Book Dragon's lair: 3/1/12

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

TBR Challenge Update

Remember my boxes? Nothing has changed with them. :-( I signed up for 5 challenges to help me whittle down my pile, failed one, completed two, and one includes 2012 books.

Goal: to read 25 books

Progress: only 10 more to go!

Goal: to read 1-5 books

Progress: Totally cheated on this one with the number of books to be read but wanted the satisfaction of some kind of progress

~Challenge Complete~
Jan 16

Goal: to read 15 books

Progress: tried for 30 last year and only tracked 9 before abandoning the challenge in June.

~Challenge Complete~
March 14

Goal: to read ONLY books from my TBR stack for 30 days.

Progress: Total. Fail.
I picked up a children's book while shopping and read it right there in the store! ("Happy Valentine's Day, Mouse", a board book!)

~Challenge Failed~
Jan 19

Goal: Any book you own

Progress: 15 books read from my pre-2012 TBR pile
How long does a book have to sit on the TBR pile before it isn't a new purchase anymore?

so, not counting 2012 purchases, library books, or ARCs....I've read 15 of my own books! I think that is GREAT progress. Now that I see it in black and white, maybe I can "Make a Dent" and read 30....or climb "Mt. Ararat" and read 40.... ;-)

Thoughts on...The Priest and the Peaches

I really wish I had something profound to say. I'm getting an "A" in Procrastination 101 and when I finally got into the book, real life interfered and I haven't finished. That said...

I don't usually read reviews of books I'm reviewing but I wanted to find out why I was having such a hard time with it. I finally decided it's a mix of several things. The attitude of men in the 60's, format, my mood, and new books all conspired together the help me with my "A".

Grrr, taking care of the house and children is not "women's work" and just because they are a woman, doesn't mean that they are the right woman. I'd really like to knock some sense into the father and the oldest child.

Don't even get me started on the nosy neighbor. She should be fired at the very minimum but I'd really like to string her up.

I'll be away from my computer for most of the day but plan on finishing the book and posting an update.

Don't forget to check out the other reviews, tour schedule

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary review copy of this book without any obligation to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of publisher.

The Priest and the Peaches
by Larry Peterson

publisher: Tribute Books
format: ebook
Historical Fiction
Young Adult
285 pages

Product Description:

Take a seven day journey with the five, newly orphaned Peach kids, as they begin their struggle to remain a family while planning their dad's funeral.

They find an ally in the local parish priest, Father Tim Sullivan, who tries his best to guide them through the strange, unchartered and turbulent waters of "grown-up world." A story that is sad, funny, and inspiring as it shows how the power of family love and faith can overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Terrific Tuesday

A SEAL in Wolf's Clothing and Spellbound Falls

Hosted at Bibliophile by the Sea
Every Tuesday, she'll be posting the opening paragraph (maybe two) of her current read. Why don't you join us?

Of all the damn time for his SEAL team leader, Hunter Greymere, to take a mate and fly off on a honeymoon to Hawaii, why did he have to do so now?

The problem wasn't only with the assassin, should he arrive here and target Hunter's sister, Meara, since Hunter was gone, but also with the fact that Meara was on the prowl for a mate. Finn Emerson had discovered that when he read the advertisement for cabin rentals that was lying on the white marble breakfast bar in Meara's cabin.

A SEAL in Wolf's Clothing
Terry Spear

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme,
hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
1. Grab your current read Open to a random page
2. 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!
3. Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Nothing like having a son to put everything into perspective.

Yes, for as much as he hadn't wanted to travel even this short a distance from the ocean, bringing Henry to Inglenook just might prove to be one of the wisest decisions he'd made in several centuries

Spellbound Falls

Janet Chapman

Monday, March 26, 2012

Happy Monday!

Dinner out Tuesday, condo shopping Wednesday, lunch with Mom & Dad on Thursday, dinner out Friday for husband's birthday.... whew! I think I'll do nothing but read this week ;-)

Hope everyone has a great week planned.

