Chèli cuddles up with a few good books in 2013 - Chapter 2

Hi, my name is Chèli and I am a bookaholic.
This is the same OP for the previous thread. I just didn't want to have to go back and forth to keep track of things.
I have a ton of books lined up for 2013 with at least one group read each month. Many of the books that I've selected for priority are chunksters, so I'm not going to be trying to read a great number of books (maybe 100) but I really want to try to settle into each of the books and really enjoy them as I read.
That said, here are some of the top candidates that I really hope to get through in 2013.
% indicates on my own shelves and ♫ audiobook.




1898 : the birth of the American century
1912 : Wilson, Roosevelt, Taft & Debs-- the election that changed the country
22 Britannia Road: A Novel %
44 Charles Street: A Novel %
About Face %♫
Acceptable Loss % ♫
Age of betrayal : the triumph of money in America, 1865-1900
Air We Breathe% ♫
All Sales Fatal (Mall Cop)
Amberville: A Novel (P.S.)
America, 1908 : the dawn of flight, the race to the Pole, the invention of the Model T, and the making of a modern nation
An Incomplete Revenge % ♫
Any Bitter Thing: A Novel
Beastly Things% ♫
Beautiful Blue Death
✔Beautiful Mystery - latest Three Pines mystery %
Beauty to Die For %
Beyond Seduction
Bianca %
Big Burn %
Billionaire Wins the Game: Billionaire Bachelors%
✔Birds of a Feather % ♫
Black Out: An Inspector Troy Thriller%
Blood from a Stone % ♫
Bond of Passion %
✔Book, Line and Sinker%
Bride in the Bargain %
✔Bring on the Blessings %
Calligrapher's Daughter: A Novel ♫
Casual Vacancy - J.K. Rowling's new book
Catching fire %
✔Chester Alan Arthur by Karabell, Zachary
✔Cinnamon Roll Murder
Cloud Atlas ♫ (September)%
Cockatiels At Seven
✔Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court - March %
✔Crouching Buzzard, Leaping Loon
✔Crucible of Gold (#7) % ♫
Curse of the Pharaohs
Dark Assassin %♫
Daughter of the Sea%
Daughter of Time: A Time Travel Romance%
Day the Falls Stood Still
Deadly Cliché %
✔Deadly Dealer%
✔Deadly Decisions
Death Threads %
✔Death of a Kitchen Diva%
Decaffeinated Corpse
Devil's Brood (August)
Discovery of Witches % ♫
Dragonfly in Amber ♫ %
Drawing Conclusions
Elegy for Eddie
Emerald Atlas% ♫
Emperor's Tomb % ♫
✔Enchantress (#6) % ♫
Execution Dock %♫
✔Fatal Appraisal %
Fireworks Over Toccoa
First, There Is a River%
✔Fonduing Fathers (#6) - latest White House Chef mystery
Freak of Freedom%
French Pressed (Coffeehouse Mysteries, No. 6)%
Frozen Heat - November
Game of Thrones % ♫
Garment of Shadows (#12) - newest Mary Russell mystery
✔Getting Away is Deadly%
Girl of His Dreams % ♫
Golden Compass % ♫
Golden Door%
Greatest Lover in All England %
Grover Cleveland : a study in character / Alyn Brodsky.
Hanging by a Thread%
Harry, A History: The True Story of a Boy Wizard, His Fans, and Life Inside the Harry Potter Phenomenon %
✔Heat Rises
I Shall Not Want% ♫
In the shadow of Wounded Knee : the untold final chapter of the Indian Wars - November
Irish Country Village (#2) % ♫
✔Iron Lake: A Novel %
Ivanhoe - September %
✔Johnstown flood %♫
✔Joy for Beginners%
king and the cowboy : Theodore Roosevelt and Edward the Seventh : secret partners
Knit Fast, Die Young %
✔Knit the Season %
Knit Two ♫ %
Lady Liberty : a biography (1886)
Larceny and Old Lace (Den of Antiquity)
Leaving Everything Most Loved
Lesson in Secrets % ♫
Lies That Bind
✔Lifeboat %
Lionheart (October)
✔Lord Carew's Bride (#2) %
Love and Murder on the Queen Anne%
✔Major Pettigrew's Last Stand: A Novel (February) Local Book group % ♫
Map of True Places LP
Married By Mistake%
Messenger of Truth % ♫
Mind Over Murder (A Raven's Nest)%
Murder on the Cote d'Azure: A Maggie Newberry Mystery %
Murder On The Mind%
Murder on the Rocks %
Napoleon's Pyramids%
Never Seduce a Scoundrel (The School for Heiresses, Book 1) %
✔Night Circus% ♫
Night Like This %
✔Night Watch % ♫
No Nest for the Wicket
Outcast%
Owls Well That Ends Well
Packing for Mars ♫%
✔Pardonable Lies % ♫
Path between the Seas - October %
Penguin Who Knew Too Much
Peter and the Starcatchers % ♫
Photographs : George Eastman House, Rochester, NY
Pillars of the Earth % ♫
Presidency of Benjamin Harrison / Homer E. Socolofsky and Allan B. Spetter
President and the assassin : McKinley, terror, and empire at the dawn of the American century
Pretense for Murder%
Queen's Bastard (The Inheritors' Cycle, Book 1)%
Question of Belief % ♫
✔Rebecca - May%
Red Hook Road %
Red Velvet Cupcake Murder
Rivals in the City
✔Rope % ♫
Secret Mistress (#3) %
Sherlock Holmes: The Montana Chronicles
Sherlockian
✔Shifting Tide % ♫
Sisters
Six Geese A-slaying
Son of Neptune (#2) % ♫
✔Song of Achilles% ♫ - June
✔Stake & Eggs% (#4) - newest Cackleberry Club mystery
✔Staying Home Is a Killer %
Stolen Crown: The Secret Marriage that Forever Changed the Fate of England%
Suffer the Little Children %♫
Summer Affair: A Novel%
Sunless Sea
Swan for the Money
✔Sweet Tea Revenge (#14) - latest Tea Shoppe Mystery%
Talk of the Ton (Berkley Sensation) %
✔There Is a Season%
Third Secret%
✔Threaded for Trouble (#2)
Throne of Fire (#2) % ♫
Through a Glass Darkly %♫
✔Time and Chance (April)
Wedding Trap (#3) %
We'll Always Have Parrots
✔When Christ and His Saints Slept (January) %
Who Left That Body in the Rain?

I hope that many of my friends here at LT will stop in frequently even if they bring BBs with them.

New thread! Love the bear picture.

New computer, new month, new thread. If I were my mum, you'd get a new pinch. :0)

Nice start to your thread.

Hello Dear Friend.

I hope the latest injection in your knee brought relief from pain.

Hugs!

Just stopping by to visit the nice new thread, Cheli.

From your last thread -- I listened to The Johnstown Flood on audio, as you did. It really was a very good match of tale and narrator. I live not too far from Johnstown, so that story is of special interest to me.

Must come back when I have more time to cruise through your list above.....(like I really have time to add more BBs to my list!)

Nice shiny new thread, Cheli!

Challenge Book #22

TITLE: Birds of a Feather ★★★★¼
AUTHOR: Jacqueline Winspear
GENRE: Mystery
SUBJECT: vengence, remorse
Setting: England
CHARACTERS: Maisie Dobbs, Billy Beale, Charlote Waite, Joseph Waite
DATE READ: March 2 - March 5
NO. OF PAGES: 448
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, AUDIO STOCKPILE

PLOT: 4.50
CHARACTERIZATION: 4.00
TOPICS: 4.00
STYLE: 4.50
ORIGINALITY: 4.00
ADDICTIVENESS: 4.50
OWNERSHIP: 4.00
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 4.50
Average 4.25

Maisie Dobbs, an independent young woman, has her own business of private investigations and is hired by Joseph Waite, a wealthy businessman, to find his missing daughter.

Sounds like the run of the mill storyline, but no, the writing in this mystery brings the post World War I era to life along with the pains and sufferings of the residents of the time. Maisie determines that her missing heiress is somehow connected with two murders and a supposed suicide. As she goes deeper into the search for Charlotte Waite, her own emotions are assailed by her own family issues.

A great story line, I'm ready for the next one!

How are you today my friend?

I'm a little further in the Dobbs series than you are.

Today, I'm feeling better back wise, about the same for the knee, and just plain tired. I'm looking to our little snowstorm just for an excuse not to go anywhere. But I will have to reschedule my Hair appt foor Thursday.

PC troubles Update

I just want to cry.

The Geek Squad called me today to say that my resurrected Laptop is ready to have the software restored so I called DELL at 2:30PM thinking that I could get what I needed in a ½ hour or so. I just hung up. 2½ hours and here's what I got.

First call on hold 23 minutes - cutoff after finally being connected.
Second call - hold 26 minutes - support transferred me three times, couldn't answer my inquiry, asked for supervisor, supervisor couldn't help, transferred to manager who kept saying that I had Windows Vista and lived in Minnesota (no offense to MN)

I needed to get recovery discs for my software and DELL said that I didn't have the software I know I had.

When I asked the manager how she could tell m that I didn't have the software I know I had, she said my order for the laptop with Windows VISTA that was sent to my home in MN did not have my MICROSOFT OFFICE included. I promptly told her that obviously her records were wrong because 1) I had Windows 7 OS and 2) I live in MD.

She would not admit that her records were wrong, so I think that this weekend I am going to be looking for a new laptop - NON DELL - and return the new one that I just got and HATE!
I also have to see if I can locate the invoice for the sick PC so that I can prove that I paid $300 extra dollars for software they say I didn't get but have been using for the past 2 years!

UGH!!!!!! The computer gods must hate me!

Oi. So sorry.

Oh, Cheli...problems with computers and inept resource people coupled with not feeling well simply is very difficult to deal with.

If I lived closer, I'd invite you over for a spot of tea...or a glass of wine.

Hugs in the hope that tomorrow is a better day.

And, go ahead and cry if you need to do so.

Tim arrived home shortly after I hung up and since it was his birthday we were planning on going to dinner with friends. A little bourbon and good company made me feel much better. I'll start again looking to get this fixed,

Cheli - I've been looking at comments by Windows 8 users. Some like it; some hate it. I've about decided that I'm going Mac next time. I know that it's going to require some new software too, but I'm thinking I'll probably be happier in the long run.

Lori,

I heard that the reason that Windows 8 was such a drastic change was because Microsoft was trying to look more like MACs.
If that is true, I never want a MAC.

Challenge Book #23

TITLE: Parsonable Lies ★★★★
AUTHOR: Jacqueline Winspear
GENRE: Mystery
SUBJECT: war casualties, remembrances
Setting: England, France
CHARACTERS: Maisie Dobbs, Billy Beale, Priscilla Evernden Partridge, Sir Cecil Lawton, Avril Jarvis, Rafe Lawton, Jeremy Hazelton
DATE READ: March 5 - March 8
NO. OF PAGES: 384
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, AUDIO STOCKPILE

PLOT: 4.50
CHARACTERIZATION: 4.00
TOPICS: 4.00
STYLE: 4.50
ORIGINALITY: 4.00
ADDICTIVENESS: 4.50
OWNERSHIP: 4.00
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 4.50
Average 4.25


Maisie Dobbs, investigator and psychologist, is referred to Sir Cecil Lawton, QC, by Lady Rowan's husband. Sir Lawton made a deathbed promise to his wife that he would try to find his son who had presumably died in the war. At the same time, Maisie's friend, Priscilla Evernden Partridge, wants to locate the site of her brother's death so that she can have closure.

During these simultaneous investigations, Maisie's life is in peril, but who wants to stop her investigation? And can Maisie handle returning to the sights where she saw such devastation during her own war service?

