crazy4reading (Monica) New Year, New Reads 2015

My Intro:

Hi!! My name is Monica. I am 46 and recently divorced and living with my dog Samantha and my cat Blokus. I have another cat but I don't consider her mine but her name is Whiskers. She doesn't care for Blokus or Samantha. I have 2 grown children. My daughter was married this past Oct to her high school sweet heart. My son moved back in with me with his boyfriend/partner. They will be moving out hopefully by February. My daughter's name is Samantha (yes the same as my dog), her husband's name is Rob. My son's name is Brandon and his boyfriend/partner's name is Christian.

I will hopefully be moving this year. I am still living in the house that my ex and I bought. Hoping to move and get the house fixed up so it can be sold. I will be downsizing so hoping I don't have to get rid of too many books.

Well Happy Reading all!!

75 book challenge ticker:




2015 Category Challenge:

2014 Summary:

I know 2014 isn't over just yet but I am going to do a short summary of my reading for 2014. I did a re-read of the Harry Potter Series. I have read all the books except for the last book more than once. This was the first time that I re-read the 7th book Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows since it was released 7 years ago. I was surprised when I picked it up this month to find that out.

My goal this past year was to read many of my own books so that I could share some of the books or donate them to our local libraries. I have read about 40 books from my shelves. I also read more kindle books. I participated in a few of the TIOLI challenges on here.

Some of the other challenges I have done in 2014 are:

15,000+ pages - my original goal was 15,000 pages. I have read a total of 23,565 pgs and still reading one more book which I hope to finish before 1/1/15.

Category challenge - I was hoping to read 7 books in the 14 categories I had chosen. My total goal was 98 books. I missed by about 20 books.

ROOT (Read Our Own Tomes) - my goal was to read 36 of my own books. I have read a total of 41 so far.

I also did some challenges on Goodreads. I have been doing a new author challenge over there and I haven't updated it. I know I read a few new authors this year. I will try to post more about that later.

So that is a summary of 2014. Hoping to continue with some great reads in 2015.

Some of my favorite reads for 2014:

Kennywood: Roller Coaster Capital of the world by Charles J. Jacques
The Time Keeper by Mitch Albom
Memories of Anne Frank: Reflections of a Childhood Friend by Alison Leslie Gold
Broken Angel by Sara Samarasinghe
The Shade of the Moon by Susan Beth Pfeffer
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
My Water Path by Timothy Joseph
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel
Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult

Books I received as gifts for Christmas 2014:

If I stay by Gayle Forman
Where She Went by Gayle Forman
It takes a Witch by Heather Blake
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Butterfly by Sonya Hartnett
They All Fall Down by J.A. Blake
Out of Mind by Stella Cameron
A Friend at Midnight by Caroline Cooney

My Reads:

JANUARY
1. I Take You: A Novel by Eliza Kennedy
2. Starry Night: A Christmas Novel by Debbie Macomber
3. Southern Storm by Terri Blackstock
4. Center Stage: Diamond by Mindy Klasky
5. Always Right by Mindy Klasky
6. The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry
7. All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris
8. Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard

FEBRUARY
9. The Girls from Ames by Jeffrey Zaslow

MARCH
10. The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick
11. six pound nineteen per witching hour by Joanna Mazurkiewicz
12. Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris
13. Sensual Ghosts by Alexandra Amalova
14. The Courtship by Lynna Banning
15. Ghost at Work by Carolyn Hart

APRIL
16. Call me Hope by Gretchen Olson
17. Alpha Girl by Kate Bloomfield
18. The story of beautiful girl by Rachel Simon
19. Man of My dreams by Johanna Lindsey
20. The Theory of Attraction by Delphine Dryden

MAY
21. All the Pretty Bones by Camela Thompson
22. Gold by Chris Cleave
23. Swimsuit by James Patterson

JUNE
24. Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice
25. Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow
26. Good Girl Gone Plaid by Shelli Stevens

JULY
27. Last One Home: A Novel by Debbie Macomber
28. Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
29. White Cat by Holly Black
30. In the Woods by Tana French
31. Tales of the Great White by Jocelyn Heaney

AUGUST
32. Castles in the Air by Christina Dodd
33. Alias Mommy by Linda O. Johnston
34. Divergent by Veronica Roth
35. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
36. Trail of Kisses by Merry Farmer
37. Fires of Winter by Johanna Lindsey
38. House of Echoes by Veronica Roth

SEPTEMBER
39. Beauty from Pain by Georgia Cates
40. Witch Song by Amber Argyle
41. Storm Front by Jim Butcher
42. Annie Freeman's fabulous traveling funeral by Kris Radish
43. There's an Owl in the Shower by Jean Craighead George
44. Life of Pi by Yann Martel
45. The Nightlife: New York by Travis Luedke
46. Daughter of Smoke and bone by Laini Taylor
47. Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris

OCTOBER
48. Maggie for Hire by Kate Danley
49. Garden of Lies by Amanda Quick
50. The Knitting Circle by Ann Hood
51. Insurgent by Veronica Roth
52. The Medium by C. J. Archer
53. Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James
54. Crux: Southern Arcana by Moira Rogers

NOVEMBER
55. Rugrats: Oh, brother by Luke David
56. Mr. Rabbit & the Lovely Present by Charlotte Zolotow
57. The Weeds & the Weather by Mary Stolz
58. Curious George goes to a chocolate factory by H. A. Rey
59. Freckle Juice by Judy Blume
60. Just Desserts by Barbara Bretton
61. Dork in Disguise by Carol Gorman
62. The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
63. Stranded with her ex by Jill Sorenson
64. Rock the Band by Michelle A. Valentine
65. The Doorbell rang by Pat Hutchins
66. Scooby-Doo and the invisible android by Jesse Leon McCann
67. Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris

DECEMBER
68. Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky
69. Santa Comes to Little House by Laura Ingalls Wilder
70. Betrayed by P. C. Cast
71. Hey Diddle, Diddle (nursery rhyme) by Kin Eagle
72. It's Raining, It's Pouring by Kin Eagle
73. I'm a little teapot by Iza Trapani
74. Playing with Fire: A Claire Abbott Mystery by Gail Anderson-Dargatz
75. Burned (retribution) by Natasha Deen

Now my thread is ready for the NEW YEAR!!

Hi Monica! I hope that 2015 brings you lots of good reading! Good luck with your downsizing too. We've been trying to get rid of some of our stuff. It hasn't been too hard - except for books, that is!

Hi Monica, stopping by to drop a star so that I can find my way back here!

Hi Monica. Best of luck with all the changes in your life as well as with your reading. Try not to stress too much and use books when needed for comfort and joy.

Welcome back!

Welcome back, Monica!

Hi, Monica! :) I'm glad you're doing the 75 book challenge for 2015, too. I just need to get around to starting my own thread. :) But I figure I have a couple more days to pad up my reading for 2014, so I'll probably wait until January 1. Happy New Year, btw! :)

>10 porch_reader: Amy I have been able to downsize a lot except for my books. I think for every 1 book I decide to donate or give to someone I replace with about 3 new books. I have to gather the boxes I have to donate and take them to Good Will and the Library today.

>11 lkernagh: Hi Lori, thanks for stopping by and will be starring you if I haven't already.

>12 majkia: Hi Jean, thanks for stopping by. Reading is a great way to escape from my everyday stress.

>13 drneutron: Jim it is great to be back!

>14 kidzdoc: Darryl thanks for visiting! Will be looking forward to watching your reads for 2015.

>15 saraslibrary: Hi Sara!! Great to see you here. I will look for your thread in the New Year! Trying to finish up a book before 2014 ends! Happy New Year to you too!!

Happy New Year, Monica! Looking forward to what you have in store for us in 2015.

Hello Monica! I'm looking forward to seeing what you read in 2015!

Hello Monica, dropping a star and



May all your wishes come true.

>16 crazy4reading: Good luck with your last-minute reads. I'm doing that as well. :) Oh, and here's my thread addy: http://www.librarything.com/topic/185440 . I decided to do the 100 books challenge next year, so we'll see if I can pull it off. :D Happy New Year!

>19 Ameise1: That is so beautiful! :)

Hi Monica! I'm stopping by and leaving a star.

I saw in your introduction on the intro thread you like historical fiction and reading about real events. I immediately thought of the book I just finished (just this side of 2014), Rachel's Secret, which is set around and during the 1903 Kishinev Pogrom. I don't know if it's marketed as young adult, but it did come across as a ya novel. Might be a book you'd be interested in.

Dropping by to wish you a Happy New Year and mark my spot.

Monica,



Happy New Year from your friend in Kuala Lumpur

Welcome back!

>22 thornton37814: Thanks! Happy New Year to you too!

