A Distant Heart

Title: A Distant Heart

Author: Sonali Dev

Series: Bollywood, Bk 4

Publisher: Kensington Fiction

ISBN: 9781496705761

Length: 297 + "A Reading Group Guide"

Obtained: Purchased autographed copy

Comments:

I read this in one chunk until 3 in the morning.  I had met the author in June, and she assured me that while it is part of a series, and particularly connected to the previous book, A Change of Heart, that I could read it as a standalone or out of order.  I still tend to believe I would have been better off to read A Change of Heart first.  I know details of that storyline that I otherwise would not have.  However, I'll agree that my reading of this story was not detracted from. 

Kimi has had health issues nearly all of her life.  Her parents wealth and determination allowed her to live through a number of new treatments and options until her heart simply would not take it anymore.  Then she was blessed with a transfer.  She would like to find her donor.  Rahul, a man from the slums and now a cop in Mumbai, came into her life as a child and was her only friend and constant for years of fighting for her life.  Now he is determined to have some closure for a case about a gangster/black market that he has been working on for years.  The stakes are high for them both and while they stay in hiding and investigate their respective quests, they must also navigate their pasts and potential futures. 

The story is told in "Present Day" and "A Long Time Ago" from the perspectives of Kimi, Rahul, and Kimi's father - who is a part of both their lives.  I don't mind multiple perspectives, but I'm not a huge fan of time jumping back and forth.  It does work for this story, though, to unfold what has been (without info dumps) and what the characters are currently going through.

I'd be interested in reading more of Sonali's work, particularly A Change of Heart.

I've Got Your Number

Title: I've Got Your Number

Author: Sophie Kinsella [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Dial Press

ISBN: 9780385342070

Length: 433 pages

Obtained: Library book club copy

Why this book?:

For a book club.  I selected it for the book club because it sounded light and fun - a perfect pick-me-up for gloomy weather - and because the romance aspect would fit February.

Comments:

I read this early February, so my comments may be sparse.  This was fun and light-hearted, though I really wouldn't have reacted like either of the main characters to the situations they found themselves in.  I zipped through this, and found it difficult to get into another book after, hesitating to lose that feeling.

When All the Girls Have Gone

Title: When All the Girls Have Gone

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

Publisher: Berkley

ISBN: 9780399174490

Length: 331 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I read all new JAK/AQ/JC books.

Comments:

I enjoyed Charlotte and Max's story.  They had the characteristics I look for in JAK books from personality to family.  It's hard to write this post right now because I'm in something of a funk, but at the time I was caught up and read straight through this story.  Reading it took a decent chunk of my day off, and I don't regret it.

That being said (and some of this may be that funk I mentioned), I've decided JAK books do not have that spark that they use to have.  There are some past titles that I can still re-read today -- I still remember the story, but I enjoyed the characters so much, I want to revisit.  When I re-read a newer JAK, however, it is generally because while I know I'll be satisfied, I don't remember the story and it is fresh.  I wonder what that means?  Anyway, I'm not being fair because of this funk of mine, so I'm going to leave it at that.

I'll continue reading all JAK/AQ/JC books.

Illusion Town

Title: Illusion Town

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

Publisher: Jove Novel

Series: Harmony, Bk 13

ISBN: 9780515155754

Length: 340 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

Fan of this series/author.

Comments:

Illusion Town is the "Las Vegas" of Harmony, which had me trying to layer the real Vegas (what I've seen of it) with the description.

I liked Hannah and Elias, although I think there was more action and less characterization in this one.  Hannah is adopted and while she knows who her mother was, is very interested in her ancestry and genealogy.  It was very interesting to me to see that subject applied to a futuristic fantasy world.

As usual there was a doctor doing unethical studies with shady motives.  This is common in this world as well as JC's St. Helen's short-lived world.

And last but not least - Virgil the dust bunny was as adorable as all dust bunnies are.  I look forward to more books set in this world and further exploration of Harmony and it's alien past.

Falling for Fortune

Title: Falling for Fortune

Author: Nancy Robards Thompson [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publsiher: Harlequin Special Edition (May 2014, #2330)

Series: The Fortunes of Texas: Welcome to Horseback Hollow, Bk 5

ISBN: 9780373658121

Length: 217 pages

Obtained: TellHarlequin

Why this book?:

I was browsing for books I could remove from my collection.  I started reading it (at one time I really enjoyed the Fortunes, although there are too many of them now for me to really keep up), but had to go, so it went back to the shelf.  After I finished Doggone, I went looking again and decided to finish it.

