Collared for Murder, by Annie Knox

Collared For Murder: A Pet Boutique Mystery by Annie Knox
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

First off, people who dress their poor pets in cutesy outfits annoy the crap out of me, so I really have no idea why I am even bothering with this series, I picked up the first book thinking it was a pet supply store that had outifts, not pet coutre, FFS. Books one and two weren't terrible, although I truly hate the love triangle trope that keeps showing up in cozy mysteries lately. Give it a rest already!

That said, I'm having a tough time getting into this book. It's starting off sooo slow. And the characters are starting to annoy me. Izzy is kind of blah (Ask me, Dizzy Izzy fits her to a T), the victim frankly deserved what he got, so I don't really give a damn who killed him, Dolly is getting on my last nerve (bringing a dog to a cat show, really?).

There are inconsistencies that are making me cringe. Three books in, and the author's lost track of the whole plot and timeline? What's going to happen when the author gets even farther in?? Let's see, Ama took in Daniel's dog at the end of book 2, and yet suddenly in book 3 Ama's kid is calling Packer "his" and Ama is saying she'll get him a dog when he can pick up the poop himself. What? And wasn't Pris' husband supposed to be building the conference center that the cat show was to be held in? You know, instead of the condos he started building? Argh.

And can we get rid of the damned guinea pig? Ghandi isn't really moving the story along, he's just become an annoying little rodent!

I think this may end up on my unfinished shelf. Life is too short to waste on inane characters and pet clothes...


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A Killer Maize, by Paige Shelton

A Killer Maize by Paige Shelton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Book 4 in the Farmers' Market series. I really like this series, but this one feels like the weakest of the lot. The last quarter of the book dragged for me. (view spoiler)[After the big roller coaster "accident," I felt like the author was just kind of padding things to hit a specific length, instead of just tying the plot up. (hide spoiler)]

One thing I definitely liked about the book is that Becca finally resolves the annoying love triangle that she had been stringing along for way too long. the love triangle trope in cozy mysteries is seriously starting to get on my nerves. Authors ask us to suspend reality while reading their books, putting in convoluted plot lines, and then they throw in the love triangle, and it's almost too much for me to bare (most of us know that finding one significant other is hard enough, finding a potential second S.O., nope. Heading into Mary Sue territory there...)

All in all, I liked most of the book and I certainly like the series well enough to continue on, with help from my local library.</["br"]></["br"]></["br"]></["br"]>

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Killer Jam, by Karen MacInerney

Killer Jam by Karen MacInerney
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I liked it, but I didn't love it. I'm willing to give the series a chance, because I enjoy the author's Gray Whale Inn series and this was the first in a new series.

It has a little bit of romance thrown in, and lots of likable characters (though some were not so likable, deliberately, of course). The main character, Lucy, seems a bit naive, rushing to buy her grandmother's farm and jumping into homesteading. Then she's broke and trying to figure out how to pay her legal fees, mortgage, etc.

The biggest thing that bugged me about this book was just how petty, lazy, useless and vindictive the Sheriff was. Bet he turns up dead in another book, haha.

I will definitely read the next book in the series, because I think MacInerney has a solid start here and I liked the main characters.

*I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

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Lucky Spool's Essential Guide to Modern Quilt Making: From Color to Quilting: 10 Design Workshops by your Favorite Teachers

Lucky Spool's Essential Guide to Modern Quilt Making: From Color to Quilting: 10 Design Workshops by your Favorite Teachers by Editors at Lucky Spool
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Though the patterns in this book were a bit too modern for me, the basics that this book provides makes it a winner. The principals of color and building a color palette, as well as troubleshooting tips are perfect for a quilting newbie like I am. The chapters on prints and solids are also very helpful.

All in all, even though I didn't care for the patterns, this book has so many helpful tips it's absolutely worth having in your library.

*I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

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Handbag Workshop: Design and Sew the Perfect Bag, by Anna M. Mazur

Handbag Workshop: Design and Sew the Perfect Bag by Anna M. Mazur
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Craft level- Intermediate to advanced sewing skills required.

These are not your basic quilted bags! The patterns in this book are clear, with lots of photos showing the how to do things, step by step. There is a technique section that is helpful, if a bit short.

The majority of the bags seem to be intermediate to advanced, and frankly even the "beginner" bags require more than beginning sewing skills.

To sum up, this book is for a more experience sewer, who is truly interested in making their own handbags on a regular basis, not a one off, as the amount of specialized supplies needed will require a decent investment. The projects in this book use materials such as leather, and involve way too too many steps and too much $ for specialized tools, for this beginner sewer to even contemplate at this time.

*I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

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Haunted Ontario 4: Ghostly Estates, Museums, and Other Sightings, by Terry Boyle

Haunted Ontario 4: Ghostly Estates, Museums, and Other Sightings by Terry Boyle
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I usually love books about ghosts and hauntings, but I had a real hard time getting through this book. It felt really choppy to me, and frankly, boring. It actually felt like I was back in journalism school and had half an article edited out for space. It was obvious something was missing by the way it read, but it's sort of readable. It truly surprised me, because it's book 4 in a series, yet it reads like a self-published first book.

For me, a book about ghosts has to have a great story teller, because that's what they are, a story teller, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. These anecdotes feel grating and stilted, and well, weird. For example, this sentence in the Emma's Back Porch bit just bugs the snot out of me, "They delighted to take it as an omen of prosperity." Huh??

I can honestly say, had I not agreed to review this book, it would have ended up on my Unfinished shelf on Goodreads.

*I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

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Pirate Hunters: Treasure, Obsession, and the Search for a Legendary Pirate Ship, by Robert Kursan

Pirate Hunters: Treasure, Obsession, and the Search for a Legendary Pirate Ship by Robert Kurson
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Ultimately, I was kind of frustrated with this book. I'm one of the people that is fascinated by the Whyduh pirate ship since seeing a special on TV about it, and I went to the exhibit when it came to Denver. The fact is, the Whyduh is still the only 100% proven pirate ship ever found.

This book is about the search for another pirate ship, The Golden Fleece. And while the clues and circumstantial evidence all point to this being the GF, the proof is not 100% there, since there is no real identifying item on the wreck (the Whyduh was identified by the ship's bell. Merchant ships, which is what the Golden Fleece originally was, don't typically have bells, and being a pirate ship in her final days, she's not going to have her name blazoned on much of anything else) that has been found to date. And since the wreck and all of its treasures are tied up in court proceedings due to financial and contractual differences between the 3 main players, if anything is there, it's not likely to be found. The fact that I got all the way to the end of the book before I found that out, left me feeling very let down. I was expecting pictures, or at least some description of what was found, but pictures are few and far between and the entire wreck wasn't even explored before litigation got in the way.

I also felt as though the author padded the book with a lot more background info on the main characters, in hindsight, maybe because the end of the story can't really be told yet? But really, I skipped through a lot of the padding, wanting to get to the wreck and what it held. Which again left me feeling let down, since THERE IS NO ENDING TO THE STORY!

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How to Knit Socks That Fit, by Donna Druchunas

How to Knit Socks That Fit: Techniques for Toe-Up and Cuff-Down Styles. A Storey BASICS® Title by Donna Druchunas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a straight forward book. I think if you were new to sock knitting, this would be a great book for you. It's a straight forward how to knit socks book. But, for more comfortable knitters, there are no real full patterns, just knitting stitch patterns you could use to design your own socks. Which if you're an advanced knitter, and comfortable with putting the pieces of a pattern together yourself, this book will appeal. But personally, that's a wee bit out of my comfort zone. I fall into the "comfortable" category, but not quite adventurous or advanced!

One of the major cons for me was there are no photos. For me, one of the things I like best about knitting books are the photos of finished projects. No finished projects means no pretty photos.

*I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

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If You've Got It, Haunt It, by Rose Pressey

If You've Got It, Haunt It by Rose Pressey
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Let me start by saying, I usually love cozy mysteries with a touch of paranormal...

