Tea Time with Marce

ARC Review - The Kingdom by Amanda Stevens

2012-01-26T16:15:00.000-04:00

Book Summary from NetGalley

Deep in the shadowy foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains lies a dying town…

My name is Amelia Gray. They call me The Graveyard Queen. I’ve been commissioned to restore an old cemetery in Asher Falls, South Carolina, but I’m coming to think I have another purpose here.
Why is there a cemetery at the bottom of Bell Lake? Why am I drawn time and again to a hidden grave I’ve discovered in the woods? Something is eating away at the soul of this town—this withering kingdom—and it will only be restored if I can uncover the truth.

My Review - 4 Great to the last Drop
(I chose to read from NetGalley)

Amanda Stevens has a way with words, she creates a euphoric creepy atmosphere that you can visualise and at times feel. Such a great build up with the mystery tension weaving around as you read. I enjoyed taking my time and being fully engaged in the story, blocking everything else out.

Amelia knows she is different, not an outcast but different. She has been requested to go restore another cemetery and when she gets there she doesn't understand the natural pull of belonging but in a scary way. She is there to do a job and will fulfill it even though she knows she is not from breaking her fathers rules she is no longer safe and has put herself at mysterious risk.

Asher Falls has the feel of a ghost town, is it deserted or not, why does everyone stay in after dark, trying to stay safe when dusk falls. All these questions and those around her purposely trying to make her uncomfortable. If they are not they are either saving her from troubled situations or possibly manipulating her in some way.

Amelia continues to think about her forbidden feelings she has for Delvin, the haunted detective from The Restorer. This causes guilty feelings when she starts to have a connection with Thane.

I would highly recommend reading this series in order, a great flow from one to the other but great on their own also.

The outcome of the mystery was perfect, the dark family secrets and Asher Fall, the overall pull Amelia felt while there and why she was the chosen restorer. There were a few small unfinished business scenarios for me but they didn't take away from this fantastic creepy mystery.

A favourite quote

As I hurried along the path, my nerve endings tingled with an awareness I didn't understand. It was as if some long-dormant instinct had suddenly come alive, and I could feel the forest reaching out to me, hear the leaves whispering to me once again.

You can read the first chapter of The Kingdom and see the trailer here.

My Review

Aren't all the covers lovely. The Prophet due out April

January going far to fast, what are you reading?

2012-01-22T20:03:00.001-04:00

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while continuing to add to your 2012 Wishlist.

Can you believe it is the 22/23, where has this month gone already, unreal to me. January hasn't been the best reading month for me so far, even had a reading slump, i'm hoping to read some good books this week at least.

I loved Amanda Stevens last year after reading The Restorer and The Abandoned.

I am currently reading Book 2, The Graveyard Queen series from NetGalley, enjoying it, make sure to start with The Restorer.

I completed

Also completed...

Next is a book for review

Review - Bedbugs by Ben H. Winters

2012-01-19T20:09:00.001-04:00

Amazon Summary

Susan and Alex Wendt have found their dream apartment.

Sure, the landlady is a little eccentric. And the elderly handyman drops some cryptic remarks about the basement. But the rent is so low, it’s too good to pass up.

Big mistake. Susan soon discovers that her new home is crawling with bedbugs . . . or is it? She awakens every morning with fresh bites, but neither Alex nor their daughter Emma has a single welt. An exterminator searches the property and turns up nothing. The landlady insists her building is clean. Susan fears she’s going mad—until a more sinister explanation presents itself: she may literally be confronting the bedbug problem from Hell.

My Review - 3 More Sugar Please

I decided to pick this up after reading Kathy's review at BermudaOnion's Weblog

This had great buildup but a little to long and such a fast closing that it ended up weird, I thought, how odd and disappointing.

It did have a great creepy factor on the kindle version where it had bedbugs on each beginning page of Part 1, 2 and 3. I am sure many felt as if something was crawling on them while reading, that was a good touch. Enough detail to make you a little paranoid and unsure if Susan is paranoid, going crazy or really dealing with bedbugs.

I enjoyed the moving into a new home and then the irrational fear that no one else noticed or was affected by. Then I got mad about why her husband didn't notice and get her help or some ointment at least. He did get her help but I think he was a little in denial also on how bad it really was. Susan said this situation of dealing with badbugs is really bad but wow it hit both her and Alex like a ton of bricks.

I loved the scenario of dealing with bedbugs versus badbugs.

When bedbugs latch on, they feast on blood for ten minutes and fall away; badbugs feast not only on blood, but on body and soul. And when they latch on, they feast forever.

The characters were classic horror characters; weird, unsuspecting and eccentric.

Today's Release - Fifty Shades Freed by EL James

2012-01-19T09:18:00.012-04:00

I highly recommend you read this series in order. The first was my favourite read for 2011 - you can go TWCS to order

My Reviews

Fifty Shades of Grey 5 star

Fifty Shades Darker 4 star

Book Summary from The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House

When unworldly student Ana Steele first encountered the driven, damaged young entrepreneur Christian Grey, it sparked a sensual affair that changed both their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and ultimately repelled by Christian’s singular sexual tastes, Ana demanded a deeper commitment; determined to keep her, Christian agreed.

Now, together, they have more—love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of infinite possibilities. But Ana always knew that loving her Fifty Shades would not be easy and being together poses challenges neither of them ever anticipated. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own integrity, identity, or independence; Christian must somehow overcome his compulsion to control and lay to rest the horrors that blighted his past and haunt his present.

Just when it seems that together their love can conquer any obstacle, tragedy, malice and fate combine to make Ana’s worst nightmares come true. Alone and desperate, she must face down the poisoned legacy of Christian’s past.

Seductive, shocking, sad, and funny, Fifty Shades Freed is the compelling final volume in the Fifty Shades trilogy.

My ARC Review - 3 1/2 More Sugar Please

This trilogy started out with a bang, I loved every moment. The 2nd was good and now the 3rd is good but only because I enjoy the characters, I wanted so much more. I will continue to recommend the first one but the third just didn't make the mark.

I would categorise this as a Romance read, not my favourite genre so by 50% I was rather bored and disappointed. I wrote this from a past review It is categorized as Erotica but truly it is so much more, Suspense, Mystery, Romance and definitely Thrilling, oh and did I say hot! What is hard for me is that all along the books have been Erotica but they were so edgy, I thought EL James took that away now, they not only enjoyed Vanilla sex in this one but I felt there personalities became 'normal'. Christian seemed to change to much for me. I understood the Freed part which we finally get to in the last 25% of the story which was great but things happened that would never in the real life of Christian but I think was purposely written as a 'meant to be' which is an eye roll in my world.

Ana was strong, risky and sexy in this one which I loved. Totally topping from the bottom, loved this. You will have to read to understand that term, possibly even know more about the BDSM lifestyle. I had been waiting for this and wanted a steamy topping from the bottom playroom scene. I will say that I am happy they found their forever lifestyle that works for them, that was hot. Christian loves control but Ana was able to stand up to him like no other and help teach and free him.

Music was always a huge factor but this one Ana didn't know most of the songs, it became irritating the way it was done, one playroom scene the music was used amazingly well.

The other story lines were ok, I wasn't wow'd by them and they were to short for me to get engaged. Overall, a ton of hot sexy scenes so if that is what you love to read, I highly recommend. It was the mystery and intensity of their relationship that made me first fall in love with Christian and Ana but overall in the end still an intriguing love story.

I love tie in covers for trilogy's, and these one's were perfect, giving a glimpse of the story in each.

Pdf on Kindle - How to Convert

2012-01-18T12:29:00.000-04:00

I was reading an Amazon forum and someone mentioned how to convert pdf's, I tried it and it worked, so of course I have to share this wonderful news.

Easy Peasy.......

When an author is sending you a pdf or you have it on email and need to forward it to your kindle email in the subject line when you forward you put convert.

Yes, that is it, tried and proven by yours truly.

To be clear you need to send the pdf ebook to your kindle email putting convert in the subject line.

I have had my kindle for 2 years so this should work for all kindle devices. I am able to use all the features, highlighting, bookmarking, change font etc.

It took me 2 years to figure it out but i'm not complaining.

Review - The Funny Thing is... by Elllen DeGeneres

2012-01-16T18:52:00.000-04:00

My Review - 3 1/2 More Sugar Please

No need for a summary in my opinion. If you are a fan of Ellen your expectations will be met, no surprises, with Ellen, what you see is what you get. Ellen is silly and you enjoy laughing at her and with her. At times I rolled my eyes, laughed out loud, giggled to myself and said what the hell is she saying, oh right, ok that is so Ellen why did I fall that crap, lol.

Hands down my favourite chapter was Working it Out, about parallel parking, exercise, specifically her personal trainer. He tried to talk her out of eating ice cream and drinking more water, she told him she does, eating ice cream makes her thirsty, lmao. The conversations with her personal trainer were flipping hilarious.

Another chapter was This is How We Live, this is about how technology and everything new makes it so easy for us.

We're just so lazy. We used to have breath mints. Now we have breath strips that just dissolve on our tongue. Can we not suck anymore?

She is perfectly sarcastic when talking about opening packages for the first time including scissors which of course you need scissors to open. CD's and batteries versus packaging of light bulbs, totally ridiculous but laugh out loud worthy.

My favourite going down memory lane was the old telephone. This was after the cell phone stories.

Then the kitchen wall phone came along, usually a lovely mustard or an avocado green. It had a ninety-foot-long cord that allowed you to walk all around the house, clearing tables, wrapping around dogs, so that by the time you hung up the phone, it had become this tangled wire of cord confusion. But what was fun about it was that every once in a while you would hold the phone upside down by the cord and let that thing spin and spin, around and around, till it found its center. Good times.

I have some chapters bookmarked so I can go back for a quick laugh when needed. When you need a quick fix of Ellen and you miss her show, this is the way to go. If you enjoy audiobooks I hear they are fantastic.

I think Ellen is such a fool but I love her just the way she is, don't want her to change. I would love to see her in person.

This was great to get me out of my reading slump, but a week pretty much wasted and hard to accept.

Review - Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay

2012-01-11T10:00:00.000-04:00

Book Summary from Random House

Dexter's well-organized life is suddenly disrupted when a second, much more visible serial killer appears in Miami. Dex is intrigued, even delighted, by the fact that the other killer appears to have a style reminiscent of his own. Yet he can't help but feel that the mysterious new arrival is not merely invading his turf but reaching out to him as well. This new killer seems to be doing more than copying Dexter—he seems to be saying, "Come out and play." Dexter's secret life makes for a lonely existence... even a lovable monster can be intrigued by the prospect of finding a friend.

My Review - 2 Not My Cup of Tea

This was a waste of my time, how I wish I could get my week back. The show must be fantastic and people must rate the books from the show, impossible to enjoy in opinion. For those that do enjoy I would have to guess that they are not fans of suspense, crime, thriller etc. For those of us that love this genre we will get the undertone hints and roll our eyes. This book read like a tv show, I knew when the commercials were coming, there was no sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation, totally blah.

I did see some of the similarities with Dan Wells trilogy, I am not a Serial Killer but as you know I LOVED that trilogy, so good, John was my favourite character last year. Now Dexter, I expected charming, sorry didn't buy it. One of my pet peeves, women that come across as dumb, both his sister and the Detective in charge wore me down, I cannot handle that, the whole book was like a bad joke to me.

I considered this as a DNF but pushed through because it had to get better right, the climax at least would be great right, nope. I'm so disappointed, reading this book had me roll my eyes one to many times and put me in a foul mood so if that comes across in this review i'm sorry but friends do not bother with this series.

Also, I had to stop the first chapter and make sure I was reading the 1st book, Dexter killed in the first or second chapter with no background. Dexter has hunches on how to catch serial killer, we get because he is one but it just felt lame. Throughout it didn't feel like the first book for some reason.

The best part of the book for me was about his step dad and the discussion about what Dexter was doing and to make good choices in the future.

As you can tell there is no way I will continue this series. My brother loves the show and said I wouldn't have tried the books the draw to the show is the characters especially Dexter. So if we must, try the show.

I give 1 ratings to DNF books that I truly attempted to complete so as I did complete this without skimming, it gets a 2.

It's Monday - What are you reading

2012-01-08T23:37:00.000-04:00

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while continuing to add to your 2011 Wishlist.

I'm currently reading - I'm not impressed, considered DNF but will push through it.

I started this since I wasn't enjoying Dexter

I completed and enjoyed - my review

I have no idea what will be next, I have went through my Wishlist and my Kindle for next read, nothing is shouting 'read me read me', sigh. I can't even decide what genre. Dexter has really screwed with my reading flow, a bad book slightly puts me in a slump, hate that.

Friday finds - True Crime and 1st Graphic Book

2012-01-06T10:30:00.000-04:00

I found both of these books over at Sandy's blog You've GOTTA read this..... go read her review.

I got 2 for 1. I have never read a graphic novel but this one sounds perfect, Green River Killer and some background she gave on the true crime novel The Stranger Beside Me. Now this is a long book but I am so tempted.

Have you read either, what did you think, leave your review if available.

Utterly unique in its astonishing intimacy, as jarringly frightening as when it first appeared, Ann Rule's The Stranger Beside Me defies our expectation that we would surely know if a monster lived among us, worked alongside of us, appeared as one of us. With a slow chill that intensifies with each heart-pounding page, Rule describes her dawning awareness that Ted Bundy, her sensitive coworker on a crisis hotline, was one of the most prolific serial killers in America. He would confess to killing at least thirty-six young women from coast to coast, and was eventually executed for three of those cases. Drawing from their correspondence that endured until shortly before Bundy's death, and striking a seamless balance between her deeply personal perspective and her role as a crime reporter on the hunt for a savage serial killer -- the brilliant and charismatic Bundy, the man she thought she knew -- Rule changed the course of true-crime literature with this unforgettable chronicle.