Comments:

It started pretty easily, the writing itself was fine.

But in the long run, I didn't care for this one.  I couldn't really connect with either character; they both annoyed me.  Christopher with his flirty and 'but I'm a hard worker just misunderstood' attitude.  And Kinsley with her 'I'm pulling myself up and making good for myself, but this means I must be never have fun and must always be suspicious.'  And the anti-bullying bit felt fake.  Just words, not enough genuine emotion.

Anyway, a bit disappointing.

Dark Carousel

Title: Dark Carousel

Author: Christine Feehan [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group

Series: Dark or Carpathian, Bk 30

ISBN: 9780698197763

Obtained: Library ebook copy
Why this book?:

When I was clearing out recently, I decided I no longer need to hold onto all my Christine Feehan books in this series.  I kept the few I thought I might re-read or that I thought I might miss.  I re-read some in the process of deciding (though I failed to keep track because there was generally immense chunks I skipped over - then I never feel it really counts as reading the book).  I also made some effort to catch up with the series.  So I've read library copies (in print and/or ebook) of all the books between the last one I blogged about (Dark Slayer) to this one, with the exception of Dark Crime, which I still need to get to.  I skip the sex scenes (even when they are pages long), so I can't comment on that aspect.  But as for the rest...

Comments:

I liked Tariq.  Sometimes I feel like Feehan's heroes are way too domineering and for me to enjoy the story or really believe they care about the heroine.  Since these all fall within the Romance genre, that's a big deal.  Tariq was one that I was good with.  And I loved the children in this book, though of course their background was tragic and abominable.  I kind of zipped though this, and not just because I was skipping parts.  I was eager to see everything resolved and this couple relatively settled.

I did feel like I was missing some story, and I guess that is because Dark Crime (the one book in this series I haven't read) is intricately linked to this one.  I also need publication of the next book, because while there was something of an ending to the story, the overall story arc for several of the side characters - including both good and bad guys - is not complete.

'Til Death Do Us Part

Title: 'Til Death Do Us Part

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

Publisher: Berkley Books

ISBN: 9780399174469

Length: 342 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I'm a JAK/AQ/JC fan.

Comments:

Hmm.  I started this one before reading Dead End Street and finished it after.  I had no problem going with the story while reading it, but if I stopped (had to go back to work, etc.) I didn't feel that extreme motivation to pick it back up again.  I'd guess its because while the characters were likeable enough, I didn't get the connection I've come to expect from an AQ book.  I feel like the heroines, while still going against the grain education and career wise, don't have the same spunk and quirkiness I had come to expect.  They've become more mellow and serious.

I'll keep reading on.  I still look forward to more JAK/AQ/JC.

Cemetery Girl ; The Marshal's Justice ; Secret Sisters

Title: Inheritance

Author: Charlaine Harris [Website][Facebook][IMDb] and Christopher Golden [Website][Facebook][Twitter]; Illustrated by Don Kramer [Website][Facebook]; Colors by Daniele Rudoni; Letters by Jacob Bascle

Publisher: InkLit

Series: Cemetery Girl, Bk 2

ISBN: 9780425256671

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

Charlaine Harris.  Plus I found the first one interesting.

Comments:

Girl can't catch a break.  Fast paced (read it within an hour).  Looking forward to book 3.

Update: Read this one about a month ago? I think? While sitting in a hospital. No worries, nothing bad.  It was one of my dad's frequent hospitalizations for his mental illness.

Title: The Marshal's Justice

Author: Delores Fossen

Publisher: Harlequin Intrigue #1635

Series: Appalosa Pass Ranch

ISBN: 9780373699025

Length: 219 pages

Obtained: Free copy from BEA

Why this book?:

In the mood for quick romance.

Comments:

I did NOT believe the love between the heroine and hero.  Lust, sure.  Love of the child, sure.  But otherwise?  He spent to much of the book not trusting and not forgiving.

Update: Nothing really to add for this one. 

Title: Secret Sisters

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

Publisher: Berkley Books

ISBN: 9780399174483

Length: 336 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?: it's a JAK book.

