Contents of blog copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2023
I've been gone a while. I started reading fanfiction to escape and I got sucked in an abyss.

I have no idea if someone else is hosting similar challenges. I just grabbed some of what I have hosted before.

Here's to a happy year of great reading
Jan2023: Not much has changed. Writing a fanfiction now O_o as well as reading but I bought 7 new books in December and hope to get those read soon. Crossing fingers about adding challenges (late!)

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Excerpt...The Super Spies Cat and the Lady Killer by Lisa Orchard

I wasn't able to read/review this book but I hope you enjoy the excerpt!

The Super Spies and the Cat Lady Killer
by Lisa Orchard
self-published
ISBN: 978-1479177158 (Trade Paperback)
March 2012
244 pages

Description: This book opens in a small town in Michigan where Sarah and her sister Lacey are now living with their Aunt and Uncle. Still reeling from the fact her parents have disappeared, Sarah starts the school year with her new friend Jackie Jenkins. When Sarah learns the school has been bombed, she’s filled with dread. Uncle Walt is a teacher, and he was in the school when the bomb exploded. Taking matters into her own hands, Sarah decides to search for him. The rest of the Super Spies are right behind her. When a fireman chases them away from the school, Sarah becomes suspicious. She decides to investigate. The FBI arrives on the scene. Sarah realizes this bombing could have even bigger implications. Searching for the bombers, Sarah is introduced to the world of terrorism. She fears that the bombing and her parents’ disappearance are connected and terrorists are involved. To make matters worse, the bombers are determined to finish the job. Can the Super Spies find the bombers before it’s too late?

Excerpt:

The house sat hunkered down as if it were tensed to spring like a cat stalking a mouse. Sarah shuddered at the thought of going up on the porch and she chewed on her thumbnail.

Looking behind her, Sarah studied the church facing the Cat Lady’s home. It was a strong structure built of huge stones. She could tell it was as old as the town itself and its presence made her feel safe. Motioning for Jackie and Lacey to follow her, she moved from the sidewalk to the huge oak tree growing on the church’s lawn. The girls hid behind it, peeking out at the witch’s home.

“Are you still going to do it?” Jackie teased.

“Yep.”

“Do you think she’s inside?” Lacey asked wide-eyed.

Sarah smirked at her. “Where else would she be? I hear she never leaves her house.”

“Be nice.” Jackie smacked Sarah’s arm.

“What are you waiting for? Are you afraid of the witch?” Lacey asked as she stared at the house.

“She’s not a witch. She’s just a freak, that’s all.”

“Well, if she’s not …then what are you waiting for?” Jackie snickered.

“I just want to make sure the coast is clear.”

“Hey, you guys, look at all the cats,” Lacey whispered. She pointed at the clusters of felines lolling about on the porch and walking in the yard. “There has to be at least twenty of them.”

“Yeah, that’s why she’s called the Cat Lady.” Sarah rolled her eyes and then felt the sting from Jackie’s slap.

“Do you think she put a spell on those cats?” Lacey asked with a wide-eyed expression, twirling her hair with her finger.

“Could be,” Sarah snickered. “Or maybe she just…you know…gives them food.”

“Knock it off, Sarah,” Lacey glared at her sister.

Sarah stuck her tongue out at her. “Okay, I’m going for it. I’ll meet you back here.”

“Cool beans,” Jackie said.

“Cool beans? Is this town still in the nineties?” Sarah teased.

“Shut up.” Jackie smacked her arm again.

“This is physical abuse.” Sarah rubbed her arm, trying to appear injured.

Jackie laughed. “Be thankful I like hanging out with you.”

“All I have to do is ring her doorbell, right?” Sarah poked her head out from behind the tree. She noticed the tomato pulp still clinging to the siding and peered up and down the street for the notorious Wykowski boys.

“That’s right,” Jackie chuckled.

Sarah took a deep breath and sprinted across the street. She stopped at the porch stairs. A group of cats were sunning themselves on the steps—they meowed at her as if they were hungry. Jumping when one of them rubbed against her legs, she bent down and stroked its back, never taking her eyes off of the house.

Sarah petted the cat, while she worked up the courage to climb the stairs. She heard the loud purr of the contented feline and it eased her anxiety. All of a sudden, she felt a hand squeeze her arm. Her heart leapt in her chest and she let out a yelp.

Turning, she spied Jackie. “I almost peed my pants!”

Jackie giggled.

“What are you doing here?” Sarah muttered and gave Jackie the evil eye.

“I couldn’t stay behind the tree and miss all the action.”

Sarah glanced around her and pointed to some overgrown bushes in front of the porch. “You can hide over there.”

Out of the corner of her eye, Sarah spied her sister running toward them and stifled a groan.

“I didn’t want to stand by myself,” Lacey whimpered, slightly out of breath. She tugged nervously on the hem of her T-shirt as she eyed the house.

