Cheli's 75 Challenge 3rd Qtr.

To keep things neat and tidy I decided to start a new thread for the 3rd Qtr. Don't forget to visit Cheli's Shelves.

Here's the link to my old thread. My 2nd Qtr Thread for 75 Book Challenge
I'm starting a second 75 challenge and since I'm 15 books into it, there's where I'm starting the ticker. The first 14 can be found on the previous thread.

Cute ticker; I'm liking it!~!
Happy reading with your new thread.
belva

Got you starred again, Cheli!

I've got you starred too!

Just posting so I don't lose you :)

#90 FATALLY FLAKY
Author : Diane Mott Davidson
Read : June 28 - July 1
Category : Mystery
Pages : 474 pages

Bridezilla Billie is getting Goldy ready to tear her hair out. The bride has changed the date three times, the menu twice, and now in the middle of catering another wedding, Billie informs Goldy that she has added 50 additional guests for her wedding 2 days away which means that there has to be a venue change as well as more preparation cooking.

In the meantime, Goldy's old doctor is found dead at the bottom a ravine, which leads her dear godfather to investigating the cause. When he is found mugged at the reception for Bridezilla Billie, and later dies, Goldy takes over. Lead by clues from her godfather and her overwhelming need to find out what happens to her friend and loved one, Goldy gets involved in intrigue surrounding fraud, drugs and murder.
This was a quick read because the story kept drawing you further and further into the web before your intuition glistens. Davidson never fails IMHO!

#91 THE KITCHEN GOD'S WIFE
Author : Amy Tan
Read : June 28 - July 1
Category : Audiobooks
Pages : 416 pages

The Kitchen God's Wife is the powerful story of the personal hardships and struggles of a Chinese woman during the Chinese war with Japan. During the narrative, the reader gets a peek into this part of Chinese history as well as the culture and societal prejudices.

This overwhelming story tells of the degradation of an abusive husband and the triumph of the human spirit. It probes into the role of the Chinese culture of the time and how the secrets of families effect their members in unforeseen manners.

Winnie's forced by her "sister" to reveal all of her secrets to her daughter. Her life story is filled with misfortune and hope. At times depressing and at others inspiring, this entrancing, vibrant, elegant, and unforgettable tale of womanhood, fortitude, and love, is intertwined with light comedy and the curative power of truth.

Winnie's tale shows the inhumanity of arranged marriages and horrific treatment of women. As Winnie relates the events of her life before her emigration to a new life in the USA, the steadfast devotion and loyalty of her female friends support Winnie and aid her flight to freedom. In the end, their continued assistance bring her closer to her daughter at time when they both need each other.

This was a very difficult book to read because of the horror that is conveyed in this tale. If nothing else it makes you appreciate the freedom of our society and the blessings of our lives.

Nice review of The Kitchen God's Wife. Amy Tan is one of my favorite authors.

Thanks, lorie,
I really felt this was such a powerful book...I really wanted to do it justice.

An excellent review on what sounds like a difficult undertaking. This was such a powerful time in the history of the world. Good job and a thumbs up here.
belva

I have never read anything by Amy Tan. Your review of The Kitchen God's Wife makes me want to start. Thanks, Cheli!

I've also not read anything by Amy Tan but this makes me want to do so.

#11 Stasia, I am stunned that you've never read anything by Amy Tan! She's written some great stuff. I saw her at a book-signing once and she carries a little dog around in her purse.

I always thought you had read at least something by everyone!

#13: Too many of them, only 1 of me . . .

Yea, right

Belva, I appreciate the sentiment, I am just not sure why the song applies to me.

#19: I do not think I do anything special. It is just my life. There are a lot of people more deserving of hero status than me I assure you.

#92 THE PRIVATE DIARY OF MR. DARCY
Author : Maya Slater
Read : July 3 - July 8
Category : ER Books
Pages : 324 pages

Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite stories so when I saw an opportunity to see the tale from Darcy's side rather than Elizabeth's, I put in my name and was rewarded with is ARC copy. Knowing how the story evolves is both an advantage and disadvantage because the reader keeps waiting for certain portions of the tale to unfold. It was enlightening to see the story from another viewpoint but I think that it may also spoil some of the romance.
Why does it spoil the romance? In P&P we see Elizabeth's change of heart as she learns of Darcy's activities to save her family's reputation but in this book, you might wonder if Darcy is just trying to save his pride because of his own stupidity in handling the situation with Wickham.
In this book the author takes liberties with the character of both Darcy and Georgiana. Darcy is shown taking advantage of a housemaid at Netherfield, with his libertine friend Lord Byron, both of which contradict conversations that he has with Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice.
For Georgiana, Austen implies that she is rescued from Wickham before any permanent damage happens, however, Slater in this book, gainsays this by writing of the scene of her deflowering and Darcy's late arrival. Austen shows her as an obedient, quiet childlike young girl, while Slater portrays her as temperamental and calculating one moment and sweet and innocent another.
Lastly, I really didn't care at all for the section at Lord Byron's ancestral home.
I enjoyed the opportunity that this book presented, but I can't say that I liked the book. Placed beside the original story of Pride and Prejudice, it definitely falls short.

Hi Cheli,

Very nice review of The Private Diary of Mr. Darcy. I enjoy reading a different opionion from my own and gave it a thumbs up. I actually kind of enjoyed this book because it was a very different view than we get from Pride and Prejudice. I don't think any modern writer can really copy Jane Austen's style and I liked the fact that Slater didn't really try. I like that she took the character of Darcy and made him her own. I didn't think the scene at Byron's home added much to the story, however. It's one thing to give a differing interpretation of Darcy's character and quite another to make his character someone the reader can't like or respect. The Darcy of Pride and Prejudice would have been outraged at Byron's low morals.

#93 A MIND OF MURDER
Author : P. D. James
Read : July 3 - July 8
Category : AudioBooks
Pages : 256 pages

Inspector Dalgliesh is called to the Steen Psychiatric Clinic when the body of the administrative officer is found stabbed to death in the records room. The building was completely locked up so there are only a limited number of suspects.
This book was originally set at the time when electro shock and LSD were used to help patients shed their inhibitions and assist doctors to indentify their problems.
There are numerous twists and turns and just when you think that the solution has been revealed, another twist leads down a different path.
Not a great mystery, but not bad either.

#94 UNNATURAL CAUSES
Author : P. D. James
Read : July 10
Category : AudioBooks
Pages : 272 pages

The Adam Dalgliesh series continues in this book about the murder of a high profile mystery writer who is found dead in a dinghy. Closer examination shows that the victim's hands have been chopped off. Superintendent Dalgliesh wouldn't even have be involved in this murder if he hadn't been visiting his Aunt in Monksmere on the Suffolk coast.
The open lands, the steep cliffs, and the raging tides bring the setting off the Suffolk coast to life. Dalgliesh, who is not part of the investigation, must sit back and while the regional inspector handles the process of trying to discover what happens. The autopsy shows that the writer died of natural causes, but then what happened to his hands?
Dalgliesh does some of his own investigating and it leads to some interesting developments.
This is the third P.D. James book that I have read, and I'm not sure that I am going to continue the series. It may be the style or the out-of-date situations since they are written nearly 50 years ago. It was enjoyable, but maybe not memorable.

