Fantasia655's challenge for 2010!

Hey, everyone, it's me, Catey, I'm still Alcottacre's youngest daughter, lol. I was here last year and I had lots of fun so here I am again. :) I read mostly romances and young adult books but I do occasionally read fantasy and Classics and some mysteries. I've lately been into reading Westerns.

Good luck everybody with your challenge and Happy 2010!




Last year, I read 72 books, I was soooo close but I didn't make it so perhaps this year, I will!! :)

hi Catey

welcome in 2010 :-)
Anita

Thanks, Anita! :)

Glad to see you back, sweetie!

> 4: Glad to be back, mom! :D

Hi, Catey!!! Got ya starred. :)

Welcome back!

>6 allthesedarnbooks::Thank you, Marcia! I'dve starred you but I haven't found you yet but never fear, I'm still looking. :)

>7 drneutron:: Thanks, Doc! :)

Book Number: 1.



The Forest of Hands and Teeth by Carrie Ryan

"In Mary's world, there are simple truths.

The Sisterhood always knows best.

The Guardians will protect and serve.

The Unconsecrated (a.k.a. zombies) will never relent.

And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village. The fence that protects the village from the Forest of Hands and Teeth.
But slowly, Mary's truths are failing her. She's learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power. And, when the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness.
Now she must choose between her village and her future, between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded by so much death?"

Great writing, interesting characters and awesome plot, although somewhat depressing, I give it a 4.5/5!

I really enjoyed reading this book if 'enjoyed' is the appropriate term for it. It was engrossing and amazing, to live in a society where you have three choices to live, one to be married, another to join a nunnery and the other to live with your family. Or in extreme cases there is one other choice to become Unconsecrated or what I call to become a zombie. I cannot imagine living in a world where you cannot live beyond a fence but Mary had no choice, she and her friends had to leave when their village was breached by the Unconsecrated, and they begin their journey through the Forest and find out if there really are people beyond the Forest. There is a sequel to this book coming out later this year and already I am anticipating reading it.

You liked The Forest of Hands and Teeth a lot more than I did! I read it last year and struggled to finish. Just not my cup of tea!

I'm sorry that you didn't like it, Marcia. But like my mom says "Not every book is for everybody." :) Which is good, otherwise we'd all be robots if we all like the same things. :P

Yes! Forest of Hands and Feet sounds excellent. onto the pile!

>12 AndreaBurke:: Cool, I hope you like it! :)

Book Number 2:

The Black Brothers by Lisa Tetzner

When the man with the scar comes to the small mountain village, thirteen-year-old Giorgio does not know that this is the end of his childhood. Poverty-stricken, his father has no choice: he sells Giorgio to the man with the scar, who takes the boy to work as a chimneysweep in the city. It's a hard life: the dark, narrow chimneys are full of dangers, Giorgio faces cruel treatment at his master's house, and gang fights in the street. But Giorgio still has his friend Alfredo and their secret society, The Black Brothers.

The Black brothers takes you back to the middle of the 19th century, to a time when poor farmers from Ticino sold their children across the Swiss-Italian border to work as "living broomsticks" in the chimneys of Milan. Not everyone survived.

This book has amazing pictures and I really liked this book. Giorgio has his ups and downs and lives a hard life as a chimneysweep, being teased by children because he's a chimneysweep and having to live with a cruel master, getting into fights with gangs but finding friendship in the master's daughter and a local doctor. 4 stars. Recommended.

Published in 1941, Lisa and her husband chose her name to write under because he was Jewish and not allowed to publish. Sad times.

oh Catey, I have good memories reading this book long ago :-)
I am glad you enjoyed it too!
Anita

#14: I am stealing that one for the BlackHole. Thanks for the review, sweetie.

>15 FAMeulstee:: Anita, it was very good and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and looking at the pictures too!

>16 alcottacre:: Mom, it's there for the taking if you want it. :)

Hi, Catey! So, what's the inside scoop? Does your mom have "eyes in the back of her head" so that she can read two books at once?

>18 bonniebooks:: Sorry to disappoint you, but I've never seen the "eyes on the back of her head" but that doesn't mean she doesn't have them, I bet when everyone else goes to bed, they pop out so she can read 2 books at once. No, she just sets goals in books and reads to that goal, goes to another book, reads that goal, and moves on again, currently she's reading 8 books at the same time.

ET: I forgot an apostrophe.

Hey, good to see you back! I've got your first book as a ARC so hopefully I'll get round to it sometime this year.

>20 lunacat:: Thank you, Jenny! I hope you do, and I hope you like it when do get around to it :) So many books, so little time!

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy Birthday, Catey!

#22 and #23, Thank you!! I appreciate it. :D And Miss Linda, that cake is adorable!

Happy birthday! :)

#25 and #26, Thank you so much!! I do appreciate it! :) Love the birthday graphic, Mom! :)

Happy Birthday, Catey! Both of my boys have January birthdays too, so I've been baking cakes like crazy. Hope that your mom made you something sweet!