>23 PaulCranswick: Thank you and Happy New year to you too!!

>24 scvlad: Great to be back!

Hi Monica, hope you had a good new year my dear and I look forward to seeing how your reading goes in 2015.

Happy New Year, Monica!

>26 johnsimpson: Hi John, I had a good new year. Thanks for stopping by.

>27 scaifea: Thanks Amber! Happy New Year to you too!!

Monica, I wish you a fabulous weekend full of reading.

Hi Monica! Happy New Year to you!

>30 Ameise1: Thank you.

>31 LauraBrook: Hi Laura!! Happy New Year to you too.

Well I finished my first book of 2015!! I just haven't been inn a reading mood lately.

1. I Take You by Eliza Kennedy

I received this book as an Early Review copy from Library Thing. The blurb about the book caught my interest and I was hoping to find myself really laughing. I had a few chuckles. Not sure if it is just me not being into the book at present or just not the book for me.

You have a woman getting married and her family questioning if she is going to go through with it. Her Gran is one that I found myself smiling and laughing with/at. I am glad I read the book. This is not your typical book. If you are not open to an open relationship in a marriage this book might turn you off. There is infidelity in this book.

4 stars

I am currently reading: Starry Night: A Christmas Novel by Debbie Macomber, Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard, Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry and 2 books by Mindy Klasky. I would love to finish another 2 books this week.

>33 crazy4reading: I kind of like the cover for I Take You, even though it looks like a canary exploded all over it. ;)

Best of luck with your current reads! :)

>34 saraslibrary: LOL Thanks for the laugh. It is very yellow.

#2. Starry Night: A Christmas Novel by Debbie Macomber

I haven't read a book that has kept my interest in awhile. I started Starry Night and I couldn't put it down. I finished it in about 24 hours. I love a book that captures my attention right from the start, and Starry Night did just that.

Carrie is a journalist and wants off the Society Page. Her boss gives her a quest. If she can find the reclusive best selling author Finn Dalton and gets an interview then he will let her work on something other than the Society Page.

Will Carrie be able to do something that no other journalist has been able to accomplish? That is the basis of Starry Night. This is beautifully written by Debbie Macomber. I loved her characters right from the beginning.

I found myself pulling for the couple as soon as they met. They are total opposites but you can feel the attraction in their first meeting. When Carrie finally finds Finn and travels to his home in Alaska the romances is ignited.

I loved the description of the Alaska land and the stars and the Northern Lights. I now want to go visit Alaska just from reading this book.

5 stars

I am still reading Lace Reader, Pretty Little Liars and Center Stage: Diamond and Always Right by Mindy Klasky, Southern Storm by Terri Blackstock

>35 crazy4reading: I read that one right after Christmas and also enjoyed it. I'd actually read it last year too, but had forgotten when I picked it up. I think I actually enjoyed it more this year than last. I agree with you about the description of Alaska and the Northern Lights. Macomber may not write literary fiction, but she does a good job with what she does write.

>36 thornton37814: I agree with you about Macomber.

I finished another book today.

#3. Southern Storm by Terri Blackstock

A storm is raging on Cape Refuge. Cade, the Chief of Police is driving to divert traffic around some down power lines when he hits a man that walks out in front of him. Cade is raked with guilt after the man dies. When Cade vanishes Blair is concerned that something happened to him. Blair feels that the police are doing nothing to find him. She has a gut feeling that the man's wife is responsible for Cade's disappearance.

The story was interesting and one that I found myself wanting to keep reading. I had many questions that need to be answered. Why did Cade disappear? Would they find him? Who is kidnapping the babies from the hospital? There is a lot of talk about Christianity and praying to God. Blair has not been a believer for some time now. Will she finally believe that there is a God?

I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading the next book in this series.

4 stars

Still reading the books listed above.

>37 crazy4reading: That book and another in that series are on my bookshelves, sitting unread. I've been hesitant to read them, but your 4 star rating makes me want to add these to my clear off the bookshelves goals for this year.

>38 thornton37814: I read the first book in the series and I enjoyed it. Not pushy with the Christianity like some books I have read.

>39 crazy4reading: I think the first one is the one I have on my shelf. I'll have to try to read it soon.

Monica, I wish you a relaxed weekend.

>40 thornton37814: I really enjoyed the first book. Hope you enjoy it too.

>41 Ameise1: I am trying my best to relax. I am going out to Quizzo tonight and hope to just have some fun.

Another book finished today.

#4. Center Stage: Diamond by Mindy Klasky

Another Diamond Brides book. This one was okay. I didn't enjoy it as much as the other ones I have read. Center Stage is about the Rockets Center Fielder Ryan Greene and Zach Ormond's little sister Lindsey who is an aspiring actress.

It all starts after Lindsey is left at the altar again. Ryan sees how she is driving and decides to follow her to make sure she is okay. The story is not as great as the first couple of books. It was a very quick read.

3 1/2 stars

I am reading the next book in this series Always Right: Diamond. I am hoping this one is better. I think they are becoming a little to predictable and it is making the books boring. I am also reading The Lace Reader which has to be finished by Wed. for book club. I also need to read Pretty Little Liars for a buddy read.

Monica, going out sounds like having a lot of fun. I hope you could enjoy it.

Hi Monica, Stopping by to say Hello for this year. I have been so busy that I don't get on here much. I am trying to keep up with reading and doing to many other things. Although I am enjoying life so I guess that is all that matters. You have gotten me addicted to Linda Castillo by the way and I bought the rest of the books in that series and then some. LOL.. I hope you have a wonderful year of reading and are able to accomplish your goal of fixing up the house and downsizing, You can find a place for your books and you to live I am sure of it :).

>44 Ameise1: I had a great time last night. We didn't win Quizzo but that is okay. I did win the 50/50 which was a surprise because we never win.

>45 MonicaLynn: Glad to hear you are enjoying the Linda Castillo books. I love her books too. I think I will have to look at buying some more of her books. I understand about not being on her that much. I feel like if I spend time on here I am taking away from my reading time. Enjoying life sounds great. I always dream about having a nice little spot where my books are all organized and easy for me to find. I hope it becomes a reality.

I just finished another book. Now I only have 1 ER book left to read. I just need to receive it first.

#5. Always Right by Mindy Klasky

Here we meet Kyle Norton and Amanda. Kyle plays for the Rockets. Amanda is a lawyer. They meet at an afternoon pre-baseball game batting practice. Kyle has busted his sunglasses and sees Amanda in the stands and asks her for her glasses. She reluctantly gives them to her.

Amanda does research on Kyle and learns something about his past. She decides to blackmail him. Kyle goes along with it by using her for his superstition. He begs her to come to all morning/afternoon home games for the rest of the season.

They start to fall in love as they discover more about each other. This story was cute and I was pulling for them to stop the shenanigans with each other. Another typical romance book yet enjoyable.

4 stars

Need to read some of The Lace Reader this afternoon. I hope to finish it this week. And also read some of Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard. Who knows what else I will pick up to read.

Happy Reading!!

>46 crazy4reading: Monica, that sounds gorgeous.

I love long weekends!! I get so much reading done. I just don't get cleaning or eating healthy done. I finished my book club book today.

#6. The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry

I had trouble getting into this book at first. Not sure if it was just the timing or my mind set. I enjoyed the book once I got into it. You have Towner Whitney, whose real name is Sophya. Her family is from Salem and can read the future in the patterns of lace. The women have many secrets about their family. Towner comes back to Salem to look for her Auntie Eva. I found myself drawn into the stories of Salem history and the witchcraft mentioned in the book. I am glad that our book club chose this book for January.

4 stars

Now I will hopefully finish Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard.

#7 All Together Dead by Charlaine Harris

I am finally continuing on my Sookie series. It has been awhile since I picked this series up. I almost forgot all that had happened in the previous book. Sookie is helping the Vamps again in this book.

The Vamps are having a summit and the queen of Louisiana is also up for trial because she supposedly murdered her Arkansas King fiance. Since Sookie is a telepath and is a witness to the murder the queen requires her presence at the Summit. She will be paid for this service.

I felt that Sookie has misgivings about helping the vamps but also fears that if she doesn't she might not be able to live either. Her friend Tara, Sam and others try to talk her out of helping them. Her boyfriend Quinn will be there running things for the vamps too.

Sookie is her usual entertaining self. You also get to see Barry the other Telepath in this book. Not sure what I think of him.

5 stars

Still reading Pretty Little Liars.

#8. Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard

Pretty Little Liars is about a bunch of spoiled rich girls. That is what I gathered just from this book. Spencer, Aria, Emily, Hanna and Allison are all friends in 7th grade. Allison goes missing one day in the summer and the girls drift apart.