The details and introspections were fascinating and filled with surprises as well!

subtle hint :0)

I love my MacBook Air, which is my first Mac. Apparently, Macs are the best choice for kids, as they are easier to learn.

19. Love my Mac too. It's on its last leg atm, but I'll stick to Macs when I have to get a new laptop.

I know that some people love their MACs and I'm really happy for them but is obviously the OS that they started with and so they are familiar with it and it keeps them in their comfort zone. Windows 8 is a drastic change for users that have been in the Windows environment from the start. It was designed (from what I've found out) for touch screen (tablets, phones, etc.) technology but IMO it doesn't function well for a desktop or laptop . If a user has been familiar with a process for 20 some years, you don't just eliminate that and say to the user, get over, this is the new world. You will have angry consumers.

My hardest part right now is that I downloaded Chrome because I really hate IE but since Windows 8 will only acknowledge IE as "compatible", I can't do what I usually do for say ROOTS = have two windows split screen half Internet (Chrome) half my spreadsheet application. Windows 8 will not allow me to minimize Chrome - close it yes, minimize no. I'm going to be looking into Mozilla Firefox next.

I'm just so tired of fighting the system. :-((

21. I grew up with Windows and had used nothing but until my mid-twenties when I bought a Mac and was converted. Same with my brother and everyone I know who has a Mac (not that many, tbh). All have started out with Windows/PCs and then switched. I find Macs much more user-friendly than Windows.
I tried Windows 8 a couple of weeks ago and couldn't understand how it worked. Just seemed weird. (I do use "regular" Windows computers at work so am not completely out of the loop.)

Cheli, I use Windows 8 and Chrome. I'm not sure why you can't do something. If you like, email me or IM me and I'll try to help you figure it out.

Actually, this morning I downloaded Mozilla Firefox and I can do the minimize thing and I can change the background color so it's not that stark white which hurts my eyes so much, so I'm trying to verify that I can live with this in Firefox. Cross fingers/ prayers to the computer gods said.
Will keep you posted as I play today.

cheli, download the windows 7 version of Chrome and run that on the desktop

Cheli - My work laptop used to be a Mac, but when it needed to be replaced, they were into departmental laptop shares instead of individual ones. I had to do a lot of my library-related work on a Windows-based desktop anyway because some of our programs didn't work with Mac. I think it's really a trade-off. There are a lot of things that work better with Mac than with Windows. There are other things where Windows works better. I know that my genealogy software has a Mac version in development, but I know others who are managing to run it under one of the crossover platforms quite well in the meantime. I think that as long as I have a crossover platform to run one or two programs, I think I might like going back to a Mac. If all Windows is trying to do is imitate a Mac, why get Windows? That's where my current thoughts are. However, it is an individual decision. Have you gone out to YouTube and looked at some of the Windows 8 videos? There's one that is supposed to be pretty good that runs about 25 minutes, I think.

>19 humouress:, 21: What I meant by 'first Mac' was that I've always used Windows based PCs / laptops until now. I've had my MacBook Air for less than a year and a half.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

I've decided to start the week out with I positive outlook concerning my new Laptop. I am going to embrace it, believe that it has my best interest at heart, and that I will understand it with just a bit more practice. I think that my negative attitude may have caused me to fight it more, so I'm going to start fresh and see what happens.

I downloaded Mozilla Firefox and it seems to be working better than the Chrome. At least it has the little minimize, re-size, and Killer X buttons, which Chrome didn't. (Apparently Windows 8 doesn't recognize Chrome as a browser - or doesn't want to recognize the competition).

I found my Software Key (Tim had put it away and didn't remember where) so I can finally getting my Office software authenticated.

When and if I start to struggle again, I'm just going to open a game (I listen to audio books while playing)and play for awhile. I'm going to chill out.

Let's see if a positive attitude will help.

Yeah Cheli.....YEAH FIREFOX.....Yeah audio books and games.

PC update - I think the positive attitude along with Firefox gave me the first PC issue free day in nearly a month. YEAH! Plus the day spent mainly reading didn't hurt!

Yay!

Challenge Book #24

TITLE: The Shifting Tide ★★★★½
AUTHOR: Anne Perry
GENRE: Mystery
SUBJECT: Black death, piracy
Setting: London, England UK
CHARACTERS: William Monk, Hester Monk, Clemen Louvain, Mercy Louvain, Margaret Ballinger, Squeaky Robinson, Inspector Durban
DATE READ: March 8 - March 12
NO. OF PAGES: 336, 12 hours
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, AUDIO STOCKPILE

PLOT: 4.50
CHARACTERIZATION: 5.00
TOPICS: 4.50
STYLE: 4.50
ORIGINALITY: 4.50
ADDICTIVENESS: 4.50
OWNERSHIP: 4.50
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 4.50
Average 4.56


William and Hester Monk continue to struggle financially - Monk trying to earn enough for their living expenses while Hester donates her talents and efforts to a women's clinic for sick prostitutes. As the story opens, Monk is accepting a job, unlike his normal inquiries into murder but instead trying to recover a stole cargo. Meantime, Hester and her fellow volunteers are put into a precarious position by non-other than the same man as Monk is working for.

The plot twists and intricacies along side the moral issues of the evets unfolding take the reader on a emotional roller coaster, first with Monk in trouble, then Hester, then the entire clinic.

The story was fantastic!

#32 was one of my favorites in the Monk series. Glad you enjoyed it.

Challenge Book #25

TITLE: Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court ★★★
AUTHOR: Mark Twain
GENRE: Classic
SUBJECT: time travel
Setting: England
CHARACTERS: The Boss, Arthur, Lancelot, Clarence
DATE READ: February 28 - March 12
NO. OF PAGES: 336, 12 hours
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, AUDIO STOCKPILE

PLOT: 4.00
CHARACTERIZATION: 2.00
TOPICS: 3.00
STYLE: 3.00
ORIGINALITY: 4.00
ADDICTIVENESS: 2.50
OWNERSHIP: 3.00
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 3.00
Average 3.06

Mark Twain was considered a humorist during his lifetime and this book definitely shows his talent in that area. As the reader progresses through the adventure of Hank also known as "The Boss" we see items from the "future" being incorporated into the 6th century environment - knight's armor used as advertising billboards, newspaper (when most residents couldn't read), schools and factories.

Slavery was a blatant issue throughout with both the Boss and Arthur ending the Slave market at one time. But the amusing details that Twain adds - Child's Name being HelloCentral, cycling knights instead of riding horses, pipe smoking seeming to be a dragon, actions that are impossible to do in armor - all has the reader laughing and smiling throughout.

I'm usually not a big fan of Classics, but this one was fun!

Challenge Book #26

TITLE: Cinnamon Roll Murder ★★★
AUTHOR: Joanne Fluke
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
SUBJECT: lies, false identity
Setting: Lake Eden, MN
CHARACTERS: Hannah Swensen, Buddy Neiman, Michelle Swensen, Delores Swensen, Doc Knight, Ben Matson
DATE READ: March 12 - March 13
NO. OF PAGES: 304
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, Nook STOCKPILE

PLOT: 3.00
CHARACTERIZATION: 3.00
TOPICS: 3.50
STYLE: 3.00
ORIGINALITY: 3.00
ADDICTIVENESS: 3.00
OWNERSHIP: 3.00
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 3.00
Average 3.06

Hannah Swensen is still baking delicious confections at her little shop in Lake Eden, MN aptly named The Cookie Jar.

While driving to make a delivery in a snowstorm Hannah and her sister Michelle see a massive multi-vehicle accident and get out to trudge through the snow to help the victims. After helping the minor injuries to the local hospital, Hannah is confronted my her mother telling her that Sprained wrist patient is dead!

The twists and turns are entertaining, the mystery, not so difficult to figure out, but still funny. I really liked the way that all her friends and family gathered around her and gave a a good shove in the right direction.

Sorry to hear of all of your computer nightmares! :(

I think that's about what I rated that Fluke book too. I've got one of her older ones with me to read. It's one I checked out of the library. The e-book version was checked out. :( I had to settle for print.

Challenge Book #27

TITLE: Sweet Tea Revenge ★★★¾
AUTHOR: Laura Childs
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
SUBJECT: Cigar Smuggling, Ghost hunters
Setting: Charleston, SC USA
CHARACTERS: Theodosia Browning, Delaine Dish, Drayton Conneley, Hayley Parker, Det. Tidwell
DATE READ: March 14 - March 16
NO. OF PAGES: 305
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, ARC from author

PLOT: 3.50
CHARACTERIZATION: 3.50
TOPICS: 4.50
STYLE: 4.00
ORIGINALITY: 3.50
ADDICTIVENESS: 3.50
OWNERSHIP: 3.50
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 4.00
Average 3.75

Theodosia Browning's friend Delaine Dish is getting ready to be married to Dougan Granville, and when the bride is looking for her groom, Theo discovers him dead.

Because of her penchant for solving mysteries, Delaine convinces Theo to run her own investigation at the same time as she is being wooed by ghost hunters.

The story was entertaining, the events that carried the mystery engaging, and the characters (old friends) were cheering.

I always feel so special when I receive the new books from Laura Childs asking for my opinion about her new books. This one definitely didn't disappoint.

Off to Florida for R&R

I hope wherever you're going in Florida is beautiful!

Have a great time!

Challenge Book #28

TITLE: Dead Men Don't Crochet ★★★½
AUTHOR: Betty Hechtman
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
SUBJECT: fake antiques
Setting: Tarzana CA
CHARACTERS: Molly Pink, Sheila Altman, Dinah Lyons, Kevin Brooks, Patricia Bradford, Barry Greenberg, Heather Gilmore
DATE READ: March 17 - March 18
NO. OF PAGES: 288
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, Nook stockpile

PLOT: 4.00
CHARACTERIZATION: 4.00
TOPICS: 3.50
STYLE: 3.00
ORIGINALITY: 3.50
ADDICTIVENESS: 3.50
OWNERSHIP: 3.00
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 3.50
Average 3.50

"Crime Scene Groupie" Molly Pink (bookstore manager) seems to frequently be in the wrong place at the wrong time but mainly because she's just trying to help a friend. In this second installment of the Crochet mysteries, Molly goes to the Cottage Shoppe to support her friend Sheila who is having troubles with the new owner of the consignment shop that handles her scarves and blankets. When that owner turns up drown in his tomato bisque soup shortly after a private confrontation between Sheila and the deceased, Molly sets out to find the true murderer before Sheila is slapped in jail by Molly's rival Detective GIlmore.

The murder mystery is fun and entertaining as well as the characters getting into hilarious predicaments. The subplot rivalries/family-dating issues definitely give you a good chuckle. This series could get to be addicting!

Challenge Book #29

TITLE: A Deadly Dealer ★★★¼
AUTHOR: J.B. Stanley
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
SUBJECT: antiques, proof of purchase
Setting: Nashville, TN
CHARACTERS: Molly Appleby, Clara Appleby, Grayson Montgomery, Tom Barnett, Charity Barnett, Dennis Frazier, Howard Rose
DATE READ: March 18 - March 20
NO. OF PAGES: 224
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, Nook stockpile

PLOT: 3.50
CHARACTERIZATION: 3.00
TOPICS: 3.50
STYLE: 3.00
ORIGINALITY: 3.00
ADDICTIVENESS: 3.00
OWNERSHIP: 3.00
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 3.50
Average 3.19

Molly Appleby, reporter for Collector's Weekly, has been assigned to cover the Heart of Dixie Antique Show in Nashville. Clara, Molly's mother, has come along because as an auctioneer, she loves to appraise antiques. However, Molly and Clara get caught in a spiral of murder revolving around an antique chest and old medical devices. Before they know it they're in danger from the killer themselves.

The story is fun, filled with information regarding antiques and especially medicinal canes and walking sticks.

The background info from he descriptions of the Gaylord Opryland Hotel to the antiques themselves was truly fascinating. Sorry to hear that this is the last in the series.