I'd read one of Ms. Pressey's self-published books on Amazon, because it was free. When I saw this book at my local library I decided to give it a try. The combination of vintage clothes, cats, ghosts and psychic gifts was after all, a proven winner for two other authors....

Yep, this book felt like a combination of Annette Blair's Vintage Magic series, which I love and Juliet Blackwell's Witchcraft Mysteries, which I like. Ms. Pressey's book, not so much. This one felt very much like a first novel, when Pressey has quite a few self-published titles out there. I can usually get through a good book in less than a day. This book took me almost all of the three week check out period to slog though.

Pros: Funny characters, but they were over-powered by the cons.

Cons: -Cookie Chanel. Really?? What were your parents thinking? It's not cute, it's cruel, especially when the villain says, "You're a smart Cookie," at the end of the book. Blech.
-Too much vintage. I felt like Ms. Pressey went on and on and on about each item of clothing.
-The cat. *Sigh* I usually like animals in books and I truly believe that animals can sense things we don't, and may perfectly well see ghosts. But don't ask me to believe they can use a Ouija board! The cat spells better than most people I know, for crying out loud.
-The Ouija board. The one thing I agreed with Cookie about was not wanting to use it. Put it away.
-Plot holes. There were several that kind of made me crazy (the author can't seem to add to 3, for example, coming up with 4 hankies in a package of three).
-Weak mystery.
-And did I mention too much vintage and too much description of said vintage??

I see that this author has 12 different series on the go. Maybe she should settle on a few for a bit, and see if that helps tighten up her writing. Whatever, I'm glad this was a library book, and I won't be searching out anymore titles by this author.

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Spider's Trap, by Jennifer Estep

Spider's Trap by Jennifer Estep
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

*I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

This is book 13 in a long running series, some of which I have read, many of which I haven't. Spider's Trap has made me want to go back and read them all!

Gin is now in charge of Ashland's Underworld, having bumped off the previous supreme overlords ;) She doesn't seem too happy about it, but she's dealing. Unfortunately, the underbosses, aren't happy at all having Gin in charge and she has been the target of several assassination attempts herself.

(view spoiler)[The book pretty much starts right off the bat with another assassination attempt, but this time the target isn't Gin.

This book kept me interested throughout, with plenty of fun characters surrounding Gin to balance out the Big Bad, who just happens to be related to a Very Bad Man that Gin ran into many years before as a young girl. (hide spoiler)]

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In Search of the Paranormal: The Hammer House Murder, Ghosts of the Clink, and Other Disturbing Investigations, by Richard Estep

In Search of the Paranormal: The Hammer House Murder, Ghosts of the Clink, and Other Disturbing Investigations by Richard Estep
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

"When other kids my age were running around kicking a soccer ball, I was far more likely to be found curled up with a spine-tingling book about ghosts and haunted houses..." -Richard Estep, In Search of the Paranormal, Ch. 2.

This description could be me. Unlike the author, while I am still fascinated with the paranormal, ghosts and hauntings, especially, I don't particularly want to meet one! So when I saw this book was available on NetGalley, I requested it and was pleasantly surprised to be given a copy.

I totally enjoyed this book. It helps a little that Mr. Estep is "local," as in, he lives, works and investigates paranormal happenings here along the Colorado Front Range, so I was actually familiar with many of the places in this book. I'm always interested in reading about the history of the front range, and really all of the west. And I can relate to the expat Brit, since I've been married to one for nearly 25 years ;) Some of the English locations are places that I've been or at least heard of, as well.

All in all, I found the cases well recounted, with Mr. Estep being completely honest that in a lot of cases, they just don't get much of anything. There's no padding or embellishing the actual "ghost hunt" to make things more exciting. The investigations are as scientific as you can get when you're looking at something defined as "events or phenomena such as telekinesis or clairvoyance that are beyond the scope of normal scientific understanding." -Oxford Dictionaries, emphasis mine. When something does happen, an explanation is looked for, rather than automatically assigning something to paranormal activity.

For me, an amateur history buff, a lot of the appeal comes from the local history, tales and lore given about each location. If you're interested in ghost hunting or the paranormal, as well as a bit of history, pick up this book for yourself.

*I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

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Reading List for June

1. Spider's Trap, Jennifer Estep. Sci fi/Fantasy. ARC.
2. In Search of the Paranormal, Richard Estep. Paranormal. ARC.
3. If You've Got It, Haunt It, Rose Pressey, Paranormal Cozy Mystery
4. Dark Debt, Chloe Neill. Paranormal, Sci-fi/Fantasy
5. Spelled, Betsy Schow. Sci-fi/Fanstasy

That's just what I've got lined up to read right now. The first three are in progress, but I keep getting sidetracked by life and haven't been able to finish even one! And when I do manage to run away and read, I tend to hide in the bathtub, and welp, can't take my Kindle in there ;)

The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer, by Krista Davis

The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer by Krista Davis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Second book in the Paws and Claws series. Holly Miller is back in Wagtail for good, helping her Oma run their bed and breakfast.

I enjoyed the first book in the series, but I loved this one. For one thing, there's a lot less Ben (though he's in there). I do see this book going down the typical love triangle path eventually with Ben and Holmes, but for now the men are just secondary characters with bit parts to play.

This book is set during Howloween in Wagtail, and is full of fun activities for pets, their people and everyone else too. A group of ghost hunters is in town to film a TV pilot, and one of their hangers-on is popping up and being a pain in the rear. Mallory is obsessed with the leader of the ghost hunters, Mark, claiming they're going to be married, when really he wants nothing to do with her. Mark just wants to get back together with his ex-fiance, Eva, a ghost debunker.

When Mallory ends up dead in what seems to be an accident there seem to be a lot of people who aren't upset about it, and both Holly and Officer Dave have a gut feeling that it wasn't an accident.

The plot is fun with a nice cast of characters. I'm looking forward to book 3. I have enjoyed these two books sooo much more than Ms. Davis' Domestic Diva series! So far there's no obnoxious anti-heroine in the middle of everything!

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A Sliver of Shadow, by Allison Pang

A Sliver of Shadow by Allison Pang
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

2nd book in a trilogy.

I can't say I hated this book, it had some redeeming features, but they were few and far between. And the ending.... I really had a tough time finishing this book. I have to admit to skipping around, because I just couldn't deal with all the jerks.

Jerk #1 Ion
Jerk #2 Robert
Jerk #3 That Damned Unicorn, Phin
There are even more, but 3's already a crowd.

Ion was an ass in the first book, using Abby and abusing her trust, yet for some reason Abby thinks he's all that and a bag of chips. Umm, no. He's a Incubus, who eats your dreams and really treats you like crap.

Robert, cheating dirt bag and yet Charlie stays with him, blaming Moira for the whole lot. Takes two to tango, sorry Charlie.

Phin just freaking makes me crazy. Blech.

I HATED the end with a fiery passion, I HATED the love triangle (because frankly I hate the entire concept of the love triangle trope! Please, make them stop) and actually yes, quite frankly, can say, I HATED this book.

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The Diva Wraps It Up, by Krista Davis

The Diva Wraps It Up by Krista Davis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

It was ok. A whole lot better then the other one I picked up at the library at the same time, The Diva Paints the Town. I can't seem to get past the first 50 pages in that one! Yes, I know I am reading them out of order, but when I couldn't get into one, I moved on to another. I will likely try and read more in the series, because I did enjoy the book over all, once I gripped a bit out loud while reading it, haha.

It's Christmas, the neighborhood is out in full force, decorating for the holidays and swapping cookies (by the way, I made the Famous Pinwheel recipe, and it was flat out GROSS! I took one bite and spit it straight in the trash. My husband and daughter did exactly the same! What a waste of time and ingredients. Don't let the simplicity of the recipe fool you, it has NO redeeming qualities and I can't even think of ways to fix it so that the taste matches the lovely way these cookies look! Unless of course you like the taste of flour, then go for it...).