Three years later the girls start receiving text messages, emails and letters with little notes about the girls different secrets. All messages are signed A and the girls each wonder if this could be Allison.

I can see why this book and series would appeal to some and not others. I think this is typical of how girls are in real life to some extent. I might continue with the series.

4 stars

I finished this awhile ago just getting around to posting it. I am reading The Silver Lining Playbook and my book club book The Girls from Ames by Jeffrey Zaslow

#9. The Girls from Ames by Jeffrey Zaslow

I just finished reading The Girls From Ames, which is for my library book club meeting tonight. I started out liking the book. Then I couldn't get into it for awhile. I stuck with it and found myself really enjoying it.

The Girls from Ames is about 11 girls who have remained friends since they were young in Ames, Iowa. You learn so much about each girl and friendship in general. I really found myself thinking about friends I had in high school. I also saw myself relating to one of the girls that was shy and was confronted by the other girls from the group at a sleep over. It was intended to be a nice gathering and turned into a sort of mean girl event.

Sometimes when you grow up you don't realize that even though the world seems to be changing that things haven't changed that much. Girls have always been mean just not mean like the girls of today.

The challenges that each girl/woman has gone through in her life. I find myself now wanting to know more about how they are doing since this book was written. I know I will be checking out the website that was mentioned in the book. www.girlsfromames.com

I am glad I read the book and now want to renew old friendships.

4 stars

I am still reading my books. Just not reading as much as I would like too.

>52 crazy4reading: I'm glad you stuck with the book. Sometimes it's easy just to toss books aside you don't like, but cheers on finishing it! :) Good luck with the rest of your reads.

I hit a reading slump in February. I just didn't want to read. I finally finished a book I started in February. Here is that review:

#10. The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick

I saw the movie before reading this book. I now want to see the movie again so I can actually decide which one I like better. I enjoyed this book.

You have Pat Peeples that has just come out of a mental facility (the bad place). According to Pat this is his movie. He has been in the bad place for a few years and doesn't realize it. Pat wants to end apart time from Nikki.

You also meet the odd Tiffany. She also has a mental problem. Tiffany becomes Pat's friend and tells him things that others are afraid to tell him. She is brutally honest at times.

4 stars

I am still reading one other book. It is 6.19 per Witching hour By Joanna Mazurkiewicz. I am enjoying it but only reading about a chapter a night. Hope to finish that book this weekend.

Hi Monica, I wish you a lovely weekend.

Hi Monica, just passing by to wish you a very happy weekend my dear and keep up with your rading you are doing really well.

I just realized that I have been reading this book since December. I had started it for a challenge and the challenge ended before I was able to finish the book. So here is my review:

11. six pound nineteen per witching hour by Joanna Mazurkiewicz

I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. When I started reading I did not know what to expect. This book is about an agency that hires paranormal beings for other companies.

Julia Taylor is the main character that this book is about. She is a recruitment consultant for Paranormal Personnel. Her days are usually normal as normal for a super natural being until she meets Mr. La Caz.

It was interesting to read the chemistry between an Elf and a Damphir. The ending was a little bit of a let down.

4 stars

I will be starting 2 new books this week. My book club read: Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris and Sensual Ghosts by Alexandra Amalova. Hope these are both good books.

Well I finished another book.

12. Five Quarters of the Orange by Joanne Harris

This is my first book by Joanne Harris. I had trouble getting into this book at first. Once I got past the first part I finally started to get into the story. The story takes place in two time periods, present day in France and during the Second World War. I enjoyed this story with the complexity of the characters.

You have the mother and her three children. They lose their father because of the war. The troubles that the family has and gets into really made the story interesting. The ending was what I expected.

4 stars

I am reading a few books right now. Would love to get at least one done this weekend. Not sure if I will because I have a lot to do tomorrow.

Hi Monica, I wish you a lovely weekend.

> 59 Thanks Ameise!! I hope you had a lovely weekend too.

Well I finished a book today.

#13 Sensual Ghosts by Alexandra Amalova

Well this is a very different book from what I usually read. This is a book with multiple ghost stories. This is also considered an erotic book. I was a little surprised by some of the stories. I will say that I enjoyed these stories.

Each one had there own version of ghost. I really enjoyed The snowgirl. That one was very interesting. This guy is in love with his friends girlfriend and while they are at the mountains skiing he gets injured and cannot ski. It was just different how the author makes you feel like the encounter was just a dream at first.

All the stories are enjoyable in there own way. This is my first book by Alexandra Amalova.

3 stars

I am reading The Courtship by Lynna Banning I also have some ER books to read.

#14. The Courtship by Lynna Banning

Story of Jane Davis and her family moving from South Carolina to Oregon. She was not used to being in Yankee territory. She was kept shelter by her father and now that her father has passed she is trying to save money so that she can go back home with her Mama. Jane decides to become a dressmaker. The owner of the bank makes a deal with her.

He will loan her the money to pay off all the debt and start her business. If she is successful she just pays the loan back. If she fails she just has to marry Rydell Wilder (the owner of the bank). Rydell has loved Jane since the first they met as young children.

I enjoyed the story and found myself laughing out loud right from the beginning.

4 stars

I am currently listening to Ghost at Work by Carolyn Hart. I just downloaded it from Overdrive for a challenge on GR. I would love to finish it tonight but not sure I will. I am going to Quizzo tonight. I am enjoying the book so far.

I finished another book:

#15. Ghost at Work by Carolyn Hart

I just decided to look on Overdrive for a book for a challenge I am doing. This book fit the challenge and I decided to give it a go. It was a cute story.

Bailey Ruth is dead and doesn't let death stop her from solving mysteries. A man is murdered and left on the porch of a church. Bailey goes back to help solve the murder. When Bailey picks up things it looks like the items are floating. This has a tendency to cause a little panic. I am glad I chose this book to read.

4 stars

I will be starting the following books

Call me Hope by Gretchen Olson
The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon
All the Pretty Bones by Camela Thompson
Alpha Girl by Kate Bloomfield

I finished another book today.

#16. Call me Hope by Gretchen Olson

I really got into this book from the beginning. Hope is an 11 year old girl and this is her story. Hope lives with her brother, Tyler and their mother. Hope starts 6th grade at the beginning of Call me Hope.

Hope's mother is verbally abusive to her and you see and feel her struggles throughout this book. I found myself crying while reading this book. Some of the things that Hope goes through really broke my heart. You always hear about the physical abuse but not how words can be just as dangerous.

Hope was resilient in this book. Finding ways to cope and survive. It was great how this book ended and really touched me.

5 stars

I am currently reading Alpha Girl by Kate Bloomfield and I am enjoying that one. It is different from what I have read. Not sure what else I will pick up to read next.

Hi Monica, I wish you Happy Easter.

>64 Ameise1: Thank you! Hope you have a Happy Easter!

Just finished another book today.

#17. Alpha Girl by Kate Bloomfield

Well I have never read a book quite like this one. Alpha Girl is about Rose and her 'illness'. Once a month she has 'her time of the month', as her mother likes to call it. Every month at the full moon Rose becomes a werewolf.

Rose meets her new teacher Mr. Stone who she has an attraction to. The attraction is mutual. The reason for the attraction is because of their affliction. I have never read a book like this before. I did enjoy it even though it is considered taboo for a student teacher relationship.

4 stars

Now I am reading my book club book The story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon, Man of my Dreams by Johanna Lindsey and All the Pretty Bones by Camela Thompson

Stopping by to wish you a Happy Easter weekend, Monica!

Hi Monica, I wish you a fabulous weekend.

>68 Ameise1: Thanks!

I have finally finished another book. I have been busy these past couple of weeks with my b-day, Easter and family stuff.

#18. The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon

I probably would never have thought to pick this book up to read. I am glad out book club chose this book. I was enthralled from the beginning. This is a book that starts in 1968 around November. This is the story about a young girl named Lynnie. There is also Homan, Martha and Julia that are part of this book.

Martha meets Homan and Lynnie on a rainy night when they knock on her door looking for shelter. Lynnie has a baby. Lynnie and Homan are from a 'school' for those with disabilities. Just reading about how they are treated made me very upset.

A wonderful love story about two very different people.

5 stars

I am still reading my ER book All the Pretty bones by Camela Thompson and Man of My dreams by Johanna Lindsey.

Hi Monica, I wish you a wonderful weekend.

>70 Ameise1: Thank you! Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

I finished another book on Friday.

#19. Man of My Dreams by Johanna Lindsey

I love Johanna Lindsey's work!! Again I was not disappointed. This is a story of Megan and Devlin. Devlin is a 'horse breeder' that meets Megan when he starts working at her father's stables. Megan is considered a beauty and has men falling at her feet. Devlin is also considered a handsome man and has women falling at his feet.

