quinn

2011-12-17T18:36:00.000-05:00

Genre:
Mystery

Publisher:
Recorded Books

Format:
Audio

Release Date:
September, 2011

This is the synopsis from Fantastic Fiction...

The fourth entry in the irresistible New York Times bestselling mystery series featuring canine narrator Chet and his human companion Bernie - 'the coolest human/pooch duo this side of Wallace and Gromit' (Kirkus Reviews).

Combining suspense and intrigue with a wonderfully humorous take on the link between man and beast, Spencer Quinn's exceptional mystery series has captured widespread praise since its New York Times bestselling debut, Dog on It. The Dog Who Knew Too Much marks the duo's triumphant return in a tale that's full of surprises.

Bernie is invited to give the keynote speech at the Great Western Private Eye Convention, but it's Chet that the bigshot P.I. in charge has secret plans for. Meanwhile Chet and Bernie are hired to find a kid who has gone missing from a wilderness camp in the high country. The boy's mother thinks the boy's father - her ex - has snatched the boy, but Chet makes a find that sends the case in a new and dangerous direction. As if that weren't enough, matters get complicated at home when a stray puppy that looks suspiciously like Chet shows up. Affairs of the heart collide with a job that's never been tougher, requiring our two intrepid sleuths to depend on each other as never before. The Dog Who Knew Too Much is classic Spencer Quinn, offering page-turning entertainment that's not just for dog-lovers.

My thoughts...

Chet isn't a cat, but I love this series. Chet isn't a talking dog, but this book is told through his point of view. We know everything he's thinking and it makes me laugh when he gets distracted in his storytelling by food. He does love his food! LOL

The story itself almost takes a backseat for me. I just love hearing about Chet's devotion for his "partner" Bernie and vice versa. Chet has amazing hero worship for his human.

I have to admit, whenever Chet is separated from Bernie, I get incredibly worried (even though logically I know this will have a good ending). Spencer Quinn has really scored well with this series. It's fun and even more enjoyable as an audio book. It makes my commute much nicer.

Harlequin/Silhouette Reading Challenge 2012

2011-12-16T21:13:00.000-05:00

Evy at Island Girl Reads is taking over the Harlequin/Silhouette Reading Challenge. I've hosted it for the last four years, but I had to give it up this year. Although I don't have time to host it anymore, I'm happy enough to join in.

Here are the details...

Rules:

1) This Challenge is from Jan 1, 2012 to Dec 31, 2012.
2) All of the books must be from the Harlequin family of imprints (includes Mira books as well)
3) Read one book for each of the following requirements:

The name of a place in the title (whether a country or small city or town)
A weather condition in the title (snow, rain, storm etc.)
A Title must be in the title of the book (Prince, Countess, etc)
The author's first or last name beginning with the letter M
A Holiday/Season in the title (Valentine, Christmas, Summer, etc)
A color must be in the title (red, blue, green etc)

I'll list my books here.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

If you'd like to join in, click here.

Thanks Evy for taking this on!

The Friday 56

2011-12-16T06:26:00.001-05:00

Moving away from the table, Jude takes a step back. In his heart and in his mind he has to wonder what kind of animal Hector Lennox really is. For the first time that morning, the sour scent of doubt fills his head. He wonders if he's doing the right thing by testifying.

Follow Friday Four Fill-In Fun - Week 41

2011-12-16T06:19:00.000-05:00

http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
This is a fun meme and it's hosted by Hilary at Feeling Beachie. Check out her lovely blog, if you'd like to participate.

This week’s statements

1. Cuddled under the blankets with hubby and the cats is my ideal winter night.

2. I don’t remember the last time I ate M&M's but, I really want to.

3. I will never turn down a chance to go on vacation.

4. To save money I like to borrow DVDs from the library instead of renting them.

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

Follow Friday 40 and Over

2011-12-16T06:08:00.000-05:00

This a fun blog hop hosted by Java at Never Growing Old. It's for all bloggers over 40. Here are the rules...

1. Grab the button
2. Add your link to the list
3. Visit as many other blogs as you can
4. Follow the ones you like (and comment on their blog to say that you are following)

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

Cover Art Weekend Blog Hop

2011-12-15T21:26:00.001-05:00

Theme Thursday - FOOD

2011-12-15T21:16:00.000-05:00

She'd found a TV table somewhere and had placed it in front of the couch to hold a wicker basket of chips and the plastic container of onion dip. His root-beer bottle sat on a coaster on the end table next to him. They were ready to party.

