In 1982 the Commodore 64 computer was introduced, Ronald Reagan survived being shot, the Falkland War started and ended, Michael Jackson released, Thriller, Canada repatriated its Constitution, and the first compact disc was sold in Germany. And that’s not all. In 1982 I blossomed from a naive fourteen-year-old trying to fit in with the cool kids to something much more: a naive eyeliner-wearing, fifteen-year-old trying to fit in with the cool kids. So writes Jian Ghomeshi in this, his first book, 1982. It is a memoir told across intertwined stories of the songs and musical moments that changed his life. Obsessed with David Bowie ("I wanted to be Bowie,” he recalls), the adolescent Ghomeshi embarks on a Nick Hornbyesque journey to make music the centre of his life. Acceptance meant being cool, and being cool meant being Bowie. And being Bowie meant pointy black boots, eyeliner, and hair gel. Add to that the essential all-black wardrobe and you have two very confused Iranian parents, busy themselves with gaining acceptance in Canada against the backdrop of the revolution in Iran.
It is a bittersweet, heartfelt book that recalls awkward moments such as Ghomeshi’s performance as the “Ivory” in a school production of Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney’s Ebony and Ivory; a stakeout where Rush was rehearsing for its world tour; and a memorable day at the Police picnic of 1982. Music is the jumping-off place for Ghomeshi to discuss young love, young heartache, conformity, and the nature of cool. At the same time, 1982 is an entertaining cultural history of a crazy era of glam, glitter, and gender-bending fads and fashions. And it is definitely the first rock memoir by a Persian-Canadian new waver.
I started reading this book a little over a week ago, but with Christmas and this sinus cold I can't seem to shake, I haven't had much time to finish reading it, well, until today.
I'm an 80's kid. I remember the fashion, the television and the music. Some things were great, music and movies (some) but the fashion...let's forget about that please. Reading Jian Ghomeshi's memoir brought back a few memories. Although I'm a tad younger than the author, I can relate. In 1982, I was 9, my family had just moved to a different country, I was learning a different language and trying to fit in with the other kids. I felt like an outsider but the one thing that was universal was music. Duran Duran, ruled the radio waves, with some Talk Talk and let's not forget U2, Madonna and Michael Jackson. We could probably all agree that the best thing that came out of that decade was the music.
I don't like rating memoirs because how can you really give someone's memories a rate out of five, let's just say that I had a blast (of the past) reading Jian Ghomeshi's 1982.
1982 by Jian Ghomeshi () Memoir; Published: Viking (2012); New Release; New Author; Canadian Author; Library; Books 2012 (58);
Saul Indian Horse is dying. Tucked away in a hospice high above the clash and clang of a big city, he embarks on a marvellous journey of imagination back through the life he led as a northern Ojibway, with all its sorrows and joys. With compassion and insight, author Richard Wagamese traces through his fictional characters the decline of a culture and a cultural way. For Saul, taken forcibly from the land and his family when he's sent to residential school, salvation comes for a while through his incredible gifts as a hockey player. But in the harsh realities of 1960s Canada, he battles obdurate racism and the spirit-destroying effects of cultural alienation and displacement. Indian Horse unfolds against the bleak loveliness of northern Ontario, all rock, marsh, bog and cedar. Wagamese writes with a spare beauty, penetrating the heart of a remarkable Ojibway man.
I love this book! Like the blurb says it deals with the harsh realities of the 1960s Canada, the racism, cultural alienation. What we learn in school does not cover this, yes we knew they took children from their parents. Tried to take their beliefs from them, tried to take their spirit, and in many cases their innocence and our schools don't teach us this. This book gave me some insight, on how bad it really was. I know alot of people don't want to talk about this, many deem this to be still very sensitive, but it needs to be done. It was wrong, very wrong. I want to thank Mr Wagamese for letting me experience it with his beautiful words.
Indian Horse by Richard Wagamese (5/5) Fiction; Published: Douglas & McIntyre (2012); New Author; New Release; Favorite Read 2012; Canada Reads; Canada Reads 2013; Library; Books 2012 (57);
Darla Pettistone may have inherited her great aunt Dee’s Brooklyn bookstore, but it’s the store’s mascot—an oversized black cat named Hamlet—who acts like he owns the place. And when someone turns up dead, Hamlet smells something rotten in Brooklyn…
As the owner of Pettistone’s Fine Books, Darla is settling nicely into her new life, even reaching an uneasy truce with Hamlet. Unfortunately, when she needs to hire a new clerk, the finicky feline decides to lend a paw to the hiring process. He chases away applicants who don’t meet his approval, finally settling on an unlikely candidate: Robert, a book-loving Goth kid who has a secret only Hamlet knows.
