Book Dragon's lair

Winter's Respite Read-a-Thon Up-date

2012-01-29T15:50:00.000-08:00

A Winter's Respite
Read-a-Thon

January 23 - 29
hosted by Michelle at the True Book Addict
sign up here

Rules:

RaT starts at 12:00 CST on the 23rd and ends at 11:59 CST on the 29th
There will be (a) mini-challenge(s) and a giveaway
book length: Novellas/Novels
Young Adult or Adult (no children's books)

Twitter #WintersRespite
me at Twitter #bookdragonslair

Original list:

The Deacon (kindle on my laptop) location 541 of 8240 - haven't touched it
Nitt Witt Hill (print) page 171 - finished (reviewed too)
A Cookie Before Dying (print) page 50 - haven't touched it

currently reading:
Time Slice (print) page 24
~~A Three Dog Life (print) page 98~~ - finished
Always (kindle on my touch) location 283 of 2563 - haven't touch it

haven't checked out any of the mini-challenges :-(
remembering to tweet :-)

I finished A Three Dog Life (Wed pm/Thu am) and read a little more of Time Slice but spent most of the day in shops or fast food and wanted something I could put down. Started Virgin River ('v' in my A to Z challenge) and ended up not being able to put it down once I got home. So, with my second unplanned book ;-)

29th updat: I've been working on a baby blanket and reading online so my books aren't farther along then they could have been. HAVE to finish, and review, Time Slice this week. I won a book! woo hoo :D

forgot to tweet

Current Status:

The Deacon (kindle on my laptop) location 541 of 8240 - haven't touched it
Nitt Witt Hill (print) ~~page 171~~ - finished (reviewed too)
A Cookie Before Dying (print) ~~page 50~~ page 146
Time Slice (print) page 43
A Three Dog Life (print) ~~page 98~~ - finished
Always (kindle on my touch) location 283 of 2563 - haven't touch it
Virgin River by Robyn Carr (print) - finished (Fri early am)
Great Short Poems - skimming

still haven't checked out the mini-challenges

~~update again~~ wrap-up post later....hopefully I've finished another book

Winter's Respite Read-a-Thon Up-date

2012-01-27T03:39:00.000-08:00

A Winter's Respite
Read-a-Thon

January 23 - 29
hosted by Michelle at the True Book Addict
sign up here

Rules:

RaT starts at 12:00 CST on the 23rd and ends at 11:59 CST on the 29th
There will be (a) mini-challenge(s) and a giveaway
book length: Novellas/Novels
Young Adult or Adult (no children's books)

Twitter #WintersRespite
me at Twitter #bookdragonslair

The Deacon (kindle on my laptop) location 541 of 8240 - haven't touched it
Nitt Witt Hill (print) ~~page 171~~ - finished (reviewed too)
A Cookie Before Dying (print) page 50 - haven't touched it
Time Slice (print) page 43
A Three Dog Life (print) ~~page 98~~ - finished
Always (kindle on my touch) location 283 of 2563 - haven't touch it
Virgin River by Robyn Carr (print) - finished (Fri early am)

still haven't checked out the mini-challenges

update again later

Challenge - One Million Pages Read

2012-01-26T01:31:00.000-08:00

One Million Pages Read
Perpetual Challenge

This is a GoodReads group but thought it would be interesting to see my progress....don't remember my GR log-in info so can't join the group right now.

started blogging in 2009, may go back and figure this out....

2009:
2010:
2011:
2012: 2,211

Christmas Haven, Carrots, Nitt Witt Hill, Happy Valentine's Day, Mouse, A Hawk and His Boy, Deep Disclosure, The Ladybug Jinx, A Three Dog Life, Under the Willow, Virgin River.....

Winter's Respite Read-a-Thon Up-date

2012-01-25T23:34:00.000-08:00

A Winter's Respite
Read-a-Thon

January 23 - 29
hosted by Michelle at the True Book Addict
sign up here

Rules:

RaT starts at 12:00 CST on the 23rd and ends at 11:59 CST on the 29th
There will be (a) mini-challenge(s) and a giveaway
book length: Novellas/Novels
Young Adult or Adult (no children's books)

Twitter #WintersRespite
me at Twitter #bookdragonslair

Original list:

The Deacon (kindle on my laptop) location 541 of 8240 - haven't touched it
Nitt Witt Hill (print) page 171 - finishes (reviewed too)
A Cookie Before Dying (print) page 50 - haven't touched it

currently reading:
Time Slice (print) page 24
A Three Dog Life (print) page 98
Always (kindle on my touch) location 283 of 2563

haven't checked out any of the mini-challenges :-(
remembering to tweet :-)

update again later

Thoughts on...Nitt Witt Hill by Sebastian Gibson

2012-01-25T00:01:00.000-08:00

Read this book twice.

Once because it's funny as all get out and a second time because there is a grain of truth in each chapter. I had to double check that this is really a novel! This is politics taken to the absurd level and told from a comedians point to view.

You'll laugh at Joe Homeland, he "operates a modest security firm", and his alert about what is really interfering with aircraft navigation and communications equipment. Then you'll cringe when the warning is taken seriously enough for there to be Senate Hearings on the subject.

I'd really love to tell you all the funny jokes and bad puns but I just can't, read this excerpt and you'll see why. There are 54 chapters in this novel and most are around five pages. Just enough to get you to laugh...then hopefully you'll think about it. I don't know if that was the author's intention but this is a timely novel to be reading leading up to elections in the United States.

I'm only at chapter 32 as I write this because I'm having a hard time reading it straight through. I'll read several chapters, think a bit before escaping into real-life or a different book, then come back.

.....off to read some more!

Currently at chapter 48 and I really wish there wasn't so much truth in this novel. Non-Americans are going to think Americans are idiots. Maybe we are.

.....off to read some more!

LOVE how this ends!

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary review copy of this book without any obligation to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of amazon and the author's website

Nitt Witt Hill
by Sebastian Gibson

publisher: Sebastian Gibson Publishing
release date: February 2012
ISBN: 978-0984777624
format: Trade paperback
political humor
248 pages

Grade: B

as for age...I'd say 14+, use your own judgement, this is a political book but I say if they're interested, let them read it.

Product Description:

What's causing the country and now the President to lose their crackers and voters to elect Nitt Witts? Clowns and Turkeys are running Congress and the Nitt Witts are everywhere. But will one more Clown in Congress make any difference? Would the country be better off with some real Turkeys instead of those Clowns? Or are the Nitt Witts destined to run Washington? Set on historic Nitt Witt Ridge in Cambria, California and Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., Sebastian Gibson's satire paints the absurdities of the political world and of daily life with his unique sense of humor. The top political parties have degenerated into the Nitt Witts, the Turkeys and the Clown Party and the country is becoming deranged. Unless Mark Twain (Mark, a political consultant and his dog, Twain) can determine what's making people so neurotic and make sense of the madness, riots may cause the country's collapse. The Clowns are running for office with the slogan, "One more Clown in Congress probably won't make any difference." The Turkey candidates are running against the Clowns with their counter slogan, "Isn't it time we had some real Turkeys in office instead of those Clowns?" But it's the Nitt Witt Party who may have the most appeal to voters with their slogan, "Elect a Nitt Witt and see what some real Nitt Witts can do in Washington." Meanwhile, believing a lightweight metal alloy in bras when placed in contact with the wearer's skin is causing electrostatic interference with aircraft navigation equipment and with people themselves, Homeland Security and the Senate take action to prohibit the wearing of bras on airplanes and their sale in America. Still, the situation fails to improve and the country is on the verge of losing its collective mind. With the rhetoric of political parties at a level never seen before ("Turkeys are made for stuffing, Clowns are for Congress") and as protesters riot over the right to wear or go without bras and try to take control of the White House it's up to Mark and his dog Twain to determine the cause of the country's mental imbalance and find a way to save the country. Read the novel that's making Washington laugh so hard, Congress can't accomplish anything. It all begins and ends on Nitt Witt Hill.

and we're off!

2012-01-24T20:52:00.000-08:00

A Winter's Respite
Read-a-Thon

January 23 - 29
hosted by Michelle at the True Book Addict
sign up here

Rules:

RaT starts at 12:00 CST on the 23rd and ends at 11:59 CST on the 29th
There will be (a) mini-challenge(s) and a giveaway
book length: Novellas/Novels
Young Adult or Adult (no children's books)

Twitter #WintersRespite
me at Twitter #bookdragonslair

Thanks for the reminder Michelle! I'm reading several books right now....

The Deacon (kindle on my laptop) location 541 of 8240
Nitt Witt Hill (print) page 171
A Cookie Before Dying (print) page 50

update again later

Happy Monday!

2012-01-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

Check out my review for Lifting the Wheel of Karma, there's a giveaway!

Challenge update: finished one, failed one and joined one :)

Tweeting my senator about PIPA. Entering to win a DreamHome at HGTV. Saw Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol (loved it).

Hope everyone has a great week planned.

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

A big thank you to Jenny Q at Let Them Read Books for hosting in December. January's host is Alyce at At Home with Books(blog link, not post link).

Received for Review:

Giveaway:

from Author:

Purchased:
Stay at Home Dead by Jeffrey Allen (first in a new series)
Philippa Fisher's Fairy Godsister by Liz Kessler
Dragonbreath by Ursula Vernon
Happy Valentine's Day, Mouse by Laura Numeroff
Mallory's Oracle by Carol O'Connell
Cat Miracles by Brad and Sherry Steiger
The Christmas Shoppe by Melody Carlson
The Reindeer Keeper by Barbara Briggs Ward
Hellhole by Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson

kindle/ebooks (catching up):

What are you Reading?
is a weekly Monday meme hosted by Shelia at Book Journey. Post what you read last week and what you're planning to read this week then link to Shelia's post. Then visit, visit, visit! She has a comment contest going on each week tied to the meme.

Finished:
The Ladybug Jinx
Carrots
Happy Valentine's Day, Mouse

Reading:
A Cookie Before Dying
The Eighty Dollar Champion
Nitt Witt Hill
Murder on Monday

Still Reading ~~Unread~~ from 2011:
~~Nitt Witt Hill~~
Before I Fall
~~Redwall~~
52 Small Changes

Next up:
Time Slice (Feb blog tour)
A Place to Die (Feb blog tour)

Reviewed:

Did Not Finish:

Need to Review-keep a running total and cross off as completed:
(this list is way too long and if they've been reviewed I didn't label them correctly!)

Spin the Plate, short story (current read)
A Modern Witch (current read)
Kekula (current read)
The Man Who Loved Books Too Much
True North
Whiskey Gulf
A Circle of Souls
Benny & Shrimp
The Right Side of the Tracks
Second Chance

Challenge Complete - Read Your Own Books

2012-01-17T04:54:00.000-08:00

Read Your Own Books
Reading Challenge

2012

Hosted at Tales from the Crypt

Challenge Completed
January 16

My original post about the challenge

Quick recap:

Any book that you have personally purchased, been gifted, or swapped, BEFORE January 1, 2012 and just have not gotten the chance to read yet. NO ARCs, library books, re-reads or books purchased in 2012.

Final List:

1. Christmas Haven by Hope White (first book of the year)
2. The Hawk and His Boy by Christopher Bunn
3. Deep Disclosure by Dee Davis
4. Carrots by Colleen Helme
5. The Ladybug Jinx by Tonya Kappes

This one was bound to be my first one completed, there is another challenge that says ONLY to-be-read books until Feb 1! Of course, last year I didn't make the TBR Dare but so far so good! Don't know if I'll make the whole months, I'm itching to read Anne McCaffrey and re-reads don't count

Terrific Tuesday

2012-01-17T00:01:00.000-08:00

44 and Carrots

Hosted at Bibliophile by the Sea
Every Tuesday, she'll be posting the opening paragraph (maybe two) of her current read. Why don't you join us?

I know I'm Lucky.

Lucky to be alive, lucky to be able to walk again, to inhale the juniper-laced air and watch the soft leaves change into crispy ones scattering in the wind. I can spend afternoons with Jesse as he plummets down the steep hills around town on his skateboard. I can watch Barcelona soccer games on satellite, eat pizza, and even see those dumb reality TV shows late at night.

44
Prologue
Jools Sinclair

which doesn't say much but chapter one starts off with five months ago...

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme,
hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
1. Grab your current read Open to a random page
2. Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page ~BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!~ make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!
3. Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

It all began because I'd stopped at the grocery store for some carrots. Who would have thought that could be dangerous?

Carrots

Colleen Helme

Happy Monday!

2012-01-16T00:01:00.000-08:00

Not much happened this week. I've been sharing Carrots with the girl I pick up from school and she's a little upset that I'm not reading it faster! Husband has been home sick most of the week. I started a new baby blanket. Went to BIL's birthday party....he's the youngest in the family and is 40 now! Not really happy to have that pointed out to me ;)

Oh, don't forget to check out my review for Lifting the Wheel of Karma, there's a giveaway!

Hope everyone has a great week planned.

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

A big thank you to Jenny Q at Let Them Read Books for hosting in December. January's host is Alyce at At Home with Books(blog link, not post link).

Received for Review:

Giveaway:
Night Has a Thousand Eyes by Cornell Woolrich from Bev at My Reader's Block

from Author:

Purchased:
The Unlikely Wife by Debra Ullrick

kindle/ebooks (catching up):
Justice by Karen Robards
Taking Love in Stride by Donna Fasano
Deadly Expectations (The Chronicles of Anna) by Elizabeth Munro

I went shopping through the FREE section at amazon, again.... this time there were only 29 new books and I was careful of the price :) Some are short but some of them were also picture books! Plus non-fiction, paranormal (lots of vampires) and other fiction titles

Finished:
The Hawk and His Boy
Deep Disclosure
Carrots

Reading:
~~Deep Disclosure~~
The Ladybug Jinx (kindle)
A Cookie Before Dying
The Eighty Dollar Champion
~~Carrots~~ finished at 4 am today ;)
Nitt Witt Hill
Murder on Monday

Still Reading ~~Unread~~ from 2011:
~~Nitt Witt Hill~~
Before I Fall
~~Redwall~~
52 Small Changes

Next up:
Time Slice (Feb blog tour)
A Place to Die (Feb blog tour)

Reviewed:

Did Not Finish:

Need to Review-keep a running total and cross off as completed:
(this list is way too long and if they've been reviewed I didn't label them correctly!)

Spin the Plate, short story (current read)
A Modern Witch (current read)
Kekula (current read)
The Man Who Loved Books Too Much
True North
Whiskey Gulf
A Circle of Souls
Benny & Shrimp
The Right Side of the Tracks
Second Chance

Giveaway & Thoughts on...Lifting the Wheel of Karma by Paul H. Magid ~spoiler alert~

2012-01-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

One key piece of information was left off the back description and I don't know if it's supposed to be some big surprise or not. That's why the ~spoiler alert~!

I started reading in the car but had to stop due to tears ruining my make-up!

This book is so much more than I though it would be. A boy, dealing with nightmares, traveling to India for help. What I found was a boy, a loving family, vicious nightmares and a tragic accident. That accident is the spoiler for you as Joseph does travel to India but he does it in a wheelchair.

Lifting the Wheel of Karma is not the usual type of book I read. It's one of the things I love about reviewing, the chance to go outside my comfort zone. I expected a quick read, easily read, easily forgotten when I moved on. What I'm finding is that I'm not ready to read the next book. I want to process what I've read first. I feel desire for the same peace Joseph was searching for. I wonder if it is possible to combine the Eastern philosophy he uses with my own Christian beliefs.

There is strength in this book but I also wondered if it could have been shorter. As I was reading, I thought it was too flowery but Paul paints with words and I don't know how he could have left a "color" out of his painting.

I do not know if I could have done as Billy and his parents had done. Joseph's parents kissed him good-bye, not knowing when they'd see him again. Billy dropped him off with a stranger, in a country far away, and walked away not knowing if he'd ever see his beloved brother again.

So, the book is fiction but it reads like truth and there are lessons to be learned. Will you see them? Will you see different ones than I did?

The author's website has pictures of India and Montana as well as the same discussion questions that are in the book.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary review copy of this book without any obligation to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of Tribute Books' blog

Lifting the Wheel of Karma
by Paul H. Magid

Point Dume Press
September 2011
paperback/kindle
young adult
fiction, spirituality
192 pages

Product Description:

Joseph Connell is a gifted high school athlete from Montana, loved deeply by his family, yet tormented by nightmarish visions he can neither explain nor escape.