Cat Thursday - December 15th

2011-12-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-14T06:40:00.000-05:00

For more Wordless Wednesday go here

Teaser Tuesdays - December 13th

2011-12-12T21:29:00.000-05:00

She would love to meet the man who believed that remembering birthdays and anniversaries was important. If a guy could tell her, without a cheat sheet, the birthdays of his parents and siblings, that would make her sit up and take notice.

Meet Me on Monday

2011-12-12T07:21:00.000-05:00

This is a fun meme hosted by Java at Never Growing Old.

Every Sunday she posts five get to know you questions that you can copy and paste into your own Monday post and we can all learn a little more about each and every one of us!!

Questions:

1. Tomorrow I'm going to a work-related conference

2. Pudding or Jello? Definitely pudding and it should be chocolate.

3. What book are you currently reading? Holiday Hideout - It's a romance anthology with stories by Jill Shalvis, Vicki Lewis Thompson and Julie Kenner.

4. What is the first concert you went to see? It was either the Osmond Brothers or David Cassidy.

5. What is your current weather? It's only 23 degrees but it's only 7:15 am. Hopefully it will get warmer. No precipitation, though :)

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2011-12-12T07:08:00.001-05:00

Currently reading...

and listening to...

next up...I finally want to get to reading...

Sleight of Paw by Sofie Kelly

2011-12-11T14:27:00.001-05:00

Genre:
Cozy Mystery

Publisher:
Obsidian

Release Date:
September, 2011

Format:
EBook (available as paperback, too)

Librarian Kathleen Paulson is back with her magical cats Hercules and Owen in their second adventure. When an elderly citizen, Agatha Shepherd, is found dead, Kathleen is shocked that one of her close friends is arrested for the murder. She’s sure that there is no way her friend would do such a horrible thing but the local sheriff, Marcus Gordon, is determined to look no further for a suspect.

Kathleen vows that her friend won’t go down for a crime she didn’t commit. She begins her own investigation, with the help of her beloved cats. She finds herself mixed up with secret babies and million dollar inheritances which could end up making her the next murder victim.

This is a fast-paced fun series, especially for someone like me who loves cats and mysteries. The perfect ingredients for a great story. The first book gave us a great introduction to these characters but the second one is even better.

Plus it gets...

FTC Disclosure: I read this book from my own collection for my own enjoyment and a book club discussion.

Killer Instincts Giveaway

2011-12-10T21:31:00.000-05:00

If you are a member of Facebook, you should check out the Killer Instincts page and their great giveaway!

What goes together better then tea, cats, food and cozy mysteries?

Enter for a chance to win this adorable cat teapot, five cozy mysteries, one scrumptious signed cookbook and the cutest cat book ever -- I AM MARU!

Grand Prize:
Chester the Cat teapot
1 hardcover copy of mugumogu's I am Maru
1 copy of each of the below mass market titles:
Katherine Hall Page's The Body in the Sleigh
Shirley Rousseau Murphy's Cat Coming Home
Diane Mott Davidson's Dark Tort
Carolyn Hart's Dead Days of Summer
Mary Jane Clark's To Have and To Kill
AND
1 signed copy of Katherine Hall Page's cookbook Have Faith In Your Kitchen

10 Second Prize winners will win:
1 hardcover copy of mugumogu's I am Maru
And 1 copy each of these titles:
Katherine Hall Page's The Body in the Sleigh
Shirley Rousseau Murphy's Cat Coming Home
Diane Mott Davidson's Dark Tort
Carolyn Hart's Dead Days of Summer
Mary Jane Clark's To Have and To Kill

This contest is open to residents of the United States only.

Follow Friday 40 and Over

2011-12-09T06:22:00.002-05:00

This a fun blog hop hosted by Java at Never Growing Old. It's for all bloggers over 40. Here are the rules...

1. Grab the button
2. Add your link to the list
3. Visit as many other blogs as you can
4. Follow the ones you like (and comment on their blog to say that you are following)

Sign up at Never Growing Old.

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

Follow Friday Four Fill-In Fun - Week 40

2011-12-09T06:18:00.000-05:00

http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
This is a fun meme and it's hosted by Hilary at Feeling Beachie. Check out her lovely blog, if you'd like to participate.

This week’s statements

1. When I go on nice vacations I feel that working all week paid off

2. I just realized that I have to stop off at the library on the way home from work to pick up a DVD they are holding for me.

