2008 Books

2008 Favorite Books: Click here

2008 Books

World Without End – Follett

The Manning Sisters – Macomber

One For the Money – Evanovich

16 Lighthouse Road – Macomber

204 Rosewood Lane – Macomber

311 Pelican Court – Macomber

44 Cranberry Point – Macomber

50 Harbor Street – Macomber

The Whole World Over – Glass

6 Rainier Drive – Macomber

Go With Me – Freeman, Jr.

The God of Animals – Kyle

Two For the Dough – Evanovich

Ida Mae Tutweiler and the Traveling Tea Party – Bivona

Laced – Clark

Wife For Hire – Evanovich

Then We Came to the End – Ferris

The Pornographer – McGahern

74 Seaside Avenue – Macomber

The Barracks – McGahern

Bet Your Bottom Dollar – Gillespie

The Hill Road – O’Keeffe

Riding Lessons – Gruen

Three to Get Deadly – Evanovich

Jim the Boy – Earley

Mothers and Sons – Toibin

Savage Garden – Hamilton

One Mississippi – Childress

Olive Kitteridge – Strout

Bubbles Unbound – Strohmeyer

A Dollar Short – Gillespie

All Saints – Callanan

The Blue Star – Earley

Prisoner of Memory – Hamilton

Garden Spells – Allen

Flying Changes – Gruen

Twilight – Meyer

New Moon – Meyer

Comfort Food – Jacobs

Eclipse – Meyer

Bryson City Tales – Larimore

Four to Score – Evanovich

The Downhill Lie – Hiaasen

gods in Alabama – Jackson

The Septembers of Shiraz – Sofer

Summer By the Sea – Wiggs

Keeper and Kid – Hardy

How to Talk to a Widower – Tropper

Summer People – Hilderbrand

Summer Blowout – Cook

Under the Tuscan Sun – Mayes

Summer at Willow Lake – Wiggs

Breaking Dawn – Meyer

Stone Creek – Lustbader

Drinking Problems at the Fountain of Youth – Teitell

Horseplay – Singer

Lakeside Cottage – Wiggs

The Winter Lodge – Wiggs

Bridge of Sighs – Russo

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society – Shaffer & Barrows

The Book of Joe – Tropper

8 Sandpiper Way – Macomber

The Sugar Queen – Allen

Run – Patchett

Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict – Rigler

Keeping the House – Baker

High Five – Evanovich

Hot Six – Evanovich

Skylight Confessions – Hoffman

At Home in Covington – Medlicott

Two Days After the Wedding – Medlicott

Bubbles in Trouble – Strohmeyer

Broken – Clay

But Come Ye Back – Lordan

Good Things – King

Dollar Daze – Gillespie

Engaging Father Christmas – Gunn

Testimony – Shreve

The Pajama Girls of Lambert Square – Lippi

Bubbles Ablaze – Strohmeyer

Tied to the Tracks – Lippi

Seven Up – Evanovich

Austenland – Hale

Rocket Man – Hazelgrove

Sweet Life – King

The Whore’s Child & Other Stories – Russo

The Uncommon Reader – Bennett

Mystery Ride – Boswell

Dockside – Wiggs

On a Snowy Night – Macomber

Heart of Texas 1 – Macomber

Heart of Texas 2 – Macomber

Heart of Texas 3 – Macomber

‘Tis the Season – Landvik

The Friday Night Knitting Club – Jacobs

A Cedar Cove Christmas – Macomber

Small Town Christmas – Macomber

Finding Father Christmas – Gunn

Snowfall at Willow Lake – Wiggs

The Strength of a Sparrow – Anders

Virgin River – Carr

I Choose to be Happy – Jenkins/Croyle

Very Valentine – Trigiani

*

2008 books read total: 103

Mailbox Monday

 

 

Mailbox Monday is hosted by Marcia at Printed Page.

This week she invites us to share any book-related items as well as books received as gifts.