He believes the answer to what threatens to crush him can be found in the knowledge possessed by a mystical old wise man, who lives deep within the remote Himalayas of India.

If Joseph is ever to find the peace he so desperately seeks, he must get this wise old man to reveal what he truly knows, but that will not be easy....for this sage knows far more than he admits.

Now for the exciting part. Paul will give away 3 copies to my followers! Isn't that great? Just comment with your email. Closing date: January 30 (midnight PST). The winner will need to respond to my email quickly.

Happy Monday!

2012-01-09T00:01:00.000-08:00

Would you believe I stressed about "the first book of the year" and then finished one without realizing it was "the first book"? silly girl. The really funny thing is that my listing of books read for 2011 shows "A Christmas Clock" as the first book of the year, "Christmas Haven" is the first book for 2012!

Went to Walmart....why yes, several books did jump into my cart ;) I also went to Barnes & Noble and it will be difficult for me not to start any of these before Feb 1....when my TBR Double Dare challenge ends.

Found a link on Facebook that I want to share with you. The author may be talking about the high price of professional photography but that's not all she paid a high price for. Grab a couple of tissues then check it out, here

Time to get back into the swing of things, reading, blogging, crochet, gym, cooking, cleaning, ....
reading? check.
blogging? check.
crochet? Gym? the rest? not so much. Hey, I got started on two! That's not bad ;)

Hope everyone has a great week planned. I'm off to see if the gym remembers me.

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

A big thank you to Jenny Q at Let Them Read Books for hosting in December. January's host is Alyce at At Home with Books(blog link, not post link).

Received for Review:

Giveaway:

from Author:

Purchased:
Hidden Summit by Robyn Carr (oh, man, I hope this isn't a duplicate!)
On Lavender Lane by JoAnn Ross
The Lost Gate by Orson Scott Card
Secretariat by William Nack
Witch Way to Murder by Shirley Damsgaard
Spirit Bound by Christine Feehan
Holiday Hideout by Lynette Eason
Season of Danger by Hannah Alexander (Silent Night, Deadly Night) and Jill Elizabeth Nelson (Mistletoe Mayhem)
Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell
The View from the Bridge by Nicholas Meyer
Purrles of Feline Wisdom by Bob Lovka

kindle/ebooks:

Finished:
Christmas Haven by Hope White

Reading:
Deep Disclosure
The Ladybug Jinx (kindle)
The Hawk and His Boy (kindle)
A Cookie Before Dying
The Eighty Dollar Champion

Still Reading ~~Unread~~ from 2011:
Nitt Witt Hill
Before I Fall
~~Redwall~~

Next up:
Time Slice (Feb blog tour)
A Place to Die (Feb blog tour)

Reviewed:
Christmas Haven

Did Not Finish:

Need to Review-keep a running total and cross off as completed:
(this list is way too long and if they've been reviewed I didn't label them correctly!)

Spin the Plate, short story (current read)
A Modern Witch (current read)
Kekula (current read)
The Man Who Loved Books Too Much
True North
Whiskey Gulf
A Circle of Souls
Benny & Shrimp
The Right Side of the Tracks
Second Chance

Challenge - Color Coded

2012-01-06T18:54:00.000-08:00

The Color Coded Reading Challenge

2012
Hosted by Bev at My Reader's Block

Thanks Bev! She wasn't going to host this one again but some asked and ... here it is! Join us again this year! Nine books. Nine colors. Well, seven specific colors plus one other and a word that implies color, such as rainbow or plaid.

Struggled with brown last year but I had four review books to help with the list last year, not sure what I'll be reading this year! I've got two review books off the top of my head that will help...wonder if there are others.

1. Blue
2. Red ....Red Alert....
3. Yellow
4. Green
5. Brown
6. Black
7. White
8. another color
9. implies color ....Rainbow in the Night....

1-6: Yea! Two titles chosen....seven more to go....I've got some ideas but wanted to get the initial post up so I could sign up.

Challenge - All the books of Pern

2012-01-05T07:34:00.000-08:00

All the Books of Pern Challenge
2012
hosted at West Virginia Red Reads
sign up here

Rules:

The main rule is that all books must be Pern related (duh!). There are several levels and you can move up but not down. Crossovers okay and any format is acceptable but the books must be read/listened to during 2012. See sign-up page for information.

Levels:

Green - The original trilogy (or any 3)
Blue - The original trilogy plus the Harper Hall trilogy (or any 6)
Brown - Everything with Ms. McCaffrey as sole author (17)
Bronze - Everything except the ones written by Todd alone (22)
Gold -The whole lot of them (24-25)

and if you're not familiar with Pern, challenge levels match dragon colors!

I LOVE Anne McCaffrey and especially Pern but don't know how many I'll read this year (read the Harper Hall trilogy last year), of course, I love the trilogy and I know exactly where they are.....

I'm going for GREEN and will read 3 books (at least!)

not sure if it will be the original trilogy, I may read Harper Hall again

Books Read:

Purr-sday and then some!

2012-01-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

Thursday is a busy place! Purr-sday and Cat Thursday are self-explanatory and so is Third Sentence Thursday but Thursday Three? It's a love/hate thing ;)

a place to share the cute/funny/weird pictures I find while surfing....when I should be doing a whole range of things ;)

Someone has an actual meme for "Cat Thursday" so head over to The True Book Addict and see who else is sharing.

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

Heart pounding in her chest, she crossed Sunset, eyeing the ferry terminal ahead.

Thoughts: Is it fair that I just finished this? Just based on that sentence, I'd say she's running from something and is afraid, not sure whether the ferry terminal is safe or not. And since I have finished the book I can say that yes, she is running from something, is afraid and the ferry terminal is mostly safe. :)

Hosted at Book Obsessed
Take your current read, or book you previously finished, and tell me the following 3 things about it.
1. Character from the book you LOVE (This can be a character you want as your BFF or someone you want to take home to meet the parents)
2. Character from the book you HATE (This character does not have to be the villian, just someone you disliked)
3. Your overall LOVE/HATE of the book. (If you haven't decided your feelings for the book yet, or if you prefer, just provide a snippet from the book containing either the word "LOVE" or "HATE")
and, where the story is located for those of us doing the 50 States challenge. ;)

1. Love Morgan Wright, the male lead. Reformed bad boy? Who could resist? lol
2. this one is weird... love at the beginning, hate in the middle, love at the end....this would be Julie, the female lead. Love her spunk and career then hate her whiny-run-away-it's-all-my-fault attitude then love her again
3. grade B Loved it - Share with your friends and hope you get it back

this story takes place in Washington state.

edit: Christmas Haven by Hope White

~*~*~*~
Now, on to the pictures......

Pretty, but....
I really hope they're not drugging the cats! I had a dog I could dress up but never a cat that would sit still for it.

and while we're on the subject of weddings.....

I'm trying to decide what the theme of the wedding would be that requires "an agent" to be ring-bearer. I'd really love to see a picture of the whole wedding party!

Which man do you see?
It's very easy for me to see both now and I have to concentrate to see one or the other!

Books Read in 2012....

2012-01-04T02:17:00.000-08:00

First book of 2011 was The Christmas Clock. First book of 2012 was Christmas Haven. :D

January Recap

1. Christmas Haven by Hope White
52in52, 150+, AtoZ, Harlequin/Silhouette, Romantic Suspense, Read & Review, 50 States, Where are you reading?, Mt. TBR, TBR Double Dare, Read Your Own Books, Off the Shelf

2. The Hawk and His Boy by Christopher Bunn
52in52, 150+, AtoZ, ebook, Mt. TBR, TBR Double Dare, Read Your Own Books, Off the Shelf, Free Reads, Why Boy the Cow?, What's in a Name?

3. Deep Disclosure by Dee Davis
150+, Mt TBR, Read Your Own Books, Off the Shelf, TBR Double Dare, Unread Book, Free Reads, AtoZ, Romantic Suspense, Romance

4. Carrots by Colleen Helme
150+, Mt. TBR, ebook (2), Foodie, Free Reads, Why Buy the Cow?, 50 states, Where Are You Reading?, Read Your Own, Off the Shelf, TBR Double Dare, Mystery/Suspense, 52 in 52, A to Z

5. The Ladybug Jinx by Tonya Kappes
150+, MMM, TBR Double Dare, Read Your Own Books, Off the Shelves, Mt. TBR, 50 States, Where are you Reading? ebook (2), A to Z, What's in a name?

6. Under the Willow by Kari Jo Spear
150+, Mt TBR, TBR Double Dare, Off the Shelf, 50 States, Where are you Reading?, Paranormal Romance, ebook, MMM, A to Z, Immortal, Romance, Paranormal

7. Nitt Witt Hill by Sebastian Gibson
150+, What's in a Name, Free Reads, 52in52, A to Z, Personal ARC Read & Review, Winter's Respite RaT

8. A Three Dog Life by Abigail Thomas
150+, One Million Pages, A to Z, Memorable Memoirs, Winter's Respite RaT, What's in a name

9. Virgin River by Robyn Carr
150+, One Million Pages, A to Z, Romance, Winter's Respite RaT, 50 States, Where are you reading, MMM, Harlequin

6. Title by
150+, One Million Pages, other challenges.....

6. Title by
150+, One Million Pages, other challenges.....

February Recap

March Recap

2012 Book Thoughts

2012-01-04T02:10:00.000-08:00

2012 Book Thoughts

Christmas Haven - Inspirational Romantic Suspense

Lifting the Wheel of Karma - fiction, spirituality, young adult

Nitt Witt Hill - Political Humor

Thoughts on...Christmas Haven by Hope White

2012-01-04T01:03:00.000-08:00

Just so you know, I have a weakness for Christmas books and so far I've never been disappointed with a Christmas book from Harlequin.

Still not disappointed. ;)

Pay attention to the publisher of this one. This is from Harlequin's Love Inspired imprint so if scripture references or prayer disturbs you, this is not the book for you. I didn't find them to be a distraction (sometimes I do) and most of the prayers were internal. They were a small part of the story, just enough to give you the feel of the characters' character :) without being over the top.

The suspense kept me engaged until it became edge-of-your-seat, the romance was gentle. Julie and Morgan were high school sweethearts until she left their sleepy town ten years ago. No big gush of I-love-yous or mushy scenes. Most of the time Morgan is trying to out-stubborn Julie to keep her safe. The first kiss was on page 102!

There were a couple of coincidences, such as Julie's old boyfriend still being single, ~~a police officer~~ sheriff in her home town, and gosh darn, he just happens to be on the same ferry as her headed home after being in the city. To tell the truth, they happened so smoothly it wasn't until later that I went, 'hey'.

Grade: B....loved it, share with friends and hope you get it back.

Disclaimer: I purchased this book for myself. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of publisher

Christmas Haven
by Hope White

publisher: Harlequin - Love Inspired
ISBN: 978-0-373-44466-3
date published: Nov 2011
format: Mass Market Paperback
genre: Inspirational Romantic Suspense
pages: 221 plus 14 discussion questions
ages: personal guess... 12+ (clean suspense, drug use mentioned, two kisses)

Product Description:

His to Protect
Shock is police captain Morgan Wright's first reaction to seeing his former sweetheart, Julie Burns. But concern soon follows. The lovely social worker left Port Whisper behind years ago. Why is she back...and what's got her so scared?

Her hometown was the only safe place Julie could turn to after witnessing a kidnapping. She didn't count on trouble following her. and she certainly didn't expect to run into Morgan, or to feel that old love rekindle. Morgan wants to help her, and she wants to let him - but now that danger has intruded on her safe haven, everyone's at risk....

Challenges
Harlequin/Silhouette (holiday in the title)
Romantic Suspense
Read & Review
50 States (Washington)
Where are you reading? (Washington)
(TBR-purchased in 2011)
Mt. TBR
Read Your Own Books
The TBR Double Dare
Off the Shelf

Teaser & 1st Paragraph

2012-01-03T00:01:00.000-08:00

Lifting the Wheel of Karma . . . .

Hosted at Bibliophile by the Sea
Every Tuesday, she'll be posting the opening paragraph (maybe two) of her current read. Why don't you join us?

The harrowing landscape was a disorienting mix of darkness and hypnotic light that appeared to ignore the rules governing its path, causing the eye to question what it saw. Joseph, aged seventeen, ran through lush vegetation in the entangled forest as he wielded a sword in his left hand. The sword was of a thin steel with a curve that extended from the handle to the tip. Carved into the sides of the steel were ornate designs of unknown origin. The handle was made of ivory and was capped with a slightly oversized gold tip to make sure the pinky finger was held in place when in use--which it surely was to be now.

Lifting the Wheel of Karma
Paul H. Magid

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme,
hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

"There are more important things than walking, you know?" Madhu said.

"Like what?" Joseph asked.

"Like kissing," Madhu replied while smiling at him.

Lifting the Wheel of Karma
Paul H. Magid

Blog tour stops

Happy Monday!

2012-01-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

oh my gosh, it's 2012! What happened to 2011?

I started my new year as I ended it, FarmVille, hardly noticed when the day ticked over. lol School is starting tomorrow so back to work for me.

Super excited about the challenges I joined and sad about some I just couldn't. There are still a couple I'm thinking about and a new one found on Novel Challenges that I have to join, Anne McCaffrey's Pern series.

I started the new year with a couple of books unfinished: Redwall, Before I Fall, and Nitt Witt Hill. these will be finished (two are review books), they just don't count for most of my challenges unless I start over. ;-)

Time to get back into the swing of things, reading, blogging, crochet, gym, cooking, cleaning, .... Hope everyone has a great week planned.

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

A big thank you to Jenny Q at Let Them Read Books for hosting in December. January's host is Alyce at At Home with Books(blog link, not post link).

Received for Review:

Giveaway:

from Author:

Purchased:
The Dragons of Chiril by Donita K. Paul
Dewey's Christmas at the Library by Vikki Myron and Bret Witter (picture book)

kindle/ebooks:
The Fisherman's Son by Marilyn Peake
Carrots by Colleen Helme
Desperate Housedogs by Sparkle Abbey
...and a bunch of others, went shopping through the free section again ;-)

Finished:
Dewey's Christmas at the Library
The More the Terrier
and a huge on-line serial that doesn't count ;)

Reading:
Haven't picked my "first book of the year" yet....reading online stories and they don't count, even if they are loooong ;-)

Unread from 2011:
Nitt Witt Hill
Before I Fall
Redwall

Next up:
Time Slice (Feb blog tour)
A Place to Die (Feb blog tour)

Reviewed:

Did Not Finish:

Need to Review-keep a running total and cross off as completed:
(this list is way too long and if they've been reviewed I didn't label them correctly!)

Spin the Plate, short story (current read)
A Modern Witch (current read)
Kekula (current read)
The Man Who Loved Books Too Much
True North
Whiskey Gulf
A Circle of Souls
Benny & Shrimp
The Right Side of the Tracks
Second Chance

Happy New Year!

2011-12-29T00:01:00.000-08:00

May the new year be everything you dreamed!

Be Safe. Be Happy. Be Loved.

Happy Reading, Gina

Winter's Respite Read-a-Thon

2011-12-27T01:30:00.000-08:00

A Winter's Respite
Read-a-Thon

January 23 - 29
hosted by Michelle at the True Book Addict
sign up here

Rules:

RaT starts at 12:00 CST on the 23rd and ends at 11:59 CST on the 29th
There will be (a) mini-challenge(s) and a giveaway
book length: Novellas/Novels
Young Adult or Adult (no children's books)

Twitter #WintersRespite

I don't believe I'll need a "week of relaxed reading" but I do need a kick start on my TBR pile! I hope to get at least one review book read & reviewed during the week. I'm assuming, but will double check, that by children's books, she means picture books, early readers, and beginning chapter books.

Will need to do updates (blog and/or Twitter) and a wrap-up post. do not currently have a possibilities list.

me at Twitter #bookdragonslair

2012 Challenges

2011-12-27T01:15:00.000-08:00

ALL open Challenges for 2012

Welcome! Each name is a link to my post about the challenge/s. That is where you'll find where it is hosted, what the basic requirements are, the time frame and my progress/list of books. Or a link to wherever my book list is.

Grrr...trying something new this year, not sure if it's working

Read-a-Thon

Jan: Winter's Respite
Apr: Dewey's 24-Hour
Oct: Dewey's 24-Hour

Reading Challenge Addict!