3. My love of animals comes from my parents.

4. If I had a million dollars, I would retire and travel the world.

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

Cover Art Weekend Blog Hop

2011-12-08T22:44:00.000-05:00

This is a brand new meme to display all those beautiful, funny, crazy and even those that make you think book covers you come across each week. I don't know about the rest of you, but I love looking at different book covers. You may not be able to judge a book by its cover, but they are sure fun to look at. So, if you'd like to join in the fun, all you have to do is...

1. Take the button at the top of this post and post it on your blog.

2. Chose a book cover of your choice and post it. (You can post as many covers as you'd like.)

3. Sign up with Mr. Linky below. Please use the url that links directly to your cover art post.

4. Visit other blogs on the list to see what covers they are featuring this week.

Instead of just one day, I thought I'd run this through the weekends - from Fridays to Mondays. That gives people more of a chance to blog hop.

Have fun!

My theme this month is holiday books. They don't have to be anything I'm reading, just a holiday cover that attracts my interest. This week...

Cat Thursday - December 8th

2011-12-08T00:01:00.002-05:00

Double Booked for Death by Ali Brandon

2011-12-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

Genre:
Cozy Mystery

Publisher:
Berkley Prime Crime

Format:
Paperback

Release Date:
December 2011

When Darla Pettistone inherits her great-aunt’s bookstore in Brooklyn, New York, she leaves her home in Texas and takes over the business. She has no idea that she is also inheriting a black cat named Hamlet.

As the new bookstore owner, Darla’s first act is setting up a booksigning. She is lucky enough to get one of the hottest author’s around. The newest literary sensation – Valerie Baylor is the author of a series of vampire books geared towards teenage girls. The book signing is crowded with teens, all wearing black capes, and excitedly waiting for the opportunity to get an autograph and speak to their idol. Unfortunately, there is also a group of protestors outside wanting to stop the publication of this genre and a teenager accusing the author of stealing her writing.

When tragedy strikes and the author meets her untimely death at the signing, Darla is determined to find out what happened. She discovers that the author had her fair share of enemies. With the help of Hamlet, Darla conducts her own investigation.

This is the first in a brand new cozy mystery series called “A Black Cat Bookshop Mystery”. It has the potential of being a fun series and I’m looking forward to reading the next one. I would like to see more about the cat, but that’s just me. I can never get too much about cats in my books 

The series is off to a great start with this one. It’s fast-paced and the characters are well-rounded. Darla and her best friend Jake are fun to get to know. Hamlet can be scary but I’m guessing he’s really just a cuddly fur ball. There’s a touch of the paranormal to this story, but mainly it’s just a good mystery that keeps you guessing.

Now, would you like to win a copy of this book for your own? Go over to my other Blog, Socrates' Cozy Cafe for a giveaway and an interview with the author!

FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author for a review. This did not influence my opinion in any way. All thoughts about the book are my own honest opinion.

Book Lover's Holiday Hop Giveaway Winner!

2011-12-07T06:53:00.000-05:00

We have a winner! Using Rafflecopter...the winner of the giveaway is

JUDY

She wins a hardcover copy of...

An email has been sent. Thank you all for participating and have a happy holiday!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-12-06T21:58:00.001-05:00

For more Wordless Wednesday go here

A to Z Book Reading Challenge

2011-12-06T19:55:00.004-05:00

What's one more reading challenge? I always love the A to Z challenges. This one is hosted by Babies, Books and Signs

Here are the details...

Technical Stuff
This challenge will run from January 1st, 2012 until December 31st, 2012.
You can join anytime.
If you are blogger, leave the link to your actual post about this challenge.
If you are not a blogger, leave a link to where you will be keeping track of this challenge.

So there are two different ways you can set up your own A-Z challenge.

A - Make a list now of 26 books, picking one for each letter of the alphabet. For example: A - Atonement B- Black Beauty C - The Count of Monte Cristo D - Dances with Dragons etc.

OR

B - The lazy way (how I do it) : Make a list on your blog from A-Z. Throughout the year, as you go along, add the books you are reading to the list. Hope that by the end of the year you have read one book for each letter. Towards the end of the year, you can check and see which letters you are missing and find books to fit.

Each month, I will add another challenge to this main challenge. It might to read a book with both A and Z in the title or to read a book with 3 words that all start with the same letter. I might host a few random giveaways too for good measure. If you've got some idea for the mini-challenges, send them my way!

Since it is really hard to find titles beginning with X, the letter X just needs to be in the title somewhere.

So to join along....
1. Write a blog post about this challenge and whether you are going go with A or B.
2. Add the button to your blog.
3. Attach yourself to the linky.
4. Follow my blog so that you can see when I post the monthly challenge!