 

The mailman delivered an ARC of The Piano Teacher by Janice Y.K. Lee.

He also brought a shipment from BookCloseOuts.com : Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah; On Strike for Christmas by Sheila Roberts; Last Days of Summer by Steve Kluger; Tavern on Maple Street by Sharon Owens. I’ll be shelving the Christmas book until next December and look forward to reading the others during the next months.

Book Club Girl and Harper Collins sent me a gorgeous copy of Marley and Me.

I’ll be reading that very soon.

 

My family gave me a couple of great books: Barefoot Contessa Back to Basicsand Jhumpa Lahiri’s Unaccustomed Earth. I’m thrilled with both!

 

And the biggest surprise is the Kindle that will arrive in several weeks. My husband waited a bit too long to order so we are wait-listed. I don’t mind waiting, though. It can be my Valentine gift : )

Very Valentine by Adriana Trigiani

Blurb from the ARC: In this contemporary family saga, the Angelini Shoe Company, makers of custom wedding shoes since 1903, is one of the last family businesses in Greenwich Village. The company is on the verge of being wiped out by the spiraling Manhattan real estate market and the overwhelming availability of factory-made goods. On the brink of disaster, the business falls on the shoulders of thirty-three-year-old Valentine Roncalli, the talented but unsuspecting apprentice, to bring her family’s old-world craftsmanship into the twenty-first century to save the company from financial ruin.

While juggling a romantic relationship with dashing chef Roman Falconi, her duty to her family, and a design competition for a prestigious department store, Valentine accompanies her grandmother and master artisan Teodora to Italy in the hopes of finding the inspiration and elements that she needs to win. There, in Tuscany and on the Isle of Capri, she discovers her artistic voice and much more, turning her life around in ways she never expected.

With a vibrant cast of memorable characters, the rich terrain of intergenerational family dynamics, the lush backgrounds of magical Manhattan and enchanting Italy as seen through the eyes of an artist, Very Valentine, the first novel in a new trilogy, is sure to be a favorite of fans and an irresistible invitation to new readers.

Adriana Trigiani is back in a big way. She has created a wonderful character in Valentine Roncalli. And the good news is that Very Valentine is the first of three books – yay! I found my visit to Valentine’s Manhattan and Capri quite enjoyable. In fact, I’m ready to book a trip to Capri. Trigiani’s attention to detail and her ability to describe in a way that doesn’t make my eyes glaze over is quite wonderful. And, at this point, she has me ready to shell out for some good Italian leather flats.

What has me impatient for the second book is the story of Valentine. She is a real and relatable character. I can’t wait to see which direction her life takes in the next installment.

Watch for the release of Very Valentine this February 2009. You can read more about the author and her previous books here.

My thanks to Adriana Trigiani and HarperCollins for sending the ARC.

Merry Christmas

One of the dogs helped me unwrap one of my gifts – Jhumpa Lahiri’s Unaccustomed Earth.

I hope you all received lots of books!

Merry Christmas to all my friends.

Time for the first snow pic of the 2008-09 season

Fall went out like a lion this year. The snow (12.6 inches) fell on Friday Dec. 19th. There were 4 inches on the ground already. I think this season could bring more than last year’s record-setting total. The photo shows our mailbox at the end of our driveway looking toward the neighbors’ homes.

I Choose to be Happy by Missy Jenkins with William Croyle

Back of the book: It was a dark day in America’s history – December 1, 1997. Freshman Michael Carneal walked into the Heath High School lobby in West Paducah, Kentucky, and started shooting, killing three students and injuring five.

One of those injured students was 15-year-old Missy Jenkins, who was left paralyzed from the chest down.

But Missy never saw her disability as an end. Just hours after the tragedy, she forgave Carneal and took back her life. In the next decade she would graduate from college, become a counselor for troubled youth, get married, have a baby, and confront Carneal face to face about his actions that tragic day. She would earn countless local and national honors over the years from “Kentuckian of the Year” to one of Ladies’ Home Journal’s “Most Fascinating Women”.