And Hamlet can’t seem to stay out of trouble. One of the bookstore’s regular customers, a man who is renovating a local brownstone, claims he’s seen Hamlet prowling the neighborhood. When the man’s business partner is found dead, Darla discovers that Hamlet may have been the only witness to what could be murder. With the crafty cat’s help, she wonders if they just might be able to pounce on a killer...
My favorite fictional cat is back! I'm a proud owner of a black cat, Boo. The author's description of Hamlet both physically and personality wise is like describing Boo. Well, except for pulling out books...
Like the previous book of the series, Double Booked for Death, Hamlet is on the prowl for a murderer with a little help from his human, Darla, the owner of Pettistone's Fine Books. They also had some help from the usual gang, Jake, Professor and the newest member of their "family", Robert, a teenage ex goth book lover who has a soft spot for Hamlet. I was completely surprised on who the murderer was, but the author tied up everything very well. I hate when that doesn't happen. I loved seeing Hamlet bond with both Robert and Darla, in his own stubborn cat way. Cat owners will understand.
A Novel Way to Die by Ali Brandon (3.5/5) Mystery; Published: Berkley Prime Crime (11/2012); Series: # 2, A Black Cat Bookshop Mystery; New Release; Library; Books 2012 (56);
No one thought much of the stranger who stopped by the Ashton Corners Mystery Readers meeting. But when he's killed just moments later, Lizzie Turner finds herself in the midst of a dangerous murder mystery...
Reading specialist and mystery book lover Lizzie Turner was excited for the first meeting of the Ashton Corners Mystery Readers and Cheese Straws Society hosted in Molly Mathews's old Southern mansion. But she didn't expect the gathering to become the scene of an actual murder. A stranger has been shot -- and nobody knows who the victim is, or how Molly's antique gun came to be used as the murder weapon.
As the plot becomes all too real, the police chief -- Lizzie's former high school crush -- steps in to investigate. Then Lizzie begins finding mysterious manuscripts chapters in her mailbox, and Molly surfaces as the next name on the killer's list...
I'm on a roll...another mystery and another first book of a series, Ashton Corners Book Club mystery series, by Erika Chase.
I enjoyed the premise of the story, a mystery book club investigating their own case, or least what they thought as their own. And that escalates to something more. Plus you add several interesting characters, the possibility of one or two romances, a hunky Chief of police, a puppy and two cats, I'm in heaven. Ok, not quite, but it was a good read. I'm looking forward to read the next book in the series.
A Killer Read by Erika Chase (3/5) Mystery; Published: Berkley Prime Crime (3/2012); Series: # 1, Ashton Corners Book Club; New Author; New Release; Library; Books 2012 (55);
Winter is big business in small-town Snowflake, Vermont. Tourists arrive to hit the ski slopes--and what could be more satisfying after a chilly day of carving powder than a steaming bowl of soup?
When Lucky Jamieson inherits her parents' soup shop, By the Spoonful, she realizes it's time to take stock of her life. Should she sell her parents' house or move in herself? Does she really want to run a restaurant business? And what about her grandfather Jack, who seems to be showing signs of Alzheimer's?
But her life decisions are moved to the back burner after an icy blonde tourist is found frozen to death behind the soup shop. And Lucky is bowled over when her soup chef, Sage DuBois, is led out of the kitchen by the police. As suspicion and speculations snowball, Lucky decides that the only way to save her employee and her business is to find out herself who iced the tourist--and landed her chef in the soup...
I'm on a roll... Another mystery, another first book of a cosy series and another pretty decent read. A great way to spend a weekend, I say.
Lucky comes back to her hometown to run her parents business after their sudden death. I have a soft spot for this type of character, I love the way they feel somewhat guilty that they didn't spend enough time with their loved ones while alive that they need to move back home and take over the family business. Yes, I'm a sap.... Ok, I'm not too bad. I loved the way she took care of her grandfather, she was concerned about the possibility that he has Alzheimer's. Plus taking care of a business, an old crush and her chef being accused of murder, she has a lot on her plate. But she manages to do everything including solve a murder and free Sage, said chef. I guess that's the beauty of these small cosy mysteries, fast paced and super characters, I just wished there was a little more humor. Not the slap stick type, just the humorous characters that lighten-up the story. There were a couple moments but I wanted a little bit more.
A Spoonful of Murder by Connie Archer (3/5) Mystery; Published: Berkley Prime Crime (8/2012); Series: # 1, Soup Lover's Mystery; New Author; New Release; Library; Books 2012 (54);
The First Slice is Magic....
When the going gets tough, Ella Mae LeFaye bakes pie. So when she catches her husband cheating in New York, she heads back home to Havenwood, Georgia, where she can drown her sorrows in fresh fruit filling and flaky crust. But her pies aren't just delicious, they're also having magical effects on the people who eat them -- and the public is hungry for more.
The Second is Murder...