The cast of characters seemed a bit much, sometimes it was hard to keep them all straight, and the plot a little (lot?) convoluted. Sophie seems nice, as in a bit of a doormat. I don't care if they share a dog, what the heck is with her and her ex? He & Sophie divorce and then he hooks up with the Wicked Witch of the West (the complete opposite of Sophie, really) and still wanders back to Sophie on a regular basis. In this book he seems to spend more time with his Sophie than he does with Natasha.

Which brings me to my next point, get rid of Natasha. She's a stone cold bitch (and I think one reason that I can't get into the 1st book I tried) and a domestic diva with her own show?? Really, decorating for the holidays in pink and orange and then silver and black, why would anyone listen to her??

(view spoiler)[The victim is a lying, money grubbing bitch in her own right, trying to kill her husband's boss and make his wife look nuts, all so she can have money to spend again. Frankly, her death seemed like a gift to everyone.

And is it just me, or did Luis' wife Liza seem all too calm and collected at the end, for someone who discovered he'd been cheating on her with the victim, tried to kill her and then tried to kill Sophie too? I mean, if I discovered my husband was such a rat, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be in a holiday mood. (hide spoiler)]

My biggest gripe? The whole freakin' love triangle (although in this case it's more a square) between Sophie, Mars, Wolf, Alex. I am getting utterly sick of author's using this super formulaic plot device. I don't read a cozy for the romance, I read it for the mystery. And I would rather the mystery not be who the protagonist is going to end up with!

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Gateway to Freedom, by Eric Foner

Gateway to Freedom: The Hidden History of the Underground Railroad by Eric Foner
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

What should have been a cool book about a subject that interested me was too full of New York and not enough of the Underground Railroad :( It also came off very dry and academic feeling. I get it's non-fiction and history, but there's absolutely no reason it needs to be so dry.

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Marked Fur Murder, by Dixie Lyle

Marked Fur Murder by Dixie Lyle
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I love paranormal books, but I have to be able to suspend disbelief by falling into a decent plot and getting caught up in the characters. This series, at least in this book, has gotten a bit outlandish (and by a bit, I mean absolutely crazy wack-a-doodle!).

Cast of characters in this book:
-Foxtrot, seemingly normal PA. Can see and interact with spirit animals.
-Sidekick 1: Whiskey, ghost dog who can change shape at will.
-Sidekick 2: Tango, reincarnated pet cat from Foxtrot's childhood, who speaks multiple animal languages.
-Love Interest/sidekick 3: Ben, a Thunderbird
-Kooky Employer: Wealthy old hippy who spends money like water
-Kooky Employer's Deadbeat son, who seems to exist merely as filler when things get dull.
-Secondary employer, an enigmatic Spirit Crow, seemingly the overseer of the Animal Crossroads.
-Mysterious animal graveyard with an important role in the animal afterlife.
-More Thunderbirds, another reincarnated cat, more spirit animals, a pet "psychic" with a painting pooch, a crazy writer with imaginary friends and on and on and on.

The previous book was a little over the top, but in this one the author is just trying way too hard. This book was just too out there even for me! If there's another book in the series I will borrow it from the library and give the WTF trio another try, but I'm not sure where in the heck the author could possibly go from here!

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To Die Fur, by Dixie Lyle

To Die Fur by Dixie Lyle
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

The first book in the series wasn't bad, but I'm starting to feel as though this series is getting a bit preposterous. Yes, it's fiction, yes, it's paranormal fiction, which means it's going to be a bit out there, but this one goes beyond just "out there."

Cast of characters in this book:
-Foxtrot, seemingly normal PA. Can see and interact with spirit animals.
-Sidekick 1: Whiskey, ghost dog who can change shape at will.
-Sidekick 2: Tango, reincarnated pet cat from Foxtrot's childhood, who speaks multiple animal languages.
-Love Interest/sidekick 3: Ben, a Thunderbird
-Kooky Employer: Wealthy old hippy who spends money like water
-Kooky Employer's Deadbeat son, who seems to exist merely as filler when things get dull.
-Secondary employer, an enigmatic Spirit Crow, seemingly the overseer of the Animal Crossroads.
-Mysterious animal graveyard with an important role in the animal afterlife.

(view spoiler)[The entire mob boss plotline seemed to be reaching, and the lions, tigers and bears, oh my, made me smh. (hide spoiler)]

I'm to the point where I'm not really even liking the characters. *sigh* But apparently, I am a glutton for punishment, as the next book in the series is waiting for me to pick it up. Maybe in a few days...

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Vision in Silver, by Anne Bishop

Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I quite enjoyed this book, though the series is moving a bit slow for me. Maybe I am just impatient, but we know the confrontation between the Others and humans is coming, make it happen already! These little teasers/ clashes that are happening now just make me want to see the end of HFL! And now we know there are at least 5 books to the series, so I am just going to have to dial it back and enjoy the ride.

I like the relationships between Meg and the residents of The Courtyard, and I would have liked to see a bit more interaction between them. I flat out love Tess! Meg's human pack is finally learning just how dangerous the Others can be, but also learning that thanks to Meg, they're fair, unlike their other human neighbors.

I also liked the glimpse of the other Blood Prophets, and only wish more good had come for most of them. We are now getting a wider glimpse of the world and the more dangerous, elusive Terra Indigenes and I want to see more, NOW. Haha. March 2013 seems sooo far away.



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Gossamer Ghost, by Laura Childs

Gossamer Ghost by Laura Childs
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Thank god it's over! I'm done with this series. And really, who scrapbooks anymore, anyway? Lol.

I was barely two chapters in and I wanted to smack Carmela. Oooo, I heard something spooky so I am going to use my key and enter someone else's dark, spooky shop ALONE instead of calling for help. And then when she really should call for help, all she does is scream and figuratively wring her hands! Blech.

By the time I hit page 21 I already knew who the killer was. The rest of the book was just a slog to get through. I feel as though Childs is just phoning it in lately on all of her series.

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February Fever, by Jess Lourey

February Fever by Jess Lourey
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I should have left this book on the shelf at the library. I missed the previous two books in the series, normally I would have looked for them first. Instead, I picked it up on impulse. This book just left me sad and unsatisfied, and wishing I had never read it.

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“DON'T THINK OF IT AS DYING,"

said Death. "JUST THINK OF IT AS LEAVING EARLY TO AVOID THE RUSH.” The world just became far less amusing :’( R.I.P Mr. Pratchett

Shaman Rises, by C.E. Murphy

Shaman Rises by C.E. Murphy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I had a hard time with this book. I was initially excited to bring it home, but then I just kept looking at it on the table, and walking away. Not because it was bad, but because I knew it was the last in the series, and I really didn't want it to end!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, once I made myself pick it up and start reading. I love Gary and Morrison and I was thrilled that they were back at Jo's side for everything. I'm thrilled to see Jo grow into her power.

(view spoiler)[I knew something was wrong with Coyote right after he showed up. He was too intent on Annie, and just not acting like the Coyote we knew and loved. I was pretty convinced he was the Raven Mocker before he managed to convince Jo to go into the Space Needle. (hide spoiler)]

All in all, it was a good end to a good series, and one that makes me want to go back and start all over again with Urban Shaman.

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The Good, the Bad and the Emu

The Good, the Bad, and the Emus by Donna Andrews
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not a hardcore mystery, and really rather absurd, but always fun! The goofy cast of characters always makes me smile and occasionally laugh out loud.

It's what I was needing after a streak of not really being able to get into anything I was picking up.

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Shattered

Shattered by Kevin Hearne
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Like the last book in the series, I had a tough time getting into this book, at first, picking it up and reading a few pages and then switching to something else. I liked Granuaile's separate plot line, though I felt as if her father was too easily disposed of.

But I could have done with less of Owen's POV. With three different views I got to feel like I was jumping back and forth a bit too much.