Throughout the 1980s, the highest priority of Seattle-area police was the apprehension of the Green River Killer, the man responsible for the murders of dozens of women. But in 1990, with the body count numbering at least forty-eight, the case was put in the hands of a single detective, Tom Jensen. After twenty years, when the killer was finally captured with the help of DNA technology, Jensen and fellow detectives spent 188 days interviewing Gary Leon Ridgway in an effort to learn his most closely held secrets-an epic confrontation with evil that proved as disturbing and surreal as can be imagined. Written by Jensen's own son, acclaimed entertainment journalist Jeff Jensen, Green River Killer: A True Detective Story presents the ultimate insider's account of America's most prolific serial killer. Green River Killer is bound to become a well-recognized member of the crime-genre graphic novel family, including titles like Darwyn Cooke’s The Hunter and Alan Moore’s From Hell.

Have a great weekend.

Review - The Day Before by Lisa Schroeder

2012-01-04T08:46:00.001-04:00

Book Summary from Amazon

One moment can change everything.

Amber’s life is spinning out of control. All she wants is to turn up the volume on her iPod until all of the demands of family and friends fade away. So she sneaks off to the beach to spend a day by herself.

Then Amber meets Cade. Their attraction is instant, and Amber can tell he’s also looking for an escape. Together they decide to share a perfect day: no pasts, no fears, no regrets.

The more time that Amber spends with Cade, the more she’s drawn to him. And the more she’s troubled by his darkness. Because Cade’s not just living in the now—he’s living each moment like it’s his last.

My Review - 4 1/2 Great to the last Drop

Imagine Kristin Hannah or Jodi Picoult writing in Verse. The Day Before reminded me of the emotion and heartbreaking story lines you read by them but Lisa Schroeder does it with lyrical ease that captures your heart.

The Day Before is about Amber and Cade meeting and spending the day having fun. This was there promise to each other, no discussing the problems in their life that they were obviously running away from. I enjoyed the simplistic way they met and how they just allowed the day to happen. Both dealing with some hard responsibilities but enjoying the day before the inevitable.

A favourite part of the story that added another unique style to her Verse novels were the letters intertwined in the story. These captured the intensity of Amber's dilemma and we are kept in suspense on Cade's dilemma which worked out well.

This story was just lovely.

Verse Novels are my simple pleasure and hands down Lisa Schroeder if my favourite Verse Novel author.

Post 2012 Serial Killer reviews here

2012-01-03T22:06:00.000-04:00

If you would like to sign up for this challenge please go here for details.

Level of Participation

This Challenge is not about how many you read but finding the best of the best and 'remembering' to link your reviews.

Note - I will keep a list of all favourites and 5 star reviews to create a 'Personalized Bloggers List' for future years.

Next year I may include levels or mini challenges from what participants read in 2012. Enjoy......

Link here and network with others that enjoy reading about Serial Killers.

eg. Marce (Book Title and Author)

Post Your 2012 Review here: I Want More Challenge

2012-01-03T17:23:00.000-04:00

If you would like to sign up for this challenge please go here for details.

Level of Participation

Waited to long:   2 - 4 books
Give me more:    5 - 8 books
Never to much:   9 - 12 books

I look forward to all the reviews and choices of authors.

Link your reviews here

Top Ten Books I'm Excited To Read in 2012

2012-01-03T08:27:00.001-04:00

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme created here at The Broke and the Bookish. This meme was created because we are particularly fond of lists here at The Broke and the Bookish. We'd love to share our lists with other bookish folks and would LOVE to see your top ten lists!

These are the one's I am excited to read, a few coming out this year, came out last year and some favourites of blogging friends.

I chose 12 for the new year 2012...... Ok Ok I just couldn't do 10, lol

   A Temptation of Angels

   The Mermaids Singing (Dr. Tony Hill and Carol Jordan Mysteries)

   The Bone Collector (A Lincoln Rhyme Novel)

   Heads You Lose

   Bedbugs

   The Human Bobby: A Novel

   Forbidden

   Sister: A Novel

   The Memory Palace

   Dirty Secret: A Daughter Comes Clean About Her Mother's Compulsive Hoarding

   Up from the Blue: A Novel

   The Missing Ink: A Tattoo Shop Mystery

I can't wait to see what you are excited to read. If you didn't do meme, tell me 1 or 2 in the comments please.

What book started your year?

2012-01-02T12:11:00.000-04:00

Happy New Year. Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while continuing to add to your 2011 Wishlist.

First read of the year

I decided to start the year with my simple pleasure, a Verse Novel by Lisa Schroeder. This one was on a few favourite 2011 lists also.

I completed this trilogy this year, the 1st was my favourite of the year. My review. Out Jan 19.

I think this is next, I have heard so much about the series.

If you are interested in my end of year posts, they are here:

2011 Favourites - You can link up yours also

2011 Stats

End of Year Book Survey

My Favourites of 2011

2011-12-31T09:20:00.021-04:00

Welcome to Tea Time with Marce

Happy New Year

Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James

Enjoyed the series but loved this one. A Steamy, exquisite story with a mysterious edge.

I am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells

LOVED THE TRILOGY - Highly recommend

Night Road by Kristin Hannah

Emotional Parenting read, have the Kleenex ready

Bad Things Happen by Harry Dolan

Intricate, Engaging, Captivating Mystery

The Restorer by Amanda Stevens

Great creepy mystery

Come Back to Me by Melissa Foster

Powerful, heartbreaking, engaging

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Beautiful classic, magical

The Human Obsession by Heath Sommer 5 Sept

Perfect execution, the close to a Psychological Thriller Trilogy

We Need to Talk about Kevin 4 Dec

Best discussion, wow book - Brutal, Intense, Shocking, Emotional

Psycho by Robert Bloch 5 July

A horrifying classic, greatness

My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Journey 4 March

Important for Stroke survivors families

I thought the Appendix - Forty Things I Needed the Most - was so important

Feel free to add your favourites link to share with others

ARC Review - Fifty Shades of Freed by E L James

2011-12-30T16:33:00.000-04:00

Book Summary from The Writer's Coffee Shop Publishing House

When unworldly student Ana Steele first encountered the driven, damaged young entrepreneur Christian Grey, it sparked a sensual affair that changed both their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and ultimately repelled by Christian’s singular sexual tastes, Ana demanded a deeper commitment; determined to keep her, Christian agreed.

Now, together, they have more—love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of infinite possibilities. But Ana always knew that loving her Fifty Shades would not be easy and being together poses challenges neither of them ever anticipated. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own integrity, identity, or independence; Christian must somehow overcome his compulsion to control and lay to rest the horrors that blighted his past and haunt his present.

Just when it seems that together their love can conquer any obstacle, tragedy, malice and fate combine to make Ana’s worst nightmares come true. Alone and desperate, she must face down the poisoned legacy of Christian’s past.

Seductive, shocking, sad, and funny, Fifty Shades Freed is the compelling final volume in the Fifty Shades trilogy.

My Review - 3 1/2 More Sugar Please

This trilogy started out with a bang, I loved every moment. The 2nd was good and now the 3rd is good but only because I enjoy the characters, I wanted so much more. I will continue to recommend the first one but the third just didn't make the mark.

I would categorise this as a Romance read, not my favourite genre so by 50% I was rather bored and disappointed. I wrote this from a past review It is categorized as Erotica but truly it is so much more, Suspense, Mystery, Romance and definitely Thrilling, oh and did I say hot! What is hard for me is that all along the books have been Erotica but they were so edgy, I thought EL James took that away now, they not only enjoyed Vanilla sex in this one but I felt there personalities became 'normal'. Christian seemed to change to much for me. I understood the Freed part which we finally get to in the last 25% of the story which was great but things happened that would never in the real life of Christian but I think was purposely written as a 'meant to be' which is an eye roll in my world.

Ana was strong, risky and sexy in this one which I loved. Totally topping from the bottom, loved this. You will have to read to understand that term, possibly even know more about the BDSM lifestyle. I had been waiting for this and wanted a steamy topping from the bottom playroom scene. I will say that I am happy they found their forever lifestyle that works for them, that was hot. Christian loves control but Ana was able to stand up to him like no other and help teach and free him.

Music was always a huge factor but this one Ana didn't know most of the songs, it became irritating the way it was done, one playroom scene the music was used amazing well.

The other story lines were ok, I wasn't wow'd by them and they were to short for me to get engaged. Overall, a ton of hot sexy scenes so if that is what you love to read, I highly recommend. It was the mystery and intensity of their relationship that made me first fall in love with Christian and Ana but overall in the end still an intriguing love story.

I love tie in covers for trilogy's, and these one's were perfect, giving a glimpse of the story in each.

I received this book from the Early Reviews LibraryThing list.

Available January 19, 2012, go TWCS to order, you must read in order

2011 Stats for Tea Time with Marce

2011-12-29T16:18:00.001-04:00

I am loving the lists I have seen so far, I think I will put my 2011 Top 10 up on Saturday.

My 2011 Stats for Tea Time with Marce

My Goal was to read 50 books for the year, I am currently reading my 60th

Last year I had 234 posts, this will be my 206

I joined 8 Challenges and completed all, yaaaay me, I think only 3 books crossed over

I only had 2 DNF. There were a few I started but wasn't in the mood so will come back later, those do not count but was approximately 7.

I read 18 male authors and 33 female authors and 1 couple collaboration

I read the following genres: Thriller, Suspense and Mystery (all my favourite) Adult Fiction, Memoir, Non Fiction, YA, Classic and Paranormal Fantasy

I won 4 books from contests and I'm International, pretty good

I had 3 Author interviews

Honourable Mention - I held my first week event, Thrill Week which will be an annual event.

How I received what I read:

42 On Kindle, can you tell this is my preference of reading, love my Kindle
5 ARC 3 and 2 Book Tours
8 Review Requests - not including ARC's
8 My own buys
3 Bookclub/Discussion

Are there any stats you enjoy reading about or keeping for yourself?

End of 2011 Book Survey

2011-12-26T12:29:00.000-04:00

I am so excited about this week, I love end of year survey's, favourite lists, etc. This one is being hosted fom Jamie at The Perpetual Page-Turner.

1. Best Book You Read In 2011?

Fifty Shades of Grey by EL James, absolutely adored it. Great steamy mysterious book.

2. Most Disappointing Book/Book You Wish You Loved More Than You Did?

Triangles by Ellen Hopkins. Verse Novels are my simple pleasure, I expected it to be edgy but it chick lit, I actually DNF.

3. Most surprising (in a good way!) book of 2011?

The Secret Garden, so not me but it was magical. A wonderful classic I look forward to sharing with my daughter.

4. Book you recommended to people most in 2011?

I am not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells. Loved it, read the other 2 books in the Trilogy, highly recommend.

5. Best series you discovered in 2011?

I have 2 - I am not a Serial Killer and Fifty Shades of Grey, both are trilogy's.

6. Favorite new authors you discovered in 2011?

Harry Dolan, Greg Iles, Melissa Foster (Links go to author interviews)

7. Best book that was out of your comfort zone or was a new genre for you?

YA is not my cup of tea but I loved Dirty Little Secrets by C J Omololu

8. Most thrilling, unputdownable book in 2011?

A stand alone would be Night Road by Kristin Hannah. Also my favourite ARC.

9. Book you most anticipated in 2011?

Left Neglected by Lisa Genova, I loved Still Alice and couldn't wait to read this one.

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2011?

Cinderella at my daughter by Peggy Orenstein

11. Most memorable character in 2011?

John from I am not a serial killer. I admitted to loving a serial killer earlier in the year, lol

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2011?

The Secret Garden

13. Book that had the greatest impact on you in 2011?

My Stroke of Insight (Journey of a Brain Scientist) This helped me deal with my brothers massive stroke. He is still in the hospital but he can talk now, Dialysis for the rest of his life and still doesn't have movement in his left leg and arm.

14. Book you can't believe you waited UNTIL 2011 to finally read?

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2011?

I usually choose a quote to share during reviews.

16. Book That You Read In 2011 That Would Be Most Likely To Reread In 2012?

I don't reread, but I will read The Secret Garden with my daughter when she is old enough.

17. Book That Had A Scene In It That Had You Reeling And Dying To Talk To Somebody About It? (a WTF moment, an epic revelation, a steamy kiss, etc. etc.) Be careful of spoilers!

We Need to Talk about Kevin

THE END of THE SURVEY

If you did this survey please share link.

Review - Dirty Little Secrets by C. J. Omololu

2011-12-22T09:14:00.001-04:00

Book Summary from Amazon

Everyone has a secret. But Lucy's is bigger and dirtier than most. It's one she's been hiding for years-that her mom's out-of-control hoarding has turned their lives into a world of garbage and shame. She's managed to keep her home life hidden from her best friend and her crush, knowing they'd be disgusted by the truth. So, when her mom dies suddenly in their home, Lucy hesitates to call 911 because revealing their way of life would make her future unbearable-and she begins her two-day plan to set her life right.

With details that are as fascinating as they are disturbing, C. J. Omololu weaves an hour-by-hour account of Lucy's desperate attempt at normalcy. Her fear and isolation are palpable as readers are pulled down a path from which there is no return, and the impact of hoarding on one teen's life will have readers completely hooked.

My Review - 5 Tea Time Perfection

I found a YA book that I loved.

The topic of hoarding completely fascinated me and reading the story from the perspective of the teenage daughter was a perfect choice. I think every detail you can think about was discussed in the book, usually I think there is to much missing or not deep enough for me to feel engaged, well I think Omololu did a great job.