Comments:

Was not immediately gripped the way I usually am.  Liked Jack, Abe, Madeline, and Daphne well enough.

Update: This JAK is an old post that's been sitting, and I'm adding it with these others for space and scheduling reasons.

A compilation of SOME of the randomness I've recorded about my reading over the past several months

Title: A Silent Voice aka Koe no Katachi

Author: Yoshitoki Oima [MyAnimeList]

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Series: A Silent Voice, Vol. 1

ISBN: 9781632360564

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I saw it on Wowbrary.  The description sounded intriguing.

Comments:

So this first volume is primarily back story as to what happened in 6 years earlier between Shoya and Shoko, prior to Shoko transferring to another school.  I was a little too interested in what comes next, so in addition to requesting the library purchase the next several volumes, I also looked up the overall story arc.  I now know what is supposed to happen in general terms.  Hopefully that doesn't ruin the rest for me.

Update: I haven't read any more yet, but they won't be ruined when I do, because I've already forgotten what I looked up.

Title: Indexing

Author: Seanan McGuire [Website Bio 1][Website Bio 2][Website Bio 3][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: 47North

Series: Indexing, Bk 1

ISBN: 9781477809600

Length: 404 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I've been reading a bit by this author.  While I was waiting on more from the October Daye and InCryptid series, I decided to read this.

Comments:

Took me 1 or 2 "chapters" (it was originally a Kindle serial) to really get into it, but it's a pretty fascinating concept that fairy tales are these negative types that you can be stuck in if your life has certain similarities or like characteristics or events.  I look forward to reading the next one, Indexing: Reflections.

Update: Thoughts on  Indexing: Reflections have already been posted because I wasn't paying attention...

Title: Roadside Magic

Author: Lilith Saintcrow [Website][Facebook][Twitter] aka Lili St. Crow

Publisher: Orbit

Series: Gallow and Ragged, Bk 2

ISBN: 9780316277877

Length: 315 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I've enjoyed this author's work in the past, and read the first book in this series.

Comments:

I'm not always good with Faerie stories.  I've been reading more lately, but they can be difficult for me.  This is one whose world is especially troublesome for me, because I start to feel "trapped" if you will in all the bad events and "surrounded" by all these characters who are horrible and don't allow the primary characters, Gallow and Ragged, to escape.

 I found myself especially frustrated, because I was not even given the relief of the story ending.  Rather than individual stories that are resolved by the end (even if their is still a larger arcing story in progress), as I have come to expect of series, this ser ...

Update: I literally left that mid-word.   I think I was about to say more about it being cliffhanger, or no real ending.  But I'm not sure.

Title: Say I Love You. aka Suki tte Ii na yo.


Author: Kanae Hazuki [MyAnimeList]

Publisher: Kodansha Comics

Series: Say I Love You. Volumes 1 - 5

ISBN:
9781612626024
9781612626031
9781612626048
9781612626055
9781612626062

Obtained: Library Copy

Why these books?:

Comments:

I never recorded comments at the time of reading this.  So by memory: This series almost crosses into too much for me (content-wise), but I found myself curious about the "what next"?  Unfortunately, by the time the rest of the series came in for me (I had to put them on hold), I was out of the country.  I lost that push, but I'll still follow up eventually.

Title: Grave Visions

Author: Kalayna Price [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: ROC Fantasy

Series: Alex Craft, Bk 4

ISBN: 9780451416575

Length: 331 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

Have enjoyed the rest of the series.

Comments:

It's about time!  I read it within a day of it finally coming in, and was eagerly awaiting the latest release date before that.  Hope the next one is a bit more timely.

Update: Short but sweet, right?

Title: The Obsession

Author: Nora Roberts [Website] [Facebook] aka Eleanor Marie Robertson Aufem-Brinke Wilder aka J. D. Robb aka Sarah Hardesty aka Jill March

Publisher: Berkley Books

ISBN: 9780399175169

Length: 453 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

New NR, need I say more?

Comments:

Great, intense intro.  Good characters... they fall within NR template.  I guessed the bad guy with the first murder.

Update: Again with the short clip.  But better than nothing.

Title: Bitter Bite

Author: Jennifer Estep [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Pocket Books Urban Fantasy

Series: Elemental Assassin, Bk 14

ISBN: 9781501111273

Length: 374 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

Love this series.

Comments:

Oh, Finn!!!! This one had me very grumbly.  Poor Gin.