Having discovered her hidden talent for enchantment, Ella Mae makes her own wish come true by opening The Charmed Pie Shoppe. But with her old nemesis Loralyn Gaynor making trouble, and her old crush Hugh Dylan making nice, she has more than pie on her plate. And when Loralyn's fiance is found dead -- killed with Ella Mae's rolling pin -- it'll take all her sweet magic to clear her name.
I'm in a mystery type of mood. I want them short, and sweet, and if there's a little spice added to it, even better.
Pies and Prejudice by Ellery Adams, was just that. It was a fast paced story, the characters were super interesting (especially the LaFaye sister's - Ella's aunts and mother), the mystery itself was well written. And it did have a little added spice. There's a slim possibility that Ella and Hugh may have a future, but I would like to see Ella resolve her marriage and trust issues first. I would loved to see Loralyn get more of a punishment for the way she treated Ella, but I'm hoping that the author will do so in upcoming books.
Can't wait for more! I may just try out a pie recipe too...
Pies and Prejudice by Ellery James (3.5/5) Mystery; Published: Berkley Prime Crime (7/2012); Series: # 1, Charmed Pie Shoppe; New Author; New Release; Library; Books 2012 (52);
Bliss, Texas, is gearing up for its annual Winter Wonderland festival, but when a mysterious Scrooge ends the merriment with murder,it'll take more than a ghost from Christmas past to set things right.
Designing a holiday fashion show set in the town's most prominent historic mansion seems like a job tailor-made for dress-maker Harlow Jane Cassidy. But with the mansion's restoration still in progress and threatening weather on the horizon, she's feeling on pins and needles more than reveling in holiday cheer.
Having volunteered to play Santa in this year's festival, Dan Lee Chrisson is ready to move on after his divorce -- until Bliss becomes his final resting place. Discovering his body puts Harlow at the scene of the crime. She'll need plenty of help from friends and even her late great-grandmother's spirited sleuthing if she's to have a ghost of a chance of catching a killer who's just jumped to the top of the naughty list...
I've read my first Christmas themed book of the year. When I got this book at the library, I didn't realize it was, Melissa Bourbon is just one of those authors I automatically pick up without glassing at the blurb.
Harlow has her plate full. Not only is she helping organize Winter Wonderland fashion show, she also in charge of sewing the clothes, Christmas decorations class, making the new Santa outfit, a newsletter, and also figuring out who wanted Dan Lee Chrisson dead.
But she isn't alone, she has her usual friends and family about to help with her tasks. I loved that the author had Harlow tell Will about her gift and how all the branches of the Cassidy's have their own individual gifts. And it was not surprising that he took it well, love Will, but there is always that doubt that he would not accept it and leave.
The solving of Dan Lee's murder was interesting. I loved that he was more complex than it was originally known. I love how everything in that little town is interconnected. I admit I couldn't figure out who killed him, but by the time the book was over it made sense.
The only problem I have now is that I have to wait until July for the next book of the series. Argh..
Deadly Patterns by Melissa Bourbon (4.5/5) Paranormal Mystery: Ghost; Published: Signet (10/2012); Series: # 3, Magical Dressmaking Mystery; New Release; Library; Books 2012 (50);
Enjoy her wedding shower…or receive a cold dunking?
In addition to running her flower shop, planning her wedding, and juggling two mothers who both want to host an elaborate bridal shower, Abby Knight is facing another complication. Her ditzy cousin Jillian asks her and her longtime beau, Marco, a private detective, to find a woman who’s gone missing from the exclusive beach house belonging to Jillian’s in-laws, the Osbornes. The missing woman is also the fiancée of Pryce Osborne, a wet noodle with a big bank account who dumped Abby just before their wedding several years ago. Merely being anywhere near Pryce makes Abby’s insecurities grow like kudzu….
Then a woman’s drowned body surfaces, and Pryce becomes a prime suspect in her death. Unless Abby and Marco can get a killer to come clean, their bridal shower will turn into a complete washout...and Pryce will be exchanging a sunny beach for a prison cell.
I know I'm going to sound like a broken record but I love this author and her Flower Shop series. I know when I read a Kate Collins book I will be entertained. I love her subtle humor and the banter that the main character has with her cousin Jillian, gets me every time. And Marco, isn't so bad either, who wouldn't want an ex-Ranger for a fiance... I read this book in one afternoon. It was a perfect read for a snowy Sunday afternoon.
This book had it all. The regular characters who are just like old friends, the new characters that were interesting and some hilarious in a very unique way; Abby and her usual nosiness, her crazy conversations with Jillian; quality time with Marco; two mysteries to solve; all this and also the planning of her bridal shower. This time around there was also a small journal entry by Abby at the beginning of each chapter. It was a nice touch.
If you haven't read this series yet, what are you waiting for? If you love cosy mysteries you will love the Flower Shop mystery.