Mailbox Monday is a place to share all the wonderful books that have come to live in your home– including paper books, e-books and audio books. Started by Marcia of The Printed Page, the mailbox is currently on tour. Check it out so you know where to go next month.

A big thank you to DCMetroreader for hosting in February. March's host is Anna at Diary of an Eccentric .... (blog link, not post link).

Received for Review:

Giveaway:

from Author:

Purchased:
Possibility of Murder by Ada Madison
sigh, went to Target....
Death of a Kitchen Diva by Lee Hollis
Hiss of Death by Rita Mae Brown
Spellbound Falls by Janet Chapman
Quinn by R.C. Ryan
Sanctuary Cove by Rochelle Alers
Shattered Innocence by Robert Scott
and then to ....
A SEAL in Wolf's Clothing by Terry Spear
Kill Shot by Vince Flynn

kindle/ebooks:
13 freebies
The Knife of Never Letting Go (for .99!)

What are you Reading?
is a weekly Monday meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Post what you read last week and what you're planning to read this week then link to Shelia's post. Then visit, visit, visit! She has a comment contest going on each week tied to the meme.

Finished:
A SEAL in Wolf's Clothing by Terry Spear

Reading:
Spellbound Falls by Janet Chapman
The Priest and the Peaches....must post review this week!
If you Give a Girl a Viscount by Kieran Kramer
~~Witch Way to Murder~~
A Sheetcake Named Desire by Jacklyn Brady

Started, not actively reading:
Fairytale by Maggie Shayne
Dating Mr. December by Phillipa Ashley
A Place to Die by Dorothy James
Before I Fall
52 Small Changes
Redwall
Always
The Eighty Dollar Champion
Murder on Monday

Next up:
~~The Priest and the Peaches~~ (Mar blog tour)
something fun

Reviewed:

Did Not Finish:

Need to Review-keep a running total and cross off as completed:
(this list is way too long and if they've been reviewed I didn't label them correctly!)

Spin the Plate, short story (current read)
A Modern Witch (current read)
Kekula (current read)
The Man Who Loved Books Too Much
True North
Whiskey Gulf
A Circle of Souls
Benny & Shrimp
The Right Side of the Tracks
Second Chance

Sunday, March 25, 2012

April Event....A to Z Blogging

This is pretty cool and I'd like to join but think it would be too stressful! The idea is to "post the letter of the alphabet every day during the month of April, with Sundays off for good behavior." Start with the letter A on April 1 and go from there. There is a HUGE list of bloggers signed up. After you post, visit the blog listed after you and 4-5 others.

Sign ups and more information here

Like I said, not officially joining but will be visiting those that have.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Happy Monday!

getting better but threw out my back ...grrr... I'll be going to the chiropractor later, she wasn't available Saturday.

spending too much time online..... I like reading and I like horses but sometimes, I think, people have too much money....case in point. I'd be too afraid of losing the thing to use it! Plus, just think how many books you could buy instead ;-)

A snack, a blanket, a good reading lamp and this chair.

Will you miss the print encyclopedia? I have mixed feelings about this. Online can be update more frequently but it is the ebook vs print argument again. I love the feel, look, smell, of print and the convenience of electronic. I love looking for something and reading what is around it but dang it, it's too easy to "google it"!

Interesting article about finishing the book, here (thanks Patricia at O Canada, Y'all )

Hope everyone has a great week planned.

Mailbox Monday is a place to share all the wonderful books that have come to live in your home– including paper books, e-books and audio books. Started by Marcia of The Printed Page, the mailbox is currently on tour. Check it out so you know where to go next month.

A big thank you to DCMetroreader for hosting in February. March's host is Anna at Diary of an Eccentric .... (blog link, not post link).

