Monday - What are you reading?

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while adding to your 2014 Wishlist.

I will be starting this one today, my first by Sophie Littlefield

Book Summary

Jen Glass has worked hard to achieve the ideal life: a successful career, a beautiful home in an affluent suburb of Minneapolis, a seemingly perfect family. But inside the Glass house, everything is spinning out of Jen's control. Her marriage to her husband, Ted, is on the brink of collapse; her fifteen-year-old daughter grows more distant each day; and her five-year-old son barely speaks a word. Jen is on the verge of breaking, but nothing could have prepared her for what is to come….

On an evening that was supposed to be like any other, two men force their way into the Glasses' home, but what begins as a common robbery takes an even more terrifying turn. Held hostage in the basement for more than forty-eight hours, Jen and Ted must put aside their differences if they have any hope of survival. They will stop at nothing to keep their family safe—even if it means risking their own lives. A taut and emotional tale of a family brought together by extraordinary forces, House of Glass is a harrowing exploration of the lengths a mother will go to protect her children, and the power of tragedy to teach us what truly matters.


I completed and am working on review, maybe this week

Last week I reviewed these two

Personal Note

We move into our new house in April so we flew to NC to come to Furniture Land South, OMG, what an amazing experience.  I totally recommend for anyone decorating their home with all new furniture.

 

 

And if you watch the show Tanked, the fish tank they did looks great in person too.

 

 

 

Review - Comfort of Lies by Randy Susan Meyers

Summary from Amazon

Five years ago, Tia fell into obsessive love with a man she could never have. Married, and the father of two boys, Nathan was unavailable in every way. When she became pregnant, he disappeared, and she gave up her baby for adoption.

Five years ago, Caroline, a dedicated pathologist, reluctantly adopted a baby to please her husband. She prayed her misgivings would disappear; instead, she’s questioning whether she’s cut out for the role of wife and mother.

Five years ago, Juliette considered her life ideal: she had a solid marriage, two beautiful young sons, and a thriving business. Then she discovered Nathan’s affair. He promised he’d never stray again, and she trusted him.

But when Juliette intercepts a letter to her husband from Tia that contains pictures of a child with a deep resemblance to her husband, her world crumbles once more. How could Nathan deny his daughter? And if he’s kept this a secret from her, what else is he hiding? Desperate for the truth, Juliette goes in search of the little girl. And before long, the three women and Nathan are on a collision course with consequences that none of them could have predicted.

My Review - 4 1/2

I really enjoyed this story, genuine feel to it but only if you have been through it as one of the women in the book, a friend, mom or counselor.  Those that have huge judgments against anything to do with an affair I recommend to stay away from this book, I don't see many being able to enjoy the writing and story without hating it if the topic is a trigger for you.

I loved the title Comfort of Lies, I didn't think it was so much the affair which was an obvious lie and not even the white lies but rather the waiting for the right time to divulge information necessary for loved ones to make important decisions, which definitely is a comfort at the time for the one withholding the information. 

I most understood the story of Caroline, she was the woman who adopted the baby girl created from the affair.  She wanted to please her husband and wanted to be the perfect career mom without having to give up her career.  She had ill feelings on giving quality time to her daughter and doing 'mommy' things.  I think some moms will have a hard time understanding her thoughts but I found them to be honest and when she finally gave enough of those thoughts to her husband, he supported her through them.

Tia who had the affair, loved Nathan, he was her everything and she knew he shouldn't have been but he was a real 'true love', to her.  I understood this love too, love shadowed her thoughts, she didn't think, love took over.  I understood why she decided to give her daughter up for adoption, this was explained well.  Tia's journey was intriguing, I got it and appreciated her character.

Juliette was the most complex to me.  She had what some would call a charmed life, recognised and appreciated it.  Her husband was honest about the affair when he ended it and she worked through it, not easily but she did until the letter arrives saying he has a 5 year old daughter.  Juliette's reaction was extreme but again I got it, when the rug is pulled from under you, do you really know how you will fall or if you will balance without falling.  You can say how you will react but you never really know.

Great storyline, I really enjoyed every moment.  All the women connect at some point because Tia chose an open adoption, we learn a lot about this choice.  My favourite is that it was told by the multiple characters, the women and Nathan, I love this style, it was done perfectly.

 Memorable Quote

"The philosophy of comfort does not take into consideration several very important factors, one being that open adoption should not be based on making the adults involved comfortable; rather it should be about providing for the needs of the child."


