Reading In The Shade

One More Challenge - Read to Me - Picture Book Challenge in 2011

2011-01-22T14:37:00.002-05:00

This Challenge is more for my son than anyone! I'm always reading to him but I want to encourage myself to read a wide range of picture books to him :D

he objective of the challenge is to read with the kids in your life and/or enjoy picture books in general.

Guidelines:

Books must be ones written expressly for children ages 9 and under. Board books, early readers, picture books, etc.
Print or eBook format is acceptable.
Anyone can join. You don’t have to be a blogger, and you don’t have to live in the United States. Open worldwide.
You do not have to have an blog to participate.
You can join at anytime. Deadline to join is November 20, 2011.
Decide if you intend to read them with a child or on your own. Sorry, but those who read with a child get twice as many entries each month. Although those that do read with a child need to share their experience with the them in their review
Submit your reviews as you complete them on the designated monthly post to be qualified for monthly prize drawings.

Challenge Levels:

Reading with a Child:

“Planting” – Read 12 picture books with a child during the year.
“Watering” – Read 36 picture books with a child during the year.
“Feeding” – Read 72 picture books with a child during the year.
“Growing” – Read 120 picture books with a child during the year.
“Harvesting” – Read 200 picture books with a child during the year.

Reading on Your Own:

“Board Book” – Read 12 picture books on your own during the year.
“Unjacketed” – Read 36 picture books on your own during the year.
“Jacketed“ – Read 72 picture books on your own during the year.
“Early Reader” – Read 120 picture books on your own during the year.
“Chapter Reader” – Read 200 picture books on your own during the year.

GOAL: Feeding - read 72 (different) picture books to my son Finny

The List: A Love Story in 781 Chapters by Aneva Stout

2011-01-11T10:52:00.002-05:00

Back of the Book:

The irresistibly witty love story of girl meets boy, girl dumps boy, girl goes shopping and other dating truths that simply has to be read in one sitting, and then read again and shared with all your girlfriends. Narrated in 781 very, very short chapters, The List is an irresistible look at love, dating, friendship, sex, cats and shopping. Like Bridget Jones's Diary it's a story about meeting Mr. Right and Mr Completely Wrong, and is an interesting, as gossipy, as truthful and as reassuring as a late-night phone call to your best friend ever.

What I Thought:

I loved it! It was a very cute, quick read about the world of dating that I can only imagine sounds truthful. I give it 4 out of 5!

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick part of the Hush series

2011-01-05T22:11:00.003-05:00

Back of the Book:

When Nora and Patch are forced together as lab partners, Nora would rather fall to her death than put up with his elusive answers to her questions, his teasing and his infuriatingly handsome face and hypnotizing eyes. It seems Patch was put on earth to drive her crazy. But before long, Nora's defenses start to break down as her curiosity about Patch heats up. Why does he always seem to be wherever she is and know exactly what she's thinking? How does he know what to say to both attract and repulse her? And what is up with those V-shaped scars on his chiseled back? As their connection grows strong, Nora's own life becomes increasingly fragile. Nora needs to decide: Is Patch the one who wants to do her harm or the one who will keep her safe? Has she fallen for one of the fallen?

What I though:

Amazing!!! I couldn't put it down!!! Fitzpatrick kept me turning to the very last page because I couldn't wait to find out what would happen to Nora and know who was actually trying to kill her and who was trying to save her life. I cannot wait to get my hand onto the squeal "Crescendo". I give this book 5 out of 5 and suggest anyone to read it. The story was amazing!!

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson - part of the Millennium Trilogy

2011-01-04T21:59:00.005-05:00

What Does the Back of the Book say:

Harriet Vanger, scion of one of the Sweden's wealthiest families, disappeared over forty years ago. All these years later, her aged Uncle continues to seek the truth. He hires Mikael Blomkvist, a crusading journalist recently trapped by a libel conviction, to investigate. He is aided by the pierced and tattooed punk prodigy Lisbeth Salander. Together they tap into a vein of unfathomable iniquity and astonishing corruption.

What I Thought?

I couldn't put it down. I was pretty much addicted to the novel. It starts out a little slow, laying out the characters however once you are pulled into the world of Blomkvist, Salander and the Vanger clan you cannot seem to be able to get out without finishing the book. I have not watched the movie (i like to watch the movie after I read the book) however I am looking forward to seeing it after how amazing the book was. I give it 5 out of 5!!!

Thirst 1: The Last Vampire, Black Blood, Red Dice by Christopher Pike - part of The Last Vampire series.

2011-01-04T21:49:00.007-05:00

What are the books about?

* The Last Vampire - Surviving through countless centuries, Alisa is beautiful, strong and ...deadly. Alisa has long been hiding a dark and deadly secret, but it seems that someone is finally onto her. When a private investigator is hired to delve into Alisa's personal affairs, her shocking true age and untraceable fortune are uncovered. Alisa does what she must and kills the investigator, but not before discovering who hired him. It is clear that an ancient evil -- the first vampire -- has returned. Alisa knows that his whole existence was her fault and she must, therefore, be the one to end his reign of slaught

* Black Blood - Believing that she and her partner, Ray, are the last remaining vampires, five-thousand-year-old Alisa is stunned when she learns about a series of brutal murders in the United States that can only be the work of their own kind.

* Red Dice - Alisa and Joel are vampires. Joel is an FBI agent. Someone inside the government has discovered their secret and wants their blood, to study it and duplicate it. They begin a massive manhunt but Alisa gets away. Unfortunately, Joel is caught, and it's up to Alisa to set him free.

What I Thought:

I liked them well enough (clearly since I read the first three books), however they are not the most interesting Vampire story I have read (and everyone knows that I read enough of them). They are definitely worth a read and I might even read the second set of three yet. I'm only giving the books a 3 out of 5.

An Irish Christmas by Melody Carlson

2011-01-04T21:42:00.005-05:00

What does Fantastic Fiction say about the book?

For Colleen, life is spinning out of control. She just lost her husband, and her relationship with her young adult son Jamie is crumbling. Should she confess to him the secret that has been haunting her for twenty years? Jamie has a few secrets of his own. When he announces his plans to join the military, Colleen decides it's time for the two of them to take a trip together—to Ireland. The truth they discover there could fulfill both their dreams in a way neither ever thought possible. An Irish Christmas is a captivating story of love, deception, and secret passions, from popular and prolific author Melody Carlson.

What I Thought?

I really enjoyed this book although I think it's a little far fetched and unrealistic. But I guess at the same time I'm sure the story could happen in real life. I give it 3.5 out of 5 and definitely suggest reading it for a little Christmas spirit.

Challenges for 2011

2010-12-28T22:43:00.005-05:00

1st in a Series Challenge 2011

1 January - 31 December 2011
Four levels: 3, 6, 12, or 20 books
Host: Katy @ A Few More Pages
See the announcement/sign-up page here.
✸ I some times think I'm a series-aholic LOL. I just can't get enough of them so I find this challenge is right up my alley. I am aiming for Series Lover which is only 6 books.

