Reading?

I've spent many quiet hours lately, cuddled in a soft quilt before a roaring fire. It feels good to relax after the busy summer. And, I'm loving falling into some fabulous stories.

Last night I finished a great book. I'd read it before, found it on the bookshelf and (after giving it a dusting!) fell into it all over again. Hmm? The book? Oh, right! Sorry!

Sunshine and Shadow is one of the Benni Harper mysteries written by Earlene Fowler. I love the way this author writes. Her characters are amazing, coming to life so realistically I feel as if I know them all. Gabe, Benni's hunky man, is smart, caring and hot, besides. Dove, her grandmother, is persnickety enough that I love her. She cracks me up, which is a very good thing. And Benni? I just always think she's doing what a lot of us do--juggle many things without stopping to worry whether she'll drop any of the balls she's got in the air. This book is particularly fun because it goes back and forth between different times in Benni's life. I liked that aspect the first time I read this book. I liked it again this time.

It's good to know my taste in reading hasn't changed much. And enough has happened since I first read this book that I forgot a lot of the story so it was like reading it for the first time. Today I'll peruse the bookshelves again, and see if I can't find something interesting to dive into.

What about you? What are you reading?

I wish you a peaceful day!

Reading?

What's on your reading list this week? Anything interesting?

I just finished a fabulous book. I have to tell you, I enjoyed every bit of it but that's no surprise. It was written by one of my favorite authors. And, just so you know, she's one of my favorite people, too.

If you've never read any of Kathleen O'Connor's stories you're really missing out. She portrays believable characters in pretty ordinary circumstances so well they feel like people you might know. Sometimes, Kathy's characters show bits of the readers' personalities, too. They're just human, and rise from the pages.

The Way It Happen In Novels is a story of contradictions and an unlikely match. I was intrigued from the first page by Cheryl and Richard's story. I've got to admit, he got on my nerves a time or two but I think he was supposed to do that. In any event, I was enchanted by their romance, and cheered them on every step of the way.

Thanks, Kathy, for bringing love and laughter to these gray October days!

The Way It Happens In Novels is available here.

So, what're you reading? I'm ready to fall into something new.

Midnight on the Farm

"There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power . They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief... and unspeakable love." -- Washington Irving

A good friend sent that quote yesterday. I love it.

Today I'm at The Lark Journals. I'm going to gab about what kept me company in the wee hours this morning. Interested? Why not stop by and say hello? I'd love to see you there!

Wishing you a peaceful Friday.

Reading?

I'll admit it. I'm having concentration issues. I'm told it's perfectly normal given the circumstances, this difficulty focusing. I imagine it will pass. Eventually.

Until then, I've got a growing pile of books on the family room coffee table. I should've taken a picture, just so you'd see how ridiculous it is. Don't get me wrong; it's not like the pile towers or anything. I'd say there are four or five--okay, maybe a half-dozen--books that have been opened, with a chapter or two read, then discarded. Why? They just didn't hold my attention. Now, I know it's not the fault of any of the books. At another time I'd dive into any of them. But now, I lose the thread of the story if it doesn't come at me hard, grab me and hold me tight.

The only book I can remember finishing during these last weeks was The Lost Valentine. Or was it The Last Valentine? That's it--it was The Last Valentine.

See what I mean? Concentration issues.

Anyhow, I couldn't put that one down. Loved it. If you haven't read it yet, I suggest picking up a copy. It is good. The Hallmark movie is out on DVD, also. I haven't seen it anywhere yet, but when I do I'm going to pick that up. I think I could watch it again and again. I love Betty White, and the story is good, besides.

So...what are you reading? I'm up for suggestions!

Hope you have a peaceful day. Here, it's rainy and drab, the perfect day for reading by the fire. I know, it's supposed to be spring but it feels more fall-ish. Maybe I'll grab The Last Valentine and read it again. At least I know I'll get escape into a good read...

Splurge!

Before my guy passed away, we spent a lot of time in bookstores. A lot of time. We both enjoyed browsing, chatting in the cookbook aisle and hauling home a stack (or two!) of new books. He favored cookbooks, nature guides and puzzle books, with the occasional classic thrown in for good measure. Me? Crazy for romance, mysteries and crossword puzzle books. Also loved cookbooks, big time.

