Chèli's Fall finish for 2012

Hi, everyone - The end of 2012 is approaching swiftly. This will be my final thread for the 75 Book Challenge for the year. I hope you will all visit frequently and keep me company as I travel through my histories and mysteries these final few months this year. You can see what I've read so far on Thread #1 Thread #2 Thread #3.



2012 I'm continuing the following challenges:

US Presidents Challenge (So far I'm finishing Rutherford B. Hayes so this year the Reconstructive Presidents are on tap.)
European Challenge
50 States challenge

and besides the 75 book Challenge I will also be participating in

12 in 12 Challenge - 112 books - 12 categories with 12 books (with 32 overlaps 20+12)
TIOLI challenges - each month a different set of challenges
BOMBS Challenge - (Books Off My Book Shelves) 80 books that I already own (either ARD (Antique Reading Device) or e-book NOOK or Net Galleys - Downloaded)

I can't think of not being part of 75ers - between all the fun conversations, TIOLI, group reads, and I'm sure surprises to be found. I love sharing my reads with everyone here.

Here's the link to my introduction http://www.librarything.com/topic/129148/message#3
Here are the remaining books that I am hoping to read in 2012:
These for 12 in 12:
Thirteenth tale ♫
Just Desserts
Quarantine
Devils Food Cake Murder ♫
Art Forger
The Secret Keeper
Princess Elizabeth's Spy
Reckless Bride
Uniform Justice ♫
DRACULA
Border Lord and the lady @
Frozen Thames
Destiny of the republic : a tale of madness, medicine, and the murder of a president ♫
Empires of Light

After I finish my 12 in 12 Challenge - these books are candidates for filling in the rest of the year.

A Beautiful Blue Death
A Deadly Dealer
A Fatal Appraisal
A Killer Stitch @
A Murderous Glaze
A Precious Jewel
Alexander Cipher
An Honest President
Battered Body
Benjamin Harrison : America's 23rd president
Chester A Arthur Conspiracy
Curse of the Pharaohs
Dark Angel/Lord Carew's Bride %
Deadly Yarn
Death Threads
Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander)
Eat, Pray Love
Emperor's Tomb
Exodus Quest
Faithful Place by Tana French
French Pressed @
Garden Intrigue
Getting Away is Deadly
Gilt by Association
Girl of His Dreams
Hanging by a Thread @
Heir Condition
Heretic's Daughter
Heroes of Olympus
Iron Lake
Jane & the Unpleasantness at Seagrove Manor @
Just Desserts
knit Fast, Die Young#2
Knit Two#2
Lies that Bind %
Maine Event
Middlemarch
Murder at the Mimosa Inn
Murder by Mocha
Murder on the Rocks
Murphy's Law
Pillars of the Earth
President is a sick man
RECONSTRUCTION PRESIDENTS
Romanov Prophecy
Royal Flush
Sarah's Diary - Nook %
Sarah's Key
Set Sail for Murder
Shifting Tide (William Monk)
The Sisters
Snowman
Something's Cookin'
Sword of God
Tenderness of Wolves
Them Bones
Third Secret
Through a Glass, Darkly: A Commissario Guido Brunetti Mystery
Too Many Murders
Viognier Vendetta
Warden

Hope it's not too early to stop by - I love that picture of the kid from your previous thread, and I hope that you have some fantastic reading for the rest of the year. Looking forward to seeing what you get up to.

Not too early, glad you were here.
Little Miss Stella is beauty, I agree. I can't believe how much she looks like her father and he like my husband, guess she got the beauty genes though.

OK, I did the manual star thingie since you jumped ship before the auto threader did. Looks like it will be a good reading quarter for you.

I followed your thread so I could star it. I went back to see how I rated The Revenge of the Wrought Iron Flamingos when I read it and discovered it wasn't in LibraryThing. That means I read it before LT. I guess I'll add it to my "read but unowned" collection. I seem to remember liking it pretty well though. I still remember it was funny in places.

sorry, Tina, I've yet to get enough visitors/comments to have the auto threader kick in. I keep hoping.

About 2 weeks before, you should encourage people to post to your thread so that it will hit 200 posts by the end of the month you want to turn it over -- either that or don't worry about quarters and just wait. I'm afraid I'll lose a thread with which I want to keep up now that I'm so used to seeing the continuations where my stars carry over.

Challenge Book #101

Title: Frozen Thames ★★½
Author: Helen Humphries
Genre: Historical Fiction
Subject: frozen river
Setting: London England
Main Characters: none
Series: no
Dates Read: October 1
Number of pages: 181
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: no, public library
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: History Class

This book is a collection of very short stories surrounding the 40 times that the River Thames froze over and allowed for activities to actually take place on the river.

It was slightly entertaining but seemed to get repetitive toward the end. I can see where it could have been better if the small stories had been expanded. Not recommended.

I was very disappointed in this book. It was so beautiful from the outside, but inside, it lacked the depth of stories that I was looking forward to.

I'm glad you liked Revenge of the Wrought-Iron Flamingos! It's such a great title, no?

Happy fourth quarter, hundred-booker!

Sorry you were disappointed in The Frozen Thames. I found it gorgeous, but then it's diffurnt strokes for differnt fokes....

Don't get me wrong, it was a beautiful book ,I guess my expectations were a bit too high.

HI, Cheli! Wow, over 100 books already!

I loved Revenge of the Wrought Iron Flamingos. At the time I read it, I was annoyed with a neighbor who cut down my rhododendron bushes, and I had visions of sticking Wrought Iron Flamingos in my side yard to annoy him. :)

The pictures of the wrought iron versions that Meg made were actually kind of pretty, but I'm not so sure of the glow in the dark paint!

I just love the books by Laura Childs especially the Tea Shoppe series and the Cackleberry Club series. I was very excited today when I received the newest Cackleberry club book from the author herself. This is a book that I will really savor when I get to sit down with it.

THANK YOU LAURA!

I remember really liking Revenge of the Wrought-Iron Flamingoes when I read it. I don't know why I haven't read more books in the series. I think I've just read one other besides that one.

How nice to get a new book straight from the author! I've only read the first of the Cackleberry Club series. I liked it, but not quite as well as the tea shop series.

Cheli, opps, we disagree about The Frozen Thames. I really enjoyed that one.

I hope you are feeling good today. Did you go out on the golf course with Tim?

Hugs,

It wasn't that I didn't like Frozen Thames, I was just disappointed that there wasn't lengthier tales. I wanted more in depth stories. It was a beautiful book, and I don't regret reading it, but like I said, I just wanted a bit more.

#18: That is great, Cheli!

I shared your disappointment in The Frozen Thames. Part of my disappointment in the book was that I expected it to be nonfiction. I know a lot of people in the group loved the book, I just did not. Ah well, it is a good thing we do not all like the same things, right?

Well, many months ago, I swore to myself that I would never go out anywhere without having a book with me. Even if I didn't think I'd have time to read, it would be better to have the book and not have time, than have time and not have a book.

Today I'm really glad I stuck to my vow. While at a friend's house, I went out to my car to get something and when returning, I tripped on the steps and fell, hitting my head against the brick wall, my knee against the concrete step and fell into a deep flowerbed on the side cleverly trapping myself in a position where I couldn't get up. Fortunately, my friends heard me call for help, and stayed with me while we waited for the Emergency squad to come and extricate me from my predicament. The EMTs and my hubbie (by phone) thought I should go get checked out at the hospital (head injuries are nothing to play around with). So off I went in the ambulance. Once I got there and was registered, I was left waiting for service - Thank God I had my MP3 with the audiobook I was reading (Destiny of the Republic) - I had just downloaded it this morning. Well, 4 hours later, after being shot (tetanus), x-rayed (knee), and scanned (head), I was released with an ice bag and instructions to see my doctor and 4 chapters read. No concussion, no internal bleeding, only a few bruises, a big bump, a headache and a severe feeling of being really stupid. I do think this has screwed up my back again big time.

Then I got home and the answering machine was blinking away. Believe it or not, somehow my Mom knew something was wrong – she left 3 messages on my answering machine worried that something was not right – can you believe that?
I assured her that I was sore but would be fine. I hope I didn't lie to her.

So, my reading friends, learn a lesson from me - NEVER go anywhere without a book, you never know when you will be sitting in the emergency room with time to read on your hands. As I say, it's better to have a book and not have time to read it, than to have time on your hands and not have a book to read.

Cheli, I'm so glad your bump on the head didn't result in major damage. I'm praying that your back will heal quickly and that the fall isn't a major setback for your existing back issues.

I haven't gone anywhere without a book since my mother's illness with cancer 10 years ago. We had quite a few emergency room visits during the course of her illness, and I quickly learned to carry what I called my "bag of things to do" everywhere I went, just in case it turned out to be an ER day.

Thanks for the good wishes, cbl. I have a call into the back doctor. I have my fingers crossed.

Glad to hear that you are okay Cheli, and fingers crossed this has not screwed up your back in a major way! Good reminder to always carry a book and I did have a silent giggle about your Mom 'knowing' something was up.... I have a Mom like that as well, only sometimes she gets her wires crossed and calls me when it is my sister or one of my brothers with the situation going on!

Cheli - Glad to hear that you didn't have any lasting head injury issues. Praying that your bumps and bruises heal quickly and that you don't suffer additional back pain. My Kindle is usually with me -- full of books that I need to get around to reading. Today, I've actually got a paperback and my Kindle with me. I've also got books on my iPhone, so I'm rarely without something to read.

Lori and Lori,
Thanks for your concern.

This morning I woke up and my head didn't hurt as much but I found a new injury - I severely pulled a muscle in my side. Hurts when I move around - I stick with some heat ad no activity. I'm guessing water aerobics is out for tomorrow.