#95 THE SHADOW QUEEN, BOOK FIVE OF THE WORLD OF HETAR
Author : Bertrice Small
Read : July 9 - July 12
Category : Favorites Author's books I haven't read yet!
Pages : 496 pages

Magnus Hauk is dead, but with his dying words he places the safety of the kingdom of TERAH into the hands of his fairie queen, Lara, until their son is ready to rule. This is extremely unusually, since Terah does not recognize women for governing ability. Lara will be a Shadow Queen hidden behind the Regency Council of Taj's uncles.
While Lara works to prepare her son for his future, her oldest daughter is spirited off by unknown magic and Lara with the assistance of her mentor, Shadow Prince Kaliq, must find what is happening in Hetar and prevent further infiltration by the Dark Lords.
Lara has to deal with petulant children, evil and dark magic, and the overwhelming greed and self-indulgence throughout the kingdoms of the Twilight Lords and Hetar.
This is the fifth book in the exciting tales of Lara the Fairie woman who captures the hearts of mortals and magical creatures alike. The erotic fantasy shows how even in fantasy, mothers can safeguard their offspring only so much and no matter how they may want to protect them, their children as they grow will make their own decisions and their own mistakes.
Those who have never met Lara and the World of Hetar will be spellbound and while realizing that there are many more adventures that they have missed, will go searching for the previous volumes of this series.
This volume , as all previous series selections, does not fail to captivate the reader.

#96 MY SISTER'S KEEPER
Author : Jodi Picoult
Read : July 12 - July 16
Category : Surprise, Books I find want to read
Pages : 528 pages

This book lived up to my expectations and more. This family drama about the ethics of creating a child to serve as a living donor for another child and the ramifications of the situation for all the members of the family took my breath away. The detail of the different viewpoints in the family showing the parents driving need to save their sick child, the donor child's search for identity, the sick child's need to just be normal, and the "unneeded" child's search for recognition was heart-wrenching.
The writer also managed to interweave the feelings of the legal participants. The guardian ad litem's ability to see both sides of the issue - Anna's need to choose and Kate's parents need to help their sick child, no matter what, was effectively written, while her inability to make a recommendation mirrored Anna's feelings of being unable to prevent herself from waffling from continuing her lawsuit and ending it. The Judge's loss of a child reflects the fear of Sarah and Brian who have been battling to preserve Kate's life since she was 2. And of course, there is Campbell, Anna's attorney. His presence only serves to magnify denial - his regarding his medical issues and the family regarding the imminent death of Kate.
What I found particularly interesting was having the story told at different times by different characters. Since the story always seemed to be in the first person, as if the characters were talking directly to you, the reader, the story seemed much more captivating then if it had been told in the third person or constantly from the same point of view. Needless to say, I'm glad that I read this book, and hope that I am never put in such a situation. I'm just glad that I've signed my donor card, have you?

Jodi Picoult confronts a stormy real-life debate with a polished compassion, sympathy and understanding.

#97 DRAGONWELL DEAD
Author : Laura Childs
Read : July 13 - July 17
Category : Favorite Authors Books I haven't read
Pages : 290

Theodosia and her faithful friends of the Indigo Tea shop - Drayton and Haley - are confronted at an orchid auction they are catering with the untimely death of their friend Mark Congdon. Drayton is particularly affected since Mark and he were both Orchid collectors. As in the past, Theodosia doesn't set out to investigate the murder, but gets sucked in by circumstances. This mystery was the most action packed of the series so far, and a delightful read.

Cheli...Yours is a dangerous thread. I want to add most of your recent reads to my tbr pile. I'm trying hard to contain myself...............................

The last three were on my list from the beginning of the year. I just decided that July was the month that I was really going to concentrate on those that I knew I really wanted from the start. I'm going to have a tough time picking a favorite of the month.

#27: I need to read that one yet. I have read all the others in the series. Thanks for the reminder, Cheli.

Stasia,

There are two more after Dragonwell Dead - The Silver Needle Murder and Oolong Dead. Have you read the Scrapbooking series yet?

I've read all the teashop and the scrapbooking series books by Laura Childs. She's got a breakfast club series but I haven't read that one yet.

The teashop series is probably my favorite current mystery series.

#31: Yes, I have read the first couple of the scrapbooking series, but I have not read any recent ones.

I own a bunch of the Teashop series, but I do not think I own them all. I will have to check.

#98 A BLUSH WITH DEATH
Author : India Ink
Read : July 18 - July 19
Category : Followers
Pages : 272

Corporate espionage is the main theme of this Bath and Body mystery. Persia Vanderbilt and her Aunt Florence's business Venus Envy has competition from Bebe's Boutique and things are not gong well. The rose crop has been sprayed with a deadly insecticide, malicious rumors of poor quality ingredients are circulated, and their computer is hacked removing all records, but the theft of Persia's scent journal is the final disaster which forces Persia and company to set a plan in motion to resolve the murder of one of Bebe's associates and recover the scent diary.
This mystery was a little slow developing but had its moments. There were amusing moments with an adolescent Casanova, a new romance under development, and Persia's viewpoint on how to catch a man. Not a great book, but entertaining.

#99 THE LANGUAGE OF BEES
Author : Laurie R. King
Read : July 21 - 26
Category : Favorite Authors Books I haven't read
Pages : 712

How ironic that Holmes and Russell return after a nearly a year to their home in Sussex at the same time that they return to us after a 4 year absence. Back at their beginnings, Russell is again the apprentice to Holmes as beekeeper. Missing bees, however, have to take second place, when confronted with the surprise appearance of Damian Adler, Holmes' son. Holmes must first reflect on this presence and then attend to the problem which brought the two together - the disappearance of Damian's wife, Yolanda with their 4 year old daughter, Estelle.

Disappearing into the night as Holmes frequently does, Mary is left to undertake the bee mystery. Finding a resolution that she feels will satisfy her husband, she heads to London to assist Holmes using her brand of logic (the feminine side).

Throughout her time with Holmes, Mary Russell has observed the strangest human behavior but this case, due to the family relationships involved, has its own kind of madness to observe. Russell employs her own special talents in the area of religious cults while delving into the skeletons in the closet of the missing young woman from Shanghai. The trail she must follow leads her to the Children of the Light and eventually the darkness that she must shatter.

I was disappointed that Russell was still lacking a bit in her self-confidence when she first arrived back, but understand her gradual return to self as the story progressed. I was glad to see that Mycroft had a larger part in this story. I particularly approve of the way Russell's concerns for Holmes' feelings were conveyed throughout. The story after the initial development was fast-paced and kept the reader driving or should I say "flying" to the end.

I regret that we had to wait four years for Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes to return to us. This series never fails to educate, entertain, and excite. I'm glad that the next is scheduled for 2010. As soon as I know the title, it will be on my wishlist.

#35: I read that one recently, too. I am anxiously awaiting the next one as well!

#35 Excellent review, Cheli. I gave it a thumbs up. This is not a series I've read, but I have the 1st book on my wishlist now! Thanks!

I gave it a thumbs up as well.

#100 SUNRISE
Author : Jacquelyn Cook
Read : July 27-29
Category : Books I found I want to read
Pages : 293 (part history part fiction so I only took double pts, not triple)

History tells us that in 1849 William Butler Johnston, an elder railroad baron/banker, married Anne Tracy in Macon GA. SUNRISE brings their romance to life. The author has taken the journals and letters of this family and woven a tale of their lifelong love affair which started on their European Grand Tour honeymoon, endured the death of numerous children, family and friends, and survived the suffering of deprivation during the Civil War.

Johnston adored his Miss Annie so much that he built her "fairy castle" - the historical Johnston-Felton-Hay Mansion that still stands in Macon. The characters that the author has created in this book reflect not just the times but the spirit of the people. The characters were actually living breathing people who Ms Cook has given personality and feelings through extensive research.