Happy Birthday Catey!!!

#28: Thank you! I asked for fruit salad because I love fruit. So I can't wait to dig in to it later, lol!

#29: Thank you, Anita!!! :)

Happy Birthday Catey!

#32: Thank you!! Love the cake! :)

Happy birthday yesterday, Catey. Hope you had a good one.

#34: Thank you and yes I did! I got lovely presents from my Grandpa and my best friends and my mom took me on a shopping spree. It was wonderful! :)

Book number 3:

His Uptown Girl by Gail Sattler



A light romance novel I read while I wasn't feeling good a couple days ago. Reread. I really enjoy reading Inspirational Romances, which are not graphic and have no cursing in them. It was short and sweet. 3 1/2 stars.

Book number 4:

Petronella Saves Nearly Everyone by Dene Low



"You would think Petronella's sixteenth birthday would be cause for celebration.

After all, fashionable friends are arriving at her country estate near London, teas are being served, and her coming out party promises to be a resplendent affair. Everything is falling nicely into place until suddenly - it isn't. For Petronella discovers that her guardian, Uncle Augustus T. Percival, has developed a most unVictorian compulsion: he must eat bugs. Worse still, because he is her guardian, Uncle Augustus is to attend her soiree, and his current state will most definitely be an embarrassment. During the festivities, when Petronella would much rather be sharing pleasentries with the handsome Lord James Sinclair (swoon), important guests are disappearing, kidnapping notes are appearing, many of the clues are insects, and Uncle Augustus is surreptitiously devouring evidence. It's more than one sixteen-year-old should have to deal with.

I really liked this book, although the thought of eating bugs is disgusting. I can't wait til more of this series comes out. :) 4 1/2 stars. highly recommended.

#37: That one sounds fun! I will have to borrow it from the library for me.

#38: I think you'll really like it! :)

ETA: I accidently double posted.

Book number 5:

Math Doesn't Suck by Danica McKellar



As the math education crisis in thie country continues to make headlines, research reveals that it is in middle school when scores begin to drop - especially for girls - in large part due to damaging social messages that tell girls they "can't do" math, and that math is something they should avoid or be afraid of. Finally help is here! In Math Doesn't Suck, internationally known actress and mathmatician Danica McKellar - called a "math superstar" by The New York Times - rips the lid off the myth that math "sucks", helping to show that math can be easy, relevant and even glamorous, and providing readers with the tools to ace their next test. With Danica as a personal tutor and coach, even the most frustrated students will finally "get" fractions, decimals, rates, ratios, proportions, "solving for x" and more - the concepts that, if not fully understood in middle school, will continue to haunt student throughout high school and beyond.

Having struggled with math now in high school, I figured I'd go back to the base of operations - middle school math - and figure what I know and what I don't know. And this book really helped, it made math seem simple and easy - that anyone could do math if they put a little effort into it. And now I feel a little more confident and feel that I could ace my next algebra test - that is if I had one. Highly recommended for those who know someone who needs a little extra push when it comes to math. 5 stars.

well done, I always liked math ;-)
Anita

I need more than a little extra push, but I'm glad it helped!

The only math I've ever understood is algebra. The rest is beyond me. I don't even know my times tables. Somehow I slipped through the net at school (I did that a lot!) and no one ever noticed I didn't know.

I hate it so much that I don't think I could bring myself to read a whole book on it though, however much it helped.

#41: Sounds like that one was worth the investment of time (on your part) and money (on mine). Glad you liked it, sweetie.

>41 fantasia655: Looks like an interesting book, Catey. One that I definitely could have used when home-schooling! I did not know that information about the author. Learn something new everyday-thanks!

#42: Anita, I like math too - but apparantly it does not like me. :)

#43: My sister does not like math either so I understand, it was originally her book but since she does not like it she gave it to me.

#44: Yep, I enjoyed it - much more than I thought I would. lol

#45: Your welcome. :)

If you liked Math doesn't suck you might also like McKellar's follow-up, Kiss my math.

Personally, I find McKellar's books don't do a lot for me. But I'm a fan anyway: math education desperately needs a sense of play, and McKellar encourages that. And anything that helps correct the bizarre myth that "girls can't do math" is better than good. I'm glad to hear her books are finding a home.