Challenge Book #102

Title: Reckless Bride ★★★½
Author: Stephanie Laurens
Genre: Romance
Subject: Love, Marriage, espionage
Setting: Germany, Italy, England
Main Characters: Rafe Carstairs, Loretta Michelmarch, Hassan, Esme Lady Congreve
Series: #4 Black Cobra Quartet
Dates Read: October 2 - October 4
Number of pages: 464
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, my shelves
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: English Lit

The final book of the Black Cobra Quartet finds Rafe Carstairs traveling from India to England carrying the original document of damaging evidence which will identify the Black Cobra. Rafe has decided to take the river route through Austria and Germany but finds that he has inadvertently endangered Loretta and her great-Aunt Esme and so is forced to include them in the plans to get to England. Pretending that he and his man, Hassan, are guide and bodyguard they proceed over the Danube and Rhine rivers. During their travels love and danger envelope them.

It was fun to finally see that the Black Cobra would be apprehended and who it turned out to be. The reunion of the other characters from the first three installments was the perfect ending.

Oh, Cheli...I am so sorry that you fell. I do hope your back is ok. You have had some good months without severe back pain...fingers crossed for you.

Love

Medical Update

I went to see my regular doctor today on the instructions from the ER. He was very emphatic about how lucky I was with the few injuries that I came away with and that they were more serious. (I am now sporting a black eye.) Evidently my Mom was right all these years, I do have a hard head. But Doc said that I could have easily fractured my skull, shoulder, hip or leg as well as an arm, wrist or hand trying to break my fall. He also said that the muscle pull could take months to heal - GREAT! - but at least my back didn't get any worse, no better either, however the bush did a number on my back with scrapes and lacerations.

That is good news Cheli. Muscle pulls can take time to heal which can be really frustrating so best advice I can give is sit back and relax with a huge stack of books!

Challenge Book #103

Title: Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine, and the Murder of a President ★★★★
Author: Candice Mallard
Genre: Biography
Subject: Assassination, medical advancements, inventions
Setting: Washington, D.C.
Main Characters: James Garfield, Charles Gaiteau, Dr. Bliss
Series: no
Dates Read: October 1 - October 9
Number of pages: 432
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: no, audio MCL
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: History Class

James Garfield, the 20th President of the United States was unique in that he was the only preacher to have held this office. Unfortunately, he was shot in the back by an insane office seeker and though he could have survived these wounds in modern day, the level of medical care that he received at the time was the cause of his eventual death.

What was amazing about the man was that he never sought nor wanted to be President. Rival political factions (0ne for Grant and one for Sen. Blaine of Maine) were fighting for the Republican nomination and when they wouldn't given in, Garfield was the alternative candidate selected.

After Garfield was shot, several notable people were involved with his care - one the first licensed black doctor in the District of Columbia as well as Alexander Graham Bell who invented a metal detector for the specific reason to try to locate the bullet that was still in the President.

Comparison of the advancements that Bell was working toward and the antiquated medical treatment provided were both shocking and sickening. It is truly disappointed that a man of Garfield's character and demeanor was shot down before he was permitted to help those that would have benefited from his policies.

What his death did accomplish, however, was a reunification of the citizens throughout the United States.

This book was powerful in its storytelling as well as its story.

Challenge Book #104

Title: Quarantine ★★★★
Author: John Smolens
Genre: Historical Fiction
Subject: Epidemic
Setting: Newburyport ,Mass
Main Characters: Leander Hatch, Gilles Wiggins, Enoch Sumner, Miranda Sumner
Series: no
Dates Read: October 5 - October 12
Number of pages: 384
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, NetGalley
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Speech Class, Lunch

So often as a reader, we are presented in historical fiction unspecified details of how life was at the time. However, in this book set in Early American historical times (1796), we have exactly the opposite. The reader is awarded a tale of the decimating conditions that surround the small harbor town of Newburyport, MA when a ship arrives carrying an epidemic which swiftly spreads to the population when those quarantined on board the ship escape.

The story is told through the experiences of two main characters - Dr. Gilles Wiggins, the town physician who initiates the quarantine, and Leander Hatch, a young man who looses his entire family to the "fever". These two characters, so different in their backgrounds and yet so alike in their principles, show how good people can overcome any adversity presented to them.

This was a powerful story which had a few slow spots in the narration but the characters and the ordeal carried it through.

Challenge Book #105

Title: Devil's Food Cake Murder ★★★½
Author: Joanne Fluke
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Subject: mistaken identity, stolen goods
Setting: Lake Eden , MN
Main Characters: Hannah Swensen, Norman Rhodes, Grandma Knudson
Series: yes, #14 Hannah Swensen mysteries
Dates Read: October 12 - October 14
Number of pages: 302
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: no, public library
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Speech Class

Hannah Swensen is one of my favorite characters but that may be coming to an end because of her contradictory behavior. Hannah can come to all kinds of conclusions when it comes to her business and her impromptu investigations, but when it comes to her lovelife, she is completely incapable of making a decision.

This mystery was fun and some of the events that are included, hopefully will carry the series forward, but that is questionable. Love the recipes.

I'm behind on the Fluke series. I know that is one of the ones I haven't read. I like the series, but I don't "love" it. I may get to it eventually!

Sorry to read of your fall; glad the injuries weren't as bad as they might have been.

One thing I love about my iPhone is that now I virtually always have books with me.

Destiny of the Republic is already on my radar -- and my Ever-Expanding List. I may add Quarantine. Good reviews!

Yes, they were both great books.

Adding Quarantine to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendation of that one, Cheli.

I echo Lori about the Fluke series and the thing about Hannah and her love life has just about turned that series completely off for me. I do wish Fluke would just resolve the situation one way or the other.

I hope the back is doing OK!

Challenge Book #106

Title: Princess Eizabeth's Spy ★★★★
Author: Susan Elia MacNeal
Genre: Mystery
Subject: espionage, decoding
Setting: Germany, England
Main Characters: Maggie Hope, Princess Elizabeth, Churchill, Mark Fraine, Hugh Thompson
Series: #2 Maggie Hope Mysteries
Dates Read: October 14 - October 16
Number of pages: 345
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, ER my shelves
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: English Lit
PLOT: 4
CHARACTERAZATION: 4
TOPICS: 4
STYLE: 4
ORIGINALITY: 4
ADDICTIVENESS: 4
OWNERSHIP: 4
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 4

Maggie Hope, transferred from #10 Downing St and the position of Mr. Churchill's Secretary (book #1) to MI-5 and training for undercover missions, finds her shortcomings are not acceptable and flunks out of the "spy" school not because of her brain but that she has no brawn. She is given the domestic assignment of protecting Princess Elizabeth from a possible kidnapping plot. She shows up at Windsor Castle as the new Maths tutor and after a few minor issues develops a rapport with the future queen and her younger sister.

As a "servant" she is privy to numerous issues that lead to danger and intrigue as well revelations that she may have preferred not to know. The writing is crisp and exciting and draws the reader further and further into the plot, until you are afraid to read more and yet you can't stop. A great sequel to the introductory book, only making the reader want MORE!

Well, some good news on the medical front, I went to see my oncolgist today,

2 years CANCER FREE! :-)

Congrats!!

WOOT WOOT

Amen to many things...the fact that you could have been injured much worse than you were from your tumble and
two years cancer free!!!!!!

You are a lovely lady and the world needs you!!!!

Excellent news Cheli!

Great news, Cheli!

Challenge Book #107

TITLE: The Art Forger ★★★
AUTHOR: B.A. Shapiro
GENRE: Mystery
SUBJECT: Art theft, reproductions, painting style
SETTING: Boston, MA
CHARACTERS: Claire Roth, Aiden Markel
DATE READ: October 5 - October 9
NO. OF PAGES: 355
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, LT ER
CATEGORY: LUNCH

PLOT: 3
CHARACTERAZATION: 2
TOPICS: 2
STYLE: 4
ORIGINALITY: 3
ADDICTIVENESS: 2
OWNERSHIP: 3
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 3

This book tells the story of a young female artist who is persuaded to copy a painting by Degas that was stolen in a highly publicized theft from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston in 1990. I found the chronicle of Claire Roth's efforts to not only reproduce this painting but also to find and return the lost art slow and uninspiring until very late in the book. The tangled threads of three different time periods and viewpoints did not make this a book that drew me further into the intrigue but made me question why I was spending the time reading it. The characters were unlikeable and stereotypical (starving artist, snooty museum curators/gallery owners), the plot too convoluted. Maybe an art student would enjoy it because of all the details conveyed relating to the process of painting but for the ordinary reader, not something I would recommend.

Cheli.....please put in my pile...Although it won't teeter on the top, it looks interesting enough to flip through...

It has been so designated. Others rated it higher but I had trouble getting through it. It seemed very slow.

Congrats on 2 years cancer free, Cheli!

Challenge Book #108

TITLE: Uniform Justice ★★★¼
AUTHOR: Donna Leon
GENRE: Mystery
SUBJECT: blackmail, threats, coverups, military schools
SETTING: Venice, Italy
CHARACTERS: Comnmissario Guido Brunetti
DATE READ: October 15 - October 20
NO. OF PAGES: 286
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, audio stockpile
CATEGORY: Math Class

PLOT: 3
CHARACTERIZATION: 3
TOPICS: 3
STYLE: 4
ORIGINALITY: 3
ADDICTIVENESS: 3
OWNERSHIP: 3
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 4
Average 3.25


This Commissario Brunetti chronicle tells of the discovery of young teenage boy found hanging at a military school, an apparent suicide. However, as Guido investigates he finds that the family of the victim has been continually threatened due to the father's political activities. Was the death a hazing gone bad, a payback to the father, or more sinister?