I'll list my books here...

A
B
C - ~~Citizen Insane by Karen Cantwell~~ (Click to read my review.)
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M - ~~My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler~~ (Click to read my review.)
N
O
P
Q
R
S - ~~Shakespeare's Landlord by Charlaine Harris~~ (Click for review.)
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

Teaser Tuesdays - December 6th

2011-12-05T22:04:00.000-05:00

"Oh, sure, Kathleen. Go ahead and laugh. You have two guys in your life."

"I do?" I said. Then I realized she was talking about my cats. "You mean Owen and Hercules? They shed, they don't pay any attention to anything I say to them and their breath smells like sardines."

"and that would be different from a real man how?" Roma asked.

Blog Tour: Guest by Author David W. Huffstetler (Blood on the Pen)

2011-12-05T21:00:00.000-05:00

Keeping A Mystery A Mystery

Like any other genre, writing a mystery has its own peculiar challenges. For most writers, once they conceive the idea of the story, they can see the beginning and the end, but that forty-thousand words in the middle can be frustrating. The first chapter is full of action, lights flashing in the reader’s mind and the development of the plot drawing them to the next page. The last chapter has that can’t-miss, dramatic turn of events that brings everything together. So, how does an author, especially an aspiring author, build those middle chapters? Well, here are my thoughts.

A few years ago, I attended a weekend writing conference and had the pleasure of sitting at the feet of Elizabeth Cox, a published author and professor at Wofford University. She talked about those times when you hit that bump in the road, and you just don’t know what to write next. She gave two pieces of advice that I think are worth sharing now. First, she said to ask your characters. Does that sound strange? It really isn’t when you think about what she meant. As the author, you create characters, your give them backgrounds and personalities, and you put them into situations. Why would you expect those characters to deal with those situations as you would deal with them? Look at the scene as that character would look at it. If he is a forty-year-old man who just left an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and then ran over a pedestrian, how would he react? You may not know the answer, and that is what research is for.

The second gem from Elizabeth Cox was to get into the mind of the character. If you’re writing a scene from the point of view of a killer, then go to that dark place where the killer lives. Experience the raw emotions of what it means to take another life. Pound the knife in, rip the flesh, and do it without regret. Go to that dark place, but don’t stay too long. There is a price to pay if you stay too long.

Writing a mystery is not a process of simply getting from a beginning to an end. The adventure is in writing the things that even you don’t know are going to happen. When you do that and go back to proofread your manuscript, you find things you don’t remember writing. I’ve done it, and it’s a strange, but rewarding feeling when you see what your character told you.

David Huffstetler web site:
http://www.davidhuffstetler.com

David Huffstetler blog:
http://davidhuffstetler.blogspot.com

David Huffstetler Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1195650439

Tribute Books Blog Tours Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tribute-Books-Blog-Tours/242431245775186

Blood on the Pen blog tour site:
http://bloodonthepen.blogspot.com

Book Summary
Jack Harden is a modern-day Texas Ranger haunted by his wife's death a year ago.

But when a murderer strikes, he is called into duty. Now he must battle the urge to kill the drunk driver responsible for her death and the hunger to kill himself as he hunts for a serial killer who wants him dead.

Elsie Rodriguez is assigned to report on the murders for her newspaper and ordered to stay with Jack Harden. He's old school, tough, and doesn't want her there, but, despite his gruff manner, the big Ranger triggers something inside her. Something more than just her Latin temper.

Can she pull him back from the edge of sanity? Or will death win again?

David Huffstetler's Bio:

Educated in Dallas, North Carolina, David Huffstetler holds degrees in Engineering and Business Administration. He has worked in the area of human relations and spent fourteen years weaving through the maze of politics, including participating in a Federal Law suit as Chairman of the Workers’ Compensation Commission, with a sitting governor over issues of separation of powers. David has served on Boards of Directors for numerous professional organizations including Crime Stoppers, SC Workers’ Compensation Educational Association, SC Safety Council, the SC Fire Academy, and the Governor’s Advisory Committee on Workers’ Compensation. He has advised governors and legislators on matters of public policy and legislation. His wealth of experience is broad and brings deep insight to his writing.

David’s work as a senior manager with a major industrial concern took him to international venues and exposures that helped feed his urge to write Disposable People, a dramatic expose of the working conditions and politics that engulf undocumented workers. Disposable People is a top-ten “Suggested Book” at Tufts University in Boston, MA.