Sarah groaned and her shoulders slumped as if she carried a heavy burden. She sighed and pointed at the bushes again. “You hide over there with Jackie and be quiet.”

Sarah waited until the other girls were out of sight, and then climbed the stairs. Stopping when she reached the porch, Sarah took some deep breaths before stepping onto the sagging stoop. Stepping gingerly, she hoped the porch would support her. Her stomach clenched when it groaned. She took another step and then another, the porch complaining with every footfall. Halfway across the stoop, she heard the girls behind the bushes.

“She’s almost to the door.” Lacey said in a low voice.

Sarah bit her lip, stifling the disapproving remark dancing on the tip of her tongue. Instead, she turned and glared at the bushes, willing its occupants to shut up. She made eye contact with Jackie, who quickly ducked behind the shrubs, pulling Lacey with her.

What in the world is she doing?” Lacey asked.

“Shhh,” Jackie responded.

Sarah shook her head and continued her journey. She felt Jackie and Lacey watching her as she crept toward the door. Reaching the entryway, she was surprised to find the storm door wide open. The only barrier between the Cat Lady and the rest of the world was a flimsy screen door hanging askew on its hinges.

Alarm bells rang in Sarah’s head—this has got to be out of character for someone who never leaves their home. She turned back and whispered to the other girls. “Hey!”

Jackie poked her head out. “What?”

“The storm door’s open.”

“So?”

“So…what do I do?”

“Duh…Ring the door bell.”

Sarah shrugged and pushed the doorbell. It let out an irritating buzz and she had the feeling it had been broken long ago and never fixed. She dashed down the stairs. The cats scattered, alarmed by the sudden activity. Reaching the shrubs, Sarah hid with her sister and Jackie.

Gasping for breath, Sarah waited for a reaction from the old woman. Her heart pummeled her ribs and she pressed her hand to her chest to calm it.

After a few minutes, Sarah started to pace. “Well…nothing’s happened.” She peeked out from behind the shrub and saw the screen door hanging ajar. “I bet she’s not even home. I’m going to try again.”

Jackie shrugged. “Be careful, remember she’s a witch.”

Sarah shook her head, and then peered out from behind the shrubs. Once again, she climbed the stairs. She was braver this time and it didn’t take her as long to make it to the door.

She looked inside, her heart lurching in her chest. She tiptoed to the picture window and peered through it. Gasping, she ran back to the entryway. Pulling it open, she lunged inside.

Sarah stared, unable to tear herself away. Shock ran through her body like an electrical current as she eyed the scene before her. The crumpled form of the Cat Lady lay on the living room floor, just inside the door. No life flickered in the old woman’s staring eyes. Her mouth gaped open in a silent scream and her hands were up around her head as if she were warding off blows. Turning away, Sarah gagged as the coppery scent of blood assaulted her. There was blood splattered everywhere, on the wall, on the carpet and under the Cat Lady’s body.

Suddenly, Sarah’s throat constricted and she gasped for breath. Fearing she would faint, she stumbled back out the door and collided with Jackie and Lacey on the porch.

Jackie grabbed Sarah’s arm and shook her. “What are you doing? Are you crazy? I never said to go inside!”

Sarah didn’t speak—she just stared blankly at the porch.

Jackie shook her again. “Are you under the Cat Lady’s spell?”

Lacey whimpered. “Hey, Sarah….can you hear me? Sarah?”

“She’s under the Cat Lady’s spell,” Jackie said waving her hand in front of Sarah’s eyes.

“Oh my—,” Sarah moaned and clutched Jackie’s arm.

“What is it?” Jackie shook her again. “Speak…say something!”

“Th-th-the C-C-Cat Lady, sh-sh-she’s,” Sarah stuttered.

“She’s what?” Jackie demanded.

“Sh-she’s dead.”



Currently available for the Kindle, and print



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Monday, January 28, 2013

Finished Reading #12 . . . (picture book)

The Runaway Shopping Cart
Kathy Long
Illustrated by Susan Estelle Kwas
978-0525471875
32 pages
Ages 4 and Up
(preschool to 2nd grade)
Dutton Juvenile
February 2007

print
picture book
source: public library

When Kaleb goes grocery shopping with Mom, he always rides in the cart . . . but the ride is never this exciting! This time the cart—with Kaleb in it—rolls out of the parking lot and into the street, and he’s off licketysplit on a traffic-stopping adventure. Hilarious neighborhood characters chase after the runaway cart as it zips on by. Kaleb’s exhilarating trip leaps from every page in boldly colored illustrations rendered with a stylish sense of fun. The tale, a twist on the classic Golden Goose, ends happily with Kaleb’s cart rolling back into the parking lot, where it all began. Phew!

~*~*~
Cute, fun, quick. As a lover of picture books, I'd add this to my library (if it wasn't out of print) but I think I'm getting too old for these :-(   I kept thinking of the stupid mother, leaving her child in the cart with the grocery store worker while she went back in for ice cream!

