It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday! -

What Are You Reading?

is hosted weekly on Mondays

by Sheila from
"One Person's Journey"

Post the books you read last week, books currently reading, and books you plan on finishing this week.

What I Read This Week...

"The Grimm Legacy"

By: Polly Shulman

Elizabeth has a new job at an unusual library—a lending library of objects, not books. In a secret room in the basement lies the Grimm Collection. That’s where the librarians lock away powerful items straight out of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales: seven-league boots, a table that produces a feast at the blink of an eye, Snow White’s stepmother’s sinister mirror that talks in riddles.

When the magical objects start to disappear, Elizabeth embarks on a dangerous quest to catch the thief before she can be accused of the crime—or captured by the thief.

           

"Lady Alexandra's Excellent Adventure"

By: Sophie Barnes

It's going to be a wild ride . . .

Lady Alexandra Summersby is not your average society miss. Not only is she more likely to climb a tree than she is to wear a dress, but she has also sworn off marriage. Alex loves taking chances, which is how she finds herself embroiled in a secret mission as she races across the country with the Earl of Trenton. But Alexandra is about to discover that the real danger lies not in duels, but in her completely unexpected reaction to Lord Trenton's company.

Michael Ashford, Earl of Trenton, is a man of duty. Honorable, charming, and a hit with the ladies, he's never had trouble staying focused-until now. Lady Alexandra is like no other woman he's ever met, and suddenly the prospect of marriage seems far more appealing. Now, to convince Alexandra that a life together could be an adventure like no other . . .

What I'm Reading Now...

"Vision in White"
By: Nora Roberts
Wedding photographer Mackensie "Mac" Elliot is most at home behind the camera, but her focus is shattered moments before an important wedding rehearsal when she bumps into the bride-to-be's brother...an encounter that has them both seeing stars.

A stable, safe English teacher, Carter Maguire is definitely not Mac's type. But a casual fling might be just what she needs to take her mind off bridezillas. Of course, casual flings can turn into something more when you least expect it. And Mac will have to turn to her three best friends-and business partners-to see her way to her own happy ending.

Children's Book Saturday "Mine" By: Shutta Crum

"Mine"

Story By: Shutta Crum

Illustrated by: Patrice Barton

Synopsis from Amazon:

Have you ever had a toy you really really liked?  Have you ever had a lot of toys you really really liked?

Have you ever said "MINE!"?

If so, this book is for you!

Enjoy this adorable, playful, picture-based book about two very young children and an adorable dog navigating the troubles and triumphs of sharing.

My Thoughts:
     For a book that only has two words, "Mine" is a delightful telling of two siblings, their dog, and an argument over their toys. Of the two words, I bet you can't figure out which one plays an important role in the story! (Insert grin here!)
      It's a tale as old as time. Sharing. It isn't easy, it isn't fun, but we all must do it. In this tale by Shutta Crum, two siblings have to learn this lesson the hard way. When the baby reaches for a toy, the toddler grabs it away and tells him, "Mine!" The scene is repeated throughout the story until, as all good stories do, the story ends with a happy ending...the knowledge that sometimes sharing can be fun.
       A simple story, yet stunningly crafted, "Mine" is a great story for toddlers. It relates to children in an easy to understand, truly elemental way. One of my favorite illustrators out there, Patrice Barton, who is an amazing artist, brings the story to life. I thought it was adorable and can't wait to share it with the kids this summer at my library.

Images Copyrighted by the wise, wonderful, and talented Illustrator: Patrice Barton

Book Details

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Date of Publication: June 14, 2011

# of Pages: 32

ISBN: 978-0375867118

Follow Friday

FEATURE AND FOLLOW FRIDAY IS A BLOG HOP PUT TOGETHER BY TWO HOSTS:PARAJUNKEE AND ALISON CAN READ AS A WAY TO HELP BLOGGERS BECOME AWARE OF OTHER BLOGS AND BLOGGERS. 

IT'S A GREAT WAY TO MAKE NEW BLOGGER FRIENDS.

Q: Have you had a character that disappointed you? One that you fell in love with and then “broke up” with later on in either the series or a stand-alone book? Tell us about him or her.