Now, bookstore browsing has lost its appeal. It's just no fun without him. And, to be perfectly honest, the financial situation has changed so, for now at least, the days of bringing home stacks of books is out of the question.

But, every once in a while a gal's gotta splurge, doesn't she? Besides, I don't remember the last time I bought a book. I know it was in the hospital gift shop but I can't for the life of me remember when or what I bought. The only thing I'm sure of is that I left it in the patients' lounge for someone else to read when I was done with it. That's what I did with all the books I bought last year.

Anyhow...

Yesterday the UPS guy pulled into the driveway. Man, I was psyched--I heard his truck and met him at the door. A few days ago I splurged, calling B&N and ordering a short stack of books I've really wanted to read.

I am so excited by these books, I can't even begin to tell you how much they make me smile. I think I feel a smile coming from up above, too. My guy loved watching me mull over which book to read first, the way I did last night. I opened, then closed, each one, knowing full well they'll all quench my thirst for a good romance. Too, they'll sweep me away, letting me escape for a while. I need that.

Well, I'm not going to divulge which book I decided to read first. I'll just say that I was awake into the wee hours of the morning, and this time it wasn't because of insomnia. No, I was deep into a fabulous story--and loving every minute of it.

Yes, this was definitely a worthwhile splurge!

On the topic of fabulous books, have you peeked in at The Lark Journals this week? Big news! One of Kathleen O'Connor's romances has been rereleased. If I had known about it last week, it would have been on my book splurge order. Now you know what's at the top of my new splurge list! Why don't you check it out? Kathy writes such heartwarming, realistic romances. I never can put one of hers down without reading it from cover to cover.

So, what are you reading? And have you splurged on anything lately that's really brought you pleasure? I hope you have, and I hope whatever you chose makes you smile the way I'm smiling now.

Have a peaceful day!

Reading?

My darling husband knows me well. Too well, sometimes, but that’s another story! Anyhow, one of my Christmas gifts was Stephen King’s new book, Under the Dome. I was thrilled, as Hubby knew I would be!

From the first page, I’ve been hooked. I could easily—and happily!—inhale the huge volume but I’m making myself take it slowly. I’m savoring the story, enjoying each layer of intrigue and becoming more fully invested in the lives of the folks trapped beneath the dome in western Maine with each turn of the page. I have laughed aloud, swallowed tears and kept screams at bay—barely!—by holding my hand over my lips. No one tells a story like Stephen King, and I must admit I love every minute of every wild journey he takes readers on.

I’m going to hate to see Under the Dome end, but that’s no surprise. I’ve felt that way about every one of Mr. King’s books I’ve read, and I’ve read them all at least once.

What about you? What are you reading? And will you be happy to see the end of the book or will you wish, as I know I will, that it could just go on and on?

Reading?

I’m full-swing into the holiday spirit here, and that includes my reading list. Time is at a premium this year, so I’m choosing my holiday reads with more care than I usually do. There are so many great Christmas stories out there that it’s not easy to limit myself but I’m trying!

At present I’m happily lost in Kathryn Quick’s ‘Tis the Season. It is an Avalon romance, and is a sheer delight to read with loveable characters and a message that brings home the essence of Christmas. I am loving every minute of this story, and am so glad I chose it for my short reading list.

What about you? Finding time to read during the busy days of December? And if you are, what are you reading? You know me; I’m always on the lookout for recommendations!

Reading?

Oh, I’ve got a big confession to make…

I don’t get to the bookstore as often as I’d like. But really, who does, right? We book lovers could probably live at the bookstore if anyone offered us the chance, don’t you think? Seriously, though, life here has been so scrambled that I hardly ever get to the store to choose my own books. I’m grateful that my mom, godmother and a few good friends send books they think I might enjoy. It is fun to read whatever shows up, and allows me to experience genres and authors I might not have chosen on my own. I’ve gained a number of favorite authors this way!