Nightshade on Elm Street by Kate Collins (4.5/5) Contemporary Mystery; Published: Obsidian Mystery (11/2012); Series: # 13, Flower Shop; New Release; Library; Books (48);
Sonnet Romano's life is almost perfect. She has the ideal career, the ideal boyfriend, and has just been offered a prestigious fellowship. There's nothing more a woman wants—except maybe a baby…brother?
When Sonnet finds out her mother is unexpectedly expecting, and that the pregnancy is high risk, she puts everything on hold—the job, the fellowship, the boyfriend—and heads home to Avalon. Once her mom is out of danger, Sonnet intends to pick up her life where she left off.
But when her mother receives a devastating diagnosis, Sonnet must decide what really matters in life, even if that means staying in Avalon and taking a job that forces her to work alongside her biggest, and maybe her sweetest, mistake—award-winning filmmaker Zach Alger. So Sonnet embarks on a summer of laughter and tears, of old dreams and new possibilities, and of finding the home of her heart.
Susan Wiggs is one of those authors that I know I will enjoy her novels, regardless of it being a historical or a contemporary setting. You can say she is one of my feel good authors. Reading her books will always put a smile on my face.
And this one did not disappoint. It had the ups and downs of real relationships, and I loved the way that Sonnet, Nina, and Zach handled their ups and downs. I found Nina's story to be poignant and beautiful, and it had me in tears several times. Sonnet and Zach's love has been one of stories I've been waiting for a while, loved them as teens in previous books and I was very curious on how the author would get them together. Loved it!
Return to Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs (4/5) General Fiction; Published: Harlequin MIRA (8/2012); Series: # 9, Lakeshore Chronicles; New Release; Library; Books 2012 (47);
It was just another after-work happy-hour bar downtown, where business professionals unwound with a few drinks, complained about their boss, maybe hooked up with someone for the night. Until something went terribly wrong. At first it was just a friction in the air. The noise intensified. The crowd seemed oppressive. Some sharp words were exchanged, some pushing and shoving.
Then the madness descended. And after twelve minutes of chaos and violence, eighty people lay dead.
Eve Dallas is trying to sort out the inexplicable events. Surviving witnesses talk about seeing things - monsters and swarms of bees. They describe sudden, overwhelming feelings of fear and rage and paranoia. When forensics makes its report, the mass delusions make more sense: it appears the bar patrons were exposed to a cocktail of chemicals and illegal drugs that could drive people into temporary insanity - if not kill them outright.
But that doesn't explain who would unleash such horror - or why. Eve's husband, Roarke, happens to own the bar, yet he's convinced the attack wasn't directed at him. It's bigger than that. And if Eve can't figure it out fast, it could happen again, anytime, anywhere. Because it's airborne...
I've been meaning to read this book since it came out, but as usual anything written by Nora Roberts/JD Robb the hold list is outrageous. But I finally got my turn, and I admit it was quicker than I thought. Bonus for me, I guess...
I found the story more fast paced than usual. I enjoyed that, it made it a quick read, which was fine by me. That doesn't mean that anything within the story was lacking, the usual gang was there, the tender moments and the quick ass ones were there as usual. I believe that the author is slowly making Eve more vulnerable and more "human" towards the living. The search for the person responsible for the gassing had me second guessing my initial gut feeling, but it was a definite roller coaster ride. I truly enjoyed this book.
Delusion in Death by J.D. Robb (4/5) Futuristic Romantic Suspense; Published: Putnam (9/2012); Series: # 35, Eve Dallas; New Release; Library; Books 2012 (46);
On his first day at Turner King, David Stewart quickly realizes that the world of international PR (affectionately, perhaps ironically, known as "the dark side") is a far cry from his previous job on Parliament Hill. For one, he missed the office memo on the all-black dress code; for another, there are enough acronyms and jargon to make his head spin. Before he even has time to find the washroom, David is assigned a major project: devise a campaign to revitalize North America's interest in the space program - maybe even show NASA's pollsters that watching a shuttle launch is more appealing than going out for lunch with friends. The pressure is on, and before long, David finds himself suggesting the most out-of-this-world idea imaginable: a Citizen Astronaut lottery that would send one Canadian and one American to the International Space Station. Suddenly, David's vaulted into an odyssey of his own, navigating the corporate politics of a big PR agency; wading through the murky but always hilarious waters of Canada-U.S. relations; and trying to hold on to his new job while still doing the right thing.
Terry Fallis has quickly become one of my favourite authors. I have read all three of his books and all of them have had a quirky humour plus a satirical quality that I absolutely love. You also have to love a book that the first sentence is "Welcome to the dark side."
For reason I thought the main character/narrator was the same character as his previous books, The Best Laid Plans and The High Road. But it wasn't, I went back and checked. He seemed so familiar, but I think that's the beauty the author's characters, they seem real, they could anyone that you meet in everyday life. Although David Stewart was an amazing character the scene stealer was Landon Percival. She was quite the character. Strong, independent, good humoured and tough as nails. It wasn't all hilarity, there were moments that had me tearing up, especially the ones that involved his family. That emotional roller-coaster that is cancer to a family was there, the author maneuvered it beautifully.