Without a doubt, eve and roarke from the "in death" series have fallen flat for me lately. 

they were so awesome in the beginning - the passion was fiery, they fought, they loved, they laughed...and lately they are in a rut. 

they aren't fun anymore. there is always a murder to solve and those sweet eve & roarke moments are fewer and farther between.

so we have officially broken up. we don't hang out anymore. we have fond memories, but i just don't see us hanging out anymore. i'll miss you, but its best for both of us.

          

how about you?

"Paris in Love" By: Eloisa James Review

"Paris in Love"

By: Eloisa James

Synopsis from Amazon:

In 2009, New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James took a leap that many people dream about: she sold her house, took a sabbatical from her job as a Shakespeare professor, and moved her family to Paris. Paris in Love: A Memoir chronicles her joyful year in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. With no classes to teach, no committee meetings to attend, no lawn to mow or cars to park, Eloisa revels in the ordinary pleasures of life—discovering corner museums that tourists overlook, chronicling Frenchwomen’s sartorial triumphs, walking from one end of Paris to another. She copes with her Italian husband’s notions of quality time; her two hilarious children, ages eleven and fifteen, as they navigate schools—not to mention puberty—in a foreign language; and her mother-in-law Marina’s raised eyebrow in the kitchen (even as Marina overfeeds Milo, the family dog). 

My Thoughts:

        An enchanting tale of living in Paris for a year, Eloisa James is truly at her best during her latest book, “Paris In Love.” I love James' romances, so when this nonfiction tale was released, I was first on the list at my library. A huge fan, I absolutely had to read about her year in Paris. I had followed her time in France a bit through her Facebook Page, but it didn't even come close to comparing to how enchanting the year really was.

        Eloisa has a wonderful way with words. With just a few words, you can literally picture exactly what she is trying to convey. She's not too wordy, nor are her descriptions flowery...they are just perfect. Take this description of her neighbors:

A row of elegantly narrow dormer windows sprouts from the building opposite my study. Sometimes a gaunt woman with beautiful cheekbones and sleek black hair pushes open her window and leans out, smoking and flicking the ashes onto the slate. Today she wears a red dress and looks as if she belongs in an eighteenth-century novel, the kind in which heroines come to a bad end. (James, 95).

     “Paris in Love” chronicles Eloisa and her family's time in Paris. Restaurants, family outings, flowers, homeless, pets; it's all fair game. Funny and at times, heartbreaking, Eloisa leaves no stone unturned in her quest to document her year. It's extremely hard to describe how the book ebbs and flows, but its a natural progression. Her children's troubles in schools and her neighborhood trips are talked about extensively, but my absolute favorite parts of the book deal with the family pet, Milo.

Milo has been back to the bet for a follow-up visit. To Marina's dismay, her Florentine vet labeled Milo obese, even after she protested that 'He never eats.' Apparently the vet's gaze rested thoughtfully on Milo's seal-like physique and then he said, 'He may be telling you that, but we can all see he's fibbing' (James, 63).

Today Marina announced that she wants to buy Milo a raincoat as a Christmas present. So the family – sans Milo – trooped out to a shop in the Marais that sells accouterments for small dogs. Anna snatched up a tiny, blossom pink confection trimmed with rhinestones (I might add that Milo is aggressively male, and fond of attacking dogs four times his size). Flouting the girlie stereotype, Allesandro inquired if the coat came in a larger size. The shopkeeper asked about Milo's breed, in order to choose the appropriate coat size. 'No, no, he's not Chihuahua-size,' Alessandro told him. 'He's more like bulldog-size.' The shopkeeper looked most disapproving, and pointed toward three or four coats in the corner: the plus-size department. From these meager pickings, we chose a transparent raincoat with jaunty purple trim. (James, 91)

We are all rather horrified to find that the transparent raincoat, designed for a French bulldog, does not fit around Milo's ample middle. It doesn't have a prayer of fastening. (James, 93).

       This book is so much more than a memoir of Eloisa James' time in Paris. It's an insight in a family thrown into an unfamiliar situation and how they dealt with it. They didn't know the language, yet they flourished in the Parisian environment. A lovely story of a family, life, and what Paris can do for your soul, I'm hoping I get to visit Paris one day too. AND if I never get to, at least I've lived through Eloisa's time in Paris!   

