Happy Birthday to you! Wishing you a year of great reads!
Alas, Debbie E did not leave her email so I have no way of contacting her. Debbie, if you see this please get in touch with me by Thursday, May 4th. If I don't hear from you by then, I will pick another number on Friday.
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Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's an opportunity to visit other blogs and to comment on their reads. And ... you can add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date. And here we are!
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Well, I didn't post last Monday because we were on vacation in the Black Hills so this is two weeks worth of reading. I, of course, had unrealistic expectations on the number of books I would get read. Alas, vacation sightseeing got in the way. But we had a great time!
And then after we got back, I had such a busy week with most of my evenings booked and that really cut into my reading time as well. This past weekend we ended up babysitting 4 of our 8 grandkids, with the oldest being 14 (not too hard), the youngest only 15 months old (high maintenance), and the other two right in the middle. Needless to say, there was no reading for me all weekend.
I am so ready to get in some quality reading time and I have quite a few posts to write as well. Someday I'll get caught up, right?
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you all have a good week. Happy reading!
What I'm currently reading
Echo Moon (A Ghost Gifts Novel Book 3) by Laura Spinella
This series is so good! Releases May 22nd.
Sailing out of Darkness (Carolina Coast #4) by Normandie Fischer
(audio-book)
What I recently finished
Henry's Sisters by Cathy Lamb
This was a book club pick. It was my first Cathy Lamb book, won't be my last.
Every Single Secret by Emily Carpenter
Fabulous! Releases May 1st.
The Forgotten Ones by Steena Holmes
(audio-book)
Amazing!
Broken Wide (Mindjack: Zeph #3) by Susan Kaye Quinn
Great ending to an exciting series!
What I am going to read next
The High Tide Club by Mary Kay Andrews
I love her books!
I really love my reading life!
What are you reading this week?
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Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!
I have sooooo many books! The Book Spotlight Giveaway feature that I post every Saturday is a way for me to clear my shelves and to share some of the many books I have. This feature is a way for my to cull my collection and to give someone else the opportunity to enjoy these treasures.
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Good luck and be sure to stop back next week!
Nineteen Minutes
Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult Paperback, 455 pages Published February 5th 2008 by Washington Square Press
Jodi Picoult, bestselling author of My Sister's Keeper and The Tenth Circle, pens her most riveting book yet, with a startling and poignant story about the devastating aftermath of a small-town tragedy.
Sterling is an ordinary New Hampshire town where nothing ever happens--until the day its complacency is shattered by a school shooting. Josie Cormier, the daughter of the judge sitting on the case, should be the state's best witness, but she can't remember what happened before her very own eyes--or can she?
As the trial progresses, fault lines between the high school and the adult community begin to show--destroying the closest of friendships and families. Nineteen Minutes asks what it means to be different in our society, who has the right to judge someone else, and whether anyone is ever really who they seem to be.
About the author
Jodi Picoult is the author of twenty-three novels, including the #1 New York Times bestsellers Leaving Time, The Storyteller, Lone Wolf, Between the Lines, Sing You Home, House Rules, Handle with Care, Change of Heart, Nineteen Minutes, and My Sister’s Keeper. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and three children.
Her new novel, Small Great Things, is available in hardcover, ebook, and audio on October 11th. ~ Goodreads
Clutch is the laugh-out-loud, chick lit romance chronicling the dating misadventures of Caroline Johnson, a single purse designer who compares her unsuccessful romantic relationships to styles of handbags – the “Hobo” starving artist, the “Diaper Bag” single dad, the “Briefcase” intense businessman, etc.
With her best friend, bar owner Mike by her side, the overly-accommodating Caroline drinks a lot of Chardonnay, puts her heart on the line, endures her share of unworthy suitors and finds the courage to discover the “Clutch” or someone she wants to hold onto.
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I read this story when it first came out and I loved it. What fun to compare guys to different types of handbags. You can read my thought HERE.