2nds Challenge 2011

1 January - 31 December 2011
Read books that are the second in a series, or by an author you've read only once before.
Four levels: 3, 6, 12, or 20+ books
Host: Katy @ A Few More Pages
See the announcement/sign-up page here.
✸ As I mentioned above I live for series however I'm hoping this will also encourage me to give authors a second chance, and not so much be the second book in a series. I'm only aiming for a few more bites which is 6 books.

Mystery and Suspense Challenge 2011

1 January - 31 December 2011
Read a minimum of twelve books, from any of the many sub-genres provided.
Host: Book Chick City
See the announcement/sign-up page here.
✸ I love love mystery novels!! I think that's enough said!!

Off the Shelf Challenge

1 January - 31 December 2011
Choose from books you already own, or that are already on your TBR list.
Seven levels: 5, 15, 30, 50, 75, 75-125, or 125-200 books
Host: Bookish Ardour
See the announcement/sign-up page here.
✸ This challenge is amazing!! I have so many books that I keep hoping to get a chance to read and than I don't. I'm aiming for Trying (15 books).

1 January - 31 December 2011
read 20 books that have a vampire as a MAIN character, either protag or antagonist.
Host: Parajunkee's View
See the announcement/sign-up page here.
✸ I LOVE LOVE LOVE VAMPIRES!!!!! I read so many books about vampires!!! This is very exciting!!

Rica's Summer - Patricia G Penny

2010-09-08T14:03:00.003-04:00

Title: Rica’s Summer
Author: Patricia G Penny
Series: Not Just Proms & Parties
Pages: 140

Back Cover: Some things never change… Rica and her family are spending summer vacation camping together again. As usual, her older (gorgeous) sisters are off having fun with boys, while Rica is left behind. But when she meets Stefan, a cute volleyball player on the beach, things start to look up – until she and one of her sisters realize they have both been the targets of his affection. When the sisters come up with a plan for revenge, Rica finds herself in a frightening situation that’s quickly spinning out of her control.

My Thoughts: I enjoyed the book, I couldn’t put it down. I was up late reading about Rica’s family camping trip. However I wasn’t as happy with the ending. I’m glad that her and her sisters decided that they were going to be friends and get along but I really liked the character Finney and what Patricia did to him I can’t imagine based on how he acted in the book. If Stefan or Kyle would have not listened when Rica said no I would have totally bought it but Finney comes out all a sudden and he doesn’t take no for an answer. I was really upset because I could see the two characters having a relationship together but that was all thrown away in a drunken experience.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

NEW Challenge

2010-09-08T11:11:00.003-04:00

To beat this challenge you need to pick a level:

**Newbie 2 books by J. Austen, 2 re-writes, prequels, sequels, or spoofs (by other
authors);

**Lover 4 books by J. Austen, 4 re-writes, prequels, sequels, or spoofs (by other
authors);

**Fanatic 6+ books by J. Austen, 5+ re-writes, prequels, sequels, or spoofs (by
other authors);

I am going to go with just the newbie, but I can always move up a category if need be. I love Jane Austen and haven't read her in awhile so I'm pretty excited about this challenge.

1. The Private Diary of Mr. Darcy by Maya Slater

2. ..

3. ..

4. ..

Chelsea's Ride by Patricia G. Penny

2010-09-08T10:14:00.001-04:00

Title: Chelsea’s Ride
Author: Patricia G Penny
Series: Not Just Proms & Parties - Book 2
Pages: 140

Back Cover: “That’s what friends do for each other!” Or so Chelsea Davison believes. When her parents take away her car keys, she has to find another way to get to the movies, to practice, and to her humiliating part-time job. Enter Denny Waddell, a loser from school who happens to have a car… and a crush on Chelsea. Even though she is repulsed by Denny’s feelings, Chelsea is more than happy to take advantage of her new personal chauffeur. But she isn’t the only one using someone else… Will Chelsea ever learn that it’s not all about her?

My Thoughts: It was an okay book, however I got a real good luck at what the teenage me was really like. A lot of the things that Chelsea said came floating back out of my past. It was an uncomfortable eye opener to see that I really wasn’t that pleasant back in the day. “Do you really think you could hurt me?” she[Chelsea] said. “I’d have to have cared a lot about you for that to happen. I’m not hurt, Devon. I’m just mad.” This was all said after she found out her boyfriend Devon had been using her for his own gain. She than promptly ran to her room and cried. That was where I had the eye opener. I remember saying almost the exact same thing a few times through high school.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Vampire Beach: Initiation by Alex Duval

2010-09-07T22:18:00.004-04:00

Vampire Beach: Initiation

by Alex Duval

Back of Cover: THE A-LIST BITES. Jason Freeman is getting the hang of DeVere Heights. Then life from his flyover past pays an unexpected visit in the form of his old friend Tyler. Jason's surprised -- but psyched to see a familiar face. Having his friend around turns our to be a downer -- especially when Jason realizes that Tyler is running from some kind of crisis. But Tyler isn't in on DeVere Heights's little secret. Now instead of escaping his problem, he's about to put himself in mortal danger. Literally.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10

Vampire Beach: Bloodlust by Alex Duval

2010-09-07T22:13:00.002-04:00

Vampire Beach: Bloodlust

by: Alex Duval

Back of Cover: THE A-LIST BITES. Jason Freeman is stoked when his family relocates to exclusive DeVere Heights, Malibu. The in-crowd at his posh new high school is surprisingly friendly -- soon Jason's hitting all the best parties. He even meets the token hot-but-unattainable girl.

Determined to enjoy his almost postcard-perfect new life, Jason tries hard to ignore the many strange things going down in DeVere Heights. But then a girl washes up dead the morning after one off-the-hook party -- and with no explanation but a suspicious-looking bite mark. Now Jason has to admit that what you don't want to know can hurt you.

Rating: 6.5 out of 10

Finish that Series Challenge

2010-09-07T21:19:00.002-04:00

GOAL: To finish a full series. With this challenge again there are different levels:

î Curious read 2 series

î Fascinated read 3 series

î Addicted read 5 series

î Obsessed read 10.

I am saying that when a series is done for the challenge it has no more books in print as of yet, so there may be more books coming out in the future for the series. I am aiming for OBSESSED but we’ll see how well I do.

1. An Annabelle Archer Mystery - Laura Durham

2. The Vampire Diaries - LJ Smith

3. A Constable Evans Mystery - Rhys Bowen

4. Night World - LJ Smith

5. Do-It-Yourself Mystery - Jennie Bentley

6. Bewitching Mystery - by Madelyn Alt

7. Beaufort & Company Mysteries - Mary Stanton

Reading Challenge

2010-09-07T21:10:00.003-04:00

The challenge is reading the second book in a series OR a second book by the same author. Like with all Royal Reviews challenges there is four different levels.