Megan has a goal to marry a Duke. A certain one named Ambrose St. James and she tells Devlin this. What Megan doesn't know is that Devlin is hiding from his friend Freddy because Freddy's sister says she is pregnant and that Devlin is the father.

Devlin is keeping his true identity a secret from Megan and others until the story of the 'pregnancy' passes. Devlin is really Ambrose St. James. Megan doesn't find this out until after she is married because of an indiscretion with Devlin.

I loved the interaction between Devlin and Megan. They are great together. I enjoyed how neither one could admit that they were falling in love with each other.

5 stars

I am reading All the Pretty Bones by Camela Thompson, I will also be reading Gold by Chris Cleave, Interview with the vampire by Anne Rice, and The Theory of attraction by Delphine Dryden. I am more then 50% done with The Theory of Attraction and I may finish it this weekend.

I will be going to see a play today with my dad and will hopefully get some reading done of while I wait for him before the show. I am currently watching Covert Affairs. Since I have gotten rid of my cable I now watch all my shows on Amazon Prime (if they are free) I am on season 4. Plus I watch a lot of shows on the web. Every show I have watched has been new to me.

I finished a book today.

#20. The Theory of Attraction by Delphine Dryden

This book was similar to Fifty Shades of Gray but better written. This story takes place in Houston Texas. Ivan and Camilla are neighbors and work at a University. They are both nerds but Ivan is the bigger nerd. He kind of reminds me of Sheldon on The Big Bang Theory.

Camilla has a huge crush on Ivan and is a semi stalker of his. Ivan asks Cami to teach him how to act in social situations. It is interesting to see how something that is so normal for some people to be so hard for others. Then the story gets interesting when Camilla learns that Ivan has a secret.

Camilla becomes Ivan's submissive and is now the student as she learns about his lifestyle. This was a very easy read.

4 stars

I am only 3 books behind of making my goal of 75 books this year. I need to finish another book this week. I am currently reading: An interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice, Gold by Chris Cleave, and All the Pretty Bones by Camela Thompson. Hope to make some progress on All the pretty Bones.

Sounds like a interesting book :) I'm gonna keep my eyes open for that one.

Good job with sticking with your list of books, Monica! :) I've tried making a list and sticking to it, but buying new books and/or seeing new books at work always throws me off track. Anyway, I can't wait to see what you think of Interview with the Vampire. I started that one in high school, but never finished it. Loved the movie though. :)

Btw, how was the play with your dad? And you don't have cable either? I'm glad I'm not the only one. :) I've never looked into Amazon Prime; but then, I don't have internet anymore and basically bum my internet usage at work or from my mom. Everything's getting so much more expensive, and my income seems to remain the same (though we do get a yearly increase, but it's sooooo small, like in the cent-range).

I hope you're having a great week so far, and good job with your reading! :) I always like seeing what you're reading.

>74 Kassilem: Thanks. I like finding a good read once in awhile.

>75 saraslibrary: I am trying. So far I am enjoying Interview with the Vampire. I am only a few pages into it. The play was great. It was actually The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe. I am not sure if I made the mistake or if my dad did. But it was still good. I Love seeing the plays in the local theaters. The kids are awesome. I know what you mean about everything being expensive and not seeing a large increase. I am in the same boat. I only got a 22 cents raise this year. I bring home less now then I did a year ago. I am hoping I can keep the internet once I move and have to pay rent and everything else. Trying to get used to little money now so I am not shocked when I don't have money to spend. I am going to go and stop by your thread. I enjoy seeing what you read.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Finally finished a book. It seems like time is just flying by and that I have no time to read.

#21. All the Pretty Bones by Camela Thompson

I wasn't sure if I would like this book. This book is a mixture of mystery, romance, vampires and thriller, all genres that I enjoy.

Olivia has been stalked for 10 years by the same man. His name is Mark. Mark has made Olivia's life a living hell. She has not been able to life a full life. She hasn't dated and when she does date Mark threatens the guys or beats them till they are almost dead.

Olivia's life is turned up side down when she learns that she has cancer and Mark is back in town. She knows that she is being watched. She obtains a gun and starts to taking some defensive lessons at a Do Jo. She wants to kill Mark before she dies.

Olivia meets Lucian and he knows more about Olivia and her past then she knows about herself. Olivia is dying and also being hunted by Mark and her father. Lucian knows about her father and then learns about Mark and decides to help Olivia with her mission of killing Mark.

4 stars

I am reading Interview with the vampire by Anne Rice and I will hopefully start reading Gold by Chris Cleave. I have been watching some shows instead of reading. I have been watching Orphan Black and Secret and Lies. I am loving them both. Now I only need to watch the final episode of Secret and Lies. I am on the first season of Orphan Black and only have 2 more episodes to watch.

Well I am going to head outside to do some yard work.

Hi Monica, I wish you a lovely weekend.

>77 crazy4reading: Interesting cover. Let me guess: it takes place in Seattle? ;)

>78 Ameise1: Thanks and what a beautiful picture.

>79 saraslibrary: Wow I don't know how you could have guessed?!?! ;)

Well my reading has slowed down again. I really need to read tomorrow.

>80 crazy4reading: LOL! Yeah, I think I've seen that structure once or twice. ;)

No worries. Enjoy the slow times, too. :) That's the nice things about books; they're super patient and will wait til you're ready to start them again.

Hi Monica, I wish you a wonderful weekend.

Hi Monica, hope you are having a lovely Saturday my dear, sending love and hugs.

Hi >83 johnsimpson: Thanks for stopping by. I forgot to post some reviews:

#22. Gold by Chris Cleave

Another book club book and one that I probably wouldn't have picked up on my own. I didn't love this book but I didn't hate this book either. I found it to be interesting but not one that I loved.

Gold is about 3 cyclists going for GOLD at many different Olympics. You have Jack, Kate and Zoe. All three first meet when they were young and just starting out in cycling. Then there is Sophie, Jack and Kate's daughter who is fighting Leukemia. Kate gives up going to the Olympics after Sophie and once she is diagnosed with Leukemia it looks like her hopes are gone forever.

Gold follows all three with flashbacks and to the present. You learn how each individual was shaped into the adult they are now. Seeing how each one had a different beginning and what drove them to get into cycling. The things they do with and to each other during the book makes for some entertaining and heartbreaking moments.

4 stars

#23. Swimsuit by James Patterson

My second book by James Patterson and I am not disappointed. I actually listened to the audio for this book and found myself drawn into the story from the very beginning.

This book is about the murder of a swimsuit model and the person who committed the crime. You hear the story and the murders that he commits and has committed before. You don't know what is actually truth and what is fiction about the guy. He is a psychopath!!

Even the ending was one surprise and it makes you wonder. So glad I decided to listen to this book.

5 stars

Still making my way through Interview with a vampire by Anne Rice. So far I feel it is very slow going. Just finished part 1 and was like Wow that ending was interesting. Didn't expect that. Hoping to get some reading in today.

>84 crazy4reading: I haven't started Swimsuit, but I do have it...somewhere. :) Good job on Interview With the Vampire! :) You'll probably finish it way before I get around to it.

>84 crazy4reading: Monica, I loved Swimsuit too. It's very gripping.

Finally finished Interview with the vampire. Here is my review:

#24. Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice

I had trouble getting into this book at first. Since there were no real chapters I found it hard to stop in the middle and when I did stop I found myself going back and reading some of the book again. I did finally get into it and found myself getting into the characters. I think since I have read other books about vampires before that my idea of them was a lot different then this book depicted.

4 stars

I now have to figure out what I will be reading next. I have a few choices. I have a few ER books I need to read and I have my book club book, which is I capture the castle by Dodie Smith.

>87 crazy4reading: Congrats on finishing Interview with the Vampire! :) I'm glad I'm not the only one who had trouble getting into it. I haven't restarted it yet, but I hope to soonish. How were you expecting the vampires to be like? My only image of them is from the movie, which is pretty good, imho.

Good luck figuring out what to read next. If you're doing other challenges, I'd recommend picking one that'll help you fill your quota. But that's just me. :)

>88 saraslibrary: The first vampires I ever remember reading were the Twilight books and they just seem to know so much about themselves and where they come from. Where in Interview with a Vampire they are lost and know nothing that is what got me. Well I am doing other challenges on Goodreads but I am just having trouble in finding the time to read. I feel like time is moving faster and faster everyday. Today I finally finished a book and plan to start another one for another challenge.

#25. Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow

I picked this book up at Goodwill because it looked interesting. I wasn't disappointed. I found myself through out the whole book trying to figure out who would frame the Deputy PA Rusty Sabich. That is one thing I love about reading mysteries, trying to figure out who did it before I reach the end. I will say I kept speculating and that the final answer wasn't a total surprise. I was surprised but not like I would never have guessed. I thought it but just didn't want to believe it.