Donna Leon's storytelling always manages to captivate me while telling of some social problem in a mesmerizing locale. Definitely another good tale in this series.

AFter I finish re=reading all of Louise Penny, Deborah Crombie, Elizabeth George, and catch up on a few other series, I think I'm going to re=read Donna Leon in order....they're great "swim reads" and I'm finding it's really fun to go back and re=read books you enjoyed to find out out how much you don't remember!

I do remember that Uniform Justice was one of my favorites...

oh dear. I'd never heard of Donna Leon. Damn. More book bullets.

Jean, these are definitely high caliber Book bullets. The first book in the series is Death at La Fenice and if you like audio books, I think they're even better with the Italian flavor. You have treats in store for you!

I need to read more of Donna Leon. I loved Death at La Fenice.

YOu've convinced me. And I love books about Venice, so... :)

Challenge Book #109

TITLE: Dracula ★★★½
AUTHOR: Bram Stoker
GENRE: Classic
SUBJECT: vampires
SETTING: Transylvania, Romania London, England
CHARACTERS: Count Dracula, Jonathan Harker, Mina Harker, Van Helsing, John Seward, Quincey Morris, Arthur Holmwood
DATE READ: October 17 - October 25
NO. OF PAGES: 448
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: Yes, Nook stockpile
CATEGORY: Lunch

PLOT: 4
CHARACTERIZATION: 3
TOPICS: 4
STYLE: 3
ORIGINALITY: 4
ADDICTIVENESS: 4
OWNERSHIP: 4
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 2
Average 3.5


I have a hard time with classics, I don't like books with vampires, so why then did I enjoy the 1897 classic novel about the vampire to top all vampires, Count Dracula? I won't go into the plot, I'm sure that there are many descriptions that are far better than I could write, but I will try to explain my feelings about this book.

First, I have to say that I've never watched the movie so I had no idea of the tale that would be related, so I was enveloped into the story at the very beginning, travelling through what is described as a beautiful land but with residents that are frightened of something, but no idea what.

The story was captivating, how this group came together to defeat this evil creature and save the lives of women and children that were threatened. However, the characters were, IMO, a little two dimensional and the style was a little difficult to follow in a few areas, but overall, I liked the story being told in their diaries and letters. At the time of the original publication, I would imagine that Victorian England was scandalized by the behavior of Dracula and his victims, because even though there may have been discussions of folklore related to vampires, I doubt there were few books telling the tales.

So for me this classic was a winner. But don't think that I will be searching or reading more vampire literature, I think I've had my fill.

Sandy seems to have decided that she has had her fill here in Maryland and is slowing move out of the area. We are extremely wet but otherwise we are safe and secure with power having flickered once but stuck with us otherwise. (thank goodness that the hospital, just down the road, gets power priority - so then we do too) Hope everyone else has been as lucky.

Cheli, I'm feeling very fortunate in how we weathered Sandy . . . also my brothers, a bit closer to the coast (1 in NJ, one near DC) did surprisingly well. It breaks my heart to see the news pictures of the devastation along the coast . . . the Jersey Shore (my old stomping grounds) and NYC . . .

Terri,

I agree that my area and my family especially have been very lucky considering that the center of the storm was so close for a little while. My heart aches for those that weren't as lucky. I'm sure that in the coming weeks we will see and hear about the total of the devastation that was inflicted by Sandy. I have a feeling that her name is going to hang in next to Katrina for a long while.

Challenge Book #110

TITLE: The Secret Keeper ★★★½
AUTHOR: Kate Morton
GENRE: fiction
SUBJECT: second chances, parental secrets
SETTING: England
CHARACTERS: Dorothy Nicolson, Vivien Jenkins, Laurel Nicolson, Gerry Nicolson, Jimmy Metcalfe
DATE READ: October 21 - October 31
NO. OF PAGES: 463
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: Yes, ARC from publisher for review
CATEGORY: English Lit

PLOT: 3
CHARACTERIZATION: 3.5
TOPICS: 4
STYLE: 4
ORIGINALITY: 3.5
ADDICTIVENESS: 3.5
OWNERSHIP: 3.5
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 4
Average 3.625

This is the story Dorothy Nicolson, mother of five, and her survival during and after WWII. The framework of the tale is divided into three timeframes - 1941, 1961, 2011. 1941 has Dorothy falling in love, making friends while living in London during the Blitz. Her entire family has already died during air attacks, and she has to find a job and place to live.

Fast forward twenty years later and you see Dorothy with 4 little girls and Baby Gerry on her hip, when a strange man comes to call. Eldest daughter, Laurel, hiding in the tree house, sees the encounter when her mother kills the man. After speaking with the police, Dorothy tells Laurel, not to ever talk about it again.

Fast forward another 50 years and Laurel, now a successful actress, returns home for her mother's 90th birthday and her impending death. But now Laurel wants answers about that afternoon in 1961, and so she begins to reconstruct her mother's life and what caused her to act the way she did.

The story was fascinating and even though the time frames kept switching back and forth (something that normally drives me crazy), in this book, it works. The characters are rich and full-blown, grabbing your empathy, loving the good ones, hating the bad ones, wanting to knock some sense into the manipulated ones, and wishing you could tell the whiners to just get over it.

There were a few minor items that I felt were left unresolved or overlooked, but this was so engrossing it really didn't detract from the story. I have read one other book by this author and enjoyed it as well, so the third book that I have of hers, has just moved up on my TBR pile.

I would like to thank Atria Books Galley Alley at Simon & Schuster for sending me this book to read and review.

OCTOBER RECAP
October had several issues so I didn't manage to finish my 12 in 12 challenge but I only have 4 more books to read to reach the finish line so November will definitely do it. Then I will be able to read just about whatever I want to for the rest of the year, which really means finishing up my books that need reviews so I can start 2013 with a clean slate.

October: 2 pre-owned: 4 borrowed: 0 new: 4 ARC - 9 books.
Best of the Month: Princess Elizabeth's Spy
The worst of the month - Frozen Thames

Here's what I read this month:

Frozen Thames ★★½
Destiny of the republic : a tale of madness, medicine, and the murder of a president ♫ ★★★★
Reckless Bride ★★★½
Devils Food Cake Murder ♫ ★★★½
DRACULA ★★★½
Quarantine ★★★¾
Uniform Justice ♫ ★★★
Art Forger ★★★
Princess Elizabeth's Spy ★★★★
Secret Keeper ★★★¾

Genre Summary

Nonfiction:
2 books History
0 book Health
0 book memoirs
Fiction:
Novels: 1
Youth/Children: 0
Mystery:5
Historical Fiction: 1
Classic: 1

Books for next month: These are all I need to finish my 12 in 12 Challenge!

Thirteenth tale ♫
Border Lord and the lady @
Empires of Light
Pleasures of Men
Joy for Beginners
Fixer Upper
Doctored evidence
The Chester A Arthur Conspiracy
Just Desserts
Design for murder @

I ought to try those Kate Morton books. We just got the latest one at the library, but I haven't read the earlier ones.

Lori, they are stand-alones so you can read any one of them.

Challenge Book #111

TITLE: The Thirteenth Tale ★★★★¼
AUTHOR: Diane Setterfield
GENRE: gothic fiction
SUBJECT: twins, family relationships, dependencies
SETTING: Yorkshire, England
CHARACTERS: Vida Winter, Margaret Lea, Adeline March, Emmeline March, Aurelius Love, Hester Barrow
DATE READ: October 27 - November 3
NO. OF PAGES: 509
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: Yes, audio stockpile
CATEGORY: Speech Class

PLOT: 4.5
CHARACTERIZATION: 3.5
TOPICS: 4
STYLE: 4.5
ORIGINALITY: 4.5
ADDICTIVENESS: 4
OWNERSHIP: 4
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 4
Average 4.13

Vida Winter, a renowned storyteller, is finally ready to tell her own story truthfully. She has told previous biographers different stories but now that she knows she is dying, she hires Margaret Lea to come to her private estate to listen and record her story. There are conditions - she cannot ask any questions and must work on Ms. Winter's timetable. But once she starts talking, there's no turning back.

Her powerful story is compelling, mesmerizing, with twists and turns that make the reader stop, turn around, say what was that, and then just continue to plunge forward seeking more. Just as Margaret searches for answers without being able to ask any questions, the reader follows along the path of the tale wondering when the truths will be revealed, all the details discovered which will finally tell all. And then the end, so startling, unexpected, the reader staggers under the final disclosures.

I don't know what else to say. At the very beginning I wasn't excited but the more I got into the story, the more I couldn't put it down. Just as I thought I was at a place where my mind could take a breather, wham, I was hit with another revelation that knocked me for a loop. Highly recommended - completely captivating.

Glad to know they are stand-alones. Maybe I'll try this one before we have to send it back.

Challenge Book #112

TITLE: The Border Lord and the Lady ★★★
AUTHOR: Bertrice Small
GENRE: Historical Romance
SUBJECT: border wars, fealty, clans
SETTING: Scotland
CHARACTERS: Cicely Bowen, Ian Douglas, Kier Douglas, James I, Queen Joan
DATE READ: November 3 - November 4
NO. OF PAGES: 421
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, my shelves
CATEGORY: Lunch

PLOT: 3
CHARACTERIZATION: 3
TOPICS: 2.5
STYLE: 3
ORIGINALITY: 2.5
ADDICTIVENESS: 3
OWNERSHIP: 3
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 3
Average 2.9

I have been reading the books written by Bertrice Small for over a decade and look forward to each new one as it comes out. However, this book, the 4th in her Border Chronicles series, fell a bit flat IMO. There weren't the usually steamy sex scenes sprinkled throughout and the story was a bit bland. It was still good fun, but just not her usual quality.