My Review of her debut - The Murderer's Daughters - I gave it 3 1/2  - I saw huge growth with her writing, she used the style of using multiple narrators again but in Comfort of Lies it was perfect.




 

Review - Anybody's Daughter by Pamela Samuels Young

Summary from author's website - Pamela Samuels Young

When 13-year-old Brianna is ensnarled in the horrifying world of human sex trafficking, her Uncle Dre, a man with his own criminal past, scours the dark corners of L.A. determined to find her. Dre ultimately comes up with a daring plan that puts many lives in danger—including his own. But will he find Brianna before it's too late?


Published by Goldman House Publishing, October 2013

My Review - 4 1/2

Pamela Samuels Young has became an author I must read when she releases something new.  I was even more excited to find this was a follow up to her book Buying Time, we get to have more from characters Angela and Dre in book 2 of the Angela Evans series.

A great heart wrenching race to the end while reading this action packed thriller.  The bonus is we get statistics on child trafficking which makes the journey more frightening and real to read.  Social media has put a whole new dangerous issue for parents to have to deal with.  Brianna is 13 and excited to go and meet her secret boyfriend for the first time, only to be taken into the life of human sex trafficking. 

Those that picked her up didn't do their due diligence this time and they now have to deal with her Uncle Dre trying to rescue her by putting their business at risk.  He knows the streets as he was a drug dealer and he takes action into his own hands when police do not take the family serious.  I enjoyed Dre's character before, his a man both women and men enjoy being around.  He knew when to get off the streets because he was a businessman but he was also dealing with a businessman that paid others to get their hands dirty.

We also meet Loretha who used to be on the streets and now has a safe house for young girls on the street.  I enjoyed her story, the protector of giving girls a way out but also helping them to be a witness against their pimps.  Dre's ex girlfriend Angela, is a lawyer and helps with girls.  Some consider them to just as bad as the pimps for being a prostitute but what we learn in the story is that these girls are sexually exploited children and manipulated. 

The additional storylines were great, adding additional suspense to the puzzle.  Even though I read this genre all the time and know how it will end, great authors spin enough to keep you on the edge of your seat and throw in the gut wrenching emotional punches.

You are touched by the story and want to help.  They give you websites asking for you to consider donating time or financial support to stop human trafficking.

Such a great read, if you haven't read a book by Pamela Samuels Young, you must try her.


My Reviews

Buying Time
Murder on the Down Low


Thank you to Pump Up Your Book Tours for allowing me to review this book.

It's Monday again, what are you reading?

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while adding to your 2014 Wishlist.


I just completed this one, really enjoyed it 4 1/2, review up on Wednesday.

I reviewed for tour - 4 1/2, my review here

I'm currently reading

I'm considering to read next but may change, I'm a mood reader

 

 

What are your reading plans this week?

 

 

 

Monday, What are you reading?

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while adding to your 2014 Wishlist.

I'm currently reading

Book Summary

Ellie Watt is used to starting over. The daughter of a grifting team, Ellie spent her childhood being used as a pawn in her parents' latest scam. Now she's much older, wiser and ready to give her con artist life a rest. But returning to the dry desert town of Palm Valley, California means one more temptation than she bargained for - Camden McQueen. Once known as the high school weirdo, Camden is bigger and badder than the boy he used to be and a talented tattoo artist with his own thriving business. Ellie's counting on Camden still being in love with her but what she's not counting on is how easily unrequited love can turn into obsession over time. When Camden discovers Ellie's plan to con him, he makes her a deal she doesn't dare refuse, but her freedom comes with a price and it's one that takes both Ellie and Camden down a dangerous road.



I reviewed - 4 1/2 - My Review

 

 

I completed an ARC,  review up on Feb 6

 

 

 

 

 

Reviewed Buddha Herbs Tea and Recommended Tea Books

 

 

 

 

Have you heard of this series?  I may try this next.

 

 

 

 

 

January is Hot Tea Month - Tea Review and Tea book recommendations

Why is my blog called Tea Time with Marce?  Well that is easy, everything is better with Tea, especially reading and as you can see from my blog button, I like dark, bloody reads, always by my side is a cup of tea.  I drink 3 - 6 cups of tea a day, yes that many, hot tea with cream and sugar, I'm a black tea girl, Earl Grey is my favourite.  I am the girl that will request a cup of tea at the bar, lol.  I make friends angry.

Did you know January was Hot Tea Month?  I am celebrating by reviewing some new teas and recommending some Tea themed books.