He turned the frustrations and rejection that plagues thousands of yet-to-be-published authors into the heralded mystery/thriller Blood on the Pen, with a serial killer disposing of literary agents. David, an avid history buff, led him to write Dead in Utah, the story of Joe Hill, the controversial musician and union organizer accused of a double murder in 1914.

His books receive praise from mystery readers across the globe.

As an editor, David edited a treatise on the South Carolina workers’ compensation laws, as well as, Shannon Faulkner’s novel Fire and Ice. Shannon was the first female cadet at the Citadel. She received national publicity for her federal lawsuit and was a guest on Good Morning America.

As an editor, public speaker, and seasoned professional, David has appeared on television and radio, and has lectured on the East Coast, California, Canada and Mexico.

David currently lives in Lexington, South Carolina with his wife, Trudy.

eBook
Price: $5.95
Amazon ASIN: B0041G6JC2
BN ID: 2940012599278
Release: August 2010

Amazon buy link ($5.95)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0041G6JC2/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=tributebooks-20

Barnes&Noble.com buy link ($5.95)
http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=dcSBhG3Rj8w&offerid=229293.2940012599278&type=2&subid=0

Wild Child Publishing buy link ($5.95)
http://www.wildchildpublishing.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=76&products_id=319

YouTube author interview video

Blog Tour Schedule:

December 6
Fighter Writer

December 7
Book Sake

December 8
Mama Knows Books

December 9
Bibliophilic Book Blog

December 12
Lost for Words

December 13
You Gotta Read Reviews Guest Blog

December 14
Minding Spot

December 15
The Book Connection

December 16
Once Upon a Twilight

Musing Mondays - How much do you read?

2011-12-05T07:02:00.000-05:00

If you'd like to play along on Musing Mondays, just click the button above to join in.

This week’s musing asks…

How many books do you read in a week? Month? Year?

My answer...

I can usually do at least one a week, maybe two. If I include audios, I can red between 6 and 8 month. I try for 100 a year, but often I'm in the 80 range. Although this year I should make it to 100 with no problem. It's hard to read as much as I'd like with a full time job. I guess when I retire I'll be able to read more, but that day is looking further and further away :(

Merely Mystery Reading Challenge 2012

2011-12-05T06:51:00.003-05:00

Okay, I'm out of control. Once I start signing up for challenges, I can't stop. But...but...but...this one sounded perfect for me. Here's the info...

The focus of this challenge is to explore the different types of crime fiction out there. If you are new to the crime fiction genre, want to step outside your comfort zone and try another kind of mystery or are a mystery lover needing an excuse to join another crime fiction related challenge, here's your chance!

As sources go, there are a number of them that offer a wide range of sub-genres to crime fiction. For the purposes of this challenge, I've narrowed it down to the following because they tend to encompass the full breadth of mystery sub-genres. Within each sub-genre are even more categories (for example, add in a bit of romance or fantasy for good measure). So you have a never ending list of choices to choose from!

Sub-Genres:

The Whodunit: The classic crime puzzle. The story generally revolves around determine who committed the crime, and potentially apprehending them. Some Whodunits, called "fair play mysteries", will include all of the clues available in the text so that a careful reader can solve the crime on his or her own.

Locked Room Mystery: Like the Whodunit, there is a puzzle (crime) to solve. However in this instance, the crime has taken place under impossible circumstances, such as in a locked room or on an island with no way to exit or enter.

Cozy: The nice person's mystery. Often the crime, particularly if it's violent, occurs off scene. Sex and language are on the cleaner side. Humor is a common feature of the cozy.

Hard-Boiled/Noir: Often cynical, bleak or realistic, hard-boiled and noir stories often focus more on the characters involved instead of the crime. Violence and sex are not downplayed.

The Inverted Detective Story: In this style of story, the person perpetrating the crime is known up front. The point of the story is to see how (or if) the detective goes about solving the crime and how the perpetrator reacts to the investigation.

The Historical Whodunnit: Simply put, this is a mystery set in a historical setting. Often the mystery has some historical significance and features detection methods that are appropriate for that era.

The Police Procedural: Instead of featuring a independent detective, the police are investigating the crime in these stories. They often focus on the actual methods that police officers use to solve crimes.

The Professional Thriller: This kind of mystery involves a professional who is not involved directly in law enforcement, such a lawyer or doctor, who nonetheless finds themselves investigating a crime.

The Spy Novel: Related to the other professional mysteries, spy novels focus on intelligence operatives as they work to prevent or avenge some criminal plot. Spy novels can feature either in fantastic or realistic settings.