Not my favorite book in the series, I'm actually getting tired of the Loki mess. I'd like to see that wrap up soon.

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Money Grab!

Yarn Over Murder by Maggie Sefton
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I've read all of Maggie's knitting mysteries, and after the last one I was left with a bad taste in my mouth, and this one wasn't much better. I only picked this one up from the library because as someone who lived in the area during the fires the summer of 2012 (I actually was at the Wool Market in Estes when I heard the news), I was curious as to how she would handle it.

Money grab. That's all I can say. Next it will be a book based on the deadly flooding we had last September.

I'm sick of "Ft. Connor" (but using the real names of Loveland and Estes Park are ok...) where every other named detail of the town matches Ft. Collins. Why bother to change it if you were going to use the local landmarks?? And why change LaPorte to Landport?

Enough of Lambspun, (I'd rather go to the Loopy Ewe anyway, they're much more friendly and helpful. The real shop Lambspun is based on seems very high school cliquey to me and nearly turned me off of knitting back when I was first learning!) enough coffee, for crying out loud.

As ditsy and distracted by coffee and the restaurant as Kelly seems lately, how in the world does she actually support herself, let alone solve crimes for the police? Why isn't she in jail for interfering with an investigation (disclosing details to a person of interest, for crying out loud!)?

After so many trips for coffee and one too many reference to Landporte, I finally just said to heck with it and skimmed through the rest of the book. I'm done with this series.

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Great Little Gifts to Knit

NOTE: I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is gorgeously photographed and the patterns all look to be clearly written, with easy to follow instructions and charts in many of the patterns. There's a little something for everyone in this pattern book, from beginners to stuff like intarsia that makes me quake in my boots! Each pattern is clearly labeled with skill level and approximate time to complete. The techniques section at the back is especially helpful to someone like me who is ready to try new techniques/stitches.

There are some really cute patterns in this book.

 Deco Backpack: I will admit I am a bit addicted to knit bags. And I already have two knit backpacks. But the look and texture of this bag make me want to go stash-diving!

 Masham Scarf: The trick of using different sized needles to make a light and airy scarf is something I never would have thought of, but oh what a look! The Kidsilk Haze just begs you to reach out and touch it. I love that just by changing that you get two completely different looks.

 Baby Love Blanket: I don't want to make a whole blanket (just did that, took forever and not ready for that kind of commitment again, yet, haha), but I'm tempted to try the center square of the baby love blanket, just for practice at shadow knitting. And the booties from the Shower Set! I may have to make the blanket recipient some booties to go with it.

 On the other hand, I am not a fan of fingerless gloves, (especially froufrou ones!), wristbands or leg warmers (sorry, the 80s are over, I don't want to go back there!) and I don't have a smartphone to make a cozy for. And while I love the Feather and Fan pattern, the Fiesta Shrug that looks to use that pattern makes me cringe.

 All in all though, I would say I like enough of the patterns to make this book a thumbs up.

Where does the time go??

I've been reading as always, just can't seem to find the time to sit down and write about anything I've read!

So instead I'll list the books I am looking forward to reading in the (hopefully) near future. My To Read list at Goodreads has 59 books in it at the moment, but here are some highlights.

FANTASY:
-Shaman Rises, by C.E. Murphy. This one will be bittersweet. I want to read it really badly, but it's the last of the series :(

-Cast in Flame, by Michelle Sagara. Ah, I need more Kaylin!

-The Winter Long, by Seanan McGuire. I pretty much love anything by Seanan McGuire (well,except for Sparrow Hill Road, but that's a completely separate review!).

-Shattered, by Kevin Hearne. The newest Iron Druid book.

 MYSTERY:
-The Good, the Bad and the Emu, by Donna Andrews. Andrews' book are always a fun, light read.

-Festive in Death, by J.D. Robb. I always look forward to a new Eve Dallas mystery.

-Yarn Over Murder, by Maggie Sefton. I wasn't a huge fan of her last book, but this newest book is set during the High Park fire a few years back here in Northern CO, so I want to read it. Although, cynically, I can't help wondering if the next book will be set during the major flooding last fall!

ROMANCE: Only one on my To Read list at Goodreads, Blood Magick, by Nora Roberts. Book 3 of the O'Dwyer trilogy.

Still dry, for now.

Our first sign of serious trouble was when the school district sent everyone home at 11 am Thursday, due to concerns that roads would soon be impassible. Since then, we watched the river rise, first in Estes Park.

To the right is one of two main roads to Estes Park. Totally gone, thanks to flooding. The town of Estes is pretty much inaccessible, with the other 2 main roads crumbling as well. The only way in or out is over Trail Ridge Road, which the National Park Service is keeping open despite snowfall, just so emergency services have a way in and out. Unfortunately, that's one heck of a detour :(

Then they had to release excess water down the Big Thompson which combined with the constant rain, and things went even more wrong, as you can see by the photo of the Narrows part of the canyon.

From the canyon the water raced through Loveland itself, flowing over farmland and neighborhoods alike.

Eventually, the water overran I-25, just south of town this morning. This is the main route in and out of Loveland, Eventually, the entire interstate closed from Denver to the Wyoming border. Crazy when the interstate becomes a river! At that point, every route into Loveland from the south was cut off, due to topped or destroyed bridges.

The river continues to rush east, into Greeley, taking out a trailer park and heading for the Platte River, into which most of them eventually flow.

National Guard helicopters are evacuating residents from areas that are inaccessible.

And unfortunately, more rain is predicted for the weekend.

But thankfully, we are high and dry, safe and well. We send our positive thoughts to those that are out of their homes or have lost their homes, as well as our gratitude for the amazing fire & police, sheriff, State Patrol and National Guard folks out there rescuing people and keeping us safe. Also, a huge shout out for the Searcfh & Rescue folks that have come in from Nebraska & Utah to help out. Bless you all!

*Sigh*

Honestly, I think it must be my attention span right now. I'm reading Carniepunk at the moment, and of course I started with the Kevin Hearne Iron Druid short story. And guess what? I cruised right through it and enjoyed it. I'm going through a bit of a stressful time right now, and instead of being able to escape in to a book, I can't seem to turn off my thoughts for any length at all. So maybe Carniepunk is a good book for me to be reading right now, since it's all shorts.

And I do love compilations, they introduce me to new authors that may become favorites. Like Sword and Sorceress intro'd me to Mercedes Lackey, I still love Tarma and Kethry. And I first read a Michelle Sagara Cast In story in a book of novellas that I got for the Mercedes Lackey story and so on. I always pick up books like this with the hope that someone new will grab my attention and make me search out other works by that author. Seanan McGuire came to me through a Toby short story in Home Improvement, Undead Edition, as a result wanting to read shorts by several favorite authors in it.

Then again, sometimes I end up disappointed, because I love a short so much only to find out that it's a one off and the stuff the author normally writes is completely different, or the author doesn't have anything else published.

Of Two Minds

I just finished reading Tulle Death Do Us Part, by Annette Blair. It's the latest in a series that I've enjoyed over the years, although the last one, Cloaked in Malice, was a bit weak. With Tulle, I'm of two minds. 

Majors spoilers coming so stop now if you want to read it.

On one hand, I liked Nick. And in the last book he and Mad seemed to really commit to each other. So for him to totally blow Maddie off, and with the twit Paisley Sky of all people, yeah, not quite in character. Totally skeevy, in fact.

On the other hand, I do like Werner, and I truly like him and Mad together, so I am willing to overlook Nick's sudden case of MPS. (But only if somewhere along the way Ms. Blair gets rid of Paisley Sky!) All in all, I hope Ms. Blair continues to write this series so we can see more of Maddie/Lytton and Eve/Jay.

I'm alive!

And I've read many books since the last time I was here! So, last 10 books I've read, in no particular order:

1. Cast in Peril, Michelle Sagara. This one is a re-read, leading up to the release of Cast in Sorrow. One more freaking, "demonstrably" thrown in and I would have thrown the book. I love this series, but someone please give Michelle Sagara a list of synonyms!