Keeping track of number/format

150+
Two ebooks challenges
One Million Pages Read

Location

50 States & Where are you reading?

Genre specific

Art :: Cozies, Suspense, Criminal Plots:: Dewey Decimal :: Dystopia :: General :: Memoirs :: Mind Voyages :: Paranormal :: Romance :: RIP (upcoming) ::

Author/series specific

Harry Potter :: Chronicles of Narnia :: Dean Koontz :: Game of Thrones :: Pern

To-Be-Read

Mt. TBR :: Read Your Own Book :: Off the Shelf :: Double Dare :: The Unread Book

Free Books

Free Reads :: Why Buy the Cow?

Whittle Down Your Perpetual TBR List

100 Best Novels :: 101 Fantasy :: Cedar Cove :: Cardathon (Orson Scott) :: Disney Lit :: Landover :: Banned Books :: PB&J :: Prey :: Redwall

Specific Requirements

Harlequin :: Color Coded :: Foodies :: What's in a Name :: What an Animal :: Read Your Name :: Toss Me a Frosty One

52-52-52, 6-1-12
Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks & A to Z mini-challenge
Monthly Mix-up Mania, 3-31-13
ALA's Top Ten Banned/Challenged books of 2010, 4-1-12
ARC
Alex Awards
Fall into Reading (upcoming)
Getting Lost in a Comfortable Book
Read & Review
Spring Reading Thing

PLUS, ~~10 perpetual challenges~~, several upcoming challenges, three I'm still thinking about and 38+ I decided against!

The End is Near

2011-12-27T01:00:00.000-08:00

Challenge 1: Dystopia at Bookish Ardour

I'll be Asocial and will read 5 books.

Challenge 2: Read Dystopia at Book Journey

I'm a Beginner and plan to read 1-3 books
Possible prizes!

Dystopian Description

Dystopian Societies - Themed Book List
Part One, (A - L)
Part Two, (M - Z)

Sheila/Book Journey also has a list.

15 recommended novels from Bookish Ardour

Possiblilities:

Hunger Games trilogy,

Books Read:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

It's All About the FREE baby!

2011-12-27T00:45:00.000-08:00

I have downloaded so many free books that are never read, this is perfect! When someone wants to give me a gift but doesn't know what, I get a bookstore giftcard :D I've also won several books that count.

Challenge 1: Free Reads at Bookish Ardour

Any book that you own but did NOT purchase. Gifts, ARCs, and contest winners count but library books do not. I'm going for For Me? and plan to read 5 books. I can move up, but not down.

1. The Hawk and His Boy by Christopher Bunn (free download)
2. Deep Disclosure by Dee Davis (gift)
3. Carrots by Colleen Helme (free download)
4. Nitt Witt Hill by Sebastian Gibson (ARC)
5.

Blood Oath - planned

Challenge 2: Why Buy the Cow? at The Unread Reader

No library books, books you've won, or ARCs. This is strictly for ebooks you've downloaded LEGALLY for FREE. I'm going to be a Coupon Clipper and read 12 Books.

1. The Hawk and His Boy by Christopher Bunn
2. Carrots by Colleen Helme
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

Challenge - Harlequin Books

2011-12-27T00:30:00.000-08:00

Harlequin/Silhouette Reading Challenge

2012
hosted by Evy at Islandgirl reads Romance
sign up here

Rules:

The main rule is that ALL the book must come from Harlequin (Mira counts!). Visit Harlequin's store online and anything you can purchase there (but you don't have to) can be used for the challenge, provided it has one of the following requirements.
1. The name of a place in the title (country, small city or town)
2. A weather condition in the title (snow, rain, storm etc.)
3. A Title must be in the title of the book (Prince, Countess, etc)
4. The author's first or last name beginning with the letter M
5. A Holiday/Season in the title (Valentine, Christmas, Summer, etc)
6. A color must be in the title (red, blue, green etc)

Every year, one of the requirements stumps me. Wonder which one will do me in this time?

Possibilities (all are Mira):
The Perfect Christmas by Debbie Macomber
Against the Storm by Kat Martin
The Widows of Wichita County by Jodi Thomas
The Summer We Came to Life by Deborah Cloyed
Blue Twilight by Maggie Shayne
Paradise Valley by Robin Carr - own
Orchard Valley Brides by Debbie Macomber
The Bikini Car Wash by Pamela Morsi
Little Town, Great Big Life by Curtiss Ann Matlock
Hannah's List by Debbie Macomber - own
Waking Up in Charleston by Sherryl Woods
The Winter Lodge by Susan Wiggs (also What's in a name)
Queene of Light by Jennifer Armintrout (also Paranormal)
Protecting the Princess by Rachelle McCalla (Feb12)

Books Read:

1. Place Name - Virgin River by Robyn Carr
2. Weather -
3. Title -
4. "M" -
5. Holiday/Season - Christmas Haven by Hope White (1st book of the year!)
6. Color -

Romance is in the Air!

2011-12-27T00:15:00.000-08:00

Who can resist a good romance? I can't!

Challenge 1: Sports Romance at Crazy Book Slut

Time Frame: 2012

Basic Requirements: Read romance with a strong sports related element. I know I have a couple on my wish list and several that I've read. There are several levels but I'm going for Pee Wee and plan to read 1-3 books.

sign up here*
*this is an "adult" blog so you'll need to okay that you really want to go there.

Books Read:

1.
2.
3.

possibility...Line of Scrimmage, Taking Love in Stride,

Challenge 2: Paranormal Romance at Tales from the Crypt

Time Frame: 2012

Basic Requirements: Romance with a strong paranormal element. Shifter, psi abilities, Vampires, etc... I enjoy this sub-genre but am still going for level 1 and plan to read 1-5 books.

Sign-up here

Books Read:

1. Under the Willow by Kari Jo Spear
2.
3.
4.
5.

Possibilities....Kiss of Snow

Challenge 3: Romantic Suspense at The Eclectic Bookshelf

Time Frame: 2012

Basic Requirements: Romance books that have a strong suspense element. I'm going for level 1 and hope to read 4 books.

Sign up here

Books Read:

1. Christmas Haven by Hope White (1st book of the year!)
2. Deep Disclosure by Dee Davis
3.
4.

Possibilities.... ~~Deep Disclosure~~, ...

Challenge 4: Romance at The Eclectic Bookshelf

Time Frame: 2012

Basic Requirements: Romance. Any kind of romance.

sign up here

Books Read:

1. The Ladybug Jinx
2. Virgin River by Robyn Carr
3.
4.

Possibilities....The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae, plus all the other romance challenge books ;)

Reading Challenge - Completed!

2011-12-26T00:44:00.000-08:00

Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks

2011

Hosted at it's own blog

Challenge Completed
June 3, 2011

My original post about the challenge

Quick recap:

read 52 books during 2011

Final List:

check out the original post for details

This challenge was more stressful for me than I thought it should be. I originally thought it was a book a week and I missed week 5! Realizing it was 52 a year made it much easier to complete. I've joined again for 2012 and am hoping to actually read one a week (and them some)

Reading Challenge Wrap-Up Questions asked by Robin

Did you reach the goal of 52 books or did you manage to beat your own personal best?
- Yes to the 52 but no to the personal best.

What book are you ending the year with?
- Currently reading The More the Terrier, and
- Before I Fall, and
- Nitt Witt Hill
- BUT, I think my last book recorded was So This is Christmas

Did you discover a new author or genre? Did you love them or hate them?
- lots of new authors, way more then I would have read without challenges. I liked most of them.

Did you challenge yourself to read more non fiction if prefer fiction or more fiction if you prefer non fiction?
- I read at least four memoirs and a couple of non-fiction that I wouldn't have picked up except for blogging. I plan on reading 5 memoirs next year and have several non-fiction on my TBR list

Did you read from a list or wing it?
- yes. ;) I had a list but more often then not, I'd pick up what sounded good.

How many classics did you read? What did you think of the writing style or author?
- classics {shudder} not good with classics but two are on my TBR list for 2012. Oh, wait, there was a kate something short story....it was weird.

Name one book that you thought you'd never read and was pleasantly surprised you like it.

What are your top ten favorite books?

What are your ten least favorite books?

Did you start any books that you just simply couldn't finish?
- Quickstep to Murder (hoping to try again in 2012, we'll see)

What did you think of the mini challenges and did you join in or complete any?
- No, but I have a Mind Voyages list (from when it was it's own challenge) and am doing the A to Z mini-challenge in 2012.

Did your family join in on the fun?
- no, they don't read like I do. They all read but not quite at this level.

How many books have you added to your wishlist since the beginning of the year?
- lol

What was your favorite thing about the challenge?
- reading the weekly posts

Happy Monday!

2011-12-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had an enjoyable day yesterday! We basically repeated Thanksgiving but with more people, gifts, and birthdays.

Spent some time with my parents and brother/SIL. Not as long as I'd like but that's what happens during the holidays. Almost need to go on vacation at a different time in order to spend time with them.

Lunch with Daughter, shopping with Mom, trip to the Post Office {shudder}, I'm ready for a break!

Hope everyone has a great week planned.

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

The December's host is Jenny Q at Let Them Read Books (blog link, not post link).

Received for Review:

Giveaway:
Edenville Owls by Robert B. Parker (Karen at Grab a Book From Our Stack)

from Author:

Purchased:
The Dragon and the Turtle by Donita K. Paul and Evangeline Denmark (picture book)
Two Tickets to the Christmas Ball by Donita K. Paul
only found one at Target (it's a gift) but went to a thrift store.....
Marley & Me by John Grogan
Obsidian Prey by Jayne Castle/JAK
Temptation Ridge by Robyn Carr
Dark Rivers of the Heart & Whispers by Dean Koontz (both for a challenge)
A Capital Holiday by Janet Dailey
Flags of Our Fathers by James Bradley with Ron Powers
PLUS Dark Towers books: The Waste Lands, Wolves of the Calla, Song of Susannah, The Dark Tower
then at Costco....
Locked On by Tom Clancy
Betty & Friends My Life at the Zoo by Betty White
and another gift ;-)

kindle/ebooks:
Soul Search by Amber Scott (219 pages, Fantasy, Horror, Shifter) - can hardly wait!
Fantasy & Science Fiction, Free Exclusive Digest (should be interesting!)
Sparkle and Purr by Stormy Glenn (NOT a sparkly vampire - Fae and Shifter!)
Flight to Heaven: A Plane Crash...A Lone Survivor...A Journey to Heaven--and Back

I went shopping through the FREE section at amazon.... 179 books later O_o! 'Course some of the "books" are only 5 pages long {shrug} and dang it, 3 were only free for prime members! You be careful, I clicked too fast!

Finished:
Sparkle and Purr
Dragon's Alphabet Soup
Mouse and the Christmas Cake (kindle, missing last pages!)
So This is Christmas, anthology
A Squeak and a Roar (re-read)

Reading:
Nitt Witt Hill
The More the Terrier
Before I Fall
~~So This is Christmas, anthology~~

Next up:
Time Slice (Feb blog tour)
A Place to Die (Feb blog tour)
Escape

Reviewed:

Did Not Finish:

Need to Review-keep a running total and cross off as completed:
(this list is way too long and if they've been reviewed I didn't label them correctly!)

Spin the Plate, short story (current read)
A Modern Witch (current read)
Kekula (current read)
The Man Who Loved Books Too Much
True North
Whiskey Gulf
A Circle of Souls
Benny & Shrimp
The Right Side of the Tracks
Second Chance

Secret Santa & Holiday Wishes

2011-12-22T23:54:00.000-08:00

I hope your holiday season is filled with lots of
love, friends and family

Secret Santa Came!

I sent a list in, expecting them to pick one or two....Oh. My. Gosh. Look at what I got!

And in case you can't read it....
Lovely Bones on audio (I still haven't read it), The More the Terrier (loved the first in the series), Deep Disclosure by Dee Davis and Paranormalcy by Kiersten White (both blogger recommendations)

plus a lovely note, jingle bells and pine cones! And chocolate but it wasn't eaten before the pictures were taken!

Thank you so much :-)

End of Year Reading Challenge Updates

2011-12-19T18:07:00.000-08:00

I am not going to finish a challenge, sigh. There were four books on my short list (read 3, reviewed 2) and nine books on an alternate list (read 8, reviewed 3). The thing is, I didn't read the short list :-( so my challenge isn't complete. The last open challenge to end in 2011 and I'm not going to finish.

So close.

The following are the challenges still open

52-52-52: requires one more book read between the 21 & 27

ALA's Top Ten 2010: read one book from the list but I have until 4-1-12 to read it. I've picked Hunger Games and it fits three other 2012 challenges so I'm waiting

Fall into Reading: One book short.

Monthly Mix-up Mania: This one has a closing date of 3-31-13! Just Nine more books but most of them are E's

Where Are You Reading? & 50 States: Not only did I fail to read a book from every state, I failed to do a google map to keep track of them! I've joined both for 2012 and am hoping for better luck.

I guess I should add Declutter and 400 Mile challenges. Those aren't being completed either.

There were 42 challenges on my 2011 challenge page plus 7 on my perpetual challenges page.
I have made little progress as far as perpetual challenges go but have completed .... 30!

Not bad.

I'm not sure if I really want to know how many I've already signed up to do next year, let along the one's I'm planned on signing up for.

Happy Monday!

2011-12-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

What has happened to the year? My parents, Husband's parents, Daughter and Boyfriend all came over for dinner, Son too but he lives here. Husband wasn't able to come home early so this time I did most of it. Turned out nice, good food and great company. Bought a new tablecloth and serving dishes ;) The serving dishes were so nice, my MIL is going to purchase them also.

I plan on finishing up gift wrapping this week, going to the post office with everyone else, and taking my Mom shopping since I've got the week off, plus delivering a couple of gifts that didn't get taken care of this week. I also hope to experiment with some new recipes :)

I'm also going to re-vamp my challenge blogs so apologies for the huge amount of posts/duplicates.

Happy Holiday, be safe!

Hope everyone has a great week planned.

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

The December's host is Jenny Q at Let Them Read Books (blog link, not post link).

Received for Review:
Tuesday Night Miracles by Kris Radish
Nitt Witt Hill by Sebastian Gibson

Giveaway:
Jack LaLanne's Power Juicer Express (so it's not a book but it was a blog I follow and it's cool!)

from Author:
Tinsel and Frost
Happy Hour

Purchased:
Virgin River by Robyn Carr (can't believe I didn't have book 1!)
The Guardian by Sherrilyn Kenyon
A Place Called Home by Jo Goodman
The New York Regional Mormon Singles Halloween Dance, a Memoir by Elna Baker
The Man Who Invented Christmas by Les Standiford
The Snow Angel by Glenn Beck
Zero Day by David Baldacci
Micro by Michael Crichton & Richard Preston
Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

kindle/ebooks (good thing most of these were free or near free):
Final Price
Trapped
Three Moons Over Sedona
Daddy, Daddy and Me
The Christmas Dog
The 10/60 Diet (lose 10% in 60 days)
A Boyfriend Before Christmas
A Simple Amish Christmas
Judgment
Seattle On Ice
Sand
Permanent Interests
A Kingdom's Cost, a Historical Novel of Scotland
The Cloud Roads
Christmas with Family & Friends Cookbook
Pride's Run
The Misanthrope's Guide to Life: (Go Away!)
Harmonics: Rise of the Magician
Kiss of the Christmas Wind
Samantha Loses the Box Turtle
Fathers and Sons
The Lonely Christmas Tree
Jacob
Cherished
Without Mercy
The Clinch Knot

Finished:
Purrfect Mates series, 1 - 7 (amazon list
9 books from the Midnight Matings series
Tristan by Joyee Flynn
Daddy, Daddy & Me by Sean Michael (sweet romance)
Tinsel and Frost

Reading:
flitting around, so far everything fits a challenge for next year!

Next up:
Nitt Witt Hill (Jan blog tour)
Time Slice (Feb blog tour)
A Place to Die (Feb blog tour)

Reviewed:

Did Not Finish:

Need to Review-keep a running total and cross off as completed:
(this list is way too long and if they've been reviewed I didn't label them correctly!)

Spin the Plate, short story (current read)
A Modern Witch (current read)
Kekula (current read)
The Man Who Loved Books Too Much
True North
Whiskey Gulf
A Circle of Souls
Benny & Shrimp
The Right Side of the Tracks
Second Chance

Thoughts on...Janeology by Karen Harrington

2011-12-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

Oh, man, you've got read this excerpt! I knew it would be a hard book to read but I didn't realize just how difficult it could be.

