Finding Noel

Title: Finding Noel

Author: Richard Paul Evans [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

ISBN: 9780743298339

Length: 320 pages

Obtained: Library ebook version

Why this book?:

It is the December book club selection.

Comments:

When I first learned that we'd be doing this book for the discussion (when I took the group back in June or so), I was like "great" (dripping in sarcasm).  When I read the description for the publicity I switched to intrigued.  When I started reading it I zipped through.  I found the writing to be fluid.  The story interesting.  The characters likable.

Mark is living Salt Lake City, Utah.  His life is crumbling... he's lost his scholarship and is out of school, he received a letter from his girlfriend of 4 years breaking their relationship off because she met someone else and is engaged.  He has a crummy car that just stopped working and a crummy job that will make affording car repairs difficult.  But most of all his beloved mother has passed.  Then he meets Macy and life events start snowballing, though maybe for the better this time (Is that possible?  For things to snowball uphill rather than down?)

Anyway, I saw some of the reviews on Goodreads, and I know not everyone agrees with me about the quality of this book/story.  But we are barely into December (at the time of writing this), and I've already finished the month's book.  So I look forward to hear what any of the other participants think.

And while I won't be doing so soon for time reasons, I wouldn't have any problems trying another book by this author.

A Crafty Killing

Title: A Crafty Killing

Author: Lorraine Bartlett [Website][Facebook][Twitter] aka Lorna Barrett [Website][Facebook][Twitter] aka L. L. Bartlett [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Mystery

Series: Victoria Square Mystery, Bk 1

ISBN: 9780425239858

Length:

Obtained: Personal copy.  I'm not sure now where I got it, but I'm guessing paperbackswap.com

Why this book?:

I've wanted to read this series for ages, but I actually picked up and started reading this book out of literally boxes of books (I've been moving them from one floor of the house to another) on a whim.

Comments:

What took me so long?  I was hooked from the moment I started.  I liked the main character, Katie.  I liked the set-up.  I liked seeing the major overhaul that Katie was starting both at the Artisan's Alley and the whole Victoria Square.  I liked that the characters weren't all you saw from first impressions (and that was true for multiple characters).  In other words, there were many likes.  I did suspect the murderer, but that doesn't bother me as long as it's not too obvious. 

Overall this is just a great cozy mystery.  The kind that gives the subgenre its name.  I look forward to reading more of the series.  I know I have a couple more to catch up on.

The Cure for Dreaming + Giveaway

Title: The Cure for Dreaming

Author: Cat Winters [Website][Twitter][Facebook]

Publisher: Amulet

ISBN: 9781419712166

Length: officially 368 pages OR my copy 342 p. + "When and Where U.S. Women Gained Full Suffrage" + "Recommended Reading"

Obtained: ARC snagged at ALAAC14

Why this book?:

It looked interesting, and after briefly skimming the back cover, sounded intriguing.

Comments:

If I had really understood what this book was I probably wouldn't have read it.  That would have been a shame...

I am so profoundly relieved and grateful that women before me fought to make life better for the future generations.  As I read I tried to imagine what my life would be like when and where Olivia's story took place (1900 Portland, Oregon).  What I would be like.  It's unfathomable and terrifying.

So even while I'd get so emotionally involved as I read this that my hands would be shaking or I'd be nauseous, I remained enthralled.  I wanted to know how things came out for Olivia, a 17-year-old budding suffragette.

On her birthday (Halloween) she attends a show with her friends.  There is a new, young hypnotist in town (Henri).  In the course of his show he asks for volunteers.  Olivia is the first of them.  This is the first time Henri hypnotizes Olivia, but it won't be the last.  Olivia's father has word that she's been supporting a suffragette movement.  He has the idea that she can be hypnotized into changing her ways.  Thus begins a mesmerizing tale of a young girl's fight to discover her voice.

Interspersed throughout the book are pictures and quotes from the time, reminding the reader that the underlying history was all too real.  It seems Cat Winters has already written another historical YA book, In the Shadow of Blackbirds, that I'd definitely be interested in reading.

Giveaway!

If you'd like to try this book (due to published this October), please enter using the form below. ( I seem to be having technical details, so if you can't get the form to work or don't see it, leave your email address in the comments.)  Open internationally.  The winning entrant 2 days (48 hours) from contact to respond back with a mailing address. Non-response will result in a new winner.

Winner: Kimberly!