I am so excited to share the new cover of this fun and amazing story! And... coming soon, Clutch will be re-released with this new cover and five new chapters! I can't wait to see what 'bags' Lisa has for us this time.
Trailer
What Reviews Are Saying:
“LOVED. The perfect blend of sassy, smart and stylish!” ~ Amazon Bestsellers Liz Fenton & Lisa Steinke
“This book is absolutely hilarious!” ~ Pretty Little Book Reviews
“I thought the comparison to men and handbags was so genius! Becker really knows how to write to her audience, and this clever novel had me giggling throughout.” ~ Chick Lit Plus
About the author
Lisa Becker is a romance writer who spends her time like she spends her money - on books and margaritas. In addition to Clutch: a novel, she is the author of the Click trilogy, a contemporary romance series about online dating and Links, a standalone, second chance romance readers. As Lisa’s grandmother used to say, “For every chair, there’s a tush.”
Lisa is now happily married to a wonderful man she met online and lives in Manhattan Beach, California with him and their two daughters. So, if it happened for her, there’s hope for anyone! You can share your love stories with her at www.lisawbecker.com.
Bridal Girlby Meredith Schorr Series: Blogger Girl #3 Print and ebook, 267 pages Published April 24th 2018 by Henery Press
Sassy book blogger-turned-author, Kim Long, thought her life couldn’t get any pinker when she received a two-book publishing deal and a marriage proposal in the same night.
If only she could drown out the conflicting opinions of her overzealous bridal party.
If only everyone would adore her first book—or she’d take Nicholas’s advice and stop reading reviews.
If only Nicholas’s past would remain there rather than threaten their future.
The pressure is on and the clock is ticking. Will Kim ever write “The End” on her sophomore novel? And, will she and Nicholas make it down the aisle to say those two precious words: “I do?”
Put on your reading glasses, fill your champagne flute and prepare to laugh with (and sometimes at) Kim as she rewrites her happy ending until it’s worthy of five pink champagne flutes.
Congratulations Meredith
on the release today of
Bridal Girl!
I've read this one already and I loved it! I love this whole series.
These novels can be read as a sequel or as a standalone.
About the Author
A born and bred New Yorker, Meredith Schorr discovered her passion for writing when she began to enjoy drafting work-related e-mails way more than she was probably supposed to. After trying her hand penning children's stories and blogging her personal experiences, Meredith found her calling writing romantic comedy, women's fiction, and contemporary young adult fiction. She secures much inspiration from her day job as a hard-working trademark paralegal and her still single (but looking) status. Meredith is a loyal New York Yankees fan, an avid runner, and an unashamed television addict.
Yep, another year has come and gone. And I'm another year older.
Today, April 22nd is my birthday!
I love celebrating birthdays and I want to party with you! And ... I'm going to give one of you a present.
Comment on this post with your best birthday greeting to me and you could win any book you want (up to $15) from either Amazon or The Book Depository, if they deliver to you.
So that means this one's INTERNATIONAL!!
Be sure to leave a way for me to contact you, in case you're the winner.
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Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!
I have sooooo many books! The Book Spotlight Giveaway feature that I post every Saturday is a way for me to clear my shelves and to share some of the many books I have. This feature is a way for my to cull my collection and to give someone else the opportunity to enjoy these treasures.
****************************
Good luck and be sure to stop back next week!
Easter's Lilly
Easter's Lilly by Judy Serrano Series: Book #1 of 6 Paperback, 298 pages Published December 16th 2010 by Black Rose Writing
It was Easter Sunday; the day Lilly's life went from safe and comfortable to dangerously unfamiliar. Her transformation takes her from a small town girl having an affair with a low ranked gangster in the Montiago crime syndicate, to a woman of grace and fortitude married to the head of the organization. Easter's Lilly is an inspired journey from the idyllic to the darker side of self-discovery. Read as the over-privileged brothers embark on their journey that twists and turns down the road of unbridled passion in this first book of the series.
This e-book is FREE right now on Amazon. Check the price before ordering, I'm not sure how long it's available for free.