Ms. Harrington has taken a hard subject, infantcide, and brought it out into the bright, harsh light of day. Just reading the prosecutor's opening statement had me thinking "but for the Grace of God". You see, I had post-partum depression and am bipolar, which wasn't properly diagnosed for years. It also wasn't talked about like it is now, I had a beautiful child, what was there to be sad about! No one understood, no one talked about their own experiences. They are now and that has to be a good thing.

I've only read the prologue and the very first of Part 1 and my stomach is clenched tight and there are tears in my eyes. Looks like it's going to be a great novel.

Just listen to this: "Here Dave paused long for the effect, and I found myself waiting to breathe. I noticed a young female juror glance at Dave and smile. It probably didn't hurt my defense that he was so good-looking. It's not that I am unattractive. I'm tall, fit, green-eyed and still have all my hair. But cast us together in a movie and Dave is James Bond and I'm Man in elevator #2. Can't you just see them?

Off to read some more.......

Jane, and what she did is a small part of the novel and yet it is everything. Most of the novel is the aftermath. Tom dealing with only having one twin, questioning why he didn't stop it, being charged with child endangerment. What? That's right, the great state of Texas, in her ultimate wisdom, has decide that Tom is guilty of leaving his children in the care of their mother.

Wow, how do you defend against that? And the big question....is he guilty?

After getting over the OMG factor of it could have been me, I enjoyed the novel very much. I had to take it in small doses, open my mind (as does Tom) to retro-cognition. That's right, most of the story is flashbacks while Tom. his attorney, and a clairvoyant dig through Jane's possessions listening to the stories they tell.

Okay, I confess, I actually love the idea that you could do this. Haven't you ever looked at a picture or a ratty stuffed animal and wondered what stories they could tell?

I cried, cringed, wanted to shake some characters and slap some sense into others. But in the end, I have to ask myself if it was worth spending the time to read this book, was I satisfied at the end, did I want more?

My answer is yes. Hey, Karen? I'd really like to know what happens to Sarah.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary review copy of this book without any obligation to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of Ms. Harrington's website, and amazon.

Janeology
by Karen Harrington

publisher: Kunati Inc.
ISBN: 978-1601640208
Release date: April 2008
Hardcover
family drama, courtroom, nature vs nurture
256 pages

also available in paperback and for Kindle

Product Description:

After his wife Jane commits an unthinkable murder, her grieving husband struggles to find a possible explanation for her actions – were they due her lack of nurturing as a child? Did she inherit a tendency toward violence from her ancestors, some with dark, criminal lives? Did he miss the signs that she was about to unravel?

When a prosecutor decides Jane's husband Tom is partially to blame for the death and charges him with "failure to protect," Tom's attorney proposes a radical defense. He plans to create reasonable doubt about his client's alleged guilt by showing that Jane's genealogy is the cause of her violence, and that she inherited her latent violence in the same way she might inherit a talent for music or a predisposition to disease. He argues that no one could predict or prevent the tragedy, and that Tom cannot be held responsible.

With the help of a woman gifted with the power of retrocognition—the ability to see past events through objects once owned by the deceased—the defense theory of dark biology takes form.

What unfolds is an unforgettable journey through the troubled minds and souls of eight of Jane's ancestors, spanning decades and continents, this debut novel deftly illustrates the ways nature and nurture weave the fabric of one woman's life, and renders a portrait of one man left in its tragic wake.

Terrific Tuesday

2011-12-13T00:01:00.000-08:00

Under the Willow and Janeology . . . .

Hosted at Bibliophile by the Sea
Every Tuesday, she'll be posting the opening paragraph (maybe two) of her current read. Why don't you join us?

Shane was just eighteen and a senior in high school when it happened, and it happened so slowly and with so much pleasure that he wouldn’t have stopped it even if he could have, even if he’d known what would come later.

Under the Willow
Kari Jo Spear

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme,
hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

....Of course, there was Jane's jail room confession. I was done being a mother. Jane didn't tell this to anyone else, and I kept it to myself, convinced it was the right thing to do for Sarah. Later, I would wonder if it might have helped me to mention it.

Janeology
Karen Harrington

Challenge - Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks & A to Z (titles)

2011-12-12T22:26:00.000-08:00

Read 52 Books in 52 Weeks
Reading Challenge

2012
hosted by Robin at 52 Books in 52 Weeks
sign up here

Rules:

The goal is to read 52 books. How you get there is up to you.

There is a little bit more to it than that and there are Mini-Challenges so check out the blog and happy reading!

The hard part is reading one a week, 52 a year is no problem. I'm also doing this as a personal goal but I like linking my reviews ;)

Week 1: Christmas Haven by Hope White (1-4)
Week 2 The Hawk and His Boy by Christopher Bunn (1-9)
week 3 Carrots by Colleen Helme (1-16)
week 4 Nitt Witt Hill by Sebastian Gibson (1-24)
week 5
week 6
week 7
week 8
week 9
week 10
week 11
week 12

Mini-Challenge: A to Z (title or author)
A -
B - The Hawk and His Boy by Christopher Bunn
C - Carrots by Colleen Helme
D - Deep Disclosure by Dee Davis
E -
F -
G -
H - Christmas Haven by Hope White
I -
J - The Ladybug Jinx by Tonya Kappes
K -
L -
M -
N -
O -
P -
Q -
R -
S -
T - A Three Dog Life by Abigail Thomas
U - Under the Willow by Kari Jo Spear
V - Virgin River by Robyn Carr
W - Nitt Witt Hill by Sebastian Gibson
X -
Y -
Z -

Challenge - Memorable Memoirs

2011-12-12T02:30:00.000-08:00

Memorable Memoirs Reading Challenge

2012
hosted by Melissa at The Betty and Boo Chronicles
sign up here

Rules:

Books, e-books, audiobooks, ARCs, NetGalley books are allowed.
Overlaps with other challenges are also allowed.
Re-reads are allowed.
No need to create a list of books in advance (but if you want to, please feel free!)
You don't need a blog to participate.
You must select a level. You can increase your level, but you can't go back down.

Levels:
Diarist: read 1-4 memoirs
Autobiographer: read 5-9 memoirs
Memoirist: read 10+ memoirs

I'm going for Autobiographer

That's at least one more than what I committed to for 2011 but I have several on my shelves and a couple that may work.

Possibilities:

The 80 Dollar Champion - Where Men Win Glory - The Gardner Heist - The Man Who Loved Books Too Much - The New York Regional Mormon Singles Halloween Dance - Inconceivable - Behind the Smile ...
edit: Dancing with My Father - A Dog Named Slugger

Books Read:
1. A Three Dog Life by Abigail Thomas
2.
3.
4.
5.

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Happy Monday!

2011-12-12T00:01:00.001-08:00

Hope everyone has a great week planned.

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

The December's host is Jenny Q at Let Them Read Books (blog link, not post link).

Received for Review:
Time Slice by Kerry Downing

Purchased:
Loving the Highlander by Janet Chapman
Dover Thrift Editions of....
The Road Not Taken and other poems by Robert Frost
100 Best-Loved Poems edited by Philip Smith
101 Great American Poems by The American Poetry & Literacy Project
Great Short Poems edited by Paul Negri

Giveaway:

kindle/ebooks:

Finished:
Half Pass
Not My Wolf

Reading:
52 Small Changes
Before I Fall

Next up:
something from my "read this year" list, or
something from my review pile, or
something from my "Read but Still Need to Review" list ;)

Reviewed:

Did Not Finish:

Need to Review-keep a running total and cross off as completed:
(this list is way too long and if they've been reviewed I didn't label them correctly!)

Spin the Plate, short story (current read)
A Modern Witch (current read)
Kekula (current read)
The Man Who Loved Books Too Much
True North
Whiskey Gulf
A Circle of Souls
Benny & Shrimp
The Right Side of the Tracks
Second Chance

Challenge - Foodies!

2011-12-11T19:14:00.001-08:00

Foodies Reading Challenge

2012
hosted by Margot at Foodies 2
sign up here

Guidelines:

The challenge runs from January 1 through December 31, 2012.
You don’t need a pre-selected list of books.
It’s okay to cross over with other challenges.
Any book format is allowed (print, audio, ebook)

Levels:

Short-Order Cook: 1 to 3 books
Pastry Chef: 4 to 8 books
Sous-Chef: 9 to 13 books
Chef de Cuisine: 14 to 18
Cordon-Bleu Chef: More than 19

I did Nibbler (1-3) last year because I didn't know how many food related books I would read. Turns out, quite a few! Many of my cozy mysteries are food related so this year I'm bumping up a level.

I'm going for Pastry Chef
and plan to read 4-8 books.

Possibles:

A Cookie Before Dying :: Liver Let Die ::

Books Read:

1. Carrots by Colleen Helme (1-16)
2.
3.
4.
~~~Challenge Completed - first goal anyways ;) ~~~
5.
6.
7.
8.
~~~Challenge Completed - woo hoo, all 8 ~~~
date

copyright Book Dragon's Lair 2009-2011

Reading Challenge - Completed!

2011-12-10T05:14:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge

Nov 21 to Jan 6

Hosted at it's own blog

Challenge Completed
December 8, 2011

My original post about the challenge

Quick recap:

read one book and watch one or more movies that are Christmas related

Final List:

check out the original post for more details but I ended up reading 3 books, watching one movie and one comedy special.

This challenge was more stressful for me than I thought it should be. I had already read a couple of Christmas books, had a hard time waiting for the challenge to start for the next one, and when it did? Didn't feel like reading Christmas books!

Snowy Days Read-a-Thon Wrap-up

2011-12-10T04:49:00.000-08:00

Snowy Days Read-a-Thon

December 5 - 7, 2011
hosted by Lindsay at Turning the Pages
information page

That was fun but I missed a day :-(
I was watching movies :-) and cleaning house :-(
Ready to do this one again in 2012!

None of my "possibilities" were read during this read-a-thon. Instead I read several ebooks, most of which were paranormal gay romance :)

1. Matchmaker, Matchmaker by Amber Kell - Vampire, trio

2. Kelan's Pursuit by Lavina Lewis - Wolf

3. Aaron's Awakening by Lavinia Lewis - Wolf/Cat

4. Wounded Cowboy by Jan Irving - wolf/human, D/s

5. A Plain, Ordinary Cowboy by Jan Irving - wolf/human, D/s

6. Half Pass by Astrid Amara - this one was not a paranormal but still gay romance

7. Not My Wolf by Eden Cole - wolf

8. Fur and Flightless by Joyee Flynn - wolf/penguin

Snowy Days Read-a-Thon Twitter: #SDRAT
My Twitter: #bookdragonslair

Virtual Advent Tour-Day 8

2011-12-08T00:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Day 8
2011 Virtual Advent Tour

Don't forget to check out the blog for all the tour stops.

It's not even December yet as I write this, haven't even celebrated Thanksgiving yet! This is my first year participating and as I haven't read any of the entries from this year, or {blush} the others, I'm hoping this is what you were looking for.

This will be our 26th Christmas together and little has changed, except the size of the crowd! We like to put our Christmas tree up the second weekend of December. We started with a small tree because we were in an apartment then with the arrival of Daughter, the small tree went on top of something to keep her out of it. As the years went by, and with the addition of Son, a card table fit perfectly into a playpen and worked really well, for the dog. Children would push a chair next to the playpen! Several of my favorite ornaments will have been around since year one, glass bells and ceramic doves being at the top of the list. I made the kids stockings but only one hangs now, Daughter took hers with her when she moved out :)

We have so many ornaments collected through the years and made each year in school, that we started switching decorations. One year we'd have a smaller tree with the glass and other delicate decorations. The next year we'd get a big tree and put everything we could on it. The children each receive an ornament from grandparents and I started doing this also. Daughter has a nice collection for the tree in her apartment. Son's collection is still mixed up with ours.

Stockings: Traditionally, there is an chocolate orange in the toe reminiscent of the orange Husband had in his stocking growing up. At the beginning, it was a real orange but the kids didn't eat it so we switched. And share with extended family. Chocolate, nuts, fruit wraps and small toys filled up the rest. As the kids got older, the extras were placed in bowls on the table. And the toys got too big for the stockings ;)

Both of our parents live close so holidays are split between the two. We've started spending Christmas Eve with my folks so there was no need to eat and run. Mostly it's just me and mine now as we're the only ones living close but I remember having a video camera set up at the end of the room to record the unwrapping....what we got most of was each of our "back sides" bending over at the far side of the room. That's where my dad kept the See's Candy box! Yum yum. My parents, their three adult children, spouses and grandchildren all took a turn, or two, going to the end of the room and bending over that box of See's. Then we opened the next box!

As the extended family grew we started drawing names on the Husband's side of the family. First just the adults then in later years the kids drew kid names too but now everyone gets thrown in the hat so you never know who you'll be buying a gift for until Thanksgiving.

Christmas is like Thanksgiving, all about food and family, except there are gifts! The kids who have moved away have a longer break to come home to visit. And in some cases, we haven't seen them for a couple of years.

Several years ago, my sister-in-law introduced me to a salsa at Thanksgiving. It has become a favorite "winter" salsa and I've been known to eat the whole recipe by myself. It took several days but I'm not sorry and I'll do it again if I'm given half a chance. {evil grin}

Cassie's Cranberry Salsa

1 package (16 oz) fresh Cranberries
1/2 Jalapeno without seeds
1/2 bunch green onion
2-4 tsp Cilantro

Chop & mix together

Stir in
1/2 tsp cumin
3/4 C sugar

Serve over cream cheese with crackers

I omit the Cilantro and green onion and use a food processor for all of it. Thinking of using a sugar substitute but haven't tried that yet. I place a block of cream cheese in the middle of a serving plate and dump all the salsa on top of it. Wheat Thins are my cracker of choice and are placed in a nearby bowl. We had this at Thanksgiving this year but I forgot to take a picture. Gosh, darn, I had to mix up another batch to photograph. It was Delicious

As Christmas is on a Sunday this year, we'll be starting the day in church. With just the three of us living here now and Son being much older, we'll purchase a big thing for the family. Last year it was a new television. I think that this year it will be a sound system. There may be small gifts but mostly we just get the one big thing. Daughter will get something since she won't be able to use the sound system, and the extended family.

Next year I'll ask for a date later in the month so I can get pictures of the tree and other decorations. Or, maybe, I'll get the pictures taken this year and will remember where they are to post next year!

Have a very Merry Christmas. Be Safe. Be Loved.

Happy Reading,

Gina, a book dragon
because books are a treasure worth protecting

Challenge - A Song of Ice and Fire

2011-12-07T02:33:00.000-08:00

I've had book 1 of the A Song of Ice and Fire series in my to-be-read pile for a couple of years now. I think it's about time I read it....Target has the rest of the series at 25% off ;) And to top it off....there is a challenge!

Game of Thrones

2012
hosted at The Lit Bitch
sign up here

Rules are simple. Read the series during 2012. There are others, check out the sign up page for more information.

Books to Read:

A Game Of Thrones
A Clash of Kings
A Storm of Swords
A Feast For Crows
A Dance With Dragons

Challenge - Off the Shelf - moved

2011-12-07T02:15:00.000-08:00

sorry....I've moved the progress page to here

Off the Shelf

2012
hosted by Bonnie & Friends at Bookish Ardour
sign up here

Rules:

lots and lots of info on the sign up page...The main rule is NO BOOKS FROM 2012.... kind of defeats the purpose ;)
Tempted– Choose 5 books to read
Trying – Choose 15 books to read
Making A Dint – Choose 30 books to read
On A Roll – Choose 50 books to read
Flying Off – Choose 75 books to read
Hoarder – Choose between 76-135 books to read
Buried – Choose between 136-200 books to read

This year, I'm going for Trying and hope to read 15 books. I failed my Making a Dint last year but hope that be choosing TBR books for other challenges joined, I can do this.

Challenge - Dean Koontz

2011-12-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

Dean Koontz Reading Challenge
2012
hosted by Birgit .... at The Book Garden
sign up here

No matter if you haven't read a book by him before or whether you know them all, this challenge is for both newbies as well as fans. It doesn't matter whether it's his latest novel or a re-read, every book with Dean's name on it counts! I'm a huge fan of Dean Koontz, so in my case it will be mostly re-reading, preferably of older books. If you should need some recommendations, don't hesitate to ask.
Odd Thomas' Mailman - 3 books
Odd Thomas' Neighbor - 6 books
Odd Thomas' Best Friend - 9 books
Odd Thomas' Stalker - 12+

Rules:

Anyone may join. Just leave a comment with the following info:
Name / Blog (if you have one) / Chosen Level

I'll comprise a list with everyone and add it to this page!