This past week I got lucky, and found the time to dash into the bookstore. I had two books in mind to buy, and snagged the last copy of each! Whew!

Oh, what did I buy? Both books had been on my want-to-read list, but when they were recommended by two women whose reading tastes are similar to mine the titles went to the must-read list. Okay, the first book is Soulless by Gail Carriger. Marianne mentioned she read it. The second book is Mischief in Mudbug by Jana DeLeon. I read the first book in the Mudbug series when it came out, and have been waiting (it seems like forever!) for this one to hit the bookshelves. Dru recommended it which was no surprise! Dru’s reading tastes coincide with my own it often amazes me! Anyhow, I was hugely relieved to pluck the last copy of the ne w Mudbug from the shelf at our local bookstore.

I meant to pick up a Robyn Carr while I was there, because Melissa reminded me with her comment a few days back just how much I love Ms. Carr's writing, but I forgot that one. Oh, well...it gives me a first name on my new want-to-read list!

Ah…it doesn’t get much better than this. I’m in heaven, and now that my NaNo novel is done I’m so much looking forward to reading something someone else has written! The only dilemma is—you guessed it!—which book to read first? Decisions, decisions…

So, what are you reading? Anything you’d care to share?

Reading?

I'm finally finding some time to read. I know that sounds weird, given the fact that I've always got my nose in a book. Maybe what I should say is that I'm finally finding time to read in a leisurely manner. There, that's better.

October was such a breakneck-speed month that I felt like I inhaled a few books, in fits and starts and mostly in waiting rooms or doctors' offices. Not exactly the most pleasurable of reading situations.

But so far this month I've managed to carve out a chunk of time each day to sit by the fire while Hubby carves and just sit and read. It's been fabulous!

Yesterday I finished reading Murder With All the Trimmings by Elaine Viets. I laughed so hard! I loved it! The perfect way to begin the month! When I next get to the bookstore, I'm going to pick up a few more of her books. She's got a great sense of humor, and tells a hilarious story.

By the way, I've taken to leaving books I've just finished in the waiting rooms at doctors' offices or the hospital. I figure someone else might need a little pick-me-up moment, so I just leave them on the side tables or in the magazine holders (you know, the ones filled with practically shredded, older-than-Moses magazines. Sorry, Doc!). Not a bad idea, is it?

So, what are you reading? I've got an enquiring mind, and am on the hunt for a few good titles to add to my TBR stack. Any suggestions?

Reading?

I'm reading, for the umpteenth time, Four Wings and A Prayer. I love this book! Sue Halpern gives great insight into the lives of one of my favorite summer delights, the monarch butterfly.

What about you? What are you reading? Hmm?

Reading?

A few days ago I dashed into a bookstore to pick up a copy of an agricultural magazine that I thought my hubby might enjoy. I got lucky; the magazine rack had a bunch of copies so I picked one up and headed for the register to pay. Of course, on my way I passed the displays of new releases. Never one to pass a pile of books without browsing—and usually buying at least one—I perused the stacks. You know what? I didn’t buy anything—really an odd thing for me but I just couldn’t focus on making a choice. And, honestly, I have been too overwhelmed by everything that’s going on here to even make an impulse purchase. So, I paid for hubby’s magazine and left the bookstore.

Luckily, when I stopped for the mail I had a package. One of the authors I interviewed on From the Pages, Linda Hope Lee, sent me a copy of her latest novel, Finding Sara. It was so kind of her, and such a wonderfully timely surprise.

She took the guesswork out of deciding what to read, and I am so glad. Last night I read the book from cover to cover, and loved every moment of the experience. Linda writes so well, and describes Sara’s journey so vividly I fell right into the story. My heart connected with a woman so overwhelmed by her circumstances she feels compelled to get off on her own for a while to sort things out. I mean, who among us hasn’t felt that way at least once? Unfortunately Sara is mugged—but fortunately she is rescued by a handsome cowboy.