The Hot Zone

Title: The Hot Zone

Author: Jayne Castle aka Jayne Ann Krentz [Website][Facebook] aka Amanda Quick

Publisher: Jove Novel

Series: Rainshadow Island, Bk 3 (Though technically the 3rd book in the Looking Glass Trilogy is the 1st Rainshadow book, making this book 4) ;  Harmony, Bk 11

ISBN: 9780515154726

Length: 338 pages 

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I'm a fan of the author, series, and world.  I was immediately drawn to it.

Comments:

I picked this up and finished it in one day.  That doesn't happen often with me anymore.  I was immediately engrossed and didn't want to put it down.  

Some of the connection between the heroine and hero may have been rushed, but I didn't care.  I can't wait for more.  Sedona was great in particular.  She's been through a lot, but she's making life work.  As can often be found in JAK/AQ/JC books, family also plays a role.  Despite the fact that it obviously has a place in the story, the family aspect was a bit rushed as well.

Actually, as a whole the book kind of felt like a novella, in that I could have had more all the way around.  But it still didn't disappoint.  Maybe it just felt that way because the pace was so fast?  After the initial introduction into what happened to Sedona, the scene jumps to her life on Rainshadow.  From then on time seems to fly, and everything takes place in a short time span.

Anyway, as always the dust bunnies were awesome.  Lyle's always there when Sedona needs him, and he's also there for the community in Rainshadow - both the human community (namely the children) and the dust bunny one.

The Halloween aspect seemed a bit early (I was surprised the book wasn't released a little later), but that was okay.  It's already out in the stores as well.  And it was interesting to see Halloween portrayed in the world of Harmony.

I am looking forward to the next JAK/AQ/JC book (Trust No One by JAK, due out Jan. 2015) and especially the next Rainshadow/Harmony book.

Shakespeare's Christmas

Title: Shakespeare's Christmas

Author: Charlaine Harris [Website][Facebook][IMDb]

Publisher: Penguin Group

Series: Lily Bard Mystery, Bk 3

ISBN: 9781440635014

Length: 241 pages

Obtained: Library ebook copy

Why this book?:

I'm working my way through this series and this ebook was convenient.

Comments:

While most of this book is NOT set in Shakespeare, I still enjoyed it as a look into Lily's family, as well as her budding relationship.

Lily's sister is getting married and Lily has come home to face the whispers and fill the part of bridesmaid for her sister.  It's stressful, but she's managing.  It helps that her romantic interest has surprised her by showing up and offering moral support.  The problem?  Oh, just a case of a kidnapped child and some murders.

While I tend to prefer reading holiday book around the holiday taking place this one wasn't too overwhelmingly Christmas and I still enjoyed it.  I did guess the bad guy, but it was a gut feeling and not something based on the clues (though I'm sure they were there).

Anyway, I will be continuing the series with Shakespeare's Trollop.

Never Forgotten

Title: Never Forgotten

Author: Terri Reid [Website] [Facebook]

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing

Series: Mary O'Reilly Paranormal Mystery, Bk 3

ISBN: 9781482713558

Length: 237 pages + "A note from the author"

Obtained: ILL Library copy

Why this book?:

I finished the 2nd book in the series and was ready to see what happens next in the 3rd.

Comments:

As the 3rd book in the series, and following the cliffhanger of the 2nd, the reader is all set to finally find out what happened to Bradley's wife and unborn daughter.  But the reader is not going to get their way in this.  Because certain parties are sworn to confidentiality and others are oblivious.  Instead you get a book full of domestic abuse as not one, but two story lines, share that theme.  It's an intense subject that's addressed decently, if not with all the emotional intensity it could have.

Anyway, there is a seriously messed-up woman going around murdering men, and Bradley's next on the list.  Meanwhile, Mary and Bradley are in more of a committed relationship, both having declared their love for each other in Good Tidings.  That is, as committed as you can be when one of you is possibly still married.

Which brings me to the next item of interest.  One review (I want to say on GoodReads, but it could have been Amazon), mentioned that the series suddenly turned Christian.  I found this amusing, because it did suddenly become more religious.  I don't know if its because the book was set around the holidays (between Christmas and New Year), because of the domestic violence and mental issue theme, because of the growing relationship between Mary and Bradley (Mary says she doesn't intend to have premarital relations - she doesn't give a morality reason though.  More of a story about her parents love.)  Whatever the cause, I had noticed the shift as well.

Anyway, I was frustrated by the ending (which I won't go into for fear of spoilers), but I do want to continue with the series.  I've requested my library get the 4th book in the series, Final Call, so we'll see.