Can't wait for more!
Up and Down by Terry Fallis (4.5/5) General Fiction; Published: McClelland & Stewart (2012); New Release; Canadian Author; Library; Books 2012 (41);
Funny, free-spirited Annie Quintana and sophisticated, ambitious Julia St. Clair come from two different worlds. Yet, as the daughter of the St. Clair’s housekeeper, Annie grew up in Julia’s San Francisco mansion and they forged a bond that only two little girls who know nothing of class differences and scholarships could—until a life-altering betrayal destroyed their friendship. A decade later, Annie is now a talented, if underpaid, pastry chef who bakes to fill the void left in her heart by her mother’s death. Julia, a successful businesswoman, is tormented by a painful secret that could jeopardize her engagement to the man she loves. When a chance reunion prompts the unlikely duo to open a cupcakery, they must overcome past hurts and a mysterious saboteur or risk losing their fledgling business and any chance of healing their fractured friendship.
Meg Donohue's How to Eat a Cupcake is story about friendship. Annie and Julia were as close as sisters, but once they hit theirs teens that bond of friendship started to tarnish. Annie, years later still feels the sting of betrayal but she's willing to give it a try when Julia wants to open a cupcakery together. Slowly those wounds begin to open again, but this time around both Annie and Julia are prepared to listen to each other.
How to Eat a Cupcake is one of those books that I couldn't put down. I started reading this book Tuesday evening and I finished it last night. I probably would have read it through the night on Tuesday, but real life had a issue with that. And it was also one of those that ended and I was wondering what happened next, in a good way. I wanted more.
I loved everything about it. The setting, San Francisco, one of my favorite cities. The characters were great, Annie and Julia were absolutely wonderful, their problems were so ingrained in their relationship that the time they spent together started to peel those problems away. Their feelings were real to me. And all those little twists and turns that the author added was the icing on the cupcake.
How to Eat a Cupcake by Meg Donohue (4.5/5) General Fiction; Published: William Morrow (2012); Debut Novel; New Author; New Release; Library; Books 2012 (38)
What a scoundrel wants, a scoundrel gets . . . A decade ago, the Marquess of Bourne was cast from society with nothing but his title. Now a partner in London’s most exclusive gaming hell, the cold, ruthless Bourne will do whatever it takes to regain his inheritance—including marrying perfect, proper Lady Penelope Marbury. A broken engagement and years of disappointing courtships have left Penelope with little interest in a quiet, comfortable marriage, and a longing for something more. How lucky that her new husband has access to such unexplored pleasures. Bourne may be a prince of London’s underworld, but he vows to keep Penelope untouched by its wickedness—a challenge indeed as the lady discovers her own desires, and her willingness to wager anything for them . . . even her heart.
I was having mixed feeling about reading this book, or rather buying it, to be perfectly honest. Anyway, I broke down and bought the book in ebook format for my Kindle. You see, I absolutely adored the Sarah MacLean's first two books of her Love By Numbers series, but unfortunately the third and final one was a disappointment in my opinion it lacked everything that the previous had. You can find my thoughts Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake here. My thoughts on Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord are here. My thoughts on Eleven Scandals to Start to Win a Duke's Heart are here.
A Rogue By Any Other Name is the first book of a quartet series, called The Rules of Scoundrels.
It's Bourne and Penelope's story. They were child friends and neighbors. Penelope had always a soft spot for Bourne, and she admired and cared for him deeply, but throughout the years it became more one-sided in Penelope's mind. She missed her friend and childhood companion. Bourne had a hard time after his parents death, he lost all his money and property to someone he thought of as a friend in a game of cards. Since then he vowed revenge, and he now he comes back to retrieve what was once his and he has no problems using Penelope is his plan.
Both Penelope and Bourne have their demons. Bourne's need to retrieve his inheritance and need for revenge consumes him, he cannot forgive the friends he blames nor can he forgive himself. Penelope lives with the shame of being set aside by a her intended, the snob of book 3 of Love By Numbers. She's perfectly content on living her life as a spinster, but she feels like she owes her parents and sisters more than that. When Bourne insists on getting married, she is hesitant but hopeful that the boy she once knew is still in the bitter man.
I didn't want to like Bourne right away, but there's was something about him that made me do so. He was so angry and disappointed in himself that he wanted to hurt those he felt responsible for his mistake. And he was willing to hurt and use someone that he once cared for, but soon you saw that his exterior was cracking with Penelope's help. Their relationship didn't start right but it slowly came to be a wonderful love story.
I'm hoping that the next book will be as good as this one.