2. Tarnished and Torn, Juliet Blackwell. I'm still finding this series a stretch. I love her Haunted Home Renovations series, this one I think is going to be a pass from now on. It just isn't doing it for me. Funny how you can love one series, and just not like another by the same author!

3. Magic Rises, Ilona Andrews. Honestly, I think I am in a slump reading-wise. I love this series, but this book just failed to grab my attention. It's technically not a "read" book, since I've yet to finish, but I don't think it will end up on the unfinished shelf. Eventually I will get back to it.

4.- 10. Cast in... Did I mention I re-read the entire series in the last few weeks? Cast in Courtlight is one of my favorites still. I love a series that is re-readable and I still enjoy most of these books.

Anyway, I really am in a reading slump. I've Kevin Hearne's Hunted waiting for me to read it, after months of waiting and now I am just sort of meh. I've got another book, with a short story from Seanan McGuire that I've been waiting ages to get my hands on, finally read it in a break at work today and felt kind of let down. Mind you, it's nice to have the background, but....

Next up is Carniepunk, another books of short stories, so maybe it will pull me out of my funk.

And maybe next post we'll talk about the series books that I've read lately that made me decide I was done with some favorite series for good.

The Queen's Governess

The Queen's Governess, by Karen Harper.

I highly enjoyed this book. It was an interesting peek at what life may have been like in Henry VIII's court and Elizabeth I's early reign, told from not the royal point of view, but from a servant's point of view. I liked the character that Harper developed Kat into, finding her likable, interesting and sympathetic.

I'm now reading The Last Boleyn, the story of Anne's older sister, the Boleyn who dared to break away from the court and marry for love.

Is it just me?

Or are more big list authors caring less and less about their readers and only writing what they want? Or is it they've just written the same characters for so long they can't come up with anything fresh?

I know at least a couple of authors who outright tell fans to bugger off if they don't like the direction their books are going (LKH and now Christine Feehan). Honestly, I used to love so many authors who wrote series, and yet their last few books have made me scratch my head and ask, "Why did I like this author again?"

There are some series that I will still read, Nora Roberts' J.D. Robb books for one. And I still enjoy the Kelley Flynn knitting mysteries. Mercedes Lackey is now revisiting Valdemar and I am thrilled, though many will say the last book was weak. I enjoyed it.

But LKH has disappointed for the last several books, CF is hit and miss, I stopped reading Sherrilyn Kenyon several books ago when she started focusing less on the Dark Hunters and more on the shifters.

I don't know, maybe I am just in a slump again, 'cause not a lot is keeping my attention lately. And what books have managed to do so lately have been totally random grabs at the library. I don't always (often?) seem to find another book by the same author that I like again. *Sigh*

Winter is coming, I guess it's time to pick up my knitting again and leave the books for a bit ;)

Books v. Movies

I've been reading Eat, Pray, Love this week and find it surprisingly good. Normally I give the super popular books a miss (Oh how I wish I had followed that pattern on the Twilight series. Why oh why did I waste my time on that drivel??) but I was at the library and it was on display, so I picked it up and read the back. Hmmmm.

It reminds me a bit of Under the Tuscan Sun so far, but then that could be because she's in Italy at the moment ;).

And of course they've just made it into a movie. Would I go watch it? Probably not. I tend to be very anti-movie when I've already read the book. Under the Tuscan Sun is one of the few movies I liked more than the book. But guess what? I watched the movie before I read the book! Same with the Mists of Avalon (despite the dreadful acting) I watched the movie, then struggled through the book. Despite a love for fantasy and for MZB's Sword and Sorceress books, I just can't say I feel the love for MZB herself.

But I couldn't even watch more than a few minutes of the second Lord of the Rings movie, and never bothered with the third. The first movie made me cringe all too often. Sorry, but there's a reason these books are classics, why change everything?? Oh, Liv Tyler is prettier than Glorfindel.... I get it. But I don't like it. And as a result I waited for the 2nd to come out on video, and boy was I glad!

Harry Potter started out well. But after Goblet of Fire I was so disappointed in the movies that I stopped watching. Actually, the disappointment may have begun with the limited Snape exposure in Azkaban. And the prime role of Snape in the book PoA is why I loved it so ;)

So what do you think? Read the book or wait for the movie?

Help me out here!

The last several books I've read have been major disappointments, from Nora Robert's The Search (boring) to Carrie Vaughn's Discord's Apple (good, but too complex for what I wanted/ needed to be reading right now, I had to really pay attention because there's a lot of switching back and forth from world to world. Sadly, when I get off work I just want an easy read, something to melt into without a lot of effort. Discord's not that kind of book. Would have been a better book to read over the weekend when I had more time to keep things straight.)

Vaughn's newest Kitty Norville book was good, but not my favorite in the series. The White Queen by Phillipa Gregory was so-so, better than the much hyped Other Boleyn Girl, but not by much.

So what's a girl to read?

There are some books coming out next year that I am waiting for:

• River Marked, the next Mercy Thompson book. I'm hoping for more of Samuel, we'll see. Jan. 25, 2011


• Blackveil, Book 4 in the Green Rider series, a loooooong awaited book by Kristen Britain. Feb. 1, 2011


• Twilight's Dawn by Anne Bishop. A Black Jewels book, yay! March 1, 2011.

And of course we have the pre-holiday book season coming up:

• Intrigues: Book Two of the Collegium Chronicles. Yay, another Valdemar book by Mercedes Lackey! Oct.5, 2010.


• A Holiday Yarn: A Seaside Knitters Mystery, Sally Goldenbaum. Nov. 2, 2010


• Double Knit Murders, Maggie Sefton. Nov. 2, 2010


• Happy Ever After, Nora Roberts. Nov. 2, 2010


• Indulgence in Death, J.D. Robb. Nov. 2, 2010


• The Other Side, J.D. Robb, et al. Nov. 30, 2010 (Busy, busy month for Nora!)

And several more I am wanting to read.

But what about NOW?? Any suggestions?

Undead and Unfinished

by MaryJanice Davidson.

If I rated this book, it would get something along the lines of 3 out of 5, with 1 being bad, 5 being good and a three being so-so. I'm very ambivalent about this book.
The bad: It was short, the first portion rehashed a lot of the previous books and don't get me started on the epilogue!

The good: I like finding out some of the back-story on Sinclair and Tina, I liked that Besty and Laura did some good things.

Hrmm. So maybe I lean a little more toward the bad side of things. I get where MJD is going with this, it's time travel and Betsy gets a glimpse of a not so great future and has to try and change it. So that's the hook, read the next book and see if Betsy can change things or if things are destined to get ugly.

But that's also part of the problem. Because time is fluid and things can change depending on the kind of decisions we make who's to say that even if Betsy does change the future for the better (and they go there to prove it) that one small stupid mistake (and Betsy is the Queen of more than just the vamps, she's the queen of acting before she thinks...) wouldn't change things right back or make things even worse?? I don't know, slippery slope you're negotiating, MJD....

Again, I recommend getting this book from your library or waiting for the paperback. It's definitely not the best in the series and may even have a tendency to alienate the reader (that damned epilogue!).

The Sweet Potato Queens'

1st Big-Ass Novel.

I have to say, this wouldn't have been on my usual reading list. I was wandering through the library and the title caught my eye. It was quirky enough to make me pick the book up and read the blurb on the jacket. On to my stack of books to take home it went.

I started reading Nora Roberts' The Search when I got home. By mid-afternoon I had put it down and picked up the queens. I stayed up until 1 AM to finish it.

The characters all matched the title, quirky and fun. It was a story of friendships and life. It was a light, fun read (if you're looking for something deep, look elsewhere).

I shall be searching out more books by Jill Conner Browne.

And maybe now I can go back and finish The Search...