This book read rather quickly, due to the fact that there were no long sweeping passages that you would expect from this genre bt read more like a journal telling the actually history of the time. There are a few times when it started to drag, but soon recovered and is well worth the time taken to read.
It's no Gone With the Wind, but since I enjoyed the historical information that was wound into the story so much, I rank it in good/great read category.

I did it! I finished 100 books!
I will continue to report my reading here for the rest of 2009.

Congrats on finishing 100!

Congrats, Cheli. 100 books--WOW!!!

Congratulations, Cheli! What an accomplishment!

Thanks everybody!

Congratulations on your 100th book Cheli! I wonder how many you'll end the year with? I'll be lurking to find out!

#101 THE ALCHEMYST: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel
Author : Michael Scott
Read : July 30-31
Category : New Writer
Pages : 375

I found this book simply because the title caught my eye and the title character was mentioned in the 1st Harry Potter book. That said, I had no expectations as to what the story was.
Nicholas Flamel was born in 1330 and is living in San Francisco in the 21st century running a book store. No, that's not a typo...along with his wife, Perenelle, Nicholas Flamel has been the guardian for over 700 years of the Codex, a book which has been sought by John Dee (a historical figure who was an advisor on astrological and scientific matters for Elizabeth I) who seeks the Codex for the power and devastation that it can wield.
Needless to say, Dee is the bad guy who conjures zombies, skeletons, creatures made of mud, and undead to try to defeat Flamel, Scathach (a very old warrior creature that looks like a punk rocker) and his saviors (15 year old human twins) who appear in prophesies in the Codex. Dee kidnaps Perenelle and gains the book but is missing 2 vital pages. The ensuing pursuit and battle is entertaining and the ending leaves the reader wanting more.

Hi Cheli!

Congratulations on finishing 101 books!

Cheli;
Congratulations on reaching your 100th book; guess it is 101 now.
Great accomplishment and good job!~!
belva

glitter-graphics.com

#70 A TALE OF TWO CITIES
Author : Charles Dickens
Read : July 18-Aug 1
Category : Classics
Pages : 544

Dickens style of comparing the opposites is the theme throughout this classic. His contrasts of the "best "and "worst "of times, "Light "and "Darkness, "and "hope "and "despair" mirror good and evil that will persist throughout the novel in characters and situations. Resurrection of the physical person of Dr. Manette and the spiritual of Sydney Carton by his personal sacrifice reflect this as well.
The full story runs a little slow for me but as Classic go IMHO, it is better than most.

HI Cheli
I read A Tale of Two Cities a long time ago. I like your comments.

I just finished A Tale of Two Cities as well, and agree with you - that as far as classics go, it was not bad. I found the beginning slower than the middle and end.

Definitely, the beginning was slow. I almost gave up but figured I was going to have a problem finishing my Classic category if I didn't keep go so I held on and it did get a bit better as it went along. But then the end was a bit anticlimactic as far as I was concerned.

#103 THE SERPENT'S TALE
Author : Ariana Franklin
Read : July 20 -Aug 3
Category : Audiobooks
Pages : 567

After reading the Mistress of the Art of Death, I had high expectations of The Serpent's Tale, the sequel. Ariana Franklin lived up to those expectations and a bit more.
The story is set approximately 2 years after the end of Mistress, and there are numerous changes that effect this story.
When the King’s paramour, Rosamund Clifford, dies supposedly by poison, Henry is suspicious of his estranged wife Eleanor of Aquitaine and sends his dependable Bishop of St. Albans, Rowley Picot to commandeer Adelia's services and determine exactly how his lover died. Only with clear evidence can civil war be averted and Adelia is the "man" for the job. Adelia's emotions are in the forefront when the Bishop arrives because Rowley's apparently moved on in his life after she had refused his marriage proposal while she has not been allowed to return to her home in Salerno.
After being persuaded that the king's wishes must be obeyed, Adelia (along with Glytha, the baby, and Mansur) accompanies Rowley to the nunnery at Godstow. Upon their arrival they are greeted with a dead body on the bridge which starts the unusual events that surround this mystery.
Rowley takes Adelia to the location of Rosamund's body but first they must traverse through the walled labyrinth which guards the tower. However, it is soon determined that it is not a labyrinth but a Maze and that the contingency that is there to examine the body cannot gain the tower without a guide. Finally reaching the tower, Adelia is beginning the examination of the body and surrounding area when Queen Eleanor appears so that she may gloat over her rival's demise while unknown to everyone, the victim's maid has been waiting in a hidden chamber to reek revenge. Adelia manages to save the queen's life, who promptly envelopes Adelia into her entourage while capturing Rowley and preventing his communications with the king.

Rowley escapes but we are not sure if dead or alive, and Adelia is taken along with the Queen back to the nunnery where after being snowed in, she proceeds to unwind all the threads of the mystery.
The mixture of medical science of the day, observations, and political intrigue along with startling subplots and historical flavor make this as enjoyable a read as the first. I'm definitely glad that I've already got my copy of #3 from the library in hand.

Hi Cheli--You finished The Serpents Tale already! Nice review. I'm enjoying it as well but I'm only about half way through. I'm looking forward to more comments on the group read thread.

I got into and couldn't stop, I was on a roll! I still have to go back to the group and put in my comments. Enjoy!

Cheli
You rec'd a "hot" review for your comments regarding The Serpents Tale. Congratulations!

#29 JOHN QUINCY ADAMS; A PUBLIC LIFE, A PRIVATE LIFE
Author : Paul Nagel
Read : June 28 - Aug 6
Category : US Presidents, Histories, Biographies
Pages : 420

I have to admit that I knew hardly anything about John Quincy Adams (JQA) before I read this book. All I knew was that he was the 6th President of the United States and the son of John Adams, the 2nd President. I can no longer say that. This book was absolutely tremendous in telling the reader about the man, statesman, politician, son, husband, father, grandfather.
I won't try to convey all the information that Paul Nagel, the author, tries to give the reader. It would be impossible. What I will tell you is that this book tells you the history of man, who was brilliant, strove for perfection in himself, was ambitious yet scholarly and poetic, who wanted only the best for the nation that his father helped to birth.
What I will you is that there were so many moments in history that he touched and was part of and never received the credit that I think he deserved if what is in this book is true. I say that because most of the book is based on JQA's papers, journals, etc. and could be biased.
Did you know that he was part of the commission that handled the negotiations for the Louisiana Purchase, or that he headed the diplomatic corps that negotiated the treaty that ended the War of 1812? Did you know that he was Secretary of State at the time that Monroe Doctrine was issued (I believe he was the one that put the bug in Monroe's ear)?
All this said, I don't believe that he was meant to be President. Not that he wasn't qualified, he didn't have the temperament for the political side of the job and the manner of his election ( through the House of Representatives) didn't make it easier. After he was defeated for reelection by Andrew Jackson, he went on to a brilliant career in the House and was responsible for the protection of the Smithson bequest to the United States which we now have as the Smithsonian Institute.

As for the book, it was tremendously informative but it got weighed down by too many excerpts from his journal and sometimes there was too much detail. All in all,, I'd read it again if I knew nothing about the man, but now I think, I may know too much.

Good review!