Updates on the challenges will be posted on a regular basis and you may then comment with your own progress.

The challenge will take place between January 1st and December 31st 2012.

You can join any time between now and early 2012.

You have to pick a level, though you may "upgrade" to the next one at any time. In this case just drop me a line, so I can change your previous level.

You don't need to list your books ahead of time, though I won't object if you do. I'm definitely curious about your book choices for these challenges.

The books you choose may crossover into other challenges.

Both physical and eBooks are allowed.

Reviews of the books read are not mandatory.

I have several DK books sitting in my TBR purgatory but only know where three are right now! I wish I could read 6 but there are too many other challenges out there ;) If you need help deciding....check out his book list!

I'm going for Odd Thomas' Mailman and will read 3 books.

Plan to read:

1. Santa's Twin (box 60)
2. Robot Santa (box 24)
3. Mr. Murder (box 17)

Books Read:

1.
2.
3.

Snowy Days Read-a-Thon Update, Day 2

2011-12-06T23:20:00.000-08:00

Snowy Days Read-a-Thon

December 5 - 7, 2011
hosted by Lindsay at Turning the Pages
information page

Rules:

From December 5 - 7, I am hoping to get in as many books as possible and make that 2011 reading challenge a thing of the past. Clear up some space in my to-be-read list just in time to add books that arrive on Christmas morning!

So, if you are interested in joining me, please comment below and I'll see you on Twitter (hashtag #SDRAT).

Day 2:

Trouble sleeping.....

1. Wounded Cowboy by Jan Irving

ebook, romance, wolf/human, D/s, alternative lifestyle

2. A Plain, Ordinary Cowboy by Jan Irving

ebook, romance, wolf/human, D/s, alternative lifestyle

okay, now that I've read and eaten, taken some pain meds and time for more...I'm going back to bed for a couple of hours before lunch.

Day 1:

My "plan" has gone out the window! I finished Janeology yesterday so it doesn't count. Instead of picking up something from the list....

1. Matchmaker, Matchmaker by Amber Kell

Vampire, paranorman, romance, alternative lifestyle

2. Kelan's Pursuit by Lavina Lewis

Wolf, romance, alternative lifestyle

3. Aaron's Awakening by Lavinia Lewis

Wolf/Cat, romance, alternative lifestyle

Possibilities:

1. ~~Janeology~~ finished before RaT started
2. Catching Santa
3. Gone
4. Before I Fall
5. 18 Minutes
6. Red Alert
7. Lost Christmas
8. Traiteur's Ring
9. Second Chance
10. Northlight
11. ~~Hunger Games~~ read for challenges next year
12.
13.

The top three and #11 are for 2011 challenges, 1-10 will need reviews too

My Twitter:
#bookdragonslair

Terrific Tuesday

2011-12-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster . . . . I started this book and as it is book two in a trilogy I'm familiar with the storyline. The first paragraph of the first chapter is uninspiring so I've use the prologue. It wasn't until I came across the teaser sentences that I knew I had to use the book.

Hosted at Bibliophile by the Sea
Every Tuesday, she'll be posting the opening paragraph (maybe two) of her current read. Why don't you join us?

"As previously discussed, Mr. Scrope, my request is straightforward. I require you to kidnap Miss Eliza Cynster from London and deliver her to me here, in Edinburgh." McKinsey--as was still calling himself that; it was a perfectly good alias, after all--lounged in a booth at the rear of the dimly lit tavern, his gaze leveled on the man seated opposite. "You have had your two weeks to reconnoiter and consider. The only question remaining is whether you can deliver Eliza Cynster to me, unharmed and in good health, or not."

In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster (Prologue)
Stephanie Laurens

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme,
hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Turning the curricle in the empty road, he set Jasper pacing, then urged him to lengthen his stride. "It's the border for us, then Scotland beyond."

Absentminded scholar though he was, he had a damsel in distress to save.

In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster
Stephanie Laurens

Regency London during the season, 25-year-old Heather, a beautiful woman from a good family steps away from the balls she, and her kind, frequent and is kidnapped. Luckily a family friend sees it happen and she is rescued. Because of this, and the fact that any of the girls would have been acceptable, her sisters and cousins are basically under house arrest. So what's the harm in meeting an unknown someone in the back parlor of her brother's home during a party? Oops.

Snowy Days Read-a-Thon Update

2011-12-05T23:12:00.000-08:00

Snowy Days Read-a-Thon

December 5 - 7, 2011
hosted by Lindsay at Turning the Pages
information page

Rules:

From December 5 - 7, I am hoping to get in as many books as possible and make that 2011 reading challenge a thing of the past. Clear up some space in my to-be-read list just in time to add books that arrive on Christmas morning!

So, if you are interested in joining me, please comment below and I'll see you on Twitter (hashtag #SDRAT).

Day 1:

My "plan" has gone out the window! I finished Janeology yesterday so it doesn't count. Instead of picking up something from the list....

1. Matchmaker, Matchmaker by Amber Kell

ebook, Vampire, paranorman, romance, alternative lifestyle

2. Kelan's Pursuit by Lavina Lewis

ebook, Wolf, romance, alternative lifestyle

3. Aaron's Awakening by Lavinia Lewis

ebook, Wolf/Cat, romance, alternative lifestyle

Heading to bed soon, don't know if I'll read in bed....Busy day tomorrow (lunch and shopping with my Mom).

Possibilities:

1. ~~Janeology~~ finished before RaT started
2. Catching Santa
3. Gone
4. Before I Fall
5. 18 Minutes
6. Red Alert
7. Lost Christmas
8. Traiteur's Ring
9. Second Chance
10. Northlight
11. ~~Hunger Games~~ read for challenges next year
12.
13.

The top three and #11 are for 2011 challenges, 1-10 will need reviews too

My Twitter:
#bookdragonslair

Happy Monday! Catch Up Edition

2011-12-05T00:01:00.000-08:00

That was a nice break. Joined a lot of challenges for next year, thinking about others, thought about hosting a couple more. I'm off work this week and am ready to dig deep to get the house ready to decorate. I also hope I'm ready to get back to blogging regularly. I've missed you.

I've got three tours coming up in January and February and I like to have the books read and reviews scheduled well in advance so I'm pretty happy that the January book is scheduled. Watch for the giveaway announcement :D

Blood donation Tuesday, lunch with a friend, lunch/shopping with my Mom, a baby shower, a friend needs help fixing some jewelry, dinner out with the family, shopping for a tree, ....good thing I'm off work ;)

Wow, my week/month will be busy. Hope everyone has a great week planned.

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

The December's host is Jenny Q at Let Them Read Books (blog link, not post link).

Received for Review:
A Place to Die by Dorothy James

Purchased:
The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
books for my Secret Santa package....just need something fun to go with them - I'll post later ;)
another trip to Target with NO book purchase but there are two being released tomorrow....
Christmas Haven by Hope White
Room by Emma Donoghue
The Berenstain Bears and the Shaggy Little Pony

Giveaway:
The Comforts of Home by Jodi Thomas (Dewey's Read-a-Thon)
a goodie box from Wendy (Dewey's Read-a-Thon)

kindle/ebooks:
We Blazed by David Farland
Brightest Kind of Darkness by P.T. Michelle
City of the Falling Sky by Joseph Evans
Grimm's Fairy Tales
Ghost in Her Heart by Autumn Dawn
8 by Michael Mullin
The Christmas Village by Melissa Ann Goodwin
The Boy at the End of the World by Greg van Eekhout
Rumor Has It: In a town this small, a secret is hard to keep by Jill Mansell
Wicked By Any Other Name by Linda Wisdom
Black Diamond Death by Cheryl Bradshaw
Cat on the Money by Shirley Rousseau Murphy
Pie Town by Lynne Hinton
plus way too many others to list.....they were free!

Finished:
Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue
In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster
Lifting the Wheel of Karma
the first 24 chapters of The Christmas Wedding (free for Kindle) smart of Patterson wasn't going to buy the book but it looks like I will now.
several other ebooks
A Highlander for the Holidays
Janeology

Reading:
52 Small Changes
~~Janeology~~

Next up:
something from my "read this year" list, or
something from my review pile, or
something from my "Read but Still Need to Review" list ;)

Reviewed:
Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue
Lifting the Wheel of Karma (tour date: Jan 12) - Giveaway!
Janeology - goes live 12-15

Did Not Finish:
Quickstep to Murder (may try again next year)

Need to Review-keep a running total and cross off as completed:
(this list is way too long and if they've been reviewed I didn't label them correctly!)

Spin the Plate, short story (current read)
A Modern Witch (current read)
Kekula (current read)
The Man Who Loved Books Too Much
True North
Whiskey Gulf
A Circle of Souls
Benny & Shrimp
The Right Side of the Tracks
Second Chance

Witches, Demons, Vamps & Shifters....all things Paranormal

2011-12-04T02:47:00.000-08:00

Challenge 1: Vampires at Tales from the Crypt

Time Frame: 2012

Basic Requirements: This is all about the Vamps! I'm going for level 1 and plan to read 1-5 books.

Sign up here

Challenge 2: Paranormal at Tales from the Crypt

Time Frame: 2012

Basic Requirements: No Vamps Allowed! But everything else paranormal is welcome. I'm going for level 1 and plan to read 1-5 books.

sign up here

Challenge 3: Nightwalkers at Darlene's Book Nook

Time Frame: 2012

Basic Requirements: Read the whole series by Jacquelyn Frank. There are levels, I'm going for level 1 and plan to read 1-2 books.

sign up here

Books to Read:
1. Jacob planned ebook/kindle
maybe.....
2. Gideon
3. Elijah
4. Damien
5. Noah
5. Adam

Challenge 4: Immortal at Under the Covers

Time Frame: 2012

Basic Requirements: Read three books from four categories

sign up here*
adult type blog, you'll have to okay that you want to continue

Vampire

1.
2.
3.
Sookie Stackhouse/Southern Vampires, Christine Feehan, Sherilyn Kenyon, Ilona Andrews

Fae

1. Under the Willow by Kari Jo Spear
2.
3.
Glimmerglass (box 32), Artemis Fowl (box 5), Wings (box 14/re-read), Prince Charming Doesn't Live Here (box 32)

Angels & Demons

1.
2.
3.
The Fallen 1, The Fallen 2, The Fallen 3,

Shifters

1.
2.
3.
Dragon Actually by G.A. Aiken (box 32), Ardeur by Danielle Gavan (kindle), I'm reading several shifter series....

TWELVE more books to add to my list. Luckily, not only are there are several in TBR purgatory that will fit, challenge 1 & 2 overlap with challenge 3!.

Just how many books do I really need to read during 2012?

2011-12-02T07:01:00.000-08:00

Once again, I've joined too many challenges, have new ones ready to join, and others I'll be joining that aren't 12 month challenges. My Reading Challenge Addict page has 20 challenges listed and I must complete 16+ to complete the challenge. Good thing "overlaps" are allowed!

IF I read one book for each requirement without the overlaps, I would need to read ...... 320-230 books!

WHAT! Even with 150 being any book, that still leaves over 250 more books.

sigh

I thought I would be able to list them but who am I kidding, that's a long list! Let's go with the challenges where I've already chosen the books.

Book list:

Brave New World
Hunger Games
Hidden Empire
The Once and Future King
Magic Kingdom for Sale-Sold
Redwall
The View from the Cherry Tree
Eyes of Prey
311 Pelican Court
A Snake in the Glass
The Fairy Tales Detective
Ancient Awakenings
The Call of the Canyon
Every Thing On It
Lost in a Good Book
The City and the Stars
Kiss of Snow
Manufactured Identity
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
Room
Harry Potter series
Chronicles of Narnia
Tomb of Endearment
Carriage House
The Cricket in Times Square
Murder on Monday

Not too bad, there are enough overlaps that 38 books read will complete nine challenges!

Are you ready for 2012?

Another Read-a-Thon....starts NOW!

2011-12-02T01:41:00.001-08:00

Holiday Read-a-Thon

December 2 - 4, 2011
hosted by Lisa at WhoRuBlog
information page

Contests, Reading, Tweet! You didn't have anything else to do this weekend did you?

Read-a-Thon at Twitter #readathon
My Twitter #bookdragonslair

What will you be reading?

My Plan:

I'm going to use the same list for this read-a-thon as I have for Snowy Days, next week. Why yes, I do feel like I'm cheating. ;) Don't know if I'll actually read anything from the list but it is a starting point

Possibilities:

1. Janeology
2. Catching Santa
3. Gone
4. Before I Fall
5. 18 Minutes
6. Red Alert
7. Lost Christmas
8. Traiteur's Ring
9. Second Chance
10. Northlight
11. Hunger Games
12.
13.

The top three and #11 are for 2011 challenges, 1-10 will need reviews too

~~Reading: Janeology~~
Reading: 52 Small Changes
Finished: Where You Least Expect It
Finished: Janeology

Challenge - Reading Challenge Addict

2011-11-27T22:12:00.000-08:00

Reading Challenge Addict

2012
hosted by Regina at Reading Challenge Addict
sign up here

Rules:

1. This challenge will begin on January 1, 2012 and end on December 31, 2012.
2. Write a starting post joining the challenge and outlining your challenges.
3. Track all of your challenge accomplishments - good & bad.
4. Stop by to join us in the mini-challenges, updates & extra giveaways throughout the year.

Levels:
Easy as Pie: 1-5 Challenges (Entered & Completed)
On the Roof: 6-10 Challenges (Entered & Completed)
In Flight: 11-15 Challenges (Entered & Completed)
Out of This World: 16+ Challenges (Entered & Completed)

Sound simple? Joining challenges is the easy part, it's completing them where it gets tricky. I did 16+ for 2011 and really stressed about it but I've join several challenges for 2012 where I only need to read one book so.....

I'm going for Out of This World, again.

Challenges Joined for 2012

1. 12 in 12 (read 12)
2. 50 States (read 50)
3. 150+ (read 150)
4. Alex Awards (read 1-3)
5. ARC (read 12)
6. Cruisin' thru the Cozies (read 7-12)
7 & 8. two different eBook challenges (read 25)
9. Harry Potter (read 7)
10. Mt. TBR (read 25)
11. Narnia Project (read 7)
12. Paranormal (read 1-5)
13. Paranormal Romance (read 1-5)
14. Read Your Own Books (read 1-5)
15. Romance (read 4)
16. Romantic Suspense (read 4)
17. Sports Romance (read 1-3)
18. Vampires (read 1-5)
19. What's in a Name (read 6)
20. Getting Lost in a Comfortable Book (read 5)

Challenge - eBooks

2011-11-27T21:53:00.000-08:00

eBook Reading Challenge

2012

Rules:

Read 25 ebooks

That's the challenge in a nutshell but as there are two ebook challenges for 2012 and I couldn't decide between them....Check out each page for greater details and more levels.

Challenge 1: Hosted by Sarah at Workaday Reads (sign-up here)

Challenge 2: Hosted by Jamie at The Eclectic Bookshelf (sign-up here)

Possibilities:

Under the Willow, Sprout, Mystic Wolves trilogy,...

1. The Hawk and His Boy by Christopher Bunn
2. Carrots by Colleen Helme
3. The Ladybug Jinx by Tonya Kappes
4. Under the Willow by Kari Jo Spear
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.

Challenge - Harry Potter

2011-11-27T21:44:00.000-08:00

Harry Potter
Reading Challenge

2012
hosted by Penelope
at The Reading Fever
sign up here

Rules:

Read all seven books in the Harry Potter series during 2012.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

There's more than that involved with this challenge and there are prizes so be sure to check out the sign up post!

Books Read (Date Read):

1.Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
2. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
3. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
4. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
5. Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix
6. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Challenge - Narnia Project

2011-11-27T21:30:00.000-08:00

Narnia Reading Project

2012
hosted by Rikki at Rikki's Teleidoscope
sign up here

Rules:

Rikki's has NEVER read a Narnia book or seen the movie and would like others to join her in reading all seven books during 2012.

That said. I've read a couple and I've seen a movie but it's been a long time and to read all seven has been on my TBR list for long enough. It's time to do this!