Good Tidings

Title: Good Tidings

Author: Terri Reid [Website] [Facebook]

Series: Mary O'Reilly Paranormal Mystery, Bk 2

ASIN: B004DI7JZO

Length: 381 KB (284 pages)

Obtained: Free ebook copy on Amazon during a special promotional period

Why this book?:

It is the second book in a series that was recommended to me.  I enjoyed/was interested in the 1st book enough to go on.

Comments:

So the prologue caught me.  Even though I couldn't understand the trust.  I was mentally shouting NO!!! Bad Idea!  Anyway, that meant I was pretty edge of my seat when chapter 1 starts off in a light-hearted way.  And I was impatient for them to get on with it!  Find the baby!  Because, oh, did I mention?, this is a baby-kidnapping-fradulant-adoption story.  (A theme that I've seen before, but this had an interesting twist.  Or at least an interesting information source.)

Once the story catches up with the drama, I settled in.  The bad guy is pretty obvious.  Not a problem for me.  There were valid reasons why it wouldn't be as obvious to the characters as to the reader.  I did read a review on Amazon that pointed out some plot line connection issues that, now that I'm thinking of them, do make me wonder.  But overall I still enjoyed the story.

And I've already continued on and read book 3.  (There's a bit of a cliffhanger that made me glad I already had it on hand.)

Oh, and in (accidental) perfect timing, the story starts on Black Friday and ends around Christmas.  So I was actually in season.

Christmas Carol Murder

Title: Christmas Carol Murder

Author: Leslie Meier [Website][Facebook]

Publisher: Kensington Books

Series: Lucy Stone Mystery, Bk 20

ISBN: 9780758277015

Length: 262 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

It's the most recent in the series and perfect for the season.

Why I shouldn't have read this book (yet)?:

I think I read Chocolate Covered Murder (Bk 18), though I never posted it.  Unfortunately, it seems I failed to read Easter Bunny Murder (Bk 19).  I could kick myself!  This is not a good series to read out of order.

Comments:

This book looks at the financial hardship experienced by many in the U.S. over the past several years.  Especially hitting on the housing market and foreclosures.   There was a brief mention of the upcoming health care plan and the confusion people are feeling.   Especially as relates to a family with a very ill child.  These elements work for the overall A Christmas Carol theme.

I did not guess the murderer from among the many suspects.  However, I felt at least one of the characters was inconsistent from the first mention in the story to the second.  And there were some side elements that I thought had an obvious conclusion much sooner than it did.

I have mixed feeling about this series.  I'm 20 books in (nearly) and still reading.  So something is good/interesting enough to keep me going.  But after I finish a book in this series, I generally feel it was just okay.  What's up with that?  ::shrug::

read and buried

Title: Read and Buried

Author: Erika Chase aka Linda Wiken

Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Mystery

Series: Ashton Corners Book Club Mystery, Bk 2

ISBN: 9780425251782

Pages: 287 + "Reading Lists"

Obtained: Library copy

Comments:

Perhaps you remember how much the first book in this series, A Killer Read, thrilled me.  Read and Buried has all those same things going for it.  The reading specialist main character.  The book club.  The push at literacy and mention of the Rapid Reads line.  Quotes at the beginning of each chapter from a variety of mysteries.  With all this I was already biased going in.  I doubt I could possibly have disliked this book.

But that wasn't an issue...because I did enjoy this mystery.  An award winning author (a bit of a one-hit wonder) is in town and is (in a complicated fashion) invited to speak to the book club.  He's murdered before he ever has the chance.  And of course it takes place at a book club member's house and a book club member is suspect.  So once again, the Ashton Corners Mystery Readers and Cheese Straws Society works together to discover who the real killer is.

I did kind of suspect the killer, but I did not guess why.  I had this whole entirely untrue theory going on in my head, and it took quite a bit to convince me that was not the case.  Even as that theory didn't occur to the characters at all.  Good thing, huh?  Who knows if the killer would have been caught if I'd been on scene. ;p  (I know this is fictional. Honest! No matter how the previous sounds.)

Things of note:

• This is a Canadian read!  An accidental one, but Canadian nonetheless. The author lives in Ontario.
• This book is set around Christmas.  It was real hard for that to stick with me, what with it being set in the south and not snowy (look at the cover).

I look forward to reading book 3, Cover Story, due out August 2013.