#30 MURDER ON ASTOR PLACE
Author : Victoria Thompson
Read : Aug 7 - 8
Category : Books I found out about on the Internet (LT)
Pages : 278

This is the first in the Gaslight Mysteries set in turn of the Century(1900) New York City. The central character is Sarah Brandt, a midwife who was born to the aristocracy but married "beneath her station" and now that she s widowed must earn her way in the world.
The mystery centers around a young woman who is strangled in a boardinghouse. Our heroine's involvement is that she recognizes the victim as being the sister of an acquaintance of her youth. Sarah makes every effort to assist Detective Sega rent Malloy in apprehending the murderer.
The twisting and turns which reveal social taboos of the day lead to a gruesome ending but not something that is surprising. IMHO, not a great mystery but readable.

#59: I like that series!

>#60:
Oh, I am so glad. I just googled them for the listing and order. And Stasia, thank you so much for the list and order of The Beekeeper's Apprentice series. I do appreciate it.
belva

And Cheli, thank you for the rec.
Sounds like a good winter series to me.
belva

Belva,
There is a website http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/ which can give you the list of any series as long as you have the title of the series or the Author's name. I live by this site for my series reads just to make sure that I get them in order.

Cheli;
I cannot tell you how much grief that info would have saved me over the years. See why I want to be a Brit? Thank you so much. I will put the info in a very safe place.
belva

#64: Another good website for series listings is www.stopyourekillingme.com where you can search by either the author's name or the character's name.

#31 THE SILVER NEEDLE MURDER
Author : Laura Childs
Read : Aug 8-9
Category : Favorites Author's books I haven't read yet!
Pages : 260

This was the 9th installment of the India Tea Shop Mysteries and my first disappointment from the author, Laura Childs. I love this series but not this book. I still have questions even though I have finished and re-read the ending, I still have questions.
First of all, I knew who the killer was at page 100 simply because this person kept popping up without any need to be there. Second, there were numerous incidents throughout that were not explained at the end and the motive was definitely not clear. So all in all, even though I enjoyed the story, I didn't like to the book.

I have not read that one yet, but it does not look like I am missing anything.

I hope your next read is better for you, Cheli.

I have Murder on Astor Place on my library's want list. Thompson was their featured author a few months ago but I have never got around to reading her. I hope I like it.

#32 BLACK BEAUTY
Author : Anna Sewell
Read : Aug 4-11
Category : Classics
Pages : 275

I have to admit that in my youth I never read Black Beauty. I wish I had. The style of this book, written in the first person, telling how the life of a horse can be pleasurable or miserable was truly delightful. It may me stop to think that it is a shame that so many people don't take into consideration an animal's feelings. Maybe if it was made mandatory reading for children, we wouldn't have mistreated animals in this world.

Yeah! I found a classic I enjoyed!

Woo Hoo! Good for you, Cheli!

I never read it either. Never much liked animal stories and always cried when I watched Lassie on TV.

Cheli, like you, I never read Black Beauty in my youth. I'll add this to the tbr pile.

Thanks for your great comments.

I've never read it either. Now I wish I had.

I'll chime in with the "I can't believe I've never read Black Beauty" crowd. I think I have this in an old set of books that had one story on one side and when you flip the book over, there's a different story starting from that end. I'll have to look it up.

Black Beauty was one of my favourite childhood books and I read it several times. Another more recent horse book that is really great reading is I am the great horse by Katherine Roberts and retells the story of Alexander the Great from the perspective of his stallion, Bucephalus.

#108 Thyme of Death
Author : Susan Wittig Albert
Category: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 308
Read: August 12-16

This book is the first in the China Bayles series. China is an attorney who has given up the high paced legal jungle to pursue the quiet town living of an herbalist. That's what she says, but she gets caught up in the investigation of a murder which the police see as a suicide of one of her best friends.

The story is well woven around the characters in the small town of Pecan Springs, TX. What amazes me is the way the writer leads the reader down a path leaving subtle clues but misdirecting you in other areas so that when the resolution comes to light, you say to yourself - DAH! I should have seen that, but everything points that other way. Definitely a series I want to continue.

#76: I think you will enjoy the series, Cheli. Especially as the characters of Chyna, Ruby, and Mike develop.

#76 Looks like another series I will have to check out. You've already got me hooked on Laurie R. King's Sherlock Holmes series! I read the first book and loved it. Thanks for the rec!

#109 Death Qualified: A Mystery of Chaos
Author: Kate Wilhelm
Read: Aug 4 - 18
Category: Mystery
Pages: 438

Lucas Kendricks disappeared 7 years ago. Suddenly he's back after escaping a nightmare where he was "Tom" where he hadn't remembered his family in Oregon but before he has a chance to start his life over, he's dead and his wife is charged with his murder.
Barbara Holloway is in Arizona trying to live the simple life when she receives a phone call from her father and is dragged back into the legal world that she had left 5 years before in disgust, unable to agree with the bargains and compromises of defenders and prosecutors.
This book starts off in chaos and only seems to come together when the courtroom drama begins. There is way too much emphasis on the "chaos theory and psychological research" than a normal reader would want to know. This diversion encompasses most of the book but doesn't stop the reader from foretelling the conclusion. There are a few events at the end that re somewhat predictable.
The courtroom portion of the book was excellent, but the beginning and end left something to be desired.

#79: I am not a fan of courtroom dramas, so I think I will pass on that one.

#110 Carbs and Cadavers
Author: J. B Stanley
Read: Aug 17 - 19
Category: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 257

The Supper Club Mysteries starts with this book and is extremely entertaining. The entire premise, and one I find hits too close to home, is a group of "fatties" joining together to support each other as they try to lose weight. They title themselves the FLAB FIVE.

James Henry, the main character, is a divorced former professor from Wm & Mary who has an addiction to Cheese puffs and is carrying 50 lbs. of extra weight. He has returned home to Quincy Gap to care for his elderly father after his mother's death. James gets a job as a librarian and settles into what he considers a boring life which only drives him to his addiction more often than not. He feels friendless and alone so when the opportunity to make new friends and lose a few extra pounds is presented to him, he jumps at the chance not knowing what he is getting himself into.

At their first meeting, they are all distracted by sirens (one member works for the local sheriff) and plunge themselves into an investigation of the murder. Working together to both solve the mystery and lose weight, the dieters are melded together into close friends and band together to catch the killer.

The story is well-written and highly amusing with tales of diet cheating and buttons popping. I was completely engrossed in the story so I didn’t have to worry about a “Cheese Puff Attack”. As a fellow dieter, my interest was held as to their progress and their setbacks along with the mystery. I look forward to a second helping - pun intended.

Ok, you MUST stop! Now I have to add another mystery series to the wishlist? *sigh*. This one sounds really good! Thanks for the tempting review, Cheli (I think). :)

Don't blame me, Tutu gave it to me to review for her. How do you think I feel? I wanted to just read the books to finish my first 999 but, just for her, I had to sit them aside and read this book. Such a hardship!

#81: I am adding it to the Planet, along with all the other series recommendations you have made. I am with Lorie - you MUST stop!

I did a count yesterday and figured out that this year I read the 1st in a series for 30 new series and there was only one, ONE that I didn't like that much. I don't know how I'm going to keep up with them all. I just wish that I read as fast as you, Stasia!

Cheli, which first in a series didn't you like?

#85: My suggestion - do not sleep. Works wonders for me!

Linda,
The only one I didn't particularly like was A Catered Murder. It was fun but didn't really give you all you need to solve the mystery. I might try another sometime down the road, but since I have so many others to keep up with, this one is at the bottom.

Good to know. I think I picked up Crawford's Christmas mystery but that's it.

The first in the series mystery that I didn't like this year was the Miranda Bliss one. I think it was Cooking Up Murder. However, I am willing to wait awhile and give her a second chance.