Too bad these last two are not NOOK shares..... ( like I really need more cozy mystery series to read)

Made me laugh.
Having fun in Orlando and getting lots of reading done!

>46 cyderry:: Yes, please!

Grandchild #6 beautiful Miss Olivia Bryn made her appearance on March 21st at 4:33PM weighing in at 6 lbs. 7 ozs. exactly two months after her cousin Miller.


Now a breather until grandchild #7 arrives in September.

Ohhhh, what a sweet picture! Congratulations, Cheli.

48 > Congrats! Very sweet picture indeed.

Congrats!

Olivia Bryn is beautiful, Cheli! Congrats!

I'm totally jealous that you've managed to read the latest Laura Childs' book. I need to get on the list for it at our library, I suppose. I have books to return to the library tomorrow, so I'll hopefully be able to get a copy of Dead Men Don't Crochet so I can match your read.

Congratulations!

How nice, you'll have three grandchildren who have cousins born the same year.

Challenge Book #30

TITLE: Blood from a Stone ★★★¼
AUTHOR: Donna Leon
GENRE: Mystery
SUBJECT: prejudice, racism, conspiracy diamonds
Setting: Venice Italy
CHARACTERS: Commissario Guido Brunetti, Sgt Vianello, Vie Questro Patta
DATE READ: March 18 - March 20
NO. OF PAGES: 224
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, audio stockpile

PLOT: 3.00
CHARACTERIZATION: 3.00
TOPICS: 3.50
STYLE: 3.00
ORIGINALITY: 3.00
ADDICTIVENESS: 3.00
OWNERSHIP: 3.00
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 3.50
Average 3.13

Campo San Stefano is the location in Venice where street vendors are trying to sell their wares to the tourists. Suddenly shots ring out and a black African vendor is gunned down. Because of his probable illegal status, no one will identify the victim. Commissario Brunetti has to try to determine who the man is as well as why he was murdered.

Having little evidence to lead him to the killer, Brunetti attempts identification by contacting other Africans. Trying not to scare them off because he is with the police is a difficult effort, but by finding their living quarters, the Commissario finds a possible motive when he discovers millions in conspiracy diamonds in the salt tin.

This installment in this series has a strong presence - prejudices not only shown in the main storyline but also in the home arena with Chiara's Muslim friend as well as governmental interference in favor of the rich. Again Brunetti has to fight the rich for justice.

Miss Olivia is a week old today!

AWWWW!

prayers please!!

My mom, 88, is off to the the emergency room. She's having problems with numbness in her arms and legs. My EMT sister thinks it might be the start of a stroke.

Praying, Cheli.

#58 Oh no, Cheli. Prayers for your mom on the way.

Mom is home and okay - believe it or not diagnosis - arms carpal tunnel, legs neuropathy (which she already knew) whew....
thanks for the prayers!

Hmmm.....wonder what repetitive motion she's been up to??? Thanks to you and JT for picking her up and getting her safely home. Big smooches...

could it be cutting coupons or turning magazines pages???

Glad your mom's okay!

Glad she's home with nothing more serious than those things.

Challenge Book #31

TITLE: Death Threads ★★★½
AUTHOR: Elizabeth Lynn Casey
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
SUBJECT: town pride, historical accuracy
Setting: Sweet Briar, SC
CHARACTERS: Tori Sinclair, Colby Calhoun, Leona Elkin, Margaret Louise Davis, Ella May Vetter
DATE READ: March 20 - March 25
NO. OF PAGES: 288
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, Nook stockpile

PLOT: 3.50
CHARACTERIZATION: 3.50
TOPICS: 3.50
STYLE: 3.00
ORIGINALITY: 3.00
ADDICTIVENESS: 3.00
OWNERSHIP: 3.00
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 3.50
Average 3.25

Tori Sinclair,Victoria for the elderly Southern ladies, is still settling in as the town librarian and with the help of the sewing circle she is making Sweet Briar her home. But when a news article upsets the townsfolk, she has a hard time seeing the attitude by these same women who embraced her when she was in trouble, turn on one of their own.

The ladies realize their error when the author of the article disappears leaving a bloody trail and their friend is left with no answers and need for support.

This story was so fun, the southern ladies were a hoot, and the mystery had enough twists and turns to make it interesting until the end.

Challenge Book #32

TITLE: Let's Play Dead ★★★¼
AUTHOR: Sheila Connolly
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
SUBJECT: revenge, electrocution
Setting: Philadelphia, PA
CHARACTERS: Nell Pratt, Shelby Carver, Eric Marston, Arabella Hefferman, Hadley Eastman, Joe Murphy
DATE READ: March 26 - March 29
NO. OF PAGES: 304
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, Nook stockpile

PLOT: 3.00
CHARACTERIZATION: 3.50
TOPICS: 3.50
STYLE: 3.50
ORIGINALITY: 3.00
ADDICTIVENESS: 3.00
OWNERSHIP: 3.00
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 3.50
Average 3.25

Nell Pratt is settling into her new job as the President of the historical museum when, while visiting another institution, she is witness to an electrical accident that portends another that turns fatal. Worried that the bad publicity will reflect on all museums, she sets out to uncover how it happened and why.

I liked this mystery mainly because of the characters - the additional individuals who were introduced to fill out Nell's staff were funny and entertaining while helping with the storyline as well as the story specific characters being interesting even though they were a bit stereotypical at times.

I think that overall, the plot was weak but because of the strength of the characters the story moved along at a good pace and entertained the reader. I hope that the next one has a bit stronger plot.

Challenge Book #33

TITLE: Anna Karenina ★★★
AUTHOR: Leo Tolstoy
GENRE: Classic
SUBJECT: infidelity, societal behaviors
Setting: Russia
CHARACTERS: Anna Arkadyevna Karenina, Alexei Alexandrovich Karenin, Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky, Dolly, Kitty, Stiva
DATE READ: January 7th - March 29
NO. OF PAGES: 1008
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, Nook stockpile

PLOT: 3.50
CHARACTERIZATION: 3.00
TOPICS: 3.50
STYLE: 3.50
ORIGINALITY: 3.00
ADDICTIVENESS: 2.50
OWNERSHIP: 2.50
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 2.50
Average 3.00

I try to read a few classics each year because I usually find that either the writing is difficult to follow or the story leaves me flat. This one I had both problems. The foreign names disturbed my ability to keep track of who was who and having to flip back to the character list was not conducive to keeping the story flowing in my mind. The storyline also seemed like same old, same old - she falls in love with another man and the husband won't let her go. The society issues didn't really help. This might be easier to follow on the big screen when the names don't have as much impact.

March Recap

March was an electronic month with audio versions and e-books predominating. I also still tweaking my new format. Let me know what you think or if you have any suggestions. (♫ is for audio books ß is for e-books)
At the beginning of the month, I had 20 books on the list to read, knowing full well I'd never get them all done, I said I'd be happy with 60% and that's what I did, YEAH!

Number of series brought current this month/year 2/6

Here are the books that I read in March

Birds of a feather % ♫
Pardonable Lies % ♫
Shifting Tide % ♫
Connecticut Yankee ß
Cinnamon Roll Murder ß
Sweet Tea Revenge
Dead Men Don't Crochet ß
Blood from a Stone % ♫
A Deadly Dealer ß
Death Threads ß
Let's Play Dead ß
Anna Karenina ß

Best of the Month: The Shifting Tide
Worst of the Month Anna Karenina not really bad, but difficult to follow

Categories:
Acquisition: (New: 1 Pre-owned before 2013: 6 Borrowed: 4 ARC/ER: 1 Total:12)
TIOLI - Books read : 12 Books read for TIOLI Challenges: 12 100%
E-books 7
ARDs (paperbooks) 1
Audiobooks 4

Non-Fiction
History 0
Biography/Memoir 0
Religion 0

Fiction
General Fiction 1
Cozy Mystery 8
Mystery 2
Young Adult/Fantasy 0
Historical Fiction 1

Personal Cataloging:

The book that kept me breathless: Sweet Tea Revenge
The mystery that I enjoyed reading the most Sweet Tea Revenge
Biggest disappointment: Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court
Book that gave the most smiles/laughs Cinnamon Roll Murder
Book I wish I'd read sooner Sweet Tea Revenge
Best Recommended book Birds of a Feather
The book with the most surprises Shifting Tide
Most thought provoking book Shifting Tide
Series book that has me wanting the next one NOW! Pardonable Lies
Best Audio book Shifting Tide
Book I am still working on: Fountainhead
Book I'm glad I finished Anna Karenina

Projected April Reads: (Again, I have to get real!)
This time I'm shooting for 75% since some of these are real chunksters!
I am trying my first graphic novel, so stay tuned for my reaction!

Night Watch
Threaded for Trouble
Rope
The invention of Hugo Cabret...........511 pgs
Lost and Fondue
Stitch me Deadly
Diva Takes the Cake
The Enchantress ...........517 pgs
Book, Line, and Sinker
Beyond Seduction.........496 pgs
Time and Chance..........544 pgs
Fountainhead...............754 pgs
Game of Thrones..........694 pgs
Horse Whisperer

Congratulations on the birth of a lovely grand daughter...how very precious!

71 LOL!

Little Miss Olivia is soooo adorable, Cheli!
Glad your mom is OK. And very glad you found your software key.

Yes, things are looking up...keeping my fingers crossed, I'm picking up my recovered PC tonight along with the recovered files, can't wait to see what they got back.

71 HA! I love that!

QUESTION, my friends.

Could you please tell me how you would describe a graphic novel. What makes it a graphic novel?

A graphic novel is a grownup comic book. It is a work of fiction presented in pictures (i.e. graphics) with the views and dialogues of characters in the pictures presented alphanumerically.

Like I said.....it's a grown up, modern, sophisticated comic book.

Would it use bubbles like in comic books or would they be below the pictures?

I ask because when I read The Invention of Hugo Cabret it had pictures that told part of the story but pages that were all words that handle much of the dialogue.

77. It can be either bubbles or text below the images or a combination but the text is very sparse and if Hugo Cabret has pages full of text I would personally but it in a "mixed" category (i.e. part novel, part graphic novel)

Maybe Cabret was a good way for me to get my feet wet, part novel, part graphic.

80. That's a good way to think about it. Got any more GNs lined up?

Challenge Book #34

TITLE: Threaded for Trouble ★★★
AUTHOR: Janet Bolin
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
SUBJECT: competition, jealousy, arson
Setting: Threadville, PA
CHARACTERS: Willow Vanderling, Darlene Coddlefield, Mimi Anderson, Felicity Rawquels
DATE READ: March 30 - April 2
NO. OF PAGES: 288
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, Nook stockpile

PLOT: 3.50
CHARACTERIZATION: 3.50
TOPICS: 3.50
STYLE: 3.50
ORIGINALITY: 3.50
ADDICTIVENESS: 4.00
OWNERSHIP: 4.00
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 4.00
Average 3.69

In her embroidery store In Stitches, Willow Vanderling presents the Chandler Champion sewing and embroidery machine to the contest winner, Darlene Coddlefield. When within 24 hours Darlene has been killed by that same machine, Willow feels that she has to prove that it wasn't the machine, but some other reason that caused Darlene's death.

The areas that Willow investigates lead her to working with the volunteer fire department (Ms Coddlefield's husband was the Fire Chief) while she continues to conduct the classes at her store.

Besides being an avid reader, I also really enjoy my needlework, so combining the two - a book with Needlecrafts as the back drop - I'm in heaven. There are many series that do this, but this is one of the better ones. I love the characters as well as the descriptions of the activities that are involved as a sideline to the mystery.

Thanks for your lovely note. It brought a spot of cheer on a very busy day.