Christmas / Winter books read in 2012

Title: Merry Christmas, Splat

Author: Rob Scotton

Publisher: Harper

Series: Splat the Cat, Bk 3

ISBN: 9780060831608

Obtained: Library copy

Comments:

I've seen plenty of Splat books, but I haven't really read them until this one.  I found myself charmed.  Splat is so eager to get a very big present from Santa that he makes extra attempts to be good and helpful.  He makes a mess of it, but he's just so excited.  So excited, in fact, that he stays up listening for Santa.  But he doesn't hear anything.  Wasn't he good enough?  I'll definitely be trying more of the Splat books in the future...and there are quite a few to choose from.

Title: The Dog Who Saved Santa

Author: True Kelley

Publisher: Holiday House

ISBN: 9780823421206

Obtained: Library copy

Comments:

Santa is lazy.  He's also beardless (I point this point out because my niece asked about it the moment she saw the first picture).  Everyone else has to pick up the slack, especially his dog Rodney.  But that Christmas goes horribly, with lots of complaints (I would have complained too).  So Rodney decides since Santa obviously isn't going to take action, he will.  This is a cute story.  It's definitely a different perspective of Santa, though...

Title: Penguin and Pinecone: A Friendship Story

Author: Salina Yoon

Publisher: Walker & Company

Series: Penguin, Bk 1 (I think)

ISBN: 9780802728449

Obtained: Library copy

Comments:

I really enjoyed this book.  It's such a sweet story.  The illustrations are simple and yet adorable.  And even though Penguin and Pinecone must part, I love the ending.  It looks like two new Penguin books are due out this 2013, Penguin on Vacation and Penguin on Holiday; I look forward to reading them.  Salina also has a book titled Penguin's Snowy Day that came out in 2009.  I'm not sure if it's the same Penguin or not (he's illustrated differently), but if so, this is book 2.

All Sales Fatal

Title: All Sales Fatal

Author: Laura DiSilverio aka Ella Barrick

Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Mystery

Series: Mall Cop Mystery, Bk 2

ISBN: 9780425248034

Pages: 279

Obtained: Library copy

Comments:

This is one of those few exceptions when I get to read the second book in a series relatively close to reading the first.  As before I really liked EJ's character as well as the supporting characters.  While being a "civilian" means she goes places she oughtn't go, she at least has more reason to do her sleuthing than the main characters in many cozies who are basically meddlers or nosy.

An irritant in her personality?  She's so obsessive about her health (it's mentioned why within the book) and it kind of comes off as if she finds people who are unhealthy (read: overweight), um, inferior maybe?  Since I am one of those people, it rubbed a little.  I certainly need change in my habits, but I'd prefer not to be reminded during my comfort/escape reading.

Regarding the story, this is a slight spoiler, but it happens withing the first half so I don't feel I'm going to far.  Unless you haven't read the first book.  Then maybe you don't want to continue reading this...  Like in the first book, a security officer is murdered at some point after the original murder victim is discovered.  Both times it's someone EJ doesn't care for or respect.  It felt rather convenient.  But otherwise it was fine.

EJ has a better position open up at the mall for which she applies and interviews.  I still don't know if she gets the position, but I could relate as I have been through that several times during the past year, including quite recently.  Especially when she says she doesn't want to get her hopes up.

I'm tagging this as a Holidays book because of the Easter connection.  It isn't prominent, but it's there - even on the cover.

Despite parts of the above sounding somewhat negative, I enjoyed this book and look forward to trying the 3rd book in the series, Malled to Death.

Kids Books: Stawberry Shortcake, Christmas, Trucks, and Animals

Title: Best Friends Forever 
Author: Samantha Brooke; Illus. by Marci Beighley, MJ Illustrations, Laura Thomas, Lisa Workman, and Terry Workman
Publisher: Grosset&Dunlap
Series: Strawberry Shortcake
ISBN: 9780448462691
Obtained: Library copy

Comments:

I didn't choose this; either one of the kiddos or my sister did.  But I ended up reading it to my niece, so here it is.  I read that Blueberry Muffin loves to read and opened a bookstore and promptly announced that she is my favorite (who wouldn't?).  My sister was quick to inform me that she is horrible on the show.  =(   Anyway, you meet the friends, they hang out together, and that's about it as far as the story goes.

Title: Fa La La
Author: Leslie Patricelli
Publisher: Candlewick Press
ISBN: 9780763632472
Obtained: Library copy

Comments:

This is a book my sister checked out because I bought another by this author for my oldest nephew when he was younger, No No Yes Yes, that is an awesome book (despite just being the words No No and Yes Yes over and over).  It not a bad book, covering various Christmastime activities such as caroling, visiting Santa, making presents.   But it doesn't compare to No No Yes Yes.  Just sayin'.