1. Curious – Read 3 novels that are 2nd in a series or second time you've read the author.

2. Fascinated – Read 6 that are 2nd in a series or second time you've read the author.

3. Addicted – Read 12 novels that are 2nd in a series or second time you've read the author.

4. Obsessed – Read 20 novels 2nd in a series or second time you've read the author.

I am going for the Obsessed level :D wish me luck!

1. To Love and to Perish (An Annabelle Archer Mystery) by Laura Durham

2. The Struggle (The Vampire Diaries) by L.J. Smith

3. Evan Help Us (A Constable Evans Mystery) by Rhys Bowen

4. Spellbinder (Night World) by L.J. Smith

5. Spackled and Spooked (Do-It-Yourself Mystery) By Jennie Bentley

6. A Charmed Death (Bewitching Mystery) by Madelyn Alt

7. Angel's Advocate (Beaufort & Company Mysteries) by Mary Stanton

8. Initiation (Vampire Beach) by Alex Duval

Reading Challenge

2010-09-07T21:04:00.003-04:00

This challenge is reading the first book in a series and like with all Royal Reviews challenges there is four different levels.

1. Curious– Read 3 novels that are first in a series.

2. Fascinated – Read 6 novels that are first in a series.

3. Addicted – Read 12 novels that are first in a series.

4. Obsessed – Read 20 novels that are first in a series.

I'm going for the obsessed level, reading 20 novels but we'll see what happens.

1. An Annabelle Archer Mystery: Better Off Wed by Laura Durham

2. The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening by LJ Smith

3. A Constable Evans Mystery: Evans Above by Rhys Bowen

4. Night World: Secret Vampire by LJ Smith

5. Bewitching Mystery: The Trouble with Magic by Madelyn Alt

6. Do-It-Yourself Mystery: Fatal Fixer-Upper by Jennie Bentley

7. Beaufort & Company Mysteries: Defending Angels by Mary Stanton

8. Vampire Beach: Bloodlust by Alex Duval

9. Not Just Proms & Parties: Chelsea’s Ride by Patricia G. Penny

New Look!!!

2010-09-07T15:15:00.000-04:00

Reading in the Shade has gotten a new look. Hope you guys all like it!!

Reading in September

2010-09-07T13:27:00.001-04:00

Finished	Title	Author	Pages	Rating (?/10)
Sept 3^rd	Bloodlust (Vampire Beach)	Alex Duval	201	6.5 out of 10
Sept 5^th	Initiation (Vampire Beach)	Alex Duval	188	6.5 out of 10

New Cozys in the Summer

2010-09-07T11:56:00.002-04:00

NEW SUMMER COZYS

Even though I missed blogging all summer I do want to have a list of her of all the new cozy mysteries that came out.

JUNE

TITLE	AUTHOR	SERIES
A Stranger in the Family	Robert Barnard	Stand alone
Toast Mortem	Claudia Bishop (aka Mary Stanton)	Hemlock Falls Mystery Series – book 16
A Cast-Off Coven	Juliet Blackwell (aka Hailey Lind)	Witchcraft Mystery Series – book 2
Mrs. Jeffries Speaks Her Mind	Emily Brighwell	Mrs. Jeffries Mystery Series - book 27
Our Red Hot Romance is Leaving Me Blue	Dixie Cash	Debbie Sue Overstreet Domestic Equalizers Mystery Series – book 6
A Murder of Crows	P.F. Chisolm	Sir Robert Carey Mystery Series – book 5
The Spy	Clive Cussler & Justin Scott	Isaac Bell Mystery Series – book 3
The Burning Wire	Jeffery Deaver	Lincoln Rhyme Mystery Series – book 9
A Colourful Death	Carol Dunn	Cornish Mystery Series – book 2
Sizzling Sixteen	Janet Evanovich	Stephanie Plum Mystery Series – book 16
Maid of Murder	Amanda Flower	India Hayes Mystery Series – book 1 NEW SERIES
Forbidden Fruit	Kerry Greenwood	Corinna Chapman Mystery Series – book 5
Bone Appetit	Carolyn Haines	Sarah Booth Delaney Mystery Series – book 10
Shoulder Bags and Shootings	Dorothy Howell	Haley Randolph Mystery Series – book 3
Grace Under Pressure	Julie Hyzy	Manor of Murder Mystery Series – book 1 NEW SERIES
Reel Murder	Mary Kennedy	Talk Radio Mystery Series – book 2
Getting Old is Tres Dangereux	Rita Lakin	Gladdy Gold Mystery Series – book 6
Death in Show	Judi McCoy	Dog Walker Mystery Series – book 3
The Devil Amongst the Lawyers	Sharyn McCrumb	Ballad Mystery Series – book 8
Black Moonlight	Amy Patricia Meade	Marjorie McClelland Mystery Series – book 4
Private	James Patterson & Maxine Paetro	Stand alone
In the Name of Honor	Richard North Patterson	Stand Alone
Skein of the Crime	Maggie Sefton	Knitting Mystery Series – book 8
Murder on Lexington Avenue	Victoria Thompson	Gaslight Mystery Series – book 12
Bad Samaritan	Aimee & David Thurlo	Sister Agatha Mystery Series – Book 6

JULY

TITLE	AUTHOR	SERIES
The Long Quiche Goodbye	Avery Aames	Cheese Shop Mystery Series – book 1 NEW SERIES
Delicious and Suspicious	Riley Adams (aka Elizabeth Craig)	Memphis Barbeque Mystery Series – book 1 NEW SERIES
The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree	Susan Wittig Albert	Darling Dahlias Mystery Series – book 1 NEW SERIES
Stork Raving Mad	Donna Andrews	Meg Lanslow Mystery – book 12
Death in Two Courses	Claudia Bishop	Hemlock Falls Mystery Series – book 3 and 4 (omnibus)
Death by Diamonds	Annette Blair	Vintage Magic Mystery Series – book 3
The Glass Rainbow	James Lee Burke	Dave Robicheaux Mystery Series – book 18
Pepperoni Pizza Can Be Murder	Chris Cavender (aka Elizabeth Bright)	Pizza Mystery Series – book 2
Tomb with a View	Casey Daniels	Pepper Martin Mystery Series – book 6
Diva Las Vegas	Eileen Davidson	Soap Opera Mystery Series – book 3
Power Slide	Susan Dunlap	Darcy Lott Mystery Series – book 4
Lumby on the Air	Gail Fraser	(non mystery) Lumby Series – book 5
Wanting Sheila Dead	Jane Haddam	Gregor Demarkian Mystery Series – book 25
Nine Lives Last Forever	Rebecca M. Hale	Cats and Curios Mystery Series – book 2
Caper	Parnell Hall	Stanley Hastings Mystery – book 17
As Husbands Go	Susan Isaacs	Stand Alone
Queen of the Night	J.A. Jance	Walker Family Series – book 4
Buying Murder	Nancy Lynn Jarvis	Regan McHenry Real Estate Mystery Series – book 3
Shadow Zone	Iris Johansen & Roy Johansen	Stand Alone
Feline Fatale	Linda O. Johnston	Kendra Ballantine, Pet Sitter Mystery Series – Book 9
The Mills of God	Deryn Lake (aka Dinah Lampitt)	Reverend Nick Lawrence Mystery Series – book 1 NEW SERIES
A Glimpse of Evil	Victoria Laurie	Psychic Eye Mystery Series – book 8
Last Writes	Sheila Lowe	Forensic Handwriting Mystery Series – book 4
Closet Confidential	Mary Jane Maffini	Charlotte Adams Mystery Series – book 4
Something Borrowed, Something Blue	Cricket McRae	Home Crafting Mystery Series – book 4
Mama Gets Hitched	Deborah Sharp	Mace Bauer Mystery Series – book 3
Corduroy Mansions	Alexander McCall	Non mystery/ stand alone?
And Then I Found Out the Truth	Jennifer Sturman	Young Adult Delia Truesdale Mystery Series – Book 2
Betrayed	Robert K. Tanenbaum	Butch Karp & Marlene Ciampi Mystery Series – Book 22
Nursing a Grudge	Chris Well	Hometown Mystery Series – book 1 NEW SERIES