#47: Thank you! I'll definitely have to look for that one. :)

Books number 6 & 7:

Dark Embrace by Brenda Joyce



Aidan, the Wolf of Awe, has abandoned the Brotherhood and forsaken his vows. Feared by all and trusted by none, he hunts alone, seeking vengeance against the evil that destroyed his son. He has not saved an Innocent in sixty-six years—until he hears Brianna Rose's scream of terror across centuries, and leaps to modern-day Manhattan to rescue her.…
Brie is a gifted empath who spends her time fighting evil from the safety of her laptop—and fantasizing about the medieval Highlander she met just once. Still, her life is pretty ordinary—until she awakens one night consumed with Aidan's pain and rage. When Aidan suddenly appears and takes her hostage, Brie cannot believe how dark and dangerous he has become. She knows she should be afraid, but instead, she will fight across time for his redemption…and his love. 4 stars

&

Dark Victory by Brenda Joyce



A dark, ruthless Highlander, the Black Macleod has refused his destiny. His life is revenge for the massacre of his family. His enemies' insults—that he is a man of stone—only amuse him. But fate is impatient, and when a woman from another time dares to summon him, he cannot resist her powers—or her.…
A schoolteacher by day, Tabitha Rose uses her magic to protect others by night. When the vision of a dark Highlander, bloody and burned, appears to Tabby, she knows she has been called to help him, no matter how frightening he might be. But what Tabby doesn't expect is to be taken against her will to his dark, violent time. And when evil begins to stalk her, she realizes she must fight for far more than his destiny—she must fight for her love.… 4 stars

You have made a good start on your reading year, sweetie. Keep it up :)

Books number: 8, 9 and 10.

Letter to my Daughter by George Bishop



When Liz runs away from her Baton Rouge home on the eve of her fifteenth birthday, her guilt-ridden mother, Laura, writes her a letter about her own adolescence, hoping to give Liz insight into her mother as a woman who has enough of her own precarious history to understand her daughter. In her painfully candid confession, Laura reveals the reasons her parents sent her away to a strict Catholic boarding school, how her forbidden love affair with a boy from the wrong part of town who then left to fight in Vietnam ended in tragedy, and, finally the meaning of the enigmatic tattoo she wears below her right hip.

This was a great book. It was sad but had a happy ending. I'm very partial to books in the form of letters and this was no exception. Highly recommended. 4 1/2 stars.

And Both Were Young by Madeleine L'Engle



Flip doesn't think shell ever fit in at the Swiss boarding school. Besides being homesick for her father and Connecticut, she isn't sophisticated like the other girls, and discussions about boys leave her tongue-tied. Her happiest times are spent apart from the others, sketching or wandering in the mountains.
But the day she's out walking alone and meets a French boy, Paul, things change for Flip. As their relationship grows, so does her self-confidence. Despite her newfound happiness, there are times when Paul seems a stranger to her. And since dating is forbidden except to seniors, their romance must remain a secret. With so many new feelings and obstacles to overcome in her present, can Flip help Paul to confront his troubled past and find a future?

I had never heard of this book by Madeleine before until the other day while I was wandering around the library and the title popped out at me. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. And I can relate to Flip, as being a very clumsy - accident-prone - person. Recommended 4 stars.

Shifting Love by Constance O'Day Flannery

Magdalene O'Shea, who fears that she is destined to end up alone because of her shape-shifting abilities, owns a self-help bookstore, but her secret mission is to teach men to love. While she loves her unknowing clients, she doesn't fall in love until she meets talented businessman and widower Julian McDonald, the mysterious foundation's secret pick for their next political insider. Things nearly end in disaster, however, when they fly to Julian's Bermuda home and Maggie goes for a midnight swim as a dolphin and is captured in a fishing net. When she is rescued by Julian's housekeeper in barracuda form, she discovers that there are other women shape-shifters who have found love.

I love Constance, her books are great. But this one I did not care as much about as I do her time travel ones. 3 1/2 Stars.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfPmwtOOUOs

I watched this yesterday and it was very good, although everything went absolutely wrong in the show. Jane got married to Mr. Collins, Lydia ran off with Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy didn't fall in love with Elizabeth and yet everything in the end turns out allright.

So here is the trailer for it.

Books 11-24.

Book number 11: Reunion by Meg Cabot



The RLS Angels are out for blood, and only Suze can stop them--since she's the only one who can see them. The four ghostly teenagers died in a terrible car accident, for which they blame Suze's classmate Michael... and they'll stop at nothing until he's joined them in the realm of the dead.
As Suze desperately fends off each attempt on Michael's life, she finds she can relate to the Angels' fury. Because their deaths turn out not to have been accidental at all. And their killer is only too willing to strike again. 4 1/2 stars

Book number 12: Darkest Hour by Meg Cabot



When the nineteenth--century ghost of Maria de Silva wakes her up in the middle of the night, Suze knows this is no ordinary visitation -- and not just from the knife at her throat, either. In life, Maria was the fiancee of Jesse -- the same Jesse who was murdered a hundred and fifty years before. The same Jesse Suze is in love with.
Maria threatens Suze: The backyard construction must cease. Suze has a pretty good idea what -- or rather, who -- Maria doesn't want found. But in solving Jesse's murder, will Suze end up losing him forever? 4 stars

Book number 13: Splendid by Julia Quinn



American heiress Emma Dunster has always been fun-loving and independent with no wish to settle into marriage. She plans to enjoy her Season in London in more conventional ways than husband-hunting. But this time Emma's high-jinks lead her into dangerous temptation...