Received for Review:
Asgard Park by Ronald Simonar

Giveaway:

from Author:

Purchased:
Animal Magnetism by Jill Shalvis

kindle/ebooks:
Redwood Bend by Robyn Carr
Honor Bound by Brenda Novak
Elijah's Coin by Steve O'Brien
Guinness World Records 2012 (for $.01!)
plus 17 other free books

Finished:
Animal Magnetism by Jill Shalvis
Liver Let Die by Liz Lipperman

Reading:
The Priest and the Peaches
If you Give a Girl a Viscount by Kieran Kramer
Witch Way to Murder

Started, not actively reading:
Fairytale by Maggie Shayne
Dating Mr. December by Phillipa Ashley
A Place to Die by Dorothy James
Before I Fall
52 Small Changes
Redwall
Always
The Eighty Dollar Champion
Murder on Monday

Next up:
~~The Priest and the Peaches~~ (Mar blog tour)
something fun

Reviewed:

Did Not Finish:

Need to Review-keep a running total and cross off as completed:
(this list is way too long and if they've been reviewed I didn't label them correctly!)

Spin the Plate, short story (current read)
A Modern Witch (current read)
Kekula (current read)
The Man Who Loved Books Too Much
True North
Whiskey Gulf
A Circle of Souls
Benny & Shrimp
The Right Side of the Tracks
Second Chance

Friday, March 16, 2012

New Read-a-Thon and another Cozy challenge

Super excited that Kris at Not Enough Books will be hosting a six month cozy challenge. More info and sign-ups here. I'll be adding this challenge to my Mystery challenge page.

Read-a-Thon!

From the woman who brought you The Christmas Spirit comes a Halloween-ish Read-a-Thon! A week long reading fest of basically whatever you want buy you do have to read at least one scary book. That book can be horror, paranormal, thriller, mystery, etc. Sign-ups and more info here Thanks Michelle!

I've got a couple of books that will fit this but they're upstairs so I'll get a list going later. I just wanted to get this posted so you can join us! :D

Book list is here

twitter: #SpringHorrorRAT

Monday, March 12, 2012

Happy Monday!

sick.... sigh
stuffy, runny, congested....oh, and a cough from hell

getting better but still a lousy way to spend the week, especially when I couldn't curl up with a good book most days

Hope everyone has a great week planned.

Finished:
Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas
The Unlikely Wife by Debra Ullrick
Animal Attraction by Jill Shalvis

Reading:

Started, not actively reading:
Fairytale by Maggie Shayne
Dating Mr. December by Phillipa Ashley
A Place to Die by Dorothy James
Before I Fall
52 Small Changes
Redwall
Always
The Eighty Dollar Champion
Murder on Monday

Next up:
The Priest and the Peaches (Mar blog tour)
something fun

Reviewed:
The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae but the review goes live later this week

Did Not Finish:

Need to Review-keep a running total and cross off as completed:
(this list is way too long and if they've been reviewed I didn't label them correctly!)

Spin the Plate, short story (current read)
A Modern Witch (current read)
Kekula (current read)
The Man Who Loved Books Too Much
True North
Whiskey Gulf
A Circle of Souls
Benny & Shrimp
The Right Side of the Tracks
Second Chance

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Thoughts on...The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae by Stephanie Lauren

If you are familiar with the series then you know basically how the book ends. With a wedding. It is no secret that there are "Three heroes, three rescues, three weddings", it is right on the cover of all three books, so you can assume there is some kind of danger, a rescue and a wedding.

Now that that's out of the way.... O. M. G.! I haven't finished the book yet {page 324 of 437} and unless Ms. Laurens does something totally unexpected this is an A+. I love this one more than the other two!

First, Angelica is an extremely strong woman, even coming from a family of strong women. She's levelheaded (and stubborn), beautiful, loyal, kind and knows how to work the system-mainly the Ton.

Dominic is Tall, Dark, and Handsome and then some. Honor and loyalty are bywords and he is devastated that he must behave the way he has. ...okay, his momma is a, ahem, queen bitch with a crucial piece of property that Dominic needs to save his clan. Oh. Did I forget to mention that? Dominic is from the Highlands, Scotland. And, leader of his clan. Without what mommy dearest holds, the whole clan will be kicked off their lands. Sure, he has an estate near London but can you imagine how that would go over? The tenants there would need somewhere to go and there's no way the Highlanders would be happy near London.