AUGUST

TITLE	AUTHOR	SERIES
Burn	Nevada Barr	Anna Pigeon Mystery Series – book 16
Chapter & Hearse	Lorna Barrett (L.L. Bartlett)	Booktown Mystery Series – book 4
Crossing the Lion	Cynthia Baxter	Reigning Cats & Dogs Mystery Series – book 9
Fatally Frosted	Jessica Beck	Donut Shop Mystery Series – book 2
The Grim Reaper’s Dance	Judy Clemens	Grim Reader Mystery Series – book 2
Roast Mortem	Cleo Coyle (aka Alice Kimberly)	Coffeehouse Mystery Series – book 9
Murder in the Air	Bill Crider	Dan Rhodes Mystery Series – Book 17
The Viognier Vendetta	Ellen Crosby	Wine Country Mystery Series – Book 5
Fifty-Seven Traveling	Lonnie Cruse	Kitty Bloodworth ’57 Mystery Series – Book 2
Lost Empire	Clive Cussler & Grant Blackwood	Fargo Adventure Series – book 2
Cat in an Ultramarine Scheme	Carole Nelson Douglas	Midnight Louie Mystery Series – book 22
Crossfire	Dick Francis & Felix Francis	Stand Alone
Death’s Excellent Vacation	Charlaine Harris & Toni L P Kelner	Anthology
Murder by Mistake	Veronica Heley	Ellie Quicke Mystery Series – book 11
Murder Past Due	Miranda James	Cat in the Stacks Mystery Series – book 1 NEW SERIES
Hangman	Faye Kellerman	Decker & Lazarus Mystery Series – book 19
Murder on the Bride’s Side	Tracy Kiely	Elizabeth Parker Mystery Series – book 2
The Curse of Deadman’s Forest	Victoria Laurie	Children’s Oracles of Delphi Keep Mystery Series – book 2
The Quick and the Thread	Amanda Lee (aka Gayle Trent)	Embroider Mystery Series – book 1 NEW SERIES
I’d Know You Anywhere	Laura Lippman	Stand Alone
1022 Evergreen Place	Debbie Macomber	Cedar Cove Series – book 10
Missing Mabel	Nancy Mehl	Hometown Mystery Series – book 2?
Wicked Witch Murder	Leslie Meier	Lucy Stone Mystery Series – book 16
The Postcard Killers	James Patterson & Liza Marklund	Stand Alone
Spider Bones	Kathy Reichs	Temperance Brennan Mystery Series – book 13
Touch Me Not	Cynthia Riggs	Martha’s Vineyard Mystery Series – book 9
Bad Boy	Peter Robinson	Inspector Banks Mystery Series – book 19
Hemlock Lake	Carolyn J. Rose	Stand Alone
The Way of the Guilty	Jennifer Stanley	Hope Street Church Mystery Series – book 3
False Impressions	Terri Thayer	Stamping Sisters Mystery Series – book 3
Never-Ending-Snake	Aimee & Daivd Thurlo	Ella Clah Mystery Series – book 14
An Impartial Witness	Charles Todd	Bess Crawford Mystery Series – book 2
How to Crash a Killer Bash	Penny Warner	Party Planning Mystery Series – book 2
Deeply, Desperately	Heather Webber	Lucy Valentine Mystery Series – book 2

May... June... July... August...

2010-09-06T22:08:00.004-04:00

Now I really have been MIA for awhile but I have a good reason why. My husband and I bought and house, had a beautiful baby boy and than moved into our new home when he was 9 days old. So I have been super busy. However we are heading into the fall, my husband (mr. history teacher) has returned to work and I'm going to return to my blog. :D

Hopefully you are all looking forward to my readings again!!

Introducing my son:

FINNEGAN WILLIAM AMBROSE

June 21st 2010 @ 1:24am

8lbs 14oz * 21inches

presently at 2 1/2 months old he is

13lbs 6oz * 25.5inches

New Cozy's in May

2010-05-03T14:11:00.002-04:00

So with the start of May I'm leaving a list that should cover the new releases in the Cozy section for this month. Hopefully it encourages us to read something new :D

Death Threads (2nd book in Southern Sewing Circle Mystery Series) by Elizabeth Lynn Casey (aka Laura Bradford)
Mississippi Vivian (2nd book in Ted Stephens Series) by Bill Crider & Clyde Wilson
The Adventures of Hotsy Totsy by Clive Cussler (stand alone for children)
Soap Bubbles by Denise Dietz (stand alone)
State Fair (14th book in Benni Harper Mystery Series) by Earlene Fowler
Delta Blues by Carolyn Haines (stand alone anthology edited by Carolyn Haines)
Dead in the Family (10th book in Sookie Stackhouse Southern Vampire Mystery series) by Charlaine Harris
When Death Intervenes (5th book in Harry Bronson Mystery Series) by L.C. Hayden
French Polished Murder (2nd book in Daring Finds Mystery Series) by Elise Hyatt
Timely Vision (1st book in Missing Pieces Mystery Series) by Jocye & Jim Lavene **NEW SERIES**
A Question of Belief (19th book in Guido Brunetti Mystery Series) by Donna Leon
Tom Wasp and the Newgate Knocker (2nd book in Tom Wasp Mystery) by Amy Myers
Blue-Eyed Devil (4th book in Virgil Cole Western Series) by Robert B. Parker
The Scent of Rain and Lightning by Nancy Pickard (stand alone)
The Hangman's Row Enquiry (1st book in Ivy Beasley Mystery Series) by Ann Purser **NEW SERIES**
Photo, Snap, Shot (3rd book in Kiki Lownstein Scrap-n-Craft Mystery Series) by Joana Campbell Slan
The Cat, the Professor and the Poison (2nd book in the Cats in Trouble Mystery Series) by Leann Sweeney
Half-Price Homicide (9th book in Dead End Job Mystery Series) by Elaine Viets

April... April... April...