Tea from Buddha's Herbs - Go here for a presentation on Buddha's Herbs blog

I was contacted to review tea.  I usually will decline product reviews but was happy to do this one as I love tea.  When looking on Amazon, they currently have 5 star ratings on some of the teas.

In general I loved the teas because they had something for everyone, the traditional, sweet herbals, detox, weight loss and healthy living choices.  I received the following to try and have drank a few for 2 months to give a true feedback from 5 - 10 tea moments.  I really should have asked for Earl Grey also, I will have to buy that now.

Raspberry Tea - my favourite out of the 5, I would give a 5 for this, only a touch of sugar needed which is huge for me, I am a sugar addict when drinking tea, so this passed the test.  I tried without and enjoyed it but loved it with a touch.  This was also good when cold, so you can start popping hot, get distracted and still drink when cold and enjoy it. Raspberry tea also supports the female system, perfect to drink during your period. 

Natural Slim Herbal Tea - this is the perfect one to add to your healthy living when starting a diet or continuation after detoxing.  My mother and I both enjoyed this one and felt the taste was great with a bonus of it being a positive healthy outcome.  This will remain a norm addition to my tea collection.  I give this a 5 also.

St. John Wort Tea - I have tried different detox teas and they kill my stomach, sweating and sick feeling.  This one made me realize I was detoxing without feeling sick but knowing I am getting rid of waste.  Well done - note, I hate detoxing but it is good for you.  I give this a 4 1/2

Chamomile Tea - This is known for the relaxing traditional tea, it past the test after a stressful day but overall Chamomile is not my tea of choice.

Green Tea with Herbs - I have never enjoyed Green tea so did not even try.  On the box it states improves health and brings freshness and energy.



Recommended Tea Themed Books

Laura Childs - Tea Shop Mystery series

Three Cups of Tea - Memoir by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin

Agatha Christie - The Harlequin Tea Set

Review - The Last Dead Girl by Harry Dolan

Summary from Amazon

On a rainy night in April, a chance encounter on a lonely road draws David into a romance with Jana Fletcher, a beautiful young law student. Jana is an enigma: living in a run-down apartment and sporting a bruise on her cheek that she refuses to explain. David would like to know her secrets, but he lets them lie—until it’s too late.

When Jana is brutally murdered, the police consider David a prime suspect. But as he sets out to uncover the truth about Jana, he begins to realize he’s treading a very dangerous path—and that her killer is watching every move he makes.

Published

January 9, 2014


My Review - 4 1/2

I was pleased to see Harry Dolan releasing a new one with the character David.  His debut, Bad Things Happen was 5 star for me, I still think it needs to be read by many more around the blogosphere.  The Last Dead Girl is a prequel, giving us a look into the younger version of David.  You can start with either book, not necessary to read in order. My favourite part is the sarcastic dark humor David has, makes me want to meet and hang out with him.

David is a go with the wind kind of guy, no care in the world but very curious.  This curiosity with no filter makes him a man others are unsure how to take, mysterious. "I don't know.  But I have a theory."  "I don't doubt it," he said.  "Even when you have nothing else, you have theories.  Why don't you lay it out for me.'  (56% on Kindle)  He really should become a cop or Detective, he gets right in the middle of an investigation, putting himself at risk and becoming a suspect.  He is charming to woman while also being a guys guy.

I enjoyed trying to figure out the mystery but saying to myself it is to obvious, then it turns not into a who dunnit but given the answer and trying to understand why.  A great thriller making you want to read late into the night.

Harry Dolan has this quiet way of amazing me, I really enjoy his writing and feel delighted at the end.

His debut - Bad Things Happen - My review - 5*  


 

Monday - What are you reading?

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while adding to your 2014 Wishlist.

I'm currently reading and enjoying The Last Dead Girl.

I loved his debut - Bad Things Happen - My review - 5*

 

 

I completed another by Daphne Du Maurier, her writing is truly amazing - My Review

 

My Review of Rebecca 5*

 

 

 

 

 

I saw this on a few Top 2013 lists, I may try the novella first

 

 

 

 

 

What are you reading?

 

 

 

Review - My Cousin Rachel by Daphne Du Maurier

Book Summary

Orphaned at an early age, Philip Ashley is raised by his benevolent older cousin, Ambrose. Resolutely single, Ambrose delights in Philip as his heir, a man who will love his grand home as much as he does himself. But the cozy world the two construct is shattered when Ambrose sets off on a trip to Florence. There he falls in love and marries - and there he dies suddenly. In almost no time at all, the new widow - Philip's cousin Rachel - turns up in England. Despite himself, Philip is drawn to this beautiful, sophisticated, mysterious woman like a moth to the flame. And yet ...might she have had a hand in Ambrose's death?