Challenge Book #35

TITLE: The Invention of Hugo Cabret ★★★½
AUTHOR: Brian Selznick
GENRE: Graphic Novel
SUBJECT: clocks, magic, movies
Setting: Paris, France
CHARACTERS: Hugo Cabret, Georges Méliès, Isabelle, Etienne Pruchon,René Tabard
DATE READ: April 3 - April 6
NO. OF PAGES: 525
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: No, Library book

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

Hugo has lost his father and uncle and continues to keep the clocks running in the Paris train station. He has to hide and sneak around so that the Station Inspector doesn't realize that a child is working the clocks. When Hugo is caught by the Toy shop owner, he is forced to hand over his notebook which had belonged to his father.

This was my very first graphic novel and since it was really just partially(?) graphic, I guess I was just sticking my toe in the water. I expected it to appear more like a comic book, but the art work was beautiful and the story was very heartwarming.

Obviously Monday is not my smart day.
6 months ago took a fall, on MONDAY the 8th.
This morning another fall - MONDAY the 8th.

This time I was really, really stupid. I drove up to the car wash, told the gentleman what I wanted (there are different options) handed him my credit card, and he said - Fine we'll take it from here. I opened the car door, started to get out and the car started to roll away from me - throwing me onto the concrete - smack onto my good knee. OUCH! I had forgotten to take it out of gear but the man jumped in and put on the brake before it could roll over me! However, I have a really pretty bruise starting to appear!
I think I'll stay in on Monday's from now on.

Oh, no, Cheli. I'm sorry you were hurt. Not to minimize your pain, but it sounds like it could have been a lot worse.

Please take care of yourself. The world needs wonderful people like you!

I was doing so well too. I had to call Tim to find where the Ice bag was, and he even stopped home to check on me before he went off to the golf course.

I'm sorry to be laughing, but that is SO SO SO Timothy....checking on you BEFORE going to play golf. We are going to have to wrap you in bubble wrap baby sis.....I mean really, you didn't need an excuse to stay home and read. Kissies to make it all better.

Now he's come home to check to see if I kept the ice on. He finished golf and now is headed out to the NCAA finals party. He said he only came by because he forgot to get a clean shirt.

So sorry to hear about your fall, Cheli! What was it the Mamas and the Papas sang? Was it "Monday, Monday; can't trust that day . . ."

Definitely. I'm going to stay in bed every Monday the 8th from now on!

It is Tuesday, a safe day for you.

Hugs!

Tim is a keeper!

Oh no, Cheli. Hope you're feeling better. This sounds like something I would do.

Note that July has a Monday the 8th. Be careful that day.

Wow! Lots to catch up on since my last visit!

Your newest grandbaby is adorable!!!

So glad your mom is okay!!

Didn't know until now that you and Tutu Tina are sisters!

Sorry you fell.... again.... on the 8th! I agree with your idea to stay indoors on Monday the 8ths from here on! Matter of fact, stay in bed or on the couch and have your hubby bring you all that you need during the day. Oh, and reading is the order of the 8th since you can do that pretty safely!! :D

Linda, thanks for the warning about July 8th. I've marked my calendar!
I'm thinking I'll just stay in bed the whole day. With the way things are going, if I got up out of bed, I'd slip in the bathroom or fall down the stairs!

My sisters are great!

Oh that's terrible that you had a fall! Lucky that fella was there to help you!
I'd be staying home all day on July 8th!

What a scary fall!

I don't look like that do I? Doesn't look like any sisters we share!!!

Congrats on the new grandbaby (last month) and I am glad to hear your mom was ok. I agree with all above that you should forevermore stay home on any Monday that falls on the 8th. But be careful with reading on those days, with your luck you might get a papercut that requires stitches!!!

99>> we are all cuddly and lovable - they were just figurative.

100>> I'll just read e-books!

Didn't I tell you that Mondays were bad?

Cheli

I'm checking in to see how you are.

Love you lots

My knee is a "beautiful" combination of purple and blue and my back is a bit twitchy but I'm trying to nurse it back to health.

The next few days are set to be quiet reading.

Is your neck feeling better, Linda?

Belatedly catching up: nice baby photos; good news about your mum; so sorry to hear about your fall (8th - in about half a year - is my birthday); great husband - love that he had to make excuses to check on you; how many sisters do you have, if that's not being too inquisitive?

(Breathe)

Best of luck for all Mondays henceforth, especially ones that fall are on the 8th.

ETA for removal of unintentional pun.

humouress -

Thanks for your sweet words - I do have an extremely sweet hubbie but he doesn't like to have it look like he has any soft spots. I have three sisters, all readers - Tutu, my oldest sister, who is very active here and always busy with friends and family and her community(she's the local librarian) , Sister #2 is the one that lives closest to Mom, so she has the brunt of elder care on her shoulders but she reads when she can, and sister #3 traumatroller here, is still laboring away trying to finish up her savings so that she can retire and enjoy travel and reading time. I do believe that eventually she will jump in to the talk forums but right now she is only cataloging. That leaves me, I'm the baby of the family.

Since Tutu and I are the ones that are retired (my husband told me I didn't need to look for a new job when mine was restructured) and we both love to read, we exchange books and talk books often. In fact, Tutu found LT to catalog our father's book collection, and then told me about LT and the category challenge for 2009 - 999 challenge - I've been hooked ever since. See, it's a family affair.

I love books, as you can easily tell from the amount of time that I spend reading and talking here, and I love to own them, but sometimes that just isn't practical since space is required for real books. So the Public Library is the next best thing. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) my local library is undergoing a massive renovation so I can't just pop in every other day to browse the shelves or pick up the newest book being raved about.

But that doesn't stop me from using the facilities that are available to me from the Public Library system. E- books are available from their website for download as well as audiobooks through OverDrive. And the website actually lets me reserve books to be picked up at the non-local branch that I visit once a week. They also have a nifty little feature that allows me to request a hold on a book but also tell them when I want to read it. Sadly it doesn't move me up in the queue on books that I want to read that are popular (I'm 147 in the queue for the newest Jodi Piccolt book that I need to read for my June book club - will I get it in time?)

But our Public Libraries are more than just a collection of books, no matter what type - ebooks, audio, paperback, or hardback - or magazines, they are where we can find the wonderful librarians who are there to help you locate the information for which you are searching or just recommend a good book. Don't forget to thank those librarians next time you are there. They do an awesome job!

So take a trip to your library this weekend and show the government that libraries are a necessary and well-loved part of our communities.

Challenge Book #36

TITLE: Book, Line, and Sinker ★★★½
AUTHOR: Jenn McKinlay
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
SUBJECT: buried treasure
Setting: Briar Creek, CT
CHARACTERS:
DATE READ: April 5 - April 8
NO. OF PAGES: 217
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, Nook stockpile

PLOT: 3.50
CHARACTERIZATION: 3.00
TOPICS: 3.50
STYLE: 3.50
ORIGINALITY: 3.50
ADDICTIVENESS: 3.00
OWNERSHIP: 4.00
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 4.00
Average 3.50

What could be more fun than a treasure hunt? The citizens of Briar Creek are leery when a Treasure Hunter looking for Captain Kidd's lost loot come to their town and start dredging on the haunted island, but things get even scarier when one of their own residents is found dead at the site of the digging. Lindsey and Sully get caught in the foray when they try to help a friend.

I like that library series. I'm not advancing quite as far in her cupcake series. I like it but always seem to get distracted by some other book.

Join the crowd! There's always some book, where I say to myself, after this one I'll read that.

I still haven't read the new teashop one or the new soup store one. I love both of those series, too.

Okay, I know I'm going to regret asking this, but what soup store one?

By Connie Archer. I think the first one was A Spoonful of Murder. The new one, I think, is A Broth of Betrayal. It's actually called A Soup Lover's Mystery.

Looking back, I'm shocked I gave it only 3.5 stars. I am remembering it way more fondly.

Despite the dud in my efforts to read the Agatha nominees for Best First, I am loving my current one, Iced Chiffon by Duffy Brown. It's billed as the first in the "consignment stop" series, set in Savannah, GA. The second is due out shortly.

Cheli

Like you, I had the sleep apnea test. I could not tolerate the mask, but the fitted me with "the pillows", which I am now using four nights thus far and I notice an improvement. I'm not as weary in the morning.

I'm so slow with reading this month and with reading threads. I miss LT and our group. May will be better.

I just finished a wonderful book. I highly recommend Please Ignore Vera Dietz.

Take care of yourself and hibernate on Mondays.

113> Do you realize that I already have 200 series? Are you trying to be mean or are you just showing your sympathy for my addiction?

114>> Everybody seems to want to share and keep my TBRs from shrinking. Another to the wishlist. :-0)

Cheli, I am trying to help you reach the 300 series level mark.

I ought to keep track of the series I'm actively reading.

Go to Fictfact - they really are helpful in getting you to the next one in a series as well as notifying you when the newest are coming out. Share my pain!

Challenge Book #37

TITLE: Night Watch ★★★¾
AUTHOR: Linda Fairstein
GENRE: Mystery
SUBJECT: restaurant development, drug dealing
Setting: NY, France, CT
CHARACTERS: Alexandra Cooper, Mike Chapman, Mercer Wallace, Luc Rouget
DATE READ: March 29 - April 15
NO. OF PAGES: 496
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, Audio stockpile

PLOT: 4.25
CHARACTERIZATION: 4.00
TOPICS: 4.00
STYLE: 4.00
ORIGINALITY: 3.25
ADDICTIVENESS: 3.25
OWNERSHIP: 3.25
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 4.00
Average 3.75

Alexandra has finally taken some time for herself and flown off to France to be with her love interest - Luc Rouget - a famous restaurateur - but before she can settle for her 2 week vacation, Luc is caught up in a murder in France and she is called home because of a high profile case.

In NYC Blanca Robies, a hotel housekeeper, has charged Mohammed Gil-Darsin, head of the World Economic Bureau and aspiring president of Ivory Coast, of rape, and the DNA evidence seems to prove it. The investigation started without Alex has numerous problems because of the inexperience in the area of rape victims by the other ADAs who try to take over before Alex can return from France.

The issues for Luc seem to follow him when he too comes to NYC and when the two cases seem to become intertwined, Alex does a lot of soul searching to reconcile her feelings with reality.

>106 cyderry:: How nice to have so many sisters, and on LT, too. I just have one sibling who's more of an academic than a reader; so I have LT all to myself.

I don't think it's Library Week here, but I think September is National Reading month.

I think I'm beginning to work out what a cozy mystery is. The sub-catagories have really proliferated since I started going to libraries (way back when). Mind you, there are still some branches I go to where they're small enough that all the Fiction is lumped together on the same shelf series, though the books do have stickers on their spines to indicate their genre.

About #107 - I promise I did not pay my sister cheli to post this, but I will extend a very heartfelt thank you for the support and shout out for public libraries. We try to please, and I suspect that in the vast majority of cases we succeed.

No, tutu did not pay me to promote National Library week. I am fortunate that I have my own personal librarian (tutu) and she tells me about all sorts of great new books available. But I also get to use a great library system here in my own hometown with great librarians. Be sure to thank your librarian for everything they do next time you see them.

Challenge Book #38

TITLE: The Fountainhead ★★¼
AUTHOR: Ayn Rand
GENRE: Fiction, CLASSIC
SUBJECT: individualism, architecture, competition
Setting: NY City, CT
CHARACTERS: Howard Roark, Peter Keating, Gail Wynand, Ellsworth Tooley, Dominique Francon
DATE READ: April 9 - April 20
NO. OF PAGES: 741
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, my shelves

PLOT: 2.50
CHARACTERIZATION: 2.50
TOPICS: 2.50
STYLE: 2.00
ORIGINALITY: 2.50
ADDICTIVENESS: 2.00
OWNERSHIP: 2.00
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 2.00
Average 2.25

My book club chose this book because 4 of the 8 members thought it was the greatest book they had ever read. I had to use both the hardback, audio version, and cliff notes to get through it.