That said...I wanted to be in the shopping cart! There was a nice rhythm to the chase and regardless of my thoughts on the the mother, the end was funny!




Challenges this works for:
A to Z (R)
Let Me Count the Ways
Library Books
Read-a-Latte
150+
Monthly Mix-up Mania



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Winter's Respite Wrap-up

A Winter's Respite 
Read-a-Thon
Wrap-Up

Hosted by Michelle of The True Book Addict at Seasons of Reading.

RaT's twitter hashtag is #WintersRespite
The Lair's twitter hashtag is #bookdragonslair




Books Read...opened? looked at?...

finished -  It's a Good Life by Carol Lynne Black List by Brad Thor (page 22)
Your First Year with Diabetes (page 52)
The Complete Book of Running for Women by Claire Kowalchik (page 66)
The Beginner's Guide to Running by Hal Higdon (page 38)
Women's Complete Guide to Running by Jeff & Barbara Galloway (page 81)
A Soldier's Choice (now on page 80)
Worth the Weight (now in the middle of Chap 17)
The Weight of Deeds by Eli Thorpe - skipped one, read one


Final Report 
original list - 11
read some - 6
finished - 1 (not on list)
read some, not on the list - 3
didn't touch - 4

I really needed a clone this week so I could get everything done and read like I'm used to. Michelle's next read-a-thon is Spring into Horror and I've got a list of books for that too. Crossing my fingers that I do better!

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Happy Monday

Weekly report of last week's reading and new books in the house....

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

Thank you to December's host: Suko's Notebook
January's host: Lori's Reading Corner

Received for Review:
Finding the Voice Inside You by Jill Birth
The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club by Duncan Whitehead

Giveaway/Contest/Gift:


from Author:


Purchased/delivered:


added to my ereader: (kindle app, html, etc.)
Training Your Children in Home Economics by Angie Kauffman
It's a Good Life by Carol Lynne

Also went shopping through the free section, added a bunch then clicked Pin It
(still not finished pinning all of them)



Current Library books at the house:
Knee High by the Fourth of July by Jess Lourey
The Runaway Shopping Cart by Kathy Long
The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner
The Good Carbohydrate Revolution
Diabetes for Dummies
Women's Complete Guide to Running by Jeff Galloway
The Kitchen Diva's Diabetic Cookbook by Angela Shelf Medearis
Joan Samuelson's Running for Women by Joan Benoit Samuelson
Dogs Don't Lie by Clea Simon
The Diabetes Carbohydrate & Fat Gram Guide by Lea Ann Holzmeister
Diabetes and you by Naheed Ali (a comprehensive, holistic approach)
The Complete Book of Running for Women by Claire Kowalchik
The Cat Who Came Back for Christmas by Julia Romp
Black List by Brad Thor
The Best Life Guide to Managing Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes by Bob Greene
Beginner's Running Guide by Hal Hidgon
Deadly Politics by Maggie Sefton (not her knitting series so we'll see)

A N D . . .
Last I checked, am #4 on the waiting list for The Casual Vacancy, #332 for Gone Girl, #28 for Shadow Woman, and next for Dream Eyes AND Dark Storm. #3 for Ready Player One and #52 Killing Floor by Lee Child. Wondering if I'll still want to read them once it's my turn?



What are you Reading?


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:
It's a Good Life by Carol Lynne

Books stacked by my reading chair (clean slate for the year):
Worth the Weight by Mara Jacobs
The Blue Zone
The Good Carbohydrate Revolution
Diabetes for Dummies
The Weight of Deeds by Eli Thorpe
Howard's Gift by Eric C. Sinoway with Merill Meadow


Next up:
The Holder's Dominion by Genese Davis
Cat and the Lady Killer by Lisa Orchard

Reviewed:



Did Not Finish, may try again later:


Happy Reading!


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Monthly Mix-up Mania 2013-2015 edition

The goal for this challenge is to read a book for each letter in the year. That's right, a title for the J in January and the A in January, etc.... 74 books total, YIKES! This is a two-year challenge: April 1, 2013 to March 31, 2015.