Caper Stories: While other crime and mystery stories look at the aftermath of crimes, caper stories feature criminals as the lead characters. The story usually details the planning and commission of a crime.

The Psychological Suspense: In these stories, the detective story takes on a psychological component.

Spoofs and Parodies: Spoofs and parodies make light of crime fiction, often with the goal of commenting on the conventions of the genre. Many feature famous characters, e.g. Sherlock Holmes, James Bond, Philip Marlowe, or pastiches of those characters.

The Merely Mystery Reading Challenge will last the entire year (January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012), giving participants a chance to read at their own pace. In addition, to make things easy, participants can complete one of two levels. One is for those of you who want a more relaxed challenge while the other is for those more serious about exploring the various sub-genres:

Down on Her/His Luck Gumshoe - Read two or more books falling into any of the above sub-genres. Each book can be from the same sub-genre or can be varied among the different sub-genres. You pick the combination and the number of books.

Shamus Who Has Seen It All - Read at least one book from each of the sub-genres for a total of 12 books. If you are feeling ambitious, read more than one book from each sub-genre.

Making a reading list ahead of time is not mandatory, but it's fun--not only for you, but also for your fellow readers. Even if you don't stick to the list, we'd love it if you could share a few of the titles you are considering reading.

*Audio books and graphic novels are welcome.
*Crossover books from other challenges are okay.
*Cross-genre books are perfectly fine.

I'm going with the Down on Her Luck Gumshoe

I'm going to try for 10 books (yikes!) and will list them here...

1. ~~Citizen Insane by Karen Cantwell~~ (Click to read review.)
2. ~~Shakespeare's Landlord by Charlaine Harris~~ (Click to read review.)
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

If you'd like to sign up, go here.

Meet Me on Monday

2011-12-04T22:21:00.001-05:00

This is a fun meme hosted by Java at Never Growing Old.

Every Sunday she posts five get to know you questions that you can copy and paste into your own Monday post and we can all learn a little more about each and every one of us!!

Questions:

1. Monday's are the worst day of the week! (Weekends are so much better!)

2. What is your favorite kind of milkshake? Chocolate! Yum!

3. What monthly bill do you most dislike paying? The mortgage - it's always so high.

4. How many email addresses do you use on a regular basis? 3

5. What color lights are on your Christmas Tree? We don't have a tree.

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

2011-12-04T20:35:00.000-05:00

(Book Giveaway, Review and Author Interview coming on Wednesday!)

and

Currently reading...

Next up...one of these...

Finishing the Series Reading Challenge

2011-12-04T20:28:00.004-05:00

Okay, I wasn't going to be hosting anymore reading challenges (then again I wasn't going to be joining anymore either and that's not happening - LOL), but I broke down and started this one. I searched all over and didn't see one for this yet so I'm going to start it myself.

It's a challenge for all those series books you started at some point and haven't finished. I know I'll start a series and read the first book, then get distracted with other books and never get back to the series. Before I know it, the series has 10 books - I get overwhelmed and don't go back to it. Now, I want to finish a couple.

Here are the rules guidelines.

1) All books that are part of a continuing series qualify (i.e. Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove, Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum, James Patterson's Alex Cross, etc. etc.)

2) It doesn't matter if you have 1 or 10 books in a series to complete it, it qualifies (i.e. if you only need to read one more Sookie Stackhouse book to complete the goal, that's fine) The goal is to complete a series from wherever you are up to until the last published book.

3) The qualification period is January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. Books must be read during this time frame to count.

4) Take the button above and post about it. Use the Mr. Linky at my new blog for this challenge. Click here to sign up and go over there now, but make sure you link it directly to your post about this challenge.

5) If you don't have a blog, that's fine. Just leave a comment to sign up and tell us what you are reading.

ADDENDUM: IF YOU WANT TO LINK UP YOUR REVIEWS OR, FOR THOSE WITHOUT A BLOG, LEAVE A COMMENT WITH YOUR REVIEW, GO TO THE FINISHING THE SERIES BLOG, JUST CLICK HERE.

6) Any format of book counts - audio, ebook, etc.

7) You should choose the series you want to finish before the challenge begins, but it isn't necessary. It's fine to change series during the year - as long as you complete whichever series it is.

8) Choose a level....

Level 1 - Complete 1 series.
Level 2 - Complete 2 series.
Level 3 - Complete 3 or more series.

I'm going to bite the bullet and try for Level 2 and complete 2 series.

1) Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cove (I need to read 3)
A. 1022 Evergreen Place
B. 1105 Yakima Street
C. 1225 Christmas Tree Lane

2) Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum (I need to read 6)
A. Fearless Fourteen
B. Plum Spooky
C. Finger Lickin' Fifteen
D. Sizzling Sixteen
E. Smokin' Seventeen
F. Explosive Eighteen

What's in a Name 5? Reading Challenge

2011-12-04T19:38:00.001-05:00

I wasn't sure I'd sign up for this one, but I decided to go for it. I signed up for the last two years and haven't completed it, but I'll give it another try.

Here's How It Works:

Between January 1 and December 31, 2012, read one book in each of the following categories:

A book with a topographical feature (land formation) in the title: Black Hills, Purgatory Ridge, Emily of Deep Valley

A book with something you'd see in the sky in the title: Moon Called, Seeing Stars, Cloud Atlas

A book with a creepy crawly in the title: Little Bee, Spider Bones, The Witches of Worm

A book with a type of house in the title: The Glass Castle, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, Ape House

A book with something you'd carry in your pocket, purse, or backpack in the title: Sarah's Key, The Scarlet Letter, Devlin Diary

A book with a something you'd find on a calendar in the title: Day of the Jackal, Elegy for April, Freaky Friday, Year of Magical Thinking

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 not only allowed but encouraged.
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.

Click here to sign up.

I'll list my books here...

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Why Buy the Cow? Reading Challenge

2011-12-04T16:11:00.000-05:00

This one is perfect for me. Since I bought my Nook, I've downloaded a ton of free ebooks and haven't gotten around to reading them yet. Here's the info about it...

This reading challenge was previously called the Show Me the FREE RC. It's hosted by Missie from The Unread Reader and Kelly from Reading the Paranormal.

Quick FYI: This is not a library books, books you've won, or ARCs reading challenge. There are already plenty reading challenges for those specific type of books. You can find them here: A Novel Challenge.

This reading challenge has been developed specifically for FREE and LEGAL downloaded books. As many of you with e-readers know, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and a few other site periodically offer FREE books for your e-reading devices.

The aim of this challenge is to grab and read those FREE and LEGAL downloads!

Here is how it works:

Should you choose to participate in this challenge, your goal is to read at least twelve (12) legally obtained FREE e-books. While twelve is the minimum there is no maximum limit.

Anyone can join. You don't have to be a blogger, and you don't have to live in the United States.
Any E-Reader will work for this challenge, including: iPad, Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Sony Reader, enTourage.
Please Note: If you don't have an e-reading device, you can still join in with Amazon's Free Kindle Reading Apps which you can download for your iPhone, iPad, Mac, PC, Blackberry and more.

The challenge runs from January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012. You can join at anytime.
e-books in ANY genre count for this challenge as long as it was FREE at the time that you downloaded it.
Every month in 2012, I will make a post for the Why Buy the Cow? Reading Challenge 2012 so you can link your reviews. Based on participation, monthly link ups may be combined.

Those that link their reviews will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a different prize each month, such as an Amazon or Barnes & Noble Gift Card, a bookmark, or a GelaSkins for your e-Reader.

Challenge Guidelines:

If you have a blog, create a post announcing your participation in the challenge. Please include a link back to this post.

Non blogger must publish reviews on some type of public domain such as Goodreads, Shelfari, LibraryThing, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble to enter the monthly giveaway.

When you post your book review, you MUST reveal how you obtained the free & legal download. Please make your source clear.

You can list your books in advance or list them as you read them.

Crossovers to other reading challenges is acceptable, but ARCs/galley e-books DO NOT count. Again, this is a Reading Challenge to read as many of the FREE e-books legally offered for your e-reader. To get started, check out the Top 100 Free books on Amazon, or the Free e-books on Barnes & Noble.
Any linked reviews that do not meet the guidelines will not be entered into the monthly drawing for the prize of the month.

Levels:
Coupon Clipper: 12 Books
Penny Pincher: 24 Books
Super Saver: 30+ Books

Please visit this post to sign up for the challenge: Why Buy the Cow? Reading Challenge 2012!

I'm going for the Coupon Clipper level and will list my books here as I read them:

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Sunday Salon - The November Wrap Up!

2011-12-04T00:01:00.000-05:00

If you'd like to participate with The Sunday Salon, just click the button above.

And so we are now beginning the last month of the year. It's hard to believe, but it's here. The weather sure isn't feeling much like winter here, but I'm sure that will change soon enough. I'll just enjoy the nice weather while we can.