The story was pretty standard - poor boy stands on his principles and watches others advance beyond him because they are willing to give in. Pretty boring as far as I'm concerned.

The secondary story of the romances involved rivaled a current day soap opera. Howard rapes Dominique who falls for him, but she marries Peter who divorces her because Gail (male) wants her and will give Peter a commission for Dominique who is still sleeping with Howard.

The characters were very 1 dimensional with each having a specific trait to their credit.

THanks for keeping this one off my list!

>122 cyderry:: Sounds horrible ;0)

We have great, and very friendly librarians, too. Our local branch does a Story Time for pre-schoolers which I take mine to, where they alternate stories and songs, and present the stories in a variety of manners (puppets, interactive stickers and so on). The librarians take it in turns, so we get to see most of them there.

They are also inventive; the local libraries have an annual Edible Book contest, and a lot of the staff enter, too. Staff entries ranged from very simple and funny (I think there was one based on a children's book, where they only had crumbs on a plate. The book was something like 'Who Ate My Cookie?') to very detailed and intricate, and you could see that a lot of time and hard work had gone into their creations.

Cheli> I'm impressed that you made it through the Ayn Rand book. I think I would have just abandoned it, in spite of the book club.

The discussion was tonight - there were 9 people. 5 liked it 4 didn't like it. I thought about it a lot and feel that it could be a great book for someone in their early 20's when we are all idealistic, but for older adults I think it's a nothing great.

*waving* at Cheli

how's school, Stasia?

Done, for a bit. I am in the process of transferring to another one, but I have to wait until my final grades from this last class are turned in before I can get a copy of my current transcript.

Hope all goes well!

Me too! I just want a smooth transition from my current 2-year program to a 4-year one. We shall see.

Challenge Book #39

TITLE: The Rope ★★★¾
AUTHOR: Nevada Barr
GENRE: Mystery
SUBJECT: grief, jealousy, entrapment
Setting: Lake Powell, AZ
CHARACTERS: Anna Pigeon, Jenny Gorman, Regis Candor, Bethy Candor
DATE READ: April 22 - April 25
NO. OF PAGES: 741
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, audio stockpile

PLOT: 4.00
CHARACTERIZATION: 3.50
TOPICS: 4.00
STYLE: 3.50
ORIGINALITY: 3.50
ADDICTIVENESS: 3.50
OWNERSHIP: 3.50
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 4.00
Average 3.69

Having read all the previous installments of the Anna Pigeon series, looking back at how Anna became the amazing Park Ranger she is and what motivated her actions, made for an interesting and compelling adventure to add to her repertoire.

Anna has lost the love of her life and leaves New York to escape and nurse her injured spirit. She signs up as a temporary staff for the park rangers however, while hiking on her day off she sees a group of young men raping a girl. Rushing in knocks Anna for a loop for the next time she is conscious, she finds herself naked in a dry well.

How she escapes is a testament to her own ingenuity and the aftermath is startling as well.

Somehow I forgot how much I like Anna Pigeon - her strength of spirit as well as determination not to give in when threatened by others.

Checking in on you.

Thinking of you!

Challenge Book #40

TITLE: Time and Chance ★★★★¾
AUTHOR: Sharon Kay Penman
GENRE: Historical Fiction
SUBJECT: church vs. state, St Thomas Becket
Setting: England, Wales, Normandy, France
CHARACTERS: Henry II, Eleanor of Aquiatiane, Thomas Becket, Ranulf Fitz Roy
DATE READ: April 9 - April 27
NO. OF PAGES: 548
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: No, Nook stockpile 2013

PLOT: 4.50
CHARACTERIZATION: 4.75
TOPICS: 4.50
STYLE: 4.50
ORIGINALITY: 4.50
ADDICTIVENESS: 4.50
OWNERSHIP: 4.50
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 4.50
Average 4.53

Henry II of England was a formidable historical figure - just think of all that he accomplished or was involved with - Henry FitzEmpress later known as Henry Plantagenet, ruled as Count of Anjou, Count of Maine, Duke of Normandy, Duke of Aquitaine, Count of Nantes, King of England (1154–89) and Lord of Ireland; he also controlled Wales, Scotland and Brittany. He fathered 8 children on Eleanor of Aquitaine, two who later became king - Richard the Lion-hearted and John of Robin Hood fame.

This part of the trilogy concerns the time of strife when Harry was in constant disagreement with Thomas Becket, his Archbishop of Canterbury, over the manner in which the punishment of the clergy concerning wrongdoings. Becket wanted he Church to maintain its sovereignty and Harry wanted the misdeeds punished under normal English law. In the end, after 6 years of exile, Becket was murdered.

Thinking of all that you would believe that the story that was told here would have been a bit boring, but Harry is brought to life with all his vigor, faults, and personality that this reader is eager to take up the next part of the tale of King Henry and Queen Eleanor.

Looks like I'm going to have to add that highly rated Time and Chance to my TBR list.

P.S. - I must read the first one first.

April Recap

April was filled with books that were considered chunksters (over 400 pages) (♫ is for audio books ß is for e-books)
I read my first "graphic novel", at least that's how the library categorized it, but from chats with others it really wasn't a full fledged graphic novel, so I'll have to keep looking for one.
At the beginning of the month, I had 12 books on the list to read with 6 chunksters, knowing full well I'd never get them all done, I said I'd be happy with 75% but I only managed 62% but 2 more books should be finished before the end of the week.

Number of series brought current this month/year 4/10

Here are the books that I read this Month

Threaded for Trouble (series current) new one due in June 320pgs
The invention of Hugo Cabret 525pgs
Book, Line, and Sinker (series current) new one due out July 292pgs
Night Watch (series current) New one due out in November 496pgs
Fountainhead 754pgs
The Rope (series current) 579pgs
Time and Chance 548pgs

Best of the Month: The Rope
Worst of the Month Fountainhead

Categories:
Acquisition: (New: 1 Pre-owned before 2013: 3 Borrowed: 3 ARC/ER: 0 Total:7)
TIOLI - Books read : 7 Books read for TIOLI Challenges:7 100%
E-books 3
ARDs (paperbooks) 2
Audiobooks 2

Non-Fiction
History 0
Biography/Memoir 0
Religion 0

Fiction
General Fiction 2
Cozy Mystery 2
Mystery 2
Young Adult/Fantasy 0
Historical Fiction 1

Personal Cataloging:

The book that kept me breathless: The Rope
The mystery that I enjoyed reading the most: The Rope
Biggest disappointment: Fountainhead
Book that gave the most smiles/laughs: Threaded for Trouble
Book I wish I'd read sooner: The Rope
Best Recommended book: Time and Chance
The book with the most surprises: The Rope
Most thought provoking book:Night Watch
Series book that has me wanting the next one NOW!: Threaded for Trouble
Best Audio book: The Rope
Book I am still working on: The Enchantress
Book I'm glad I finished: The Fountainhead

Projected May Reads: (Again, I have to get real!)
This time I'm shooting for 75% since I still have a few real chunksters!
22 books is really beyond my abilities but we'll see how many I can manage. ★ indicates priority
★Lost and Fondue
★The Enchantress (chunkster)
★Heat Rises
Stitch me Deadly
★Game of Thrones (chunkster)
★Manifest Injustice
★Dream Eyes
The Golden Door
★Fireworks Over Toccoa
★Saturday Night Widows
★The House at Riverton (chunkster)
The Second Rule Of Ten: A Tenzing Norbu Mystery
★Rebecca
Heretic's Daughter
Rose Harbor in Bloom (chunkster)
Family Tree
★His Majesty's Hope
One Step Too Far
the Day the Falls Stood Still
★The Map of True Places LP
★Any Bitter Thing: A Novel
Crossing Places

With all the activities that are planned this month, I wonder how far I'll get. Here's the non-reading agenda for May:

May 4th Country Club 50th anniversary Dinner/Dance (I'm working on the slide presentation)
May 8th - Member Council mtg - Country Club - I'm the minute taker
May 10th - (happy birthday, tutu) bridge club
May 11th Family Feud at the Country Club (my husband and I are coordinators)
May 12th - Mother's Day - drive up (1 hr) to see Mom and take her to dinner
May 16th - BUNCO charity event (I'm the coordinator)
May 17th weekend -Family event in Pittsburgh
May 25th - our wedding anniversary
Memorial Day Weekend
May 29th - book club (my birthday)

WISH ME LUCK!

You've got quite a line-up for May. I'm kind of the same way. In fact April was much like that for me. I had hoped to hit 75 by the end of the month, but I only made it to 73.

Little Miss Olivia (6 weeks) and her mother

Beautiful.

First off, Miss Olivia and her mother are beautiful!

You got me with a book bullet for The Rope. I have read some of that series, but that one sounds particularly compelling.

Sounds like May is very busy! Good luck with all your plans.

What a gorgeous photo! Love the bow in Olivia's hair.

>138 cyderry: Awwwwww..... so sweet!

That really is a very sweet photo Cheli. Have a lovely weekend and I hope your programme doesn't get the better of you this month.

Awww! She's a sweetie!

Lovely photo, Cheli!

Challenge Book #41

TITLE: The Enchantress ★★★½
AUTHOR: Michael Scott
GENRE: Fantasy
SUBJECT: saving the world
Setting: San Francisco, CA
CHARACTERS: Josh Newman, Sophie Newman, Perenelle Flamel, Nicolas Flamel
DATE READ: April 26 - May 1
NO. OF PAGES: 517
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, audio stockpile

PLOT: 3.00
CHARACTERIZATION: 3.50
TOPICS: 3.50
STYLE: 3.00
ORIGINALITY: 4.00
ADDICTIVENESS: 3.50
OWNERSHIP: 3.00
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 3.50
Average 3.38

The end of the world as we know it could be at hand. Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel have only the energy for their auras to survive one more day and unless help comes from other immortals and the world of Danu Talis, the human world will be destroyed and taken over by monsters.

Throughout this book, the reader is naturally rooting for the good guys, but they have been changing. In the previous installments of this series we have seen the Flamels, the Newman twins, and friends like Joan of Arc and St Germain joining together to fight against the immortals that have been on the wrong side. But now we see that the bad guys understand more fully the devastation that may be at hand and so Machiavelli, Dr. Dee, Virginia Dare and others are now with the Flamels and trying to save the world.

The ending of a series is always somewhat of a letdown because the reader realizes that the characters that have become friends will no longer be there with new adventures, but the adventures that we did share were definitely worth the ride.

Challenge Book #42

TITLE: Lost and Fondue ★★★¼
AUTHOR: Avery Aames
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
SUBJECT: buried treasure, winery conversion
Setting: Providence, OH
CHARACTERS: Charlotte Bessette, Matthew Bessette, Harker Fontanne, Winona Westerton, Edsel Nash, Dane, Quinn Vance
DATE READ: April 29 - May 6
NO. OF PAGES: 320
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, Nook stockpile

PLOT: 3.00
CHARACTERIZATION: 3.50
TOPICS: 3.25
STYLE: 3.00
ORIGINALITY: 3.00
ADDICTIVENESS: 3.00
OWNERSHIP: 3.00
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 3.50
Average 3.16


Charlotte, our favorite Cheese lady, is helping out her friend Meredith by catering the fundraiser for the old winery conversion to the local college when she comes across the body of her niece's boyfriend.

Certain that Quinn is not guilty of the murder, Charlotte steadily investigates the circumstances of the victim as well as his "friends" placing herself in danger.

A fun cozy to entertain while munching on CHEESE!