I am hosting but the challenge has it's own blog so posts don't get lost. Why don't you check out the rules and join me?

letters left:  . . . . . .  WOO HOO

book possibilities: Zamora's Ultimate Challenge (box 62), The World Without Us (box 47), Your Planet or Mine (box 31), You Can't Hide (box 27), Just Like Heaven (box 62), Uncle Tom's Cabin (box 52), The U.P Trail, (box 52)   



J - Just One Kiss by Susan Mallery (#73)
A - The Bridgertons: Happily Ever After (#41)
N - Never Less Than a Lady by Mary Jo Putney (#43)
U - They Walk Among Us by T. A. Chase (#15)
A - The ABC's of Freezer Cooking by K.M. Logan (#67)
R - The Reluctant Vampire by Carla Krae (#4)
Y - When You Dare by Lori Foster (#18)

F - A Fool's Gold Christmas by Susan Mallery (#5)
E - It's Not Easy Being Green by Jim Henson (#23)
B - Spits and Bellows by Joyee Flynn (#19)
R - The Lady Risks All by Stephanie Laurens (#10)
U - The Unicorn Princess by Babette Cole (#172)
A - One Day in Apple Grove by C. H. Admirand (#74)
R - The Runaway Shopping Cart by Kathy Long (#12)
Y - You Are (Not) Small by Anna Kang (#306)

M - The Missing Monarch by Rachelle McCalla (#2)
A - At First Touch by T.A. Chase and Devon Rhodes (#110)
R - Getting Real by Christiane France (#27)
C - What Chris Wants by Lori Foster (#13)
H - Chaps and Hope by Bailey Bradford (#24)

A - Falling Awake by Jayne Ann Krentz (#125)
P - The Extra-Ordinary Princess by Carolyn Q. Ebbitt (#36)
R - The Gift of Running (#68)
I - Sea Glass Island by Sherryl Woods (#79)
L - Mastered by Love by Stephanie Laurens (#9)

M - Moosed-Up by Tiffinie Helmer (#3)
A - Set Ablaze by Morticia Knight (#126)
Y - My Yellow Balloon by Tiffany Papageorge  - review

J - Bonds of Justice by Nalini Singh (#19-2014)
U - Dancers Among Us by Jordan Matter (#114)
N - Needing Seth by Shawn Lane (#57)
E - Fatal Error by Colleen Thompson (#80)

J - Judging Jager by Amber Kell (#35)
U - Unclutter Your Life in One Week by Erin Rooney Doland (#204)
L - It's a Good Life by Carol Lynne (#11)
Y - Elder and the Youngest by Joyee Flynn

A - Arresting Behaviour by Morticia Knight (#137)
U - Until We Touch by Susan Mallery (#203)
G - Wicked Gift by Sean Michael (#1)
U - Liam's Unexpected Alpha by Alice Cain (#215)
S - Savor the Danger by Lori Foster (#30)
T - To Tame a Dragon by Megan Bryce (#6)

S - Home Sweet Home by T. A. Chase (#38)
E - Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett (#61)
P - Frozen Prospects by Dean Murray (#7)
T - Trace the Fever by Lori Foster (#22)
E - Eat and Run by Scott Jurek with Steve Friedman (#109)
M - The Lady Most Likely by Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, Connie Brockway (#44)
B - Sand Castle Bay by Sherryl Woods (#54)
E - Echo Burning by Lee Child (#111)
R - A Poppy Is to Remember by Heather Patterson (#71) 

O - That Old Flame of Mine by J. J. Cook (#81)
C - The Fireman and the Cop by RJ Scott (#47)
T - With This Kiss, part one by Eloisa James (#40)
O - The Ordinary Princess by M. M. Kaye (#94)
B - A Sticky Wicket in Bollywood by T.A. Chase and Devon Rhodes (#55)
E - Eros Rising by Ally Blue (#143)
R - Ropes and Dreams by Bailey Bradford (#76)

N - A Night to Surrender by Tessa Dare (#99)
O - Object of His Desire by Ava March (#139)
V - A Timely Vision by Joyce and Jim Lavene (#86)
E - En Prise by Sean Michael (#92)
M - Temporary Mark by Kim Dare (#55) 
B - Black List by Brad Thor (#75)
E - Lust Emergency by Morticia Knight
R - The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh by Stephanie Laurens (#84)

D - Going Down by Cassandra Gold (#48)
E - The Dragon Egg by Michael Yu (#166)
C - Wind Chime Point by Sheryl Woods (#60)
E - The Enemy by Lee Child (#173)
M - Chasing the King of the Mountains by T.A. Chase and Devon Rhodes (#70)
B - Breaking the Devil by Bailey Bradford (#77)
E - Einstein the Lazy Kitty by Renae Rae (#224)
R - Running Blind by Lee Child (#106)


~ Challenge Complete March 10 ~

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

A Week in Review




Fun, Fitness,  Family,
Television and Movies, 
maybe a book or two. 
A weekly report of what's been happening in my real-world life.

All my days have blurred together but I suppose that's to be expected when sleep is so out of whack. I'm getting 8-10 hours a day but it's in multiple sessions. grrr  I've got an appointment with a doc next month and I'm hoping she can help. Let me see if I can remember what happened this week...

Sunday - Church. I am officially the secretary now and it is kind of scary.

Monday - Training session. Didn't get as lightheaded this time but we also didn't do a lot of compound exercises. 