Waking the Witch

by Kelley Armstrong.

Definitely NOT my favorite book by this author. After the last Armstrong book I read, I was really looking forward to this one, but it disappointed me. The main character, Savannah, was cocky, and all together a Mary Sue, capable of everything except asking for help when she needed it.

This book also cut out other favorite characters and focused solely on Savannah. What the heck? Savannah has been in love with Adam since she was a young teen and we get a lousy phone call or two, and a cameo at the end? Most of Armstrong's books are paranormal romances with a mystery plot. This one is all mystery and as such I felt it was missing something. There are reasons people read series books, and the regular characters are usually the main one. I've never been a huge fan of series characters going off on their own and leaving the rest of the cast behind because it's the interaction between those characters that make the books wonderful. I had been looking forward to seeing the Savannah/Adam relationship develop, even if it didn't turn into a full-blown romance between the two.

This is definitely a book I recommend getting from your local library or waiting until it comes out in paperback. And if you are new to Armstrong's Otherworld series, don't start with this one. It's missing to many elements of what makes Armstrong's books a pleasure to read.

Knitting books

I'm a knitter (when I can force myself to put my book down, haha) and any time I see a book with a knitting theme, I grab it.

Take for instance Maggie Sefton's knitting mysteries. I'm anxiously awaiting my turn at Skein of the Crime. I'm finally up to number 6 on the library waiting list ;)

Out of the several knitting mystery series out there, I enjoy Maggie's the most. A big part of that is that she's a local author, so I know the places she writes about, even though she sets them in a "fictional" town. (The places are real, even if Fort Connors isn't. Maggie told me years ago when she was signing books at the Estes Park Wool Market that she changed the town name so she had a bit more leeway in writing, especially the local police force. And I have to say, her version of our local Lambspun wool shop and the place that I've visited just don't tally for me. Her version is friendly and fun. My version is stuffy and snooty and not very helpful at all. All three times I've been there I've been roundly ignored, but I digress...).

Sefton's books are comfortable cozies with enough turns to make them keep your attention. The one drawback is the large cast of characters. If you are going to read this series I highly recommend starting with the first book, Knit One, Kill Two, and working your way through, just so you get to know all the characters.

Give it a miss

War of the Roses trilogy by Rodrigo Garcia y Robertson

This trilogy starts with Knight Errant, a story in which 20 something Hollywood movie producer Robyn meets a man, falls in lust, travels to England to celebrate his birthday only to find out he's married. Enter the scum-sucking ditch pig's sister, who convinces Robyn to go hiking, where she meets a knight out of time and is determined to meet him again. Through witchcraft she is sent back to the 15th Century, gets caught and imprisoned for witchcraft, meets the 15th century version of the scum, his sister and the sister's daughter. Eventually she finds herself back with her knight and falls in love and becomes secretly betrothed to her knight and beloved by the commoners, only to be sent back to modern day England.

Enter Lady Robyn. In this book we find Robyn frantic to get back to her love, Edward of the March (and future King of England as well as the father of the 2 little princes who are later said to be murdered by their uncle in the Tower of London...). Robyn manages to get back to the 15th Century. Robyn is again captured and imprisoned for witchcraft. She spends much of the book lobbying against Edward's uncle's attempt at taking the throne and thus putting Edward in direct line of succession, and therefore making the lives of her future children uncertain (see above comment about the little princes). Robyn and Edward are reunited and publicly flaunt their engagement and everyone is happy. Until...

The White Rose. Here again Robyn finds herself transported back to modern day England where this time she and her sleazy assistant are both transported back to the 15th Century (by the wife of the scum-sucking ditch pig, who greatly dislikes Robyn for sleeping with her husband and realizes that assistant Heidi is ready to seduce the scum as well). Robyn and Heidi are captured (Again. Surpise!) and Heidi takes one for the team and keeps Robyn from being raped by their captor by screwing him herself. Robyn and Heidi leave, travel, get captured and escape, Robyn is in debt to the Venetians and needs Edward to bail her out, blah, blah blah. She uses the Witches' Flight to visit Edward, only to find her rival doing the same thing and Edward of course enjoying himself. She gets pissed, they reunite and NOTHING is tied up and settled. Do they or don't they get married? Does Edward pay her debt? And what about the child that Robyn finds herself carrying early on in the book (because Heidi just happens to have a pregnancy test on her when they are transported to the 15th C...), is it boy or a girl?

Honestly, I enjoyed the first two books in the series, as improbable as they were. I was able to suspend my disbelief and look at this as an alternative history, rather than a true historical account. I mean, for the most part Robyn's witchy-ness was accepted, including the never dying computerized organizer and fancy watch that Robyn wore. Edward even takes to keeping a lighter under his pillow, so it must be an alternate history, right?

But the third book pissed me off. It ended so very abruptly that I thought maybe I had missed something. Were my pages stuck together?? Nope. Ok. Maybe the author decided to add a 4th book. Hmm. Probably not since it's been nearly 6 years since the 3rd book was published. Well what a big ol' pain in the butt.

Because of book 3, I honestly wish I had never picked the series up. It left things too unanswered for me and was decidedly unsatisfying.

Twofer

The Silver Borne by Patricia Briggs.

This was actually the best Mercy Thompson book I think I have read. That's partly because I started with Briggs' Alpha & Omega series, and I've known Samuel longer than I've known Adam and I am heartily sick of the trend of love triangles. But Briggs settled the triangle issue in the last book, pairing Mercy with Adam. She develops that relationship nicely in this book while exploring pack relationships at the same time.

It did make me sad to see Samuel left out in the cold and rather unstable. He's been quite unstable for a while now, seeing Mercy as his chance at redemption and this certainly put an end to that. This book explores his reaction to that and gives us a glimpse of his past as well.

I was certainly left wanting more. More of the pack, more of Samuel's past. (And I certainly want more Alpha & Omega, Fall 2011 is sooo far away...)

My next book is pretty much my answer to the Terry Pratchett-esque Reading Challenge #7: Go to the library and wander into an aisle you do not usually frequent. Pick a book from the shelf and read it. One way to do this is to look in the new books section, and pick something from a category you don’t usually read.

I tend to read anything that sounds good to me, so there really is no aisle that I don't frequent. I even wander through non-fiction occasionally, tending to find a subject and stick with it for a bit before moving on to another subject. So I decided to just look in the new books section and grab something by an author I'd never read before. The title of this book grabbed me.

Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl.

This book was the story of Reichl's reign as chief restaurant critic of the New York Times. It starts with her being recognized on the plane from LA to NYC and told that all the restaurants in town were keeping on eye out for her. Reichl is shocked to find out just how much is known about her and beings to wonder how she can possibly review restaurants when everyone knows her.

She decides to invent a disguise to allow her to visit restaurants anonymously. She ends up with several disguises, each with its own character and personality quirks.

It was a fun read, poignant and thought provoking at times. And it left me hungry as well, with her detailed descriptions of the food she encountered ;) Conveniently, Reichl offers up recipes along with her remembrances.

First Drop of Crimson

by Jeaniene Frost.

This is a new spin off from the world Frost began in her Night Huntress series. It features Cat's best friend, now a widow after losing her husband in the last Night Huntress book.

I really had a hard time getting into it. I missed Cat and Bones. I honestly expected better things from this pairing and I guess maybe my high expectations led me to be let down.

All in all it was an okay book and I'm glad I read it, just because it takes place in the same universe, but I'm glad I got it from the library (which seems to be a familiar theme for me with regular authors lately. Maybe I'm getting jaded, or are the series becoming predictable? Hmmm.)

I'm late! I'm late!

To quote the White Rabbit. Apparently I missed this reading challenge:

POLLYANNA’S READING IN WONDERLAND CHALLENGE
1. ‘…at least I know who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then.’: Read a fiction book in a genre you don’t usually read.

This is a tough one for me, because I read just about anything!