I loved all the characters in the book and yet I hated them at times. You have lawyers; both defense and prosecuting attorneys, cops, and judges. The personalities were interesting and fun to read. You have Carolyn Polhemus who has been murdered and worked in the PA's office. You have Rusty Sabich that has been charged with her murder. Just reading the beginning and all the evidence that keeps piling up makes you think did he do it, is he ever going to figure out that everything points to him. I sometimes felt that Rusty was surprised by all the evidence and just thinking it was coincidence for his prints to be in her apartment and other things.

I will definitely remember this book for awhile.

5 stars

I will be starting Good girl gone plaid by Shelli Stevens. I am reading this for a Clue game on Goodreads. I need to finish it by next Monday if not earlier. I still need to start my book club book too and read my ER books that I have received.

I am a quarter of the way to my goal of 75!! I am now only 8 books behind schedule. Maybe I should just pick up some really short books.

Hi Monica, our local library has Turow's book so I'll put them on my TBR list. I wish you a relaxed weekend.

>90 Ameise1: Thanks for the picture. I love it. Thanks for visiting. I will be looking for more Scott Turow's books too.

#26. Good Girl Gone Plaid by Shelli Stevens

I really enjoyed this book. I was laughing out loud with some of the comments. This story is the first book in a series called The McLaughlins and I am smitten with all the Scots in this book.

This book is about Ian McLaughlin. The other family members, brothers Aleck, & Colin (Ian's twin) and a sister Kenzie. Kenzie's best friend Sarah comes back to settle the matters of her Grans house that was left to her in the will. Sarah used to date Kenzie's brother Ian in high school. There is a past and a secret.

Sarah will be spending one month on Widbey Island so she can keep the house and then sell it. Sarah has a daughter who is staying with Sarah's mother in Virginia. Sarah and Ian had a bad break up and her being back on the island has brought those memories back and the feelings for Ian.

You can feel the tension between Sarah and Ian when they have there first run in. They both hate each other and yet you can feel the chemistry between them. I will be looking for the next books in this series.

4 stars

I need to finish my book club book. I captured the castle is my book and I need to finish it by Wednesday. I hope I enjoy it as much as I enjoyed my previous book.

>89 crazy4reading: Oh, yes, Twilight vampires are quite different from a lot of other vampires. :) I love different authors's take on vampires--some can be in the sun; some are born, not made, etc.

Congrats on getting so far with your reading! :) I'm sure you'll make it by the end of the year.

Hi Monica, I wish you a lovely weekend.

I am so far behind on my reading. I finally finished a book today.

#27. Last One Home by Debbie Macomber

Last One Home is the story of Cassie coming home after a few bad decisions she made as a teenager. Cassie is estranged from her family because she ran away after high school with her boyfriend. She is in an abusive marriage and has a daughter. She finally leaves her husband and has to start all over. She hasn't had communication with her family since she left at the age of 18. It was a very interesting story. I found myself crying and laughing.

5 stars

I will be reading Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and a few other ones.

I'm a big Macomber fan - she's the best when you need a nice comfort read, isn't she? I've not read this one, but it sounds good.

This book was just released this year. She is good for an easy comfort read. My copy was an ER win her on LT.

>94 crazy4reading: I got an ARC of that one and enjoyed it.

I am moving along slowly. Participating in a read a thon this weekend on another site. I was able to finish a book. Now I just need to get another one finished or make some good progress on my books.

#28. Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

I don't know why I put off reading this book for so long. I really enjoyed the whole story. To see Afghanistan through the eyes of a child in the beginning and to see how Afghanistan has changed through the same eyes as an adult.

Amir is the narrator of this story. To see how life was for him growing up, leaving Afghanistan when things start to change and then coming back to set somethings straight. I am not that familiar with the lifestyle in Afghanistan and reading about it written by a person that was born in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Amir is friends with a Hazara boy who is also his servant's son. The things they get themselves into are typical of all children. I will be picking up the second book by this Khaled Hosseini.

5 stars

I am currently reading or will be starting: In the Woods by Tana French, Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn and one of my ER books.

Well I finished a book this morning. I started it last night and finished it today. I love listening to audio books.

#29. White Cat by Holly Black

I didn't know what to expect when I borrowed this book from Overdrive. I decided to read the book because I am participating in a Bingo game and needed a book for my free space and this book fit the criteria for the game.

Cassel is the main character of this story. He comes from a family of magic who are also conmen. It is interesting as I was listening to the story about how Cassel feels he is losing his memory and dreaming of a white cat. The story held my interest.

Cassel knows something bad is going to happen and he tries to put a stop to it with the help of some friends.

4 stars

I am still reading In the woods and Gone Girl. Not sure if I will be able to finish another book but would like to make a dent in to one of them

I need to get round to The Kite Runner soon. I think I even have it on my shelves...I'll have to check on that...

>100 scaifea: I hope you have the book.

I finished another book today.

#30. In The Woods by Tana French

This is my first book by Tana French and I also think my first book based in Ireland. This was a very interesting book. The story starts by telling us about an incident that happened in 1984. Three children went into the woods and 2 disappeared and the third was covered in blood. So what happened to the other 2?

That is what you are told in the beginning. Now 20 some years later there is another murder in the woods and now the detectives need to find out if the 2 are related. Plus one of the detectives is the one boy from that incident in 1984.

This story was one that kept you guessing from the very beginning. Who would kill a 12 year old girl who was sweet and innocent? She was headed to ballet school. Her life was just beginning. To find out in the end exactly who did it was one that you will have to discover for yourself by reading the book.

4 stars

I am reading many books right now. Too many. Here are the ones I am reading:

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Alias Mommy by Linda Johnston
Fires of Winter by Johanna Lindsey
Castles in the Air by Christina Dodd
Divergent by Veronica Roth

Just to name a few. Plus I have some of my kids books I am reading so that I can donate them to the friends of the library.

stopping in to say hello.

>102 Whisper1: Hello!!

I finished a really easy book today.

31. Tales of the Great White by Jocelyn Heaney

I am going through my children's books so I can donate them to the Friends of the Library since they are in need of children's books. This was a fun and easy read. If you have a child that enjoys animals or even scary stories this is a good choice for them.

3 stars

Still reading other books. I think I have 6 going right now.

Six books at a time, now that is a challenge.

>104 Whisper1: I am reading: Castles in the Air by Christina Dodd and I have the following lined up to start:

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Fires of Winter by Johanna Lindsey
Alias Mommy by Linda O. Johnston
Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris
Riley in the Morning by Sandra Brown

I think Alias Mommy and Rilen in the Morning will be quick reads. I need to finish Castles in the Air before Aug. 6th because that is when it is due back at the library. Hopefully I will get some reading done this weekend.

Another book finished:

#32. Castles in the Air by Christina Dodd

This was a new author for me. Castles in the Air was also different to me because it was set in a time period I have never read before. It was just after the Crusades. I found it interesting to read something from that time period.

I did enjoy this romance story. Juliana is told by the king that she has to marry Lord Avrache. She does not consent nor does she go to the king when she is summoned for the wedding. She has a past she is hiding as does Lord Raymond Avrache.

The way they met was when Juliana is heading back to her castle when this stranger grabs her and forces her into a hut to get her out of the snow storm. She thinks she is being kidnapped and going to be forced to do sleep with this man. She doesn't know that he is her betrothed and he doesn't reveal his true identity either. She believes he is the King's Master Castle Builder.

When she does learn of his true identity she doesn't know how to feel at first. This man hasn't treated her like the most other men. You can see the love growing between them even though they both deny it.

4 stars

Still working on the other books. Well actually I need to start those books.

#33. Alias Mommy by Linda O. Johnston

I picked this book up for an easy read. I enjoy a nice romance with some intrigue in it and Alias Mommy had just enough. The story starts off with Polly driving on a stormy night. She is on unfamiliar roads and falls asleep behind the wheel.

She is discovered and a doctor is called to the scene to help so that she doesn't die. Polly is 8 months pregnant and Dr. Reeve Snyder sees her and has a memory of his own. Polly is hiding something and Reeve is concerned about her.

Polly is running away from her family and is afraid for her life and the life of her new baby daughter. She doesn't want to trust anyone because of her past, what she is running away from and being hurt again. This was a nice easy fun read.

4 stars

Still reading Divergent by Veronica Roth, Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, House of Echoes by Brendan Duffy (ER book), Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris, Fires of Winter by Johanna Lindsey I also have a few e-books but cannot remember the titles. Hope to make some progress on Divergent this weekend and Gone Girl. I am only 11 books behind in making my goal of 75 this year. I really need to read some short books.

Finished another book today.