Challenge Book #43

TITLE: Stitch me Deadly ★★★½
AUTHOR: Amanda Lee
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
SUBJECT: hidden secrets, poisoning, greed
Setting: Tallaluh Falls, OR
CHARACTERS: Marcy Singer, Beverly Singer, Cary Ellis, Louisa Ralston, Adam Gray
DATE READ: May 6 - May 8
NO. OF PAGES: 336
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, Nook stockpile

PLOT: 3.50
CHARACTERIZATION: 3.50
TOPICS: 3.50
STYLE: 4.00
ORIGINALITY: 3.50
ADDICTIVENESS: 3.50
OWNERSHIP: 3.50
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 3.50
Average 3.56

Marcy Singer's embroidery shop seems to be the site where people come to die - not really but when Louisa Ralston comes to ask for Marcy's help and then has a heart attack, it seems a bit coincidental. Finding out that it wasn't a natural death but one brought on by poison, Marcy feels that she needs to find the killer before people stop coming to her shop out of fear.

I thought this story was a sweet new take on an old tale and the characters really made me feel their interest in solving the murders but not just for their own curiosity but out of respect for the victims.

I look forward to the next one!

Challenge Book #44

TITLE: Rose Harbor in Bloom ★★★★½
AUTHOR: Debbie Macomber
GENRE: Fiction
SUBJECT: regrets, enduring love, friendship
Setting: Cedar Cove, WA
CHARACTERS: Jo Marie Rose, Mark Taylor, Annie Newton, Oliver Sutton, Mary Smith, George Hudson
DATE READ: May 8 - May 10
NO. OF PAGES: 336
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, NetGalley

PLOT: 4.00
CHARACTERIZATION: 4.00
TOPICS: 4.50
STYLE: 5.00
ORIGINALITY: 4.00
ADDICTIVENESS: 4.50
OWNERSHIP: 4.50
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 4.50
Average 4.38

I couldn't put it down.

JoMarie's B&B is going to be full just in time for her Open House. Trying to get the rose hedge finished in time is spoiled when her handyman breaks his leg but that doesn't mean that JoMarie can't please her guests. Annie Newton has booked rooms for her grandparents who are returning to Cedar Cove to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Annie's been planning the party but runs into a few unexpected and possibly disastrous issues.

In the meantime, JoMarie's other guest, Mary Smith, is very quiet and reserved. Could it have something to do with her fragility and lack of hair perhaps?

This book very much like the first in the series shows the reader several different storylines (including one for JoMarie herself) and yet weaves it so masterfully together so that going from one to the other appears seamless and never interrupts the story itself.

I couldn't put it down! The characters were so real - Annie's grandparents reminded me so much of my own parents - always bickering but underneath loving each other unconditionally. And Mary Smith- you think with a name like that the character would be flat but no, she grabbed me and held on tight right to end.

Absolutely tremendous!

Challenge Book #45

TITLE: Dream Eyes ★★★½
AUTHOR: Jayne Ann Krentz
GENRE: Paranormal Fiction
SUBJECT: psychic powers
Setting: Wilby OR
CHARACTERS: Judson Coppersmith, Gwen Frazier, Evelyn Ballinger, Harold Oxley
DATE READ: May 10 - May 13
NO. OF PAGES: 325
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, ER

PLOT: 3.50
CHARACTERIZATION: 3.50
TOPICS: 3.50
STYLE: 4.00
ORIGINALITY: 3.50
ADDICTIVENESS: 3.50
OWNERSHIP: 3.00
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 3.50
Average 3.50

Not normally being a "paranormal reader, I was reluctant to pick up this book and read it, but since I had received it from the LT ER program, my obligation took control and I put it on the reading for May. I was extremely pleasantly surprised and well entertained my this book which told the story of two characters that both have special psychic abilities and the journey to find the murderer of a friend when there was only psychic evidence. Glad I read it.

Challenge Book #46

TITLE: Heat Rises ★★★½
AUTHOR: Richard Castle
GENRE: Mystery
SUBJECT: bondage, death squad
Setting: NYC
CHARACTERS: Nikki Heat, Jameson Rook, Fr. Gerald Graf, Phyllis Yarborough
DATE READ: Aprl 26 - May 13
NO. OF PAGES: 432
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: No, Library OD

PLOT: 3.00
CHARACTERIZATION: 4.00
TOPICS: 3.00
STYLE: 4.00
ORIGINALITY: 3.00
ADDICTIVENESS: 3.00
OWNERSHIP: 3.00
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 4.00
Average 3.38

Nikki Heat is not afraid to enter any investigation, even one where her boss sticks his nose. Nikki is investigating the murder of a priest found at a bondage club. The Captain searches the rectory before Nikki can get there and things get more tangled as we progress. With Rook's help, the story is wickedly entertaining!

That sounds like a good haul. I've read the first Nikki Heat book, and I love the Castle series, so I'll read more of those. What did you think of the Nicholas Flammel series? I've seen it a couple of times, but I haven't picked it up, yet.

Hi Cheli. Last year in June we met. Here is a photo! What a lovely time we had.

#147 I love that one! I hope you are doing well...looks like you are getting lots of reading done.

I keep thinking that I'm catching up but when I look close, I'm just falling farther behind. But it's fun in the process! My problem is that I keep finding more books that I want to read. It doesn't take long to find a book but it does to read it.

How are you feeling these days Cheli?

I think you have an approaching birthday...am I right?

I'm feeling okay, I still have a few bad, bad days with my back if I do too much, but otherwise I'm okay. My knee is the big issue right now, I need to just take it easy for a few days - the long weekend I think. Tim will be playing golf on Sunday and Monday so I'll have a quiet time.

Yes, next Wednesday is my 59th birthday. I'm going to get a manicure, pedicure and dinner with ladies in my book club. We will be talking about Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. Saturday(tomorrow) is our 39th Wedding anniversary and we are going to a graduation brunch in the morning and then spend the rest of the day together with dinner at our favorite Italian restaurant. I definitely get pampered the last week of May.

Our big talks the last few weeks have been discussions on what we want to do for our 40th anniversary next year. Tim wants to go on a cruise but we haven't been able to agree on a destination. I've been thinking Alaska or Mediterranean and he's leaning toward the Caribbean. We went there for our 25th anniversary so I'd like to go some place new but Tim is worried that my back won't hold up to Alaska or Europe. I keep thinking hat I'd suffered through to see Europe.

Is the neck still improving? When is school finished? Big plans for the summer?

Oooh, I haven't read Heat Rises yet, but dang they're fun!!!

And Happy Early Birthday to you, in case I don't get back in here by next Wednesday. :)

Challenge Book #47

TITLE: One Step Too Far ★★★
AUTHOR: Tina Seskis
GENRE: Mystery
SUBJECT: depression, personal identity
Setting: London, England
CHARACTERS: Emily Coleman{Cat Brown),
DATE READ: May 13 - May 18
NO. OF PAGES: 260
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, NetGalley for review

PLOT: 3.00
CHARACTERIZATION: 2.75
TOPICS: 2.75
STYLE: 2.50
ORIGINALITY: 3.00
ADDICTIVENESS: 2.75
OWNERSHIP: 3.00
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 3.00
Average 2.84


An unusual book about the life of twins, their differences and how they affected each other. Wasn't ever sure where the story was going until it seems a standard ending. Didn't thrill me.

Challenge Book #48

TITLE: Manifest Injustice: The True Story of a Convicted Murderer and the Lawyers Who Fought for His Freedom ★★★¾
AUTHOR: Barry Siegel
GENRE: Non-Fiction
SUBJECT: miscarriage of justice, USA legal system errors
Setting: Arizona
CHARACTERS: Bill Macomber, Larry Hammond, Bob Bartels, Jackie Kelley
DATE READ: May 13 - May 22
NO. OF PAGES: 260
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, LT ER for review

PLOT: 4.50
CHARACTERIZATION: 4.00
TOPICS: 4.00
STYLE: 4.00
ORIGINALITY: 3.00
ADDICTIVENESS: 4.00
OWNERSHIP: 3.50
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 3.25
Average 3.78

How would you react if you had spent 38 years of your life in prison for a crime you hadn't committed losing contact with your growing children as a result?

In 1974 Bill Macomber was convicted of the murders of two teenagers in 1962 on evidence that apparently was planted by his estranged wife who worked in the Sheriff's office at the time of his conviction.
This book tells the story of the efforts of Project Justice to free Mr. Macomber who throughout his incarceration, was a model inmate inspiring others by his spirit and appreciation of those who fought for him.

I'm so glad that I got to read this book, but wonder how our system could continue to lock up this man when so many believed him innocent and the suspect evidence had "disappeared". Many questions arose from this book as to whether justice can truly be found.

I believe that Mr. Macomber's story should be mandatory reading for all law students so that they will understand that there are innocent people that do get convicted and that all efforts should be made to prevent this from happening in the future.

The politics involved in his release truly astounded me.

Challenge Book #49

TITLE: His Majesty's Hope ★★★¾
AUTHOR: Susan Elia MacNeal
GENRE: Mystery
SUBJECT: espionage, mass murder
Setting: London, Berlin
CHARACTERS: Maggie Hope, Hugh Thompson, Elise Hess, Clara Hess, Father Licht
DATE READ: May 22 - May 27
NO. OF PAGES: 354
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, LT ER for review

PLOT: 4.50
CHARACTERIZATION: 4.00
TOPICS: 4.00
STYLE: 4.00
ORIGINALITY: 3.00
ADDICTIVENESS: 4.00
OWNERSHIP: 3.50
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 3.25
Average 3.78


This third installment of the adventures of Maggie Hope really do get to be adventures. Maggie not only parachutes into enemy territory, attends a party where she meets several of the Nazi upper brass, but she finds that she has a half sister that is unaware of her existence.

This reader was on the edge of her seat throughout!

Those last two look good. *sigh*

Both were ERs and I thoroughly enjoyed both - Manifest Injustice for an eyeopening experience and His Majesty's Hope because I love the heroine! HMH is third in the series - all were great books.

Glad to hear that you liked the third Maggie Hope mystery, Cheli. I just picked up my copy of this one at the library last night and should get to it in the next week or so.

Hmmm - Maggie Hope. I don't think I've made her acquaintance yet.

Lori, definitely a lady you should meet. Her first adventure - Mr. Churchill's Secretary.

Okay - that one is on my wish list! I should eventually make her acquaintance.

Hi Cheli. May = What a wonderful month of celebrations!

I'm sorry that your knee is bothering you once again. Is it time for an injection?

Happy Monday to you!

Oh,Linda, I don't know what the doctor will do but I'm going to see the knee doctor on Wednesday. My back was doing okay until my Mom came to spend the weekend and I was trying to help her up out of the chair rather than bother Tim and I think I threw it out again. The knee is the more painful spot so first things first.

Challenge Book #50

TITLE: Rebecca ★★★½
AUTHOR: Daphne du Maurier
GENRE: Mystery
SUBJECT: second marriage, acceptance
Setting: Manderley, Monte Carlo
CHARACTERS: Mrs DeWINTER II, Maxim DeWinter, Rebecca DeWinter, Mrs Danvers, Jack Favell, Jasper the Dog
DATE READ: May 19 - May 28
NO. OF PAGES: 428
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, Nook, Overdrive

PLOT: 4.00
CHARACTERIZATION: 3.00
TOPICS: 4.00
STYLE: 4.00
ORIGINALITY: 4.00
ADDICTIVENESS: 3.00
OWNERSHIP: 3.00
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 3.00
Average 3.50

A young American woman serving as a companion to an elderly lady is in Monte Carlo when she meets Maxim DeWinter. Sharing her off time with Mr. DeWinter, she develops feelings and when her employer decides to leave, our young lady goes to Max to say goodbye. He proposes, she accepts and together they head to his home at Manderlay. Here the young bride is confronted with all sorts of oddities related to the first Mrs. DeWinter.

The story that evolves is spellbinding. A Classic I could truly embrace.