Alexander Ridgely, the Duke of Ashbourne, is a notorious rake who carefully avoids the risk of love...until he plants one reckless kiss on the sensuous lips of this high-spirited innocent...and condemns himself to delicious torment. Little does he know that his passion has touched the very soul of the lovely enchantress...and committed them both to a lifetime of splendid ecstasy. 4 stars.

Book number 14:

What Happens In London by Julia Quinn



Rumors and Gossip . . . The lifeblood of London

When Olivia Bevelstoke is told that her new neighbor may have killed his fiancÉe, she doesn't believe it for a second, but, still, how can she help spying on him, just to be sure? So she stakes out a spot near her bedroom window, cleverly concealed by curtains, watches, and waits . . . and discovers a most intriguing man, who is definitely up to something.

Sir Harry Valentine works for the boring branch of the War Office, translating documents vital to national security. He's not a spy, but he's had all the training, and when a gorgeous blonde begins to watch him from her window, he is instantly suspicious. But just when he decides that she's nothing more than an annoyingly nosy debutante, he discovers that she might be engaged to a foreign prince, who might be plotting against England. And when Harry is roped into spying on Olivia, he discovers that he might be falling for her himself . . . 4 1/2 stars.

Book number 15: The Duke and I by Julia Quinn



Relentlessly pursued by match-making mamas and their charges, Simon Bassett, the handsome Duke of Hastings, has grown tired of the societal chase. Tired too is the lovely Daphne Bridgerton, whose matrimonially minded mother is set on finding her daughter the perfect husband. Neither Simon nor Daphne is happy with this annoying state of affairs and both would give anything for a little peace and quiet. Their mutual wish for a respite from the ton's marriage mart leads to a pretend engagement--a scheme that is threatened with exposure by Daphne's suspicious older brother, who happens to know Simon's way with women very well. The two never anticipated that a mutual attraction would lead to the very thing they set out to avoid--a wedding. But Simon fears that his painful past may keep him from being able to truly love anyone. And though Daphne cares for him deeply, she won't settle for anything less than his heart. Book one of the Bridgerton series. 4 1/2 stars.

Book number 16: The Viscount Who Loved Me by Julia Quinn

Wise, lovely, and kind, Kate Sheffield is determined that her beautiful half-sister, Edwina, marry a reputable man. Unfortunately for Kate, Viscount Anthony Bridgerton--London's most eligible bachelor and a notorious rake to boot--sets his sights on Edwina, and what the viscount wants, the viscount gets.

Hardly a problem for the impossibly handsome viscount, that is until the determined Kate, whose deep, dark eyes and lush mouth send his senses racing, presents a challenge that Anthony cannot refuse. Worse yet, Kate's response to his playful advances only confirms the ardent attraction that both seem desperate to deny. Anthony is faced with a dilemma. On the one hand, the perfectly amiable Edwina, while on the other, the most stubborn, single-minded--yet confoundedly desirable--female ever to grace a London ballroom. Anthony's quandary comes to a fast and fateful conclusion when he and Kate are caught in an innocent but compromising position. Book two of the Bridgerton series. 4 1/2 stars.

Book Number 17: An Offer From a Gentleman Julia Quinn



Miss Sophie Beckett is the illegitimate daughter of the earl of Penwood. Raised in his home, Sophie has a tolerable existence until the earl marries, when her life takes a distinct turn for the worse. Sophie's new stepmother hates her, and when the earl passes away, she relegates Sophie to the role of servant. Sophie's days are pure drudgery, until one night her fellow servants conspire to help her attend a masquerade ball.

Her life changes irrevocably when she meets handsome Benedict Bridgerton and falls head over heels in love. Benedict is equally smitten, but when the clock strikes midnight his beautiful mystery lady runs from him, leaving only her glove in his hand. He searches London for her, but she seems to have vanished. What Benedict doesn't know is that Sophie's stepmother has discovered her outing and thrown Sophie out of their London townhouse. Sophie leaves London, and it isn't until three years later that Benedict and Sophie's paths cross once again, when he saves her from the unwanted attentions of a drunken lord. Sophie recognizes Benedict immediately, but much to her dismay, he doesn't know her in her maid's dress. Soon, however, Benedict falls in love with Sophie all over again. Believing her to be a servant, he cannot conceive of a way to make her his, as she adamantly refuses to become his mistress. Both struggle with their feelings for each other, their unwillingness to compromise their principles, and the seemingly insurmountable wall separating a member of the nobility and a servant. To add to their difficulties, Sophie's vindictive stepmother discovers her presence in London and sets out to make her life even more miserable. It will take the combined force of the large Bridgerton family to help these two stubborn people realize a happy future together. Book three in the Bridgerton series. 4 1/2 stars.