#34. Divergent by Veronica Roth

Well I bought this book over a year ago and just now got around to reading it. I don't know why I let the size of a book scare me about reading it. I can't wait to purchase the next book and read it. I loved this book and this is probably going to become another of my favorite series along with HP and Hunger Games.

I loved the concept of this book. There are five factions and when you reach the age of 16 you are given a test to see which faction you should choose. Even though you are born in one faction you can choose to go to a different one. I loved Beatrice (Tris) who is from Abnegation. Her and her brother both decide to change factions. If they don't pass the initiation then they will become Factionless.

I loved the people that Tris meets especially Four. Tris learns that she is Divergent and it is something you cannot talk about. Some of the ending left me very sad.

5 stars

Well I will now be starting a new book soon. Not sure which one will be next from my list is the previous post.

You have read some great books this year. Are you attending the Philadelphia meet up? Sadly, I have to pass on it this year.

I am planning to attend it. Sorry you can't make it this year. This will only be my second time meeting up with LT members. I hope you are doing well.

I am currently reading Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. I have not seen the movie. The book is interesting and keeping my attention. It is easy to put down after a chapter and still want to pick it up to continue.

I finished Gone Girl tonight.

#35. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Well what can I say, I read the book. I haven't seen the movie so nothing was spoiled for me. I didn't find this book a thriller or very suspenseful. There were moments of suspense but not throughout the whole book. I usually don't care for books that go back and forth between people or time. That did not bother me but I did fell like reading all of Nick or all of Amy sometimes.

So Nick's wife goes 'missing' or possibly murdered on their fifth wedding anniversary. In the beginning it felt like it was going to be a story of a murder and who did it. Than as the story progresses you start to realize that this is a very psychological book of fiction. I don't want to say thriller. The ending was just an ending. I would have liked something different.

I didn't really like any of the characters the best. I enjoyed Go, Tanner and Boney. I felt that Nick and Amy were just two pain in the butt characters even though they are the main ones. Nick's way of thinking and attitude bothered me. Amy was just annoying both as diary Amy and real or not real Amy. Amy is definitely a sociopath. Nick was just an idiot.

I may try a few other books by Gillian Flynn.

3 stars

I will be starting Trail of Kisses, House of Echoes, Dead Reckoning and Insurgent in the next couple of days/weeks.

I had the same impressions regarding Gone Girl.. I didn't think it was a five star read. I did not like any of the characters. I love your statement "Am is definitely a sociopath. Nich was just an idiot."

So many people were telling me how great the book was. I just didn't feel it was that much of a thriller. I will say it is a psychological book, but not a psychological thriller. I have read better thrillers then this one.

#36. Trail of Kisses by Merry Farmer

This was a very good story. I was enthralled from the beginning of the book. I enjoyed the story of Lynne and Cade.

Lynne's father is a judge in Missouri and has been threatened along with his family by the Briscoe Boys. Lynne is forced by her father to head to Denver City on a wagon train to live with her uncle. Cade works for her uncle and is put in charge of her safety.

Right from the beginning you can feel the tension between Cade and Lynne. Cade is afraid of failing her uncle like he did once before. Lynne is her father's brave daughter. They are both very stubborn and it makes for some entertaining conversations. The way Cade get's exasperated by Lynne is something I found entertaining.

I look forward to reading the other books in the series.

5 stars

I will be reading House of Echoes by Brendan Duffy, Dead Reckoning, Insurgent Fires of Winter. Hoping to get through another one this weekend. If I get time between cleaning, walking the dog, packing boxes for moving and just life in general.

Happy Weekend, Monica.

>116 Ameise1: Thanks!!

I finished another book this weekend. I had so many Dr. appointments and tests yesterday that I read as I waited for the appointments. I hope I can finish another book this weekend.

#37. Fires of Winter by Johanna Lindsey

Another great book by one of my favorite authors. I really liked this book. I was surprised because I have read a few other books with Vikings and didn't enjoy them as much. I also think it has to do with the language that is used in these books.

Lady Brenna's father has arranged a marriage for his daughter to a Viking. Brenna is a Celtic. Brenna's arranged groom is named Garrick Haardrad. Garrick's father attacks Brenna's home and takes anyone that is alive back with him as slaves.

Brenna is not your typical Lady. She does not wear dresses or acts like a lady. Plus she doesn't like doing women stuff such as cooking, sewing etc. Garrick's father Anselm cannot believe that Brenna was the one swinging a sword at one of his son's, Hugh, and injured him.

The rules of the Vikings is something that was also different for me. Taking slaves, killing babies if they are born weak, not being able to marry a slave, etc. I will continue with this series.

5 stars

I am still reading: House of Echoes by Brendan Duffy, Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris, The Nightlife: New York by Travis Luedke, Life of Pi by Yann Martel, Witch Song by Amber Argyle, Beauty from Pain by Georgia Cates.

Happy Sunday, Monica.

Another book finished:

#38. House of Echoes by Brendan Duffy

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I enjoyed it even thought I didn't really know what I was getting myself into. This book has been tagged as horror and I haven't read that many horror books. This book kept me interested from the start.

This is the story about Ben and Caroline Tierney and their 2 boys. They are from New York and have moved to a small town, Swannhaven. Charlie their oldest boy was being bullied in the Manhattan school he attended. Caroline has been diagnosed with Bipolar. Ben is hoping that the change will be good for them all.

The are accepted by the townspeople right away. They all want to teach him about the history of the Swanns and the house they bought known as the Crofts. There plan is to make it an Inn. There is also a history of events that have happened at the Crofts. There is a reason for all those events.

4 stars

Here are the books I am currently reading:

Beauty from Pain by Georgia Cates
Witch Song by Amber Argyle
The Nightlife: New York by Travis Luedke
Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Annie Freeman's fabulous traveling funeral by Kris Radish
Insurgent by Victoria Roth

#39. Beauty from Pain by Georgia Cates

Wow!! I really want to read the next book. I was in tears at the end of this book. I was surprised by the ending. I didn't expect the ending.

Laurelyn and Jack have an agreement that they will only be together for 3 months. They don't know each others real names. No strings. Laurelyn wasn't quick to accept the conditions but was finally persuaded by Jack. I loved the connection and interaction between Jack and Laurelyn.

I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

4 stars

Still reading the books listed above.

#40. Witch Song by Amber Argyle

Another free book that I enjoyed. This book is about a world where the witches take care of the earth, plants, etc. There is an evil witch named Espen who is capturing the rest of the witches. She wants the power for herself. Then there is Brusenna, a young girl that doesn't know she is a witch. Brusenna finds out she is a witch when another witch finds her house and talks to her mother.

Brusenna is the one that will have to fight Espen to end the turmoil that is happening in the world. There are droughts, floods, fog, no winds on the sea and the humans are blaming the witches. I found the story interesting.

The witches use their voices, singing and making things grow. They are healers and not killers. I am glad I read this book.

4 stars

I am still reading:

The Nightlife: New York by Travis Luedke
Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
Annie Freeman's fabulous traveling funeral by Kris Radish
Insurgent by Victoria Roth

Another one done!!

#41. Storm Front by Jim Butcher
I own this book and I borrowed the audio from Overdrive so I could listen while I worked and then follow along when I was just relaxing. I really enjoyed this story and I know I will be continuing with this series. I wasn't familiar with this book or series.

Harry Dresden is a Wizard that is on probation. He also helps the police in their investigations. There is a murderer going around and killing people by exploding their hearts.

I also enjoyed this book because there was a character named Monica in it. Not very often that I get to read a book with my name in it.

4 stars.

I hope to finish Annie Freeman's fabulous traveling Funeral by Kris Radish this week. I have my book club on Wed and need to finish it before then.

Hi! I'm here to lurk for book recommendations a little bit as I get my LT thread-watching groove back under my feet. :) Love the Harry Dresden series!

#42. Annie Freeman's Fabulous Traveling funeral by Kris Radish

I liked the book. It isn't the type of book I would normally pick up to read. That is one reason I enjoy my book club. It gets me out of my comfort zone and to try new books.

I found the book at times to be redundant. These women traveling around to these locations that meant something to their friend Annie and trying to figure out why, how or what happened in these places. Some of the characters I enjoyed more than others.

There are some life lessons in the book. The biggest one is to make time... for life, friends, family anything other then work!!

3 stars

I am still reading Dead Reckoning, Insurgent, Life of Pi and a few others. Hoping to take some time this weekend to read if my dog doesn't beg me to take her walking and to the dog park. She is staring at me as I type this. I think she feels I spend too much time on the computer and at work.

I am also in the process of packing up to move (with in the next few months.) I really want out of this house and into something of my own now that my divorce is final for over a year. It is slow going with the packing though. I may have to take a 'sick' day to spend packing and playing with my dog in the next month or so.