I haven't read all that many first in the series yet, though I need to do so because some of my authors are dying off or losing their contracts or just not continuing their series for whatever reason. Jeanne Dams, Valerie Wolzien, and Philip R. Craig spring to mind.

#111 The Edge of Desire
Author: Stephanie Laurens
Read: Aug 6 - 22
Category: Romance
Pages: 648

The Bastion Club is a series of romances revolving around aristocratic men who served in the special services during the Napoleonic wars and have returned to their "normal" lives and are settling down to love and marriage. This is the seventh installment and centers on Christian Allardyce, the 6th Marquess of Dearne and his lost love Lady Letitia Vaux Randall.
Letitia's husband George Randall is murdered and her brother Justin is the prime suspect, so She sends to her former lover for assistance in clearing his name. They haven't been together for 12 years but the sparks are still there and Christian is determined to discover not only the murderer but the reason why Lady Randall married her husband in the first place.
What surprised me about this book is that normally Ms Laurens writes a romance with a bit of intrigue, but this book has a full-blown mystery which she leads you through along with the characters, revealing the clues to you at the same time as the characters receive them. The reader searches at the same pace as Christian and Letitia not just for love and forgiveness but for resolution of the problem that keep them apart.
However, I do feel that Ms Laurens, in this book, seems to be stretching out the love scenes a bit too long. They are as steamy and sensuous as always, but drag in certain places. That doesn't mean that I'm not reading them, I am.
Can’t wait for the last of this series.

#112 Deja Dead
Author: Kathy Reichs
Read: Aug 19 - 25
Category: Mystery
Pages: 411

This book, set in Montreal, Canada, centers around the efforts of Temperance Brennan to solve the brutal murders of 5 woman. It probably would have been easier for her if the Quebec police, namely Luc Claudel, believed her when she pointed out that there was a serial murderer on the lose. But since she is just an anthropologist and a woman to boot, she has a hard time showing them the connections that her instincts tell her are there.
It was thrilling to go with Tempe as she struggled to find all the connections of the different victims, so that she could finally give these women and their families peace found in the criminal being brought to justice, however, she may need to rethink her process in the future.
The characterizations are interesting, showing a previous existence which expands the readers knowledge of the characters, but doesn't get in the way while enhancing the plot. We see the strengths of the Temperance as well as her weaknesses which only make you more interested as she battles to protect herself and those she loves.
The details that are used throughout this book are extensive but sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. Constantly relating street after street didn't improve the story, but got to a point where it drove this reader a bit nuts, some editing here could have helped. I liked the way that French was interspaced (never overdone) with the English, giving it a nice French feel, or should I say Quebec feel.

#113 GUILTY PLEASURES
Author: Laura Lee Guhrke
Read: Aug 25 - 28
Category: Book Finds
Pages: 384

This is the story of an orphan woman, Daphne Wade, who presents herself to the Duke of Tremore in place of her father to catalog and repair ancient artifacts that are being unearthed on his estate. Daphne falls in love at first sight but the Duke doesn't even register that he is a woman.
The story is a typical romance and proceeds as the reader would expect. Nothing to write home about but entertaining in the normal romance genre way.

#114 The Lucky One
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Read: Aug 18 - 27
Category: Favorite Author
Pages: 534

Have you ever held on to something simply because you thought it brought you good luck?
Logan Thibault was a marine in Iraq when he found a picture of a young woman wearing a T-shirt with the slogan Lucky Lady across her chest. He tried to find who it belong to, but when no one claimed it, he put it in his pocket. His luck began to change. He survived 3 tours in Iraq before he went home. His buddy from the marines felt that the picture had kept Logan safe and when his buddy was killed in a fishing accident in the boat right next to him, Logan began to think that he needed to find the girl.
Logan left his home in Colorado and starting walking… ending up in Hampton, NC. Along with his dog, Zeus, Logan not only found the girl, the reason that he was meant to find her.
I've read nearly all of Nicholas Sparks' books. I liked the idea of this one, but the beginning was slow and sometimes it was too wordy. I liked it, but not as well as some of his others.

#115 The CAPTIVE HEART
Author: Bertrice Small
Read: Aug 29 - 30
Category: Favorite Author
Pages: 402

Alix Givet is the daughter of Queen Margaret's physician and as they are fleeing the Yorkists, the band of refugees seek shelter with Sir Udolf Watteson. Her father, ill, can go no farther, so a bargain is made where Alix will marry his son Hayle and the two will remain. However, Hayle doesn't want a bride, he only wants his mistress, so he mistreats Alix for the entire time that they are wed. He father agonizes over her situation but dies before she is freed when Hayle's mistress dies and he kills himself, Alix is forced to flee when her father-in-law decides that he will marry her because he now needs an heir.
Setting off on foot by herself, Alix crosses the border to Scotland where she is found near head and taken to the keep of a brooding border lord. The Love story that follows twists and turns to an unusual ending.
This was not one of Bertrice Small's better books. I saw a re-write of Skye O'Malley at the beginning and some of her other themes in the middle. The writing was a bit staid in this one, and the characters were not as well defined as normal. Normally, Small gets 4 stars from me, but this one is only a 3.

I like the look of Bertrice Small as an historical romance author (I'm in need of some light relief). Is there any book in particular that you would recommend?

Probably my favorite Bertrice Small book is Skye O'Malley but I'm not sure that it is still in print. Have you read any Kathleen Woodiwiss?
She passed away last year but her books were sensational. I know they are being reprinted and I can definitely recommend The Flame and The Flower (set post revolution) or Ashes in the Wind (Civil War) - two of my all-time favorites!

I've requested Skye O'Malley so hopefully the person will send internationally, and have mooched The Flame and the Flower. Hopefully they'll live up to your recommendations!

Hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

I've read each probably at least 3 times.

AUGUST RECAP

In August I was endeavoring to finish my first 999 Challenge and would have made it if I hadn't had to read a book for TUTUthe first before she went on her trip. (She really twisted my arm!) I read 14 books total and almost finished the 15th which is the last of the 1st 999.

A Tale of Two Cities
The Serpent's tale
John Quincy Adams : a public life, a private life
Murder on Astor Place
The Silver Needle Murder
Black Beauty
Thyme of Death
Death Qualified: A Mystery of Chaos
Carbs and Cadavers
The Edge of Desire
Deja Dead
Guilty Pleasures Laura Lee Guhrke
The Lucky One - Nicholas Sparks
Capitve Heart

I think I did pretty good because some of them were real fatties and took some time to read and I was lucky, there wasn't a bad book in the batch!

On Deck in September are:

Invitation to Murder
Motif for Murder
A Fatal Grace
Glossed and Found
Rhett Butler's People
A Royal pain
Andrew Jackson, his life and times
Beware False Profits
Let there be suspects
Evil in Carnations
Doll People
A Chardonnay Charade
The Lightning Thief
Petticoat Affair

As soon as I finish the last one for the 999 Challenge, I will be free to read whatever I want, whenever I want, so I'm trying to get my library books back under control and move ahead with my President's Challenge.

Nice recap there, Cheli, and it looks like you have some good reading ahead of you!

Cheli

I'll be interested in learning your impressions of The Doll People. It is simply a laugh out loud, quick, fun read. I enjoyed it tremendously.

Whisper - I think you were the one that recommended it so when I saw it at the library, I figured it would be good.