Happy reader with my Eloisa James card (That's me!)

Daisy Jane, the slightly heavy dachshund, posing 

Incidentally, while trying to take a picture with the book, Daisy was distracted by dinner being put on the table

Book Details

Publisher: Random House

Date of Publication: April 3, 2012

# of Pages: 272

ISBN: 978-1400069569

Places to buy "Paris in Love"

Amazon            Barnes and Noble

"Body Guard" By: Jennifer Ashley Review

 

"Body Guard"

By: Jennifer Ashley

Synopsis from Amazon:

     Elizabeth Chapman is saved from an armed robber by a giant Kodiak bear who shifts into a large, well-muscled, and fully naked human male. But when it's revealed that the robber is the brother of a dangerous criminal, Elizabeth finds herself the target of a vendetta.     Ronan, the Bear Shifter, takes her to Shiftertown for safety, where Elizabeth learns that the mateless Ronan, alone in the world, takes care of Shifters who have also been left on their own. Having grown up in foster care, Elizabeth can only admire how protective Ronan is.     But Ronan will only let Elizabeth leave the confines of Shiftertown if he becomes her 24/7 bodyguard. Elizabeth chafes at her restriction, but agrees. The trouble is, the sassy human Elizabeth is triggering Ronan's long-buried need to find himself a mate. 

My Thoughts:
    Jennifer Ashley is a true story teller, whether she's writing regency, contemporaries or paranormal romance. “Body Guard” continues her Shifter Unbound series as a short novella. Featuring Ronan, a bear shifter, and Elizabeth, a store owner, “Body Guard” is a great addition while also being a wonderful romance.
     I'm going to be honest, this is one of those books I picked up at 3am when I couldn't sleep, and I read it straight through until I had to go to work. Trying to go to sleep, the story kept me interested and pretty much required me to finish it in one sitting.
     Elizabeth is a store owner who is held up in a robbery and is surprised when Ronan, a bear shifter, attacks the suspect and saves her. Having little family and no one to really protect her, Ronan and his family take Elizabeth in. Slow to start, Ronan and Elizabeth slowly learn one another and become friends, something neither really had before.
     The romance in this one is a slow simmer but its a good simmer like stew. The two characters seem to fit one another and when they finally kiss you start to cheer. Beyond the characters within this story, I enjoyed seeing characters from the other Shifter books. Life goes on and its like getting a piece of cake after reading the book. A great addition by a wonderful author, a must read for anyone who is a fan of the series.

Book Details

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services

Date of Publication: November 2011

# of Pages: 370

ISBN: B0069ZBY3C

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday! -

What Are You Reading?

is hosted weekly on Mondays

by Sheila from
"One Person's Journey"

Post the books you read last week, books currently reading, and books you plan on finishing this week.

What I Read This Week...

"The Next Always"

By: Nora Roberts

The historic hotel in BoonsBoro, Maryland, has endured war and peace, changing hands, even rumored hauntings. Now it’s getting a major facelift from the Montgomery brothers and their eccentric mother. As the architect of the family, Beckett’s social life consists mostly of talking shop over pizza and beer. But there’s another project he’s got his eye on: the girl he’s been waiting to kiss since he was fifteen…

"The Raven Prince"

By: Elizabeth Hoyt

There comes a time in a woman's life when she must do the unthinkable - and find employment. For the widowed Anna Wren, that means taking a job as female secretary for the Earl of Swartingham. Secretaries are always male - never female - as Anna well knows but the real downfall of her career is the realisation that she is falling in love with Edward de Raaf - the Earl. But when she realises that he is going to visit a brothel in London to take care of his 'manly' desires, Anna sees red - and decides to take advantage of the opportunity to also take care of her 'womanly' desires - with the Earl as her unknowing lover. But the Earl has another reason for going to London. He is formalising his betrothal and trying (with little success) to forget about a secretary that has no right being female. Unhandsome, he knows that no woman wants him. Except for the mysterious lady with whom he spent two unforgettable nights at Aphroditersquo;s Grotto, the most scandalous brothel in London. But when Anna's plan is revealed, a bit of blackmail is thrown into the mix, a proposal is rejected and even the Earl himself will be unprepared for the intrigues that ensnare them.

"Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor"

By: Lisa Kleypas

ONE LITTLE GIRL NEEDS A FAMILY

One rain-slicked night, six-year-old Holly lost the only parent she knew, her beloved mother Victoria. And since that night, she has never again spoken a word.

ONE SINGLE MAN NEEDS A WIFE

The last thing Mark Nolan needs is a six-year-old girl in his life. But he soon realizes that he will do everything he can to make her life whole again. His sister’s will gives him the instructions: There’s no other choice but you. Just start by loving her. The rest will follow.

SOMETIMES, IT TAKES A LITTLE MAGIC…

Maggie Collins doesn’t dare believe in love again, after losing her husband of one year. But she does believe in the magic of imagination. As the owner of a toy shop, she lives what she loves. And when she meets Holly Nolan, she sees a little girl in desperate need of a little magic.

…TO MAKE DREAMS COME TRUE

Three lonely people. Three lives at the crossroads. Three people who are about to discover that Christmas is the time of year when anything is possible, and when wishes have a way of finding the path home…

What I am Reading Now...

"The Grimm Legacy"

By: Polly Shulman

Elizabeth has a new job at an unusual library—a lending library of objects, not books. In a secret room in the basement lies the Grimm Collection. That’s where the librarians lock away powerful items straight out of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales: seven-league boots, a table that produces a feast at the blink of an eye, Snow White’s stepmother’s sinister mirror that talks in riddles.

When the magical objects start to disappear, Elizabeth embarks on a dangerous quest to catch the thief before she can be accused of the crime—or captured by the thief.

"Fifty Shades Darker" By: E L James Review

"Fifty Shades Darker" 

By: E L James

Synopsis from Amazon:

Daunted by the singular tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.  But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades. While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life.

My Thoughts:
     Continuing the tale, "Fifty Shades Darker" is the second book in E L James' trilogy of Darker books. I read the first book and was utterly entranced, so I raced over to Barnes and Noble and bought the second one. Reading it in one night, I have just purchased the third book and can't seem to put it down either!
      The second book starts immediately where the first book ended. Ana has left Christian because of his dark side and as the story opens, they are both heartbroken. When she meets up with Christian for an art show, Christian proposes a different agreement than the one made during the first book.
     Honestly, the second book is a lot of the same things as the first book is. They both crave one another. They are jealous of one another, yet can't stand to be away from each other. Ana does gain a job with a publication company that ultimately is bought by Christian. The book ends with Christian proposing to Ana and Ana accepting.
     Ultimately there are pros and cons of this series. It is predictable. The tale is told simply, its not too polished. The author uses many of the same phrases over and over. Yet, it is without a better word addicting. I have got to read it to find out what happens. I melt for Christian, seriously, I'm a little in love with him myself. Some other readers have characterized him as a Mr. Darcy type and I totally agree. 
     I'm reading the third book currently, which some people have mentioned as the weakest of the series. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens but I've gotta say, I've loved the ride.

Book Details

Publisher: Vintage

Date of Publication: April 17, 2012

# of Pages: 395

ISBN: 978-0345803498

"Fifty Shades of Grey" By: EL James Review

"Fifty Shades of Grey"

By: EL James

Synopsis from Amazon:

When literature student Anastasia Steele is drafted to interview the successful young entrepreneur Christian Grey for her campus magazine, she finds him attractive, enigmatic and intimidating. Convinced their meeting went badly, she tries to put Grey out of her mind - until he happens to turn up at the out-of-town hardware store where she works part-time. Erotic, amusing, and deeply moving, the Fifty Shades Trilogy is a tale that will obsess you, possess you, and stay with you forever.

My Thoughts:

    Woah. Seriously. I wanted to hate this book, I really did, but it's like ice cream. You know you shouldn't want it, you know its gonna end up being bad for you, but oh boy do you want to be bad. 

    I originally picked this book up because of a discussion I found online. People either really really liked the book or they hated it. So, what's a good librarian to do but check it out for herself? Surprised to find that my library's copy had holds on it, I put myself on the list and waited for it to come in. AND to be totally honest, when it came in, I devoured it like Ben & Jerry's.