I knew hoarding was an illness but I had no idea of the level it was, how unsafe and unhealthy, I am in shock.

Lucy was so strong in my opinion, how hard is it to know what is right when you are told to ignore, forget and to wait it out until she can escape from what she calls home. Purposely not allowing herself to live life but knowing she has the right to have a 'normal' life.

What emotional turmoil to have to deal with the heartbreak of being called Garbage Girl which started from an old best friend She never wanted to live through that again or bring shame and heartbreak to the rest of her family. She has to make the hardest decision, calling 911 or keeping her family secret. This was so well done that you don't think she is foolish or that it is unbelievable. I wanted to magically become part of the story and help her, great character. All the other characters were secondary but still made an impact. The next door neighbour TJ, loved him, children done well are so special.

I loved the description and feel of mother/daugther relationship. I felt the journey, the daily life, before the hoarding, a glimpse of the mothers childhood that Lucy didn't know, the moms dreams that Lucy found, the moms career as a Nurse, all of this was such a rewarding important part to the story. I thought it completely ironic she was a loving Nurse and a hoarder, how is that possible.

One thing, it starts out saying 'before' so I was waiting for the 'after' but it didn't come. The ending can be the end so there is no 'after' but i'm unsure if this was done on purpose or not. A small issue for me but not enough to change my rating.

I would have to say this is one of my favourite YA stories.

Favourite quote - this is a conversation between Lucy and TJ. It shows the extent of how disgusting hoarding is, their thinking but also the innocence and creative mind of a child in response to it.

"How about a snotty-nose tissue that someone who has the worst cold in the world has blown their nose in until it was dripping with boggers?"

I stopped to think for a minute. "Well, she might throw it away," I said. "But if someone was working on an art project that could incorporate a snotty, boogery nose tissue, then she would keep it in a bag somewhere until she could give it to them."

"Ewwww!"

I chose this book to complete my very last Challenge, yaaaay me.

I definitely will be reading Dirty Secret, a memoir I saw reviewed over Kathy's blog BermudaOnion.

Completed my favourite Challenge A-Z Mystery Authors

2011-12-20T10:43:00.000-04:00

This was my favourite challenge this year from Michelle's blog red headed book child. All new to me authors in my favourite genre. I chose the A-I level and next year will go for the J-P level.

And best of all every book was good, so all great authors, in my opinion. My favourite would be Harry Dolan. I look forward to reading more by all of the authors. (With * I already have another book)

A - DM Annechino *

B - Robert Bloch

C - Agatha Christie

D - Harry Dolan *

E - J.T. Ellison *

F - Nicci French

G - Tess Gerritsen

H - Steve Hamilton

I - Greg Iles

And I haven't seen the Challenge up for next year but here are the authors I have chose already.

J - Iris Johanson

K - Douglas Kennedy or Lars Kepler

L - Jeff Lindsey or Simon Lelic

M - Val McDermid

N - Barbara Nodel

O - Karen Olsen

P- Michelle Paver

Last Monday before Christmas

2011-12-18T22:33:00.000-04:00

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while continuing to add to your 2011 Wishlist.

Happy Holidays Blogging Friends, I wish all of you a Merry Christmas, enjoy every moment with your family and friends and remembering those who have passed.

I'm currently reading

It is about hoarding and how it affects a teenage girl. I'm impressed so far and it is YA, can you believe it.

My holiday read was good - My Review

I may read another holiday read - A classic, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

The Eclectic Reader 2012 Challenge

2011-12-18T11:46:00.000-04:00

The aim of The Eclectic Reader 2012 Challenge is to push you a little outside your comfort zone by reading up to 12 books during the year from 12 different genres.

If you want to join, go over to ShellyRae's blog Book'd Out

Here are the Genres

(My challenge will be Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Science Fiction)

Literary Fiction
Crime/Mystery Fiction
Romantic Fiction
Historical Fiction
Young Adult
Fantasy
Science Fiction
Non Fiction
Horror
Thriller /Suspense
Classic
Your favourite genre

I keep track of my challenges on my sidebar.

Review - 24 Hours by Greg Iles

2011-12-17T16:54:00.000-04:00

24 Hours begins with the perfect family. On the perfect night. About to be trapped in the perfect crime.

Will and Karen Jennings are a successful young couple with every reason to celebrate. From modest beginnings they have built the life of their dreams. Will has a thriving medical practice, and stands at the threshold of a great fortune. Karen has designed a magnificent house to shelter them and the five-year-old daughter they love beyond measure. But they are about to be tested in a way they could never imagine.

They have been targeted by John Hickey, a genius who has found the key to one of the oldest crimes in the world - Kidnapping. Hickey has turned the crime inside out, creating an unbreakable knot of technology and terror that no man can unravel. In twenty-four hours of hellish precision, he squeezes a family's pressure points, extracts the ransom, and vanishes into thin air, leaving the hostage alive but the family too shattered even to call the police. Five times he has executed his plan, and not once has he been caught. He is unstoppable. Untouchable.

But this time Hickey wants more than money. This time he is driven by the pain of his own family tragedy, one he lays at the door of Will and Karen Jennings. He means to avenge it in his own terrible way and disappear forever. He has reckoned every factor but one: Will, Karen, and Abby Jennings share a love that only the closest families know, and from that love grows a formidable strength.

Though miles apart, the brilliant physician, the protective mother, and the resourceful child struggle against the clock to thwart the madman who threatens their family, and to reunite at last.

They have twenty-four hours to succeed where others have failed. Twenty-four hours to cut the unbreakable knot. Twenty-four hours to live or die.

My Review - 4 Great to the last drop

For those that voted, I did start reading Good Grief but it was to similar to Comfort and Joy so I put it down and went with this one.

What a fast rush of reading to the heart pounding beat. For many this will be a one seat read. I really enjoyed this one, a packed action thriller. The whole time the images were in my mind, a definite movie like book. I should have known, it is a movie, the title is Trapped, now I must go watch it. I feel like I may have seen it because the story felt to 'real' to me, deja vu like.

The saying it is to good to be true always rings correct at some point. Why do criminals never know when to stop, that greed will get them every time. 3 Criminals pull off a great crime but only 1 was in charge, talk about scare tactics to keep loyalty.

I find children in books are always the ones that steal the story. I loved Abby. She was so genuine as a 5 year old, her fear, creative thoughts, naivety, that innocence you have to love about children.

I enjoyed how Greg Iles joined all the stories into crashing climax. There were definite unbelievable scenes, the kind you love even though you know it is all bull so for me this still gets a high rating, for others that may give them a lower rating.

Greg Iles is new to me but I look forward to reading many more, any recommendations? This one was recommended to me during Thrill Week and I used it for my A-Z Mystery Challenge.

TGIF - Popular posts this year

2011-12-16T17:14:00.000-04:00

Most Popular: What blog post has gotten the most

comments/activity on your blog this year?

What a great post and fun way to network, I look forward to visiting other blogs. You can go to Greads here to participate.

Overall this has been a great year for posting and getting comments. I have to thank many of my consistent followers. I have been blogging for 2 years and I think commenting/networking has been the reason for having good commenting numbers. Thank you.

I chose a couple of categories.

Meme - Top Ten received 37 comments

The Top Ten books I resolve to read in 2011

Looking back, I only read 3 out of the 10 and one I removed from my Wishlist completely.

Review - received 19 comments

The Guernsey Literary and Potatoe Peel Pie Society

If you haven't read this because of the title, dismiss it and read it, you won't be disappointed but I agree the name is ridiculous :-)

Discussion - received 29 comments

What is your Page Limit - Chunkster Books

Are chunksters worth it? I decided over 500/600 may not be for me.

And my favourite - received 15 comments

Thrill Week Blog Hop I hosted

A week of discussions for lovers of the genres Thriller, Suspense, Mystery and Horror. We started off with a questionnaire hop.

These are my choices, thanks again to all those that have commented and continue to.

Friday Finds - Thriller and Children's Book

2011-12-16T11:33:00.000-04:00

Will Marion has two perfect kidneys.His daughters aren't so lucky. Question is: which one should he save? Will's 47. His wife bailed out when the twins were in nappies and hasn't been seen since. He coped OK by himself at first, giving Georgie and Kay all the love he could, working in a boring admin job to support them. Just after the twins turn sixteen, Georgie suffers kidney failure and is placed on dialysis. Her type is rare, and Will immediately offers to donate an organ. Without a transplant, she would probably never see adulthood. So far so good. But then Kay gets sick. She's also sixteen. Just as precious. Her kidney type just as rare. Time is critical, and he has to make a decision. Should be buy a kidney - be an organ tourist? Should be save one child? If so, which one? Should be sacrifice himself?Or is there a fourth solution - one so terrible it has never even crossed his mind?

The illustrations in this book are absolutely stunning. My 4 year old daughter asked to hear the song also, she loves it. I had an awe moment when reading this for the first time.

Highly recommend

I Want More Challenge 2012 (2nd Year)

2011-12-14T12:24:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Tea Time with Marce

I Want More Book Challenge 2012:

There are so many amazing authors but sometimes we get caught up in reading all the debut authors we forget about the authors that have already impressed us, excited us, gave us what all readers want, a great read, that wow moment, so this Challenge is to show all the authors that have pleased us already how thankful we are by reading more of their literary works.

Have you read 1book by an author and at the end said you must read more? Then this Challenge is for you.

Details:

* Challenge Dates: January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012

* All Genres are Welcome

* This challenge does NOT include Series, only stand alone

* See Levels below, you can change at any time if increasing, you cannot decrease once signed up.

* All forms of books will count - eBooks, Audiobooks, etc

* You do not have to list the chosen books ahead of time and your choices can crossover into other challenges you have joined. In your post or comments here, give us an idea of what authors impressed you so now You Want More.

* If you participate in this challenge please signup below. Either post and link back here with your direct link to your intro challenge post or put Challenge Button on sidebar linking back here please.

* A Surprise Giveaway during the year (only for those that have reviews posted)

Level of Participation

Waited too long: 2 - 4 books

Give me more: 5 - 8 books

Never too much: 9 - 12 books

Thanks for joining, link up here

Review - Comfort and Joy by Kristin Hannah

2011-12-13T09:05:00.001-04:00

Book Summary from Steph the Bookworms blog and her review

Joy's life has turned upside down. She found her husband and sister in bed together, and now they're getting married and having a baby. Since her life is in upheaval, she decides to step away from it all, at least for the holidays. She boards a plane for Hope, which inexplicably crashes and blows up, right after she walks away from it. Finding herself in an unknown town, she stumbles across an old fishing lodge where she meets Bobby, a young boy who believes in magic, and his father Daniel, a recently widowed man. While her and Bobby instantly connect, Daniel seems aloof and disinterested at best. Soon, Joy realizes things aren't what they seem, and that maybe she should believe in magic too.

My Review - 4 Great to the last Drop

Kristin Hannah has quickly became my favourite adult fiction author so I was happy to read her Christmas book. The story was around Christmas time but I think it can be read anytime of year, it is a great story about dealing with grief and starting over.

I have to say the first half of the book I only enjoyed because I love Kristin Hannah's characters but I thought almost everything was totally unbelievable and I was totally thinking oh goodness this is going to be a lame romance. I was highly satisfied with the shocker she threw at us, wow, caught me off guard, I was pleasantly surprised.

The Christmas feel was the magical times, fate that Bobby, Daniel and her shared. This was the little boy and father that was dealing with their own heartbreaking loss.

It is a sweet book about dealing with divorce, family betrayal, death and wishing on a star so to speak. And of course it was wrapped up nicely in a bow.

A favourite quote

You can run away from your life and your past, but there's no way to distance yourself from your own heart.

Reading, Read and What should I read?

2011-12-11T23:09:00.000-04:00

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while continuing to add to your 2011 Wishlist.

I have been happy with this weeks reading. Almost Christmas, can you believe it :-) Also, all the great favourite list coming soon, can't wait.

I'm currently reading

I completed We Need to Talk about Kevin, discussion here and movie trailer here.

also completed - The Secret Garden

What is next? Vote for my next read on my sidebar please. If you want book details go to my post here.

What should I read next?

2011-12-11T17:19:00.000-04:00

The year is almost over and I have 2 challenges to complete, each only needing one book. I have decided for the future, December will not be for my challenges, they need to be complete by then. It is holiday season and my choice of genre is a little dark for Christmas :-)

Here are the 2 choices, what would you choose for me to read?

Good Grief by Lolly Winston

When Sophie Stanton is widowed at thirty-six, instead of cycling through the typical five stages of grief, she careens through fifteen: Denial, Oreos, Anger, Depression, Escrow, Ashes, Lust, Bargaining, Waitressing, Mentoring, Dating, Baking, Acceptance, Goodwill, and Thanksgiving.

In a high-achiever age when women are expected to be good at everything, Sophie wants desperately to be a good widow. A graceful, composed, Jackie Kennedy kind of widow. But Sophie is more the Jack Daniels type. Self medicating with cartons of ice cream for breakfast, and showing up at work in her bathrobe and bunny slippers, soon she's lost not only her husband, but also her job, her house, and her waistline. In Sophie's words: “The Funny thing about rock bottom is there's stuff underneath. You think, This is it: It's all uphill from here! Then you discover the escalator goes down one more floor to another level of bargain basement junk.” With a darkly comic edge Sophie manages to start over, and ultimately she discovers her own happily-ever-after.

Good Grief was a New York Times best seller, and a #1 Booksense pick for March/April, 2004. It was also the #1 Booksense pick for paperbacks in the summer of 2005. The film rights have been optioned by Marc Platt, at Universal Studios.