This is a story of love, forgiveness, courage, and determination – one that will leave people of all ages inspired to make the most of each day and never take life for granted.

I received this book from the publisher last week. I decided to start reading it this morning and found I couldn’t put it down. I can’t remember the last time I read such an inspirational book. It addresses (but doesn’t dwell on) the shooting – rather what came after.

Missy Jenkins could have seen life as pretty much over on Dec. 1, 1997. She was 15 and paralyzed. Within hours of the life-changing injury she forgave the shooter. Forgiveness is the theme of the book and really it seems to be the theme of Missy’s life. I was in awe of so much maturity in such a young person. I found myself wondering if I could have forgiven such a terrible act. Maybe in time, but hours after the crime? I’m not so sure. The book is not preachy but she does explain how her faith laid the foundation for how she lives her life.

She wrote: “…I forgave him, and my future was enlarged. It helped me discover a Missy Jenkins I never knew existed. Had I not forgiven him, I’d still be bitter today and probably never would have done any of the things I’ve done to help myself and other people. I would have had no desire to. I wouldn’t have the mental strength to do it.” That is what I’ll take away from reading I Choose to be Happy.

Thank you Missy Jenkins and William Croyle for a wonderful book. Thank you Langmarc Publishing for sending the book.

Happy Birthday, Jane Austen

 

 

The folks over atJane Austen Today are celebrating Jane’s birthday with a wonderful gift: an audio-book of one of her novels (unabridged, of course). All you have to do is leave a comment on their post stating why you enjoy reading or viewing Jane Austen by December 31st, and you will be eligible for a drawing for one of the audios. An irresistible opportunity. Good luck!

The Strength of a Sparrow by Tim Anders

Back of the book: The Strength of a Sparrow is based on a true story – the story of the author’s parents. The character of a tenacious young woman, Bouvette Sherwood, who is a successful Broadway producer and actress, drives the plot. In the mid 1940s Bouvette meets and falls in love with a charming alcoholic, Hughie Hewitt. He has a secret though, which he keeps from her during their intense courtship – he is a Catholic priest. Their love story unfolds into a kaleidoscope of intrigue, betrayal, and romance.

Later in life she thought of writing a book exposing to the world what she had gone through but was afraid of the repercussions and embarrassment that doing so would cause her and the innocent around her. As an adolescent the author had many long conversations in regard to his mother’s life as a Broadway actress and her relationship with his father.

It must have taken a lot of courage for Tim Anders to write his parents’ story. Perhaps it was cathartic. It’s truly a heart-breaking tale that touched the lives of many people. I’d like to know more of what happened after Boo took the kids to California. There’s probably another book in that story! She was a remarkable woman who showed a strength of spirit not many people would be able to find, given the same circumstances. The Strength of a Sparrow is a tribute to Bouvette.

Thanks to the author and Alpine Publishing for sending me a copy of the book.

Winner of Father Christmas books by Robin Jones Gunn

Congratulations Barbara! You are the lucky winner of two books by Robin Jones Gunn:

Finding Father Christmas and the sequel Engaging Father Christmas.

Barbara, please e-mail your mailing address (see my profile for my e-mail).

Thank you to all who participated in my first give-away. It was a lot of fun and I’ll be doing it again soon.

Merry Christmas!

Many thanks to Miriam at Hachette Books for providing these books.

A Christmas Card from Stephanie Plum

Snowfall at Willow Lake by Susan Wiggs

Back of the book: International lawyer Sophie Bellamy has dedicated her life to helping people in war-torn countries. But when she survives a hostage situation, she remembers what matters most – the children she loves back home. Haunted by regrets, she returns to the idyllic Catskills village of Avalon on the shores of Willow Lake, determined to repair the bonds with her family.