    "Fifty Shades of Grey" is the story of Ana and Christian. Ana is graduating from college when she meets this mysterious millionaire and is "drawn to him." Christian is said millionaire who is drawn to Ana and begins to pursue her.

     Flat out first, this book is erotic fiction. There are people tying people up, sexual aids, etc. It's not as naughty as a Lorelei James book for example, but it definitely goes there so be prepared. That said, the book was so intense and I LOVED it! I couldn't put it down. I checked out the physical copy of the book at work brought it home and ended up buying it halfway through because I knew I had to have it. The characters are so intense, its so strange, yet brilliant. Ana and Christian don't know who they are until they find one another...and it seems like they become the people they were meant to be.

     Knowing how much I like it, I will admit it does have its flaws. The author writes at a very simple level. I saw my English Teacher at Wal-Mart this week and she told me it was like a seventh grader wrote it, which I kind of agreed with. She repeats the same sentences over and over while using the same wording as well. Sure it gets repetitive and it does get on your nerves, but the story is so genius its easy to skim over.

     Why do I like it? Well, it just seems like anyone could be Ana. I am that shy girl in the corner that loved Jane Eyre. I am that girl who when faced with a problem would rather not confront it. I am that girl who isn't noticed but when I do, I open up. Christian, our hero, is such an anti-hero that you just want to hold his hand and tell him it will all be all right. I want that dark stare aimed at me, I want that barely controlled feeling to bubble over. We all do.

     I know a lot of reviewers didn't care for this one, but I devoured it in an evening. I read it on a Monday, and by Tuesday had already bought the second book in the trilogy. If you try this one, be prepared for its flaws, but enjoy its wonder.

Fifty Shades Trilogy

"Fifty Shades of Grey"

"Fifty Shades Darker"

"Fifty Shades Freed"

Book Details

Publisher: The Writer's Coffee Shop

Date of Publication: March 6, 2012

# of Pages: 380

ISBN: 978-1612130286

Waiting on Wednesday

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly book meme where we let everyone know what books we are eagerly anticipating the release of. 

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine.

"On the Prowl"

By: Christine Warren

Most girls would throw a fit if their parents tried to set up an arranged marriage for them. It’s so outrageously old-fashioned—even for a Tiguri family, members of a fierce race of shapeshifting weretigers. But Saskia isn’t getting her claws out just yet. She’ll go through with this marriage to help unite two powerful families—and because her husband-to-be Nicolas Preda is the sexiest, hunkiest, and only man she’s ever wanted…

Of course, marrying an alpha male like Nic comes with its share of danger. As leader of his Streak and head of a global corporation, Nic and his new fiancée must take their places in the jungles of Manhattan—and the local Others seem to have a strict “no pets” policy. In fact, the Council seems to think the Tiguri are at the root of all their problems, including an attempt on the life of its leader. If Nic hopes to protect his name and his mate, it’s hunt or be hunted—and he can’t do it alone. But if anyone can bring out the beast in him, it’s the sexy, savage tigress he’s sworn to love…

Releases April 24, 2012

"The Duke's Perfect Wife" By: Jennifer Ashley Review

"The Duke's Perfect Wife" 

By: Jennifer Ashley

Synopsis from Amazon:

     Lady Eleanor Ramsay is the only one who knows the truth about Hart Mackenzie. Once his fiancee, she is the sole woman to whom he could ever pour out his heart. 
     Hart has it all--a dukedom, wealth, power, influence, whatever he desires. Every woman wants him--his seductive skills are legendary. But Hart has sacrificed much to keep his brothers safe, first from their brutal father, and then from the world. He's also suffered loss--his wife, his infant son, and the woman he loved with all his heart though he realized it too late. 
     Now, Eleanor has reappeared on Hart's doorstep, with scandalous nude photographs of Hart taken long ago. Intrigued by the challenge in her blue eyes--and aroused by her charming, no-nonsense determination--Hart wonders if his young love has come to ruin him . . . or save him. 