24 Hours by Greg Iles

24 Hours begins with the perfect family. On the perfect night. About to be trapped in the perfect crime.

Will and Karen Jennings are a successful young couple with every reason to celebrate. From modest beginnings they have built the life of their dreams. Will has a thriving medical practice, and stands at the threshold of a great fortune. Karen has designed a magnificent house to shelter them and the five-year-old daughter they love beyond measure. But they are about to be tested in a way they could never imagine.

They have been targeted by John Hickey, a genius who has found the key to one of the oldest crimes in the world - Kidnapping. Hickey has turned the crime inside out, creating an unbreakable knot of technology and terror that no man can unravel. In twenty-four hours of hellish precision, he squeezes a family's pressure points, extracts the ransom, and vanishes into thin air, leaving the hostage alive but the family too shattered even to call the police. Five times he has executed his plan, and not once has he been caught. He is unstoppable. Untouchable.

But this time Hickey wants more than money. This time he is driven by the pain of his own family tragedy, one he lays at the door of Will and Karen Jennings. He means to avenge it in his own terrible way and disappear forever. He has reckoned every factor but one: Will, Karen, and Abby Jennings share a love that only the closest families know, and from that love grows a formidable strength.

Though miles apart, the brilliant physician, the protective mother, and the resourceful child struggle against the clock to thwart the madman who threatens their family, and to reunite at last.

They have twenty-four hours to succeed where others have failed. Twenty-four hours to cut the unbreakable knot. Twenty-four hours to live or die.

Thanks for helping, you can vote on my side bar. Have you read them?

Discussion - Join In (We Need to Talk about Kevin)

2011-12-09T08:45:00.002-04:00

*** SPOILER DISCUSSION ***

If you are considering reading this book YOU SHOULD NOT read this discussion!!

Please link your review here. (Doesn't matter when you reviewed it)

Questions to assist the discussion, pick and choose what you want to answer or just discuss. Thanks for participating.

- In ONE word describe this book.......

- What is your favourite memorable scene?

- Who do you blame for Kevin's childhood actions and becoming a murderer? Do you think Eva should have been held responsible?

- Are you a mother? How do you think the story affected you as a mom or not?

- How would you describe Eva and Franklin's parenting style?

- What expectations did Eva have of motherhood and how did she meet the reality of it?

- What was your reaction to Kevin using a crowbar instead of a gun?

- What do you think Kevin's motive was?

- What do you think about the title?

Publisher Questions

- The irony of Eva having read Robin Hood to an ailing, needy Kevin at a time of almost shocking mother-son bonding is played out in the way Kevin massacred his fellow students and the teacher who took an interest in him. Since it is Eva who connects Kevin's fevered state with her recollection of his unusual interest in anything whatsoever, is it possible that Kevin's methods were meant to figuratively slay his mother?

- Do you think Franklin was in denial or did he realise some of the warning signs? Did you sympathize with them as parents? Can you have sympathy for a mother and father who saw all the warning signs but failed to stop the violence?

- Given that the story is told from Eva's perspective only, can she be trusted as reliable? Do you think she exaggerated to make herself look good/better? How do you think Franklin's version of events would have differed? Might Eva choose to portray Kevin in childhood as more wicked than he really was, if only to make her seem less culpable for his crimes as a teenager?

- While you were reading the novel, did you ever wonder what Franklin was doing and why he never seemed to write back to Eva? Did you figure out he was dead before it was revealed?

- Do you think that Kevin was guilty of damaging his little sister's eye? If so, what evidence do you find for this assumption, and would it stand up in court?

- At the conclusion of the novel, did you find Eva sympathetic in a way you may not have initially? Do you think Eva has sympathy and forgiveness for herself? Is she able to accept Kevin, and to see his personality as, however uncomfortably, akin to her own?

Thank you for participating. I decided to respond in the comments along with you instead of planning ahead so I will come back and fourth through out the day and weekend.

Review - We Need to Talk about Kevin by Lionel Shriver

2011-12-08T09:39:00.000-04:00

Book Summary from Amazon

The gripping international bestseller about motherhood gone awry.

Eva never really wanted to be a mother—and certainly not the mother of the unlovable boy who murdered seven of his fellow high school students, a cafeteria worker, and a much-adored teacher who tried to befriend him, all two days before his sixteenth birthday. Now, two years later, it is time for her to come to terms with marriage, career, family, parenthood, and Kevin's horrific rampage in a series of startlingly direct correspondences with her estranged husband, Franklin. Uneasy with the sacrifices and social demotion of motherhood from the start, Eva fears that her alarming dislike for her own son may be responsible for driving him so nihilistically off the rails.

My Review - 4 Great to the last Drop

This is the hardest book I have ever read. Brutal, intense, shocking, I feel like the blood has slowly been taken out of my body and I was left to die in my thoughts.

The intro quote is: A child needs your love most when he deserves it least. - Erma Bombeck

I don't know how Kevin's parents loved him, what a parental struggle to deal with Kevin.

About 30% in I started to have the need to hear from Franklin, the father. I was enjoying Eva's letters but wanted more. Eva wrote Franklin often within a 2 year time gap, sometimes daily, weekly or monthly, this is how the story was unfolded. So many things I couldn't believe she never told Franklin, how did they live together and at times be happy without real communication and harmony.

Eva's letters takes you on a mysterious journey, makes you think, takes you down the judgement alley, makes you want to scream, criticize, say what if, why don't they, why didn't they. What really drew me in by half way was that Kevin had so many characteristics of a serial killer to be and Eva wasn't fearful enough to get him help. Ironically Franklin thought Eva should go to a shrink, unbelievable. To be able to see the signs and follow the ultimate destruction was phenomenal, this is what glued me to the pages. I don't know how Eva didn't disown Kevin but Franklin was not about to give up on their son and put a label on him, he just loved and supported him to a fault. I struggled with Eva and Kevin competing with each other, very complicated mother and son relationship.

The main fault I have with this novel is the excessive use of unknown words, I didn't understand why this was necessary but it was from beginning to end, so many new words to learn I couldn't enjoy learning one or two.

What I loved about the book is even though you know something is going to happen, you know the end result, there suspenseful elements, you may figure them out, but the reality still hits you like a ton of bricks. This was executed to perfection.

This is a very hard book to get through but it just gets better. I started to think this was a bad choice initially but I am so glad I stuck to it, what an unbelievable, amazing, mysterious, thought provoking book.

There will be a discussion here at Tea Time with Marce tomorrow. Come over, join in, link your review and lets discuss, vent, debate and have it out. I highly recommend you only read the discussion posts if you have read the book or have no intentions to read it, it will be full of SPOILERS.

Movie Trailer for We Need toTalk about Kevin

2011-12-07T17:49:00.000-04:00

Join us here at Tea Time with Marce on Friday to discuss the intense drama novel, We Need to Talk about Kevin.

I will post my review tomorrow.

Book Summary from Amazon

The gripping international bestseller about motherhood gone awry.

Eva never really wanted to be a mother—and certainly not the mother of the unlovable boy who murdered seven of his fellow high school students, a cafeteria worker, and a much-adored teacher who tried to befriend him, all two days before his sixteenth birthday. Now, two years later, it is time for her to come to terms with marriage, career, family, parenthood, and Kevin's horrific rampage in a series of startlingly direct correspondences with her estranged husband, Franklyn. Uneasy with the sacrifices and social demotion of motherhood from the start, Eva fears that her alarming dislike for her own son may be responsible for driving him so nihilistically off the rails.

Patiently waiting..........

I really look forward to seeing this. I initially heard the movie will be released on Friday, Dec 9 but now I have heard UK was released in Oct and this trailer says next year. So you may still have time, go read this book, highly recommend but be warned, it is a very hard book to get through.

What do you think of trailer?

Review - The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

2011-12-07T09:11:00.002-04:00

Book Summary

A beloved classic of children's literature, The Secret Garden, tells an inspirational tale of transformation and empowerment. Mary Lennox, a sickly and contrary little girl, is orphaned to dim prospects in a gloomy English manor - her only friend is a bed-ridden boy named Colin whose prospects may be dimmer than hers. But when Mary finds the key to a Secret Garden, the magical powers of transformation fall within her reach.

My Review - 4 1/2 Great to the last Drop

Let me start by saying, yes, this isn't my genre or kind of book, lol :-) I have a 4 year old daughter and had put this one on the list to read before I read it with her, I think when she is 8 will be perfect. I read After You by Julie Buxbaum and The Secret Garden was used through out the story so I was intrigued. And a bonus, it goes towards a Challenge, one I still may not finish.

What a sweet story. The children, Mary, Colin and Dickon are delightful, so genuine. I loved reading about the tantrums, creative minds, friendship, being brave and the 'magic'.

The best part of this book is that even though it was published in 1910 it is perfect for today also. I especially recommend for wealthy friends, celebrity children, children moving to a new culture and children that feel different for any reason. There is a message that adults will love and children will get in an exciting way without them feeling like they are learning something. Learning about the importance of being personable and positive.

The Secret Garden is so special and I think the reader can take unique significance from the experiences they had from the Garden, their very own shared secret. There are so many special moments and favourite scenes.

The Secret Garden is the old and new combined becoming their future. Just lovely.

A favourite quote of mine. Delightful, just shows how charming at times this is.......

'Is the spring coming?' he said. 'What is it like? You don't see it in rooms if you are ill.'

'It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine, and things pushing up and working under the earth, ' said Mary.

Free Reads 2012 Challenge - what do you recommend?

2011-12-06T09:04:00.001-04:00

Free Reads is a new challenge Bookish Ardour are starting this year.

What It’s All About
Are you one of those book lovers who receive lots of books for presents? Have unread books lying around that you won in giveaways, received as ARCs, were given second hand, or even found lying around in the street! Then you might want to join in this challenge because we’re aiming to read all those unread books received as freebies in some form.

The Deets

The Main Rule: Read books you’ve received without purchasing, gifts, ARCs, prizes (not library books), that you haven’t read yet.
Running Dates: 1st of January – 31st of December 2012
When Can I Sign Up: All the way up to the last two weeks of December!
Crossover Genres: Anything! As long as they were free when you got them, it doesn’t matter..
Mr Linky: To use the Mr Linky you’ll need to click on the graphic then enter your link. These will be updated and posted into this page every couple of weeks or so.
Further Details: Crossover challenges are fine, you can change levels at any time, this is eBook, short story, and graphic novel friendly, and you don’t need a blog to join in (read further for details).

I am going for Level 1 - For Me? - 5 books

Thank you to all the bloggers who held giveaways, wow, putting it together, I have did pretty good for an international blogger. When I review I always thank the blogger, author etc specifically at that time.

This is what I will choose from:

I won

Early reviewer for Librarything

I won

I won

I won for my Kindle

From the author

I won the first 3 in this series.

Are there any that you think 'Marce, yes, you should read that?'

Note - I thought the point of ARC's was to read it before it came out to assist with getting the word out about the book??????

Completed Memoir Challenge 2011

2011-12-05T16:40:00.000-04:00

I will join this Challenge again next year. This is a true Challenge for me as it is a new genre for me. I read Glass Castle just before I started blogging and wanted to give Memoirs/Non Fiction a try. I have many on my TBR list now.

Here is what I read.

Cinderella ate my Daughter by Peggy Orenstein (Interesting read)

Bitter is the New Black by Jen Lencaster (I did not like Jen so very hard to enjoy)

Three Wishes by Carey, Beth and Pam (An ok read, good discussion, was my choice for Bookclub)

My Stroke of Insight, A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey (Perfect read to assist me with my brothers stroke. I learned lots)

motherless child by Sarah Gordon Weathersby (Overall this would be my favourite one)

It's Monday - What are you reading

2011-12-05T08:50:00.001-04:00

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while continuing to add to your 2011 Wishlist.

I am currently reading

What a sweet story.

I completed We Need to talk about Kevin, remember the discussion will be on Friday, the release date of the movie. Join us here. One word would describe this book Intense.....

Up next for review

FBI Special Agent Kirk Ingram’s life is torn apart when his family is brutally murdered before his eyes. Devastated physically and psychologically, he vows to destroy organized crime in all forms.

And hopefully 2 Christmas reads before the end of the year.

2012 Mystery & Suspense Challenge

2011-12-04T20:37:00.000-04:00

I love Mystery and Suspense so of course this is one of my favourite Challenges. I do try to make it a Challenge by reading new to me authors.

Here are my reviews from this year.

Challenge Details

• Timeline: 01 Jan 2012 - 31 Dec 2012

- Read TWELVE (12) mystery & suspense novels in 2012

Go to Book Chick City to join also......

Quote it Saturday

2011-12-03T14:56:00.001-04:00

Do you have a quote to share with us, join us over on Freda's blog Freda's Voice.

I would like to share the quote that starts off the book We Need to Talk about Kevin.

Quote

A child needs your love most when he deserves it least. - Erma Bombeck

This is the perfect quote especially for this book. I can see why it was hard to genuinly love Kevin.

I am having a discussion here on Friday, December 9 on the book We Need to Talk about Kevin, want to join in, go here. I will put my review up on Thursday. I give it a 4. In one word it was INTENSE.

Winner - Manufactured Identity Trilogy

2011-12-01T22:47:00.000-04:00

I loved this trilogy. Manufactured Identity is a ultimate favourite book for me and the trilogy in my top 10, perfect combination. I am so pleased to have another winner on my blog for the trilogy.

My Reviews

The Manufactured Identity

The Grand Delusion

The Human Obsession

And the winner is........................ Bunnita from blog Worth Reading it?