2010-05-03T13:23:00.002-04:00

Oh man was April I busy month for me. I hardly read anything, defiantly did not update my blog and hardly found time for anything else. My husband and I decided that it would be best if we bought a house BEFORE the baby gets here so we've been soo busy with all these house related things and than of course, I have doctor appointments and attempts at getting everything ready for the new little one.

I'm just going to list what I read over April with a rating.. and hope that May brings me more time to blog.

- Bewitching Mystery: No Rest for the Wiccan - Madelyn Alt (3.5 stars)

- Beaufort and Company Mysteries: Defending Angels - Mary Stanton (3.5 stars)

- Beaufort and Company Mysteries: Angel's Advocate - Mary Stanton (3.5 stars)

New Cozy's in April

2010-04-07T09:54:00.005-04:00

I am going to try every month to get a list of Cozy Mysteries that are coming out... Here we go for April... Happy Reading Everyone...

Holly Blues (18th China Bayles Mystery) by Susan Wittig Albert
A Witch in Time (6th Bewitching Mystery) by Madelyn Alt
Nashville Noir (33rd Murder, She Wrote Mystery) by Donald Bain (and Jessica Fletcher)
Cat of the Century (18th Mrs Murphy Mystery) by Rita Mae Brown
The Aloha Quilt (16th Elm Creek Quilts) by Jennifer Chiaverini **not a mystery**
Shadow of Your Smile by Mary Higgins Clark **not in a series**
Silent Auction (5th Josie Prescot Antiques Mystery) by Jane K Cleland
Strange Images of Death (8th Joe Sandilands Mystery) by Barbara Cleverly
Going, Gone (11th Gail McCarthy Mystery) by Laura Crum
Devil in the Detail (24th Superintendent Mike Yeadings) by Claire Curzon (aka Marie Buchanan & Rhona Petrie)
Lead-Pipe Cinch (2nd Georgiana Neverall Mystery) by Christy Evans
Chalk Dust and Chalk Outlines (4th Maris Hart Mystery) by Chris Forman
The Body of Death (16th Inspector Lynley Mystery) by Elizabeth George
Moon Spinners (3rd Seaside Knitters Mystery) by Sally Goldenbaum
Monster in Miniature (5th Miniature Mystery) by Margaret Grace
The Black Cat (22nd Richard Jury Mystery) by Martha Grimes
On Thin Ice (2nd Whisper Lake Mystery) by Linda Hall
Crimes by Moonlight: Mysteries from the Dark Side -- an anthology with authors such as Charlaine Harris, Dana Cameron, Barbara D'Amato, Parnell Hall, Carolyn Hart, Toni L. P. Kelner, Harley Jane Kozak, Margaret Maron & Elaine Viets.
Dead Head (3rd Dirty Business Mystery) by Rosemary Harris
Laughed 'til He Died (20th Death of Demand Mystery) by Carolyn Hart
Eight Days to Live (9th Eve Duncan Thriller/Mystery) by Iris Johansen
Murder on the Eightfold Path (3rd Mantra for Murder Mystery) by Diana Killian
The God of the Hive (10th Mary Russell Mystery) by Laurie R. King
Cut to the Corpse (2nd Decoupage Mystery) by Lucy Lawrence (aka Jenn McKinlay)
Death of a Trophy Wife (9th Jaine Austen Mystery) by Laura Levine
Sham Rock (13th Notre Dame/Roger & Philip Knight Mystery) by Ralph McInery
'Til Dice Do Us Part (2nd Bunco Babes Mystery) by Gail Oust
The 9th Judgment (9th Women's Murder Club Mystery) by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro
A River in the Sky (19th Amelia Peabody Mystery) by Elizabeth Peters (aka Barbara Michaels & Barbara Mertz)
The Curious Incident at Claridge's (5th Antonia Darcy & Major Payne Country House Mystery) by R. T. Raichev
Miss Julia Renews her Vows (11th Miss Julia Mystery) by Ann B Ross
A Toast to Murder (6th Wine Lover's Mystery) by Michele Scott
The Double Comfort Safari Club (11th Number 1 Ladies' Detective Agency) by Alexander McCall Smith
One Was a Soldier (7th Clare Fergusson and Russ Van Alstyne Mysteries) by Julia Spence-Fleming
Path of the Wicked (2nd Hope Street Church Mystery) by Jennifer Stanley (aka J.B. Stanley
Murder of a Wedding Belle (12th Scumble River Mystery) by Denise Swanson
Canaan's Gate (10th Bay Tanner Mystery) by Kathryn R. Wall

Defending Angels

2010-04-07T09:39:00.002-04:00

Author: Mary Stanton

Series/Book #: Beaufort & Company Mysteries - Book 1

Brief Description off the Back of Book: Brianna Winston-Beaufort is taking over her uncle's law practice in the most haunted city in the world - Savannah. While renovations are made, Bree rents space in an old house located in the middle of an all-murderers' cemetery. Her first case comes from local businessman, Benjamin Skinner, who somehow manages to call Bree hours after his suspicious death. Bree is mystified, but everyone around her thinks this is business as usual. Her landlady, her secretary, and even an attractive PI seem to know more about Bree's new practice than she does. Skinner needs their help to find his murderer and prove his innocence against the charge of Greed, which comes from the mightiest hand of law - the Celestial Court. And the verdict in this case could put Bree's life on the line, as well as her client's afterlife....

My Thoughts on the Book: LOVED IT!! The characters are amazing and the world that Stanton creates that connects our world with the world of the angels is amazing. As soon as I finished it I requested book 2 from the library. Can't wait to read it as well.

Book Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

No Rest for the Wiccan

2010-04-07T09:35:00.002-04:00

Author: Madelyn Alt

Series/Book #: A Bewitching Mystery - Book 4

Brief Description: Maggie O'Neill reluctantly volunteers to care for her bedridden, oh-so-perfect sister, Mel, but strange spirits threaten to divert her attention. Then a friend of Mel's loses her husband to a dreadful fall, and the police call it an accidental death. Maggie's not so sure, and sets her second sights on finding a first-degree murderer.

- http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/a/madelyn-alt/no-rest-for-wiccan.htm

Book Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Hex Marks the Spot

2010-04-07T09:30:00.002-04:00

Author: Madelyn Alt

Series/Book #: A Bewitching Mystery - Book 3

Brief Description: While her boss becomes entranced with a beautiful armoire at the countywide craft bazaar, Maggie can't help noticing the Amish craftsman who made it. Though his clothes may be plain, he himself is more handsome than a man sporting a jawline-only beard has any right to be. And he seems pretty aware that the ladies love his...furniture. But when the hunky craftsman turns up dead with a strange hex symbol near his corpse, Maggie wonders if the craft involved is the witchy kind.