My Thoughts:
       Have you ever had a secret? A secret place to eat or that special place to go when your feeling stressed that no one knows about and you want to keep to yourself? Jennifer Ashley is my secret. You don't hear her name mentioned much in the historical romance field of authors, yet she is one of the best writing today and I love to share her amazing books with my friends. "The Duke's Perfect Wife" is the fourth book in the Highland Pleasures series and features the fourth and final Mackenzie brother, Hart and his long lost love Eleanor. Seriously, one of my favorite books this Spring and I'm buying copies to give to everyone!
       Hart is the Duke of the family and has long since been known for being a manipulator. Even from the beginning of the series, Hart has earned the ire of his brothers by thinking he knows what is best for them. Hart is on the cusp of being elected the Prime Minister of England. It isn't until Eleanor, a woman he had previously been engaged to during his twenties, shows up on his doorstep with nude pictures of him that he realizes that he may not have everything as well figured out as he could.
      Eleanor is down on her luck, poor, living with her father in Scotland and has no prospects for the future on the horizon. When she receives nude photos of her ex-fiancee, she realizes this may be her chance to save her own little family. She packs up her Father and moves to London in the hopes that Hart will take her in and allow her to investigate the matter of who is sending the photos and why.
     I love romances where the characters have a shared past. I don't know why, but I really enjoy the period of learning who they are now as opposed to who they were then. Hart and Eleanor have a complicated past, made even richer by the involvement of the Mackenzie family and Hart's secrets. The story is rich in sensuality, shared experiences, and character growth.
      Without a doubt, Jennifer Ashley's "The Duke's Perfect Wife" is one of my favorite romances of the year. I loved Hart and had been waiting for his happily ever after a long while now. (To those that have read this series, Ian may be my favorite with Hart a close second!) Eleanor was feisty and driven, yet I found her realistic and pretty bad ass.  I devoured the book in less than 4 hours in one night and I can't wait for the next installment featuring a cousin. Write more Ms. Ashley, we can't wait! :)

Book Details

Publisher: Berkley

Date of Publication: April 3, 2012

# of Pages: 320

ISBN: 978-0425247105

It's Monday! What Are You Reading?

It's Monday! -

What Are You Reading?

is hosted weekly on Mondays

by Sheila from
"One Person's Journey"

Post the books you read last week, books currently reading, and books you plan on finishing this week.

What I Read This Week...

 

"Paris in Love"

By: Eloisa James

In 2009, New York Times bestselling author Eloisa James took a leap that many people dream about: she sold her house, took a sabbatical from her job as a Shakespeare professor, and moved her family to Paris. Paris in Love: A Memoir chronicles her joyful year in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
 
With no classes to teach, no committee meetings to attend, no lawn to mow or cars to park, Eloisa revels in the ordinary pleasures of life—discovering corner museums that tourists overlook, chronicling Frenchwomen’s sartorial triumphs, walking from one end of Paris to another. She copes with her Italian husband’s notions of quality time; her two hilarious children, ages eleven and fifteen, as they navigate schools—not to mention puberty—in a foreign language; and her mother-in-law Marina’s raised eyebrow in the kitchen (even as Marina overfeeds Milo, the family dog). 

"Kill Me Softly"

By: Sarah Cross

Mirabelle's past is shrouded in secrecy, from her parents' tragic deaths to her guardians' half-truths about why she can't return to her birthplace, Beau Rivage. Desperate to see the town, Mira runs away a week before her sixteenth birthday—and discovers a world she never could have imagined.

In Beau Rivage, nothing is what it seems—the strangely pale girl with a morbid interest in apples, the obnoxious playboy who's a beast to everyone he meets, and the chivalrous guy who has a thing for damsels in distress. Here, fairy tales come to life, curses are awakened, and ancient stories are played out again and again.

But fairy tales aren't pretty things, and they don't always end in happily ever after. Mira has a role to play, a fairy tale destiny to embrace or resist. As she struggles to take control of her fate, Mira is drawn into the lives of two brothers with fairy tale curses of their own . . . brothers who share a dark secret. And she'll find that love, just like fairy tales, can have sharp edges and hidden thorns.