There is a bit of a twist introduced early on that we're only given glimpses of that I'm almost on the edge of my seat to read how that turns out.

One thing Dominic and Angelica have not taken into consideration, the Cynster family is just as loyal and honorable as Dominic. Will do a great deal for family. The family is EXTREMELY wealthy and politically connected. {okay, while some of that comes through in this book, I've read most of the others in the Cynster series, the first of which is Devil's Bride, so I already knew that about the family.} Dominic's honor shows from the very beginning.

So I stopped reading with Dominic, Angelica, and retainers riding up to the castle. All will be preforming a role unsuited to them, and poor Angelica. Able horseman, having ridden a frisky mare for the last five days, is now wearing the ball gown she wore when kidnapped. Tied to the saddle of, not her wonderful mare, but one of the pack horses. Rumbled, mussed, dusty and stained. And very determined.

Handsome hero? check. Strong woman? check. Time limit to save "the world"? check. Wicked mother? check.

Sleep? Who needs sleep? I've got to know how this ends!

Finished. I can't say I read every word. The sex was fabulous but the story had my adrenaline pumping enough that I skipped some of the more tender scenes in order to get to the other action quicker.

Dominic's mother was a delicious villain, the twist was unexpectedly solved, the performance by Dominic and Angelica was fabulous. I was worried my A+ rating would be knocked down when I saw where I was in the book. I took more that halfway to get from London the Scotland and I was afraid the ending would be rushed. Not so.

Disclaimer: This title is from my personal library. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of author, publisher and amazon.

The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae
by Stephanie Laurens
series: Cynster Sisters Trilogy (and 18th Cynster novel)
publisher: Avon Books an imprint of HarperCollins
Published: Jan 2012
ISBN: 978-0-06-206862-0
format: Mass Market Paperback
(also available as an ebook)
Historical Romance
18+
pages 437 (not including The Wedding Planner short)

Grade: A+

Product Description:

We joyfully request your attendance at the wedding of Miss Angelica Cynster

...but not until she and her hero confront a devious enemy and lay to rest an ancient grudge in the Scottish Highlands!

Headstrong Angelica Cynster is certain she'll recognize her fated husband at first sight. And when her eyes meet those of a mysterious nobleman across a candlelit ballroom, she knows beyond doubt that he's the one. But her heart is soon pounding for an entirely different reason--when he hero abducts her!

The eighth Earl of Glencrae has no choice but to kidnap Angelica, the one Cynster sister with whom he hadn't wanted to tangle. But to save his castle and his clan, he must persuade her to assist him--and he's prepared to offer marriage to seal the deal.

as a side note: The book was released at the end of January and I had a challenge to not read any new, read 2012, purchases until February 1. I didn't make the challenge but had other commitments that prevented me from starting this book. Started Monday afternoon, finished Tuesday morning. I am hoping to review 13 personal books this year and have set the goal of every 2nd Wednesday.....this book was finished February 26 but scheduled for the 2nd Wednesday of March.

Monday, March 5, 2012

well, it's Monday but I'm not too happy about it.

Nothing wrong, really, shopping and lunch with my Mom were great but I'm at a funeral today. My Aunt died, it wasn't unexpected, just sad.

Other sad news...Jan Berenstain has died, following her husband who died in 2005. Their children will continue this beloved series. My youngest is 22 (years!) and I'm still buying the books.

Good news is that I finished the baby blanket before the funeral so I don't have to make an extra trip to deliver it. And, I'm going condo-hunting later this week. Looking for an investment/Daughter's home.

Hope everyone has a great week planned.