Update: This one is brief because otherwise I'd be rambling nonstop spoilers.

The Danger in Daring a Lady

Title: The Danger in Daring a Lady [Author's Website]

Author: Emma Locke [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Intrepid Reads

Series: Naughty Girls, Bk 6

ISBN: 9781939713506

Obtained: Free copy through NetGalley

Why this book?:

I was in the mood for a historical romance, it was by an author name I recognized, and the blurb sounded interesting.

Comments:

I actually have mixed feelings about this.  In general, I enjoyed the story.  I liked Cate, and I liked Dare as well - despite his addiction.  I appreciated their romance.  Cate's strength and Dare's charm balanced and complimented each other.

But addiction is a difficult subject for me, as several people in my family face it.  The reactions of Dare's family both grated and yet felt understandable.  I saw the Dare that Cate saw, so I felt they needed to give him another chance.  Plus they were his family; they needed to be there for him.

Yet I have seen the selfish, thoughtless, self-pitying, and horrible actions of those caught in the throes of addiction.  I have been hurt and seen others hurt by addiction.  And I can understand the mistrust and resentment that builds when each "second" chance is squandered.  So I was torn throughout the story.

Fortunately, in the way of romances such as this, there was a dependable HEA that, while somewhat abrupt and convenient in its resolve, made all things well and left that happy glow.

I would try more books by this author, though apparently I'm going to disregard series and order.

Any Duchess Will Do

Title: Any Duchess Will Do

Author: Tessa Dare

Publisher: AVON Historical Romance

Series: Spindle Cove, Bk 4

ISBN: 9780062240125

Length: 373 pages + Author's Note

Obtained: 2014 ALA Annual Convention

Why this book?:

I was in the mood for romance, and I remembered it had looked interesting.

Comments:

I read this months ago.  Like August 2015?  I think.  I don't remember the story, really.  Just that I liked it.  But even reading the back of the cover makes me want to read it again now.  There is something about certain historical romances that do that to me.  So maybe I'll re-read some and come back with remembered thoughts and comments...

About 3 1/2 hours later (having re-read much of it - I always skip the sex scenes)...

I definitely enjoyed the book.  But even with the story fresh in my mind, I don't have much to say.  Both Griffin and Pauline are likeable characters.  And I like the love story as well, but I especially enjoyed the HEA.

Siren's Call

Title: Siren's Call

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

Publisher: JOVE

Series: Harmony, Bk 12 ; Rainshadow, Bk 4 or 5 (depending on how you look at it)

ISBN: 9780515155747

Length: 323 pages

Obtained: Personal copy, purchased new

Why this book?:

I really enjoy this series and author.  When I saw it on the shelves I decided I needed to buy it (thankfully it is a paperback and therefore more affordable).  And then when it came out of the bag about a week later (my bad), I had to read it right away (nevermind that I was exhausted and had work the next morning).

Comments:

I liked Ella, Rafe, and, of course, Lorelei the dust bunny.  In fact, I love the Harmony and Rainshadow books overall.  They have managed to maintain their quick read status when I am becoming increasingly distracted and restless with my reading.

I thought the siren bit was cool, and the secret genetically passed down psychic ability is a theme I'm happy to revisit that makes the heroine "unmatchable" (but not really) brought me fond memories of the St. Helen's books (which I'll admit, I miss) as well as other Harmony books.

The alien dinosaur bit was interesting.  I thought the timing amusing considering Jurassic World coming out the same year.

Anyway, I look forward to future Harmony/Rainshadow books, as always.

The Earl's Untouched Bride and How the Marquess Was Won

I don't know why I so often find Historical Romances so hard to comment on.  I do enjoy them... the stories, the characters, the HEA.  It's worse when it has been awhile since I've read it.  Both of these were read about a month or so ago.

I've also given up on paying much attention to series, as I often end up reading a book in the middle of the series when it comes to this sub-genre.  ::sigh::

In any case, I enjoyed both of these. 

Title: The Earl's Untouched Bride

Author: Annie Burrows

Publisher: Harlequin Historical Regency

ISBN: 9780373295333

Length: 276 pages

Obtained: Personal copy

Why this book?:

I'm clearing out some books so my new personal library won't be cluttered and overfull.  The blurb sounded interesting.