Book number 18: Brighter Than The Sun by Julia Quinn



SWEETER THAN A DREAM
Charles Wycombe, the dashing--if incorrigible-- Earl of Billington, needs a bride before his upcoming thirtieth birthday if he hopes to earn his inheritance. The vicar's vivacious, determined daughter, Miss Eleanor Lyndon, needs a new home, since her father's insufferable fiancee is making her old one intolerable. Destiny has brought Charles and Ellie together--though their match at the outset appears to have been made somewhere rather hotter than heaven.

BRIGHTER THAN THE SUN

Their first meeting is less than auspicious--with a somewhat soused Charles falling from a tree and landing at Eleanor's feet. While they agree to marry for their mutual convenience, Charles is not prepared to let a woman command his household. And certainly strong-willed Ellie refuses to let a rogue run her life. Yet the rakish earl can be quite charming--and even tender--when he puts his mind to it. And there's no denying the sensuous allure of his enchanting, innocent, yet utterly stubborn wife. Even though mad mishaps and very real dangers threaten their fragile union, they must follow where passion leads--to the rapturous warmth and brilliance of love. 4 stars.

Book number 19: Dancing at Midnight by Julia Quinn



Lady Arabella Blydon has beauty and a brain, and she's tired of men who can see only one without the other.

When a suitor tells Arabella he's willing to overlook her appalling bluestocking tendencies on account of her looks and fortune, she decides to take a break from the Marriage Mart. During an extended stay in the country, she never expects to meet Lord John Blackwood, a wounded war hero who intrigues her like no other man.

Lord John has lived through the worst horros of war...but nothing could have been as terrifying to his tormented heart as Lady Arabella. She is intoxicating, infuriating...and she makes him want to live again. Suddenly he's writing bad poetry and climbing trees in the pitch-dark night...just so he can dance with her as the clock strikes midnight. And even though he knows he can never be the sort of man she deserves, he can't help wanting her. But when the harsh light of day replaces the magic of midnight, can this tormented soul learn to love again? 4 stars

Book number 20: The Lost Duke of Wyndham by Julia Quinn



Grace Eversleigh, companion to the dowager duchess of Wyndham, unwillingly helping the dowager kidnap a highwayman. The dowager believes Jack Audley, a former Army Captain, to be her grandson, the son of her long-deceased favorite son. But the current Duke of Wyndham, Thomas Cavendish, Jack's ostensible cousin, learns that he could be disposed of a title if it is proven that Jack's parents were married in Ireland before their untimely deaths. Jack attempts to overcome his tortured past with a quick smile and easy wit, and sparks between Jack and Grace result in a number of sizzling scenes that are made more powerful by the intensity of emotions involved. 4 stars.

How to Tempt a Duke by Kasey Michaels



He'd returned from war a duke. Now Rafael Daughtry was battling a force more terrifying than Napoleon's army—his family. Thankfully, his childhood friend Charlotte Seavers had agreed—reluctantly—to a bargain. While Rafe would provide her with the home she'd lost, Charlotte would provide him with a chaperone for his unruly twin sisters.
But who would chaperone Rafe? For the feisty young girl he remembered had blossomed into a sensual woman—a woman whose haunting beauty and deeply kept secrets drew him like no other. Charlotte had good reason to mistrust men—yet could Rafe's sizzling seduction convince her to give in to temptation?
4 stars.

Book Number 22: A Gentleman by Any Other Name by Kasey Michaels



In 1811, Ainsley's son Chance, at 30 the eldest of the eight children, is returning to the family estate in Kent with his five-year-old daughter, Alice, and an assignment from the War Office to investigate smugglers. Recently widowed, Chance employs smart, sure Julia Carruthers as a nanny. Attraction between Julia and Chance heats up as she becomes involved in his patchwork family and starts piecing together the family's role in the smuggling enterprise—a role that may be at odds with Chance's official business. Michaels keeps the couple's relationship fresh with their cat-and-mouse mind games throughout as Julia's curiosity and intellect keep vigilant pace with Chance's manipulative efforts to protect the family secrets. 4 1/2 stars

Book number 23: The Dangerous Debutante by Kasey Michaels



Return to Romney Marsh as Morgan Becket makes her London debut. Sending a headstrong woman like Morgan to the marriage mart is asking for trouble, and trouble is Ethan Tanner, the wild Earl of Aylesford. Ethan is fascinated by outspoken, unconventional Morgan and is sure he's met his match.

When Ethan comes to Romney Marsh to ask for Morgan's hand, he wonders what he's gotten himself into. There's more going on than meets the eye. He's in love with Morgan for her mind and her body, but could the family have some dark secret that needs investigating? The Beckets are suspicious of Ethan's motives for courting Morgan and, when Morgan decides he's not truthful, Ethan discovers just how dangerous a lady can be.