Will post other book next.

#43. There's an Owl in the Shower by Jean Craighead George

This was a cute story about saving the Spotted Owl or any endangered species. This was one of my children's books and I don't even know if they ever read it. I liked that the author even researched about the Spotted Owl.

Borden's father loses his job because of the spotted owl. He decides he is going to kill the owl and save his father's job. During the course of the book Borden learns about how cutting the trees down has also caused other damage to the environment. It is nice to see that in a book for children to help them understand how what we as humans do can actually hurt not only animals but also the human race.

4 stars

Trying to clear out my Children's books by reading them and then donating them to the friends of the Library. You never know when I will pick one up to read.

Happy weekend, Monica.

Lovely flowers!! Thanks for stopping by!

I went to my library's book sale today and they were doing a bag of books for $8. So I did that and I got a lot of books. Here is a list of the books I bought:

The Winter Witch by Paula Brackston
Drink of Me by Jacquelyn Frank
Chanel A woman of her Own by Axel Madsen
Skinny Bitch by Rory Freedman & Kim Barnouin
The Blood of His Servants by Malcolm MacPherson
Size 12 is not Fat by Meg Cabot
Sleeping Arrangements by Madeleine Wickham
War Wives by Colin & Eileen Townsend
Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris
The Dead Zone by Stephen King
Night World Secret Vampire by L. J. Smith
By the Light of the Moon by Dean Koontz
The Good Luck Cat by Lissa Warren
Lady Killer by Lisa Scottoline
Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
Mind Prey by John Sanford
The Chamber John Grisham
Plus a series of books EverWorld by K. A. Applegate:

Search for Senna
Land of Loss
Enter the Enchanted
Realm of The Reaper
Discover the Destroyer
Fear the Fantastic
Gateway to the Gods
Brave the Betrayal
Inside the Illusion
Understand the Unknown
Mystify the Magician
Entertain the End

I just couldn't resist filling up that bag.

Wow, what a book haul, Monica.

Thanks Ameise! I still have to catalog them on here. I keep forgetting.

I finished a book this morning and will post later because I have to leave for work soon.

I finished a book this morning. Taking some time now to post my review:

#44. Life of Pi by Yann Martel

I read along as I listened to the audio. This made the story more entertaining. It was like hearing the story from Pi. There were 2 narrators. One for the author and one for Pi. At first I was afraid I wouldn't like this book because it stated this will make you believe in God.

I did find the story very entertaining. To be stranded and the only survivor with a few animals in a life boat makes for an adventurous read. The story about how he got is name Piscine Molitar Patel was interesting. It is strange how parents can decide on names.

This does make you think about how when faced with adversity you can survive and discover new things about yourself.

4 stars

I am trying to finished up Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris

I just finished reading Life of Pi last night myself! Great book.

#45. The Nightlife: New York by Travis Luedke

A different type of book for me to read. Aaron's life changes when he is shot trying to save beautiful woman from some not so savory cops. Michelle is a vampire and changes Aaron when she realizes that he will die if she doesn't do something.

There is a lot of sex in this book between vampires and also vampires and humans. It was interesting with the drama in real life and also with in each of them.

4 stars

Happy Sunday, Monica.

>133 Ameise1: Beautiful picture

Well I finished listening to another book yesterday.

#46. Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

I just chose to listen to this book last night for a BINGO challenge. I only stopped to listen to go to bed and when I had to drive. At first I was a little lost on the story line.

There is a world with magic and the human world. The doors between the worlds start having black hand marks on them. This is so that they can close the opening between the two worlds.

You have Karou who is an artist and sketches. She is in art school and does errands for Brimstone. Then she meets Akiva. This is when things start to change and get interesting. I am glad I took the time to listen to this book. I do plan to look into the rest of the series.

4 stars

Trying to finish up Dead Reckoning and hope to start Insurgent

Ah, Daughter of Smoke and Bone is next on my itunes list. I'm glad you liked it. I'm looking forward to reading it.

Hi Monica, you are doing really well with your reading my dear.

>136 johnsimpson: Thank you.

#47. Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris
I don't know why I put off reading this series. It doesn't help when I don't have access to the books. I do enjoy this series. Dead Reckoning continues where the previous book left. Sookie is married to Eric the vampire.

So does Sookie find trouble or does trouble find Sookie? Merlotte's is firebombed and Eric and Pam are plotting to kill Victor the new Regent of the area. Sookie gets caught up in the planning because Victor can make trouble for her too.

4 stars

#48. Maggie for Hire by Kate Danley
I enjoyed Maggie for Hire. Maggie comes from a family of different worlds. Her mother is human and has the seer ability. Her father is from the Other World and is a tracker. Maggie has the powers while her twin sister does not.

Maggie's life takes a turn when an Elf named Killian comes to her rescue and proceeds to tell her that she is needed to save both Earth and the Other World. Maggie discovers that she actually has family and it is her evil Uncle Ulrich who she will have to destroy to save the human world from Vampires.

This was a nice easy read for a cold Sunday morning.

4 stars

Listening to Garden of Lies by Amanda Quick and picked up Just Desserts by Barbara Bretton. Hoping to finish both this week.

Happy weekend, Monica.

# 49. Garden of Lies by Amanda Quick

I listened to an audio I had won. I found it hard to listen to at first because it kept skipping. I finally switched to my other computer and it played fine. I was using my laptop originally and that is newer than my desktop. Once I got going I didn't want to stop listening.

This was a mystery, romance and historical fiction. Ursula Kern has a secretarial agency in England and when one of her secretaries is found dead she is determined to find out what happened to her friend and employee.

Ursula meets Slater Roxton and they work together in solving the death of her friend Anne. I loved the parts when Ursula was talking to Slater about seeing a doctor to relieve constipation and hysteria. I was laughing.

I loved the narrator for all the different voices she did.

4 stars

#50. The Knitting Circle by Ann Hood

I was surprised by how much I did like this book. It was slow going at first. The narrator made the characters sound annoying at times by the voice she used for them.

The Knitting Circle is about a woman who lost her daughter and how she is coping with it. Mary is not coping with the loss and her mother tells her to take up knitting. This is when she meets all these other women and learns about their lives.

I found myself enjoying their stories. I cried every so often during some of the stories. It was nice listening to the stories and also realizing how they were helping Mary.

4 stars

I am reading a few books. One is still Just Desserts by Barbara Bretton

I finished 2 books yesterday. Here are the reviews:

#51. Insurgent by Victoria Roth

Well I found this book interesting but not interesting enough to keep me glued to the pages. I felt I could put it down for a few days and come back and not be in a rush to read it.

Insurgent starts right after the first simulation. Tris is dealing with having shot friends that were not themselves. I found myself getting annoyed with her at times. She couldn't shot anymore because of someone she killed.

Now the ending has me wanting to pick up the next book just to see what happens. So I went out today and bought the next book.

4 stars

#52. The Medium by C. J. Archer

This was a freebie from Amazon. I found myself enjoying this book. I have a fascination with ghosts and whether or not people can really communicate with them.

Medium is the introduction of Emily Chambers. She is a spirit medium. She holds seances and can see and speak to ghosts.

She has a ghost assigned to her because of a demon that was released during one of her seances. Her sister did it accidentally. The ghost assigned to Emily is Jacob. The interaction of those two was what kept me interested.

I also enjoyed Emily's sister Celia. She actually asked Emily is ghosts can have intimacy. Celia knows Emily is falling in love with Jacob and she is concerned about Emily's virtue. This maybe the first time I actually buy the next book of a freebie.

4 stars

I am still reading. I have a boot on my left foot. I have a partial Achilles tendon rupture. I am doing okay it is just hard to get things done. I will also be moving soon. So trying to pack is hard with the boot. I can't carry too much up or down the steps. I have been sitting on the steps and slowly sliding down with stuff on my lap. I am taking my dog for walks just not as many.

I finished 2 books today.

53. Crux: Southern Arcana by Moira Rogers

I bought this book when it was a freebie on Amazon. I hardly ever look at the description of the book when they are free. I just think "FREE BOOK!!" and hit buy. Well I enjoyed this book.

I haven't read too many books with cat shifters. This one is about a woman that doesn't know she is a cougar. She is on the run. She turns up in New Orleans and meets some really nice people but she is afraid and not sure if she can trust them. Her name is Mackenzie.

Mackenzie is running from Marcus who has told her that they are destined to be together. That is when her life is turned inside out. She meets, Nicole (Nick), Jackson, Alec, Kat and Derek. Nick senses something is bothering Kenzie and gets Jackson to try and figure out what it is.

I enjoyed getting to know the character and will possibly read the next ones.