Title: How the Marquess Was Won

Author: Julie Anne Long

Publisher: AVON Historical Romance

Series: Pennyroyal Green, Bk 6

ISBN: 9780061885693

Length: 373 pages

Obtained: Personal (ex-library) copy

Why this book?: 

I'm clearing out some books so my new personal library won't be cluttered and overfull.  The blurb sounded interesting.

Catch-up, Pt 4

Title: Horse of a Different Killer
Author: Laura Morrigan [Website][Facebook][Twitter]
Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Mystery
ISBN: 9780425257210
Obtained: Library copy

I enjoy this series, though once again I found myself scraping my brain to remember what happened in the first two stories leading up to it.  This time around Grace's sister is suspected of murder, Grace's usual sources are unavailable to her for one reason or another, and she must scramble to find the truth... and a missing possibly mistreated horse along the way.

I look forward to reading more of this series in the future.

Title: Texts From Mittens: A Cat Who Has an Unlimited Data Plan and Isn't Afraid to Use It
Author: Angie Bailey [Website][Website/Book Facebook][Website/Book Twitter]
Publisher: Harlequin
ISBN: 9780373893225
Obtained: Library copy

Very cute.  Parts were funny and needed to be shared.  Parts were silently amusing.  And parts were okay, moving on...

Title: Through the Woods
Author: Emily Carroll [Website (scroll down for "About" section)][Publisher Page][Twitter]
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
ISBN: 9781442465954
Obtained: Library copy 

This is a series of stories all featuring a "through the woods" element.

The thing about this book is that you need to pay attention to the recommended ages.  Because my 7yo nephew came to look at it with me, and I was reading aloud (just because I enjoy it).  He didn't understand the first story (and I didn't explain), and the second story creeped him out so bad he had nightmares.  When he saw the cover nearly a month later he called it the "bad book".  So FYI, it is intended for "Ages 14 and up".

But back to reading aloud, it works wonderfully with a low slow tone.  I loved the atmosphere and flow of the stories.  The one story I didn't care for was "The Nesting Place".  Ugh.  But otherwise the stories shared a kind of cool and creepy feel, with corresponding images.

Title: Day Shift
Author: Charlaine Harris [Website][Facebook][IMDb]
Publisher: ACE Books
Series: Midnight, Texas, Bk 2
ISBN: 9780425263198
Length: 307 Pages
Obtained: Library copy

I enjoyed this book, and Midnight Texas.  This is a multi-perspective story, but it works.

Once again, though I am left knowing I really need to read and/or re-read some of Charlaine Harris's other series.  I especially need a refresher on the Sookie Stackhouse series, because a couple more came out in this story and some of the story line actually reflected things that had happened in the Sookie series.  But I also need to read the Aurora Teagarden books (which I never did) and finish the Lily Bard books.

Title: Garden of Lies

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

Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons

ISBN: 9780399165153

Length: 359 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?: I read everything new by AQ/JAK/JC

Comments:

The heroine's name is Ursula.  That is what first struck me about the book.  When I hear Ursula, I don't think historical English woman (though I suppose that suits).  I think Disney villain - one that creeps me out more than most other Disney villains.  Once I pushed past that I was able to continue with and enjoy the story.  It has many of the same characteristics that make AQ/JAK/JC books comfort reads, so it was a feel good story.  Nothing else especially stood out as being something I should mention though.

Catch-up, Pt 3

Title: O Pioneers!

Author: Willa Cather [Willa Cather Foundation][Willa Cather Archive][PBS American Masters]

Read for a book discussion.  At first it very much felt like required school reading, but eventually I became more interested.  The last quarter was strange, IMO.

Title: Paradise (Second Opportunities, Bk 1) (re-read)

Author: Judith McNaught [Website][Facebook]

Re-read just because.  I admittedly skimmed some at the beginning.

Title: Remember When (Foster Saga, 2) (re-read)

Author: Judith McNaught [Website][Facebook]

After reading Paradise, I had a need to re-read this one.

Title: Tell Me No Lies (re-read)

Author: Elizabeth Lowell [Website][Facebook][Twitter] aka Ann Maxwell

This was in the same box as the Judith McNaught books and appealed.  I couldn't remember much of the story, just that I had liked it when I initially read it and the one time I re-read it before.