I loved Finding Sara. It is poignant and sweet, and was the perfect choice for my current state of mind. I can’t thank Linda enough for sending me her delightful book, and for rescuing me from my own uncharacteristic indecision. I know that eventually I’ll find joy in the bookstore again, and will be able to focus enough to pick my own reading material. For now, though, it was a blessing to have someone else make the decision for me. I’m just too busy with other decisions to deal with this one, I think!

So…what are you reading? And do you enjoy having others choose your books, or do you always choose for yourself?

Hope you have a lovely day!

Reading?

I've been doing more than playing Mad Scientist in the kitchen lately. Much more.

Hmm? Oh, right! Sorry, I fell into musing about the latest batch of dandelion wine. It's downstairs, you know. Anything could happen...

Right. What have I been up to?

I spent yesterday afternoon reading a new-to-me author. Don't you just love doing that, reading something by someone you've never read before?

Last week I ordered a couple of books from B&N. When they arrived I fell in love with the cover of one of them, An Agreeable Arrangement by Shirley Marks. Let me tell you, this is a case of correctly judging a book by its cover. The book jacket is beautiful, and the story on the pages is just as lovely.

I couldn't help myself. I read the book from cover to cover in one sitting, it was that good. I felt like I'd been let loose in a chocolate shop and was free to sample anything--so I did. A wonderful indulgence, only without all the calories!

The book is published by Avalon, so it's a sweet Regency romance. Filled with quirky, loveable characters whose heads and hearts often put them at odds with their situations, An Agreeable Arrangement pulled me in and held me captive. I enjoyed every moment of being lost in this tale, and fully intend to read more from this talented author.

Trying a new-to-me author doesn't always work out this well. I'll admit, I can be nit-picky when I read a story. If the characters feel dull, I stop reading. If the plot is too plodding, I stop reading. If there's too much unjustified gore, I stop reading. You get the idea. I suppose we all have our "I stop reading" points. I didn't find one "stop reading" point in Ms. Marks' book. What's not to love when that happens?

What about you? What are you reading? And how do you feel about trying new-to-you authors? Does it work out well, or do you find you often encounter "stop reading" moments? Hmm?

Reading?

Does it get much better than spending a few quiet hours reading a good book? I think not, especially if the reader sways in a hammock with a copy of Vision in White in her hand.

So now you know how I spent my Sunday afternoon. How did you spend yours?

And have you read any good books lately? I need to know because I don't think Nora Roberts will have the second installment in the Brides Quartet out soon enough to satisfy my reading craving. So, any suggestions?

Spellbound

"How about some grilled veggies with dinner? I'll toss 'em on the grill, then sit on the deck while they cook. It's nice out there...maybe you'd like to come out, too. What do you think?"

A grunt is his only answer.

A patient man, he tries a second time.

"So, that's a 'yes', right? You do want me to grill the veggies? Maybe some eggplant. Peppers and onions. A zucchini--definitely a zucchini, right?"

No answer.

He sighs, then heads to the kitchen. After a few minutes, he returns, and sets a glass of iced tea on the table beside her.

"Thirsty?"

"Hmm?"

"Are you thirsty?" When she lifts her gaze, he raises his own glass to his lips. Swallows, then smiles. "See? Yours is beside you, on the table." He nods, then smiles when she picks up the glass and takes a drink. "Good. That's a step in the right direction, anyway."

She snaps the book closed. "A step? What're you talking about?"

Grinning, he points at the book in her lap. "You're been under a spell for the past three hours. I don't think you moved an inch. What is it that's got you so hooked that you don't even realize what's going on around you? And aren't you getting hungry? You didn't eat any lunch."

Now that he mentions it, my stomach is kind of empty, she thought. Pushing aside the book, she stands and stretches. Her back feels kinked and her shoulders hurt, but it's all worth it.

She takes his hand and pulls him toward the kitchen. "Come on, I'm hungry."

As they walk away, he glances back at the book. Heart and Soul. It's finally forgotten on the sofa, but he knows it won't be long before her nose is buried again.

Better fire up the grill--fast.

Reading?

How many times have you gotten completely swept up by a book just before you planned to go to sleep? And how often have you spent half the night huddled by the light, reading while the rest of the household slumbered? Hmm?