4 stars

54. Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James

I only listened to this book for a bingo game I am playing. I found the book annoying. I don't know how many times I heard Christian say Oh baby! I remember the first time this book was release so many people told me it was porn for women. I didn't find it to be that good.

I found myself laughing at the narrator. The 'love scenes' were funny hearing a woman talking like a man. Especially when his voice was husky. At least no one asked me at work what I was smiling or laughing about.

Still feel the same way about the book. The writing was terrible and too much of the same words over and over again.

3 stars

I am still reading: Just Desserts by Barbara Bretton.

Keep going Monica you will reach your target my dear, love and hugs.

I read a very short book this morning before work. Trying to clean out some of my children's books to donate to the library.

55. Oh, Brother by Luke David

A cute story based on the popular Nickelodeon show, Rugrats. This is after Tommy has a little brother and the adults are enthralled by everything Dil does. Tommy and Chuckie talk about how much the adults like Dil more then the bigger babies.

4 stars

I maybe reading more short books the next couple of days. I need to clear them out so I can move.

Well today I am reading some children's books so hoping to get through a few today.

56. Mr. Rabbit & the lovely present by Charlotte Zolotow

Another book that I bought for my kids when they were little. I decided to read it before I donate it to the library. The pictures are beautiful in this book.

A little girl needs a present for her mother because it is her birthday. It is a great book to introduce children to colors and to reading.

4 stars

Hope to be back for more finished books.

57. The Weeds & the Weather by Mary Stolz

Cute story and beautiful pictures.

4 stars

58. Curious George goes to a chocolate factory by H. A. Rey

Another cute story about Curious George the monkey.

4 stars

59. Freckle Juice by Judy Blume

I love Judy Blume. I remember reading her when I was young. Not sure if I have ever read this book before but it was a cute book.

4 stars

Going to try and finish another book.

I finished another book late last night.

60.Just Desserts by Barbara Bretton

Hayley is a baker with a teenage daughter. She never knew her father. Now she has been hired to bake a cake for a rock star Tommy Stiles. Finn, Tommy's lawyer goes to check out Hayley's bakery Goldy's.

This story was cute as Hayley doesn't know who her father is and her mother is coming home to tell her. When Finn meets Hayley you can feel the sparks right away. I loved the interaction of the characters. You have Hayley, Lizzie (Hayley's daughter), Tommy, Finn, Willow, Fee, CeCe, Jane, Anton.

4 stars

Still working on my other books.

#61. Dork in Disguise by Carol Gorman
I enjoyed reading this book because it made me think about when I was in school and how it felt to not feel 'cool'. As I read the book I thought about how things have changed. Wearing glasses you always felt like a geek and now glasses are more stylish.

Jerry wants to be cook and not a geek so he studies being a cool guy during the summer. He is in a new school and wants to be cool.

3 stars

#62. The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

I enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure I would be able to enjoy The Language of Flowers but I did. I have the physical book to read for the book club and I also downloaded the audio version from Overdrive. I listened to the book while I followed along in the book.

This is the story about Victoria Jones whose life is one that starts out troubled and how it changes when she meets Elizabeth and learns about flowers and what they truly mean. I loved the different meanings behind the names of flowers.

4 stars

#63. Stranded with her ex by Jill Sorenson

Daniela is a conservation biologist and she has the chance of lifetime. You start out in this story not knowing her past. Slowly the past is explained and you learn that she is on this island and so is her ex. I felt it was drawn out and slow moving at first. When I got towards the end I didn't want to put the book down. You needed to build up the characters and to get to know them better.

4 stars

Good Morning Monica. I have been so busy this year I have not kept up with LT or many people on here this year. I just wanted to let you know I did not forget about you and I hope this note fines you well.

>152 MonicaLynn: Good Morning Monica! Thanks for stopping by. I too have not kept up with the threads this year. I have been lurking in a few. I hope you have had a good year. Hard to believe the year is almost over.

I finished a book last night but didn't have time to post. I was too busy cuddling with my dog instead. I had book club last night and didn't take much time with my dog the past few days that I knew I had to cuddle with her. Tonight I have a Friends of the Library Meeting so another night out. I wanted to go to the movies Friday but I may have to put if off until Saturday. So here is my review:

#64 Rock the Band by Michelle A. Valentine

Cute story of a member of a Rock band. He is reunited with his sweetheart and realizes she is his one true love. I didn't read the first 2 books of the series so not sure if I missed anything important. I felt this book explained things that I didn't feel lost. Plus this series could be one that follows a different member of bands. I might see if I can find the other 2 books to read just to see how the series started. Very quick read.

3 stars

Well I am now going to try and read the following:
Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris (started and only 1 chapter in. I am enjoying it)
Along came a spider by Jame Patterson (need to start)
Betrayed by P.C. Cast (need to start)
Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky (book club book, just got last night)

Those are the ones I have with me. I know I have more I want to read but this is it for now.

Hi Monica, I finally find time to do some weekend greetings. Wishing you a most lovely weekend.

Well I finished some books this weekend.

#65. The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins
Cute story. I remember reading this with my children.

#66. Scooby-Doo and the Invisible Android by Jesse Leon McCann
My son loved Scooby-doo and he had almost every single book on Scooby-doo.

#67. Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris
A nice cozy little read. I read the Sookie series written by Charlaine. This is definitely different. You have Harper who can find dead bodies and can also tell how they died. Interesting concept.

Harper is asked to find the body of a teenage girl in Sarne. They believe it was a murder suicide. Her boyfriend was found shot and they ruled his a suicide. Things don't read that way for Harper so her brother Tolliver and her are dragged into the mystery of who killed Teenie and Dell.

I enjoyed this story and look forward to continuing this series.

4 stars

Still working on the other books.

I finally finished another book. I may have to read some really short books to reach my goal of 75.

#68. Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky

I love books based on history and especially WWII. I enjoyed this book but also found it confusing. There are a lot of characters and I started to get confused. Otherwise I enjoyed the story. I haven't read many books that are based on Occupied France.

3 stars

Still working on the other 2 books.

I finished a really short book yesterday. I am still trying to clear out some of the children's books and I hate getting rid of them if I haven't read them.

#69. Santa Comes to Little House by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Cute story. I love the Little House series when I was growing up. The illustrations in this book were fantastic.

5 stars

I am now reading Betrayed by P. C. Cast and Along Came a spider by James Patterson I don't know if I will make my goal but I will try.

Hi Monica, sending Christmas greetings to you my dear, hope you have a lovely day tomorrow.

#70. Betrayed by P. C. Cast

I don't know why I kept putting off reading this book. I really enjoyed this book. It took me awhile to get into it but once I did I didn't want to stop reading it. Betrayed continues the House of Night series.

Zoe Redbird, Damian, Stevie Rae, Shaunee and Erin (Twins) and Aphrodite return. Zoe is now the leader of the Dark Daughters. Zoe can sense that something is wrong. There is evil in the House of Night and you may be surprised by who it is.

I was surprised by how Zoe's friends have come into the powers. I will be continuing with this series.

4 stars

Now trying to finished Along Came a Spider by James Patterson

Well I read some Children's books last night before bed. I want to make my goal of 75 books so I took a little short cut.

#71. Hey Diddle, Diddle by Kin Eagle
Great book featuring the rhyme. The illustrations are fantastic.

5 stars

#72. It's Raining, It's Pouring by Kin Eagle
Loved the illustrations. Cute take on the rhyme.

5 stars

#73 I'm a Little Teapot by Iza Trapani
Beautiful pictures for the great rhyme. I remember singing this with my children.

5 stars

I am working on some ER books that I hope to finish this week too.

2 books to go! You can do it, Monica!

>161 lkernagh: I will be reading the next couple of days to finish 2 books!!

You can totally do it! Go, Monica, go! :)

Go Monica Go.

>163 LauraBrook: & >164 johnsimpson: I finished one tonight. Will post review below.

#74. Playing with Fire: A Claire Abbott Mystery by Gail Anderson-Dargatz

I enjoyed this book. It was a nice quick read. A Claire Abbot Mystery. I have never read any books by Gail Anderson-Dargatz. I found myself not wanting to put the book down.

This mystery was of an arsonist setting fires. Claire Abbott has visions and she thought she knew who was the firebug. I will be looking for more books by Gail Anderson-Dargatz

4 stars

I am going to try and finish another ER book tonight. My little mini read-a-thon starting tonight and going into the new year. Hope to finish up some books and get a jump on the new year.

I am getting in my last book for 2015!! I made it to 75 with this book!!

#75. Burned (retribution) by Natasha Deen

Short review. Part of a trilogy that can be read in any order. I enjoyed this book. It was another quick and easy read.

4 stars

Now off to another book that will be finished in 2016!!

Happy New Year!!

Congrats!