Michaels takes us to the ballrooms of a London season, the remote coast and a smuggler's den in her latest Beckets story. Her characters shine as she brings in fascinating details of the era, engaging plot twists and plenty of sensuality 4 stars

Book number 24: Beware of Virtuous Women by Kasey Michaels



Smuggling flourishes along England's southern coastlinein 1813, setting the scene for bestselling Michaels's fast-paced new series chronicling the sprawling Becket family of Romney Marsh, continued in this third volume. When the Beckets' smuggling ring, an operation that helps their fellow villagers, is threatened by the notorious Red Men Gang, family friend Jack Eastwood offers to infiltrate London society to root out the gang's leader. Although adopted daughter Eleanor has always been reserved and self-sufficient, quietly running the boisterous Becket household, she shocks everyone by volunteering to play Eastwood's pretend wife in London. Jack quickly discovers that Eleanor's fragile looks hide a sharp mind and steely will, making her a valuable ally, but he suspects she is keeping secrets from him about her past. These secrets become a liability when Jack discovers that Rowley Maddox, the Earl of Chelfham and quite possibly the leader of the Red Men, knows who Eleanor is and what she's hiding. As the cat-and-mouse game intensifies, Jack and Eleanor realize they are destined to do more together than sleuthing—just in time for Jack to face losing Eleanor at the hands of Maddox. 4 1/2 stars.

Wow! You had a busy weekend.

You have been reading a lot!
Found yourself a new genre?
I have had times I only read romances and nothing else ;-)

>56 alcottacre:: What can I say? I had a lot of free time this week. :)

>57 FAMeulstee:: Yes, I love romances especially historical romances, it's what I read the most of. But I do occasionally change genres... sometimes. :)

Found you!

59: Yay! :)

book number 25: Forever After by Catherine Anderson

26: Annie's Song by Catherine Anderson

27: Phantom Waltz by Catherine Anderson

28: Baby Love by Catherine Anderson

29: Sweet Nothings by Catherine Anderson

30: My Sunshine by Catherine Anderson

31: Early Dawn by Catherine Anderson

32: Star Bright by Catherine Anderson

33: Morning Light by Catherine Anderson

34: Sun Kissed by Catherine Anderson

and finally new authors lol

35: Surrender to a Wicked Spy by Celeste Bradley

36: To Wed a Scandalous Spy by Celeste Bradley

37: The Pretender by Celeste Bradley

38: Anne's Wish by Joy Reed

39: Emily's Wish by Joy Reed

40: The Accidental Bride by Jane Feather

41: The Least Likely Bride by Jane Feather

42: For All Eternity by Heather Cullman

43: Prelude to Heaven by Laura Lee Guhrke

44: Innocent Fire by Brenda Joyce

45: The MacKenzies: Luke by Ana Leigh

46: The MacKenzies: Flint by Ana Leigh

hi Catey
I was just wondering tonight where you were, now I see: you have been reading, a lot! ;-)

#62: Anita, thank you for thinking of me. :) Yep, I have been busy reading, it is a very fun thing to do. :)

About time you updated your list :)

congratulations Stasia Jr. You are clipping along at quite a rapid pace.

Hugs to you.

#64: What can I say, I am just lazy. :p

#65: Thank you, Miss Linda! :)

Hugs back.

Book number 47-48: The Wrong Mr. Right by Tina Wainscott and Never Say Never by Barbara Daly

49: Help Wanted: Husband? by Darlene Scalera

50: The Librarian's Passionate Knight by Cindy Gerard

51: A Little Moonlighting by Raye Morgan

52: A Husband in Her Eyes by Karen Rose Smith

53: Galahad in Blue Jeans by Sara Orwig

54: At The Rancher's Bidding by Charlotte Maclay

55: Deadly Texas Rose by Lenora Worth

56: His Email Order Wife by Kristi Gold

57: Accidental Wife by Day Leclaire

58: They're The One by Mindy Neff (bad touchstone)

59: Man of the Midnight Sun by Jean Barrett

60: Mail Order Cinderella by Kathryn Jensen

61: Kiss Me, Cowboy! by Maureen Child

62: His Brother's Wife by Lenora Worth

63: A Taste of Paradise by Patricia Thayer

64: Protecting Her Child by Debby Giusti

65: Preacher's In-Name-Only Wife by Mindy Neff

66: The Second Son by Joanna Wayne

Hi There Sweetie!

That is an incredible list of books! You are reading faster than lightening.

Good job!

#68: Thank you, I really appreciate you taking the time to comment on my thread. :)

About time you got caught up, sweetie :)

Only 9 more to go to 75! Good job.

66 books in one quarter, impressive indeed! Keep it up :)

Wow, Catey, you're really whipping through the challenge! Great job!

>70 alcottacre:: Yep, I know, I'm working on it.