C'mon, confesss. You know it's happened to you. Admit it; you're with friends here and no one will think any less of you for having bloodshot eyes and fog brain.

Like the ones I've got this morning.

Let's just say that my eyes feel like sandpaper and my head must be filled with mush but there's a grin on my face that just won't quit.

Last night I planned to only read a chapter--maybe two, at the most--of one of the books I received for my birthday earlier this week. I never imagined I'd get pulled into the story, never figured I'd spend half the night lost in the words. I didn't plan on it but I've got to say it was well worth it.

The book? Aussie Rules by Jill Shalvis. I'm loving it. I had to cry "Uncle!" about two-thirds of the way through, but let's just say I've found a new favorite author.

This afternoon I plan to sit down and finish reading. I'm sure the morning's chores are going to zip by, knowing I've got such a warm, witty book waiting for me.

What about you? What was the last book that sucked you in and kept you burning the midnight oil? I want to know, because by tonight I'm going to be looking for a new book to read...

Happy Saturday!

Reading?

What are you reading? Anything interesting?

Me? I’m revisiting old friends this week. A few days ago I pulled two all-time favorites from my bookshelf and it feels fabulous to spend time with them.

Tenor of Love by Mary DiMichele is a fictionalized account of love, passion and betrayal involving one of the greatest opera singers of all time, Enrico Caruso. We are opera lovers in this house, so reading about Caruso’s life warms my heart on many levels. I enjoy “hearing” about Puccini, about the tenor’s time at the Metropolitan Opera in New York and the Tuscan life that produced such a memorable figure. I’ve read Tenor of Love many times and each time I find something new to make me smile.

Currently I am reading one of my very favorite books, Under the Tuscan Sun. Frances Mayes tells a riveting tale of falling in love with a crumbling villa in the Italian countryside. She shows the pulse of the people in the area, and brings the scents, sights and tastes of her adopted country to life so vividly I feel transported every time I dive into my well-worn copy of her fabulous book.

Do you have old favorites you return to time and again, like I do? And do they make you feel the way these books make me feel—like I’m visiting with dear friends? I hope you do…and that they do.

Reading?

We were in a hospital room on Christmas so most of our holiday gifts went unopened for weeks. We are just now opening packages—something that feels strange but is also a happy event.

My godmother always sends the best books in her packages. She has a knack for choosing books that I love but wouldn’t usually buy for myself. This year one of the titles she sent is The Nature of Monsters by Clare Clark. I began reading it last night and I’ve got to tell you, I’m loving every single word of it so far! Don’t you just love it when you’re pulled right into a story? This is historical fiction that feels very Edgar Allen Poe-ish, and while I was intrigued from the first sentence I was also a tad frightened. Glad, too, that I didn’t live in 1666!

I’ll let you know how it ends up. I’m savoring this book so even though I want to hunker down and zip right through it I’m restraining myself. Too, there are other things that require my attention at the moment so I’ve got the chance to mull the story over in my mind bit by bit.

What about you? Have you read anything recently that completely transported you to another time and place? Any recommendations?

Reading?

Wow, don't the days just fly by? I know I'm running a little slower than usual but I can't believe it's Thursday already. Can you?

I've got to admit I've been taking it pretty easy this week. Just sort of getting my legs back under me...resting and eating well and generally being a slug. You know, I think I could get used to this!

One of my favorite things to do anytime is read, but when I'm not feeling quite up to par I tend to hunker down and open a book that I have already read and loved. Yeah, I pull one off my keeper shelf.

Recently Marianne had a conversation about the rereading habit (or lack thereof) and while I didn't get to follow all of the discussion what I did see was very interesting. Me? I read so much that I generally don't reread--unless I loved the book the first time around. I mean, really loved it.

Um, I fall in love fairly often, it seems! The keeper shelf is mighty wide here!

Last night I snuggled under a flannel quilt with a cup of tea beside me and fell right back into a book my mother gave me for my last birthday, Janet Evanovich's Naughty Neighbor. What a fun read! I smiled through it the first time and I did the exact same thing last night. The characters are wonderfully likeable, the little intrigue they become embroiled in is both comical and engaging and I guess I just flat-out love the author's writing style.