2. “Reeling and Writhing, of course, to begin with,” the Mock Turtle replied, “and the different branches of Arithmetic—Ambition, Distraction, Uglification, and Derision.”: Read a non-fiction or how-to book about a new topic. Choose something that you are curious about, something that is really far from your current life, work, college major, and hobbies.

I just read Origami for Beginners with my kiddo. I still can't fold paper, but she's a whiz at it.

3. “How doth the little crocodile”: Read a biography or autobiography about someone whose life is/was vastly different than yours. Or, read a history book or historical fiction about a completely different time or place.

Lol, Ozzy has to count for this. Drug addicted / alcoholic millionaire rock star who grew up dirt poor. that's pretty much the polar opposite of little ol' teetotaler moi.

4. ”Well, if I eat it, and if it makes me grow larger, I can reach the key; and if makes me grow smaller, I can creep under the door: so either way I’ll get into the garden, and I don’t care which happens”: Read a book that includes food. You could read a cooking or travel book. Or a fiction book with recipes like “Fried Green Tomatoes At the Whistle Stop Cafe” or “Like Water for Chocolate.” Or a book that mentions food a lot, or has food as a plot point or part of the title. Now try some of the food from the book. You can cook it, buy it, or eat out.

Oh! The Apple Turnover Murder, by Joanne Fluke. Cookie baking amateur sleuth Hannah is back. And this time she's trying to find out who killed an old flame. It was an ok book. I'm a little tired of Hannah waffling between the two men in her life. Then again, I'm a little tired of the boring men in her life, period. But as always the recipes in the book sound oh so tempting. Get this book from the library and wander through for the recipes ;) Until I have time or energy to make some apple turnovers for myself, I think I'll head to the local bakery and get one there. Yum!

5. Alice thought the whole thing very absurd, but they all looked so grave that she did not dare to laugh: Read a book that’s just for fun. This could be anything – a historical romance, a cosy English mystery, P.G. Wodehouse, lighthearted non-fiction, a classic Erma Bombeck, complete and utter porn – whatever. Anything that makes you happy.

I've had a real problem finding books lately that just make me happy. I've picked some real snoozers lately. But I have to say Ozzy's autobiography made me laugh from cover to cover, so he wins this category as well. Really though, everything I ready is because I want to and it makes me happy. That's what reading is all about ;)

6. ‘Why is a raven like a writing-desk?’: Find a book that has been made into a movie. Read the book. See the movie. In whatever order works for you.

Harry Potter anyone? Maybe I shall finally watch The Order of the Phoenix.

7. The chief difficulty Alice found at first was in managing her flamingo: Read a classic book you’ve never read and always meant to.

Sadly, I can't really think of any classic book that I've wanted to read, but haven't. I'm a philistine, I don't much go for classics, ever since a bad run in with one in a lit class ;) But I'll see what I can see online. Maybe classic doesn't have to be boring. Or can I cheat and count Jane Bites Back by Michael Thomas Ford? It's about Jane Austen after all...

8. ‘But what did the Dormouse say?’ one of the jury asked. ‘That I can’t remember,’ said the Hatter. ‘You must remember,’ remarked the King, ‘or I’ll have you executed.’: Re-read one of your all-time favorite books. Remember all over again why you love it. Blog about it so we will all want to read it too.

I do this all the time. The real challenge is deciding which one to blog about

9. ‘And what is the use of a book,’ thought Alice, ‘without pictures or conversations?’: Read a children’s picture book. If you don’t have any small ones in your life to share their books with you, go to the bookstore or library. Find a picture book that really appeals to you and read it. I highly recommend you don’t skip this one. There are some amazing picture books out there.

It's funny, because recently at the library my daughter and I were looking through the Carl books by Alexandra Day. She loved those books when she was really little. We would "read" them at bedtime and she would tell me the story. (They are truly picture books, with very few words in them except at the very beginning and the end). Of course now she doesn't remember them at all, but they brought back lovely memories. They are very well illustrated and fun.

10. “Oh my fur and whiskers!”: Read a children’s or young adult book. It can be something you loved as a child, or one you’ve never read.

Which one to pick? Anne, Harry, Claudia or maybe I should read the Fablehaven books my daughter devoured recently.

11. “After a fall such as this, I shall think nothing of tumbling downstairs!”: Read a banned or challenged book.

Sadly, there are so many to chose from.

12. ‘But I don’t want to go among mad people,’ Alice remarked. ‘Oh, you can’t help that,’ said the Cat: ‘we’re all mad here. I’m mad. You’re mad.’: Read a book from a different country and culture. The author can be from a country you have never visited. The book can be translated from a different language. The book can be set in a country you have never visited. If you read a lot of books from one country, for this category, read something different.

Just not sure on this one...

Ozzy

I'm a metal fan, I admit it. And I loved Ozzy long before MTV started The Osbournes. So when I was at the library recently and I saw, I Am Ozzy I grabbed it up. I'd been looking for a biography on a person who was still alive for a reading challenge, so it was perfect.

And really, it was. The first page had me giggling,

"My father always said I would do something big one day. 'I've got a feeling about you, John Osbourne,' he'd tell me, after he'd had a few beers. 'You're either going to do something very special, or you're going to go to prison.'

And he was right, my old man.

I was in prison before my eighteenth birthday."

Ozzy got done for burglary, you see. He kept hitting the same store. The first night he forgot a flashlight and grabbed a load of baby bibs and such. Worthless. The second time he stole a TV, but it was too heavy for him and he pretty much ended up crushed by it and left it behind. the third time he managed to get away with some goods, but his gloves were missing a thumb, and they nicked him after he left perfect prints every where.

Ozzy's story is told with an irreverent sense of humor by a man who knows his short comings. He tells things as he remembers them, even if perhaps his memories might not match with everyone else (he's telling his story from the "jelly" that is his brain after all, lol). He's truthful about the dumb things and the bad things he's done in the past. He knows he's no saint. And he isn't afraid to laugh at himself.



Sorry, off topic, but I couldn't help myself, especially since he mentions the commercials in the book ;)

I giggled through out this book and totally enjoyed it. It's funny, it's shocking and in some places it's absolutely touching. If you like metal and you like Ozzy, read it. You won't be sorry.

Jean Johnson

I just finished reading her Sons of Destiny series. I picked them up because I recently read another book by Johnson, Bedtime Stories. Bedtime Stories is very much a modern day, adult spin on classic fairy tales. I loved most of them, though a few were too hard core Science Fiction for me (I found Sleeping Beauty to be just plain weird, though I did like her role reversal).

So anyhoo, after reading BTS, I decided to look into the SoD series. I fought through all of them. There was just something about them I struggled with. Kelly, the heroine in the first book wasn't very likable and since she has a huge presence through out the entire series that didn't help things. And I found Amara, from the 5th book to be absolutely abrasive. I wanted better for Trevan :(

I found myself skipping huge chunks of each book. Out of the 8 books in this series I only completely read 7 and 8. For some reason those two caught my interest and held it all the way through. Book 7 I think was because I'd already had a glimpse of this couple from Bedtime Stories. By the end of The Mage I actually wanted more, lol. But not enough to make me go back and re-read the other 6 books.

To sum up, I highly recommend Bedtimes Stories. I found it to be an entertaining and classy take on light erotica.

The Sons of Destiny, I struggled with, not truly getting hooked in until the very end of the series.

Reading List

On my bedside table, waiting to be read or in the process of being read:
Single white vampire / Lynsay Sands.
Every which way but dead / Kim Harrison
Mummy dearest / Joan Hess
Greedy bones / Carolyn Haines.
Girl's guide to witchcraft / Mindy Klasky
The Lost / J.D. Robb et al.