Two months ago, when Mom's back was at its worst, I hurt my back trying to lift her out of a chair. Her back is somewhat better and, knock on wood, mine hasn't hurt since then.

I think I'll take the Maggie Hope mystery with me to the Cubs game. I like to have a regular book, not a Kindle book, during the long bus ride.

Finished my birthday purchases (though I still have room for one more on my gift card)
Here are my birthday books:

Are these all real books or NOOKS. I only have one of them and can see several I'd want to borrow in the future when you're done. Good Haul.

All Nooks - that way Tim only will see the bill and won't be able to yell about more books!
Will check to see if they are LendMe and adjust collections accordingly.

Challenge Book #51

TITLE: Family Tree : Better to Wish ★★¼
AUTHOR: Ann M Martin
GENRE: Fiction
SUBJECT: growing up in the Depression, bigotry
Setting: Maine
CHARACTERS: Abby Nichols, Zander Burley, Sarah Morehouse, Nichols family
DATE READ: May 27 - May 29
NO. OF PAGES: 226
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, ARC

PLOT: 2.00
CHARACTERIZATION: 2.50
TOPICS: 2.00
STYLE: 3.00
ORIGINALITY: 2.00
ADDICTIVENESS: 2.00
OWNERSHIP: 2.00
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 3.00
Average 2.31

This story takes place in Maine during the Depression telling of a young family and their difficulties.
In truth it could have taken place anywhere. The family was poor but the father was hardworking.

The characters were very stereotypical as were the issues that the addressed - health, neighbors, schooling, etc.

Sorry to say that this Ann Martin book just didn't live up to the same level as her Doll People series. I was very disappointed.

MAY Recap - better late than never

May was designated ER/ARC month since I was falling horribly behind on reading those books that I had received for review, but first I needed to finish up the books that were in progress from April. (♫ is for audio books ß is for e-books)
I had 22 books on the list but knew I wouldn't get them all done - ½ would be great because there are a few chunksters. Whatever doesn't get finished, I'm hoping to squeeze them in with June's readings.

Number of series brought current this month/year 3/11

Here are the books that I read this Month

The Enchantress ♫ (series complete) 517
Lost and Fondue ß 320
Stitch me Deadly ß 336
Rose Harbor in Bloom ß (series current) 432
Dream Eyes 325
Heat Rises♫ 336
One Step Too Far 260
Manifest Injustice 382
His Majesty's Hope (series current) 354
Rebecca 428
Family Tree 226


Best of the Month: Rose Harbor in Bloom
Worst of the Month Family Tree

Categories:
Acquisition: (New: 0 Pre-owned before 2013: 3 Borrowed: 2 ARC/ER: 6 Total: 11)
TIOLI - Books read : 11 Books read for TIOLI Challenges: 11 100%
E-books 5
ARDs (paperbooks) 4
Audiobooks 2

Non-Fiction
History 0
Biography/Memoir 1
Religion 0

Fiction
General Fiction 4
Cozy Mystery 2
Mystery 2
Young Adult/Fantasy 1
Historical Fiction 1

Personal Cataloging:

The book that kept me breathless: His Majesty's Hope
The mystery that I enjoyed reading the most: His Majesty's Hope
Biggest disappointment: Family Tree
Book that gave the most smiles/laughs: Rose Harbor in Bloom
Book I wish I'd read sooner: Dream Eyes
Best Recommended book: Rebecca
The book with the most surprises: Dream Eyes
Most thought provoking book: Manifest Injustice
Series book that has me wanting the next one NOW!: His Majesty's Hope
Best Audio book: The Enchantress
Book I am still working on: The White House
Book I'm glad I finished: One Step Too Far

Projected June Reads:
I have now come to realize that I make a long list each month (knowing that I can't get them all done) but in this way I can pick and choose what I'm in the mood for as I am ready to start a new book.
22 books is really beyond my abilities but we'll see how many I can manage.
Imperfect Pairings
The White House
Song of Achilles
Saturday Night Widows
Game of Thrones chunkster
The Second Rule Of Ten: A Tenzing Norbu Mystery
The Pigeon Pie Mystery: A Novel %
The Golden Door
Crossing Places
Diva Takes the Cake
Daughter of time
Red Velvet Cupcake Murder
The School for Brides
Cake on a Hot Tin Roof %
A Bride in the Bargain
Lord Carew's Bride
Heretic's Daughter
Daughter of the Sea
The Marriage Bed

Well, I didn't finish May's list but I had a great time trying. Expect June will be the same.

Great book haul.

Challenge Book #52

TITLE: The White House: An Illustrated Architectural History ★★★
AUTHOR: Patrick Phillips-Schrock
GENRE: Non-Fiction
SUBJECT: The White House
Setting: Washington DC
CHARACTERS: Benjamin Latrobe, Charles, McKim, James Hoban
DATE READ: May 27 - May 29
NO. OF PAGES: 226
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, LT ER

PLOT: 3.00
CHARACTERIZATION: 3.00
TOPICS: 4.00
STYLE: 2.00
ORIGINALITY: 3.00
ADDICTIVENESS: 3.00
OWNERSHIP: 4.00
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 3.00
Average 3.13

The book is full of diagrams of the current White House as well as the showing pre-renovation versions. It also documents the floor plans and changes that have been made over the years.

I found it interesting to see the changes that have been made over the years as well as differences to the exterior that I had never seen before. However, IMO the book was a bit jumpy because of the layout of text versus diagrams/pictures and felt it would have been better served to have all the text together and then reference the diagrams. Often I lost my place in the text because of the placement of the diagrams/pictures on the pages.

Was checking out the ER books for June and had 3 books that looked interesting. I've gotten in the habit of only asking for one so that I have a better chance of getting what I really want, but this time I really wanted all three! Thank goodness for NetGalley! Two of the books I was able to get through NetGalley and now I only have to ask for one on ER.

Challenge Book #53

TITLE: The Diva Takes the Cake ★★★★
AUTHOR: Krista Davis
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
SUBJECT: weddings, double crosses
Setting: Alexandria VA
CHARACTERS: Sophie Winston, Hannah Bauer, Mars Winston, Natasha Smith, Craig Beacham
DATE READ: June 5 - June 7
NO. OF PAGES: 320
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, Nook stockpile

PLOT: 4.50
CHARACTERIZATION: 4.00
TOPICS: 3.50
STYLE: 4.00
ORIGINALITY: 4.00
ADDICTIVENESS: 4.00
OWNERSHIP: 4.00
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 4.00
Average 4.00

I loved it all! The nutty bride, the sister trying to rescue her from a bad marriage before it takes place, the rescued dog who was afraid of everyone!

Sophie Winston's rivalry with Natasha Smith over who is a better cook/party planner/advice columnist is still going strong so when Sophie's sister Hannah turns to Natasha about her wedding after Sophie has everything already in the works, things start to fire up with Sophie finding a dead body in Natasha's backyard (they're neighbors and share not only time with Sophie's ex-husband and the dog too!).

Natasha changes the venue, color scheme, and then starts in on the food as the investigation begins with the identification of the dead body being none other then Craig's, Hannah's fiancé, ex-wife. This puts a halt to Sophie's romance with the homicide detective and makes things a bit awkward as Craig's family unexpectedly appears from out-of-town for the wedding. Craig's not happy, Hannah's not happy, and the problems that arise from fireworks exploding (literally) at the rehearsal and the last minute relocation to Sophie's backyard have the wedding falling apart with cracked ice sculptures, melting cake, and another dead body.

The mystery was well-written, filled with quirky characters, unusual circumstances, and just plain fun. I can't wait for the next one.

I've heard good things about the diva series. I need to get the first one and give it a try.

Just saw a listing for a new series for the The Italian Kitchen Mysteries - Murder and Marinara coming out in October - yum can't wait!

Challenge Book #54

TITLE: Imperfect Pairings ★★½
AUTHOR: Jackie Townsend
GENRE: Fiction
SUBJECT: corporate mergers, Italian vineyards
Setting: San Francisco, Italy
CHARACTERS: Jack(Giovanni), Jamie
DATE READ: June 5 - June 9
NO. OF PAGES: 320
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, NetGalley

PLOT: 2.00
CHARACTERIZATION: 2.00
TOPICS: 3.00
STYLE: 2.50
ORIGINALITY: 2.50
ADDICTIVENESS: 2.50
OWNERSHIP: 2.50
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 3.00
Average 2.50

Jack and Jamie have been in a relationship ever since they met when their companies were in the midst of a merger. Now Jack's visas have run out so they get marred while Jack is trying to decide what to do - get a new job in the US or return to Italy and take up the family business - winemaking.

I had a really hard time with this book - the characters kept going back and forth between US and Italy, there was dialogue in Italian that wasn't translated and I kept asking myself throughout - where is this story going.

Well, looks like the middle of July I will have no excuses for not reading.

The last few days have convinced me that I could not hold out until the middle of August for this surgery so my knee surgery is scheduled for Monday the 15th of July. Since I will be on a cane or crutches for a few days, I had to make some rather unique arrangements for activities that were already in the works.

Mom is scheduled to have the surgery on her other hand on the 17th and then come to my house the 19th through the 21st. How can I care for Mom when I'm laid up from my own surgery, you ask. Tutu to the rescue! My sister Tina (Tututhefirst) will deliver Mom to my house and stay and take care of us both! She's so thoughtful. But why bring Mom to my house? Hers is very small and not air conditioned. If you've ever been to the Baltimore/Washington area in the middle of July, you know that AC is essential. Mom is absolutely thrilled that she will be "nursed" by 2 of her daughters on that weekend. Sister #2 is the regular caregiver and her job is mainly on weekends so when coverage is needed I try to do the weekends but this time I need a bit of help so Tina is coming a few days earlier than planned and will share the "entertainment" duties.

Mom loves games so I'm sure that we will be playing many as well as cheering for our favorite baseball teams.

Best of luck to both of you with your surgeries. It sounds like you'll be having a fun family get-together! Hope your recovery is as pain-free as possible.

Good luck on your surgery, Cheli. It sounds like this arrangement will work out well for everyone.

I am sorry you have to have surgery Cheli, however, I am glad you and your mom will be ably looked after by Tina. I hope you all have a blast while recovering speedily!

I see in your list of planned reads for June Lord Carew's Bride... I just loved that book. Mary Balogh is a fantastic author who always delivers.

Oh I'm not such a saint.....actually much of the caring will be handled by our wonderful hubbies who I suspect will be doing a lot of fetching, carrying, and just general cheap labor. Besides, Bob and I are just trying to get them both to where they don't need help because we're flying to California for the big birthday party/family reunion/wedding in mid July. Nothing like enjoying a Maine summer .....

Challenge Book #55

TITLE: The Song of Achilles ★★★★½
AUTHOR: Madeline Miller
GENRE: Historical Fiction
SUBJECT: Trojan War, Ancient Greek society
Setting: Greece, Troy
CHARACTERS: Patroclus, Achilles, Agamemnon, Odysseus, Hector, Thetis, Briseis
DATE READ: June 9 - June 13
NO. OF PAGES: 416
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, Kindle gift card

PLOT: 4.00
CHARACTERIZATION: 4.50
TOPICS: 4.50
STYLE: 4.50
ORIGINALITY: 5.00
ADDICTIVENESS: 4.50
OWNERSHIP: 5.00
THRESHOLD QUALITY: 4.00
Average 4.50

A love story with just soldiers and war? How can that be? However, even though the backdrop of this story is the Trojan War, this truly is a love story just not the typical one that we expect.

From the very beginning the narrator Patroclus takes our hand and leads us to an ancient time when what was taught to young boys was the art of warfare. Those that did not excel were fated for servitude. But Patroclus was fortunate enough to be taken as Prince Achilles companion when he was fostered into exile in Phthia.

There the love story of Achilles and Patroclus takes us on a journey through their youths and education - Achilles destiny lives in warfare as the stories have always told us, while Patroclus, at Achilles' side learns the art of healing.

