Week In Review

Another decent reading week. This week I read:

I've had this title in my TBR for a very long time, probably for about six months or more. Gasp! Anyway, if I've known that this book was so good, I would have read this earlier.

Lady Julia, isn't very surprised when her husband Edward, colapses, and later dies. Edward has always suffered from a heart ailment. And does not believe that Edward was in any danger when notorious agent Nicholas Brisbane claims that Edward was afraid for his life. But a year after Edwards death Lady Julia discovers a very disturbing letter in her late husbands papers. She then turns to Brisbane for help, and that leads to quite an adventure.

Silent In The Grave by Deanna Raybourn (4.5/5) Historical Mystery; Published: Mira (1/07); Series: #1, The Silent Series; Keeper Shelf

Yummy Cake

You Are a Chocolate Cake

Fun, comforting, and friendly. You are a true classic, and while you're not super cutting edge, you're high quality. People love your company - and have even been known to get addicted to you.

What Kind of Cake Are You?

This Week In Books

Another busy week at the K household, but no complaints in my part. I rather be busy than bored out of my mind. While having my many "usual" chores to do, I was never away from a book or an audio book.

What's not to love about this series? Four amazing women that are the best in their fields, together they find individuals that guilty of hanous crimes.

There have been unexplained deaths at a private hospital. Patients receiving the wrong medication, and being found with bottons on their eyes. Also Lindsay is trying to figure who is killing call girls and leaving them in luxury cars.

The 5th Horseman by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro (4.5/5) Mystery; Published: Little, Brown & Company (February 2006); Series: # 5, The Women's Murder Club; Library Book

The third book of The Bottom Dollar Girls series. I listened to this book at home.

In this book, Mavis and her "so called best friend" Birdie are at odds because they are interested in the same beau. Mrs. Tobias has possibly found a new love but she's questioning their social differences. And Elizabeth after being a stay at home mom for ten months, she ready to go back to work but is her husband ready for the change yet? Attalee is planning her dream wedding the only way she knows how, big and bold...

This book really hit the spot. After listening to The 5th Horseman, I needed something lighter to listen to, and this book full of laughs and smiles and ol' fashioned friendship and that was what I needed.

Dollar Daze by Karin Gillespie (4/5) General Fiction; Published: Simon & Schuster (August 1, 2006); Series: # 3, The Bottom Dollar Girls; Library Book

What's a woman to do, when she finds her ex-husband, dead, in her kitchen? Should she call her almost married boyfriend? Or should call her best friend, a priest? And what about that mob boss that just doesn't leave her alone?

I read the first book of the series, Murder 101, last year. And I really enjoyed it. I love the main character, Alison, she's smart, quirky and for some reason has this ability to find dead bodies on her property. And the second didn't disappoint.

Extracurricular Activities by Maggie Barbieri (4.5/5) Mystery; Published: St. Martin's Minotaur (December 2007); Library book

The End of the Week: Three Books Down

Thanks to Audiobooks I was able to "read" three books in one week.

I can't remember the last time that happened. I listened to two audiobooks and finally finished reading the Elizabeth Peters book, The last Camel Died at Noon.

I tried reading this book last year, but because of a huge amount of holds that it had, I was unable to finish reading it before returning it to the library. So when I saw that they had an audio version of it I picked it up. So I've been listening to it while I've been working out. Wonderful experience. It's great to know that in the past week and a half I worked out for fifteen hours.

The book was faced paced, I found it very intense. At times it had me doubting the main character, maybe she really did lose her mind. It also had Nora Roberts trademark sizzle, the chemistry between the hero and heroine was awesome. And I really enjoyed the environment, the backdrop of mountains and lakes was very peaceful and serene. Which really highlighted the gruesome crime that was committed.

Angels Fall by Nora Roberts (4.5/5) Romantic Suspense; Published: 7/06; Audio Book; Library book

So while I was listening to Angels Fall during my workeouts, I was listening to 4th of July at home. You know during chores and knitting sessions. This one, was a re-read for me.

Since I've been enjoying watching the series on TV, I decided that I would re-read the series. And luckily my local library has all the books available on audiobook format.

4th of July by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro (4.5/5) Thriller/Suspense; Published: 2005; Series: #4, Women’s Murder Club; Audio Book; Library Book

I usually have no problem reading Elizabeth Peters, but for some reason, I struggled through the first half of this book. One of my resolutions this year, is not to give up and read the whole book. And I did just that. And I'm glad that I stuck it out. After a particular event (in the book) the storyline just picked up and flew by, it was amazing. Almost like the first half was written by one author the second half by another.

It this one the Peabody Emerson clan is back in Africa, but not in Egypt as normal but in the Sudan. An English gentleman has asked for Emerson's help in finding his uncle and aunt that disappeared in the area ten years before. You are introduced to another character, Kemit, who seems a little shady. And more towards the end you are also introduced to a charming young girl that has Ramses speechless.