Challenge Book #113

TITLE: Empires of Light ★★★★
AUTHOR: Jill Jonnes
GENRE: Non-Fiction
SUBJECT: electricity
SETTING: USA
CHARACTERS: Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla, George Westinghouse
DATE READ: November 3 - November 11
NO. OF PAGES: 370
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: no, public library
CATEGORY: History Class

PLOT:...................................4
CHARACTERIZATION:...........4
TOPICS:...............................4
STYLE:..................................4
ORIGINALITY:.......................3.5
ADDICTIVENESS:..................3.5
OWNERSHIP:........................4
THRESHOLD QUALITY:..........3.5
Average.................................................3.81

Electricity - something that is much in the news lately thanks to Superstorm Sandy and the impact of power outages in the Northeast, but over one hundred years ago, during the final decades of the 19th century, three visionaries fought over the world and how it should be electrified.

The most famous was, of course, Thomas Edison, and with his invention of the incandescent light bulb, he jumped to the forefront. Most people, if asked will name Edison as the chief person responsible for the electricity that we know today, however, Edison was insistent on the DC (direct current) version of electricity whereas Nikola Tesla, a Serb immigrant, and one-time Edison employee, devised an AC(alternating current) generator and along with George Westinghouse championed the AC current we know today.

Edison was the darling of the media because of previous inventions (phonograph, stock ticker, vote recorder) and his creation the incandescent light bulb, while Westinghouse was content to sit in the background - his inventions of the railroad air brakes and automatic signaling systems increased safety but weren't glamorous. Westinghouse worked to improve products stating "My ambition is to give as many persons as possible an opportunity to earn money by their own efforts." He was a man for the labor forces - giving higher wages, ½ day Saturdays, disability benefits, and pensions.

Westinghouse invented the first transformer which allowed Alternating Current service for smaller, wider areas while Edison's DC company could not handle anything that was not within a short distance of the power plant. Yet Edison was furious that Westinghouse was cutting in on his action. Edison expected that the entire electrical empire should belong to him.

Edison fought ruthlessly against the advancement of the DC current contingent even attempting to discredit its safety by having NY state use it for their death penalty executions.

However, the Westinghouse Electric Company was successful in showing the benefits of the AC when they were awarded two much sought after contracts - the lighting of the Chicago World's Fair in 1893 and the Niagara Falls Power plant (in conjunction with N. Tesla). Each of these projects was a major prize for Westinghouse, and an insult to GE (Edison had already been bought out).

But as much as Westinghouse armed with Tesla's patents was able to electrify larger areas, he still had to deal with money men and several times in the last decades of the century he was put into difficult financial positions. Once, to stave off the company floundering, Tesla agreed to forgo royalties (estimates of $17.5 Million in his lifetime) for his patents so that the Westinghouse Electric Co. would stay afloat and continue to champion the Alternating Current path. Employees of the Westinghouse companies also donated $600,000 to help with the payments.

In the Panic of 1907 when national banking and finance had a meltdown, Westinghouse was forced to file for bankruptcy even though the companies were profitable. European expansion had drained his cash and he was unable to pay certain loans. He lost control of Westinghouse Electric and his spirit was broken. But his vision for the betterment of all, not just the elite continued and thrived to this day.

"Today's civilization is full of people who have not the slightest notion of the character or the poetry of night, who have never seen night. Electricity allowed a greater regimentation of life, ripping away the natural rhythms of time and season. The quieting of work and home as the natural light disappeared no longer existed, nor did families gather about the hearth for heat and light." "19th century human experience was first-hand, in-person, intimate, authentic...With electricity came a veritable cornucopia of possible new experiences....many of them are experienced secondhand."

The alternating current envisioned by Tesla and put into reality by Westinghouse has made it possible for the amazing advancements through the 20th and into the 21st century. But there is still the requirement of power lines and current reaching the equipment which will give us light and heat. The next invention needed is a machine which prevents power failures so that those who are hit by massive storms can still have the benefits of electricity. Who will be the Edison, Tesla, Westinghouse of the 21st century?

Wonderful review of Empires of Light, Cheli! That is one I really want to read, and our library has it. (Another one to distract me from the books on my shelves . . .;)

Great review of Empires of Light! I remember that you mentioned this book when we spoke on the phone last week. I'm glad you like it. I'm going to get a copy for Will for Christmas. I'm sure he will enjoy it.

Oh, no! Another book for my TBR! Looks very interesting, and I'll plan to get to it, soon! Thanks for the recommendation.

Karen O.

I was feeling a bit fallish this morning and I keep seeing everyone else's fall colors when I visit their threads so I updated my OP to add some color of my own. Enjoy!

Hi Cheli, I am trying to help a friend figure out the title of a mystery/thriller short story or novel. Essentially what he remembers is there is a town that writes the message "God is real" or "God exists" on building walls or banners everyday...or the message is already there. Eventually everyone forgets what the word God even means...that's all I've got. Sound familiar to you? I'm asking Tina as well, since y'all're the mystery ladies!

Richard, it doesn't ring any bells but I'll keep an eye out for it.

Thanks, Cheli!

Richard, there is a group here on LT that specializes in those kinds of questions. It's called "Name that Book."

http://www.librarything.com/groups/namethatbook

They do short stories, too. Maybe they can help. It doesn't sound familiar to me.

Challenge Book #114

TITLE: Just Desserts ★★½
AUTHOR: Mary Daheim
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
SUBJECT: bigamy, blackmail, jealousy
SETTING: Seattle, WA
CHARACTERS: Judith McMonigle, Joe Flynn, Renie Jones, Otto Brodie, Oriana Brodie,
DATE READ: November 1 - November 16
NO. OF PAGES: 208
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, Nook stockpile
CATEGORY: Study Hall

PLOT:..............................................2
CHARACTERIZATION:......................2.5
TOPICS:..........................................2
STYLE:.............................................3
ORIGINALITY:..................................2
ADDICTIVENESS:.............................2.5
OWNERSHIP:...................................3
THRESHOLD QUALITY:......................2
Average...........................................................2.38

This book was a typical locked door mystery. The murder occurs at the B&B owned by Judith McMonigle when the Brodie family checks in because their own house is being fumigated. For fun step-mom Oriana, decides to hire a fortune teller who ends up dead.

Good premise, but way too many characters with little development who were never sufficiently identified as to how they related to each other, poor police interaction and IMO, below par writing. That said I enjoyed it but doubt I'll pick up the next one anytime soon.

I got tired of Daheim's series a long time ago. I was wondering if I should try to figure out where I left off. I think I'll keep holding off after seeing your review.

Goodie.....I can forget that one....

I read the Daheim B&B series, out of habit, more than anything. Every once in awhile, one is pretty good. Lots of duds mixed in there, too.

I think I have Hocus Croakus and Saks and Violins in TBR boxes at home. Does anyone know if these are okay or duds? If they are duds, I might as well stick them in the pile going to the used bookstore, get some store credit for them, and reduce the TBR pile!

The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.

My confession:

I don't like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don't think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from, that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can't find it in the Constitution and I don't like it being shoved down my throat...

Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren't allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that's a sign that I'm getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.

In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it's not funny, it's intended to get you thinking. In light of recent events... terrorists attack, school shootings, etc.. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O'Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn't want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school... The Bible says thou shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal, and love your neighbor as yourself. And we said OK.

Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn't spank our children when they misbehave, because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr. Spock's son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he's talking about.. And we said okay..

Now we're asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don't know right from wrong, and why it doesn't bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves.

Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with 'WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.'

Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world's going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send 'jokes' through e-mail and they spread like wildfire, but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.

Are you laughing yet?

Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you're not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us.

Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not, then just discard it... no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don't sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.


My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully,

Ben Stein

Makes one stop and think

Challenge Book #115

TITLE: The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook ★★★
AUTHOR: Dinah Bucholz
GENRE: cookbook
SUBJECT: wizard recipes
DATE READ: November 16
NO. OF PAGES: 22
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: Yes, Nook stockpile
CATEGORY: Class Schedule

Just a short little cookbook that was filled with imaginary recipes for the wizards of the world, some might even appeal to muggles.

Challenge Book #116

TITLE: Sketch Me if you Can ★★★¾
AUTHOR: Sharon Pape
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
SUBJECT: ghosts, unsolved cases
SETTING: Suffolk County New York
CHARACTERS: Aurora (Rory) McCain, Zeke Drummond, Vince Conti
DATE READ: November 16 - November 18
NO. OF PAGES: 218
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, Nook Stockpile
CATEGORY: Class Schedule

PLOT: 4
CHARACTERIZATION: 3
TOPICS: 3.5
STYLE: 4
ORIGINALITY: 3.5
ADDICTIVENESS: 4
OWNERSHIP: 4
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 4
Average 3.8

Rory McCain, a police sketch artist, has inherited her uncle's PI agency and his renovated home. When she moves in, she is also presented with the resident ghost, Zeke Drummond who insists that he help her when she decides to work on one of the cases that was left open by her uncle's sudden death.

This was a great start for a new cozy mystery series - the two major characters are well-written and the story had the clues interwoven quite cleverly. Definitely looking forward to the next in the series.

Congrats on reading 116 books! I hope your trip is a good one and that you have a lovely Thanksgiving with those grand babies of yours.