Read this year:

99. Animal appetite : a dog lover's mystery / Susan Conant.


100. Sword and sorceress XXXIII. / Multiple authors.


101. Sword and sorceress XXXII. / Multiple authors.


102. Wild boy : my life in Duran Duran / Andy Taylor


103. Nightingale's lament / Simon R. Green.


104. Hex and the city / Simon R. Green.


105. The glasswrights' progress / Mindy L. Klasky.


106. The glasswrights' apprentice / Mindy L. Klasky.


107. Magic and the modern girl / Mindy Klasky.


108. The glasswrights' test / Mindy L. Klasky.


109. The glasswrights' journeyman / Mindy L. Klasky.


110. Heir to the Shadows / Anne Bishop.


111. Dreams made flesh / Anne Bishop.


112. Patterns in the sand / Sally Goldenbaum.


113. Daughter of the blood / Anne Bishop.


114. The testament / John Grisham.


115. Grave secret / Charlaine Harris.


116. Bed of roses / Nora Roberts.


117. The shadow queen : a black jewels novel / Anne Bishop.


118. Kindred in death / J. D. Robb.


119. Dark slayer: a Carpathian novel / Christine Feehan.


120. Frostbitten / Kelley Armstrong.


121. Never after / Laurell K. Hamilton ... [et al.].


122. Just one sip / Katie MacAlister ... [et al.].


123. 206 bones / Kathy Reichs.


124. While my pretty one knits / Anne Canadeo.


125. To light a candle / Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory.


126. When darkness falls / Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory.


127. Valor's trial : a Confederation novel / Tanya Huff.


128. The outstretched shadow / Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory.


129. Legends : short novels by the masters of modern fantasy / edited by Robert Silverberg.


130. The heart of valor : a Confederation novel / Tanya Huff.


131. Must love hellhounds / Charlaine Harris ... [et al.].


132. The Enchantment Emporium / Tanya Huff.


133. Everlasting bad boys / Shelly Laurenston ... [et al.].


134. I only have fangs for you / Kathy Love.


135. Garden spells / Sarah Addison Allen.


136. Goddess of the rose / P.C. Cast.


137. Dragon wytch / Yasmine Galenorn.


138. Demon Mistress / Yasmine Galenorn.


139. Noah / Jacquelyn Frank.


140. Dragon heat / Allyson James.


141. Hidden currents / Christine Feehan.


142. The perfect poison / Amanda Quick.


143. Casual hex / Vicki Lewis Thompson.


144. Crate & peril / J.D. Warren.


145. Dragon actually / G.A. Aiken.


146. Unusual suspects : stories of mystery & fantasy / edited by Dana Stabenow.


147. Reader and raelynx / Sharon Shinn.


148. Black Hills / Nora Roberts.


149. Elijah / Jacquelyn Frank.


150. Dead and gone / Charlaine Harris.


151. Huntress / Christine Warren... et al.


152. Jacob / Jacquelyn Frank.


153. The shape-changer's wife / Sharon Shinn.


154. Fortune and fate / Sharon Shinn.


155. Sword and sorceress XX / edited by Marion Zimmer Bradley.


156. The thirteenth house / Sharon Shinn.


157. Dark moon defender / Sharon Shinn.


158. Mystic and rider / Sharon Shinn.


159. The darkest night / Gena Showalter.


160. Espresso shot / Cleo Coyle.


161. Dropped dead stitch / Maggie Sefton.


162. Undead and unwelcome / MaryJanice Davidson.


163. Forbidden nights with a vampire / Kerrelyn Sparks.


164. Skin trade / Laurell K. Hamilton.


165. Vision in white / Nora Roberts.


166. Turn coat : a novel of the Dresden files / Jim Butcher.


167. Summer on Blossom Street / Debbie Macomber.


168. Borderline / Nevada Barr.

And yes, I broke down and read the Twilight series. That's all I am saying about that...

This list is only the books I checked out from the local library (they keep the records for me, lol). It doesn't count the ones I requested from other libraries, or anything I've bought myself this year. I read everything I could get my hands on by Tanya Huff, Sharon Shinn, Anne Bishop and Madelyn Alt. I easily broke the 200 book mark this year ;)

Getting close to 100, lol

96. Running Hot / Jayne Ann Krentz
    Part of the Arcane Society series (written as both Krentz and Amanda Quick), now I have to start from the beginning, lol.


97. Murder List / Julie Garwood
    Not as good as the second book in the series, but not bad either.


98. Kitty Raises Hell / Carrie Vaughn
    This one took me a while to get into, but by the time I hit the third chapter I couldn't put it down until I finished it. I love Kitty!

I've got 4 more books waiting at the library to be picked up today, woot! Two are in the Arcane Society series, one is in Tate Halloway's Garnet Lacey series.

More Twilight and other things

88. New Moon / Stephenie Meyer.
    Did not love this book. In fact had very little like for this book (but please, don't tell my co-workers! Lol). I've been told the third book is better. We shall see.


89. Mona Lisa Darkening / Sunny
    Not my favorite of the series, I really struggled to get through it.


90. Drop-dead Blonde / Nancy Martin, et al.
    Four different mysteries by four different authors. I've even found a new series out of it. Woot!


91. Fire and Ice / Julie Garwood
    I enjoyed this book. Not great literature but entertaining. This book is actually a sequel to Murder List, which I am now reading.


92. Wicked By Any Other Name / Linda Wisdom
    This was a bit of a disappointment. Same universe as the Jazz stories, but Jazz has only a small role. I missed her, lol.


93. Mr. and Miss Anonymous / Fern Michaels
    Totally improbable plot, but an ok book ;)


94. Thai Die / Monica Ferris
    My least favorite in this series so far. I just wasn't interested in the characters this time around.


95. Confessions of a Shopaholic / Sophie Kinsella
    Fluff. Pure and total fluff. Very much a Bridget Jones wannabe, and since I didn't care much for Bridget I'm not sure what the fuss is about.

Not enough time

to do everything I want and read everything I want to read, lol. May is a good month for me, with several of my fave authors coming out with new books. Authors like Michele Bardsley, Charlaine Harris and MaryJanice Davidson. And the next Anita Blake book (it's a train wreck, I can't turn away! There's always this tiny hope inside of me that the old Anita we knew and loved could come back, and Edward's in this one so...) is out next month.

So anyway, here's what I have been reading. It's been a slow week, I'm working evenings and that's cut into my reading time.

86. While My Sister Sleeps / Barbara Delinsky.
    I knew I was going to be in tears by the end of this one. The sister isn't sleeping after all, she's in a coma. And I did cry at the end. It was a good book though and a quick read. It's also the first Barbara Delinsky book I've read in ages, so I shall likely read more.


87. Hex Appeal / Linda Wisdom.
    Ms. Wisdom is one of the Witchy Chicks that I so love. Hex Appeal is the second book in her series about 700 year old witch Jazz and her on again/off again vampire boyfriend, Nick. It's a cute, fun read.

I broke down and read it

80. Twilight / Stephenie Meyer.
    A couple of ladies at work talked me into reading it, they both loved it so much and when one offered to loan it to me, I thought why the heck not. It seems to be a book that polarizes people. You either love it or hate it. Or at least the most vocal people anyway. Me, I didn't hate it, but I can't say I loved it either. I'll likely read the rest of the series, just because I want to know the rest of the story now, but if I didn't ever read the rest that would be ok too.


81. Wormwood / Susan Wittig Albert


82. White Witch, Black Curse / Kim Harrison


83. Oolong Dead / Laura Childs

I've read better by all three of these authors.


84. The Accidental Werewolf / Dakota Cassidy
    There were times I wanted to smack the main character, Marty, right upside the head. It was a cute book, but she was a bit too inane for me. One more mention of the bloody color wheel of life and I think I would have screamed.


85. Accidentally Dead / Dakota Cassidy
    Second book in the Accidental Friends series and I enjoyed it much more. The m.c. was smart mouthed, feisty and strong and much more likable than her girly-girl make-up freak friend in the first book. And third friend Wanda seems to be coming into her own now as well, so I can't wait to read her story, even if she's another damned color-wheel freak.