Congratulations Bunnita........ #13

(Will send an email to you also)

True Random Number Generator
Min:
Max:
Result: 13

Manufactured Identity Trilogy Giveaway

2011-11-30T17:51:00.000-04:00

LAST DAY TO ENTER - GO HERE

***Giveaway***

2 Winners

US and International

***Giveaway ends Dec 1st***

My Reviews

The Manufactured Identity

The Grand Delusion

The Human Obsession

Teaser Tuesday - We Need to Talk about Kevin

2011-11-29T00:35:00.000-04:00

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along!

Just do the following to participate:

Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) 'teaser' sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!
Share the title &; author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Teaser from 40% on Kindle

"What could he conceivably regret? Now he's somebody, isn't he? And he's found himself, as they said in my day. Now he doesn't have to worry about whether he's a freak or a geek, a grind or a jock or a nerd. He doesn't have to worry if he's gay. He's a murderer. It's marvelously unambiguous. And best of all,: I took a breath, "he got away from me."

A few of us are going to discuss this one on the release date of the movie, December 9. I am 75% done and the word I would use to describe it is INTENSE........

Want to join in the discussion, go here.

Review - Death Notice by Todd Ritter

2011-11-27T11:44:00.000-04:00

Book Summary from Amazon

Perry Hollow, Pennsylvania, has never had a murder. At least not as long as Kat Campbell has been police chief. And the first is brutal. George Winnick, a farmer in his sixties, is found in a homemade coffin on the side of the highway with his lips sewn shut and his veins and arteries drained of blood and filled with embalming fluid. Chilling as that is, it becomes even more so when Kat finds that the Perry Hollow Gazette obituary writer, Henry Goll, received a death notice for Winnick before he was killed.

Soon after, the task force from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Investigation shows up and everything takes an irreversible turn for the worse. Nick Donnelly, head of the task force, has been chasing the “Betsy Ross Killer,” so named because he’s handy with a needle and thread, for more than a year. Winnick seems to be his fourth victim. Or is he?

My Review - 3 1/2 More Sugar Please

Overall a good debut, I can see Todd Ritter becoming an author that has a formula and gets his execution down to perfection. There was one scene, (cemetery) a total edge of your seat, not breathing moment. That was up there with the best authors in my opinion, definite potential.

There were some areas of the story that felt like the norm, I had read it before and other times the tension was built up nicely. A small town dealing with a serial killer, this was done well but when you read lots of thrillers like me you begin picking things a part so I figured out a huge part and a clue was so in the readers face it almost gave it away. I find this to be a similar style to Mary Higgins Clark or even a cozy mystery, the main difference is Todd Ritter threw in some brutal description.

If you love the whodunit mysteries, you will really enjoy this one. The death notices arriving and then the race against the clock to save the person was good tension.

The prologue didn't grab me, I think this could have been left out. Mainly I felt I have read this before but I look forward to seeing where Todd Ritter takes us next. Bad Moon was recently released, I will read that soon.

Thanks to Kaye Publicity for both Death Notice and Bad Moon, I appreciate it. She also supported Thrill Week and gave away Death Notice and other books.

New Challenge - 2012 Serial Killers Reading Challenge

2011-11-26T20:48:00.003-04:00

Welcome to Tea Time with Marce

GO HERE TO POST REVIEWS

I have a love for reading about Serial Killers and during my Thrill Week Blogging Event I got the idea to host this Challenge.

Serial Killers Reading Challenge 2012:

When you read a book about a serial killer, are you fascinated, scared, intrigued, paranoid........ then join the Serial Killers Reading Challenge and share the best of the best. It may be the detectives, profilers or the serial killer that keep you up reading long into the night.

This Challenge is not about how many you read but finding the best of the best and 'remembering' to link your review.

Here are 2 links to use to help you choose but any book from any genre involving a serial killer counts towards the challenge.

NPR Audience - Top 100 Killer List
Goodreads Listopia - I like Serial Killers

Details:

* Challenge Dates: January 1, 2012 - December 31, 2012

* All Genres are Welcome

* All forms of books will count - eBooks, Audiobooks, etc

* You do not have to list the chosen books ahead of time and your choices can crossover into other challenges you have joined.

* If you participate in this challenge please sign up below. Either post and link back here with your direct link to your intro challenge post or put Challenge Button on sidebar linking back here please.

* Surprise Giveaways - Only those that have posted review(s) will be entered

* NO LEVELS - The more participation to find the best of the best is the Challenge.

In the comments below, tell us what serial killer book you have found to be the best. This is one of my favourite books and movie - Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris.

Note - I will keep a list of all favourites and 5 star reviews to create a 'Personalized Bloggers List' for future years.

Thank you for joining - Review Post will go up first week of Jan

WOW - Fifty Shades Freed by EL James

2011-11-23T09:52:00.001-04:00

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event spotlighting upcoming releases we are highly anticipating. It is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

The first in the trilogy is also up on Goodreads as a nomination for Best Romance of the year. I think it is a great cross over genres book(s).

Seductive, shocking, sad and funny, Fifty Shades Freed is the compelling final volume in the Fifty Shades trilogy.

Book III of the Fifty Shades Trilogy coming January 2012.

Fifty Shades Freed

When unworldly student Ana Steele first encountered the driven, damaged young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and ultimately repelled by Christian’s singular sexual tastes, Ana demanded a deeper commitment; determined to keep her, Christian agreed.

Now, together, they have more – love, passion, intimacy, and a world of infinite possibilities. But Ana always knew that loving her Fifty Shades would not be easy, and being together poses challenges neither of them ever anticipated. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own integrity, identity or independence; Christian must somehow overcome his compulsion to control, and lay to rest the horrors that blighted his past and haunt his present.

Just when it seems that together their love can conquer any obstacle, misfortune, malice and fate combine to make Ana’s worst nightmares come true. Alone and desperate, she must face down the poisoned legacy of Christian’s past.

My Reviews

Fifty Shades of Grey 5 stars

Fifty Shades Darker 4 1/2 stars

This trilogy knocked me out, I LOVED the first one, Fifty Shades of Grey and continued to enjoy Fifty Shades Darker. This is promoted in the erotica genre but the mystery of Christian, the suspense of what will become of the couple, Ana and Christian, the thrill of the newness and journey of their relationship, just wow, so much more, their love story totally kept me on the edge of my seat.

I highly recommend.

Excited about my next read

2011-11-21T11:08:00.000-04:00

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while continuing to add to your 2011 Wishlist.

I am going to start tonight - a few of us are going to discuss on Dec 9, let me know here if you are interested in joining.

I'm excited, sounds like an intense read.

I just completed - review up this week

Do you have holiday reading planned? Here are my two choices.

and

Interview and Giveaway with Favourite author Heath Sommer on Mental Illness

2011-11-20T10:58:00.000-04:00

Please welcome Dr. Heath Sommer to Tea Time with Marce. You may remember Manufactured Identity was my favourite book last year. The trilogy is in my all time favourite, so thought provoking with lessons about mental health and at times an edge of your seat thriller. The Human Obsession will be on my favourite list this year.

As a blogger when a book(s) move you I think its important to try and connect with the author for deeper understanding and Heath has been wonderful with communicating with me.

I hope you enjoy the interview.

Marce – What would you like to drink Heath, of course I am having Earl Grey tea.

Heath - The psychologist in me realizes that this is the kind of question that makes people either instantly connect or disconnect with someone! Nonetheless I have to be honest and confess that despite it making me look like a twelve year old I am still a sucker for an ice cold glass of lemonade. You can see why I had trouble dating in high school.

Marce - When did you decide to become an author and where did the inspiration come from to incorporate your profession in the stories?

Heath - Probably like many authors I had numerous early teachers and later key professors in college who really pushed me to discover my passion for writing, for which I am grateful and indebted. But my father spent his life chasing the arts and died with the consequences of never finding success. For me, the psychology degree had to come first, and what I discovered is that psychology and fiction are joined siblings that need each other. To diagnose a character, and then develop a plot for that character to me is as satisfying and thrilling as to diagnose and help people discover themselves.

Marce - How does it feel to write characters with mental health illnesses?

Heath - It feels natural. In fact, so much of literary work distances me from characters because too often characters are not human enough. The protagonist is often too chivalrous, the antagonist too evil to be human. This seems foreign to me. I have discovered in clinical work that pedophiles and rapists—as creepy as it is--attract people for the reality that there is a side to them, when they choose to use it, that has frailty and appeal. So characters with mental illness are the ones I feel most comfortable creating, because they are us and our families, to different extremes.

Marce - I believe you write for a bigger purpose, do you agree and what is that Bigger Purpose?

Heath - Up to eighty percent of people who are suffering-- not just a little but really hurting--never see a therapist for various reasons. I thought maybe I could write a series that brings therapy to people attached to hopefully intense storylines. So in therapy I usually hit about seven different areas; for example usually I start out with meaning of life issues, then relationship/sex issues, then am I doomed to be who I was born to be issues, et cetera. Likewise The Manufactured Identity series is a group of loosely related stories that have undertones of who am I (the Grand Delusion), relationships and sex (The Manufactured Identity), and am I doomed to be who I was born to be (The Human Obsession).

Marce - What made you choose the style of Parts in the books and the titles of each part?

Heath - Well, in movies I like method actors and so in writing I attempt to write in as authentic a way as my editing team will allow. The language structure, fragmented sentences, and prose are all meant to read like individuals with mental illness think. There is a rhythm, I think, to depressed thoughts, that is different from anxiety. And schizophrenia in real life is odd so the narrative and thoughts of a schizophrenic should be odd.

Marce - My goal in all of the books is to make a reader experience the story like a therapist experiences a new patient. In therapy, you are presented with wild, overarching histories that involve too many characters that seem initially impossible to figure out, but by listening and sticking with the story the complexities become more overt and simple than could be imagined as it all comes crashing together. I like taking readers on that same journey to therapeutic insight. Marce - Heath, this is exactly why I love your books, I felt like I could be a counselor, my 'dream'. The characters were so real and complex, I loved that.

Heath - The sub titles and titles themselves--as well as the beginning quotes--are always long contemplated double entendras or descriptors that have meaning to the story for me. For instance, the subtitles in The Human Obsession are largely taken from Elizabeth Kubler-Ross’s stages of grief. The Manufactured Identity subtitles are a way to describe the phases of coma-to-consciousness enlightenment.

I like to insert things that with a little subtlety may change the re-readers entire experience, focusing them on different aspects of the same story. I also like titles that try to tease the reader, from the title alone, to figure out the story—nothing is more annoying than mysteries without fair clues along the way! Marce - This is why I love the trilogy as a whole. I think together they were executed amazingly well. I didn't love The Grand Delusion but when finishing The Human Obsession I understood and had a better appreciation.

Marce - Did you choose gray and black covers on purpose? There is something with how colored covers can affect mental illness, correct?

Heath - That is true. The cover’s images are more depictive of the scenes of the books, while the colors are more, to me, reflective of the emotions or sobriety of the topics—plain, but then complicated; mood setting, yet also neutral….readers in my opinion should be guided, not marched down a storyline.

Marce - Which one of your books speaks most to you and why?

Heath - I had the most fun writing The Human Obsession. In fact the inspiration for the Thomas character came to me in the middle of the night when the book was already halfway through post production. I couldn’t sleep until I wrote him in! Overall--though I suspect it will be the readers least favorite--I like the philosophical complexities of The Grand Delusion, which also reminds me of my saddest sets of patients. As far as favorite characters I like Lory Latchely from TMI and Chief Murphy from TGD and THO.

As a side note, a large number of readers have emailed me with rants about how annoyed they are with Addy—I find that interesting as I really like her!

Marce - Who are your favorite authors? Recommend a book to my followers that you think is a must read.

Heath - Cliché or not I like Mary Higgins Clark. In fact her short chapters are an inspiration! My favorite mystery of all time however is Bob Randall’s The Fan. Also, hardboiled fiction enthusiasts might try the Leo Haggerty series by Benjamin Schutz. Marce - Mary Higgins Clark is who started my love for mysteries, I buy her new one every release date. I will have to look for The Fan.

Marce - What is on your bookshelf/ereader now?

Heath - I am almost ashamed to admit I have not yet read The Hunger Games Series….they look great! For nonfiction I am reading American Revolution Histories from multiple sources and studying sleep disorders. I am in the minority for not enjoying The Hunger Games, gasp.......

Marce - Bloggers sometimes find themselves in reading slumps, do you ever have writing slumps or writing block?

Heath - I am a mood writer. I try not to force it. Sometimes I write continuously for three weeks, and sometimes wait months in between chapters. I feel that like a woman with pregnancy cravings I should listen to my body when it says it is not time to write, as if it knows me better than I know myself. When do I know when it is time to write? I am a weirdo who first gets a song or picturesque scene in my mind and then after picking the song out on the piano and letting the scene develop in my head for a few days, then I try to transcribe what I felt and saw into a storyline. So I kind of wait for the story to find me first, then I try my best to describe it.

Marce - How do you deal with social networking, bloggers, interaction with fans etc?

I think anyone who develops fans goes through the human process of being unsure how to feel about that. The first time someone came to my work and asked for an autograph, I almost asked, “Are you really sure?” Doing book tours, meeting fans and critics, all of that is so fascinating. You find there are a lot of people who still feel so human toward the world, who really support and love the arts. It really is energizing, and almost starts to feel like the world is small with family throughout.

Marce - In 10 years time what would you want readers to know about you?