FREE
About the author
Judy Serrano holds a Master of Arts in English from Texas A&M University, Commerce. She is the owner of Make Cents Editing Service, and was an adjunct professor at a local college. Currently she teaches high school English and is a freelance writer for certain on-line publications. Judy also writes romantic suspense and paranormal romance novels. She is the author of The Easter’s Lilly Series,The Linked Series, and Ivy Vines, Visions.
Although originally form New York, Judy resides in Texas with her husband, four boys, four dogs and now two cats. She sings and plays guitar when she has time and enjoys singing with her very musical family in church when she is able. ~ Goodreads
Bridal Girlby Meredith Schorr Series: Blogger Girl #3 Print and ebook, 267 pages Expected publication: April 24th 2018 by Henery Press
Sassy book blogger-turned-author, Kim Long, thought her life couldn’t get any pinker when she received a two-book publishing deal and a marriage proposal in the same night.
If only she could drown out the conflicting opinions of her overzealous bridal party.
If only everyone would adore her first book—or she’d take Nicholas’s advice and stop reading reviews.
If only Nicholas’s past would remain there rather than threaten their future.
The pressure is on and the clock is ticking. Will Kim ever write “The End” on her sophomore novel? And, will she and Nicholas make it down the aisle to say those two precious words: “I do?”
Put on your reading glasses, fill your champagne flute and prepare to laugh with (and sometimes at) Kim as she rewrites her happy ending until it’s worthy of five pink champagne flutes.
My thoughts about Bridal Girl ~~
(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first lines.)
First line—
"SEVEN MONTHS UNTIL "I DO"
Two stars: Fluffier than a bag of marshmallows.
Dentists all over the world rejoice: A Blogger's Life might make your teeth fall out. Popular book blogger Kim Long's debut novel has about as much depth as a Kardashian sister.
Published one hour ago by Thirsty Reader
And so this book review starts the new chapter in the life of Kim Long—blogger, new novelist, and soon to be bride. I have loved Kim since I first met her in Blogger Girl and have watched her mature and grow as her life changes.
I just absolutely loved Bridal Girl, and adore this whole series. This is chick-lit at its best! And I can't help wondering if there will be more books coming, because in real life, the story doesn't end with a wedding. What da'y say, Meredith?
I received an ARC of this book from the author via NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.
These novels can be read as a sequel or as a standalone.
About the Author
A born and bred New Yorker, Meredith Schorr discovered her passion for writing when she began to enjoy drafting work-related e-mails way more than she was probably supposed to. After trying her hand penning children's stories and blogging her personal experiences, Meredith found her calling writing romantic comedy, women's fiction, and contemporary young adult fiction. She secures much inspiration from her day job as a hard-working trademark paralegal and her still single (but looking) status. Meredith is a loyal New York Yankees fan, an avid runner, and an unashamed television addict.
Drawing Lessons is in the April Great Reads promotion in Australia and the UK from April 15 to May 15!
Grab it now for this fabulous price!!
"Simply gorgeous 5 stars
ByBella TOP 500 REVIEWER on 2 February 2018
Format: Kindle Edition
Wow. What an astonishingly touching story! I love how poetically this author writes. There was so much heart, so much beauty in this story. From the saddest situation imaginable grew something truly divine. So refreshing to read something that managed to paint such colourful images without being overly descriptive, and so wonderful to read something that blended all different kinds of people of all ages so beautifully. An absolute triumph from Patricia Sands."
Drawing Lessons was the first book by Patrica Sands that I read and I loved it!
Goodreads ~ The author of the Love in Provence series returns to the South of France with a poignant portrait of a woman who must learn how to create a new life for herself…
Sixty-two-year-old Arianna arrives in the South of France for a two-week artists’ workshop full of anticipation but burdened by guilt. Back home in Toronto, she has been living with the devastating diagnosis of her husband’s dementia and the heartbreak of watching the man she has loved for decades slip away before her eyes. What does her future hold without Ben? Before her is a blank canvas.