#116MR CAVENDISH, I PRESUME
Author: Julia Quinn
Read: Aug 30- Sept 1
Category: Favorite Author
Pages: 384

MR. CAVENDISH, I PRESUME is the sequel to THE LOST DUKE OF WYNDHAM however, the latter is the story from Jack's POV and this book is from Thomas' POV.
Lady Amelia Willoughby has been engaged to the Duke of Wyndham, Thomas Cavendish since she was in the cradle. Just when things between are about to come to fruition, and they begin to take an interest in each other, along comes a long lost cousin who can supplant Thomas as the Duke.
The story evolves showing how this change in situation effects the Thomas Amelia and their relationship. The outcome is not different than in The Lost Duke of Wyndham, but there is a resolution that a reader of that book is not aware until after reading this one.
It was interesting to see the effects of the situation from both sides, however, as much as I adore Ms. Quinn's writing, this one fell a bit flat. The Heroine here (Lady Amelia) is very 2 dimensional and Thomas seems lonely and unable to become his own person until the ducal robes are removed. I think that this story would have been much better if all POV were hatched out in one book instead of rehashing in this one. Thomas and Amelia's story deserved better .

Cheli;
That looks like a nice list for September. I will be very interested to see what you have to say about Rhett Butler's People as I have been putting it off for a couple of years.
later,
belva

I too am also interested in what you will have to say about Rhett Butlers People. I have it in my TBR bookshelf. I hope to get to it soon.

#117 INVITATION TO MURDER A Card-Making Mystery
Author: Elizabeth Bright
Read: Sept 1 - 2
Category: Crafts in the background
Pages: 212

Jennifer Shane has opened her own specialty Card marking store in Rebel Forge and on her first day of business runs into a few snags. Her first customer wants 400 custom hand made wedding invitations for her daughters' nuptials in less than a week. Jennifer takes on the commission but just as she is closing shop for the day, a wrong number plunges her into a murder investigation. (her brother is the town sheriff.)

This was a quick, lighthearted cozy mystery which introduced this series delightfully. It's not major literature, but fun and easy to follow. I hope to find another of these soon.

Cheli;
This sounds easy, quick, comfy, cozy and destressing. (what I need right now).
I was sad to see that there are only 3 of them out. The 2nd: Deadly Greetings and 3rd: Murder and Salutations.
Time to renew the old library card. I am spending way too much on books and on books that I won't read again.
So...............off to the library page I go.
hasta la bye bye and thanx for the recx,
belva

nannybebette, I think I mentioned this on another thread but author Elizabeth Bright is really Tim Myers. Myers is probably best known for his lighthouse inn books but, if you liked the Elizabeth Bright books, you might also like his other "craft mysteries."

One series features soapmaking. The other involves a candleshop. I've enjoyed both.

He has also written pottery mysteries under the name Melissa Glazer. I've never read any of these but the first of those is A Murderous Glaze. These seem to be his current interest.

#118 MOTIF FOR MURDER, A Scrapbooking mystery
Author: Laura Childs
Read: Sept 3-5
Category: Crafts in the background
Pages: 264

Carmela Bertrand has reconciled with her bad boy husband and when he is kidnapped, she rushes to his Uncle Henry's house around the corner to get help only to find Henry shot dead. Who is after the Meecham family? What do they want other than the $5 MILLION ransom?

Carmela manages to rescue Shamus and then proceeds to get involved in the investigation of Uncle Henry's murder. While working on keeping her marriage together, Carmela works to honor Uncle Henry and avoid the murderer who has set an eye on her.

This book is filled with references to Post-Katrina conditions in New Orleans while at the same being action packed and entertaining. Of the 4 Scrapbooking mysteries, I would say that this is the best so far.

#119 ONLY YOU
Author: Deborah Grace Staley
Read: Sept 5 - 6
Category: ER / LT Recommendations
Pages: 207

This is a light-hearted romance set in the town of Angel Ridge, TN. The legend of the town has it that angels sit on the ridge and watch over the townsfolk and smile on true love.

Dr. Josephine Allen (Josie) grew up in Angel Ridge on the right side of town. She was a bookworm and when she went off to college she was supported by the MacKay Foundation who paid for her masters and PHD education in Library science and then she returned to her hometown to become the head librarian.
Cole Craig is the town handyman who comes to Josie's rescue when a pipe in her old home breaks and floods her kitchen. Needless to say, Cole is from the wrong side of the tracks.
The developing relationship between the two is that of a typical small town with its prejudices and innocence fighting each other. Will the Angels smile on Josie and Cole or will they have to fight their own battles?
I enjoyed this book and will try to keep an eye out for the next one.

#120 A FATAL GRACE
Author: Louise Penny
Read: Sept 1 - 7
Category: Audiobooks
Pages: 368

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache is once again sent to Three Pines to investigate a murder. CC de Poitiers is electrocuted while in the middle of a frozen pond watching a curling match on Boxing Day. How is that possible? Inspector Gamache sets to work determining the means, motive and opportunity of such a strange and intricate murder lead to unusual discoveries as well as bringing back painful memories of his previous time in Three Pines.
The characters and setting are so beautifully detailed. Drawn within the mystery are 3 dimensional characters that are funny, true-to-life, and people that you want to take to your heart and name as your friends. The reader understands how much Armand adores his wife, feels the hesitation of the new team members, and wonder along with the inhabitants of Three Pines as they try to understand the behavior of the victim and how it was the cause of the murder,
Gamache instills loyalty and respect from his team while working to inspire all those around him.

It took me a while to get into this book because I had to think back to the first one and it took several chapters to get to the point where I felt comfortable again with the characters. We are given a glimpse into the farther reaching aspects of Gamache's life with some hints leaving the reader hanging and searching for resolution in the future. The series is entertaining with a beautiful setting and heartwarming characters.

#121 RHETT BUTLER'S PEOPLE
Author: Donald McCaig
Read: Sept 2 - 12
Category: Romance
Pages: 795

I have been an enormous fan of Gone with the Wind since I first saw the movie and then realized after reading the book how much had been missing, so when I saw this book on the Library shelves, and saw that it was authorized by the Margaret Mitchell estate, I had to read it. I'm certainly glad I did. All those nagging questions that made me read and re-read GWTW, were finally answered to my satisfaction and delight.

This is the story based on the character Rhett Butler from Gone of the Wind. Rhett is the dashing, witty, rogue who scandalizes Atlanta and yet manages to win every lady's heart. In GWTW, Rhett just appears at the Wilkes Barbecue at Twelve Oaks, and then proceeds to get involved with all the characters of that book. This book which runs concurrently with GWTW answers all the behind the scenes questions that are just innuendos in GWTW.

Why was Rhett at the BBQ, how did he know the Wilkes', why was he 'not received' in Charleston homes even his own, what's his relationship with Belle Waitling? All these questions and so many more are detailed and explained through a riveting and poignant love story that is seen in a new light.

It's as if Donald McCaig, the author, sat down with Margaret Mitchell and said, I don't understand this point in GWTW, how did this happen and she explained it - every last detail. This book is so intertwined with the story of Scarlett & Rhett that you'd think that there would be no room for anyone else, but no Mr. McCaig (amazing that a man can write with such feeling) manages to tell the tales of not just Scarlett and Rhett, but his sister Rosemary, his friends, Melanie and Ashley, and even Belle Waitiling.

I can understand if some Southerners do not feel that their area came off in a good light in this book, however, since Mr. McCaig was dealing with pre-existing characters and events, it would have been extremely bad form to try to change them beyond how they were originally written. I have read other sequels and they did not appear to be as well researched or written as this book when laid alongside of Margaret Mitchell's original masterpiece.