My Review - 4

I read Rebecca in 2012 and it is now an all time favourite, top 3 of all time.  After reading this one, My Cousin Rachel I realize the amazing Daphne Du Maurier writing is memorable.  It should be read slowly and fully enjoyed.  Just like the best tasting wine or tea that you smell, allow to stay on your tongue, enjoy while steaming hot but is just as good when luke warm, the older it gets or the longer it steams, the better, ohhh yes, Du Maurier takes you on an incredible journey with her writing. Even though I didn't love the story as much as Rebecca I appreciated her writing even more.

Phillip told the story of him and Ambrose's life, living in the mansion without any females, including the help around the home.  When Ambrose goes away and marries, Phillip doesn't understand but this is where the mystery starts as Ambrose dies suddenly and Phillip receives letters from him that allows you to assume on the circumstances and make judgments on his widow.  Phillip wants to hate his cousin Rachel but once she comes to visit you see the spell put over Phillip immediately.

The naïve, no experience with woman Phillip was done so well, completely irrational and funny.  I enjoyed laughing at his expense and rolling my eyes at him.  I also felt sorry for him because in my opinion Rachel was a manipulator.  The great suspense throughout the story is surrounding Rachel, is she what Phillip believes, is she to blame for Ambrose death?  Then comes the unethical puppy love, due to his lack of experience, it was embarrassing to read but suspenseful to see how it all comes together.  I thought oh Rachel, you are good.

The ending is mysterious, you know something bad is going to happen and when it does you are left with so many questions, in an amazing way.  I think both Rachel and Phillip are impulsive.  The difference is in experience, understanding consequences to actions, Phillip needs time to mature.

You will enjoy the debate thoughts you have at the end.  Was Rachel to blame or not - what do you think?

Favourite Quotes

It was happening so quickly that I had no time, no moment for reflection back upon the hundred images I had formed of her during the past eighteen months.  The woman who had pursued me through the night and days, haunted my waking hours, disturbing my dreams, was now beside me.  Page 87

'There are some women, Phillip,' he observed, 'good women very possibly, who through no fault of their own impel disaster.  Whatever they touch, somehow turns to tragedy.  I don't know why I say this to you, but I feel I must.'  page 282

...truth was something intangible, unseen, which sometimes we stumbled upon and did not recognize, but was found, and held, and understood only by old people near their death, or sometimes by the very purse, the very young.  page 316

 

Friday Finds - The Artists Trilogy by Karina Halle

Friday Finds with MizB - to participate, network and get some ideas to add to your TBR list go here.

Picture from the blog Keep Calm and Read Romance

go here to read reviews of the books

 

 

I saw some of these books on Favourite 2013 lists and had to add, they sound so good and those covers, hot to me.  I am going to read the 1st book in the series next.

 

 

On Every Street (The Artists Trilogy Novella) 

 

When young con artist Ellie Watt decides to call herself Eden White and go after the drug lord who ruined her as a child, she never expects to fall for one of his henchmen. But Javier Bernal is no ordinary man. Subtly dangerous and overwhelmingly seductive, Eden finds herself passionately in love with Javier, the very person she's set-up to betray. With her body and heart in a heated battle against her deep need for revenge, no one will walk away from this con a winner.

 

Sins & Needles (The Artists Trilogy #1) 

 

Ellie Watt is used to starting over. The daughter of a grifting team, Ellie spent her childhood being used as a pawn in her parents' latest scam. Now she's much older, wiser and ready to give her con artist life a rest. But returning to the dry desert town of Palm Valley, California means one more temptation than she bargained for - Camden McQueen. Once known as the high school weirdo, Camden is bigger and badder than the boy he used to be and a talented tattoo artist with his own thriving business. Ellie's counting on Camden still being in love with her but what she's not counting on is how easily unrequited love can turn into obsession over time. When Camden discovers Ellie's plan to con him, he makes her a deal she doesn't dare refuse, but her freedom comes with a price and it's one that takes both Ellie and Camden down a dangerous road.

Any interesting book finds for you this week, what did you add to your 2014 Wishlist?

 

Happy Weekend

 

 

Teaser Tuesday - My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier

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

Just do the following and go here to participate: Teaser Tuesday

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!