Books to Read (date read):

1. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
2. Prince Caspian
3. The Voyage of the Dawn Trader
4. The Silver Chair
5. The Horse and His Boy
6. The Magician’s Nephew
7. The Last Battle

Reading My Own Books

2011-11-27T18:36:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Mt. TBR

At this time, I have boxes of books in a storage unit. They've been listed at Library Thing and have a somewhat method to the boxing but not really. This isn't even all of them! A lot of these have been read at least once already but the goal is to read all the ones that have been purchased but not read....To Be Read.

I found some challenges to help me with this!

Challenge 1: Mt. TBR

Time frame: 2012

Basic requirements: No books from 2012, purchased or gifts. No library books, re-reads or ARCs. There are several levels (12, 25, 40, 50, 75, 100) corresponding with a mountains. I'm going for Mt. Vancouver and hope to read 25 books.

Sign-up here

Challenge 2: Read Your Own Books

Time frame: 2012

Basic requirements: Any book that you have personally purchased, been gifted, or swapped, BEFORE January 1, 2012 and just have not gotten the chance to read yet. NO ARCs, library books, re-reads or books purchased in 2012. There are four levels but I'm going for level 1 and hope to read 1-5 books.

sign-up here

Challenge 3:Off the Shelf!

Time frame: 2012

Basic requirements: No books from 2012, purchased or gifts. No library books, re-reads or ARCs. Crossover challenges are fine, you can change levels at any time, this is eBook, short story, and graphic novel friendly,There are several levels (5, 15, 30, 50, 75, 76-135, 136-200). I'm going for trying and hope to read 15 books.

sign-up here

My worst enemy.....
Challenge 4: The TBR Double Dare

Time frame: Jan 1 to Apr 1 , or goal of your choice.

Basic requirements: Make a resolution to read only the books in your To Be Read stack from January 1, 2012 to April 1. Can you survive? Nope! Didn't even make it to six books last year! This year, my goal is 30 Days, except for review/tour books and The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae.

sign up here

~Challenge Failed~
January 19
read "Happy Valentine's Day, Mouse", a board book!

Challenge 5: The Unread Book

Time frame: 2012

Basic requirements: any book you own (2012 too!) that you haven't read yet.

sign up here

Books Read

1. Christmas Haven by Hope White (first book of the year)
2. The Hawk and His Boy by Christopher Bunn
3. Deep Disclosure by Dee Davis
4. Carrots by Colleen Helme
5. The Ladybug Jinx by Tonya Kappes

~Completed Read Your Own Books at Tales from the Crypt~
January 16

6. Under the Willow by Kari Jo Spear
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
~Completed Off the Shelf~
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
~completed Mt. TBR~

TBR from 2012
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Multiple Challenges at The Eclectic Bookshelf

2011-11-27T18:02:00.000-08:00

2012 Reading Challenges from

Jamie at The Eclectic Bookshelf has several reading challenges that I'm going to participate in. ~~Quick look at the rules and levels below.....~~ challenges have been moved as follows:

Moved to different post with another ARC challenge.

Moved to a different page with another ebook challenge, here

Romance & Romantic Suspense Reading Challenges have been moved to (link later) with other romance challenges.

Challenge - The Alex Awards

2011-11-27T15:00:00.000-08:00

The Alex Awards Challenge

2012
hosted by The Story Girl
sign up

Rules:

It's pretty simple -- read Alex Awards winners! I will also count nominees.

Levels:
1. 1-3 books
2. 4-6 books
3. 7-9 books
4. 10+ books

The most important link you'll need is where to find the lists of winners ;) try here

I haven't done more than taken a quick glance at the list so I'm going for level 1

There is a lot of good information on the sign up page so be sure to check it out.

1. own Room :: read -
2.
3.

Multiple Challenges at Tales from the Crypt

2011-11-27T14:00:00.000-08:00

2012 Reading Challenges from

Our hosts at Tales from the Crypt have several reading challenges that I'm going to participate in. The rules and levels are the same for all of them so here goes.....

Read Your Own Books has been moved to here, with like challenges

Paranormal & Vampires has been moved to here, with like challenges

Paranormal Romance has been moved to (link later) with other romance challenges.

Rules:

Starts January 1, 2012 and ends December 31, 2012
Anyone can join
You don’t have to have a blog to participate.
Non-Bloggers feel free to share your list of books in the comment section of the monthly link up post.
Reviews though not required are always nice.
Audio, E-books, Bound and re-reads all count
There is no need to come up with your list of books in advance.
Challenge crossovers ok
Create a sign up post and link up in the linky.

Levels:
Level 1 – Read 1-5 Paranormal Romances
Level 2 – Read 6-10 Paranormal Romances
Level 3 – Read 11-20 Paranormal Romances
Level 4 – Read 21+ Paranormal Romances

I'm going for level 1 and plan to read at least one book that qualifies for each challenge.

50 States or Around the World...

2011-11-27T12:01:00.000-08:00

two challenges that are all about
So how do you decide what state/country a book is categorized under?

1. In a fiction read it would be the State or Country that the book spends the most time in. (Ie. If your main character is from Wisconsin but the book is all about his/her time in college in California – the book should categorize under California….)

2. Non fiction reads categorize in whatever State or Country it is about (Ie…. a book about fly fishing in Colorado is a Colorado point, and a book about women in Afghanistan is an Afghanistan point.

3. If the book goes from one state to another… go with the state that most of the time is spent.

Your books can be of any genre and any format (ie. paperback, ebook, audiobook, etc.). No short stories. Re-reads and crossovers from other reading challenges are fine. (Re-read reviews must be written within the year 2012; you can not use old reviews.)

The USA 50 states are listed below, ready to have a book listed with each one ;) I'll add other places as I read them. I didn't do so well with the map for 2011 but will try it again later and will add a link.

Wait? Did you just say reviews? Yikes! I'll try but....dang! I have a hard enough time reading enough states.

Challenge 1: Where Are You Reading?

Time Frame: 2012

Basic Requirements: Use Google Maps to keep track of where in the world you're reading

Sign-up here

Challenge 2: The 50 States Reading Challenge

Time Frame: 2012

Basic Requirements: read a book set in each state.

Sign-up here

Alabama -
Alaska -
Arizona -
Arkansas -
California - Virgin River by Robyn Carr
Colorado -
Connecticut -
Delaware -
Florida -
Georgia - Carrots by Colleen Helme
Hawaii -
Idaho -
Illinois -
Indiana -
Iowa -
Kansas -
Kentucky - The Ladybug Jinx by Tonya Kappes
Louisiana -
Maine -
Maryland -
Massachusetts -
Michigan -
Minnesota -
Mississippi -
Missouri -
Montana -
Nebraska -
Nevada -
New Hampshire -
New Jersey -
New Mexico -
New York -
North Carolina -
North Dakota -
Ohio -
Oklahoma -
Oregon -
Pennsylvania -
Rhode Island -
South Carolina -
South Dakota -
Tennessee -
Texas -
Utah -
Vermont - Under the Willow by Kari Jo Spear
Virginia -
Washington - Christmas Haven by Hope White (1st book of the year!)
West Virginia -
Wisconsin -
Wyoming -

Snowy Days Read-a-Thon

2011-11-27T07:21:00.000-08:00

Snowy Days Read-a-Thon

December 5 - 7, 2011
hosted by Lindsay at Turning the Pages
information page

Rules:

From December 5 - 7, I am hoping to get in as many books as possible and make that 2011 reading challenge a thing of the past. Clear up some space in my to-be-read list just in time to add books that arrive on Christmas morning!

So, if you are interested in joining me, please comment below and I'll see you on Twitter (hashtag #SDRAT).

My Plan:

I have no idea what I'm going to be reading but do have a couple of challenges to finish up before starting a whole new batch.

Possibilities:

1. ~~Janeology~~ finished before RaT started
2. Catching Santa
3. Gone
4. Before I Fall
5. 18 Minutes
6. Red Alert
7. Lost Christmas
8. Traiteur's Ring
9. Second Chance
10. Northlight
11. ~~Hunger Games~~ read for challenges next year
12.
13.

The top three and #11 are for 2011 challenges, 1-10 will need reviews too

My Twitter:
#bookdragonslair

Challenge - What's in a Name 5

2011-11-25T20:00:00.000-08:00

What's in a Name 5
2012
hosted by Beth at Beth Fish Reads
Challenge sign-up page

Rules:

Between January 1 and December 31, 2012, read one book in each of the following categories:
A book with a topographical feature (land formation) in the title: Black Hills, Purgatory Ridge, Emily of Deep Valley
A book with something you'd see in the sky in the title: Moon Called, Seeing Stars, Cloud Atlas
A book with a creepy crawly in the title: Little Bee, Spider Bones, The Witches of Worm
A book with a type of house in the title: The Glass Castle, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, Ape House
A book with something you'd carry in your pocket, purse, or backpack in the title: Sarah's Key, The Scarlet Letter, Devlin Diary
A book with a something you'd find on a calendar in the title: Day of the Jackal, Elegy for April, Freaky Friday, Year of Magical Thinking
The book titles are just suggestions, you can read whatever book you want to fit the category.

Other Things to Know:

Books may be any form (audio, print, e-book).
Books may overlap other challenges.
Books may not overlap categories; you need a different book for each category.
Creativity for matching the categories is not only allowed but encouraged.
You do not have to make a list of books before hand.
You do not have to read through the categories in any particular order.

Check out the sign-up page for more information.

The plan:

1. The Call of the Canyon by Zane Grey
1. Paradise Valley by Robyn Carr (she has several)
2. The City and the Stars by Arthur C. Clarke
2. ~~The Hawk and His Boy by Christopher Bunn~~
3. The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden
3. Alias Dragonfly by Jane Singer
4. Carriage House or The Cabin both by Carla Neggers
5. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
5. The 80 Dollar Champion by Elizabeth Letts
6. 4th of July by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro
6. Murder on Monday by Ann Purser

My reads:

1. topographical feature:
Nitt Witt Hill
by Sebastian Gibson
2. something you'd see in the sky:
The Hawk and His Boy
by Christopher Bunn
3. creepy crawly:
The Ladybug Jinx
by Tonya Kappes

4. type of house:

5. something you'd carry in your pocket, purse, or backpack:

6. something you'd find on a calendar:
A Three Dog Life
by Abigail Thomas

Happy Thanksgiving....

2011-11-24T00:01:00.000-08:00

Just a quick note to wish all who celebrate Thanksgiving a....

and if you don't - have a great weekend. I'll be spending the day with extended family but will back soon

Challenge - 150+ Books

2011-11-19T16:46:00.000-08:00

150+ Books Challenge

2012
hosted by Amy at My Overstuffed Bookshelf
sign up

Rules:

1. The goal is to read 150 or more books. Anyone can join. You don't need a blog to participate. Posting on GoodReads or wherever you post your reviews is good enough.

2. Allowed are: Audio, Re-reads, eBooks, YA, Manga, Graphic Novels, Library books, Novellas, Young Reader, Nonfiction – as long as the book has an ISBN or equivalent or can be purchased as such, the book counts.

What doesn't count: Individual short stories or individual books in the Bible and comic books.

3. No need to list your books in advance. You may select books as you go. Even if you list them now, you can change the list if needed.

4. Crossovers from other reading challenges count.

5. Challenge begins January 1st, 2012 thru December 31, 2012. Books started before the 1st do not count. You can join at anytime.

6. When you sign up under Linky, put the direct link to your post where your books will be listed. Include the URL to this post so that other viewers can find this fun challenge. If you’d prefer to put your list in the sidebar of your blog, please leave your viewers the link to the sign up page. Again, so viewers can join the challenge too.Levels:
no levels, just read 150 or more books during 2012

Monthly Record (will be links)

January
February
March

April
May
June

July
August
September

October
November
December

Thoughts on...Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue by Stephanie Laurens

2011-11-18T23:10:00.000-08:00

Strange to read a Regency Romance where so much of the book takes place away from the watchful eyes of the ton. And more telling, because of the series, away from the protection of the Cynster Men. Not for nothing that the Head of the Family's nickname is Devil.

It is very clearly stated on the cover "Three heroes, three rescues, three weddings." So we know there will be three stories (luckily for us, 3 novels). Because the stories involve Cynster females, there will be headstrong, beautiful women and a bit of danger. We also know there will be a happy ending.

I guess this trilogy has a "formula" but really, don't most romance books? The details of time period and the characters are what draw us in and Ms. Laurens has this firmly mastered. We're allowed to visit a well established series from a different point of view and this novel lets us visit Scotland with a stop at The Vale.

On the strength of the author and my familiarity of the series, I have already purchase book two, In Pursuit of Eliza Cynster and after reading half of book one, am eagerly waiting Jan 31 and the publication of book three, The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae.

So formula or not, Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue starts with a kidnapping, follows with a chase across borders, a rescue and an unlikely introduction to who could only be the Earl of Glencrae.

I haven't finished the book yet but will before heading to sleep....started it today and even though I know there will be a wedding, I must know how the book ends.

Now, where did I leave In Pursuit.....

Disclaimer: I purchased a copy of this book due to the fact that I love this author and have read so many of the other books in the series. Plus I wanted to support Avon Books' k.i.s.s and teal campaign. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of .........

Viscount Breckenridge to the Rescue
by Stephanie Laurens

publisher: HarperCollins, Imprint: Avon
ISBN: 9780062068606
Mass Market Paperback
Romance
18+
448 pages

Product Description:

You are cordially invited to the wedding of Miss Heather Cynster . . . but not before she encounters kidnappers, danger, and a daring rescue at the hands of Viscount Breckenridge

Determined to hunt down her very own hero, one who will sweep her off her feet and into wedded bliss, and despairing of finding him in London’s staid ballrooms, Heather Cynster steps out of her safe world and boldly attends a racy soiree.

But her promising hunt is ruined by the supremely interfering Viscount Breckenridge, who whisks her out of scandal—and straight into danger, when a mysterious enemy seizes her, bundles her into a coach, and conveys her out of London.

Now it’s up to the notorious Breckenridge to prove himself the hero she’s been searching for all along . . .

Unplugged.....

2011-11-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

Gonna be Unplugged for a while. Not even a Monday post.....maybe a review or two but....taking my life off-line for a bit

Happy reading,

Gina

Happy Monday! And the Winner Is...

2011-11-14T00:01:00.000-08:00

And the Winner is....... looks like no one wants a copy....guess I should have done it as a separate post.

Hope everyone has a great week planned.

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

A big Thank You to Serena for hosting in October, the November co-hosts are Joy & Serena at Edgy Inspirational Romance (blog link, not post link).

Received for Review:
52 Small Changes: One Year to a Happier, Healthier You by Brett Blumenthal
Lifting the Wheel of Karma: A Profound Spiritual Journey of Extraordinary Healing and Redemption by Paul H. Magid (January blog tour)

Purchased (this time it wasn't Target but Costco that got me):
Redwall by Brian Jacques
Wish You Were Here...Biography of Douglas Adams
Inheritance by Christopher Paolini
If You Give a Dog a Donut by Laura Numeroff
The Next Always by Nora Roberts
Seriously...I'm Kidding by Ellen Degeneres
Lost December by Richard Paul Evans

Gift from the author:
By Royal Decree by Kate Emerson (autographed!) - Dewey's Read-a-Thon
Daddy's Home by A.K. Alexander (thank you from Michele Scott)

kindle/ebooks:
So This Is Christmas anthology
Deadly Gamble by Connie Shelton
Innkeeping with Murder by Tim Myers
At Wick's End by Tim Myers
Murder on the Ghost Walk by Ellen Elizabeth Hunter
Murder Spins a Tale by Veryl Ann Grace
Forged by Sean Michael
Tyler's Cowboy by Amber Kell
Quinn's Blessing by Jude Mason & Jenna Byrnes
Stay the Night by Scarlet Parrish
What Remains by Bailey Bradford
To Love Again by Simone Anderson
The Love of a Mate (shifter) by Kim Dare
plus 27 free or near free titles
Teaching Topaz by Tory Temple
Sunset Ridge by Carol Lynne

Finished:
Forged
Tyler's Cowboy
The Love of a Mate
What Remains
Quinn's Blessing (and that finishes a challenge)
Teaching Topaz
Stay the Night
To Love Again
Sunset Ridge

Reading:
Live Free or Die
~~To Santa with Love~~ wait until 21st for challenge ;)
52 Small Changes
~~Forged~~
Redwall

Next up:
something from my "read this year" list, or
something from my review pile, or
something from my "Read but Still Need to Review" list ;)

Reviewed:
52 Small Changes (part 1)

Need to Review-keep a running total and cross off as completed:
(this list is way too long and if they've been reviewed I didn't label them correctly!)