A Rogue By Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean (4.5/5) Historical Fiction; Published: Avon (2/2012); Series: # 1, The Rules of Scoundrels; New Release: Format: Ebook; Books 2012 (37);
A marriage of convenience . . . or of destiny? Gerard de Lacey is determined to find the man who is blackmailing his family, but with his inheritance and status at risk, a hasty marriage to a wealthy bride also seems in order—just in case things take a turn for the worse. Charismatic and capable, Gerard knows he can win the hand of any lady he chooses. Still, he's not expecting a rich widow to find him and propose the very thing he wants: a marriage of convenience. Katherine Howe's first marriage was one of dreary duty. Now that she's being pressured to marry her late husband's heir, she's desperate for a better option. Gerard de Lacey, with his sinful good looks, charming manner, and looming scandal, fits her needs perfectly. The fact that she's nursed a secret affection for him only makes it better—and worse. Because Gerard will likely marry her for her fortune—but can he love her for herself, as she loves him?
After reading the first book of The Truth About the Duke series, I wasn't too keen on reading the second straight away, but unfortunately my turn came up at the library and other readers were waiting for their turn. I was actually pretty surprised on how much I enjoyed this book. Don't get me wrong it wasn't a five star read, but it was way better than the first book in my honest opinion.
I truly enjoy the ugly duckling theme. Katherine has lived all her life behind the shadow of her beautiful mother. She's always felt less than pretty and always very awkward, she doesn't have the finesse or the looks that her mother expected. Gerard is the first person that truly sees her for who she is, and she adores that he has a caring heart. Both Gerard and Katherine are likable characters, the only thing that tainted their relationship was that dreaded "misunderstanding". But that too was quickly resolved and they resumed their relationship with gusto.
I cannot wait to see what the author has in store for the eldest brother!
Blame It on Bath by Caroline Linden (3.5/5) Historical Fiction; Published: Avon (2/2012); Series: # 2, The Truth About the Duke; New Release; Library; Books 2012 (34);
With her pale hair and slim figure, Olivia Donovan looks as fragile as fine china, and has been treated as such by her sisters ever since a childhood bout with malaria. But beneath her delicate facade, Olivia guards a bold, independent spirit and the kind of passionate desires proper young ladies must never confess…
It was a reckless wager, and one Max couldn’t resist: seduce the alluring Olivia or forfeit part of his fortune. Yet the wild, soon-to-be Duke never imagined he’d fall in love with this innocent beauty. Nor could he have guessed that a dangerously unpredictable rival would set out to destroy them both. Now, Max must beat a Madman at his own twisted game-or forever lose the only woman to have ever won his heart.
Secrets of an Accidental Duchess is the second book of the Donovan Sisters series. It's Olivia's story. Of all the sisters she is fragile and her sisters tend to be very overprotecting. They shield her from any nastiness or questionable places or people. But Olivia is more than just a fragile woman. She's curious and wants to prove to herself and her sisters that she is independent and strong. Max has a facade of a care-free, pleasure seeking person, but he also a strong sense of what is right and wrong, he protects those who cannot protect themselves. He has emotional scars that he keeps hidden but Olivia has the ability to put him at ease.
I thought that the first book of the series, Confessions of an Improper Bride, was very good, but this one in my opinion surpassed it. Even though there was a lot going on with the primary and secondary stories, neither story felt compromised. I loved the way the author brought the second story to light and all the ugliness surrounding it. It was very well written, considering it being such a sensitive and troubling issue, back then and still now.
I wonder what Jennifer Haymore will throw at us next.
Secrets of an Accidental Duchess by Jennifer Haymore (4.5/5) Historical Romance; Published: Forever (2/2012); New Release; Series: # 2, Donovan Sisters; Library; Books 2012 (33);
Lucy Houston and Mickey Chandler probably shouldn’t have fallen in love, let alone gotten married. They’re both plagued with faulty genes—he has bipolar disorder, and she has a ravaging family history of breast cancer. But when their paths cross on the night of Lucy’s twenty-first birthday, sparks fly, and there’s no denying their chemistry. Cautious every step of the way, they are determined to make their relationship work—and they put it all in writing. Mickey promises to take his medication. Lucy promises not to blame him for what is beyond his control. He promises honesty. She promises patience. Like any marriage, they have good days and bad days—and some very bad days. In dealing with their unique challenges, they make the heartbreaking decision not to have children. But when Lucy shows up for a routine physical just shy of their eleventh anniversary, she gets an impossible surprise that changes everything. Everything. Suddenly, all their rules are thrown out the window, and the two of them must redefine what love really is.
Every now and then I come upon a book that really hits home. This book did it for me, I come from a family that has lost many our female relatives to breast cancer, aunts, cousins, my mother had a run in with it a few years ago and it now is cancer free. I'm one of those people that have to have a mammogram every two years, not only for my piece of mind but also my family's. The fear is always in the back of my mind, I have two children and I plan to be around for a very long time, but the fear is there.