I'm wishing everyone here a great healthy, happy, and delicious Thanksgiving!

and also to you and yours. XOXO

I've made the stuffing. I've prepped the brussels sprouts with apples. I've got the noxious bird-meat brining in my own souped-up whiskey brine mixture. Yam nastiness baking now. Must roast the sprouts, some white potatoes with garlic, oil and rosemary, and birdie. Sweet potato pie, pecan pie, southern mincemeat pie, and apple pie all done. Life is good, but my knees and feet are killin' me! Happy holiday for you and all those you love.

I finally got to hold my precious Stella - my youngest granddaughter.

Awww, love that picture, Cheli.

Stella looks so fancy with that bow in her hair. What a doll! I'm glad you got to hold her, Cheli!

89 LOL! You go girls, Dasher & Dancer . . .

Your little Stella is adorable!

I read 5 books over the long weekend/travel and need to get their reviews done!
I'm working on them but maybe I need just a little push but noting it here.

Hooray for the five books, Cheli! I look forward to seeing your future comments.

Challenge Book #117

TITLE: Doctored evidence ★★★¾
AUTHOR: Donna Leon
GENRE: Mystery
SUBJECT: blackmail, reclusiveness
SETTING: Venice, Italy
CHARACTERS: Commissario Brunetti, Maria Battestini, Signorina Elettra, Inspector Vianello, Signora Gismondi
DATE READ: November 20 - November 23
NO. OF PAGES: 321
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: No, Public Library
CATEGORY: Speech Class

PLOT:...............................4
CHARACTERIZATION:........4
TOPICS:............................3.5
STYLE:...............................4
ORIGINALITY:....................3
ADDICTIVENESS:...............3.5
OWNERSHIP:.....................3.5
THRESHOLD QUALITY:........3.5
Average......................................................3.63

Commissario Brunetti has taken a holiday and when he returns he finds that Lt Scarpa has overseen a murder and closed the case without apparent due diligence. So when Brunetti is confronted with a witness whose evidence Scarpa ignores, Guido sets out to clear the reputation of the alleged killer and find the true culprit.

The clues in this mystery were well-hidden and the characters involved were not necessarily like-able but did appear as they needed to be. I really liked this installment, maybe one of my favorites.

Challenge Book #118

TITLE: The Hangman ★★★¾
AUTHOR: Louise Penny
GENRE: Mystery/Novella
SUBJECT: Revenge
SETTING: Three Pines, Canada
CHARACTERS: Armand Gamache, Jean Guy Beauvoir
DATE READ: 11/23/2012
NO. OF PAGES: 73
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, Kindle for PC
CATEGORY: Class Schedule

PLOT:.....................................4
CHARACTERIZATION:..............4
TOPICS:..................................3.5
STYLE:....................................4
ORIGINALITY:.........................3
ADDICTIVENESS:....................3.5
OWNERSHIP:..........................3.5
THRESHOLD QUALITY:.............3.5
Average....................................................................3.6

In this short story Inspector Gamache is summon to the area of Three Pines because a body has been found hanging in the woods, an apparent suicide. But Gamache thinks otherwise. No identification on the body doesn't stop the police, his effects have been found in at the nearby B&B.

Investigation into the victim's history reveals motive as well as direction to the killer.

A fascinating short story that held all the same ingredients of Penny's full-length novels but not all the complexities.

Challenge Book #119

TITLE: The Great Bridge ★★★¾
AUTHOR: David McCullough
GENRE: History
SUBJECT: Construction of the Brooklyn Bridge
SETTING: New York, NY
CHARACTERS: Washington Roebling, Emily Roebling,
DATE READ: November 21 - November 25
NO. OF PAGES: 608
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: no, public library
CATEGORY: History Class

PLOT:...............................................4
CHARACTERIZATION:........................3.5
TOPICS:...........................................4
STYLE:..............................................4
ORIGINALITY:...................................4
ADDICTIVENESS:..............................3.5
OWNERSHIP:....................................3
THRESHOLD QUALITY:.......................4
Average......................................................................3.75

The Brooklyn Bridge - just the words conjure up the image of a stately icon with twinkling lights and a spider-like web of cables. But it is so much more. The Brooklyn Bridge completed in 1883 replaced nearly all the dozens of ferries that had been used to transport goods and people from Brooklyn into New York City. At the time of its construction Brooklyn was not part of the city, but due to the connection and constant traffic eventually Brooklyn became one of the 5 boroughs of the city.

The construction was the greatest of its day but not without its difficulties. The caissons built for the massive spans resulted in 12 deaths due to "caissons disease" or what we now call the bends. Men worked deep below the river in areas using compressed air and without knowledge of the effects, no decompression was used for the workers. In fact, the General Engineer, Washington Roebling, suffered from the debilitating effects of the bends for over 30 years and because of it, he was unable to be present at the open ceremonies or be the first to cross the bridge (his wife had that honor).

This book is an engaging chronicle of the efforts of Washington Roebling and the men who struggled to create and build this masterpiece of engineering. The author makes it seem like a love story as well as a documentation of a building of a Landmark.

I keep losing your threads, and finally discovered that it's YOUR fault, and not mine! ;-) Since you don't do the automatic continuation thing on new threads, my stars don't carry over. (Just kidding - but isn't it amazing how quickly we become dependent on those new little gizmos)

I tracked you down because I saw your review of the bridge book. Thumbs up from me, and another book bullet. Has David McCullough ever written a bad book?

Without reading the entire thread, I scrolled up for a quick look and saw the completely adorable picture of Stella, and the hilarious explanation about Santa's reindeer. I'm so glad I found my way back here!

I like to have a different thread each quarter and since I don't have enough visitors/comments to reach 200 I don't get that continuation thing. I keep hoping that Tim will change the level to like 150 so then I can use it. Until then, I try to make a link from one to the other.

Challenge Book #120

TITLE: Rumpole Misbehaves ★★½
AUTHOR: John Mortimer
GENRE: Mystery
SUBJECT: British Legal system
SETTING: London, UK
CHARACTERS: Horace Rumpole
DATE READ: November 25
NO. OF PAGES: 183
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: no, Public Library
CATEGORY: English Lit

PLOT:................................................2
CHARACTERIZATION:........................3
TOPICS:............................................2.5
STYLE:..............................................3
ORIGINALITY:...................................3
ADDICTIVENESS:..............................2
OWNERSHIP:....................................2
THRESHOLD QUALITY:.......................2
Average...........................................................2.44

Thus book is a short collection of anecdotes surrounding the main character, Horace Rumpole, an irascible British barrister (lawyer) who listens to no one and does his own thing but is a very competent defense attorney.

I read these books (actually audio versions) with my husband who loves Rumpole. Personally, I can take him or leave, but they are quick and somewhat entertaining.

Challenge Book #121 Fixer Upper

TITLE: Fixer Upper ★★★¾
AUTHOR: Mary Kay Andrews
GENRE: Fiction
SUBJECT: self-assertion, family, political corruption
SETTING: Guthrie GA
CHARACTERS: Dempsey Killebrew, T Carter Berryhill III, Carter Berryhill, Ella Kate
DATE READ: November 9 - November 27
NO. OF PAGES: 680
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: no, Public Library Large Print
CATEGORY: Extra curricular activites

PLOT:..........................................3.5
CHARACTERIZATION:..................3.5
TOPICS:......................................3.5
STYLE:.........................................4
ORIGINALITY:..............................3.5
ADDICTIVENESS:.........................4
OWNERSHIP:...............................4
THRESHOLD QUALITY:..................4
Average.....................................................................3.75


Dempsey Killebrew, Georgetown Law grad, has been caught up in a DC scandal at the lobbyist where she was employed. Fired and without means to get a good job for the near future, Dempsey heads to her father's ancestral home (he just inherited) to hide out and make the house ready for sale. Her arrival in the small town of Guthrie GA is not met with applause (not that she was expected it but she didn't expect hostility either.)

While nursing her wounds, she is tracked down and threatened by the FBI to cooperate in a sting to catch the head of the lobby (her old boss) and a dirty congressman. At the same time, the house needs not just a coat of paint but major renovations which don't make an irascible elderly cousin/squatter very happy.

The book was fun and entertaining and caused some very heated discussion at my book club.

The Great Bridge sounds like one I might like. I loved McCullough's book about the Johnstown flood.

He was interviewed on 60 minutes recently, and I enjoyed the segments immensely.

NOVEMBER RECAP
I completed my 12 in 12 challenge as well as a few good books while traveling to visit my grandchildren at the holidays. I'm 2/3 through a second 75 challenge (not that I think I'll complete that but I does amaze me that I'm so far along again.) The last month of the year is here and though I'm busy with holiday preparations and party planning, I'll still be reading and a very leisurely pace. HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

November: 5 pre-owned: 6 borrowed: 0 new: 0 ARC - 1 books.
Best of the Month: Empires of Light
The worst of the month - Rumpole Misbehaves

Here's what I read this month:

Thirteenth tale ♫ ★★★¾
Border Lord and the lady ★★★
Empires of Light ★★★★
Just Desserts ★★½
The Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook ★★★
Sketch Me If You Can ★★★¾
Doctored evidence ★★★
The Hangman ★★★¾
Great Bridge ★★★¾
Rumpole Misbehaves ★★½
Fixer Upper ★★★¾

I. 1. Class schedule - Nook Books/Net galley 12/12
CATEGORY COMPLETED
4 overlaps

II. Study Hall - Mysteries 12/12
CATEGORY COMPLETED
5 overlaps
Just Desserts
III. Home Economics - crafts and home themed books 12/12
CATEGORY COMPLETED
3 overlaps