Encouraged by her family to take some time for herself, she has traveled to Arles to set up her easel in the same fields of poppies and sunflowers that inspired Van Gogh. Gradually, she rediscovers the inner artist she abandoned long ago. Drawing strength from the warm companionship and gentle wisdom of her fellow artists at the retreat—as well as the vitality of guest lecturer Jacques de Villeneuve, an artist and a cowboy—Arianna searches her heart for permission to embrace the life in front of her and, like the sunflowers, once again face the light.
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Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!
Broken Wideby Susan Kaye Quinn Series: Mindjack: Zeph #3 Print and ebook, 313 pages Published April 16, 2018
All he wanted was peace; all he had was hope.
Zeph had spent half his life hiding what he was—keeping his mindjack powers away from dangerous men and running away from everyone he loved to keep them safe. Now that his life is finally coming together—his mom and sister are safe; the girl he loves in his arms—the world is falling apart. The mindreader backlash against jackers is growing daily. Jacker-bigot politicians are stoking fear and gaining power. And jackers on the Fronter’s Purity list are winding up dead on the streets outside Jackertown.
Even the Jacker Freedom Alliance is tearing itself apart.
All Zeph wants is a chance to build a life with Tessa—but even she is losing faith. If there’s no peace between jackers and readers, what future could they have? Then a protest goes terribly wrong, the president starts talk of a Jackertown siege, and a MINDWARE CEO races to develop a dangerous mind-blasting technology. It seems foolish to even hope for peace, but one thing becomes very clear—the only way to put the world back together is to bring down the powerful people breaking it apart.
The conclusion to the bestselling Mindjack: Zeph series, where daring to hope for peace could be the most radical—and dangerous—move of all.
Zeph's Story
Locked Tight (Book 1)
Cracked Open (Book 2)
Broken Wide (Book 3)
The Locksmith (Book 4)
Congratulations Susan
on the release of book #6 in the Mindjack Series,
Broken Wide!
I love this series!
About the author
Susan Kaye Quinn is a rocket scientist turned speculative fiction author who now uses her PhD to invent cool stuff in books. Her works range from young adult science fiction to adult future-noir, with side trips into steampunk and middle grade fantasy. Her bestselling novels and short stories have been optioned for Virtual Reality, translated into German, and featured in several anthologies.
She writes full-time from Chicago, inventing mind powers and dreaming of the Singularity.
Chat with her about our coming robot overlords on Facebook.
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's an opportunity to visit other blogs and to comment on their reads. And ... you can add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date. And here we are!
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Oh my gosh! We had a blizzard this past weekend. The wind was unbelievable! And the snow just wouldn't stop. Everything in pretty much the whole state (South Dakota) was closed down. We even had a snow plow/sand truck stuck in front of our house. How does that happen?
Both interstates in the state were closed for most of Friday and all day Saturday. And we're supposed to get more snow in the middle of the week through the weekend. I'm not sure if our trip to the Black Hills is going to happen now. So bummed! The snow needs to stop.
Here are a couple of pictures I took on Saturday to capture the craziness of the weekend.
This is our front window with a plant in front of it. The snow was stuck to the window when we got up Saturday morning. I thought this made a very interesting picture.
This is out the back door on Sunday morning. That's the door to the garage. We'll be doing some digging out.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you all have a good week. Happy reading!
What I'm currently reading
Broken Wide (Mindjack: Zeph #3) by Susan Kaye Quinn
I love this series and love that I'm reading another Mindjack story.
The Forgotten Ones by Steena Holmes
(audio-book)
Amazing!
What I recently finished
Bridal Girl (Blogger Girl #3) by Meredith Schorr
I love this series. Bridal Girl comes out next week. I'll be posting my thoughts tomorrow.
Other People's Houses by Abbi Waxman
You can read my thoughts here.
What I am going to read next
Every Single Secret by Emily Carpenter
So excited to start this one!
I really love my reading life!
What are you reading this week?
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Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!