Finished:
The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae by Stephanie Laurens

Reading:
The Unlikely Wife by Debra Ullrick
Fairytale by Maggie Shayne
Dating Mr. December by Phillipa Ashley
A Place to Die by Dorothy James
~~The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae by Stephanie Laurens~~

Started, not actively reading:
Dating Mr. December by Phillipa Ashley
A Place to Die by Dorothy James
Before I Fall
52 Small Changes
Redwall
Always
The Eighty Dollar Champion
Murder on Monday

Next up:
The Priest and the Peaches (Mar blog tour)
something fun

Reviewed:
The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae but the review goes live later this week

Did Not Finish:

Need to Review-keep a running total and cross off as completed:
(this list is way too long and if they've been reviewed I didn't label them correctly!)

Spin the Plate, short story (current read)
A Modern Witch (current read)
Kekula (current read)
The Man Who Loved Books Too Much
True North
Whiskey Gulf
A Circle of Souls
Benny & Shrimp
The Right Side of the Tracks
Second Chance

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Books Read in 2012....

Hoping to keep up with 12 books a month. Think I need more than that for all the challenges :/ Good thing so many can overlap! Darn, 11 for February, RL will do that to you ;)

March Recap

24. The Unlikely Wife by Debra Ullrick
150+, One Million Pages,Where are you reading?, 50 States, The Unread Book, A to Z, Read & Review (Apr), Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks
25. Rainshadow Road by Lisa Kleypas
150+, One Million Pages, What an animal, The Unread Book

26. Animal Attraction by Jill Shalvis
150+, One Million Pages, 52 in 52, Off the Shelf, Mt. TBR, What an animal, A to Z

27. Squeak and a Roar by Joyee Flynn
150+, One Million Pages, 50 States, Where are you reading, ebook, What an animal

28. Animal Magnetism by Jill Shalvis
150+, One Million Pages, What an animal, A to Z

29. Liver Let Die by Liz Lipperman
150+, One Million Pages, Foodies, What an animal, Mt TBR, Off the Shelf, Cruisin' thru the Cozies, Mystery & Suspense

30. Dance with Me by Heidi Cullinan
150+, One Million Pages, 52 in 52, ebook, Sports Romance, 50 States, Where are you reading?

31. A SEAL in Wolf's Clothing by Terry Spear
150+, One Million Pages, 52in 52, 50 States, Where are you reading?, Paranormal, Romantic Suspense, Mystery & Suspense, What an Animal,

32. Spellbound Falls by Janet Chapman
150+, One Million Pages, 50 States/Where are you reading, A to Z, Romance, Paranormal

Saturday, March 3, 2012

First Impressions of The Unlikely Wife by Debra Ullrick

Why did I purchase/check out/request this book:

I need to read a historical for one of my challenges and wanted it to be something other than Regency. I've had good luck with Harlequin books in the past and I love this cover, she is wearing pants!

Why yes, I am a gluten for a good cover. :-) But, the cover only gets the book picked up, it doesn't, usually, get it in the cart.

um...reading back cover.... sounds interesting and will fit several challenges (which is always nice but not necessary). In the cart it goes.

Michael advertised for a wife. He's in Idaho and she's in Kentucky. No problem, they exchange letters over several months before they're married by proxy and off she goes to Idaho.

The book starts at the train station. Turns out Selina can't read or write and her best friend didn't write what Selina said! I know it's going to work out in the end, it is a Harlequin novel after all, but how long is it going to take? Selina fell in love with Michael through his letters but so did Michael and it turns out the woman he loves is a lie! Selina had promised herself never to marry a man who didn't love her and even if he does, he better not be a rich man. She's seen what "rich folk" do and act towards, ahem, money-challenged and what a loveless marriage can do to a woman. She also can't stand to be told what to do...no way will the new husband bully her.

Not only does her new husband not love her, he's rich (lives on the ranch with extended family and they're all wealthy) plus, he's not happy she's in pants and wants to help him with the chores! She arrives with a flour sack of clothes and he tries to send her to the store with his mother so she can pick up material..."I'm sure my Mother will help you make some dresses."!

What to do, what to do? This is a Love Inspired novel so they both pray. Prayers at meal times, sure but they both pray for help with the mess they've found themselves in.

"...Why would You send me someone like Selina? Why? Please, help me to understand."