IV. History - USPC and background reconstruction thru 1900 12/12
CATEGORY COMPLETED
0 overlaps
Empires of Light

V. English Lit - mysteries set in Great Britian 12/12
CATEGORY COMPLETED
2 overlaps

VI. Lunch - leftovers, culinary and game themed books 12/12
CATEGORY COMPLETED
1 overlaps
Border Lord and the lady

VII. Foreign languages - foreign settings 12/12
CATEGORY COMPLETED
5 overlap

VIII. Speech Class - Audiobooks 12/12
CATEGORY COMPLETED
0 Overlaps
Thirteenth tale ♫

IX. Homework - TBRs 12/12
CATEGORY COMPLETED
6 overlaps


X. Math - 1st,2nd, 3rd….. Series books 12/12
CATEGORY COMPLETED
NO OVERLAPS


XI. Geography - euro and 50 state challenges 12/12
CATEGORY COMPLETED
5 overlaps

XII. Extra curricular activites - group reads or recommended by LTers 12/12
CATEGORY COMPLETED
5 overlaps

Genre Summary

Nonfiction:
2 books History
1 book Health
0 book memoirs
Fiction:
Novels: 1
Youth/Children: 0
Mystery:6
Historical Fiction: 1
Classic: 0

Books for next month: Holiday books abound!
✔The Orchid Murder
✔Too Many Murders: A Carmine Delmonico Novel
The Aluminum Christmas Tree: A Novel
✔The Christmas Homecoming
the Christmas Star
✔Being Santa Claus: What I Learned about the True Meaning of Christmas
The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society
The Don't Sweat Guide to Holidays
A Christmas Journey
The Chester A Arthur Conspiracy
75 Simple Ways to Celebrate the Holidays

I got an early Christmas present from a friend - a Kindle Fire. Dave is my husband's golf buddy and my movie date. (My husband doesn't like to go to the movies so Dave is my escort to the movies.) Anyway, he had a Kindle Fire, and decided that he had to have the Kindle Fire HD and gifted me his "old" Fire. So today I spent the day playing with my new toy. I now have a Nook and a Kindle. I see many e-books in my future.

Congrats on your "new" Kindle Fire.

I hope you enjoy the Kindle Fire!

I been so busy reading, I've fallen behind on my reviews again. 5 are due, I keep telling myself tomorrow.

OK.....now we can share both Nook and Kindle books!!! I too am behind on reviews....and so far behind on LT threads that I will never catch up. Reading and baking cookies (while listening to audio books) is much more fun....

Hmmm - I love freshly baked cookies!

Challenge book #122

TITLE: 500 Appetizers ★★½
AUTHOR: Susannah Blake
GENRE: Cookbook
SUBJECT: recipes
DATE READ: December 5
NO. OF PAGES: 282
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: no, new cookbook
CATEGORY: Home Ec


I bought this book because I was planning a party and wanted to make some new appetizers but after going through all the recipes, nothing seemed right. The recipes were either too odd as to their ingredients, too spicy for everyone to enjoy, or too difficult to make in large quantities. May a small dinner party would be good for some of these, but not a party.

Challenge Book #123

TITLE: The Orchid Murder ★★★★
AUTHOR: Christine Hunt
GENRE: Mystery
SUBJECT: civil judgment, legal malpractice
SETTING: Minneapolos, MN
CHARACTERS: Norm Wartnick, Jerry Snider, Joe Friedberg
DATE READ: November 25 - December 6
NO. OF PAGES: 360
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: Yes, NetGalley
CATEGORY: Class Schedule

PLOT: 4
CHARACTERIZATION: 3.5
TOPICS: 3.5
STYLE: 4
ORIGINALITY: 4
ADDICTIVENESS: 4
OWNERSHIP: 4
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 4
Average 3.88

I'm not exactly sure how to describe this fascinating book.
It wasn't what I expected, but it was riveting just the same. I thought from the title and description that it was going to be the typical murder mystery and in the end we find out who did it. Nope, this was a murder mystery but we never found out who the killer was. Why? because it was a true story and it centered around a man who was never convicted of a crime but was sued in civil court for the wrongful death of the victim. So, you think, okay, OJ was convicted of wrongful death. But this guy didn't do it and with a totally incompetent attorney, the judgment against him destroyed his life and livelihood.

That's the setup and the book takes the reader through the process of suing his attorney for legal malpractice. It was fascinating, a little dry but I learned a great deal about the legal process and what is expected from a lawyer's representation.

#109 That one sounds good - I'm off now to see if I can find it.

Sandy, If you have an e-reader you might be able to get it from NetGalley. It's not due for publication until March, 2013.

Challenge Book #124

TITLE: Too Many Murders: A Carmine Delmonico Novel ★★★¾
AUTHOR: Colleen McCullough
GENRE: Mystery
SUBJECT: mass murder
SETTING: Holloman, CT
CHARACTERS: Carmine Delmonico, Abe Goldberg, Corey Marshall, Dr. Erica Davenport,
DATE READ: December 2 - December 7
NO. OF PAGES: 384
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: Yes, audio stockpille
CATEGORY: Study Hall

PLOT: 4
CHARACTERIZATION: 4
TOPICS: 3.5
STYLE: 4
ORIGINALITY: 3
ADDICTIVENESS: 3.5
OWNERSHIP: 3.5
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 3.5
Average 3.6


Holloman CT, a small university town, is overwhelmed with a dozen murders in one 24 hour period on April 3, 1967. There doesn't seem to be any kind of connection - the victims range from the CEO of a major conglomerate to an 18 month old Down Syndrome baby. None of the victims is killed in the same manner, but Carmine Delmonico, the head of the homicide division in the town is sure there has to be a connection.

The investigation into each death and eventual connections, draws Delmonico and others into a dangerous and threatening situations. The reader is taken on a roller coaster ride of questions and answers that eventually lead to a satisfactory conclusion.

Challenge Book #125

TITLE: A Christmas Homecoming ★★★¾
AUTHOR: Anne Perry
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
SUBJECT: Dracula
SETTING: Whitby, England UK
CHARACTERS: Caroline Fielding, Joshua Fielding, Alice Netheridge
DATE READ: December 7 - December 9
NO. OF PAGES: 224
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: no, Nook purchase 2012
CATEGORY: Extra curricular activities

PLOT: 4
CHARACTERIZATION: 3.5
TOPICS: 4
STYLE: 4
ORIGINALITY: 4
ADDICTIVENESS: 3.5
OWNERSHIP: 3
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 4
Average 3.75

Anne Perry, well-known mystery writer pens a Christmas mystery every year centering around a minor character from one of her series. This Christmas novella finds us with Caroline and Joshua Fielding, the mother and stepfather of Charlotte Pitt.

Joshua and actor has been invited to Whitby to perform a play written by a potential backer's young daughter. The play is an adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula. A major snowstorm dumps feet of snow in the area and the occupants of the Netheridge home are trapped right before Christmas. Need rehearsal, this causes no issues until a stranger who had also been stranded at the house, is found murdered with a stake through his heart.

What fun this mystery was especially since I was reading this for my December book club and in October we had read Dracula. It was so fun to see Dracula from another vantage point.

Challenge Book #126

TITLE: Being Santa Claus: What I Learned about the True Meaning of Christmas ★★★½
AUTHOR: Sal Lizard
GENRE: Memoir
SUBJECT: Professional Santas
SETTING: USA
CHARACTERS: Santa
DATE READ: December 10 - December 11
NO. OF PAGES: 228
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: no, Nook purchase 2012
CATEGORY: Class Schedule

PLOT: 3
CHARACTERIZATION: 4
TOPICS: 4
STYLE: 4
ORIGINALITY: 3.5
ADDICTIVENESS: 4
OWNERSHIP: 3.5
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 2.5
Average 3.56

The holidays are here and getting into the spirit means what better book could be read than the memoirs of "Santa".

This was a lighthearted and heartwarming story of how one man who had the natural appearance of Santa Claus took on the job and the persona of the jolly man himself. Loads of fun and one that I will probably re-read every year just for the spirit of Santa!

#111 March 2013 - that explains why I couldn't find it. I'll add it to my wishlist and wait for it next spring. Probably adding the McCullough book while I'm at it.

The Orchid Murder and Too Many Murders both sound right up my alley. So am I going to add them to my Ever-Expanding List? Hmmm . . . . the Anne Perry one sounds good, too . . . *sigh*

How am I ever going to clear my TBR shelves when people here keep tempting me with blue text?? ;)

Well, the party's over. Every year for the last 9 years my husband and I have hosted an open house inviting our friends and family to come into our home and share good wine and good times. The last few days I've been busy making 6 cheeseballs, slicing peppers green,red, orange and yellow, making dips and making a fabulous crab dip that I didn't even get to taste because it was gone that fast! Close to 50 friends and family came to see our latest version of our Christmas village (I'll post some pictures as soon as I can find the cord to connect the camera to my PC) and sample all the goodies (those mentioned above) - carrot cake, cannolis, brownies, and cookies. The party's over..everyone seemed to have a great time, and I'm pooped. Tomorrow, I'm sleeping in, and settling in my recliner with a good book.

Gosh, it sounds wonderful! What a festive time! I hope you got some good rest!

Karen O.

Thanks, Karen.

I slept until 9am, I finished one book, nearly done another, and now I'm watching Extreme Home Makeover and trying to write a few reviews.

Parties are fun to have, but exhausting. We have one each year in the spring or summer so that we can have most of the activity outside on the deck. Less mess in the house, but still a big job. Your menu sounds fabulous - I would ask for your crab dip recipe, but since we can't get the fresh crab here that you probably have, I imagine it wouldn't be nearly as good as yours.

I thought of you on the day of your party and send good vibes your way, hoping that your back would hold up and not be painful.

It sounds like the party was a hit!

Congratulations on yet another special year of your Christmas Village.