Title: Heroes Are My Weakness

Author: Susan Elizabeth Phillips [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

The title caught my interest.  But it turns out I enjoyed it.  I liked the ventriloquist thing.  And quite frankly I liked Annie.  Though the big bad secret from the past was weird (kinda horrible, really).  And I guessed parts of the history in question before it was revealed.  I wasn't especially happy about the other stuff going on, either.

Title: Breathing Room (re-read)

Author: Susan Elizabeth Phillips [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Re-read just because.  I admittedly skimmed some at the beginning.

Title: The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared

Author: Jonas Jonasson [Website]

Read for book club.  This was my pick and I was so pleased to find it was hilarious.  I loved the historical elements.  Allan kinda struck me as a sociopath, but in such a way that I couldn't resist enjoying him and his exploits anyway.  Also, the author is Swedish.

Catch-up, Pt 2

I continue to attempt catching up with the many books read but not posted in months.

Title: Loot: How To Steal a Fortune

Author: Jude Watson [Website] aka Judy Blundell [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Scholastic Press

ISBN: 9780545468022

Length: 266 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book:

It features thieves, and I love books about thieves.

Comments:

It was okay, but not as good as I had hoped when I read the blurb and requested the library purchase it.

Christine Feehan [Website][Facebook][Twitter]'s GhostWalker Series

A friend asked me to be in her wedding.  While we were discussing old times, she asked if I still read Christine Feehan (an author I introduced her to)'s books.  I said I hadn't in a while.

But afterwards I suddenly felt like catching up on this particular series. So I read all that have been published to date.  I'll indicate if it was a re-read or new to me next to the title.

1. Shadow Game (re-read)
2. Mind Game (re-read)
3. Night Game (re-read)
4. Conspiracy Game (re-read)
5. Deadly Game (re-read)
6. Predatory Game (re-read)
7. Murder Game (re-read)
8. Street Game (re-read ... I think)
9. Ruthless Game (new-to-me)
10. Samurai Game (new-to-me)
11. Viper Game (new-to-me)

Comments:

These seem to be focusing more and more on sex.  I guess I should expect that, but it was annoying because I was skipping chunks of pages looking for the story toward the end of the series.  But I am still interested in reading more, so we'll see how it goes with future books.

Title: An Early Wake

Author: Sheila Connolly [Website][Facebook] aka Sarah Atwell [Berkley Prime Crime]

Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime Mystery

Series: County Cork Mystery, Bk 3

ISBN: 9780425252536

Length: 291 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I've been enjoying this series and author.

Comments:

Offered an interesting look into Irish musical history.  I enjoyed the overall story, but there were some inconsistencies that frustrated me beyond belief.  I had to keep setting the book down and distracting myself from whatever inconsistency before I moved on.

Nora Roberts [Website][Website 2][Facebook] re-reading and catch-up and all new...

Title: Brazen Virtue (re-read)

Follows Sacred Sins.  I've re-read this before and know and like the story.  But this time I saw it with fresh eyes.  Oh, technology.  How it does date books so.  I was 4 yo when this book was published.

The Sign of Seven Trilogy (new-to me ; catch-up)

Blood Brothers
The Hollow
The Pagan Stone

I had some trouble with picking these up when they came out years ago (even though I do own all of them).  Once I actually started I found myself caught up.  The books were interesting, and I liked the characters.

The Circle Trilogy (new-to-me ; catch-up)

Morrigan's Cross
Dance of the Gods
Valley of Silence

If I was going to catch-up on some unread trilogies, I may as well go all the way.  I was apparently in the right frame of mind for vampires now (that is, initially, why I never read this series).  I breezed through the series; I especially looked forward to the vampire's story in the 3rd book of the trilogy.

Title: The Liar (new)

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons

ISBN: 9780399170867

Length: 501 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

It's the newest Nora Roberts.

Comments:

It was pretty interesting: 1) the look at verbal abuse and its spiraling effect, 2) how one falls into the web of a master con-man, 3) how someone can pick themselves back up.

Shelby did seem to go from being shamed (courtesy of lies of an abuser) to proud (she had to do all the financial pick-up herself... no bankruptcy etc. for her).  But I still liked her.  And Griffin was pretty good too.  I did figure certain key aspects out way before any of the characters in the book.  Maybe because I've seen it in other books/movies before.  And I'll say no more lest I give something away.