Tuesday - no ow, ow, ow because we didn't do squats. Also no gym/dinner with daughter :-( she needed to drive a hearse to another facility to see if the casket would fit. Yeah, it was that big. I cancelled lunch with my Mom so I'd be awake to go to the gym :/

Wednesday - First Diabetic class, "Living Well with Diabetes". The thing you need to know, right off the top of my head. . . I can get a DUI if I'm caught driving with my blood sugar too low. Not sure how they'd know to pull me over. If you have insurance, get tested. If you don't...a healthy diabetic diet is a healthy diet for anyone. Working on learning "The Plate Method", dang portion control. I miss chocolate. Or rather, I should miss chocolate. I've been buying the sugar-free stuff but it should be a treat and not eaten as much as I do.

Thursday - Rain. And a cancelled lunch. My mom doesn't like to go anywhere in the rain anymore. We'll try again next week

Friday - I got most of my television time in late Thur/early Fri. There was a trip to the library as well as dinner out (plate method worked!) and the grocery store.

Saturday - I've got stuff to do for tomorrow (bulletin, sharing time) and I really should hit the gym. I was going to do a virtual 5k yesterday and I forgot.

Movies - We've got A Thin Man right now. M thought is sounded a lot like Hart to Hart. I couldn't finish it. I liked the daughter and the detective's wife but didn't like the ex-wife and the son was way too creepy. It sounded choppy and fake, like they were making fun of a gangster movie without a script. Except for the son, his words flowed like that was what he was really like.

The Lorax was fabulous! It's been a while since I read the book and I didn't think there was enough to make a movie but I loved it! I'm thinking of buying the soundtrack {blush}

I  watched Miss Congeniality again. I've seen it several times and thought I'd seen it forwards and backwards but I don't remember the playground scene

Also saw Mission Impossible. The helicopter scene tested my beliefs but the movie was good and I liked the last airplane scene. It was streaming on Netflix. So is the third and fourth movie. We have to wait for the dvd of the second movie but it's next in line. 

Television - Criminal Minds, Numb3rs, Flashpoint, Bones, Castle, Property Brothers, Buying and Selling

Other Thoughts
I've got a Spotlight post coming up


I had to return One Reckless Summer to the library without finishing it. The prologue has the main character as a 16-year-old being hassled by three brothers, the town's bad boys. Chapter one has her all grown up and back in town for the summer and what does she do? Trespasses on the brother's land and has sex with one of them. After that, I just couldn't get into it. I may try again or skip the first book in the series completely and try one of the other ones.

All week was Winter's Respite and I did lousy with my reading! Looking at my movie/television list and I think I found out why I did so horrible. ;-)


Have a great week



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Purr-sday












just a place to share the cute/funny/weird pictures I find while surfing....when I should be doing a whole range of things ;) Don't forget to head over to The True Book Addict because Michele has a meme going. With links and everything!

~*~*~*~*~
non-cat but book related: Third Sentence Thursday!




Hosted at Proud Book Nerd, I hope
1. Take the book you are currently reading and post the third sentence.
2. Share your thoughts on the sentence.
3. Post a link to your blog post in the link list. If you don’t have a blog, just leave it in the comments here.
4. Visit one or two of the other blogs to check out their third sentence.


It is with a sense of great joy and inner drive that I have maintained my running on every level from the day-to-day training to the remarkable events like the Olympic Games.
Joan Samuelson's Running for Women
Joan Samuelson and Gloria Averbuch

Thoughts: For those who don't know (I didn't) Joan won the Boston Marathon in 1979 and 1983, then entered the first women's marathon in the Olympic Games, capturing Gold, in 1984. As the book was published in 1995, I'm in awe that she would be that enthused about running ten years after winning Gold.

Some of the information may be outdated but I'm hoping her excitement about runnring comes through



~*~*~*~
 On to the pictures. . . .
sometimes the opportunity is just too good to pass up {snicker}


 to go along with the read-a-thon


I totally need this one . . .
. . . because I've been spending time here

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Finished Reading #11 . . . (NSFW)

It's a Good Life
The Good-time Boys #5
Carol Lynne
978-1-78184-203-4
92 pages
Total-e-Bound

ebook
MM
source: private library


Have you ever wondered what life would be like without you?

Although Sonny Good still suffers repercussions from a gunshot wound to his head, he refuses to let them interfere with his life. He does his best to hide what he can from his partner, Garron, in an attempt to gain more independence. When a car accident forces Sonny’s newest health concern to the foreground, he begins to slide back into the pit of despair he’s worked so hard to crawl out of. What use will he be to his family and friends if he can’t lead a normal life?

When a seizure leaves Sonny in need of emergency care, a CT Scan reveals the cause of his continued blackouts. Faced with a risky surgery, Sonny begins to wonder if his loved ones would’ve been better off if he’d died the day of the shooting.

Faced with the prospect of losing the man he loves, Garron is determined to show Sonny what he has to live for.