Obviously, Donald McCaig studied and I definitely mean studied GWTW to find all the tiny incidents that reference there Rhett, his family and his character so that he could expound on them and broaden Rhett's persona to where it would rival Scarlett. They truly were a pair that belonged together. This book, in the same regard, belongs with Gone With The Wind.

FYI

It's strange, I was trying to find who wanted to know how I liked Rhett Butler's People a month or so ago when I added it after getting it from the library and I ran across a thread that was comparing this book to Scarlett and The Wind Done Gone. There was some disagreement about which were sanctioned by Margaret Mitchell's estate and which were not.

Officially (TMK) Rhett Butler's People was authorized by her estate(notification is inside the book), The Wind Done Gone was litigated against, and Scarlett was not authorized but no litigation. I tried the Wind Done Gone, couldn't make it pass page 50. I read Scarlett when it first came out and didn't like it at all. I didn't feel that the characters and story were true to the writings of Margaret Mitchell and that too many changes to the characters themselves were instigated, others feel the opposite. Also in the other thread, one person stated that RBP didn't carry forward the information from Scarlett - this is understandable since they were written by two completely different writers and I would not expect the storylines to be the same. My opinion, for what it's worth, I can honestly see Margaret Mitchell smiling on Rhett Butler's People, and a frown for Scarlett and the Wind Done Gone.

It has been a long time since I read Gone with the Wind, and it is probably overdue for a reread, so I think I will read it and Rhett Butler's People together.

Hope you enjoy Rhett as much as I did, It's going on my best of 2009 list and is, so far, my favorite read of the year!

#122 A ROYAL PAIN
Author: Rhys Bowen
Read: Sept 12 -13
Category: Follower
Pages: 462

Georgie, Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie, returns in the second installment of this series still needing to work as a specialty domestic because of her lack of funds. The Queen, not knowing her dire circumstances, asks her to play hostess to the Princess of Bavaria that she wants to catch the eye of the Prince of Wales and get him out of the clutches of Mrs. Simpson.

Georgie has to have "staff" at Rannoch House so she enlists her Grandfather and his next door neighbor to play butler and cook. The princess arrives with her maid, Irmagardt, and chaperone, Baroness Rottenmeister and proceeds to wreak havoc wherever she goes being on site of three apparently unconnected deaths.

Georgie eventually discovers that there is a plot in the works by Communists but figuring out the details gets her into a few scrapes and threatening situations.

This book was just as enjoyable and entertaining as the first and I'll be sure to stop at the library for the next installment.

#116: I do not think I have read that one yet, so I need to pick it up next library trip. I like Rhys Bowen's series (all of them) a lot.

Thanks for your review of Rhett Butler's People. I found it on sale at Borders and it has been sitting in my TBR pile. I wondered how it would tie together with GWTW and I am glad that your review was favorable! I read Scarlett years ago, and don't believe that I cared too much for it. I will stay away from The Wind Done Gone.

Side story - I saw this book at The Dollar Tree for $1, but I already had it.

#123 THE SUMMER KITCHEN
Author: Karen Weinreb
Read: Sept 13-17
Category: New Writer
Pages: 336

I received this book courtesy of Authors on the Web where I requested 4 books and this is the first that I read. The synopsis of the plot caught my attention.
How would you like to be living the good life and without any warning have it all snatched away from you? The idea of this book is that Nora Banks has the good life. She has a Mercedes SUV, big house in the rich neighborhood in the suburbs, country club membership, travels wherever and whenever she wants, a nanny to watch the 3 kids, and a husband who makes big bucks and adores her. What more could a woman want? Nora finds in this book that those things are fleeting when her husband is arrested and convicted of securities fraud, and that security, honesty, and loyalty are more important. The women who had been her companions ad professed their friendship abandon and ignore her in her time of need. The only person who is steadfast is Beatriz their nanny. Somehow, Nora finds the strength and fortitude to prevail in a hostile environment and build her own success story.

I was really looking forward to an opportunity to a read a story about a strong woman, who was able to make it on her own despite horrendous circumstances. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. IMO, this story was badly written. It had poor pacing, slow in some parts and too fast in others and way, way too wordy. It's as if the writer was being paid by the word. The premise was good, execution, poor. I gave it 1½ stars.

Hope the next one is better for you, Cheli (although I do not see how it could be much worse!)

#120 Especially frustrating when it sounds so promising!

ditto message 120 and 121

#124 GRAVE GOODS
Author: Ariana Franklin
Read: Sept 9 - 21
Category: Follower
Pages:484

This murder mystery, set in 1176, is the third installment of the Mistress of the Art of Death series. As in the previous books were are introduced to the mystery first then the characters who will solve it.
In 1176, Glastonbury Abbey is virtually destroyed by a fire and during the efforts to clear the debris, a box is revealed with two skeletons who are widely believed to be Arthur and Guinevere. The superstitions surrounding Arthur have been reeking havoc for Henry II in Wales so he sends for Adelia at a time when she is fleeing her old home and has just joined Lady Emma of Wolvercote's entourage. Dragged away from Emma, Adelia is rushed to Henry in Wales only to receive instructions to return to where she was, to determine if the skeletons are truly Arthur and Guinevere.
Upon her return to the area of Glastonbury, Adelia is plunged into a threefold mystery - determining the identity of the skeletons, discovering the origin of the fire, and finding Lady Wolvercote and the rest of her entourage who seem to have vanished into the mist.
What Adelia and Rowley discover about all the mysteries is revealed through fast-paced dialogue and strong character growth which spurs the reader with a sharp and concentrated sense of time and place. The reader can actually sense the awe that the characters feel.
The multiple mysteries are interwoven so ingeniously that the reader just goes along with the flow as Adelia is buffeted from one question to another until all the answers are exposed for all to see.
I really liked this edition of the series because it seemed to tie the other books together and holds true more closely to the premise of the first book. I will definitely keep an eye out for the next one.

#125 ANDREW JACKSON, HIS LIFE AND TIMES
Author: H.W. Brands
Read: Sept 10 - 21
Category: Histories/Bios
Pages: 1,040

Andrew Jackson had an impressive résumé - he fought in the Revolutionary War, was an explorer, frontiersman, lawyer, judge, duelist, congressman, planter, military leader (Battle of New Orleans), President.
Yet with all his accomplishments, I'm not sure that he was a great man. He was extremely flawed. His quickness to anger and take offense, on many occasions threatened his life and propelled him into numerous duels one of which he carried the bullet close to his heart for most of his life. He was definitely not ambivalent, rarely considering anyone else viewpoint but his own.
He was, however, always extremely honest in business and even though he was a slave holder, he endeavored to keep negro families together and rarely mistreated his slaves. Jackson early in his business life rather than go into debt sold most of his property to pay his debtors.
Jackson, who rode the wave of his popularity from the Battle of New Orleans for the remainder of his life, was the first "people's President. "Like most of his predecessors, Jackson was extremely aware of the need to neutralize threats to the ongoing existence of the new United States but he also saw the need to protect the interest and liberties of the common man of which he was one. His devotion to his family and their peace of mind was always foremost in his thoughts.
Jackson, frustrated by his loss to JQA in 1824, after his election in 1828 recommended eliminating the Electoral College. His major term events surrounded nullification in SC and the battle he waged with Nicholas Biddle about the Bank of the United States. He also worked on expansion of the nation in Florida, Texas, and the Louisiana.
The book lack details of the controversial decisions that were made during his presidency or were lost in all the details that it did cover. The Trail of Tears and the Petticoat Affair got very little coverage.
I think that this was a good book for details of his life but found it lacking in certain areas. Maybe less time devoted to the duels he fought and more to issues during his presidency could have made it great.