The war with Troy brings Achilles and Patroclus to the site where the prophecies of Achilles' glory and death are twisted among the horrors of war. "Some men gain glory after they die, while others fade. What is admired in one generation is abhorred in another. We cannot say who will survive the holocaust of memory."

Throughout this story we see how these two young honorable men lose their innocence while their destinies are intertwined causing their sacrifices and suffering fueled by pride over honor.

I've always been fascinated by mythology and this story combined a touch of history along with the wrath of the gods.

URGENT PRAYER REQUEST!!!! My cousin Julie's little grandson,Cooper,ate some peanut m and m's and 2 peanuts went into his lungs!!! He is at University of Md. hospital in intensive care. They were able to retrieve the peanuts, but his lungs are swollen and now he's on a respirator. Please keep the family in your prayers.

Sending prayers, Cheli. My niece had a peanut in her lung once. It was scary. Hope Cooper is OK.

Great review of The Song of Achillles. I loved that book too!

Still no news about Cooper :-(

Cousin Jeannie reports Cooper is out of danger, off the respirator and on his way home from hospital. Woot Woot!!!!

Just seeing the reports about Cooper, but I'm glad that he is probably home by the time I'm posting this.

Good to know Cooper has recovered.

Resilient little things, children. Thankfully.

So glad to hear that little Cooper is OK!

Amen that Cooper is ok.
Now, how are you? How is your pain level?

Just seeing prayer request! So glad kids have their own guardian angel crews working overtime !

198>> The knee is absolutely excruciating and I'm hoping that I can survive the next few weeks before surgery.
I think that because I'm favoring the bad knee that it's doing a number on my back and it is starting to wear down.
I've decided that water aerobics, while helpful to my back when my knees were good, now is aggravating the knee, so I'm canceling until after the surgery.

Now if I can just survive the 8 hr drive to Myrtle Beach tomorrow but it will be worth any pain to see my 6 grandbabies!

That does sound wonderful. I'm sure you'll have a great time, and hope all your aches disappear into insignificance.

Myrtle Beach - arrived here after 8 hrs in the car - and saw two of my 6 grandchildren (Jackson and Bella) - with lots of hugs and kisses! Of course, what did I forget - my camera! Will have to depend on my cellphone.

Glad to hear that you survived the long trip, Cheli. Too bad you forgot your camera but you can take some pretty good pics with your cellphone.

Have a great time!!

Challenge Book #56

TITLE: Saturday Night Widows ★★★½
AUTHOR: Becky Aikman
GENRE: Memoir
SUBJECT: widowhood
Setting: New York City, Morroco
CHARACTERS: Becky, Leslie, Tara, Marcia, Dawn, Denise, Bob, Lily, Craig
DATE READ: June 11 - June 17
NO. OF PAGES: 334
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, ARC from publisher

PLOT: 3.50
CHARACTERIZATION: 4.00
TOPICS: 3.50
STYLE: 4.00
ORIGINALITY: 3.00
ADDICTIVENESS: 3.50
OWNERSHIP: 3.50
titles or words that 3.00
Average 3.50

Until I read this book I never really thought about how we stereotype different people with titles or words and how it could affect their lives. Widow - is word that is supposed to simply identify a woman who has lost her spouse through death. But do we not, in this day and age, still think that a "widow" is older, wears black, remains isolated from others mourning a man who has died.

The author recounts how when she lost her husband to cancer at an early age, that she was unable to find a widows support group that would acknowledge that she was still young enough to move forward n her life. She was even told by a support group that she didn't fit in. So, Becky set out to find other women like herself that were still somewhat young (less than 50) and needed positive support from others.

Having found 5 other women the BLOSSOMS worked together to broaden their experiences and share their understanding of their losses and future.

Here you are everyone - a picture of all my grandchildren and their cousin.


Left to right
Stella (21 mos with a carrot in her mouth), Molly Kate (2¾), Bella (2½), Miller (5 mos) , Jackson(4½ holding Miller), and little Olivia(3 mos.) being held by cousin Caitlyn.

I t was such a great time seeing all of them this weekend. Tomorrow breakfast with Jackson and Bella before they fly home to Louisiana, lunch with Miller, Stella, Molly Kate and Olivia before they head home.

How cute are they. So nice to have them all together like that.

What a lovely photo, Cheli! They are adorable!

Great photo of the grandkids! It's lovely for you to have them all together

Nice photo! There does seem to be a family resemblance between the kids.

Challenge Book #57

TITLE: The Second Rule Of Ten ★★★½
AUTHOR: Gay Hendricks, Tinker Lindsay
GENRE: Mystery
SUBJECT: Hollywood murder
Setting: Los Angeles, CA Tibet
CHARACTERS: Tenzing Norbu, Marv Rudolph, Julius Rosen, Mike
DATE READ: June 18 - June 22
NO. OF PAGES: 340
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, NetGalley ARC

PLOT: 3.50
CHARACTERIZATION: 4.00
TOPICS: 3.50
STYLE: 4.00
ORIGINALITY: 3.00
ADDICTIVENESS: 3.50
OWNERSHIP: 3.50
Threshold Quality 3.00
Average 3.50

What fascinates me about this series is the cross of western and eastern philosophies and the ability of the main character to utilize both while searching for the bad guys and defending himself and others.

Tenzing is an ex-Tibetan monk/ex-homicide cop turned PI who in this installment is trying to discover who killed an old film producer, calmly manages to uncover who would be involved while put the clues together and protecting another old film producer. His team of contacts are diverse and entertaining.

I've gotten this book (second in the series) and the first through NetGalley and really enjoyed both. It's interesting to see how the cenral character uses his previous experiences and practices as a Tibetan monk and homicide detective in his investigations as a PI. Hope to see another one soon.

Challenge Book #58

TITLE: The Pigeon Pie Mystery: A Novel ★★★
AUTHOR: Julia Stuart
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
SUBJECT: Charity pensioners,
Setting: Hampton Court, England
CHARACTERS: Princess Alexandrina, Pooki, Dr Henderson, Mjr. Gen Bagshot, Mrs. Bagshot,
DATE READ: June 16 - June 25
NO. OF PAGES: 313
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, Giveaway prize

PLOT: 2.50
CHARACTERIZATION: 2.50
TOPICS: 3.00
STYLE: 3.00
ORIGINALITY: 3.00
ADDICTIVENESS: 2.50
OWNERSHIP: 2.50
Threshold Quality 3.00
Average 2.75

Princess Alexandrina (Mink) finds herself destitute when her father the Maharajah dies suddenly. Before she can be evicted from her home, she is granted a "grace and favor" apartment at Hampton Court Palace.

Barely before you gets settled in her new "home" one of the other residents dies of arsenic poisoning at a picnic casting suspicion on Mink's faithful servant Pooki. She is determined t o find the true cause and sets out interviewing the other residents.

I didn't really care for the characters in this book (Mink was too flighty and snobby, others too 1 dimensional) and the writing seem to lack a steady flow.

Challenge Book #59

TITLE: Lord Carew's Bride ★★★
AUTHOR: Mary Balogh
GENRE: Romance
SUBJECT: deformities, inner strength
Setting: London, England
CHARACTERS: Samantha Newman, Hartley Wade, Jennifer Thornhill, Gabriel Thornhill, Lionel Kersey
DATE READ: June 25 - June 26
NO. OF PAGES: 282
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, my shelves

PLOT: 3.00
CHARACTERIZATION: 3.00
TOPICS: 3.00
STYLE: 3.00
ORIGINALITY: 3.00
ADDICTIVENESS: 3.00
OWNERSHIP: 3.00
Threshold Quality 3.00
Average 3.00


Samantha Newman was heartbroken in the "Dark Angel" so when we find her at the start, 6 years later, she is still unmarried but with a swarm of suitors at her feet. While visiting her cousin at Thornhill, on a solitary walk she meets a young man with a withered hand and a limp. They become friends over several weeks of clandestine meetings and so when Samantha meets hi in London she is pleasantly surprised to find that he is the Marquis of Carew and accepts his proposal without hesitation feeling that their friendship will protect her from the past.

There were few surprises in this book but it was a pleasant read.

Challenge Book #60

TITLE: Cake on a Hot Tin Roof ★★★
AUTHOR: Jacklyn Brady
GENRE: Cozy Mystery
SUBJECT: family dynamics, surprise visits, infidelities
Setting: New Orleans, LA
CHARACTERS: Rita Lucero, Miss Frankie, Uncle Nestor, Aunt Yolanda, Big Daddy Boudreaux
DATE READ: June 27 - June 29
NO. OF PAGES: 297
Off the Shelf (pre-2013)? Source?: Yes, my shelves

PLOT: 3.00
CHARACTERIZATION: 3.00
TOPICS: 3.00
STYLE: 3.00
ORIGINALITY: 3.00
ADDICTIVENESS: 3.00
OWNERSHIP: 3.00
Threshold Quality 3.00
Average 3.00

Using the backdrop of preparations for the annual Mardi Gras to increase the stress of the unexpected visit from her relatives, Rita's investigation to clear her Uncle in the murder at her party, keeps Rita hopping and the reader. FUN!

JUNE Recap

JUNE was filled with travels as well as doctor appointments but I did managed to get a few books read.
I didn't even get close to reading half of what was on the list to start the month, but, I'm still happy with what I did accomplish. Reaching 60 by the end of June was my goal and I got there so 75 is attainable in the near future especially when I'm laid up after surgery on my knee - won't I have to sit still?

Number of series brought current this month/year 1/12

Here are the books that I read this Month

The White House.....................................189
Diva Takes the Cake................................320
Imperfect Pairings...................................387
Song of Achilles.......................................416
Saturday Night Widows.............................334
The Second Rule Of Ten(current).................340
The Pigeon Pie Mystery: A Novel.................313
Lord Carew's Bride..................................282
Cake on a Hot Tin Roof ............................297

Best of the Month: Song of Achilles
Worst of the Month Imperfect Pairings

Categories:
Acquisition: (New: 1 Pre-owned before 2013: 3 Borrowed: 0 ARC/ER: 4 Total:8)
TIOLI - Books read : 8 Books read for TIOLI Challenges: 8 100%
E-books........................................4
ARDs (paperbooks).........................5
Audiobooks...................................0

Non-Fiction
History........................................1
Biography/Memoir.........................1
Religion.......................................0

Fiction
General Fiction..............................1
Cozy Mystery................................3
Mystery.......................................1
Young Adult/Fantasy.......................0
Historical Fiction............................2

Personal Cataloging:

The book that kept me breathless: Diva Takes the Cake
The mystery that I enjoyed reading the most: The Second Rule of Ten
Biggest disappointment: The Pigeon Pie Mystery
Book that gave the most smiles/laughs: Diva Takes the Cake
Book I wish I'd read sooner: Song of Achilles
Best Recommended book: Song of Achilles
The book with the most surprises: The White House
Most thought provoking book: Saturday Night Widows
Series book that has me wanting the next one NOW!: Diva Takes the Cake
Best Audio book: Didn't finish one this month
Book I am still working on: Game of Thrones
Book I'm glad I finished: Imperfect Pairings

Projected July Reads:
I have now come to realize that I make a long list each month (knowing that I can't get them all done) but in this way I can pick and choose what I'm in the mood for as I am ready to start a new book.
17 books is really beyond my abilities but we'll see how many I can manage.
Game of Thrones
the Day the Falls Stood Still
★Fireworks Over Toccoa
A Discovery of Witches % ♫
Red Velvet Cupcake Murder
Daughter of time
Forgotten Presidents
Enon
Storyteller
Garment of Shadows
Lady Liberty
The House at Riverton
Heretic's Daughter
Daughter of the Sea
Firefly Lane
The Golden Door
Seraphina