I knew when I chose it that I was going to be perfectly content for a few hours, and I was. Very soothing and highly satisfying to know that opening a particular book is going to deliver guaranteed entertainment, don't you think? See? That's why I reread certain books! Sometimes I just need to know that I'm going to love the story.

Janet Evanovich's Foul Play goes on sale next week. I'm looking forward to it. As I said, I just really like the way this lady tells a story. She pulls me in every single time, and I love that!

So...what are you reading?

Reading?

The holiday-themed books are beginning to hit the store shelves!

I don't know about you but I really enjoy holiday stories. When I saw the first few of this month's Harlequins on display I was tickled to see three Christmas stories.

Don't ask me why but the local store never puts all the Harlequins on display at once. I think it's a ploy to get shoppers back in time and again through the month but that's just my take on it. I don't mind their stocking methods during the warm months but when we're snowed in it rattles my cage. Hard. But I digress...

Last night read the first, Snowbound in Dry Creek. I couldn't put it down! I read waaay past when I should have turned in but I couldn't close the book without seeing how it ended. This morning my eyes are bloodshot but it was well worth it.

I discovered Janet Tronstad's Dry Creek series a lot later than I wish I had but at least I've finally found it. There are lots of earlier books (unfortunately I haven't read any of them) but this isn't a series where the reader has to be in on the opening story to fall right into the feeling of the place or get to know the characters. The writing style is similar to Jan Karon's so Mitford fans will enjoy visiting Dry Creek, too.

A Dry Creek Courtship was the Dry Creek story that hooked me. The characters are so realistic they feel like people anyone might know. They are good people but they don't always make the best decisions. They may be sometimes stubborn or irritable...like regular people. I like that. I like a character with flaws, one who doesn't feel perfect or sugar-coated.

Maybe the thing I like most about the Dry Creek stories is the place itself. Dry Creek is written so clearly I can see the hardware store and cafe, feel the heat from the old belly stove and bounce along the rutted roads as if I'm right there. I'm pulled in from the opening pages and, as last night's marathon page turning shows, I'm engaged right up to the final word.

What about you? Do you read holiday stories? Any favorites?

Today I'm opening my well-worn copy of Dracula. I know...it hardly seems the follow-up to such a heartwarming holiday tale but it is October. I read Dracula every October. And Frankenstein. And The Cottage, which is one of the scariest books of all time.

October...goblins and ghouls and all sorts of bump-in-the-night books. And in between? I'm gettting set for Christmas!

Hope you have a great Sunday! :)

Reading?

I'm sure you know the feeling. You open a book and get sucked right into the story. Hooked...line and sinker. There's no way to close the book, no way to put it down and simply walk away. It can't be done. Nope, you've got to stick with the story, find out just what happens to the characters. Now. Not tomorrow. Not the day after. Now.

You've. Got. To. Know.

So.

Last night I was pooped, beyond words worn out. We spent yesterday pulling out the gardens because of the widespread frost warning for Upstate New York. Being that we live in the middle of nowhere and it's generally colder here than practically anywhere else on Earth (all right, that's an exaggeration...but it's cold here. Really cold.) we knew enough to pull out the veggies and pick the fruit. We worked all day to get everything picked. Then we moved a bunch of huge pots into the greenhouse. Did I mention there are big plants in those huge pots? So by last night I was almost too tired to think. We ate cereal for dinner (that says just how tired we really were!), showered and settled down for the evening. Hubby watched a movie and I opened a book I'd picked up a couple of months ago but hadn't gotten a chance to read.

Bayou Paradox by Robin Caroll pulled me right in. I forgot my weariness, lost my aches and pains and got swept into a tangled web of intrigue and suspense set in the Louisiana bayou. In short, I loved it. The writing is clean and crisp, the story was filled with interesting characters and it kept me spellbound right up until the last page. I haven't read anything by this author before but I'll definitely look into buying her other Bayou books. I've read a bunch of Steeple Hill romances recently and haven't been disappointed by any of them. This one, however, really impressed me.

So, what have you been reading? Hmm? :)