WOW! I am so iimpressed with your review of book #125, and that you stuck to 1,040 pages. That is quite a feat!

#126 THE DOLL PEOPLE
Author: Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin
Read: Sept 22
Category: Leaders
Pages: 256

How many of us, as children, believed that our toys, dolls or stuffed animals, came to life at night when we were asleep or out of the house? The Doll People takes that childish faith and breathes life into the Doll Family and Funcraft family in this delightful tale.

For over 100 years the Doll Family has resided in the antique doll house and been playmates for four generations of young girls. When the family isn't at home or are asleep, the Dolls come to life and experience the same activities over and over. They have sing-along's at the old wooden piano and wonder around their own house. They cannot be caught moving or out of position because if they are, their punishment is 24 hrs of doll state - that's being unable to move. If there is a major offense they could end up in a permanent Doll state, OH NO!
Annabelle Doll, 8 years old, has not seen her Auntie Sarah doll in 45 years (these dolls don't age - we should all be so lucky). She finds her aunt's journal one day when she is in the library of the doll house and after reading it decides that Auntie Sarah must be somewhere "blending".
She decides that she wants to go looking for Auntie Sarah. Persuading her Uncle Doll to go with her, they sneak out in the night and discover that a new family is moving in next door. The story of the two families - one antique dolls and one modern dolls and the cultural differences is just perfect to make the reader smile with delight. The adventures that they get into are truly amusing - just what a child would dream up for their dolls.

I have to thank Whisper1 for the recommendation of this book. After the chunky reads I've done this month, I needed something light and playful and this fit the bill perfectly. This story was uniquely imaginative and thoroughly creative for everyone who as a child always imagined that their toys really were alive and had spirit. I still believe that my Teddy Bear talks to me even with the threat of a permanent stuffed state.

We should never loose that childlike faith in our toys - isn't it a shame so often we do.

I'm glad you liked The Doll People. I laughed right out loud so often when reading this book. I loved the image of the doll people banging away at the piano singing "sock it to me, sock itto me, sockittome, sockittome."

Cheli

Congratulations for your hot review listed on today's LT home page!

#127 THE SUM OF HIS SYNDROMES
Author: K. B. Dixon
Read: Sept 23-24
Category: New writer
Pages: 127

I received this ARC book from Academy Chicago Publishers requesting a review. So I dutifully read it. I can honestly say that it is not a book I would have picked up at the bookstore or library because it is not my normal type of reading matter.
The premise of this book is a man writes notes while he's in the men's bathroom. That said, it is not short stories or anecdotes, mainly it is a montage of sentences that are disjointed and jumbled with a miniscule sense of an underlying story. David, (the guy in the bathroom) can't decide if he wants another job, a better job, an easier job, or if he wants a commitment with his girlfriend, if she deserves better, if she wants out.... It goes on an on like this and the only entertaining part was one blurb where I laughed. It was:

"Frederick Baker doesn't really care for his wife. I wonder what it's like to wake up every morning with someone you're not happy to see."

Overall, it was extremely depressing mainly because David was depressed and everything that he thought and wrote were from, what I believe is, that depressed point of view.
If you are overly happy and excited and need something to bring you down or put to sleep, this is your book. Just let me know and I will mail it you tout suite.

#129: I think I am passing on that one, although I appreciate the offer, Cheli!

#128 HIS MAJESTY'S DRAGON
Author: Naomi Novik
Read: Sept 25-26
Category: AudioBooks
Pages: 356

Do you believe in dragons? This book is set at the time of the Napoleonic wars between Britain and France and center around the relationship and development of a dragon and his captain.

During a sea battle a British frigate captures a French sailing ship and discover part of their prize is a dragon egg. When the egg hatches the person to whom the dragon attaches himself, is thereafter his handler and basically gives up any chance at a normal life. This dragon attaches himself to the ship's captain. The book tells the tale of how the Captain and the Dragon Temeraire develop into a fighting team in the Aerial Corp for Britain.
It is delightful to see these wars from an alternate perspective which includes aerial attacks and transports by dragons of different species. The dragons which are treated as "bombers" in the Aerial Corps are separated in somewhat of a caste system according to their breed.

For children, I see this as a marvelous moral tale which not only shows the cruelty of war but of how mistreatment and prejudice toward others can be perceived. The surprise of the book, is that the dragon's species turns out to be a CELESTIAL, a very rare and magical species. This is the first in the series and I will be looking for the next one in the future. Delightful for children.

Yet another series I really need to get to *sigh*

Gotcha, Stasia!

#129 THE CHARDONNAY CHARADE
Author: Ellen Crosby
Read: Sept 22-28
Category: Followers
Pages: 254

Being a wine lover is the main reason while I started reading this series, but the stories and wine education have brought me back for more.
Lucie Montgomery is the owner of a vineyard in northern Virginia where after a political fundraiser Georgia Greenwood is found murdered in one of the fields. Georga's husband (a doctor) is Lucie's trusted friend and so she sets to work trying to prevent his arrest for his wife's murder. While Lucie endeavors to solve Georgia's murder, she has family problems and personal issues that she has to deal with.
The twists and turns that Lucie traverses in this mystery are cleverly interwoven with details of the wine making processes along with historical references. The solution was a surprise but when you reflect on the clues, you could see that it was in plain sight. The story was filled with solid writing, interesting characters, and entertaining plot twists. Interesting points of reference were maps of the vineyard and surrounding areas that were in the front of the book.

This sounds like a great book!

It was a fun read. I had read the first one in the series last year and had this one on my list most of the year and finally it surfaced to the top.

#130 THE LIGHTNING THIEF
Author: Rick Riordan
Read: Sept 29-30
Category: Leaders
Pages: 392

Do you love Harry Potter? Are you interested in mythology? Then you will enjoy this book.

This story takes the best parts of Harry Potter and mixes it with classic Greek Mythology (could this get kids interested in the classics?), adds a bit of a mystery and a good deal of action with strange creatures like a Minotaur, Satyrs, and Furies.
Percy Jackson, the central character who is ADD and dyslexic, is in the 6th grade at a boarding school for difficult children and has little inclination of his parentage until he accidentally(?) vaporizes his math teacher. At the end of the school year, he returns to his home and while taking a day trip with his mother, he is attacked by strange creatures. The story continues to expose Greek Mythology and reveal Percy's parentage and what he is needed to do.
The tale is fast-paced and entertainingly moralistic pitting good against evil, light against dark, weak against strong. There is definitely a strong similarity to the Harry Potter stories, so if you didn't like Harry, you won't like Percy. Another Harry Potter, not quite, but definitely a fun read.

I really enjoyed The Lightning Thief but agree, it wasn't to the standard (is that what I mean??) of Harry Potter.

#137: The Percy Jackson series definitely improves as it goes along, Cheli.

To keep things neat and tidy I decided to start a new thread for the 4th Qtr.

Here's the link to my new thread. My 4th Qtr Thread for the 75 Book Challenge X2

Thanks for visiting here and I hope to see you on the new thread.

Hi Cheli,

I've heard lots of good things about His Majesty's Dragon and now I'm adding it to my TBR pile, along with The Chardonnay Charade. I'm really into mysteries lately, and this one sounds really good. I read The Lightning Thief earlier this year on my 11 year old grandson's recommendation and really enjoyed it. He has now handed over the sequel for me to read, so I'll need to get to it really soon! Thanks for the wonderful reviews!