Spin the Plate, short story (current read)
A Modern Witch (current read)
Kekula (current read)
The Man Who Loved Books Too Much
True North
Whiskey Gulf
A Circle of Souls
Benny & Shrimp
The Right Side of the Tracks
Second Chance

A Little Bit of Everything!

2011-11-12T15:08:00.000-08:00

I may read a lot but I don't always read all genres. Here are a ~~couple~~ four challenges to help. Where a book is identified by more than one genre eg historical romance, it may only count for either the historical fiction or romantic fiction genres – not both. I know it isn't quite fair, the books will overlap between challenges!

Challenge 1: 12 in 12 a LibraryThing group

Choose 12 categories. Check. See challenge 1 list
Now decide how many books you want to read for each. Check. I'm going easy and will read One book for each category.

Challenge 2: Around the Stack in How Many Ways?

Time Frame: 2012

Basic Requirements: Read one book from specific genres. I'm going for Backpacker and will read 6-10 books. See challenge 2 list.

sign-up here

Challenge 3: The Eclectic Reader

Time frame: 2012

Basic Requirements: read one book to fit each genre. See challenge 3 list.

sign-up here

Challenge 4: Mixing it Up

Time frame: 2012

Basic Requirements: Read and review a book for each genre, there are levels! I'm going to play it safe and am going for Measuring Jug and plan to read 1-4 books. See challenge 4 list.

sign-up here

~Challenge 1~ with Possible Books
1. Banned/Challenged Book - Hunger Games
2. Cozy Mystery - A Cookie Before Dying
3. Fairy Tale - The Fairy Tales Detective
4. Horror - Ancient Awakenings or Under the Dome
5. Western - The Call of the Canyon
6. book of Poetry -
7. 100 Best Novels - Catch 22 or Brave New World
8. Fantasy - The Book of Deacon
9. Science Fiction - The City and the Stars
10. Paranormal - Kiss of Snow
11. Suspense - Christmas Haven
12. under 18 - Under the Willow

~Challenge 2~ fill in books from other two lists
*1. Crime/Mystery - Double Booked for Murder
2. Thriller -
*3. Romance - The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae
*4. Fantasy - The Book of Deacon
5. Sci-Fi -
*6. Literary - The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
*7. Young Adult - Under the Willow
*8. Historical Fiction - Child of the Mist
9. Dystopian - Hunger Games
10. Steampunk -
11. Comedy/Black Comedy - Nitt Witt Hill (1-24)
*12. Horror/Ghost Story - Ancient Awakening
13. Adventure -
14. War -
15. Gothic -
*16. Poetry -
17. Drama -
*18. Kids - The View from the Cherry Tree
19. Graphic Novel -
*20. Classic - The Hound of the Baskervilles

~Challenge 3~ with Possible Books
1. Literary Fiction - The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
2. Crime/Mystery Fiction - Double Booked for Murder
3. Romantic Fiction - The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae
4. Historical Fiction - Child of the Mist
5. Young Adult - Hunger Games
6. Fantasy - The Book of Deacon
7. Science Fiction -
8. Non Fiction -
9. Horror - Ancient Awakening
10. Thriller /Suspense - Manufactured Identity
11. Classic - The Hound of the Baskervilles
12. Your favorite genre - (cozy) A Cookie Before Dying

~Challenge 4~ with Possible Books
1. Classic - The Hound of the Baskervilles
2. Biography - A Three Dog Life (1-26) or The Eighty Dollar Champion
3. Cookery, Food and Wine - Title
4. History -
5. Modern Fiction -
6. Graphic Novels and Manga -
7. Crime and Mystery - Double Booked for Murder or A Cookie Before Dying
8. Horror - Ancient Awakening
9. Romance - The Ladybug Jinx (1-16)
10. Science Fiction and Fantasy- Time Slice
11. Travel - Homer's Odyssey
12. Poetry and Drama -
13. Journalism and Humour - Nitt Witt Hill (1-24) - reviewed
14. Science and Natural History -
15. Children's and Young Adult - Under the Willow (1-17)
16. Social Sciences and Philosophy -

Reading Challenge - Completed!

2011-11-11T18:04:00.000-08:00

A to Z Challenge
2011
Hosted at it's own blog

Challenge Completed
November 11, 2011

My original post about the challenge

Quick recap:

Read books with a word in the title beginning with each letter of the alphabet

Final List:

There are 26 titles and they can be found on the original post

This challenge was stressful for me and I really struggled with the last two letters. Now, if I had done a different level I wouldn't have to have read the last two but I was stubborn. Sigh. I'll keep track next year but don't know if I'll be official.

Reading Challenge - Completed!

2011-11-11T02:26:00.000-08:00

The Color Coded Reading Challenge
2011
Hosted by Bev at My Reader's Block

Challenge Completed
October 8, 2011

My original post about the challenge

Quick recap:
Read books with specific color names as part of the title. Blue, yellow, white, brown, black, green, red. Another color and implied color

Final List:

Forever Blue
by Suzanne Brockmann
has been on my shelves nearly forever

Red in the Flower Bed
by Andrea Nepa
children's book sent for review (review)

Yellow Moon
by Jewell Parker Rhodes
review book - horror (review)

Being a Green Mother
by Piers Anthony
favorite re-read

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?
by Bill Martin Jr & Eric Carle
children's book (review)

Black Swan
by Willa Okati
ebook, Swan shifter

White Sleeper
by David R. Fett & Stephen Langford
review book - biological terror (review)

The Man with the Golden Gun
by Ian Fleming
I've had this one for about three years

Repairing Rainbows
by Lynda Fishman
review book - non-fiction (review)

This was hard for me and while I had several review books for this year, I don't know if I'll officially join this challenge again. I may have been cheating with Brown Bear but I read about 15 picture books while I was boxing them up and it was only after I finished that I realized I could count it.

Thoughts on...52 Small Changes - One Year to a Happier, Healthier You

2011-11-07T22:00:00.000-08:00

I'm a firm believer in small changes. I don't even want to contemplate my appearance if ordering my salad dressing on the side and dipping my fork wasn't a habit now (I love salads).

As the end of the year approaches, we may be starting to think of our New Year Resolutions (cue scary music), so I'm going to post my review in sections. I figure it would do you more good than waiting until I've finished the book....52 changes = 52 weeks. I'd like to get you started a lot sooner than that!

....off to read....

52 small changes made over 52 weeks. Sounds simple enough but one of the "small changes" is to declutter your living environment. Yikes! This one will take a year all by itself. I might be able to start very small and concentrate on my purse ;) Luckily, it's week 39 so we'll have some practice before we tackle this one.

Of course, one of the great things about this book is that you are encouraged to change the order around, spend more time if the change is hard for you, and if you already do it? There is "extra credit". Since declutter will be a tough one for me....it may be done last. (when I have no other obligations for several months/year)

Weeks read so far:

Week 1: Water
Week 2: Sleep
Week 3: Be more active
Week 4: Keep a Food Journal

Sound simple? It is. And it's not. For example, staying hydrated sounds easy enough, just drink water, but how much is enough? Just water? How about milk, juice, tea? Not only are these questions answered, they're explained. And if you already know these answers and feel you do this, your extra credit is to filter your water.

One of the hardest parts of following this program will be NOT jumping ahead and cramming two or three changes into each week.

1) Although there are countless changes you can make, the 52 changes presented in this book are those that will have the largest impact on creating a happier, healthier lifestyle.

2) Giving yourself a year to create this lifestyle affords you the ability to slowly integrate important changes over time, so they are more likely to stick for the long-term

I'm more of an instant gratification girl myself but after reading through just the first 4 weeks, I can more easily see why slow is the way to go.

There is an online assessment to take before you start your journey so you can see where you are starting from....all the easier to see where you're going.

Join me? I'll be hydrating this week. And, overlapping with a partial week 35, be better about taking my medication. Wow, already squeezing a second change in and it's only the first week!

....so ends part 1. I hope to have an update posted in December

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary review copy of this book without any obligation to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of the publisher.

52 Small Changes
One Year to a Happier, Healthier You
by Brett Blumenthal

publisher: AmazonEncore
January 3, 2012
ISBN 978-1612181394
Format: Paperback (8x8)
as my copy is an uncorrected proof, I do not know if the finished copy will be hardcover or not.
non-fiction, Health & Fitness, Self-Improvment
380 pages

Product Description:

This “how-to” manual for achieving a state of optimal health and wellness outlines fifty-two weeks of small, yet productive changes that readers can make to live a happier, healthier life. Why fifty-two? By making one small change each week over the course of one year, this will ultimately lead to the big change of living a healthier, happier lifestyle - because ultimately it is the small steps that make the most lasting difference, rather than trying to overhaul an entire lifetime’s worth of bad habits all at once!

Small Changes addresses all areas of well being, including nutrition, exercise, stress management, mental wellness, and even the health of one’s home environment. With weekly goals such as Taking Time to Stretch, Choosing Whole Grains, Spending Time in Nature, and Reducing Dust in Your Home, this enthusiastic guide to long-term wellness is a must-read for anyone ready to change their life for good.

Challenge - Christmas Spirit

2011-11-07T00:36:00.000-08:00

The Christmas Spirit Reading Challenge

Nov 21 to Jan 6
hosted at The Christmas Spirit blog
sign-up post

Rules:

1. challenge will run from Monday, November 21, 2011 through Friday, January 6, 2011 (Twelfth Night or Epiphany)

2. cross over with other challenges is totally permitted AND encouraged!

3. These must be Christmas novels, books about Christmas lore, a book of Christmas short stories or poems, books about Christmas crafts, and for the first time...a children's Christmas books level!

4. Levels:
Candy Cane - read 1 book
Mistletoe - read 2-4 books
Christmas Tree - read 5 or 6 books (this is the fanatic level...LOL!)

*Additional levels:

Fa La La La Films - watch a bunch or a few Christmas movies...it's up to you!
Visions of Sugar Plums - read books with your children this season and share what you read

*additional levels are optional and must be done in addition to a reading level

5. the most important rule? Have fun!!!

There will be Mr. Linky's for reviews & a GIVEAWAY

The really sad thing is that I just finished TWO Christmas novels that would be perfect for this challenge. Christmas at Timberwoods and Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor.

I'm going for Candy Cane and Fa La La La Films

The Bite Before Christmas, To Santa with Love plus White Christmas, It's a Wonderful Life, Santa is Coming to Town. This should be a no stress challenge, the hardest part will be waiting for Nov 21!

edit: A Highlander for Christmas, So This Is Christmas

Books Read & Movies Watched

Book: Snow and Mistletoe by TC Blue - short story about a secret admirer at Christmas time

Book: Someone Special by TC Blue - novel about finding love while working as one of Santa's elves at the mall. There was a bunch of other stuff going on but they meet while working with the mall Santa and the book ends with I-love-yous Christmas morning.

Book: A Highlander for the Holidays by Janet Chapman - novel about the clan in Maine and one women who moves there to begin her life again. Every time I read one of these, I want to read them all. (recently bought another one in the series)

Movie: tried to watch It's a Wonderful Life. Our DVD was all wonky and I couldn't stand to watch through the static :(

Movie: next tried The Nightmare Before Christmas but you know when you want to read a book for a book report and you just aren't lovin' it? Yeah....

Movie: third times the charm! Oh, my gosh! Santa is a little black woman! Watched Call Me Claus with Whoopi Goldberg. I don't know who everyone else is but this is a great little quirky movie. Lucy's niece? GREAT voice :)

Netflix was streaming Jeff Dunham's Christmas Special....Peanut may be everyone's favorite and I do like him but I love Walter. It was an older show (still married) and he started out on the stage all by himself talking about his daughter putting gas in her car for the first time. Hilarious

~~Challenge Complete~~
December 8

I'm still going to need to write up a completed post but this will work for now (done)

Happy Monday! and Give away

2011-11-07T00:01:00.000-08:00

I hope those who celebrate Halloween had a safe night.

No school update at scheduling time

Two more chapters to read this week, and quizzes, plus start the next paper. sigh, why did I want to go back to school? The reasons have escaped me. I've discovered I'd rather cook than do homework and I don't like to cook!

Son has passed the test and is awaiting notification of an interview time (Electricians Union).

Hope everyone has plans for a great week.

giveaway at the end of the post ;)

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

A big Thank You to Serena for hosting in October, the November co-hosts are Joy & Serena at Edgy Inspirational Romance (blog link, not post link).

Received for Review:
Bring Me Home for Christmas by Robyn Carr (and if you've been paying attention.....why yes, I did just buy this!)
Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver
18 Minutes by Peter Bregman
Red Alert by Stephen Leeb

Purchased:
Forbidden Heat by Opal Carew
went to Target again.....at least I left three of the books there ;)
If You Give a Girl a Viscount by Kieran Kramer
Kiss of Snow by Nalini Singh

kindle/ebooks:
Edge of Sight by Roxanne St. Claire
Owned by Sean Michael
Push by Sean Michael
The Zombie Project (Boxcar Children)
A One-Eyed Horse in a One-Horse Town by Julie Mahler Harris
What We Deserve by Kerry Freeman

Finished:
Gingerbread Cookie Murder
Snared
Owned
Bring Me Home for Christmas
Push
The Zombie Project (Boxcar Children)
A One-Eyed Horse in a One-Horse Town by Julie Mahler Harris
Cherry Pie
What We Deserve

Reading:
Live Free or Die
To Santa with Love
~~Gingerbread Cookie Murder~~
~~Snared~~
~~Owned~~
~~Bring Me Home for Christmas~~

Next up:
something from my "read this year" list
something from my "Need to Review" list ;)

Reviewed:
Bring Me Home for Christmas

Need to Review-keep a running total and cross off as completed:
(this list is way too long and if they've been reviewed I didn't label them correctly!)

Spin the Plate, short story (current read)
A Modern Witch (current read)
Kekula (current read)
The Man Who Loved Books Too Much
True North
Whiskey Gulf
A Circle of Souls
Benny & Shrimp
The Right Side of the Tracks
Second Chance

~*~FREE BOOK~*~
I received Bring Me Home for Christmas to review the week after I bought it. I've read it. Reviewed it. Don't need two copies. Would you like one? Tell me in the comments and leave an email. I'll do a random drawing and announce the winner next week.

Challenge - Whittle Down Your Perpetual TBR List

2011-11-06T14:13:00.000-08:00

I fell like this is what my books would look like if I actually owned all the titles on my perpetual challenges list!

I've got to cross some of them off my list, I started some of these in 2009 and feel like there has been no progress

1. List your perpetual challenges.
2. pick a book for each challenge to read in 2012. Overlaps are okay.

~*~Challenges~*~

100 Best Novels first goal
101 Fantasy Books (book list)
Banned/Challenged Books, update page!
Card, Orson Scott
Disney Literature
PB&J (P.icture B.ooks & J.uvenile) update page, keep reading & update as you go!
John Sandford's Prey series (book list)
PLUS, Redwall, Landover & Cedar Cove!

~*~Books to Read~*~

311 Pelican Court - Cedar Cove
Brave New World - 100 Best Novels & Banned/Challenged
Eyes of Prey - Prey
Hidden Empire - Orson Scott Card
Hunger Games - 101 Fantasy Books & Banned/Challenged
Magic Kingdom for Sale-Sold - Landover
The Once and Future King by T.H. White - Disney Lit
Picture Books & Juvenile
Redwall - Redwall

Mystery & Suspense and Two Cozy Challenges

2011-11-06T13:17:00.000-08:00

Challenge 1: Cruisin thru the Cozies at Socrates' Book Reviews

Time Frame: 2012

Basic requirements: Read cozy mysteries. I'm going for Investigator and plan to read 7-12 books

sign up here

Challenge 2: Cozy Mystery at Debbie's Book Bag

Time Frame: 2012

Basic Requirements: read AND review cozy mysteries. Because of the review requirement, I'm going for Snooper and plan on reviewing 1-3 of my cozies read.

Sign up here, by February 4.

Challenge 3: Mystery & Suspense at Book Chick City

Time Frame: 2012

Basic Requirements: Read mystery and/or suspense novels through the year. I'm going for level 1 and plan to read 12 books. I'm so happy cozies count! Audiobooks do not count but other formats do.

sign up here

Challenge 4: Criminal Plots at it's own blog!