I didn't do all that well in the reading department in November. Here's what I read...

A Life that Fits by Heather Wardell
Who Do Voodoo? by Rochelle Staab
Beautiful People: Las Vegas and New Orleans by Cheril N. Clarke (2 shorter books that I'm counting as one)
Double Cover by Sherban Young
The Gingerbread Bump-off by Livia J. Washburn
Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lancaster (audio)

So, it's a total of 6 for the month. I should have done much better than that. Oh well, it was a short month (how's that for an excuse? LOL)

That brings me to 97 books read for 2011. I've already read two books in December, so I should be able to reach 100 for the year.

I've been busy signing up for 2012 reading challenges. I have 9 challenges I signed up for and 1 that I'm hosting. I'm thinking of hosting a couple of others, but first I want to see what else I'm joining. I know more challenges will be posted in the next few weeks.

How was your November?

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

Sex and the Kitty by Nancy the Cat

2011-12-02T21:38:00.003-05:00

Genre:
Fiction

Publisher:
Penguin Group (USA)

Format:
EBook

Release Date:
August 2011

It was bound to happen…I read a book written by a cat. LOL Nancy the Cat has written her own memoir and what a riot it is!

Nancy isn’t like all the neighborhood cats. All her kitty friends are perfectly happy sitting at home and doing kitty stuff. Not Nancy. She yearns for adventure and fame. She signs up with a talent agent and learns all too fast that fame isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be.

Despite her own Facebook page and her own blog, Nancy craves more. She falls in love with a famous kitty heartthrob, but the old saying – be careful what you wish for – comes true for this kitty cat.

The title of this book is deceptive. There is no sex in this book. LOL Just a kitty cat wanting more out of life, just like the rest of us. There are so many cute scenes that will have readers laughing all the way through this one. It’s quick read and guaranteed to put cat lovers in a good mood.

How could I not give it 5 kitties and a great book alert?

FTC Disclosure: NetGalley provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

Book Lover's Holiday Hop Giveaway

2011-12-02T00:01:00.002-05:00

The Book Lover's Holiday Hope is hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Kit Lit Frenzy.

I am giving away a hardcover copy of Jane Green's Dune Road.

Here's a description from Fantastic Fiction...

Jane Green's last novel, The Beach House, was an instant New York Times bestseller and captured her largest audience yet. From the sunny green lawns of Connecticut to the cafés of London to the sandy beaches of Nantucket, Green draws from her own life to craft each delicious story and the resulting tales resonate with women everywhere.

Dune Road is another fun and fearless adventure that will take Green's many fans from laughter to tears and back again. The novel is set in the beach community of a tony Connecticut town. Our heroine is a single mom who works for a famous - and famously reclusive - novelist. When she stumbles on a secret that the great man has kept hidden for years, she knows that there are plenty of women in town who would love to get their hands on it - including some who fancy the writer for themselves. Dune Road is the story of life in an exclusive beach town after the tourists have left for the summer and the eccentric (and moneyed) community sticks around. Dune Road will surely be the book to pack in beach bags next summer.

Just fill out the info below to enter...

Follow Friday Four Fill-In Fun - Week 39

2011-12-01T23:59:00.001-05:00

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This is a fun meme and it's hosted by Hilary at Feeling Beachie. Check out her lovely blog, if you'd like to participate.

This week’s statements

1. I can’t believe it's almost 2012. Where does the time go?

2. Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer is my favorite Christmas song

3. If I don’t have my Dunkin Donuts coffee in the morning, I cannot make it through the day.

4. I love my cats dearly but wish they wouldn't wake me up at 4 am.

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

Cover Art Weekend Blog Hop

2011-12-01T23:59:00.000-05:00

This is a brand new meme to display all those beautiful, funny, crazy and even those that make you think book covers you come across each week. I don't know about the rest of you, but I love looking at different book covers. You may not be able to judge a book by its cover, but they are sure fun to look at. So, if you'd like to join in the fun, all you have to do is...

1. Take the button at the top of this post and post it on your blog.

2. Chose a book cover of your choice and post it. (You can post as many covers as you'd like.)

3. Sign up with Mr. Linky below. Please use the url that links directly to your cover art post.

4. Visit other blogs on the list to see what covers they are featuring this week.

Instead of just one day, I thought I'd run this through the weekends - from Fridays to Mondays. That gives people more of a chance to blog hop.

Have fun!

I'm not reading this right now, but I thought it was a beautiful cover for the holiday.