Lucy is no stranger to death, not only has she faced it with her bout of cancer, but she also lost her mother to cancer when she was 17 and her father when she was only 5 years old. Mickey suffers from bipolar disorder, he controls his meds but he has his good and bad days. Before Lucy and Mickey get married they decide that they don't want to pass their ailments to their children so they decide not to have them. They are definitely surprised when Lucy discovers that she's pregnant.
I was an emotional mess reading this book. The book made me smile, laugh, and it made me cry. I'm not talking about the occasional tear running down my face. Nope. It was the down right ugly gut wrenching crying. I felt it, I felt the happiness, the love, the confusion, the anger, the disappointment and the loss so vividly.
I absolutely loved this book. I read the book through the library, but I will definitely be buying my own copy.
I highly recommend this book!
Dancing on Broken Glass by Ka Hancock (5/5) General Fiction; Published: Gallery Books (3/2012); New Author; New Release; Favorite Read 2012; Library; Books 2012 (28);
When the newly minted minister Adam Joseph Jordan comes to guide the flock of Butternut Creek Christian Church, Miss Birdie and her friend Mercedes take it upon themselves to educate him on how things should be done. They also decide he needs a wife, and soon. As Adam deftly dodges the Widows matchmaking, they turn their attention to another new bachelor in town.
Having lost his leg in the war in Afghanistan, veteran marine Sam Peterson has come to live in his late aunt's house. Dealing with post-traumatic stress and depression, Sam wants to be left alone. But the community of Butternut Creek doesn't know how to do that. Between the matchmaking of the Widows, the eager young minister, and the two red-headed sons of his beautiful physical therapist, Willow, playing in his yard, Sam is soon drawn out of his self-induced solitude. Though he falls for Willow, she's unlike any other woman he's pursued. Sam doesn't know where his life is headed, and Willow is afraid to commit herself and two sons to another man after being betrayed by her first husband. The Widows will have to put all their energy and scheming into bringing this couple together.
I love novels set in small towns! I know I sound like a broken record, I'm sure I've mentioned a few times (or more...). This small town it right up my alley, interesting (and entertaining) characters: meddling old women, a lonely war vet, a couple of single moms, a young minister just to name a few.
The meddling old women, or the Widows, as they liked to be called, are the welcoming committee, the matchmakers, the all around organizers for all those little extras around town. Adam and Sam are their projects, they know that what they need is the love a good woman. Adam isn't quite ready for a relationship. Sam on the other hand, is attracted to his physical therapist and he's slowly falling in love with her and her two sons.
It was a quick read. I enjoyed it, I did find that there's was way too much going on, but it was easy enough to follow. The book reminded me of Jan Karon's Mitford series. A good and entertaining read.
The Welcome Committee of Butternut Creek by Jane Myers Perrine (3.5/5) General Fiction; Published: Hachette Book Group (4/2012); New Author; New Release; Library; Books 2012 (27);
Police Chief Sheila Dawson believes the death of Pecan Spring's computer guru, Larry Kirk, to be a suicide, perhaps triggered by his painful divorce. Further investigation reveals that Kirk's death wasn't self-inflicted. And the truth is reinforced by her friend China Bayles' news-Larry recently asked her for legal advice in regards to a stalker.
As a police chief in a male-dominated force, Sheila meets many challenges, especially when her theories rock the boat in high profile cases like that of George Timms. He was caught breaking into Larry's computer shop to steal his own computer back because of dangerous personal information it contained. Now that Larry is dead, she's sure it's connected to the burglary. And she's also sure she'll get plenty of resistance on her assessment...
Timms's time to turn himself in to the police comes and goes, and he's nowhere to be found. In her investigation, Sheila uncovers secrets, terrible secrets that would drive anyone to kill. So who then? It's up to Sheila to prove she's got what it takes to hunt down the predator that's loose on the streets of Pecan Springs...
Susan Wittig Albert is one of those authors that I make a point to read. I loved her historical mystery series that she co-wrote with her husband, the books were published under the name of Robin Paige. I adore her Beatrix Potter Cottage series. I know she has a new series, the Darling Dahlias, which I haven't had the pleasure to read, yet. But my favorite has always been her China Bayles series, set in the fictional town of Pecan Springs, TX. So let's just say I was a little surprised when I picked up the book at the library, it's says that it's a Pecan Springs Mystery. I'm not sure if it's a new series or just a series within a series, where the book is not necessarily focusing on China but someone else in her circle of friends. I admit I was a little hesitant with the small change in the dynamics of this series, but I kind of like the change. The chapters are in alternating narrators, there's the first person China, and Sheila's part of the story is written in the third person.
The rest is just as good as any other book of the series. The old characters are just as entertaining as ever, the newer ones just as good as I would expect. The murder and missing person case was very well written and intertwined very well together, although there was a little twist within the crime story.