The Camel Died at Noon by Elizabeth Peters (3/5) Historical Mystery; Published: 9/91, Warner Books; Series: # 6, Amelia Peabody Emerson; Library book

Another trip to the library...

I had to pick up a book at the library for S.'s non-fiction book report. Well, I just had to pick up something for me, too.

Here's what came home with me:

Silence in the Grave by Deanna Raybourn

Karma Girl by Jennifer Estep

The Lost Memoirs of Jane Austen by Syrie James

Jane Austen Heroines Quiz

Take the Quiz here!

Looking for a new job?

Your Career Personality: Capable, Friendly, and Energetic

Your Ideal Careers: Actor Advertising Executive Artist Counselor Entrepreneur Musician Politician Psychologist Teacher Television Reporter

The Quick and Dirty Career Test

Home to Holly Springs

Can you really go back home? Father Timothy Kavanagh isn't too sure, but he's willing to try. He hasn't been home in over thirty years, and probably wouldn't have gone but his curiosity was sparked by a note that he received that only had "Come home".

Here's the blurb:

Sometimes a trip back home becomes a journey of the soul.

After more than thirty-eight years, Father Tim Kavanagh returns to his childhood home of Holly Springs, Mississippi, on a profoundly personal journey.

Whatever became of Tommy Noles, his forbidden childhood friend, and Peggy, the loving woman who was like a second mother? What were the facts behind he court trial that drove the Kavanagh family even further apart?

He figures Thomas Wolfe was right: You can't go home again. Then he discovers the truth: A surprising number of old connections have miraculously survived time and neglect.

In this first of the Father Tim novels, Jan Karon takes her celebrated Mitford character to territory he has long avoided, the uncharted territory of family, giving us a spellbinding and poignant narrative laced with the wisdom and forgiveness only a trip back home can inspire.

Thirty-eight years have passed since Father Tim Kavanagh left his Mississippi hometown, determined not to return.

Then he receives a handwritten note postmarked Holly Springs. Cryptic and unsigned, it says only Come home.

These two words compel him to make the most disturbing journey of his life. They also lead him to a truth that will change his life - forever.

I'm a huge fan of the Mitford series by Jan Karon. And I was very to happy to learn that she was continuing the series with Father Tim, so I can get my fix every once in a while. Alright I admit it's almost addiction like affection that I have for the character, but he's the type of person I would love to become, kind, insightful, forgiving and not afraid to admit when he's wrong. Well something to work on the new year.

It's beautifully written, it's faced paced and it's inter-laced with Father Tim's memories, which is the icing on the cake.

If you haven't read Jan Karon yet, what are you waiting for?

Home To Holly Springs by Jan Karon (4.5/5) General Fiction; Published: 10/07, Viking Adult; Series: # 1, The Father Tim Novels; Library book; Added to shopping list.

Library Visit:

I needed to get kids out of the house and doing something other than playing video games, so we went to the library. They both got a bunch of books after playing with the library's multimedia. (I know, the whole purpose was to get them off the computer!) But they're very resilient, they asked the librarians for help. lol

Anyway, here's what I brought home with me:

4th of July by James Patterson
The Last Camel Died at Noon by Elizabeth Peters
Home To Holly Springs Jan Karon
For The Sake of Elena by Elizabeth George
The Water Room by Christopher Fowler

First book of the New Year

"You can't go wrong with a Carly Phillips book." At least that was what the sales clerk said at the bookstore, and I took her word for it.

Here's the blurb:

On the outside, Molly Gifford has it all — a hot legal career and Daniel Hunter, her equally hot boyfriend. But what she really wants is a family. So when she discovers her real father, she doesn't hesitate to pack her bags. Even though it means leaving her old life behind.

A year later Daniel Hunter's still trying to get on with his life. Then Molly shows up at his door, begging for help. Her newfound father is under arrest for murder, and she's convinced Hunter is the only attorney with the skill and reputation to get him off.

Hunter can't resist helping an innocent man. But this time he'll be the one walking away — even if it breaks both their hearts to do it...

I do agree with the sales clerk, Carly Phillips did hit the spot, but I found although the story was good, it was a little too sweet for my taste. I enjoyed the characters, and their extended "family", but I wanted a little more grit, I wanted the characters to be a little more dimensional.

Come on now, they were dealing with a serious problem, but it seemed that they had everything figured out very quickly and don't get me started on on how quick Molly and Hunter got together, considering on they were acting in the previous book, Cross My Heart.

I may be exaggerating a bit (okay maybe a lot), but I was expecting something more, especially when I know and enjoy the author's previous work. Is it so bad to expect something more?!

Sealed with a Kiss by Carly Phillips (2.5/5) Contemporary Romance; Published: 10/07; Series: #2, Ty and Hunter Stories;

A New (to me) YouTube Gem

OMGosh I'm addicted to YouTube. I love this one...I just had to share it. Enjoy!

Happy 2008!