Heath - I am not sure I care what is known about me. I am a pretty boring guy, I think. The Manufactured Identity Series is as real, in my opinion, as stories come. The events may seem extraordinary but they are so much more common than people realize. I once had someone read TGD and say to me, “There are only like two guys like this crazy guy in the world.” I responded that in my little town alone there were statistically likely to be over a thousand. I hope in ten years people remember the stories I wrote and wonder two things: (1) what in the world does he think about all the controversial issues he brings up in his books, and (2) what in the world do I think about all the controversial issues he brings up in his books.

Marce - Any upcoming events that you would like to share with us?

Heath - For the last year I have taken a moratorium from writing and book signings, but am now getting irritable for not writing, so… I have recently put in another 60 pages of the fourth book in the Manufactured Identity series, tentatively entitled Psychopaths, and also am about halfway through an independent story about a mall shooting entitled Next to Die.

Marce - Thank you so much Heath. I am a forever fan and truly appreciate you taking the time to share with my followers.

Bio - Clinical Psychologist, CEO, Author

Dr Sommer earned his Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Idaho State University and an additional Bachelors degree in Marriage, Family, and Human Development. He has enjoyed opportunities to present his research at national & state conventions, publish in recognized Journals such as The Journal for Child and Adolescent Psychology, and have his work cited in both Prevention and Best Life magazines.

Dr. Sommer’s fiction writing career formally began in June 2009 with the publication of his first suspense/mystery novel The Manufactured Identity. Surprising critics with its intense plot twists and thoroughly human characters, Sommer was contracted to produce two more books in The Manufactured Identity series. The first of these, The Grand Delusion, will be released in the summer of 2010 with the third novel, The Human Obsession, to be released a few months after. Dr. Sommer is currently working on an independent fiction storyline about a mall shooting, as well as some nonfiction work.

***Giveaway***

Please leave your email address with comment to be included for giveaway

US Followers for Trilogy giveaway from Heath Sommer

The Manufactured Identity giveaway from me for anyone, International

That is 2 winners, please state if you are US or International

***Giveaway ends Dec 1st***

Go here for Heath's special offer

$27.50 for his trilogy, all 3, free shipping (US Only)

My Reviews

The Manufactured Identity

The Grand Delusion

The Human Obsession

Review - Cinderella Ate my Daughter by Peggy Orenstein

2011-11-17T09:24:00.003-04:00

Book Summary from Amazon

The acclaimed author of the groundbreaking bestseller Schoolgirls reveals the dark side of pink and pretty: the rise of the girlie-girl, she warns, is not that innocent.

Pink and pretty or predatory and hardened, sexualized girlhood influences our daughters from infancy onward, telling them that how a girl looks matters more than who she is. Somewhere between the exhilarating rise of Girl Power in the 1990s and today, the pursuit of physical perfection has been recast as a source—the source—of female empowerment. And commercialization has spread the message faster and farther, reaching girls at ever-younger ages.

Cinderella Ate My Daughter is a must-read for anyone who cares about girls, and for parents helping their daughters navigate the rocky road to adulthood.

My Review - 3 1/2 More Sugar Please (in this case, More Pink Please)

I thought this was an interesting read. I have a 4 year old daughter that is all about pink. At night after I read a story to her I pull out my Kindle and read with the kindle light, well the ironic funniest comment she made while reading this book was. "Mommy when I get older I am going to get a Kindle too but mine is going to be pink with a pink light." It took everything in me to not laugh. I think PeggyO may have been appalled, lol.

This book was much more than the pink phase girls go through. It was the pink vs blue, the girl toys vs boy toys, female celebrities, girly girl vs tomboy, the Princesses of course and the dolls, American Girl, Barbie, Bratz, Spice Girls etc., sexy in young girls, toddler pageants and Facebook, the overall social media which was my favourite chapter.

Social media scares me for sure and I agree young children are techie so they are on it at young ages. I can let my 4 year old be on the computer alone, nickjr.com owns her and 'gives me quiet time' ;-) The thought of texting, online associates that she will call friends, all the life that I will no nothing about scares me.
As Parents we make decisions every day that will affect our children, that is our responsibility as a parent. Even though the Princess movies and others are for children, we should still be watching them to see if we agree with the morals, every one's values are different. I believe we have to respond to questions, there is the style - "no they don't watch or do it home so they don't know" but as Peggy found out, that is the biggest myth or thought.

I remember once, my daughter was pretending and said 'is my butt big' if I hadn't watched Chipmunks with her I would have gasped and thought what the hell. Oh ya, Chipmunks are funny but they can be rude but they are also irresistible. Peggy discussed the uproar over Beyonce's song, Single Ladies, put a ring on it, lol, but guess what, it is right out of the Chipmunks movie, hahahahaha.
Did you know pink and blue is a 'new' concept? A favourite quote When nursery colors were introduced, pink was actually considered the more masculine hue, a pastel version of red, which was associate with strength. Blue, with its intimations of the Virgin Mary, constancy, and faithfulness, symbolized femininity. Peggy makes the conclusion that maybe that is why Cinderella is in Blue.

A few quotes I loved, made me think and want to share:

I thought, maybe I should see princess mania as a sign of progress, an indication that girls could celebrate their predilection for pink without compromising strength or ambition; that at long last they could "have it all": be feminist and feminine, pretty and powerful; earn independence and male approval. Then again, maybe I should just lighten up and not read so much into it - to mangel Freud, maybe sometimes a princess is just a princess.

It tells girls that how you look is more important than how you feel. More than that, it tells them that how you look is how you feel, as well as who you are.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read. I would recommend to moms and women that consider themselves girly girls. I am a girly girl and my daughter is fully into the pink phase, wants to wear a skirt but I have to put leggings or shorts under because she will be climbing, jumping in the sand right with the boys.

The main thing missing for me was Peggy giving examples specific to her daughter, I did wish it could have been more memoir than just non fiction. This would have made it more real in a sense. I think everyone that reads this will choose a different favourite chapter, they were pretty good.

I added this to my TBR List after reading over at Christa's blog Mental Foodie.

Another Monday - what did you read last week

2011-11-13T23:07:00.000-04:00

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while continuing to add to your 2011 Wishlist.

I'm currently reading

I completed my first and last Urban Fantasy, just not my cup of tea - my review

Melissa Foster's Tour book Come Back to Me

I think this is next

And if you haven't read We Need to Talk about Kevin, let me know here if you are interested in joining us.

Review - Dark Descendant by Jenna Black

2011-11-12T16:22:00.000-04:00

Book Summary from Amazon

From the acclaimed author of the Morgan Kingsley, Exorcist books comes the gripping first novel in a new series about a private eye who discovers, to her surprise, that she’s an immortal huntress.

Nikki Glass can track down any man. But when her latest client turns out to be a true descendant of Hades, Nikki now discovers she can’t die. . . . Crazy as it sounds, Nikki’s manhunting skills are literally god-given. She’s a living, breathing descendant of Artemis who has stepped right into a trap set by the children of the gods. Nikki’s new “friends” include a descendant of Eros, who uses sex as a weapon; a descendant of Loki, whose tricks are no laughing matter; and a half-mad descendant of Kali who thinks she’s a spy. But most powerful of all are the Olympians, a rival clan of immortals seeking to destroy all Descendants who refuse to bow down to them. In the eternal battle of good god/bad god, Nikki would make a divine weapon. But if they think she’ll surrender without a fight, the gods must be crazy. . . .

My Review - 2 1/2 Not My Cup of Tea

My first taste of Urban Fantasy, it was an ok read, but not my cup of tea. Not sure if I will try more or continue the series, I doubt it.

I love kick ass females and mythology so I thought I will give this one a try. I keep trying YA, why I don't know, I always want more.

This was a story of the Gods, the Descendants, children of the gods and the Olympians. A battle of entitlement and power. I felt the whole story glossed over, gave a little of everything but not enough to feel fully engaged. The characters were just ok.

My main issue with this YA was that I felt words were immature, geez.., woo-woo..., I rolled my eyes. Also at times I felt like the author was spoon feeding me as if I didn't have a brain. Especially considering that beforehand I'd been seriously injured in a car accident, then been kicked in the face, then nearly perished from exposure. I said to myself, hello, I just read that. So it wasn't repetitive, I can't think of the word but you know when someone is talking down to you as if you won't understand, I got that feeling.

I also didn't enjoy Nikki not understanding or finding out more information about being immortal. This was just never answered to my liking. And I know that is why it is part of a series but still I wished I knew more.

Overall this was an easy read. I didn't struggle or want to give up but did force myself to read faster so I can be done with it faster.

My regular followers, this is not for us. It was not a bad read, executed ok but it really wasn't my cup of tea.

Is all Urban Fantasy YA? Jenna Black is also a favourite in this genre, I definitely didn't get the 'hype'. I wouldn't begin to think who to recommend this to.

We Need to Talk about Kevin

2011-11-11T09:05:00.001-04:00

This has been on my Wishlist since last year after I read a review over at Jacki's blog Lovely Little Shelf. I recently read that it is about to be released as a movie.

Anyone interested in reading and discussing with me? To read by December 9th.

Currently $8.79 on Kindle

Book Summary from Amazon

The gripping international bestseller about motherhood gone awry.

Eva never really wanted to be a mother—and certainly not the mother of the unlovable boy who murdered seven of his fellow high school students, a cafeteria worker, and a much-adored teacher who tried to befriend him, all two days before his sixteenth birthday. Now, two years later, it is time for her to come to terms with marriage, career, family, parenthood, and Kevin's horrific rampage in a series of startlingly direct correspondences with her estranged husband, Franklyn. Uneasy with the sacrifices and social demotion of motherhood from the start, Eva fears that her alarming dislike for her own son may be responsible for driving him so nihilistically off the rails.

In theatres December 9, 2011

Review - Come Back to Me by Melissa Foster

2011-11-10T09:01:00.006-04:00

Book Summary from Authors site
(NOTE - I edited down as I felt the summary gave to much away)

Tess Johnson has it all: her handsome photographer husband Beau and a thriving business. When Beau accepts an overseas photography assignment his helicopter crashes in the desert.

Tess struggles with the news of Beau’s death and tries to put her life back together. Alone and dealing with life only reminds her of what she has lost, Tess is adrift in a world of failed plans and fallen expectations. When a new client appears offering more than just a new project, Tess must confront the circumstances of her life head on.

Meanwhile, two Iraqi women who are fleeing honor killings find Beau barely alive in the middle of the desert, his body ravaged by the crash. Suha, a doctor, and Samira, a widow and mother of three young children, nurse him back to health in a makeshift tent. Beau bonds with the women and children, and together, with the help of an underground organization, they continue their dangerous escape.

What happens next is a test of loyalties, strength, and love.

Go here to READ AN EXCERPT

My Review - 4 1/2 Great to the last Drop

Powerful, engaging, heartbreaking with an emotional grace. Melissa Foster has captured my heart and attention, definitely an author I will continue to watch and support. If you like Kristin Hannah, you will enjoy her books.

Every character is able to capture your heart and make you feel connected to them. When they hurt, you hurt, when they are conflicted, you understand and when someone dies you grieve as if you were family. Melissa has a special way of including a plot with great characters, creating a special story, no need to choose one over the other.

I enjoyed the style of the chapters going between Iraq and Maryland, back and fourth with what Beau is going through and Tess back home grieving for him. Dealing with loss and grief when you do not have a body to make it final was the fight Tess had and her family and friends trying to convince her to move on and allow them this process to grieve. Tess was unable to abide or share their belief, she continued to say Beau promised to 'come back to me'. This was used one to many times in my opinion but also effective.

There were so many delightful moments in this book. I had a gasp out loud moment at midnight, totally woke me, I got up and emailed Melissa immediately, subject line OMG....... Melissa happened to be online and emailed me right back. Got to love authors that connect with their fans. She made me cry, laugh and totally pissed off with characters at times. I enjoyed the emotional roller coaster.

When I first started to read I said oh no a war story, this is not of interest to me. I'm so glad I accepted to review this because I would have lost out on a remarkable story. Iraq and the flight from war felt true and the nationals authentic.

I have found Melissa's books to be the perfect book club reads and definitely for those that love adult fiction that pulls at your emotions. Highly recommend.

A favourite quote - He battled the dilemma within the confines of is mind, desperately trying to convince himself that the feeling, the pull to protect, was driven by circumstance, not by desire.

I enjoyed her book, Megan's Way but loved this one, I think I will remember these characters for a long time to come.

At times I was reminded of one of my top ten books from last year After You by Julie Buxbaum.

I'm on Goodreads, any tips

2011-11-09T11:53:00.000-04:00

I decided to join Goodreads. I wanted to join in on the voting for 2011 and there have been a few quiz or discussions I have came across with interest.

Another bonus, a favourite blogger that threw in the towel is still on Goodreads so that is a plus to reconnect.

There ratings are very different from mine, will have to think about that, Amazon is closer to my thinking.

5 it was amazing
4 really liked it
3 liked it
2 it was ok
1 didn't like it

So my question is, are you on Goodreads? Leave me your email address in comments please. Or send me a request at marceblogspot(at)hotmail(dot)com

Any tips for me?

Voting is up - go here to participate

WOW - New from Kristin Hannah, Home Front

2011-11-09T09:18:00.002-04:00

HOME FRONT will be available in Hardcover January 31, 2012

Book Summary from Kristin Hannah's site

In her bestselling novels Kristin Hannah has plumbed the depths of friendship, the loyalty of sisters, and the secrets mothers keep. Now, in her most emotionally powerful story yet, she explores the intimate landscape of a troubled marriage--with this provocative and timely portrait of a husband and wife, in love and at war.