Snowfall at Willow Lake speaks from the heart about all the loves that fill a woman’s life, and all the ways that love is tested and made to grow. It’s the story of what comes after a woman survives an unspeakable horror and finds her way home, to healing and redemption and a new chance at happiness.

This is the fourth book of The Lakeshore Chronicles and probably my favorite. I didn’t expect that because what I knew about Sophie Bellamy from the previous books didn’t leave me with a positive impression. Susan Wiggs fleshed her out in such a way that I’d say she’s now one of the best characters in the series. Great story. Brava, Ms. Wiggs!

Finding Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn and a Giveaway

From the book flap: Miranda Carson’s search for her father takes a turn she never expected when she finds herself in England with only a few feeble clues to who he might be. Unexpectedly welcomed into a family that doesn’t recognize her and whom she’s quickly coming to love, she faces a terrible decision.

Should she reveal her true identity and destroy their idyllic image of her father? Or should she carry the truth home with her to San Francisco and remain alone in this world? Whatever choice she makes during this Christmas will forever change the future for both her and the family she can’t bear to leave.

I read Engaging Father Christmas in October (review found here) and loved the story. I didn’t find out until later that it was actually a sequel to Finding Father Christmas. I was so happy to read the full story of Miranda and how she came to England to search for her father. Robin Jones Gunn tells a lovely story that very much figures into the Christmas season. I recommend both books (read in order) – they will uplift your Christmas spirit.

Thanks to Miriam at Hachette Book Group, I’m hosting a giveaway of both books. This giveaway is limited to residents of the U.S. and Canada. To win Finding Father Christmas AND Engaging Father Christmas :

1. For one entry leave a post and comment about this review.

2. For a second entry post about this giveaway on your blog and leave a link for me.

I’m going to make this a fast giveaway and close it at 11pm (EDT) Friday, Dec. 12, 2008. Please leave contact info (e-mail, blog link). I’ll use random.org and post the winner on Saturday. Good luck!

Small Town Christmas by Debbie Macomber

Small Town Christmas is the reissue of two backlist Macomber titles. The first is Return to Promise which is a follow-up to her Heart of Texas series (I sped through that last week because I don’t like to read series books out of order). The second was written more than twenty years ago – Mail-Order Bride. That one really doesn’t have anything to do with Christmas other than it takes place in Alaska and there’s snow on the ground. They were both easy, enjoyable stories.

A Cedar Cove Christmas by Debbie Macomber

Book flap: Mother-to-be Mary Jo Wyse arrives in Cedar Cove on Christmas Eve, searching for her baby’s father. David Rhodes had said he’d be in town. But he isn’t. Which leaves Mary Jo stranded, pregnant and alone. And there’s no room at the local inn…

Debbie Macomber gives us a modern-day take on the Christmas Story. A Cedar Cove Christmas is a short, sweet book that introduces a new family that I’m sure will figure into a future Cedar Cove series book. Readers of the series will recognize several favorite characters including Olivia, Jack, Grace and Cliff. It was a nice get-in-the-Christmas-spirit book.

The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs

Back of the book: Once a week, an eclectic group of women comes together at a New York City yarn shop to work on their latest projects – and share the stories of their lives. . .

At the center of Walker and Daughter is the shop’s owner, Georgia, who is overwhelmed with juggling the store and single-handedly raising her teenage daughter. Happy to escape the demands of her life, she looks forward to her Friday Night Knitting Club, where she and her friends – Anita, Peri, Darwin, Lucie and K.C. – exchange knitting tips, jokes, and their deepest secrets. But when the man who once broke Georgia’s heart suddenly shows up, demanding a role in their daughter’s life, her world is shattered.

Luckily, Georgia’s friends are there for encouragement, sharing their own tales of intimacy, heartbreak, and miracle making. And when the unthinkable happens, these women will discover that what they’ve created isn’t just a knitting club: it’s a sisterhood.