Title: Red Truck
Author: Kersten Hamilton; Illus. Valeria Petrone
Publisher: Viking
ISBN: 9780670014675
Obtained: Library copy

Comments:

I chose this with my youngest nephew (1 almost 2 yo) in mind as he currently loves vehicles of all kinds.  It's a cute story in which Red Truck (a tow truck) is a hero.  It gets through the poor weather and road conditions and saves the day.  If you're looking for a cute, quick, warm-feeling book during the cooler months, this fits the bill.

Title: Do Crocs Kiss?
Author: Salina Yoon
Publisher: Sterling Children's Books
Series: Lift-the-Flap Book
ISBN: 9781402789557
Obtained: Library copy

Does this animal do this?
Does this animal do that?
All I know is this animal goes...
(lift animal's mouth flap)
Some word that rhymes and fits this animal.

I thought this was cute.  I read it to my niece and my younger nephew with good response.  My nephew especially loved the monkey.  And my niece tried "reading" it to herself afterwards (she can't actually read yet, but she memorizes bits of books, especially if the part is predictable).  Any book that inspires attempts to read is a positive in my book.

Bring on the kids books...

Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert (library copy)

This is a great book for fall, and it really inspires imagination.  On each page you're searching the leaves and such for the man, or chicken, or geese, or fish referred to in the story.  Not like hide-and-seek but like searching for shapes in the clouds.

The Very Best Pumpkin by Mark Kimball Moulton; Illustrated by Karen Hillard Good (library copy)

Peter cares for the pumpkins as they grow, including one lone pumpkin that turns into the very best.  Who knew caring for a pumpkin could lead to a great friendship?  The illustrations are lovely and the story is sweet.

Rattlesnake Dance by Jim Arnosky (library copy)

I was checking this in, peeked inside for a line or two, and decided I liked the rhythm of it.  It's fun and kinda makes you want to dance (kid fashion).  There's a song, complete with (written) music, to go with it.  Unfortunately, I've managed to forget how to read music over the years.  I'm sure you can find it online, but this computer doesn't have volume, so ::shrug::

Soup for One by Ethan Long (library copy)

I've read this one over and over.  My niece loves it.  She can count with it as one by one, more bugs join the crowd in the bowl of soup.  I think it's fun to read, especially as the first bug gets more and more upset.  The illustrations look like they've been done on Photoshop, with interesting textures and patterns throughout.  I'll be recommending this at work.

Halloween Crafts by Fay Robinson (library copy)

This should have been on one of the Halloween Children's book posts, but In had misplaced it at the time.  In any case, my niece positively LOVED this book.  She kept bringing it to me to read, even though it's not really the reading sort.  We did variations on the necklace idea and the bat sock puppets.  There are several others I think we could have done given time.  It's apparently part of a series called "Fun Holiday Crafts Kids Can Do!"  I'll definitely be looking for other books in the series.

An Exploration of Halloween Children's Books, Part 2

Since I couldn't fit tags of all the authors, illustrators, etc. I've separated my original post into 2 parts.  The first can be found here.  I'm sure this makes how overboard I went on Halloween books more obvious than ever.

_____________________________________________________________________

Spooky Hour by Tony Mitton; Illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees (library copy)

This is one of those count-down books (11 witches, 10 ghosts, etc.) that I especially like to read to my niece.  The pictures are cute, and it was fun seeing the different creatures.  I also appreciate books play with descriptive vocabulary for kids...prowling, yowling, growling, rumbling, grumbling, scuttling, cackle... you get the drift.  This is one of those books.

Twelve Haunted Rooms of Halloween by Macky Pamintuan (library copy)

A Halloween version of the Twelve Days of Christmas, I had this one pretty much memorized after oh, three reads?  By the fourth or fifth... I was focusing on the end task of finding 2 snakes, 3 voodoo dolls, etc.  And guess who requested this one multiple times?  You've got it... my niece.  I wonder if she really enjoys books that much or if it's the age (she'll be 4 in a few months).  I think I used to read to my oldest nephew a more than I do now.

Ghosts in the House! by Kazuno Kohura (library copy)

I read this to myself first while browsing on my break.  It was pretty funny, so I knew certain kiddos would like it.  My niece loved how silly it is and I ended up reading it a couple times before I convinced her to get another book.