- http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/a/madelyn-alt/hex-marks-spot.htm

Book Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

A Charmed Death

2010-03-17T18:13:00.005-04:00

Author: Madelyn Alt

Series/Book #: A Bewitching Mystery - Book 2

Brief Description from Back of Book: Now Maggie is Indiana's newest witch. Learning to cope with her newfound powers is tough enough, but add to that keeping the stock at Enchantments organized and remembering to tape reruns of her favorite show, Magnum P.I., and Maggie's got a full plate. But when she witnesses an altercation between a local teenage princess and another customer in Enchantments - and later the girl turns up dead - she feels compelled to investigate. Though the police are at a loss, Maggie has some tricks up her sleeve, or to be more specific, some spells, charms and mystical intuitions. And with the help of her boss (and favorite witch) Felicity Dow. Maggie is spellbound and determined to get to the bottom of this murder.

Least Favorite Character: I really think the book could do without Deputy Tom Fielding or at least as Maggie's love interest. I don't know exactly what it is but he just seems like such a jerk through out the story and yet he is the one she calls to rescue her. Now in her defense she did a random call - but still it was the cosmos way of trying to get them together. Again I realize that she believes that Marcus and Felicity are a couple (which I have been thinking is a misunderstanding since the first book). But maybe we could still toss in another love interest that at least can embrace Maggie for the women she is becoming.

Most Favorite Character: Besides Maggie the main character I love Felicity. In this story she really had a behind the scenes role. She is talked about a lot more than she is seen or heard from but her charm and loyalty is felt through-out the whole book.

Book Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Reading Challenge

2010-03-16T16:01:00.006-04:00

I've decided because reading as many books as I can get my hands on is just not enough I'm going to join a reading challenge. I came across this reading challenge on "Home Girl's Book Blog" and you can get to the blog by clicking on the icon. I will be keeping track of the books under the Reading Challenge Page. I think to add a little more to my book goal I will have a monthly book goal to keep me on track and also a page goal based on the monthly book goal.

Well wish me luck, I will keep you guys all posted..

Also now that I'm caught up with all my recent reads I am hop hoping to go back to actually adding my two sense in the reviews, not just a star rating. So keep an eye out for that.

For Better or Hearse (An Annabelle Archer Mystery) by Laura Durham - 258
To Love and to Perish (An Annabelle Archer Mystery) by Laura Durham - 246
Switchcraft by Mary Castillo - 282
The Awakening (The Vampire Diaries) by L.J. Smith - 253
The Struggle (The Vampire Diaries) by L.J. Smith - 239
The Fury (The Vampire Diaries) by L.J. Smith - 245
The Dark Reunion (The Vampire Diaries) by L.J. Smith - 275
Evans Above (A Constable Evans Mystery) by Rhys Bowen - 214
Evan Help Us (A Constable Evans Mystery) by Rhys Bowen - 214
Secret Vampire (Night World) by L.J. Smith - 242
Daughters of Darkness (Night World) by L.J. Smith - 243
Spellbinder (Night World) by L.J. Smith - 244
Dark Angel (Night World) by L.J. Smith - 209
The Chosen (Night World) by L.J. Smith - 218
Soulmate (Night World) by L.J. Smith - 234
Evanly Choirs (A Constable Evans Mystery) by Rhys Bowen - 256
Evan and Elle (A Constable Evans Mystery) by Rhys Bowen - 236
Evan Can Wait (A Constable Evans Mystery) by Rhys Bowen - 259
Evans to Betsy (A Constable Evans Mystery) by Rhys Bowen - 214
Evan Only Knows (A Constable Evans Mystery) by Rhys Bowen - 244
Evan's Gate (A Constable Evans Mystery) by Rhys Bowen - 272
Huntress (Night World) by L.J. Smith - 237
Black Dawn (Night World) by L.J. Smith - 251
Witchlight (Night World) by L.J. Smith - 244
Fatal Fixer-Upper (Do-It-Yourself Mystery) by Jennie Bentley - 325
Spackled and Spooked (Do-It-Yourself Mystery) By Jennie Bentley - 300
The Trouble with Magic (Bewitching Mystery) by Madelyn Alt - 261
A Charmed Death (Bewitching Mystery) by Madelyn Alt - 289
Hex Marks the Spot (Bewitching Mystery) by Madelyn Alt - 246
No Rest for the Wiccan (Bewitching Mystery) by Madelyn Alt - 295
Defending Angels (Beaufort &Company Mysteries) by Mary Stanton - 294
Angel's Advocate (Beaufort & Company Mysteries) by Mary Stanton - 290
Avenging Angels (Beaufort & Company Mysteries) by Mary Stanton - 293
Where There's a Witch There's a Way (Bewitching Mystery) by Madelyn Alt - 290
Kiss Me, Kill Me and Other True Cases by Ann Rule - 611
Evan Blessed (A Constable Evans Mystery) by Rhys Bowen - 246
Evanly Bodies (A Constable Evans Mystery) by Rhys Bowen - 210
Fancy White Trash by Marjetta Geerling - 257
Bloodlust (Vampire Beach) by Alex Duval - 201
Initiation (Vampire Beach) by Alex Duval - 188

The Trouble With Magic

2010-03-16T15:16:00.002-04:00

Author: Madelyn Alt

Series/Book #: A Bewitching Mystery Book 1

Read: March 2010

Brief Description: Antiques-shop clerk Maggie O'Neill was a little weirded out when she discovered her new boss Felicity was a witch. But when Felicity becomes the suspect in a local murder, Maggie must enlist Felicity's wiccan friends for help--and discover her own spellbinding talent.

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/a/madelyn-alt/trouble-with-magic.htm

Book Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Spackled and Spooked

2010-03-16T15:12:00.002-04:00

Author: Jennie Bentley

Series/Book #: Do-It-Yourself Mystery Book 2

Read: March 2010

Brief Description: Avery Baker and her boyfriend, Derek Ellis, are flipping a seriously stigmatized house rumored to have ghosts. Soon they'll have even bigger problems - and this renovation project might haunt them forever.

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/b/jennie-bentley/spackled-and-spooked.htm

Book Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Fatal Fixer-Upper

2010-03-16T15:07:00.002-04:00

Author: Jennie Bentley

Series/Book #: Do-It-Yourself Mystery Book 1

Read: March 2010

Brief Description: Avery Baker was once a New York designer, but inheriting her aunt's old Maine cottage has led her down a new career path - home renovation. Now, with help from hunky handyman Derek Ellis, Avery starts learning the ABCs of DIY. But when the designer-turned-renovator finds clues that lead to a missing professor, she wonders if she can finish the house - without getting finished off in the process.

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/b/jennie-bentley/fatal-fixer-upper.htm

Book Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Witchlight

2010-03-16T15:03:00.003-04:00

Author: L.J. Smith

Series/Book #: Night World - 8

Read: March 2010

Brief Description: Keller is part shapeshifter, part vampire. She is searching for a new wild power. But can the dizzy human girl, Iliana, be it? Then there is dashing, romantic Galen. Keller has strong feelings for him, but he's destined to be Iliana's soulmate. Can Keller keep away?