I’m just going to quote part of Kristin Hannah’s blurb from the cover of the paperback: “. . . moving portrait of female friendship. You’ll laugh and cry along with these characters, and if you’re like me, you’ll wish you knew how to knit.”

‘Tis the Season by Lorna Landvik

Book flap: Heiress Caroline Dixon has managed to alienate nearly everyone with her alcohol-fueled antics, which have also provided near-constant fodder for the poison-pen tabloids and their gossip-hungry readers. But like so many girls-behaving-badly, the twenty-six-year-old socialite gets her comeuppance, followed by a newfound desire to live a saner existence – or at least one more firmly rooted in the real world.

As Caro tentatively begins atoning for past misdeeds, she reaches out to two wonderful people who years ago brought meaning to her life: her former nanny, Astrid Brevald, now living in Norway, and Arizona dude ranch owner Cyril Dale. While Astrid fondly remembers Caro as a sweet little girl, Cyril recalls how he and his late wife were quite taken with the quick-witted teenager Caro had become when she spent time at the Dales’ ranch as her father was dying.

In a series of e-mail exchanges, Caro reveals the depth of her pain and the lengths she went to hide it. In turn, Astrid and Cyril share their own stories of challenging times and offer the unconditional support Caro has never known . . .

‘Tis the Season is written almost entirely in e-mail exchanges. I read it in a couple of hours (including several interruptions). While it could be considered a very light book, it addresses some serious topics – two being alcoholism and celebrity obsession. There’s a lot left out of this book where character development is concerned. I blame that on the epistolary style – a style I usually enjoy. It’s an interesting holiday book that’s wrapped up with a pretty bow.

November Books

Tied to the Tracks (Lippi)

Seven Up (Evanovich)

Austenland (Hale)

Rocket Man (Hazelgrove)

Sweet Life (King)

The Whore’s Child and Other Stories (Russo)

The Uncommon Reader (Bennett)

Mystery Ride (Boswell)

Dockside (Wiggs)

On A Snowy Night (Macomber)

Heart of Texas Vol 1 (Macomber)

Heart of Texas Vol 2 (Macomber)

Tied to the Tracks was my favorite book this month.

Happy Thanksgiving

Sorry, but this photo made me laugh and I decided to take the post in a totally different direction…

Have a great day, don’t eat too much turkey and pumpkin pie, and then take your pets for a stroll.

Happy Thanksgiving to all my blog friends!

First snowfall of the season

We woke up to snow falling early this morning. I took this photo around 7am. I opened the sliding door facing the back yard and just started snapping pics. It was so still out and so peaceful. Lovely. I know I won’t think it’s so lovely in another month or so when we get 10 inches at a time but for now, an inch of snow is kind of nice.

2009 Read Your Own Books Challenge

Lately I’ve noticed that several of my book blog friends will be participating in the 2009 “Read Your Own Books” Challenge. Sounds like the perfect challenge for me! I plan to read 12 books (at least) and I’ll list them here as I read them.

Challenge rules:

1. set a goal for how many of your OWN books you’d like to read in 2009

2. read from your own collection between January 1st and December 31st, 2009

If you want to sign up for the challenge click here.

1. The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher (reviewed here)

2. Last Days of Summer by Steve Kluger (reviewed here)

3. Foreign Affairs by Alison Lurie (reviewed here)

4. The Rock Orchard by Paula Wall (reviewed here)

5. Fireside by Susan Wiggs * * *

6. Welcome to the World, Baby Girl by Fannie Flagg (reviewed here)

7. Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri (reviewed here)

8. Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah (reviewed here)

9. Hard Eight by Janet Evanovich * * *

10. Catholics by Brian Moore (reviewed here)

11. Paradise Valley by Robyn Carr (reviewed here)

12. Too Good to be True by Kristan Higgins (reviewed here)

13. Feels Like Family by Sherryl Woods (reviewed here)

14. The Lost Recipe for Happiness by Barbara O’Neal (reviewed here)