As usual I inhaled the book, it was quick read and but it was also a fast paced book. Not that complaining, ok, maybe just a bit. I will need a fix soon, which I will be looking forward to trying the Darling Dahlias series.
Cat's Claw by Susan Wittig Albert (4/5) Contemporary Mystery; Published: Berkley Prime Crime (3/2012); Series: # 20, China Bayles/Pecan Springs; New Release; Mystery Suspense Challenge 2012 (5); Library; Books 2012 (26);
Former Manhattan fashion designer Harlow Jane Cassidy has a gift for creating beautiful dresses. But when Harlow becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation, she’ll more than her sewing skills to unravel the mystery…
Business is booming at Harlow’s custom dressmaking boutique, Buttons & Bows, even with the presence of her great grandmother’s ghost hanging around the shop. But thanks to the fast approaching Margaret Moffette Lea Pageant and Ball, Harlow has her work cut out for her when Mrs. Zinnia James hires her to make her granddaughter’s pageant gown.
With the debutant ball getting the whole town of Bliss, Texas into a tizzy, Harlow knows her dress has to be perfect. But when a local golf pro is found stabbed to death with dressmaking shears, the new deputy thinks Harlow and Mrs. James conspired to commit the crime. Now Harlow has to finish the dress on time and clear her name before the next outfit she designs is a prison jumpsuit…
A Fitting End is the second book A Magical Dressmaking Mystery series by Melissa Bourbon. The author also writes under the name of Melissa Bourbon Ramirez, Lola Cruz Mystery series. I read the first book of the Magical Dressmaking series last year, and it was one of those great cosy's that you read in one sitting. So I was hoping that this one would be just as Pleating for Mercy.
Harlow is slowly getting back into the groove of things, both in her haunted house and in her hometown of Bliss, Texas. Like any other small town, the gossip reigns supreme. There were a few more introductions in this book, and I have a feeling that these additions will be very enjoyable in the future. It was nice to have more background information on the Cassidy clan and how the "gifts" are manifested within the family. The mystery itself was truly a mystery to me, I found that my initial presumption was not correct and I was completely floored on who did it and the reason behind it.
It did not disappoint. I was hooked right from the first page. Good thing the book was read during the weekend otherwise I would have been able to do a thing. I only have one little complaint, there wasn't enough of Harlow and her love interest. Ah well...maybe in the next one.
A Fitting End by Melissa Bourbon (4/5) Paranormal Mystery; Published: Signet (2/2012); Series: # 2, Magical Dressmaking Mystery; New Release 2012; Mystery Suspense Challenge 2012 (3); Library; Books 2012 (23);
Darcy Merriweather and her sister, Harper, hail from a long line of witches who have the power to grant wishes using spells. They've come to Enchanted Village in Salem, Massachusetts, to join the family business, but they soon find themselves knee-deep in murder....
Until three weeks ago, Darcy and Harper were working dead-end jobs and trying to put their troubles behind them. Then their aunt Velma delivered a bombshell: They're actually Wishcrafters - witches with the power to grant wishes with a mere spell. Wanting a fresh start, they head to their aunt's magic-themed tourist town to master their new found skills.
But their magic fails them when a wannabe witch turns up dead - strangled with Aunt Ve's scarf - and Ve's sweetheart, Sylar, is found looming over the dead body. Ve is standing by her man, but Darcy overheard Sylar wish that the victim would disappear - forever. With Harper distracted by her handsome new crush, Darcy is determined to to sleuth her way to the truth. But it'll take more than a wish to unravel this mystery....
This book should have had a disclaimer on the cover: Do not start reading before bed. It may keep you up all night. And it did, too. Once I began the book I couldn't put it down and yes I was up until 3ish this morning. I cannot complain. The book is very good. Me, on the other hand, not so much. I've been dragging my feet all day long. Yes, I'm tired but I got to read a really book.
Darcy and Harper are new to Enchanted Village and to the Craft. They go about their daily life slowly adjusting to a new place and their gift, they're learning the rules and secrecy of having this gift. Along the way they meet interesting people and I got a feeling that this series entourage with be awesome. The main character, Darcy, is very likable, she's going through an adjustment period her life, she's newly divorced and she's sworn off man. Until she meets Nick. He too has some issues, he's a single dad raising a daughter. Oh yeah, they're attracted to each other, and I just know that the author will stretch this romance for a few books. Hehehe. There are a bunch of other interesting people, Evan and Starla, Aunt Ve, Pepe, Mrs P, and Arthur. The mystery itself was a very well written. I truly could not guess who could have killed Alex. It seemed like the list a growing constantly. And I was very surprised on who the murderer was.
I have just one little problem. I have to wait until August for the next book in the series.
It Takes a Witch by Heather Blake (5/5) Paranormal Mystery; Published: Obsidian Mystery (1/2012); New Author; Favorite Read 2012; Series: # 1, Wishcraft Mystery; Library; Books 2012 (10);