All marriages have a breaking point. All families have wounds. All wars have a cost…

Like many couples, Michael and Jolene have to face the pressures of everyday life—children, careers, bills, chores—even as their twelve year marriage is falling apart. Then an unexpected deployment sends Jolene deep into harm’s way and leaves defense attorney Michael at home, unaccustomed to being a single parent to their two girls. As a mother, it agonizes Jolene to leave her family, but as a soldier she has always understood the true meaning of duty. In her letters home, she paints a rose-colored version of her life on the front lines, shielding her family from the truth. But war will change Jolene in ways that none of them could have foreseen. When tragedy strikes, Michael must face his darkest fear and fight a battle of his own--for everything that matters to his family.

At once a profoundly honest look at modern marriage and a dramatic exploration of the price of war on an ordinary American family, HOME FRONT is a story of love, loss, heroism, honor and ultimately, hope.

Kristin Hannah is one of my favourite Adult Fiction authors. I have only reviewed one since blogging:

Night Road - a favourite this year

Want to participate in the Meme:

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event spotlighting upcoming releases we are highly anticipating. It is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Met my Goal - 50 books

2011-11-08T09:25:00.003-04:00

I never considered how many books I read or could read before blogging. I possibly read 4 books before, gasp. :-0

Last year I said go for 50 and I read 54, I wanted to stick to the same this year and I just completed my 50th book, yaaaaay me.

I work full time, teach twice a week (a fusion class - mix of Pilates and Yoga) and have a 4 year old daughter, so life is busy. I only get to really read late nights and weekends which is approximately 1 book a week for sure.

I am not going to stretch myself for more, I think 50 will be the yearly goal, allowing me to continue to enjoy life and reading without it becoming overwhelmed. I do try to read a mix of genres even though Thriller, Suspense and Mystery are my favourites by far. The main reading goal is to try new authors in these genres.

Here is the list so far. - Title, Author, Rating and Month read

Review - Circle of Fire by Michelle Zink (Book 3)

2011-11-07T15:01:00.000-04:00

Book Summary from authors site

With time dwindling but her will to end the Prophecy stronger than ever, Lia sets out on a journey to find the remaining keys, locate the missing pages of the Prophecy, and convince her sister Alice to help–or risk her life trying. Lia has her beloved Dimitri by her side, but Alice has James, the man who once loved her sister–and maybe still does. James doesn’t know the truth about either sister, or the prophecy that divides them. And Alice intends to keep it that way.

My Review - 4 Great to the last Drop

I thoroughly enjoyed this trilogy. It felt like a beautiful escape from the world. Michelle Zink takes me on a visual journey with her words. I do not like excessive description, Michelle has a exotic way on telling a story with the perfect amount. I think this trilogy would be beautiful as audio, if Michelle Zink was reading portions of her book somewhere I would love to be present and experience that.

This is a story outside of my normal genre, a Gothic adventure with Otherworlds, Souls, Keys and Victorian history.

The beginning of the story was my favourite, Prophecy of the Sisters. The journey on finding the prophecy, interpreting it while fighting off those that do not want you to succeed. Lia and Alice are twin sisters but on opposite sides of the prophecy, in this one you see the fight in both of them, trying to find their place and make the best decision.

I enjoyed Lia's dreams, they were so real she didn't know if she was dreaming or it was reality, this gave the book an eerie edge of your seat feeling.

Circle of Fire was a great ending to the trilogy, I was starting to think there may not be a true ending but the journey and discoveries is what really made these books magical in a charming way.

All the characters were a success in the trilogy. I enjoyed meeting all the keys, the women with the same secretive tattoo like symbol on their wrists. The men that captured the hearts of Lia and Alice, this was executed well. There was ohh la la moments for sure, in such a hot perfect way.

The Circle of Fire is the perfect ending to a magical trilogy that is the perfect reading escape.

The covers are gorgeous and the inside of the book has a beautiful leaf like border with a snake face, very relevant to story. This was a nice added touch.

My Reviews

Prophecy of the Sisters

Guardian of the Gate

It's Monday - What are you reading, this is what I'm reading.....

2011-11-07T09:20:00.001-04:00

It's Monday, What are You Reading Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while continuing to add to your 2011 Wishlist.

Currently Reading

It is Melissa Foster's Blog Tour for her 3rd book Come Back to Me, good so far

Completed

I just finished Circle of Fire - loved the writing in this trilogy

RIP Challenge

My wrap up post for RIP if interested

What is next

I'm considering trying my first Urban Fantasy

TGIF at GReads - Trying New Genres

2011-11-04T11:25:00.002-03:00

If you would like to participate go over to Ginger's blog - GReads

Which particular book(s) opened you up to a new genre?

Memoir

I didn't have to think about my answer, immediately I thought of Glass Castle, a memoir by Jeannette Walls. I read this in 2009 just before blogging and was amazed with the story. I never had interest in reading memoirs but it intrigued me and I gave it a try. I have read approximately 6 since then and for the most part have enjoyed this genre.

What I wrote in my comments on LibraryThing before I did reviews:

A remarkable memoir of resilience and redemption, and a revelatory look into a family at once deeply dysfunctional and uniquely vibrant. The Glass Castle is truly astonishing - a memoir permeated by the intense love of a peculiar but loyal family.

Verse Novels - they have became my Simple pleasure

I heart you, You haunt me

And the genre I tried but realised I definitely do not like is Dystopian. I'm sure i'm in the minority for this one.

I tried Hunger Games and Uglies

Happy Friday, enjoy the weekend.

Coming Soon..... 2012 Challenges I am hosting

2011-11-02T23:23:00.000-03:00

Can you believe it is that time of year again, the planning and joining of reading Challenges. WOW

I think I will complete all the challenges I joined this year, I'm almost there. My own personal goal is to read 50 books and I am currently reading #50 now, I'm happy about that.

The new Challenge I will be hosting is Serial Killers Reading Challenge 2012.

More details end of the month.

This Challenge idea came after my Thrill Week Blogging Event.

And hosting for the 2nd year - I Want More 2012 Book Challenge.

More details end of the month.

Launch Party with Melissa Foster - 36 books -- 99¢ -- 3 days only!

2011-11-01T17:58:00.000-03:00

Today starts the launch party and release for Melissa Foster's new book, Come Back to Me. My review will be up next week Thursday.

November 1 - 3rd Melissa is hosting a HUGE launch party for 35 authors to celebrate her release of COME BACK TO ME.

What does this mean to you?

36 books (which includes COME BACK TO ME) will be available for 99 CENTS EACH for three days only!

Go check it out.

Click Here for special, many genres available - Women's Literary Cafe

Where readers and authors unite

RIP Challenge Complete - Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T13:54:00.000-03:00

Every September 1st through October 31st for the last 5 years Carl, has hosted the R.eaders I.mbibing P.eril Challenge over at Stainless Steel Droppings , affectionately known as the R.I.P. Challenge.

The purpose of the R.I.P. Challenge is to enjoy books that could be classified as:

Mystery.
Suspense.
Thriller.
Dark Fantasy.
Gothic.
Horror.
Supernatural.

Click on the titles for my reviews if interested.

The Abandoned (prequel of Graveyard Queen Series)

4 stars

The Restorer (1st in Graveyard Queen Series)

My favourite for the Challenge 4 1/2 stars

Resuscitation

Medical Thriller 4 1/2 stars

Inside the Outside

Horror Dystopian like 3 1/2 stars

Dracula

1st time reading this classic 3 stars

Heartshaped Box

2 1/2 stars, I enjoyed Horns more

If you participated, please leave your end of challenge link or your favourite review here......

Review - Dracula by Bram Stoker

2011-10-30T23:38:00.000-03:00

Book Summary from Amazon

A naive young Englishman travels to Transylvania to do business with a client, Count Dracula. After showing his true and terrifying colors, Dracula boards a ship for England in search of new, fresh blood. Unexplained disasters begin to occur in the streets of London before the mystery and the evil doer are finally put to rest. Told in a series of news reports from eyewitness observers to writers of personal diaries, this has a ring of believability that counterbalances nicely with Dracula's too-macabre-to-be-true exploits.

My Review - 3 More Sugar Please

Let me start by saying, yaaaaay, I completed Dracula. This was not an easy task, at times I felt like I was torturing myself.

Dracula is a book for those that love classics, historical stories and fans of vampire books that want to know where it all started. This story made me feel like it was riddles and the mystery was figuring out what the riddle meant.

Dracula is told through letters, journals and memos. The beginning was creepy and I was fascinated. Jonathan is my favourite character and he had me completely drawn in. I felt like I was floating and then dropped out of the sky. The story took a direction that didn't make sense, bad flow, I was bored, put Dracula down and considered it a DNF. A week later I decided to try again. It was brutal but I got half way in and started to appreciate it again.

I enjoyed the hunt. The group of men and Mina trying to figure the Count Dracula out with scientific and realistic data was interesting. Determined to hunt him down and kill him. The creepy unexpected way the Dracula was around but you only knew after, that was done very well. The first confrontation with the Dracula made me catch my breath.

Once they were on their way to find Count Dracula this began to bore me again, far too much, almost as if Bram Stoker was keeping us in suspense, but it was overdone. And the ending, blah in my opinion.

Another book I am happy I read so I can add to conversations but I am not impressed and will not recommend.

I read this for the RIP Challenge and I realised it also goes for the Book Blogger Recommendations Challenge.

Review - Resuscitation by D.M. Annechino

2011-10-28T12:33:00.000-03:00

Book Summary

In his heart-stopping new thriller, RESUSCITATION, Daniel Annechino explores one doctor’s quest for fame and recognition at the expense of his patients.

What would drive a doctor to violate his Hippocratic oath to abstain from doing harm,and find perverse pleasure in doing so?

It is a chilling question, one that author Daniel Annechino explores in heart-stopping detail in RESUSCITATION(A Thomas &Mercer original trade paperback,$14.95; digital $9.99; October 11, 2011), a fast-paced thriller that pits a cunning killer against a single-minded cop.

My Review - 4 1/2 Great to the Last Drop

One of the scary things in life for me are dealing with Physicians with a God complex. In Resuscitation you are dealing with a Physician with overall motivation to receive power and recognition. I love how different serial killers are, amazing on their thoughts, unbelievable.

When victims asked why - he said "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few". The Doctor truly believed his clinical research was going to make him rich and well known in the medical world. How desperate can you get to decide to kidnap and perform surgical experiments on people, knowing they will die. He is gentle, concerned and violent all at the same time. I enjoyed the style of hearing the serial killers thoughts, that was executed well and bought some of the stories together. And the way he chose his victims, I found that chase interesting.

I loved following the case and tryin to figure out how they will catch him. Obnoxious, arrogant and foolish is what caught him out at the end.

Heart stopping, edge of your seat thriller. I couldn't stop reading, every second I had free I had to read a little more. Resuscitation had the perfect balance of story lines and characters. A medical thriller with a touch of romance, sexual abuse, therapy, good cop vs bad cop and at home heart surgeries.

DM Annechino has created his own medical thriller that Tess Gerritsen fans will love.

Thank you to Elena Stokes at Wunderkind PR for sending me the book. I have read for the A-Z Author Mystery Challenge Michelle is hosting over red headed book child. I originally had They Never Die Quietly on my list, his debut, have you read that one?

This is to also end my reviews for the RIP Challenge, creepy in its own way for sure.

Confused by FTC (Federal Trade Commission)

2011-10-27T16:42:00.000-03:00

Blogging friends,

Do you have any articles or advice you can share in relation to the FTC rules, guidelines for Book Bloggers?

I receive free books at times, paperbacks, hardbacks and ebooks. I receive these in exchange for a review or guest post. I do not receive cash and I do not have any amazon affiliation etc on my blog.

Is it important to state the source I received the book from and say it is in exchange for a review?

FTC sounds far to complicated. I became a book blogger because I love to read and love to share my opinion of books and authors. I have no interest in becoming a 'professional reviewer', do I want my reviews to be good, yes, and strive to improve them all the time.

I do not have a review policy, why, because I want to be able to say yes, no, maybe or not even respond at times if I don't want to.

Am I putting myself or the authors/publishers at risk in anyway by not stating anything on my blog or in each post?

Any feedback would be helpful, thanks in advance.

Reading, Read and Gave up on........

2011-10-23T23:27:00.000-03:00

It's Monday, What are You Reading Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while continuing to add to your 2011 Wishlist.

I have had a weird couple of weeks of reading, almost in a slump, thank goodness for my current read, i'm loving it.

Currently Reading

Started, will go back, didn't meet my immediate expectations

I don't think I will go back to Dracula (shocking, I know) I enjoyed the beginning but once the letters were no longer the main characters I was immediately bored and mad that it changed focus just when I was engaged and wanting more.

I trudged through and finished this one but didn't enjoy it.

I'm not sure what is next, I guess I will try to finish Triangles and possibly give Dracula another chance.

Booking Through Thursday - Reading Habits

2011-10-20T15:36:00.000-03:00

Want to participate in Booking Through Thursday, go here......

Do your reading habits change when you’re on vacation? Do you read more? Do you indulge in lighter, fluffier books than you usually read? Do you save up special books so you’ll be able to spend real vacation time with them? Or do you just read the same old stuff, vacation or not?

I would say I get to read more on vacation, mainly because it is hours on the plane and in airports, not having to drive so I can read instead.

Most vacations is with my partner and no children so I go for exciting books, like Fifty Shades of Grey by EL James. Why do I do this........ My partner that doesn't read will take interest, whats going on now, read me a section, what do you think will happen, oh no you have to wait for the next book, guess another vacation....... BIG SMILES It makes those reads more fun.

Other times I will try to read specific to location. We like to go Boston so the last time I read The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen, it is fun knowing some of the streets etc mentioned. It also adds to the eerie feeling when reading about serial killers, which I love. Maybe every time I go Boston I will continue with this series actually.