My Teaser Tuesday

From Chapter 8, page 87

It was happening so quickly that I had no time, no moment for reflection back upon the hundred images I had formed of her during the past eighteen months.  The woman who had pursued me through the nights and days, haunted my waking hours, disturbing my dreams, was now beside me.



I absolutely loved Rebecca, an all time favourite now so I couldn't wait to read this one.  Her books are not on Kindle so I had to special order it.  They are great stories to slowly enjoy, almost like a favourite meal, you just can't race through it.

My choice of the First Book of 2014

Sheila over at Book Journey has a personal book tradition, picking her 1st book of the year to read.  She has invited all of us to join her this year, what a great collage of bloggers and first books she has up.

I have to admit that when December hits I am always considering what the 1st book of the year will be.  I even don't read for 2 days if I finish another just before.  I'm excited to see the choices.

After reading the amazing book Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier I knew I had to read another by her.  Rebecca is my ultimate favourite book, I read it in 2012 so my expectations are not as high.

So I have chosen as my first read...........

 

 

The only hard part is that I love reading on my ereader, yes, more than books, and I actually got a new Kindle for Christmas but I also ordered this book for myself as a gift, it won over.

 

 

So what did you choose?

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Favourite Top Ten Books of 2013

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!

Each week we will post a new Top Ten list complete with one of our bloggers answers. Everyone is welcome to join. All we ask is that you link back to The Broke and the Bookish on your own Top Ten Tuesday post AND post a comment on our post with a link to your Top Ten Tuesday post to share with us and all those who are participating. If you don't have a blog, just post your answers as a comment. If you can't come up with ten, don't worry about it---post as many as you can!

 

 

This has been a rough year for me and I didn't meet my goal of 50 books, lousy number of 30 actually but all these deserve mention.

 

 

Adult Fiction

My Review 4 1/2 - This is one of the most emotional heart wrenching dark family horror stories I have ever read but with an alluring character.......  Very memorable
 

 

 

Legal Thriller

My Review 4 1/2 - You will lose sleep with this page turner, amazing corrupt characters.

 

 

 

 

Psychological Thriller

My Review 5 - This is one of the best unreliable character driven books I have read. 

 

 

 

Novel

My Review 4 1/2 - The book had me engaged and very intrigued with the imaginary friend world but once the crime took place the book took on a suspenseful adventure which of course I love.

 

 

 

Adult Fiction (not erotica)

My Review 5 - I loved reading about adults who find themselves, you are always growing and the unorthodox romance set this apart from the romance books you expect.

 

 

 

Thriller

My Review 4 1/2 - Ackerman is the craziest, cruelest killer I have ever read about so to mix it up with sadistic cult killers also, terrorizing to say the least.

 

 

 

 

Erotica - Club Shadowlands by Cherise Sinclair

I didn't review but read two this year.

The 1st three all receive 4 1/2 stars, love this series.  I don't usually review erotica but I highly recommend.

 

 

 

Thriller

My Review - 4 1/2 - A dark, sexy, edgy, suspense thriller. 

 

 

 

 

 

Motivational Book

My Review - 5 A motivational book, packs a lot in a little book, so happy I read and will go back to.  Great quotes in my review.

 

 

 

 

Novel - Favourite book club read

My Review 4 - One of the best book club reads ever, great debate.  Up there with We Need to talk about Kevin kind of debate.

 

 

 

 

I didn't notice a lot of crossover of favourites this year with bloggers.  Maybe Rainbow Rowell as an author.  What do you think?

 

 

 

I look forward to networking and seeing your top reads for the year and adding to my 2014 Wishlist.

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR

 

 

 

Last Monday of 2013

Sheila over at Book Journey has an incentive for networking so go over and have fun while adding to your 2014 Wishlist.

Friends, my sad news - my Hotmail account of 13+ years has been hacked, unable to access it and the verify questionnaire is crap, I cannot get into it and it won't allow me in.  I have far to much information in a 'free' email account, I am so upset I can't put it into words.  I had to change my Amazon passwords and am still thinking about others.  I will call my bank tomorrow, just to be sure, ugggh.

Any ideas, feedback that may help???

Onto book matters........

I completed a great Novella - will review today or tomorrow

 

 

A Christmas Treat, loved this Agatha Christie - My Review

 

 

 

 

And I am going to participate in this for what my next book is..........

 

 

 

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR BLOGGING FRIENDS