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/s/lisa-jane-smith/witchlight.htm

Book Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Black Dawn

2010-03-16T14:59:00.001-04:00

Author: L.J. Smith

Series/Book #: Night World - 8

Read: March 2010

Brief Description: When young vampire prince Delos falls in love with his captive slave Maggie Neely, he frees her and demands that she join him in his life of dark pleasure. Maggie can hardly resist the handsome prince. But did he kill her brother? Maggie won't give up until she learns the truth--even if it means destroying Delos and his secret land. If he doesn't destroy her first.

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/s/lisa-jane-smith/black-dawn.htm

Book Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Huntress

2010-03-16T14:52:00.002-04:00

Author: L.J. Smith

Series/Book #: Night World - Book 7

Read: March 2010

Brief Description: Jez Redfern is unique. She's a vampire hunter...who's half vampire. Raised in the Redfern family, the girl with fiery hair and silvery-blue eyes was the undisputed leader of a gang of vampire raiders. Then came the discovery that shattered her life -- her mother was a human. Now, Jez hunts her former friends, protecting humans from the Night World. But when Circle Daybreak sends her on a search for one of the legendary Wild Powers, Jez has to rejoin her old gang. They want her back -- especially Morgead, the gorgeous green-eyed vampire who used to be her second-in-command. Jez wants to stay faithful to Hugh Davis, the human she loves. But Morgead swears he's her souldmate and he'll do anything to lure her back to the old ways. With danger and temptation around, Jez finds herself irresistibly drawn to him. And sh's afraid that if she tastes blood again, she'll become the evil huntress she once was...

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/s/lisa-jane-smith/huntress.htm

Book Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Evan's Gate

2010-03-16T14:36:00.005-04:00

Author: Rhys Bowen

Series/Book #: A Constable Evans Mystery - Book 8

read: March 2010

Brief Description: When Constable Evans starts digging out a water line outside the old shepherd's cottage he is renovating, he discovered the skeleton of a child. What's more, he thinks he knows the identity of that child. It was a former playmate of his, who had vanished in the mountains one day. By eerie coincidence Evan is currently looking into the disappearance of another child. A little girl has vanished while playing on a nearby beach. The girls are very similar in appearance and all of the people who were connected with the last child are now back in the area. Can the two cases be connected?
http://www.rhysbowen.com/evans.html

Book Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Evan Only Knows

2010-03-04T15:42:00.002-05:00

Author: Rhys Bowen

Series/Book Number: A Constable Evans Mystery

Read: March 2010

Brief Description: The foot and mouth epidemic is decimating flocks in North Wales. Evan is so sickened by his job that he takes Bronwen to Swansea, to meet his mother. Disturbing news greets them on their arrival. The boy who shot his policeman father has been released from juvenile detention and hs been arrested again for raping and murdering a young girl. Evan feels the need to help out with the case, to make sure the young man goes to jail for good this time. But when he meets Tony, he becomes convinced that the boy didn't do it. Now he has to decide whether to go against his fellow police, his deepest wish and his mother to prove the innocence of a young thug.

- http://www.rhysbowen.com/evans.html

Book Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Evans to Betsy

2010-03-04T15:36:00.004-05:00

Author: Rhys Bowen

Series/Book Number: A Constable Evans Mystery - Book 6

Read: Feb 2010

Brief Description: Betsy is finally getting the recognition she thinks she deserves. An American grad student is doing research on psychic ability among the Celts and it seems that Betsy might possess second sight. She is taken to a nearby New Age center for further testing. When the center's flamboyant director goes missing, it is Betsy who dreams where he will be found. Constable Evans is looking into the disappearance of another American college student at the same center. Betsy decides to do a spot of sleuthing of her own. If she were really psychic, wouldn't she be able to see that she's heading into danger?

- http://www.rhysbowen.com/evans.html

Book Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Evan Can Wait

2010-03-04T15:31:00.002-05:00

Author: Rhys Bowen

Series/Book Number: Evan Can Wait - Book 5

Read: Feb 2010

Brief Description: Constable Evan Evans, police officer in the village of Llanfair, is assigned to assist an expedition to raise a World War II Nazi bomber plane from a lake. The whole venture is being filmed for a documentary on the war and Evan tries to assist the film crew by finding them local people with stories to tell. Little does he realize that resurrecting the past can sometimes mean opening old wounds.

Book Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Evan and Elle

2010-03-04T15:28:00.003-05:00

Author: Rhys Bowen

Series/Book Number: A Constable Evans Mystery - Book 4

Read: Feb 2010

Brief Description: There is both excitement and dismay in Llanfair when a new French restaurant opens in an old chapel. The glamourous owner, Madame Yvette, tries to win over the locals and everything seems to be going well until a string of arson fires plagues the village. One night the restaurant burns down, and a body is found in the rubble. Constable Evans joins Sergeant Watkins in following a trail of clues that leads them to the South of England and then to France, and finally to the inevitable conclusion that a dangerous killer is loose in Llanfair.

- http://www.rhysbowen.com/evans.html

Book Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Evanly Choirs

2010-03-04T15:20:00.002-05:00

Author: Rhys Bowen

Series/Book Number: A Constable Evans Mystery - Book 3

Read: Feb 2010

Brief Description: Evan doesn't think that the addition of his voice will help the Llanfair choir win the local eisteddfod—they sound terrible. But a miracle occurs when famous tenor Ifor Llewellyn comes back to his birth place and agrees to help the choir. Ifor has only been in the village a few days when the locals realize his presence is a mixed blessing. Noisy fights, a threatening stranger and Ifor's warped sense of humor make life in Llanfair increasingly tense. But is someone unhappy enough to commit murder?

- http://www.rhysbowen.com/evans.html

Book Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Soulmate

2010-03-04T15:16:00.003-05:00

Author: L.J. Smith

Series/Book Number: Night World - Book 6

Read: Feb 2010

Brief Description: Eternal Love - Hannah Snow's life was so together. Friends, terrific grades, dreams of a career in paleontology. Everything was perfect...until the notes started appearing. Notes in her own handwriting, warning her of the danger that was coming. Dead Before Seventeen. The psychiatrist was supposed to help. But what came out of the age regressions were memories of another time, another life. And of a stranger who tore her world apart...a vampire who killed a village in his rage. Until, in the eyes of a dying human girl, he recognized his soulmate. Now the stranger is back. He has searched for Hannah throughout the years, trying to make amends, waiting for her to be born. Now he is Thierry, the Lord of the Night World -- and nothing in heaven or hell will keep him from his soulmate again. But if her destiny is death, can even Theirry's love protect her?