Challenge Book #127

TITLE: The Aluminum Christmas Tree: A Novel ★★★¾
AUTHOR: Thomas Davis
GENRE: Fiction
SUBJECT: memories
SETTING: South, USA
CHARACTERS: Mildred Jackson, Jim Jackson, Caleb Smith, Joyce Smith
DATE READ: December 11 - December 13
NO. OF PAGES: 228
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: Yes,Gift from a friend
CATEGORY: Lunch

PLOT: 3.5 CHARACTERIZATION: 3 TOPICS: 3 ORIGINALITY: 3 STYLE: 3 ADDICTIVENESS: 3 OWNERSHIP: 3.5
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 3
Average 3.13

Mildred Jackson is preparing to move out of the home that she shared with her late husband Jim, and the packing brings a whole set of memories, both good and bad flooding to the surface topped off by the Aluminum Christmas Tree.

So many of us sit and reminisce around the holidays, so what better trigger for those memories than a specific Christmas tree. The story that was told in this book was of a couple who battled through hard times and shared those as well as the good.

I want to thank my friend whisper1 (Linda) for sending this book to me. One that may become a perennial favorite.

#122 that sounds like just the kind of book that could be read each year - very nice.

One of these years, I'm going to convince Tim and Chèli to hold their annual open house when I'm able to get to town. Oh well, I'll get to see her village next week, and they always have lots of goodies wine so I won't be bereft of holiday celebrating.

maybe we should just convince them to host a gigantic LT meetup sometime.....

OOO OOO gigantic LT meetup vote over here! Plus a special request for carrot cake...

Carrot cake is my favorite... and I'm suffering through the leftovers. ;-))

Sounds like you are rejoicing in your suffering!

Yum...I'm taking my medicine :-)

*there there, pat pat* You shouldn't suffer any more, Cheli dear. You just box all that tiresome ol' carrot cake up and shove it in the mail to me, I'll take care of it.

*noble profile* What are friends for.

oh, Richard dear, how sweet of you to offer to endure the "horrible carrot cake" on my behalf, but alas, my hubbie, has already taken that suffering upon himself for me. Next time, I will remember your kind self-sacrificing thoughtfulness and see if you wish to renew your offer. Your generosity knows no ends.

rats too late darned husband has position

Of course, of course, my dear pal, consider my offer open all hours!

*wafts out on cloud of noble sentiment*

It's winter in North Dakota
And the gentle breezes blow,
70 miles per hour at 52 below!
Oh, how I love North Dakota
When the snow's up to your butt;
You take a breath of winter air
And your nose is frozen shut.
Yes, the weather here is wonderful,
You may think I'm a fool.
I could never leave North Dakota ,
Cause I'm frozen to the stool.

Saw this...too funny!

Challenge Book #128

TITLE: A Christmas Promise ★★★
AUTHOR: Anne Perry
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
SUBJECT: friendship, drug trade
SETTING: London, England, UK
CHARACTERS: Gracie Phipps, Minnie Maude Mudway, Mr. Balthasar,
DATE READ: December 10 - December 14
NO. OF PAGES: 208
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: No, Public Library
CATEGORY: Extra curricular activities

PLOT: 3
CHARACTERIZATION: 3
TOPICS: 3
STYLE: 3.5
ORIGINALITY: 3
ADDICTIVENESS: 3
OWNERSHIP: 3
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 3
Average 3.1

Gracie Phipps, a young girl living in the poorer section of London befriends an 8 year old who is wandering the streets searching for her lost donkey. The child fears that her donkey will not find his way home and that she must track him down.

Their adventures take them into the seedier parts of the city but throughout the friendship forged between the two young girls aids them to their unusual conclusion.

So, not set in the Swingin' Sixties, I gather as the moppet is searching for her donkey.

Challenge Book #129

TITLE: A Christmas Odyssey ★★★¾
AUTHOR: Anne Perry
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
SUBJECT: redemption, prodigal's return, searching
SETTING: London, England, UK
CHARACTERS: Henry Rathbone, Squeaky Robinson Dr. Crow, Lucien Wentworth
DATE READ: December 15 - December 17
NO. OF PAGES: 208
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: No, Public Library
CATEGORY: Extra curricular activities

PLOT: 3.5
CHARACTERIZATION: 3.5
TOPICS: 3.5
STYLE: 3.5
ORIGINALITY: 3
ADDICTIVENESS: 4
OWNERSHIP: 3.5
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 3.5
Average 3.50

Henry Rathbone is entreated by a friend to find his son,Lucien, who has fallen into epravity and is lost in the dregs of London. With help from acquaintances of his own son, Henry dives into the London underground for his quest.

The adventures of all lead to an expected conclusion but still satisfactory.

problems with LT caused duplicate

Great run of Anne Perry novellas.

and a good book!

Hi Cheli - Love the "Snuggling Weather' image above!

Stopping by to wish you and yours best wishes for the holiday season and into the new year!

It's snowing! It's snowing!

#132 Love it!

Happy Holidays to you, Cheli!


glitter-graphics.com

Glitterfy.com - Christmas Glitter Graphics

I want to wish you a glorious celebration of that time of year when we all try to unite around a desire for Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward All. Merry Christmas, Cheli!

I must have been a very good girl because I got $75 worth of B&N gift cards. So with the dollars I put away from my BOMBS Challenge I have $170 for book buying! Now all I have to do is decide which books!

Oh, the weather outside is frightful, (snow and sleet)
and a fire'd be so delightful, (too bad the fireplace is not working)
and since I've no place to go, (hubbie took my car)
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! just have to read all day!

#143 lol! You could always spend the time you are stranded at home today ordering books at bn.com!

great minds must think alike. I was just going over my Nook wishlist and regular wishlist, trying to decide which books had priority.
I decided that for the time being, I'm just going to spend the gift cards and save my BOMBS BANK for later.

So for $73.40 (NOT INCLUDING TAX) I can get for my Nook:

Tempest by Cynthia Wright
Fonduing Fathers (White House Chef Mystery Series #6)by Julie Hyzy
Threaded for Trouble (Threadville Mystery Series #2)by Janet Bolin
Stitch Me Deadly (Embroidery Mystery Series #2)by Amanda Lee
Book, Line, and Sinkerby Jenn McKinlay
Sweet Revengeby Andrea Penrose
The Diva Takes the Cake (Domestic Diva Series #2)by Krista Davis
Lost and Fondue (Cheese Shop Mystery Series #2)by Avery Aames
Death of a Kitchen Diva (Hayley Powell Series #1)by Lee Hollis
Let's Play Dead (Museum Mystery Series #2)by Sheila Connolly
Dead Letters (Museum Mystery Series)by Sheila Connolly

I've just got to check and make sure that the e-book isn't more expensive and then I'll be placing my order.

That sounds like a wonderful stack of winter reading! Are they all nook books, or are there some regular books in the mix, too?

Yesterday, when my parents came over, my 75-YO mother (very excitedly) said "see what I got for Christmas!" and pulled a brand-new, fancy-schmancy Nook out of her bag. It was my father's gift to her and she was thrilled to show off all the bells and whistles. It sure puts my old B&W nook to shame!

These are all for my Nook. I have the Nook Touch with Glowlight - no color and that is just fine. Books are black & white, I don't need color. If I need color, I have the Kindle Fire that my friend gave me but it is much heavier (even more than my old Nook) and I don't like the Kindle quite as much. There are no page numbers (which kind of drives me crazy), and the battery life is much shorter. So if someone were to ask me about which I recommend as a e-reader Nook Touch would get my vote.

I don't mind not having color, either. I got it 3 or 4 years ago, I think it was - just before the first color nooks came out. It would be kind of nice to have a touch screen, but it doesn't take too long to get used to using buttons to advance pages. It isn't backlit, which is what yours sounds like (glowlight), but I find that looking at lighted screens masks how tired I really am, so I don't know if that would be a good thing for me to read from late in the evening. But the downside is that I can't read unless there is enough light to see by - just like with paper books! Nook Touch - is that the one my mom would have gotten?

She could have gotten the Nook HD. Nook Touch with Glowlight is great because it's normally not backlit, only when you turn on the glowlight. I use the glowlight when reading in bed and the light is off. I have it turned down very low, just bright enough so I can read the pages.

That sounds nice, being able to turn the light off or on, or down. I really don't know what Mom got exactly, but she was pretty happy about it! Now I can give her Barnes & Noble gift cards when I can't think of anything else for her, so I'm happy, too!

Did you go ahead with your order today? I always need to think about things for a while, so I often have stuff sitting in an online shopping cart for several days before I go ahead with the purchase.

Nice haul on the Nook.

Great haul. I've got a few of those on my Kindle and intend to get to them soon.

Here's the official list that was purchased today!

Tempest by Cynthia Wright
Threaded for Trouble (Threadville Mystery Series #2) by Janet Bolin
Stitch Me Deadly (Embroidery Mystery Series #2) by Amanda Lee
Book, Line, and Sinker by Jenn McKinlay
Sweet Revenge by Andrea Penrose
The Diva Takes the Cake (Domestic Diva Series #2) by Krista Davis
Lost and Fondue (Cheese Shop Mystery Series #2) by Avery Aames
Let's Play Dead (Museum Mystery Series #2) by Sheila Connolly
Dead Letters (Museum Mystery Series #2) by Sheila Connolly

Challenge Book #130

TITLE: The Christmas Star ★★★¼
AUTHOR: Ace Collins
GENRE: Fiction
SUBJECT: youthful rebellion, heroes
SETTING: Ash Flat AR
CHARACTERS: Jimmy Reed, Marge Reed, Robert Reed, Calvin Jenkins
DATE READ: December 18 - December 19
NO. OF PAGES: 228
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, ARC
CATEGORY: Homework

PLOT:................................3.5
CHARACTERIZATION:.........3.5
TOPICS:.............................3.5
STYLE:...............................3.5
ORIGINALITY:....................2.5
ADDICTIVENESS:...............3
OWNERSHIP:.....................3
THRESHOLD QUALITY:........2.5
Average..............................................3.13

Jimmy Reed is angry, his father, during the war died while earning the Congressional Medal of Honor, and now his mother wants to remind him by hanging the medal on the tree as the star.