Halloween Mice! by Bethany Roberts; Illustrated by Doug Cushman (library copy)

I picked this because it was a Halloween board book ( had the youngest nephew in mind), cute, and it has the descriptive vocab I mentioned earlier.  But it didn't seem to attract my niece's attention the way others had, and my nephew hasn't heard it read yet.  I'll have to see...

Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich: And Other Stories You're Sure To Like, Because They're All About Monsters and Some of Them Are Also About Food.: You Like Food Don't You?  Well, All Right Then. by Adam Rex

I found this as amusing as the title makes it sound.  It's full of poems and matching illustrations.  Favorites would be "Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich," the "Phantom of the Opera" series, and (I'm being honest here) Godzilla Pooped on My Honda (because don't you appreciate the title that a 5 year old who got in trouble at preschool for saying poop too much HAS to like?).  I didn't get a chance to read it to my oldest nephew yet (I want to), but my niece heard some toward the beginning and seemed interested, though the books a little above her age level.  It has a staff recommendation at my library that says it's for grades 2-5.

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And that's it for now, folks.  Finally.

An Exploration of Halloween Children's Books, Part 1

I went WAY overboard finding Halloween children's books.  Some the kiddos have heard.  Others I've only read to myself.

_____________________________________________________________________

The House That Witchy Built by Dianne de Las Casas; Illustrated by Holly Stone Barker (library copy)

This is apparently to the "rythmic pattern of the Old Mother Goose tale 'The House That Jack Built'."  I'm unfamiliar with that tale, so I had to guess, but it was still fun to read.  The kiddos haven't heard this one yet, but I think I might try if there is time before Halloween.

Halloween Forest by Marion Dane Bauer; Illustrated by John Shelley (library copy)

The kiddos haven't seen this one yet either, but I enjoyed it so much that I read it aloud a second time just for myself.  I definitely plan on trying this one out with the kiddos.  I think my niece especially will like it.  The kid's attitude seems to match hers.

Into the Pumpkin by Linda Franklin (library copy)

The artwork in this one is intriguing.  Very wispy and gives a nice eerie Halloween feel.  The words are fine, they rhyme and read well, but the story didn't quite catch me.  Except maybe the part about the spiders.  Not kid tested, so I haven't any feedback on that front.

Pumpkin Moon by Tim Preston; Illustrated by Simon Bartram (library copy)

My niece heard this one and I believe there was only one "again!"  Especially frustrating because my ma was on the phone with her doctors so I had to read quietly.  In any case, I believe she was particularly interested in the illustrations of the moon ... even before it was the Pumpkin Moon.

Just Say BOO! by Susan Hood; Illustrated by Jed Henry (library copy)

A coworker recommended this (she actually put it on hold for me and then told me about it).  She said she'd heard it was a great read-a-loud and thought I'd enjoy it.

My niece heard it and said the first boo! before I turned the page or she knew she was supposed to.  It was just naturally right.  She only stopped once the book tricked her and she didn't want to be tricked again.  I read this a few times for her and then for my youngest nephew.

Somehow, he doesn't have books read for him as often as the older two - my bad - but I thought this would be perfect for him.  He's 21 months and has only just started saying a few words (we've been trying sign, and he has a therapist come every week...originally for something else, but she helps with the speech thing too.), but "Boo!" is one of them.

Anyway, it is a great read-a-loud that the kids can participate in.

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To be continued because I couldn't fit all the tags in one post...

White House Chef and Manor House Mysteries + Book Launch Experience

State of the Onion by Julie Hyzy (personal copy obtained through Paperbackswap years ago) - I really enjoyed this.  My first thought once I read it was, "What took so long? No wonder it won awards."

Hail to the Chef by Julie Hyzy (personal copy obtained through Paperbackswap) - I enjoyed this one too.  I was glad to find that Ollie was still such a great character.

Eggsecutive Orders  by Julie Hyzy (purchased during Borders closing sale) - Gasp! She wasn't in the kitchen half the book!  It's nice getting some more detail on Bucky, I feel so/so about Ollie's mom, and Tom has become annoying.  If you can't tell by the title and cover this one takes place around Easter.  Overall, I enjoyed the story.

Buffalo West Wing by Julie Hyzy (purchased at B&N with gift card from Christmas) - Go Ollie! You stick to our guns.  Really enjoying this series and eager to meet Julie Hyzy.

Affairs of Steak by Julie Hyzy (purchased at book launch) - It was interesting to see Ollie work with someone she didn't care for.  She seems to have developed her tact.  And I have to say, I'm happy for how things seem to be moving in her personal life, even as her professional life still has some bumps.