- http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/s/lisa-jane-smith/soulmate.htm

Book Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The Chosen

2010-03-04T15:13:00.002-05:00

Author: L.J. Smith

Series/Book Number: Night World - Book 5

Read: Feb 2010

Brief Description: She stalks the lonely back alleys of Boston, the deserted industrial docks of the harbor, seeking revenge on the vampires who killed her mother. Rashel Jordon knows where they live. But they don't yet know that the black-haired, green-eyed girl is as deadly as she is beautiful, killing the Night People one by one. Armed with a wooden stake, martial arts, and the will to resist a vampire's mind control, she is safe as long as her true identity remains a secret. But when she rescues Daphne Childs from certain death, she's suddenly swept into the Night World Slave Trade, gateway to the vampires' secret enclave. Here Quinn is the gatekeeper...dark, dangerous, irresistible. He decides who is chosen. He holds the keys to the realm Rashel is desperate to enter. She looks into his eyes, stunned, to see her soulmate -- a vampire whose entire she has vowed to destroy...

- http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/s/lisa-jane-smith/chosen.htm

Book Rating: ★ ★ ★

Dark Angel

2010-03-04T15:10:00.003-05:00

Author: L.J. Smith

Series/Book Number: Night World - Book 4

Read: Jan 2010

Brief Description: One winter day Gillian Lennow almost dies...and is saved by an angel. His hair is golden. His eyes are as violet as her own. And when Gillian comes back from her near-death experience, he comes with her. An invisible guardian that only Gillian can see, he whispers the secrets of popularity in her ear. Overnight, the once-shy Gillian becomes a sensation. David, the boy she has loved for years, notices her. But then Angel begins to make bizarre demands. To draw Gillian into a world of risk and dark excitement. At last, she has to face the terrifying question: Who is Angel? What has he brought back from the Other Side? And can she and David find out his secret before it's too late . . . ?

- http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/s/lisa-jane-smith/dark-angel.htm

Book Rating: ★ ★ ★

Spellbinder

2010-03-04T15:06:00.002-05:00

Author: L.J. Smith

Series/Book Number: Night World - Book 3

Read: Jan 2010

Brief Description: Blaise's black magic is powerful. The only way Thea can fight back is to use her own white magic, to bewitch Eric herself as a bluff. But soon Thea finds herself getting too close to Eric, feeling forbidden emotions, breaking Night World laws by falling in love. As halloween and the Night of the Witch draw closer, can Thea save Eric and herself from Blaise's revenge?

- http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/s/lisa-jane-smith/spellbinder.htm

Book Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Daughters of Darknes

2010-03-04T15:02:00.002-05:00

Author: L.J. Smith

Series/Book Number: Night World - Book 2

Read: Jan 2010

Brief Description: Three sisters, teenage vampires, attempt to escape their world of darkness, blood, and violence in order to find new lives and loves among mortals in a small town.

- http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/s/lisa-jane-smith/daughters-of-darkness.htm

Book Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Secret Vampire

2010-03-04T14:57:00.002-05:00

Author: L.J. Smith

Series/Book Number: Night World - Book 1

Read: Jan 2010

Brief Description: The pain was something Poppy couldn't ignore. The diagnosis was death. There was no hope -- until James appeared in the darkened hospital room. James, her best friend and secret love, the handsomest boy in El Camino High. But this was a James she didn't know, menacing yet irresistible as he offered Poppy the gift of eternal life. Only he could open the door to the Night World, and spirit her into its lonely, secret universe. One dizzying kiss and she can see into his soul. She finds that he has always loved her. They're soulmates -- but can she follow him into death and beyond? It's a desperate choice, and Poppy's time is running out...

- http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/s/lisa-jane-smith/secret-vampire.htm

Book Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Evan Help Us

2010-03-04T14:50:00.002-05:00

Author: Rhys Bowen

Series/Book Number: A Constable Evans Mystery - Book 2

Read: Jan 2010

Brief Description: Constable Evans is drawn into a whirl of cultural pride, deception and greed when a local prodigal son announces plans to erect an amusement park in an abandoned slate quarry. Evan realizes just how deep passions and hostilities lie, and discovers the village's ambition - to earn the right to the longest name in the world. Events soon turn deadly and Evan has to solve two seemingly unrelated murders.

- http://www.rhysbowen.com/evans.html

Book Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

Evans Above

2010-03-04T14:41:00.003-05:00

Author: Rhys Bowen

Series/Book Number: A Constable Evans Mystery - Book 1

Read: Jan 2010

Brief Description: Constable Evans arrives in Llanfair, seeking peace and quiet after a major trauma in his life. When two hikers fall to their deaths on Mt. Snowdon, Evan is sure that the deaths are not accidents—but are they linked to the mysterious destruction of Mrs. Powell-Jones' prize winning tomatoes?

- http://www.rhysbowen.com/evans.html

Book Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★

The Vampire Diaries: The Dark Reunion

2010-03-04T14:36:00.002-05:00

Author: L.J. Smith

Series/Book Number: The Vampire Diaries - Vol 4

Read: Jan 2010

Brief Description: Elena, brought back from the dead, calls on Stefan and Damon to recreate their powerful vampire trio. Together they must face incredible evil and battle against it with their combined strength, cunning and charm - only then can they find peace, and save the friends they have left behind.

- http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/s/lisa-jane-smith/dark-reunion.htm

Book Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The Vampire Diaries: The Fury

2010-03-04T14:32:00.002-05:00

Author: L.J. Smith

Series/Book Number: The Vampire Diaries - Vol 3

Read: Jan 2010

Brief Description: Elena, believing she was helping her boyfriend, Stefan, is tricked by his brother Damon into exchanging blood with him - not realizing that this will transform her into a vampire too. Now crazed with her own wild craving for blood, it is up to Stephan to save her.

- http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/s/lisa-jane-smith/fury.htm

Book Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Reading In The Shade

One More Challenge - Read to Me - Picture Book Challenge in 2011

The List: A Love Story in 781 Chapters by Aneva Stout

Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick part of the Hush series

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson - part of the Millennium Trilogy

Thirst 1: The Last Vampire, Black Blood, Red Dice by Christopher Pike - part of The Last Vampire series.

An Irish Christmas by Melody Carlson

Challenges for 2011

Rica's Summer - Patricia G Penny

**NEW** Challenge

Chelsea's Ride by Patricia G. Penny

Vampire Beach: Initiation by Alex Duval

Vampire Beach: Bloodlust by Alex Duval

Finish that Series Challenge

Reading Challenge

Reading Challenge

New Look!!!

Reading in September

New Cozys in the Summer

May... June... July... August...

New Cozy's in May

April... April... April...

New Cozy's in April

Defending Angels

No Rest for the Wiccan

Hex Marks the Spot

A Charmed Death

Reading Challenge

The Trouble With Magic

Spackled and Spooked

Fatal Fixer-Upper

Witchlight

Black Dawn

Huntress

Evan's Gate

Evan Only Knows

Evans to Betsy

Evan Can Wait

Evan and Elle

Evanly Choirs

Soulmate

The Chosen

Dark Angel

Spellbinder

Daughters of Darknes

Secret Vampire

Evan Help Us

Evans Above

The Vampire Diaries: The Dark Reunion

The Vampire Diaries: The Fury

NEW Challenge