But Jimmy is in a rebellious strange that is getting him into a bunch of trouble - trouble that residents in town see as tarnishing his father's memory.

As Jimmy learns more and more about his father, he realizes that he needs to make changes and take responsibility for his actions.

This book has fell good mood to it - just right for the holidays.

Challenge Book #131

TITLE: A Christmas Visitor ★★★
AUTHOR: Anne Perry
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
SUBJECT: honor, fraud, forgery
SETTING: England, UK
CHARACTERS: Henry Rathbone
DATE READ: December 13 - December 20
NO. OF PAGES: 192
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: no, OD Public Library
CATEGORY: Foreign Languages

PLOT:...................................................3.5
CHARACTERIZATION:............................3
TOPICS:...............................................3
STYLE:..................................................3.5
ORIGINALITY:.......................................3
ADDICTIVENESS:..................................3
OWNERSHIP:.......................................3
THRESHOLD QUALITY:..........................3
Average...........................................................................3.13

Another of Anne Perry's Christmas novellas centers around Henry Rathbone's efforts to clear the name of his friend Judah Dreghorn, who has died suddenly in what appears to be an accident but is discovered to be murder.

This was an interesting rendition of a postmortem revelation of a character who has done wrong but without knowledge of the injustice until the very end.

What great holiday books you are reading.

I love your poem about the snow and the fireplace not working and Tim taking your car. I laughed right out loud.

I hope you have a lovely time with Tina.

Hugs

Challenge Book #132

TITLE: The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society ★★★¾
AUTHOR: Darian Gee
GENRE: fiction
SUBJECT: memories
SETTING: Avalon, IL
CHARACTERS: Bettie Shelton, Yvonne Tate, Isabel Kidd
DATE READ: December 20 - December 26
NO. OF PAGES: 405
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: Yes,ER
CATEGORY: Lunch

PLOT: 3.5
CHARACTERIZATION: 3
TOPICS: 2.5
STYLE: 3
ORIGINALITY: 2.5
ADDICTIVENESS: 3
OWNERSHIP: 3
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 2.5
Average 2.88

Bettie Shelton, president of the Avalon Scrapbooking Society, takes an interest in everyone's life in Avalon IL. She will order people who are not interested in participating in scrapbooking to come to meetings, host meetings, pick up supplies.

Other characters in this novel, are somewhat one dimensional or placed in the scenario for a specific purpose. The Tea shop which hosts several events has an owner and manager that also kowtow to Bettie's demands while at the same time as they are handling their own emotional issues. But Bettie is the central character who supposedly ties everyone together but the connection often falls short.

When I started this book I saw many similarities between this book and Laura Childs Tea Shoppe mysteries and Scrapbooking mysteries. However, the comparison is not favorable to ALSS. There is no flow that takes the reader from one character's tale and back again even though Bettie is the link. The relationships appear very disjointed and contrived.

Well, one more day for 2012. I have finished my last book for the year so I just have that one review to write as well as the recap for the entire year - a Project for tomorrow.

Well now no more days left here in Malaysia just a bare 4 1/2 hours. Happy New Year to you Cheli and I hope to keep up with you a little more in 2013.

Here's to a great new year ahead, Cheli!

Challenge Book #133

TITLE: The Christmas Dog ★★★
AUTHOR: Melody Carlson
GENRE: fiction
SUBJECT: forgiveness, neighbors

CHARACTERS: Betty, Avery, Jack
DATE READ: December 29 - December 30
NO. OF PAGES: 133
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: Yes,Nook stockpile
CATEGORY: Class Schedule

PLOT: 3.5
CHARACTERIZATION: 3
TOPICS: 3
STYLE: 3
ORIGINALITY: 2.5
ADDICTIVENESS: 3
OWNERSHIP: 3
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 2.5
Average 2.94

Betty is an elderly widow, living in the same neighborhood for years, but things are changing. Old friends are dying or moving away and new neighbors are not very neighborly. Add to that a stray dog that frequents her backyard and her favorite dogwood, and Betty is not happy.

Enter Betty's missing granddaughter and you have the scenario of a young woman making friends with the nasty neighbor and also falling for the stray dog.

It was entertaining but not very emotion grabbing. Just a cute story.

DECEMBER RECAP
December was a month filled with Holiday readings - the 12 books read were used for overlap replacements in the 12 in 12 challenge. Ever since joining LT have always been hurrying to finish my challenges in December but this year I finished early and was able to just sit back and read a bundle of Christmas books. What fun!

December: 2 pre-owned: 4 borrowed: 4 new: 2 ARC - 12 books.
Best of the Month: Orchid Murder
The worst of the month - 500 Appetizers
Here's what I read this month:

500 Appetizers ★★½
Orchid Murder ★★★★
Too Many Murders: A Carmine Delmonico Novel ★★★★
The Christmas Homecoming ★★★★
Being Santa Claus: What I Learned about the True Meaning of Christmas ★★★½
The Aluminum Christmas Tree: A Novel ★★★½
A Christmas PROMISE ★★★½
A Christmas Odyssey ★★★¼
A Christmas Star ★★★¼
A Christmas Visitor ★★★¼
The Avalon Ladies Scrapbooking Society ★★★
The Christmas Dog ★★★

Genre Summary

Nonfiction:
2 books History
1 book Health
0 book memoirs
Fiction:
Novels: 2
Youth/Children: 0
Mystery:6
Historical Fiction: 1
Classic: 0

Shortly, 2012 will be a memory, so it's time to look back at the books of 2012 and recap how those books were appreciated(?).

January: 2 pre-owned : 4 borrowed : 0 ARC - 6 books.
Best of the Month: Crunch Time
February: 5 pre-owned: 6 borrowed: 1 new: 1 ARC - 13 books.
Best of the Month: Trick of the Light and Forgotten Garden
The worst of the month - Great Expectations
March: 4 pre-owned: 5 borrowed: 2 new: 2 ARC - 13 books.
Best of the Month: Diva runs out of Thyme just barely squeaked by Affairs of Steak
Least Favorite of the Month: Remains to be Scene
April: 4 pre-owned: 9 borrowed: 0 new: 2 ARC - 15 books.
Best of the Month: Hunger Games
Least Favorite of the Month: Elegance of the Hedgehog
May: 0 pre-owned:8 borrowed: 0 new: 1 ARC - 9 books.
Best of the Month: Grant
The worst of the month - Burn
June: 2 pre-owned: 6 borrowed: 1 new: 0 ARC - 9 books.
Best of the Month: Sprinkle with Murder
The worst of the month - Rutherford B. Hayes
JULY: 1 pre-owned: 8 borrowed: 0 new: 2 ARC - 11 books.
Best of the Month: True Justice
The worst of the month - The Colfax massacre
August: 4 pre-owned: 3 borrowed: 1 new: 4 ARC - 12 books.
Best of the Month: Organize Your Corpses
The worst of the month - Winter Palace
September: 4 pre-owned: 5 borrowed: 2 new: 1 ARC - 12 books.
Best of the Month: Cleopatra: A Life (Hard decision so many to choose from)
The worst of the month - From the tow-path to the White House
October: 2 pre-owned: 4 borrowed: 0 new: 4 ARC - 9 books.
Best of the Month: Princess Elizabeth's Spy
The worst of the month - Frozen Thames
November: 5 pre-owned: 6 borrowed: 0 new: 0 ARC - 11 books.
Best of the Month: Empires of Light
The worst of the month - Rumpole Misbehaves
December: 2 pre-owned: 4 borrowed: 4 new: 2 ARC - 12 books.
Best of the Month: Orchid Murder
The worst of the month - 500 Appetizers


Favorites of 2012:
Grant
Trick of the Light
Forgotten Garden - Best of the 2012
Hunger Games
Diva Runs out of Time
Cleopatra: A Life
Queen Elizabeth's Spy
The Inn at Rose Harbor: A Novel
Destiny of the Republic
Orchid Murder

Rutherford Birchard Hayes: The Life and Death of Rutherford B. Hayes Worst of 2012


Yearly total
Books Read - Owned 64 (Pages: 21,654)
Books Read - Borrowed 24 (Pages: 7,530)
Audio Books heard - 45 (Pages:17,959 492¼hours)

Total Completed
49 books, 45 audio books, 39 e-books - 47,143 pages
114 fiction; 19 nonfiction
10 New books
81 Pre-Owned
27 borrowed (library and friends/family)
15 for review - 7 ARCs/8 ERs

Challenge progress
75 book Challenge 133/75
12 in 12 Challenge completed with only 11 overlaps of 32 allowed
50 State Challenge 41/51 + DC
Endless European Challenge 16/49
96/80 BOMBS

New Books acquired
37 Books purchased - $180 (Tim - 2/$30) - 10 READ
25 Books won (ER, ARC, GIVEAWAYS, Netgalleys) in 2012 - 15 READ
106 Books received for no cost

29 new ARDs - 15 read
139 new e-books - 10 read.....................28 on top of selection list for 2013

So to all who have visited and shared my ramblings in 2012,

Everything's done - finished all my reviews for 2012, recap completed and posted, TIOLI Cleanup finished, and all my 2012 starred threads have been read and replied. Whew...

Happy, Happy New Year!