Grace Under Pressure by Julie Hyzy (autographed gift from author with  2010 Halloween giveaway prize) - I actually started this before Buffalo West Wing and finished after he launch Saturday.  It took me longer to get into than the White House Chef series, but I still enjoyed it once I did get into it.  Grace seems to have a calmer pace than Ollie.

Grace Interrupted by Julie Hyzy (purchased at B&N with gift card from Christmas) - I liked Grace better once I was out of the Ollie craze.  The look into Civil War re-enacting was interesting.  I have to say I like Grace's assistant, Frances, even if she can be difficult.

Reading Mania and a Book Launch Party...

Over a week and a half I went on a bit of a Julie Hyzy reading spree.  I wanted to go to her book launch/chat this past Saturday, but I had only read her Artistic License before.  Fortunately, I already had most of the White House Chef and the first Manor book on hand.  So I got busy. The night before the signing I realized I didn't own Buffalo West Wing so I rushed out to B&N and bought that and Grace Interrupted.  I managed to have books 1 through 4 of the White House Chef mysteries  read and Grace Under Pressure started before the launch.  I've only been to one signing/author thing before for Sherrilyn Kenyon, so I didn't know what to expect.  It was this little bookstore crowded with people.  I brought my mother with me and she was nervous because she knew nothing about this author or her books.  It was interesting; I enjoyed hearing the talk, especially the bits about the white house.   Plus, without having to ask for myself, I managed to get a couple questions answered .  I had my newest book signed and got a picture with Julie Hyzy (which I will post to my Facebook account once I get it off my ma's cell).  It was just a fun whirl of a week (and a half).  I look forward to reading more of these series.

Blogs and Giveaways (or Not)

This is NOT a giveaway post.

It does have a point (in a meandering sort of way).

Please (at least) check out the end. I would love comments and opinions...

I mentioned (in a comment) on my post about book hoarding a little while back that I hoped to hold my first giveaway on this blog this April.

Last year I held one through the eHarlequin community. I worked all year since then to increase my offerings. In addition to a number of category romances (large-print included), I can now offer some general (paranormal, contemporary, and maybe a couple historical) romances, some mysteries, and a few children's chapter books.

All are are Christmas books ... the giveaway would be called "Christmas in April" ... You can see what I did last April (and details about why Christmas and why April) here.)

Anyway, I had great plans, and by the time April came around...I couldn't (can't) afford the giveaway. My only other opportunity for 2010 being in August (I think. If I remember correctly, at least one state holds the event the giveaway was based on in August). It doesn't feel right, but if I'm able to financially by then, I'll do it anyway.

In the meantime...

What are your thoughts on Book Blogs and giveaways? Do you prefer them? Can you do without?
I know many book blog readers just want to discuss (and discover) books (and socialize with people of like interests).

But I also know giveaways can really build up readership. (Though I'm not sure mine would have had that effect anyway. The giveaway I planned is very themed and heavy on the category/series romance.)  Have you held giveaways before?  How did it go?  What positives and negatives did you encounter?

Blackwork

Title: Blackwork

Author: Monica Ferris (Mary Monica Pulver Kuhfeld)

Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime

Copyright Date: 2009

Print Date: October 2009

ISBN: 9780425229903

Pages: 243 + Counted Cross-Stich Pattern

Series: 13th of the Needlecraft Mystery series

Book Description (from dust jacket):

As full-time owner of the Crewel World needlework shop and part-time sleuth, Betsy Devonshire has unraveled more than a few lies in the USA Today bestselling Needlework Mysteries. But when Halloween brings about ghosts, goblins, and things that go bump in the night, it's no surprise that Betsy is tied up with mayhem — and murder...

Thewre's a witch running loose in the town of Excelsior, Minnesota, and her brew is...beer. Actually, Leona Cunningham, co-owner of The Barleywine, is a practitioner of Wicca, the nature-based religion that many mistakenly believe to be sorcery or black magic. But that doesn't bother the thirsty crowds — or the Halloween Committee members who have fallen under the spell of Leona's tasty ales.

Then, after one too many pints, local alcohol aficionado Ryan McMurphy accuses Leona of being a real witch, blaming her for the series of accidents that have happened throughout town. When Ryan ends up dead without a mark on his body, Leona is not only the target of a witch hunt but the prime suspect.

But with Betsy on the case, the murderer doesn't have a ghost of a chance of getting away with it...