He listened for that still, small voice, but the only sounds he heard were coyotes howling in the distance..."

I like Michael even though he can be overbearing because we can read that he's really trying to understand what's happening and trying to refigure his dreams.

I like Selina. She knows who she is and is unwilling to change for anyone. That sounds harsh but they both had visions of what marriage would be like and while it looks like she'll compromise she's not going to change who she is. One morning she goes to the barn and does chores (feeding, cleaning stalls, etc) and when she goes back outside she stops to enjoy the sunrise. Not only that but out loud says Thank you Lord, that was mighty pretty.

I like Michael's family best. At least those I've met so far. They don't all know about the letter mix up and they love Selina because she's Michael's wife. Even the brother that does know, likes Selina.

End results:

Glad I bought this book. Prayers, so far, are just often enough for the story. Will enjoy reading it and won't hesitate to read another like it or by the same author.

The Unlikely Wife
by Debra Ullrick

Harlequin Love Inspired historical
January 2012
ISBN: 978-0373829026
mass market paperback
Inspirational Romance
282 pages plus discussion questions

ages: publisher doesn't say but as it's a Love Inspired novel, I'm comfortable saying 14.

Product Description:

The arrival of Michael Bowen's bride, married sight unseen by proxy, sends the rancher reeling. With her trousers, cowboy hat and rifle, she looks like a female outlaw—not the genteel lady he corresponded with for months. He's been hoodwinked into marriage with the wrong woman!

Selina Farleigh Bowen loved Michael's letters, even if she couldn't read them herself. A friend read them to her, and wrote her replies—but apparently that "friend" left things out, like Michael's dream of a wife who was nothing like her. Selina won't change who she is, not even for the man she loves. Yet time might show Michael the true value of his unlikely wife.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Kindle: love it or not, it is here to stay....

Husband was watching the History Channel, "101 Gadgets That Changed the World" and guess what #50 was. Yup, the kindle.

I purchased a first generation and was so disappointed, I returned it. The page turning was too slow and the screen went completely black between pages. It gave me a headache!

So, new generations and a vacation coming up, I bit the bullet and bought another one.

sigh

The main reason I got it for my Mom. We were going on a cruise together and since she'd be in a wheelchair, I thought we could read together. I bought the Kindle Touch and "Anne of Green Gables" trilogy.

Results? disappointment. The trilogy didn't have a table of contents so I was unable to go to book two. My mom never used it. While the refresh rate has improved, it's still too slow so I'm going to return this one too. :-(

I still love my Kindle books, I'll just read them on my laptop or my iTouch.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

TBR Challenge Update

Thoughts on...The Priest and the Peaches

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Terrific Tuesday

Monday, March 26, 2012

Happy Monday!

Sunday, March 25, 2012

April Event....A to Z Blogging

Monday, March 19, 2012

Happy Monday!

Friday, March 16, 2012

New Read-a-Thon and another Cozy challenge

Monday, March 12, 2012

Happy Monday!

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Thoughts on...The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae by Stephanie Lauren

Monday, March 5, 2012

well, it's Monday but I'm not too happy about it.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Books Read in 2012....

Saturday, March 3, 2012

First Impressions of The Unlikely Wife by Debra Ullrick

Friday, March 2, 2012

Kindle: love it or not, it is here to stay....

2019 Challenges I'm Hosting

Search This Blog

just a note

Followers

Check this out!

Weekly Memes to visit/try

2021 Reading Challenges - so far

Quick Links to some of My Pages

Blog Archive

Ratings

Books to add to my TBR list

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Monday, March 26, 2012

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Monday, March 19, 2012

Friday, March 16, 2012

Monday, March 12, 2012

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Monday, March 5, 2012

Sunday, March 4, 2012

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Friday, March 2, 2012

2019 Challenges I'm Hosting

Search This Blog

Subscribe To The Lair

just a note

Followers

Check this out!

Weekly Memes to visit/try

2021 Reading Challenges - so far

Quick Links to some of My Pages

Blog Archive

Ratings

Books to add to my TBR list