>71 PiyushC:: I'll do my best, Piyush! :)

>72 allthesedarnbooks:: Thanks, Marcia! :D

Book number 67: Still Missing by Chevy Stevens

On the day she was abducted, Annie O’Sullivan, a thirty-two year old realtor, had three goals—sell a house, forget about a recent argument with her mother, and be on time for dinner with her ever- patient boyfriend. The open house is slow, but when her last visitor pulls up in a van as she's about to leave, Annie thinks it just might be her lucky day after all. Interwoven with the story of the year Annie spent as the captive of psychopath in a remote mountain cabin, which unfolds through sessions with her psychiatrist, is a second narrative recounting events following her escape—her struggle to piece her shattered life back together and the ongoing police investigation into the identity of her captor.

The truth doesn’t always set you free.

There are many words to describe this book but it's hard for me to get them out.
I was spellbound and yet the book was disturbing and engrossing and complicated. I can honestly say that I am appalled at what people will do to each other. I couldn't put the book down but I had to to cook dinner (we really need to learn to not eat) but when dinner was cooked, I picked it back up again. I laughed at somethings, cried at others, and yelled at the horrible guy who did this to her and I am already paranoid at life and this book just made me all the more paranoid. I can't put a rating on it yet but maybe in a couple days when I've had some time to digest it, I will.

#74: Sounds like that one caught you up and spit you out again. Some books are just like that!

BTW - The touchstone is wrong, sweetie. The book you want is: http://www.librarything.com/work/9118419, if you want to fix it.

Dang it! I just fixed it and it poofed on me again, ok, I'll take care of it. Thank you!!

LT is just like that some days! I know how it goes . . .

It happens... unfortunately...

I was spellbound and yet the book was disturbing and engrossing and complicated.

I decided after reading Butcher Boy last year that I wasn't going to buy/read any more fiction like this, as it gets me all creeped out and I think, "Why am I doing this to myself? It (the story) is not even true and there's enough evil stuff happening in the world to keep me feeling bad..." But have to confess I was intrigued by your review, and I would probably succumb too if I had the book on my shelf. Scary books are enticing because they get the adrenaline going and take you away from boring, everyday problems - while making you feel grateful afterwards for that same "boring" life.

Onto the wishlist that one goes! Thanks, Catey.

#79: I agree, scary books can take you away from the mundane, ordinary life and transplant you into a world of "what if's" and it can fun to get away for awhile and I know I was happy to get back to my ordinary life after reading Still Missing.

#80: No problem. :)

book number 68: Inverloch by Sarah Ellerton


Meet Acheron, an innocent young pup from the horned wolf-like race the "da'kor." After a chance encounter with a beautiful elf, Acheron sets out on a seemingly innocent quest--that of trying to locate another elf who has been missing for the past twelve years.

Together with his newfound companions, Acheron quickly learns that the world is not the peaceful place he believed it to be, embroiled in prejudice, hidden danger, and unexpected mystery.

This was funny and cute and awesome all rolled into one. 4 stars

Hi There!
Still Missing sounds like a great book!

#83: It's definitely one that sticks with you.

So today was our library's book sale and although I did not get much this time, I thought I'd share what I got anyway. :)

The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley

Candles on Bay Street by K.C. Mckinnon

Search the Dark by Charles Todd

Cry in the Night by Colleen Coble

My Cousin Rachel by Daphne Du Maurier

Book number 69: Faith by Lori Copeland

I won't be able to post as much because my laptop died, to my utter dismay. :( but my cousin is going to take a look at it and he's going to try and fix it.

#86: Did you like that one?

#87: Yes, very much so, I wish I had the rest in the series.

Only 6 away from 75! Not bad, baby.

#85. I hope you enjoy The Mists of Avalon. For a few years in my early 20s, I read it over and over.

#89: Thanks, Mom! :D

#90: I hope so too, I'm probably going to read it this weekend if not sooner. :) It sounds amazing.

Book number 70: No Regrets by Ann Rule.

One of my friends on facebook, his sister was raped and murdered and her story was one of the ones in this book. He had been trying to stop authors from putting underage or minor's dead photos in books. I saw that our library had this book, and was intrigued by what he said so I had to read it. It was very sad, Teresa Sterling ran away alot so her parents gave up looking for her. She was 15 years old. 6 months later, they find her body in the woods.

It has been a while, Catey! Glad to see you finished one.

#93: Yes indeed, it has! :)

hi Catey

Good to see you were posting.
You are well on your way to 75!

book #70:
What a terrible thing to happen to a young girl!
I could not read such a book, so in this case I am glad there is no translation available...

Anita

HI Catey

Nice to see you here! I've read many of Ann Rule's books, but not the one you mentioned. I've added it to the tbr pile.

#95: Thanks for dropping by, Anita! Yes, I am getting closer and closer. :)

Indeed, quite a terrible thing. I am glad as well, it was pretty gruesome.

#96: Hi, Miss Linda!

I haven't read many of Ann Rule's at all, I think this might be my first one of her's to read but I'm not sure. I like her, so I might read some more of her's.

i highly recommend The Stranger Beside Me

I own The Stranger Beside Me if you would like to read it, Catey.