Time Frame: 2012

Basic Requirements: Read six books that fit specific requirements. (requirements and ideas listed after my Books Read list)

sign-up here

I have several mystery/suspense books in my TBR pile and a stack of cozies on my shelf.....
Tragic Toppings (A Donut Shop Mystery) by Jessica Beck
Skirting the Grave (A Vintage Magic Mystery) by Annette Blair
A Sheetcake Named Desire (A Piece of Cake Mystery) by Jacklyn Brady
Sentenced to Death (A Booktown Mystery) by Lorna Barrett
Death by the Dozen (A Cupcake Bakery Mystery) by Jenn McKinlay
Liver Let Die (A Clueless Cook Mystery) by Liz Lipperman
Shoe Done It (An Accessories Mystery) by Grace Carroll
Buzz Off (A Queen Bee Mystery) by Hannah Reed
Classified as Murder (A Cat in the Stacks Mystery) by Miranda James
..... and several more in boxes

~*~Books Read~*~

1. Deep Disclosure by Dee Davis (challenge 3)
2. Carrots by Colleen Helme (challenge 1 & 3)
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

Challenge 4 requirements:
Novel with a weapon in the title. ~~Knife of Dreams (Wheel of Time/11)~~ dang, wrong genre!
A book published at least 10 years ago. thinking James Bond
A California author (your state/providence...).
A book written by an author using a pen name. Elizabeth Lowell
Crime novel whose protagonist is the opposite gender of the author.
A stand-alone by an author who writes series.

52-52-52: 3rd & 4th six weeks

2011-11-06T02:50:00.000-08:00

52 weeks. 52 books. 52 pounds.
Third & Fourth Six Weeks

Week 13: 8-24/8-30
book - Notice
pounds -

Week 14: 8-31/9-6
book - Anchor
pounds - 218.5

Week 15: 9-7/9-13
book - Telling Lies
pounds -

Week 16: 9-14/0-20
book - 100 Cupboards
pounds -

Week 17: 9-21/9-27
book - The Pumpkin Muffin Murder
pounds -

Week 18: 9-28/10-4
book - Beaglemania
pounds -

Week 19: 10-5/10-11
book - Yellow Moon
pounds -

Week 20: 10-12/10-18
book - The Square Root of Murder
pounds -

Week 21: 10-19/10-25
book - Button Holed
pounds -

Week 22: 10-26/11-1
book - Gingerbread Cookie Murder
pounds -

Week 23: 11-2/11-8
book - Bring Me Home for Christmas
pounds -

Week 24: 11-9/11-15
book -
pounds -

this hasn't changed any from the 2nd six weeks post......
as you can see, I'm not doing a good job of this. Sure the books are getting read and I'm mostly eating better but I'm not exercising, going to Weight Watchers, logging in to SparkPeople or even weighing myself at home!

Thoughts on...Bring Me Home for Christmas

2011-11-04T17:28:00.001-07:00

It's raining here. Perfect day to stay inside with a feel-good, happy-ever-after romance and I've got a great one for you. Robyn Carr has a delightful series centered in Virgin River, California. Virgin River is a small town, up in the mountains. And like small towns every where, everyone seems to know your business. And just because it's in California, don't think sunshine! This town is in the mountains and they actually have a heart attack season... first huge storm and lots of shoveling out. Then nine months later the midwife is busy ;)

The female main character, Becca, is not part of Virgin River. She came up with her brother, crashed his hunting and fishing party with his war buddies. Why would she do this? Well, one of the guys is her ex-boyfriend and she wants to make sure she's over him before she marries her current boyfriend.

The book is filled with people with big hearts and Becca sees the weather at it's worse and the town at it's best. Like I said, there's a happy ever after and ex-boyfriend becomes the one and only. Too bad he lives in Virgin River (North) and Becca lives in San Diego (South). Their journey to this point is rocky with lots of miscommunication and a busted ankle (Becca's) but the real question is....will Denny make Becca happy by packing up, quitting his jobs, and heading south to San Diego where Becca's family and friends are?

Bring Me Home for Christmas is actually book 16 in the series but is still a delightful read if you're not familiar with the Virgin River.

don't forget to add labels and delete this sentence ;-) also adjust "disclaimer" to use even if it is from the library or personal book

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary review copy of this book without any obligation to write a positive review. The opinions expressed in this post are mine and may differ from yours. Book information courtesy of the author's website

Bring Me Home for Christmas
A Virgin River Novel
by Robyn Carr

publisher: Mira
November 2011
ISBN: 978-0778312710
Mass Market Paperback
romance
18+ (or at least high school)
331 pages

Product Description:

This year, Becca Timm knows the number one item on her Christmas wish list: getting over Denny Cutler. Three years ago Denny broke her heart before heading off to war. It’s time she got over her silly college relationship and moved on.
So she takes matters into her own hands and heads up to Virgin River, the rugged little mountain town that Denny calls home, as an uninvited guest on her brother’s men-only hunting weekend. But when an accident turns her impromptu visit into an extended stay, Becca finds herself stranded in Virgin River. With Denny. In very close quarters.
As the power of Christmas envelops the little town, Becca discovers that the boy she once loved has become a strong and confident man. An the most delicious Christmas present she can imagine.

Happy Halloween Everyone!

2011-10-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

I hope it's fun, spooky & safe for you. I have plans to go our church's party. M is in charge of blowing up a room full of balloons. The kids loved it last year but dang, good thing we have an air compressor ;)

School has started for me and so far I've had a quiz on the Syllabus! (I got 10 out of 10) I only got 84 & 88 on the two chapter quizzes. Three more chapters to read & take quizzes on plus a paper due on the 6th. I don't think I'll be seeing much of you this week :-(

Hope everyone has plans for a great week.

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

A big Thank You to Leah for hosting in September, the October host is Serena at Savvy Verse and Wit (blog link, not post link).

Received for Review:

Purchased: oh, man, I went to Target.....
To Have and to Kill by Mary Jane Clark
Making Spirits Bright, anthology
Secrets to the Grave by Tami Hoag
Bring Me Home for Christmas by Robyn Carr
Highlander for the Holidays by Janet Chapman

kindle/ebooks:
Lion Tamer by Sean Michael
A Change of Pace by Tielle St. Clare
Drawn by Sean Michael
Found by Sean Michael
Twice a Rake by Catherine Gayle
Snared by Sean Michael

Finished:
Lion Tamer
A Change of Pace
Button Holed
Drawn
Found
Xone of Contention

Reading:
~~Xone of Contention~~
Live Free or Die
To Santa with Love
Gingerbread Cookie Murder (two of the three stories finished)

Next up:
something from my "read this year" list
something from my "Need to Review" list ;)

Reviewed:
sigh

Need to Review-keep a running total and cross off as completed:
(this list is way too long and if they've been reviewed I didn't label them correctly!)

Spin the Plate, short story (current read)
A Modern Witch (current read)
Kekula (current read)
The Man Who Loved Books Too Much
True North
Whiskey Gulf
A Circle of Souls
Benny & Shrimp
The Right Side of the Tracks
Second Chance

Happy Monday!

2011-10-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

Whew! I had a great week! M and I went to Las Vegas and had a fabulous time. No big win on the slots but no big losses either. ;) Then I participate in Dewey's 24-hour Read-a-Thon. I'm still visiting blogs.

School starts tonight so I don't know how much pleasure reading I'll be doing.

Hope everyone has plans for a great week.

Mailbox Monday is a place to share all the wonderful books that have come to live in your home– including paper books, e-books and audio books. Mailbox Monday was started by Marcia of The Printed Page. When Marcia was ready to move on from being the weekly host, she was kind enough to set up the Mailbox Monday Blog Tour. Check it out so you know where to go next month.

A big Thank You to Leah for hosting in September, the October host is Serena at Savvy Verse and Wit (blog link, not post link).

Received for Review:

Purchased:
Huber Hill and the Dead Man's Treasure by B.K. Bostick
To Santa with Love by Janet Dailey
Towers of Midnight (Wheel of Time) by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson
A Clash of Kings (Fire and Ice) by George R.R. Martin

kindle:
A Touch of Greek by Tina Folsom
The Zombie Project (Boxcar Children Mysteries)

Finished:
You Are Your Own Gym
Christmas at Timberwoods
A War of Gifts
Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor
Dark Peril

Reading:
~~Christmas at Timberwoods~~
Defenders of the Scroll
Xone of Contention

Next up:
something from my "read this year" list
something from my "Need to Review" list ;)

Reviewed:

Need to Review-keep a running total and cross off as completed:
(this list is way too long and if they've been reviewed I didn't label them correctly!)

Spin the Plate, short story (current read)
A Modern Witch (current read)
Kekula (current read)
The Man Who Loved Books Too Much
True North
Whiskey Gulf
A Circle of Souls
Benny & Shrimp
The Right Side of the Tracks
Second Chance

Dewey's Read-a-Thon End Meme

2011-10-23T11:24:00.000-07:00

End Meme

1. Which hour was most daunting for you?

23

2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year?

I enjoyed Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor by Lisa Kleypas and I believe it will be a trilogy

3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?

improve? I thought it was great! Some of the mini-challenge links didn't work.

4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon?

the hosts on the blog were fabulous!

5. How many books did you read?

3

6. What were the names of the books you read?

Dark Peril, Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor, A War of Gifts

7. Which book did you enjoy most?

Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor (book 2 is on my wishlist now)

8. Which did you enjoy least?

this would have been book 4 but I went to bed instead

9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders?

10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time?

Very Likely, depending on husband's plans. I'd like to donate prizes and be a reader. If I was a cheerleader, could it be just for an hour?

Dewey's Read-a-Thon I Give Up

2011-10-23T03:20:00.000-07:00

Wrap Up

I know it's almost the end but anything I read now will be just to keep going and I wouldn't enjoy it. So I'm going to bed.

Goals: two books read (with Finished Reading posts), check. One review, no. and visit, check. Oh, less reading than last time, more mini-challenges, more comments. check. check. and check.

started late, took a nap, went out to dinner, did several mini-challenges, visited! finished a total of three books and 757 pages :) Took a break to do some paperwork for tomorrow (that I could have done Friday!) and lost all my energy. I still need to iron a shirt then I'm out until sometime on Monday ;)

Read: Dark Peril at 420, A War of Gifts at 126, started Quickstep to Murder, Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor at 211.

Mini-Challenges: Introduction Meme, Mid-Event Survey, Hodge-Podge, Pet Love, Yoga

Food: trail mix, celery w/Peanut Butter, Boston Baked Beans, Jelly Belly jelly beans, quoina salad, 3 diet wild cherry pepsi, Scrambled eggs with cheese, apple, piece of cantaloupe/watermelon/honeydew, shredded beef taco, Cascade Ice Mixed Berry (drink)

next year.....check-in more often at RaT's blog for mini-challenges....start on time....keep track of time spent blogging/visiting/reading/down-time, keep track of who you visited?

Twitter: #bookdragonslair, #readathon

Challenge - Getting Lost in a Comfortable Book

2011-10-23T03:00:00.000-07:00

Getting Lost in a Comfortable Book
2012 Reading Challenge
hosted by Gina at Book Dragon's Lair

and in case you don't want to read outside.....

Guidelines:

Make a post
link up (coming)
read 5 books from the list that you haven't read before

Reviews:
would be nice but I'd be more interested in why you pick each book and what you thought of it. This can be added to your post about the challenge.

The list didn't turn out as long as I'd hope so there will be no voting....just read five books (not yours) from the list. Yes, there are a couple of series on the list but you only need to read one of them.

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery
Arabella by Georgette Heyer
The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
Briar's Book by Tamora Pierce
The Cat Who series by Lilian Jackson Braun
The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey
The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje
Fools Rush In by Janice Thompson
Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Anne Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer
Happy All the Time by Laurie Colwin
Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowlings
The Hawk and the Jewel, The by Lori Wick
The Hobbit, The by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
How to Make an American Quilt by Whitney Otto
The Inn at Lake Devine by Elinor Lipman
The Irish Country series Patrick Taylor
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
The Key Trilogy by Nora Roberts
Le Grand Secret (The Immortals) by René Barjavel
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Mist of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
The Mitford series by Jan Karon
The Negotiator by Dee Henderson
The Night Watch by Sergej Lukianenko
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
Northern Lights by Phillip Pullman
The Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon
Persuasion by Jane Austen
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
The Phryne Fisher Mystery series by Kerry Greenwood
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Princess Bride, The by William Goldman
The Protector of the Small quartet by Tamora Pierce
Queen of the Damned by Anne Rice
Secret Garden, The by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Spy Wore Red, The by Aline, Countess of Romanones
Stand, The by Stephen King
Stone and the Flute, The by Hans Bemmann
Tangled Web, A by L.M. Montgomery
Time Traveler's Wife, The by Audrey Niffenegger
Venetia by Georgette Heyer
Westing Game, The by Ellen Raskin
Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce
Worthing Saga, The by Orson Scott Card

Goals for 2012

2011-10-23T00:01:00.000-07:00

Goals is a harsh word for me. I make plans and join challenges then fail spectacularly! I did much better in 2011 than I did in 2010 and so far, not only have I not burned out, I've reviewed more books!

So for 2012, I'm developing some Guidelines ;)

Organize ARCs
gather ebooks
complete info folders

Every month review one personal book, one ARC, and one previously read ARC

Read more from the Mt. TBR

Officially join fewer challenges (post to advertise and say TY to host)

Read something for each perpetual challenge
(Cedar Cove, Magic Kingdom of Landover, Banned/Challenged, Disney Lit, Prey, 101 Fantasy, 100 Best Novels, Orson Scott Card, PB&J, Redwall)

Visit & comment more

update blog looks....clean up at the minimum....learn how to add a blogroll-type page instead of column

Complete more non-book projects
crochet projects, redecorating two bedrooms, continue decluttering, school work, house work, workout!

Dewey's Read-a-Thon Check-in: Hour 21

2011-10-22T23:45:00.001-07:00

Two Down....38 to go ;)

and wouldn't you know it...I've picked up a book that wasn't on my list! Took a break to catch up on a serial I'm reading online and to play FarmVille.

Progress: finished Dark Peril & A War of Gifts
Started: Quickstep to Murder
Reading: Christmas Eve at Friday Harbor
Posted "Finished Reading" post at the Matrix for both
snack: trail mix, celery w/Peanut Butter, Boston Baked Beans
Mini-Challenge: three :D
donated for mailing gifts
won two books woo hoo!
Up next: back to Quickstep? Magic Tree House?

I'm going to need another break to do some paperwork for tomorrow morning but I'm sure I'll be able to finish one more book and visit some more

Twitter: #bookdragonslair, #readathon

Dewey's Read-a-Thon Survey

2011-10-22T19:34:00.000-07:00

Mid-Event Survey

1. What are you reading right now?

just finished A War of Gifts by Orson Scott Card

2. How many books have you read so far?

Two

3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon?

I recently purchased two cozies by new-to-me authors....Quickstep to Murder is the next book I'll start. Also looking forward to Button Holed. Both are book 1 of a new series and published this year.

4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day?

No, reading is pretty much what I do. I wouldn't have today without the RaT....we're empty-nesters this weekend ;)

5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those?

I didn't plan last week well and went to bed for the night 3 hours before the RaT started. With an understanding husband and no kids at home, I've been free to read to my hearts content. Interruptions were few and far between and have mainly insured I'd make it to hour 24 (nap & food). Just went with the flow....I may have 40 books on my list but I knew I'd never read that many.

6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far?

I won something! Actually, what surprises me most is a comment made by M.....he asked how my reading was going this morning and has left me alone to do what ever I need to do for this.

7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year?

Don't try to fix what's not broken....Q: why did we start at noon?

8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year?

Plan meals (we went out to dinner), have better snacks on hand, start with a shorter book and get to bed early the night before!

9. Are you getting tired yet?

nope. Had a nap

10. Do you have any tips for other Readers or Cheerleaders, something you think is working well for you that others may not have discovered?

I have nothing.....Oh, I tweeted a note to self..... I started out with a 420 page book, which was very good, but I should have started with a shorter book so I'd have a success right away

Dewey's Read-a-Thon Check-in: Hour 13

2011-10-22T16:14:00.000-07:00

One Down....39 to go ;)

Progress: finished Dark Peril
Post: Finished Reading post at the Matrix
snack: trail mix
Mini-Challenge: just the one

Up next: A War of Gifts by Orson Scott Card

Twitter: @bookdragonslair