~*~*~
It was good to revisit the Good Brothers. Lilly's pregnant, Rawley is Mayor, Garron is Sherriff. And Sonny is struggling with his ranch. The seizures are getting worse and he's ready to give up. This is a happy-ever-after, at least for right now, because we never know what the future holds and need to enjoy each moment we have.


Other challenges this works for:
Winter's Respite RaT
M/M
Contemporary Romance
A-Z (I)
erotic ~ need to sign up for this one still
ebook
Outdo Yourself
150+
Read-a-Latte
Let Me Count the Ways


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Monday, January 21, 2013

Ready...Set...READ: A Winter's Respite RaT Starting Line

A Winter's Respite 
Read-a-Thon
Mon. Jan 21 at 12 a.m. 
to
Sun. Jan 27 at 11:59 pm
Central Standard Time

Hosted by Michelle of The True Book Addict at Seasons of Reading. Sign-up here

RaT's twitter hashtag is #WintersRespite
The Lair's twitter hashtag is #bookdragonslair

~*~*~*~*~*~*~
I have three women specific running books in my reading pile. They're all library books so I'd like to compare the three, read bits and pieces, take some advice, wonder if I should just buy it, and get them back to the library!
  • The Complete Book of Running for Women by Claire Kowalchik
  • Joan Samuelson's Running for Women
  • Women's Complete Guide to Running by Jeff & Barbara Galloway
Other books in my pile:
  • Fiction: Black List by Brad Thor
  • Short Stories: The Eight of Deeds by Eli Thorpe (on page 149, need to review)
  • Memoir: The Cat Who Came Back for Christmas (on page 3)
  • Non-fiction: Howard's Gift by Eric C. Sinoway (on page 24, need to review)
  • Cookbook: The Kitchen Diva's Diabetic Cookbook by Angela Shelf Medearis
edit:
Still reading: Worth the Weight (on Chap 16)
still reading: A Soldier's Choice (on Chap 3) ~ end edit

Plus I've got six health books!  WOW, that is a lot to ask of the week, specially as I can't pause real-life :-(
~don't you sometimes wish you could clone yourself? Clone one cleans/cooks, Clone Two crafts, Clone Three exercises and studies, Clone Four works. . . you could go on and on. You get all the benefits of what each clone does of course while spending your time in a comfortable spot with a good book.

sigh

until then, read when you can and enjoy what you read!

~Books Read~

92 :: It's a Good Life by Carol Lynne


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2012

Happy Monday

Weekly report of last week's reading and new books in the house....



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

Thank you to December's host: Suko's Notebook
January's host: Lori's Reading Corner

Received for Review:


Giveaway/Contest/Gift:


from Author:


Purchased/delivered:
Virals by Kathy Reichs
Your First Year with Diabetes by Theresa Garnero, APRN, BC-ADM, MSN, CDE
The Diabetes Comfort Food Cookbook

added to my ereader: (kindle app, html, etc.)
Dark Craving by Donna Grant

Also went shopping through the free section, added a bunch then clicked Pin It
(still not finished pinning all of them)



Current Library books at the house:
Knee High by the Fourth of July by Jess Lourey
The Runaway Shopping Cart by Kathy Long
The Blue Zones by Dan Buettner
The Good Carbohydrate Revolution
Diabetes for Dummies
Women's Complete Guide to Running by Jeff Galloway
The Kitchen Diva's Diabetic Cookbook by Angela Shelf Medearis
Joan Samuelson's Running for Women by Joan Benoit Samuelson
Dogs Don't Lie by Clea Simon
The Diabetes Carbohydrate & Fat Gram Guide by Lea Ann Holzmeister
Diabetes and you by Naheed Ali (a comprehensive, holistic approach)
The Complete Book of Running for Women by Claire Kowalchik
The Cat Who Came Back for Christmas by Julia Romp
Black List by Brad Thor
The Best Life Guide to Managing Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes by Bob Greene

A N D . . .
Beginner's Running Guide by Hal Hidgon is waiting to be picked up. Plus, last I checked, am #5 on the waiting list for The Casual Vacancy, #361 for Gone Girl, #39 for Shadow Woman, and next for Dream Eyes AND Dark Storm. #3 for Ready Player One. Wondering if I'll still want to read them once it's my turn?



What are you Reading?


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:
dang, lots of pieces but no complete, published, book :-( I did read an online serial, The Gold Book, which may be published in 3-5 parts but still. Nothing published.

Books stacked by my reading chair (clean slate for the year):
Worth the Weight by Mara Jacobs
The Blue Zone
The Good Carbohydrate Revolution
Diabetes for Dummies
The Weight of Deeds by Eli Thorpe
Howard's Gift by Eric C. Sinoway with Merill Meadow


Next up:
The Holder's Dominion by Genese Davis
Cat and the Lady Killer by Lisa Orchard

Reviewed:



Did Not Finish, may try again later:


Happy Reading!