I also find that 90% of the time I love what I choose during vacation.

What about you?

Review - Heartshaped Box by Joe Hill

2011-10-17T12:24:00.000-03:00

Book Summary

I couldn't find a summary and it would take me far to long to try and write a good one. A professional blogger and reviewer is not my goal, reading and having fun is. So on to my review.

My Review - 2 1/2 Not my Cup of Tea

A supernatural horror by Stephen King's son. This is Joe Hill's debut book, which I felt at times you can tell, a few to many rephrasing or repeating of stories, 'Joe you already told me that'.

Judas Coyne is a rock star that has a Gothic, scary collection so when his Assistant tells him a ghost is being sold he bids for it immediately, and then realises he can buy it out right for $1000 instead of the possible $100. I had to shake my head, what kind of crazy fool will I be reading about. Seriously who would do that without thinking possible consequences.

I did like that the story started with a bang. Once the ghost was delivered in the heartshaped box, a suit with the spirit of someone he knew, things started happening. Jude actually considered sending it back but the seller said no returns, no exchanges, final sale is done.

You know when you see a horror and you are laughing through it because all the actors and actress's are just dumb. You don't care what happens to them. Well, unfortunately for me this was the case, I just never cared about the characters, so much so I struggled to even finish this book. Finally at half point I was interested enough to finish and was happy when it was over.

I don't mind ghost stories but everything about this one just was unbelievable so I couldn't invest myself. Even the scene with the Ouija board, I rolled my eyes. Are these even on the market anymore?

A few things that were interesting. Revenge is a bitch, holy crap, that was hilarious to me, may be scary to others. Overall this is what started the story, became the journey and was wrapped up nicely at the end. I wondered if this book was one big hallucination. Throughout the book you really did get the feeling that the dead pull the living down.

Jude called all his rock star groupies by the country he met them instead of their real name, so we had Georgia, Florida and Tennessee. I thought this was cute and ridiculous as the same time.

A favourite quote:

His mind wanted away from death for a few moments. He felt crowded by death, felt the promise of death all around, felt death on his chest, each death a stone heaped on top of him, driving the air out of him.

I have read Horns which I enjoyed better.

My friend Paula, loved this book and I found to be one of my favourite reviews by her. You can read it over at her blog Tome's Devotee.

I read this for the RIP Challenge and I Want More Challenge I host.

I am starting to realise I enjoy watching horrors but not so much reading them.

Winner - Resuscitation by DM Annechino

2011-10-15T19:57:00.000-03:00

Thanks for entering everyone. Today was the release of Resuscitation. I am going to read it next.

Only those with email addresses were entered.

The winner is..........

Rachel from Paper Cuts

First Paragraph Teaser........
When Genevieve Foster awoke, she felt completely disoriented, like someone regaining consciousness after major surgery and a heavy dose of anesthesia. She lay on the bed, having no idea where she was or how she got there. When she tried to brush the hair out of her eyes, she found that her wrists were bound to a brass headboard with nylon straps. She lifted her throbbing head and could see that her ankles were also bound to the bed. She lay there spread-eagle. Next to the bed, she noticed the silhouette of an IV bag hanging from a metal pole. The line from the IV was inserted into the vein at the bend of her left elbow. Except for a thin sheet covering her from neck to toe, she was completely naked.

This can't be happening.

More about Resuscitation by Daniel Annechino

In his heart-stopping new thriller, RESUSCITATION, Daniel Annechino explores one doctor’s quest for fame and recognition at the expense of his patients.

New York, NY: Monday, August 8, 2011: What would drive a doctor to violate his Hippocratic oath to abstain from doing harm,and find perverse pleasure in doing so?

It is a chilling question, one that author Daniel Annechino explores in heart-stopping detail in RESUSCITATION(A Thomas &Mercer original trade paperback,$14.95; digital $9.99; October 11, 2011), a fast-paced thriller that pits a cunning killer against a single-minded cop.

Fans of James Patterson, Michael Connelly, and Harlan Coben will be riveted by this taut psychological thriller with its memorable heroine and a killer so chilling he will have you trembling at your next visit to the doctor's office.

Blog Hop - Spooky Reads

2011-10-13T22:40:00.000-03:00

Thanks for visiting Tea Time with Marce

When you are in the mood and have time for networking, a fun way would be to participate in the Blog Hop over at Jennifer's blog Crazy for Books.

Are you a book blogger? Are you a reader? Then welcome to the place where all of us connect over the weekend and chat about books!

This week's question:

“What is your favorite spooky book (i.e. mystery/suspense, thriller, ghost story, etc.)?”

These are my favourite genres, I am excited to see the answers and add to my Wishlist.

I immediately think of these 2........

Relic by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

and

The Restorer by Amanda Stevens

Please accept my apology - Review of I am not a Serial Killer trilogy

2011-10-12T12:56:00.000-03:00

Friends,

This is my first time during blogging that I have felt guilty about reviews I have posted and would like to apologise. One of things I love about blogging is getting recommendations and making them for books fellow bloggers. Adding to the Wishlist and TBR list from trusted bloggers is exciting.

Most of you know I LOVED this trilogy and read all 3 this year. You can see my reviews below.

Well, 2 of my blogging friends have read I am Not a Serial Killer and didn't enjoy it, one wanted to throw the book across the room, eek.

Why is the question.

SPOILER

I do think you should read this if considering reading the trilogy.

John, the character who I said I love, lol, is a genuine boy that is trying not to become a serial killer. The serial killers he is haunting down are demonic, monsters inside of humans, a huge paranormal element. (This is what others hated)

John does not know this at first and so it is a surprise when revealed. This did not add or take away from my love of the book but now I realise it is huge, so I wanted to say..... Friends, please accept my apology for recommending so highly a book that completely is not your cup of tea. I hope you will continue to take recommendations from me.

My reason for not revealing is that I thought it was a huge spoiler of the book but now see it is a make it or break it for others.

For those that considered reading this I hope this helps with your decision. I still of course loved it and highly recommend it but will add this caution to my reviews.

I know we all have different opinions, which I love and appreciate but I really felt like I let others down this time.

Please accept my sincere apology.

My Reviews of the trilogy

I am Not a Serial Killer by Dan Wells

Mr. Monster by Dan Wells

I Don't want to Killy You by Dan Wells

Exclusive Teaser and Giveaway - Resuscitation by D.M. Annechino

2011-10-11T08:24:00.040-03:00

First Paragraph Teaser........

When Genevieve Foster awoke, she felt completely disoriented, like someone regaining consciousness after major surgery and a heavy dose of anesthesia. She lay on the bed, having no idea where she was or how she got there. When she tried to brush the hair out of her eyes, she found that her wrists were bound to a brass headboard with nylon straps. She lifted her throbbing head and could see that her ankles were also bound to the bed. She lay there spread-eagle. Next to the bed, she noticed the silhouette of an IV bag hanging from a metal pole. The line from the IV was inserted into the vein at the bend of her left elbow. Except for a thin sheet covering her from neck to toe, she was completely naked.

This can't be happening.

More about Resuscitation by Daniel Annechino

In his heart-stopping new thriller, RESUSCITATION, Daniel Annechino explores one doctor’s quest for fame and recognition at the expense of his patients.

New York, NY: Monday, August 8, 2011: What would drive a doctor to violate his Hippocratic oath to abstain from doing harm,and find perverse pleasure in doing so?

It is a chilling question, one that author Daniel Annechino explores in heart-stopping detail in RESUSCITATION(A Thomas &Mercer original trade paperback,$14.95; digital $9.99; October 11, 2011), a fast-paced thriller that pits a cunning killer against a single-minded cop.

Giveaway Details

For my US and Canadian Followers

Closes Oct 15, this Saturday, release date for Resuscitation

Please leave email to count

Update - I Want More Challenge 2011

2011-10-10T15:29:00.000-03:00

I have enjoyed hosting this Challenge, a true challenge for myself also. There are 28 participants and 38 reviews so far.

I will host again for 2012, that post will go up late Nov or early Dec.

Post your reviews here

Here is a summary of details:

Have you read a book and at the end said you must read another by this author but haven't? Then this Challenge is for you. There are so many amazing authors but sometimes we get caught up in reading all the new we forget about the authors that have already impressed, excited us, gave us what all readers want, a great read, that wow moment, so this Challenge is to show all the authors that have pleased us already how thankful we are by reading more of their literary works. Note - part of a series is not eligible, that is the true challenge.

SURPRISE GIVEAWAY WINNER

Zoe from In The Next Room - She has been amazing at this Challenge. Zoe, I will send you a book of your choice from Book Depository up to $15.

Thanks for supporting my Challenge.

What has been your favourite read for this Challenge so far? Link that review here.

It's Monday - What are you reading, this is what I'm reading.....

2011-10-09T23:02:00.000-03:00

It's Monday, What are You Reading Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while continuing to add to your 2011 Wishlist.

I just completed more of Fifty - I HIGHLY RECOMMEND, you must read in order

Review of Fifty Shades of Grey
Review of Fifty Shades Darker

I started reading... (it is not gripping me, will go back to it)

Currently reading.....

I am looking forward to the release of this adult Verse Novel, maybe my next read.

Have a great week, I look forward to see what your reading.

Review - Fifty Shades Darker by EL James

2011-10-08T10:24:00.002-03:00

Summary from The Writers Coffee Shop Publishing House (TWCS)
Daunted by the singular sexual tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven, and demanding Fifty Shades.
While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront her anger and envy of the women who came before her and make the most important decision of her life.

Erotic, sparkling and suspenseful, Fifty Shades Darker is the irresistibly addictive second part of the Fifty Shades trilogy.

My Review - 4 1/2 Great to the last Drop

EL James has a way with creating tension that is out of this world. If you do not want spoilers in any way, please go read my review of Fifty Shades of Grey, my favourite read of the year so far. I highly recommend this trilogy, love it, you must read in order. It is categorized as Erotica but truly it is so much more, Suspense, Mystery, Romance and definitely Thrilling, oh and did I say hot!

I am in love with Christian and Ana, they were totally made for each other. And Christian truly can knock the panties right off you. This is the perfect book proving there is the perfect person for everyone even when one is damaged and another innocent. The battle of these two getting to know each other, fighting on what to give and not give, outside relationship pressures and just the unknown is executed brilliantly. I am extremely satisfied and cannot wait until the next one now. This book gives you the glowing experience of an amazing make out sex session. You are so fulfilled and can't wait for the next time.

Ana calls Christian her Fifty Shades and this book really goes into the darker side of Christians past, who he is and why. I really love when an author gives background, deep down in their souls. Christian has nightmares and thinks he has chosen the perfect lifestyle to release but realizes Ana is his lifeline and they will create the perfect lifestyle for them, the true essence of a honest loving relationship.

I find the email messages in this book to be so refreshing, so real, definitely a unique style that I look forward to EL keeping.

There was a moment in the book that totally ripped my heart out, I was breathless and a tear rolled down my face. A serious, what the hell, no way, omg moment. I had considered it happening but let me tell you, this was executed to perfection. The whole chapter I felt like I was going to pass out. For those that have read it, the switch scene, hope that is a hint.

Another moment, the confrontation near the end of the book, total drama but I was in Ana’s corner. She may look like she can’t handle Christian but she knows what her man truly needs and gets her point across with some motherly help. Stunning…….

The music and Ana’s inner Goddess still play a huge part which I continued to love. Her inner Goddess showed her excitement by dancing, pirouetting around, etc, loved that.

We were left with a cliffhanger in Fifty Shades of Grey that made me feel like an addict; I want and need more now. Well this one isn’t a cliffhanger but totally sets us up for the next. More hot drama, I look forward to it.

The covers of these books are so dreamy and mysterious but totally meaningful.

If you can handle some detailed sizzling sex scenes I totally recommend these books. The BDSM lifestyle is so classy it will not offend you, I’m sure it will peak your interest, (wink wink)

There is a Book Tour going on this week with GIVEAWAYS, definitely go have a look and enter.

Poll Results - Commentluv

2011-10-07T16:22:00.002-03:00

Here are the results.........

Yes, keep commentluv	8 (34%)
Doesn't matter to me	8 (34%)
No, go back to blogger	7 (30%)
No, try another system	0 (0%)

And my decision.............

I am going back to blogger

Why.......

The poll validated the responses I received on this post Networking/Commenting with Bloggers
I thought commenting systems were a make it or break it for followers, it isn't
Sometimes the load up time to comment takes to long, yesterday and today it hasn't shown up at all, there is no way I want to make it harder for my followers to comment

Pros of Commentluv.....

I loved the link to your last post BUT most of my commenter's are bloggers I visit or already have on my sidebar so this wasn't a true benefit for me and sometimes the blogger doesn't leave the link
I can respond directly to you. I think this is only needed for discussion posts which I would like to try to do more of, "at least once a month is more to me" :-)

Major Con

All my comments are gone with commentluv, all my birthday wishes :-(

Thank you for responding and helping me with testing. I considered keeping it for another month but after not getting on yesterday and this morning sealed the deal, I don't know what happened.

Have a lovely weekend.

AND I bought a new computer, picked it up today, so I get to network again, it is hard to do while at work and no weekends.

Thanks again

NOW I AM ANGRY......... I deleted it but obviously I need to do more.

Winner - The Human Obsession by Heath Sommer

2011-10-05T18:52:00.000-03:00

My Review

The Winner is..................

#1 - Annette

True Random Number Generator

Min:

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Go here for Heath's special offer

$27.50 for all 3, free shipping (US Only)

Coming up..... Interview with Dr. Heath Sommer, to be scheduled, can't wait.

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