"Rainshadow Road"

By: Lisa Kleypas

Lucy Marinn is a glass artist living in mystical, beautiful, Friday Harbor, Washington.  She is stunned and blindsided by the most bitter kind of betrayal:  her fiancé Kevin has left her.  His new lover is Lucy’s own sister.   Lucy's bitterness over being dumped is multiplied by the fact that she has constantly made the wrong choices in her romantic life.   Facing the severe disapproval of Lucy's parents, Kevin asks his friend Sam Nolan, a local vineyard owner on San Juan Island, to "romance" Lucy and hopefully loosen her up and get her over her anger. Complications ensue when Sam and Lucy begin to fall in love, Kevin has second thoughts, and Lucy discovers that the new relationship in her life began under false pretenses. Questions about love, loyalty, old patterns, mistakes, and new beginnings are explored as Lucy learns that some things in life—even after being broken—can be made into something new and beautiful.

What I'm Reading Now...

"The Next Always"

By: Nora Roberts

The historic hotel in BoonsBoro, Maryland, has endured war and peace, changing hands, even rumored hauntings. Now it’s getting a major facelift from the Montgomery brothers and their eccentric mother. As the architect of the family, Beckett’s social life consists mostly of talking shop over pizza and beer. But there’s another project he’s got his eye on: the girl he’s been waiting to kiss since he was fifteen…

"Oracle's Moon" By: Thea Harrison Review

"Oracle's Moon"

By: Thea Harrison

Synopsis from Amazon:

When Grace Andreas's sister, Petra, and her husband are both killed, Grace inherits the Power and responsibilities of the Oracle of Louisville, as well as her sister's two young children--neither of which she is prepared for. Then Khalil, Demonkind and Djinn Prince of House Marid, decides to make himself a part of the household both as guardian and counterpoint to Grace's impudence towards the Elder Races.

My Thoughts:
           Thea Harrison may be my favorite author of 2012. I have been reading the Elder Races series like crazy and have enjoyed each and everyone. Sure their quirky, but she has built this fantastic world that I fall in love with more each book. Starting with "Dragon Bound," the Elder's series covers pretty much all sorts of paranormal figures. Dragons, unicorns, grphyons, etc. You name it, its probably there. "Oracle's Moon" is the enchanting story of Grace Andreas, an oracle of Delphi, and Khalil, a prince and a Djinn being with no shape. Sounds weird, but trust me, it's a good one.
     Grace has inherited her oracle powers from her sister Petra. Petra and her husband were killed in a car accident and the powers magically transferred to Grace. In addition, Petra's two small children are also in need of care. At the end of the former book, "Serpent's Kiss" Khalil accompanies Carline and Rune to the Oracle's house. At the start of this tale, he hasn't left. 
     Khalil is a weird hero, kind of an anti-hero really, but he's so awesome! Forgive my fan girl tendencies, it's just that I really liked him and wasn't expecting it. He is a Djinn, which means he is kind of formless. He can shapeshift and really be anything he wants to be, such as steam, a cat, etc. Anything! Initially, Khalil is intrigued by Grace's children, having had little to no contact with his own daughter. He kind of appoints himself as guardian of the children and as a result, he comes into contact with Aunt Grace who isn't too turned on with the idea of Khalil's semi-guardianship.
      The thing at works for this book is the characters. The story is a little outlandish, but the characters sell it. Grace has been crippled and has a lot on her plate when Khalil arrives on her doorstep. She didn't ask for any of these bad things to happen and she is dealing with them the best way she knows how. Khalil is a lot to take in; he's deep, brooding, dark, and has a fierce protective instinct. Yet the tribulations that each goes through simply draws you in like a fish. You know the characters, their motivations, their desires so well that you are seriously invested in the outcome.
      "Oracle's Moon" is intense and can be a little difficult to follow if you haven't read the other books in the series. With that being said, run out and buy this now. It's one of those titles I wish could go on and on and I just hated for it to end. This reader is eagerly awaiting the next installment in the series and hoping for another glimpse into the world of Grace and Khalil.

Book Details

Publisher: Berkley

Date of Publication: March 6, 2012

# of Pages: 336

ISBN: 978-0425246597

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Q: What is one book that you would be nervous to see a movie adaption of because you think the movie could never live up to the book?

One of my favorite books is "Lover Eternal" by JR ward. 

i simply love this book. 

if you haven't read it, buy it now, run get it now! :)

yet, i think it would be a terrible terrible movie. i don't know any actor that can live up to my expectations, nor can i see the book being acted out. 

what book wouldn't live up to a movie in your opinion??