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Sunday, January 20, 2013

A Week in Review




Fun, Fitness,  Family,
Television and Movies, 
maybe a book or two. 
A weekly report of what's been happening in my real-world life.

Sunday - Almost didn't make it to church. I was late to the first meeting but was there for the other and a while afterwards talking to leadership. The kids were wired! I've never had an ADHD child but why would a parent not give them their medication on the weekend? I came home and took a nap. Too bad I woke up ready for the day...at 9 p.m.!

Monday - Woke up late, even for me, but that's to be expected when you go to bed after 8 a.m. Hit the gym with a personal training session. I was late because I forgot my log book...Son brought it to me :-)

Tuesday - ow, ow, ow. . . squats yesterday! Didn't have workout and dinner with Daughter, I had a meeting instead. Library trip and groceries rounded out my day. 

Sort of. I got home at 10 p.m. but since I woke up to late this morning, there was no way it was bedtime! grrrr  

Read some of Howard's Gift and The Weight of Deeds.

Wednesday - I got on the scale this morning and the numbers have gone down! Unfortunately it might have been the licorice. Still ow, ow so no gym. Plus it was cold and dark out by the time I was ready to go.

Thursday - Mom didn't want to go to lunch, will try again next week. We had a couple of girls from church over to visit and they brought the nicest card for the fridge.

Friday - Some grocery shopping, no gym :-(

Saturday - Still on a backward schedule so I slept 8 am - 3 p.m. Seven hours? Not bad, could have used a couple more but had plans for dinner with the in-laws and a late meeting. Tomorrow and next Sunday are going to be horrible. . . I need to be somewhere at 10 a.m.!

Movies - Started The Rise of the Planet of the Apes. I got as far as the Dad going outside in his bathrobe headed towards an open car door. Dad doesn't drive anymore and the Ape is protective. I just knew it wasn't going to end well and stopped watching 

Television - Did you watch Criminal Minds? I cried! Also watched sever other episodes and multiply Numb3rs. 

Other Thoughts
A bookless library? Wait, wouldn't that be a media center?






Have a great week



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Friday, January 18, 2013

Genre/Sub-Genre Reviews

For Those Who Like To ... Review!


Genre/Sub-Genre
Reading Challenge
Reviews


hosted by Gina at Book Dragon's Lair

Sign- up here






copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Library Books Reviews



Library Books
Reading Challenge
Reviews


hosted by Gina at Book Dragon's Lair

Sign- up here

Some of you review and want to link up even if it's not a requirement for the challenge (go you!), here you go. Your link should go directly to your review post. The title of the book should be included in the link title.

Happy Reading!




copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2012

Purr-sday












just a place to share the cute/funny/weird pictures I find while surfing....when I should be doing a whole range of things ;) Don't forget to head over to The True Book Addict because Michele has a meme going. With links and everything!


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

A page just for TBR Challenges

Too many pages for similar reading challenges....



Challenge:   Mount TBR
Dates:   2013
Hosted by: Bev at My Reader's Block
Sign- up here

Basic requirements: No books from 2013, purchased or gifts. No library books, re-reads or ARCs. There are several levels corresponding with a mountains.

I'm going for Mt. Vancouver and hope to read 36 books.


Challenge: An Embarrassment of Riches
Dates:   2013
Hosted by:
Sign up here, sign ups are closed

Basic Requirements: Read books owned prior to 1-1-13, overlaps allowed, any format. List books in end-of-month posts. Five levels . . . I'm going for Platinum and hope to read 50 books




Challenge: Croon for Me
Dates:   2013
Hosted by: Robin at 52 Books in 52 Weeks,
more info here

Basic Requirements: Read your dusty books. There are several levels.
I'm going for . . . Bobby Darin . . . and hope to read 12 or more





Challenge: TBR Double Dog Dare
Dates vary:  Jan 1 to Feb 11
Sign- up here

Basic Requirements: Read ONLY from your TBR pile, with exceptions, until April 1 or another date of your choice.

Exceptions:
  • picture books
  • review books
1-16: as long as library books don't count (did request in 2012) I'm still okay




~Books Read~
1.  Wicked Gift by Sean Michael
2. The Missing Monarch by Rachelle McCalla
3. Moosed-Up by Tiffinie Helmer
4. The Reluctant Vampire
5. To Tame a Dragon by Megan Bryce
6. Frozen Prospects by Dean Murray
7. A Lady Risks All by Stephanie Laurens
8. Heart Search by Robin D. Owens
9. The Dragon Egg by Michael Yu
10. Lucky in Love by Carolyn Brown
11. The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
12. City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
~Completed Dusty~
October 5

13. The Groom Wanted Seconds by Shirley Jump
14. The Christmas Catch by Genny Baird
15. 
16. 
17. 
18. 









copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Terrific Tuesday

A Fool's Gold Christmas

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?
nothing new today....check out everyone else!