Comments:

I'd been wanting to read this for so long (I did a Waiting on Wednesday post back in June), and then when it's finally became available I was caught up with some other series. But I finally managed to read this most recent Needlecraft mystery. And having the 13th book in the series be a Halloween book was a nice touch.

Anyway, Betsy was a bit slower with this mystery. Both with actually investigating (even though her assistance was requested fairly early on) and in making connections to clues (it seems her memory is getting weaker or something).

The needlework didn't make as much of an appearance. I mean it did to some extent... There is a Blackwork class, the little gossip fest over needlework (Monday something or other — I'm blanking on the name) still met, and there was a connection to the murder. It just didn't feel like as much of a focal point as usual.

I did enjoyed the story, and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more. (Speaking of, anyone know when the next one is due out? Or know a title or anything?)

Star Spangled Murder

Title: Star Spangled Murder

Author: Leslie Meier

Publisher: Kensington

Copyright Date: 2004

Print Date: June 2004

ISBN: 157566836X

Pages: 234

Series: 11th in the Lucy Stone Mystery series

Book Description (from dust jacket):

Lucy Stone is in the doghouse — with her next-door neighbor Mrs. Prudence Pratt. It seems that Kudo, the Stones' misbehaving mutt, has developed a taste for Mrs. Pratt's blue-ribbon winning chickens. And he's also developed an escape artist's talent for sneaking out, no matter how hard Lucy tries to keep him on her property. With the Fourth of July coming up, Lucy doesn't want to set off any more fireworks with the crabby Prudence.

As if Lucy needed any other sign that the crazy days of summer are in full swing, a group of naturists — a.k.a. nudists — descends on Tinker's Cove, skinny-dipping at the pond which borders Mrs. Pratt's property, and giving her another reason to complain. To make matters worse, the local lobstermen are upset about poachers — and suspicion falls on Mrs. Pratt's husband and son. Then the July Fourth fireworks are canceled to protect a patch of extremely rare purple-spotted lichen.

The whole town is in an uproar — and Lucy is kept on her toes covering the goings-on for the Pennysaver newspaper. But the biggest story of her career occurs right next door when Mrs. Pratt is the victim of a hit-and-run. Tinker's Cove is full of suspects, but none with so personal a motive as the Stones. Their feud with Mrs. Pratt has put Lucy and her family at risk of losing their freedom this Independence Day — unless Lucy can start things off with a bang by catching a red, white and blue killer...

Comments:

The Prologue was interesting and the Epilogue was cute. As for the story in between... there were several issues to be solved and Lucy was involved to some degree with all of them. Sometimes personally, sometimes in the process of her reporting... until, that is, her personal involvement got in the way of the reporting. And that was sort of interesting in and of itself. This is one of the better Lucy Stone Mysteries I've read.

Next for Lucy Stone... 2 full books, 1 short story, followed by 2 more full books. I own the these, so once I get started with New Year's Eve Murder, I'll probably keep going 'til I've finished.

Combo - Review: Leslie Meier

Title: Wedding Day Murder
Author: Leslie Meier
Publisher: Kensington Mystery
Copyright Date: 2001
ISBN: 1575667347
Pages: 228 + untitled 5-page Short Story (Lucy remembers and tells daughter Zoe about her wedding day)
Series: 8th book in the Lucy Stone Mystery series
Where I got this book: Checked out from Library
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Title: Birthday Party Murder
Author: Leslie Meier
Publisher: Kensington
Copyright Date: 2002
ISBN: 1575668327
Pages: 256
Series: 9th book in the Lucy Stone Mystery series
Where I got this book: Checked out from Library
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Title: Father's Day Murder
Author: Leslie Meier
Publisher: Kensington
Copyright Date: 2003
ISBN: 1575668343
Pages: 234
Series: 10th book in the Lucy Stone Mystery series
Where I got this book: Checked out from Library
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Comments:

Sometimes, while I read these, I'd find myself irritated with Lucy. Other times, I was more annoyed with various members of Lucy's family. And then there were times when I was irritated with other characters. I guess the best way to look at this is Who isn't sometimes irritated with the people around them? — whether they be family, friends, neighbors... I think as Leslie Meier has continued to write, she found a way to capture the good parts of people as well as those irritating parts.

So while I don't love this series, I'll keep reading it. Because I like seeing how Tinker's Cove and Lucy Stone's family are coming along. And because I'm interested in following along with an amateur sleuth who has the unlikely tendency of stumbling across (and getting mixed up in) murder and mayhem... while reminding myself about the reality of human foibles.