#98: Thanks, Miss Linda. I'll get if from my mom. :)

#99: Mom, sure I would like to read it. :p

Now all we have to do is find it!

#101: Yep, lol.

HI There!

Thanks for sharing your mom! We had a great time in PA and NY~

#103: Hi, Miss Linda,

Your welcome. She's told me all about it. Thank you for taking care of her. :) I appreciate it. I'm glad all of you got to meet and have a blast together.

My mini book haul from our Library's book sale:

River of Secrets by Lynette Eason

To Trust a Friend by Lynn Bulock

Love Knot by Susan E. Kirby

Malice in Miniature by Jeanne M. Dams

Holy Terror in the Hebrides by Jeanne M. Dams

The Rose Labyrinth by Titania Hardie

The Flight of the Falcon by Daphne Du Maurier

The Forest House by Marion Zimmer Bradley

The Wayfarer Redemption by Sara Douglass

I wondered if you were going to post your haul. Glad you did!

105 - Nice! And I bet it didn't cost that much either! AND...you supported the library, so everyone's happy. :)

That is a wonderful group of books that you obtained. I bet you had a great time with your mom...Wish I could have joined you both.

Hugs to you,

#106: Yea, I was just tired so I took my time lol

#107: Yep, very happy. And it was fun too :) Thanks!

#108: I had a very good time with my mom. It would've been cool if you were there too. :) Thanks!

book number 71: Head in the Clouds by Karen Witemeyer
awesome book, a little suspense and lots of love, my favorite kind :) 4 stars

book number 72: To Trust a Friend by Lynn Bulock
another suspenseful book yay 4 stars

book number 73: The Bluebird and The Sparrow by Janette Oke
I love Janette Oke. My grandma has a lot of her books and during the summer or whenever I had a chance to visit her, I would ask to borrow her Janette Oke books, this one is one of my favorites. :) 4 1/2 stars

book number 74: Whirlwind by Cathy Marie Hake
a funny book, the main character always getting into trouble. always trying to fix something but it always goes awry, cute 4 stars.

AHHHH! Only one away from hitting 75, I gotta getta crackalackin!! :D

I hope number 75 is a dandy!

So I got a little book haul for ya! I mean how can you pass up $1.00 books? I sure can't. :)

Maire by Linda Windsor

Riona by Linda Windsor

Queen of Babble by Meg Cabot (love her books)

Love: Classics From The Modern Library (looked awesome)

The Fugitive Heart by Jane Orcutt

The Hidden Heart by Jane Orcutt

Well that's all but it should keep me busy for a minute or two. ;)

#112: We did well today, didn't we?

#113: Yes, I think so! :D

I made a website/blog! So please feel free to look it up.

http://cateyscalamityofbooks.weebly.com/

Looks good, sweetie!

#115 I really like that layout: very welcoming. And the Samuel Butler quote made me smile.

Nice layout and very uncluttered *thumbs up*!

Thanks everyone! It was fun to make. :) I'm glad you all like it.

And now announcing book number 75!!



One Enchanted Evening by Lynn Kurland

Montgomery de Piaget attracts responsibilities like blossoms lure bees. Where other knights have bonny brides, laughing children, and noble quests, he has the task of rebuilding the most dilapidated castle in all of England. A bit of magic might aid him—if only he still believed in that sort of thing.
When Pippa Alexander is invited to England to provide costumes for an upscale party, she jumps at the chance to showcase her own line of fairy-tale inspired designs. Not even her older sister’s decision to act as Fairy Queen crushes Pippa’s hope that this time, she’ll wind up wearing the glass slippers. Not that she believes in fairy tales, or magic that whispers along the hallways of an honest-to-goodness medieval castle…

But the castle is full of more than cobwebs, and danger lurks in unexpected places. And only time will tell if Montgomery and Pippa can overcome both to find their own happily every after . . .

I borrowed this from mom because I love Lynn Kurland's books, she has a way of writing that takes you into another place, when she's writing about sword fights, you feel like your there, watching the battle and cheering the hero on and she keeps you wanting more. :) 5 stars!!

Congrats on reaching 75!

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Congratulations on reaching 75!

Congrats!

Thanks everyone! :D

Congratulations on reaching 75 books for the year! And the Kurland book sounds like a fine light read of an evening... *heads for library catalog*

Thanks, Roni! I really enjoyed it. I hope you will as well. :)

I found this painting on my iGoogle page.



I would love to be there! :)

If he had hair, he'd be your mother!

Quite possibly. :)

Congrats!

#132: Thank you.

#130: I would not be caught dead with that necktie on!

#134 Looks more like a Cricket bat!

#135: It does, doesn't it?

Hi there sweetie. I hear so much about you from your mom. She is so proud of you! I do hope to meet you one day.

Hugs

#137: Hi Miss Linda, I hope you are feeling better. :)
I do hope to meet you someday too. I think that my mom and I are very lucky to know you.

Hugs back,

Catey