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!
"You have to rally," she told herself. "You're tough. You can do it."
And she would, she thought as she sank onto the floor and rested her head on her knees. She would figure out The Dance of the Winter King and teach her students and let them have one magical night.
First thing in the morning. But now, she was going to take a few minutes and feel massively sorry for herself. It was a small thing to ask, and she'd earned it.
A Fool's Gold Christmas 
Fool's Gold
Susan Mallery 

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Monday, January 14, 2013

Bout of Books Wrap-up




Bout of Books
Read-a-Thon
Wrap-up





Goals:
I'd like to comment, do a couple of challenges and update on twitter/blog, plus do a wrap-up post. I'd also like to read 1,000 pages or at least 4 titles.

I didn't do so good this time around. Did I get the 1,000 pages? yes. But I only read three books, did one tweet that turned out to be wrong. No challenges. No visiting. It was less than a stellar week for me. Too much new-to-me- real life stuff got in the way of my reading! I didn't even read everyday!

:p


~Books started but unfinished~ 
Worth the Weight by Mara Jacobs
Howard's Gift by Eric C. Sinoway with Merrill Meadow (non-fiction)
Weight of Deeds by Eli Thrope (short stories)
One Reckless Summer by Toni Blake


~Books Read~ 
462 - The Edge of Desire by Stephanie Laurens
434 - Mastered by Love by Stephanie Laurens
467 - A Lady Risks All by Stephanie Laurens



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Happy Monday

Weekly report of last week's reading and new books in the house....



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

Thank you to December's host: Suko's Notebook
January's host: Lori's Reading Corner

Received for Review:


Giveaway/Contest/Gift:


from Author:


Purchased/delivered:


added to my ereader: (kindle app, html, etc.)


Also went shopping through the free section, added a bunch then clicked Pin It
(still not finished pinning all of them)



Current Library books at the house:
Knee High by the Fourth of July by Jess Lourey
The Runaway Shopping Cart by Kathy Long
The South Beach Diet
The Blue Zone
The Good Carbohydrate Revolution
Diabetes for Dummies

and, last I checked, am #8 on the waiting list for The Casual Vacancy, #401 for Gone Girl, #51 for Shadow Woman, #4 for Dark Storm and next for Dream Eyes.



What are you Reading?


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:
Edge of Desire by Stephanie Laurens
Mastered by Love by Stephanie Laurens
A Lady Risks All by Stephanie Laurens 



Books stacked by my reading chair (clean slate for the year):
Worth the Weight by Mara Jacobs
The Blue Zone
The Good Carbohydrate Revolution
Diabetes for Dummies
The Weight of Deeds by Eli Thorpe
Howard's Gift by Eric C. Sinoway with Merill Meadow


Next up:
The Holder's Dominion by Genese Davis

Reviewed:



Did Not Finish, may try again later:


Happy Reading!


copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013

Sunday, January 13, 2013

A Week in Review




Fun, Fitness,  Family,
Television and Movies, 
maybe a book or two. 
A weekly report of what's been happening in my real-world life.

Sunday - Made it to church but fell asleep during the first meeting so I went home and took a nap. mmm, sounds way too familiar. We headed to my parent's for dinner with them and J&C+2. My brother, T, was there also so we were able to give him his birthday card. I went to be early for me

Monday - I woke up at a decent time (8 a.m.) and was excited to get some stuff done before my doc appointment. No such luck. Headache and blurry vision. Cancelled apt and went back to bed. Now I've got to remember to make a new one! Joined four more reading challenges.

Tuesday - Workout and dinner with Daughter. The day is really short when you get up late. I did finish Mastered by Love which I started after dinner. :D

Wednesday - I got on the scale this morning and the numbers have gone down! Mari got a new job so she can't play with us any more. Sadness for us but jumping for joy for her. It will need to be on Saturdays from now on, wonder if Darlene will come? My abs hurt. I guess that's a good thing :-)  Volleyball?

Thursday - I wanted to have lunch with Mom but she said she was too tired. I had a meeting that afternoon near her home and it would have been perfect.

Friday - don't really remember what I did on Friday...grocery story (Target) but no library.

Saturday - An afternoon date that was church related (Stake Temple Day) then dinner out. Headed to bed with a little panic about tomorrow. 

Failed my first challenge of the year. The book buying ban needed to last until Feb 1. I made it to Jan 12.

Working on Bout of Books, need to finish one more book and write a wrap-up post. This is the first time I had other stuff to do and didn't get much reading done.

Other Thoughts
hog-butchering demonstration at a Kansas library? All that and more!





Have a great week



copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2013
Disclaimer

In accordance to the FTC guidelines, I must state that I make no monetary gains from my reviews or endorsements here on Book Dragon's Lair. All books I review are either borrowed, purchased by me, given as a gift, won in some kind of contest, or received in exchange for an honest review.