Catch-up, Pt 1

Life got busy and complicated and my blog suffered for it.  But I have still been reading.  I'm going to try to remember everything (except the kids books).  I'll write a little something about the books if I can (such as if I jotted notes down, or if I read it recently).  I have to do this in multiple parts because I'm limited by the tags.

Here we go...

Title: Prayers for Sale

Author: Sandra Dallas [Website][Facebook]

This was a book club read.  I had the following notes saved on my phone...

I enjoyed. Historical fiction can be so interesting, and this fit the bill. Stretched between the Civil War, the Depression, and Mining. Plus the Colorado Mountain setting, the old teaching the young, the storytelling, and the friendship aspects... They combination appealed to me. There was both sorrow and joy, but overall I enjoyed the book and look forward to trying more by Sandra Dallas. I discovered at the end that some of the characters can be found in other books so I intend to go back and discover these additional stories.

Title: Trust No One

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

Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons

ISBN: 9780399165139

Length: 327 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

It's JAK.

Comments:

I like Grace and Julius. ... and that is as far as I got on this book in my draft posts from early February.

Title: The Curl Up and Dye [Goodreads]

Author: Sharon Sala [Website][Facebook][Twitter] aka Dinah McCall

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Series: Follows the novella Color Me Bad

ISBN: 9781402283970

Length: 288 pages

Obtained: Library ebook copy

Why this book?:

It was the January title for the discussion group I'm leading.

Comments: Also as far as I had gotten in a draft post from early February.  LilyAnn has been living a tedious life, until one day she gets a wake-up call and starts making some changes.

Is the south (southern USA) really like this?  Every time I read a book about small town southern life I wonder.

Title: The Tusk That Did the Damage

Author: Tania James [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Obtained: Free ARC from ALA Midwinter Conference

Why this book?:

I couldn't resist the cover, the title, or the little bit that I read of the blurb (the first sentence or two).

Comments:

It wasn't exactly what I expected, especially with the multiple perspectives.  But that didn't make it less interesting.  As I was adding this my nephew (7 yo) came up behind me and read the title.  I told him that some people do horrible things and kill elephants and rhinos for their tusks/horns.  He says, "Can't they just cut them off without killing them?" I say, "Cutting them off can kill them.  People don't need that stuff."  He thinks and responds, "Why don't they just cut them off dead ones?" (meaning those who've died of natural causes).  He was called away before I could respond...  ::sigh::

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.

Heart Fire

Title: Heart Fire

Author: Robin D. Owens [Website][Facebook][Twitter]

Publisher: Berkeley Sensation

Series: Celta Heartmates, Bk 13

ISBN: 9780425263952

Length: 355 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I requested the library buy it as soon as I knew it was coming.

Comments:

This is Antenn Blackthorn-Moss's story.  It's going to take me a bit to adjust to this younger generation growing up, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy their stories.  And I did enjoy this one.  Except.  I did not feel the same moment of wrenching emotion that I have with the previous Celta books.  Oh, don't get me wrong.  Robin D. Owens is one of my favorite authors, and I quickly read this just like her other books.  But I didn't have that moment where I'm just sobbing.

Anyway, Antenn is all grown up.  He's trying to get the job the will make his career and name in architecture.  But the job is for a controversial religious group, so a "priestess" from the mainstream religion is assigned to smooth things out and keep it all copacetic.  But she has her own name, and career on line.  Not to mention quite a bit of family and emotional stuff to keep wrapped up.

Great characters, nice story.  Awesome setting and a chance to revisit some past characters.  I cannot wait to read the next book in the series.  I believe it is to be titled Heart Legacy (unless I misunderstood).

The Buried

Title: The Buried

Author: Shelley Coriell [Website][Twitter][Facebook]

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing Romantic Suspense (Forever)

Series: Apostles, Bk 2

ISBN: 9781455528516

Length: 364 pages

Obtained: Library copy

Why this book?:

I really enjoyed the first book in the series, The Broken.

Comments:

I positively flew through this book by my current standards.  Read it within one day.

The romance part was okay.  Nothing extreme, but I did want Grace and Hatch to get back together, and I did like them both individually.  There's a troubled child in the picture, and I liked how his part of the story was handled.

The mystery/thriller part was interesting.  There was a definite sense of urgency.  I suspected bits and pieces about the bad guy, but when it was all put together it was actually a rather bizarre ending.

Anyway, I look forward to reading book 3, The Blind.