Does It Really Matter? Blogging About Books Etc.

Hell's Corner by David Baldacci

2011-12-29T11:00:00.000-08:00


Hell's Corner by David Baldacci Read by Ron McLarty and Orlagh Cassidy

I borrowed this book from my local library and played it on my iPhone. Since I drove over my iPod, I have to use my iPhone as one. It's not as bad as I thought it would be. This is the 5th book of Camel Club. It's a story of John Carr now known as Oliver Stone. He's a former triple 6 assassin.

In this book, Oliver Stone is back in service. They gave him a card and he has a mission. He's supposed to go abroad to Mexico for a training before being put back in active duty. On the last night before his departure, he walked around his favorite park. Lafayette Park. This park is located across the White House. It attracts a lot tourist. That night, there were about 4 people in the park. Then an explosion happens which started the ball rolling into a fun and entertaining ride.

The bad guys is not what you think, the good guys is not what you think. Just when you think Oliver Stone's got it, it turns out to be wrong. I also get to know a little bit about the capital, and the area they called Hell's Corner. Yes, it's real, and this book gives you a fantastic tour of it.

With Ron McLarty and Orlagh Cassidy reading the audio book, it makes for an extraordinary experience.Ron McLarty is a captivating reading. He is what I think Oliver Stone should should like. I have not read a single book of this series because I enjoyed Ron's rendition of the whole thing.

Have you read this series?

Highland Hero by Amanda Scott

2011-12-21T15:29:00.000-08:00

Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Forever; Original edition (October 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446574309
ISBN-13: 978-0446574303
Product Dimensions: 4.2 x 1.2 x 6.8 inches

I love the setting of this book. It's 1401 in Scotland. The mother of the future King James just died and the king decided to send the child away for safekeeping. The king cannot stand up to his brother, the Duke of Albany. A trusted knight, Sir Ivor "Hawk" Mackintosh, comes to take care of the prince. The complication is, the prince's cousin, Lady Marsi Cargill, decides to come along also to avoid the Duke of Albany.

Lady Marsi masquerades as a maidservant. She's not very good at it, and pretty soon, Hawk found out. Lady Marsi is smart, spirited, but not always wise. Her mouth tends to ran away before she could think. Hawk is the opposite, which makes them a perfect compliment of each other.

I get to see glimpses of Scotland as the group travels along trying hard to avoid capture by the villainous duke. There are moments of hilarity which makes this book a real pleasure to read. The conversation are witty, the events flow smoothly from one to another. It's very easy to get lost in the prose. Amanda Scott is a wonderful author. She's as engrossing as Jennifer Donnelly in her Rose trilogy, as Eloisa James in her Midnight series, as Paullina Simons in her Bronze Horseman trilogy.

I'm going to hunt for the first book in the series. I'm so thrilled to be reading Amanda Scott. Do you know of any author similar to Amanda Scott? Feel free to let me know. (review also published at amazon.com). Many thanks to Ms. Michelle at Hachette Books.

Books in the series:

Highland Master
Highland Hero
Highland Lover

Slash and Burn by Collin Cotterill

2011-11-26T10:23:00.001-08:00

Slash and Burn
by Collin Cotterill
Hardcover
Publisher: Soho Crime (December 6, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616951168

Books in the series:

The Coroner’s Lunch (2004)

Thirty-Three Teeth (August 2005)

Disco For the Departed (August 2006)

Anarchy and Old Dogs (August 2007)

Curse of the Pogo Stick (August 2008)

The Merry Misogynist (August 2009)

Love Songs from a Shallow Grave (August 2010)

This looks like a very interesting book. I'm so glad to get it. It's the first one in line that I'm going to read after I take my LSAT in December 3. I hope I only have to take the LSAT once. It's not like I'm a young girl anymore, after all.

From book jacket:

Laos, 1978: Dr. Siri, the national coroner of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, might finally be allowed to retire (again). Although he loves his two morgue assistants, he's tired of his job, which he never wanted in the firest place. Plus, he's pushing eighty, an dwants to spend some quality time with his wife before his untimely death (which has been predicted by the local transvestite fortune teller).

But retirement is not in the cards for Dr. Siri after all. He's dragged into one last job for the Lao government: supervising an excavation for the remains of a U.S. fighter pilot who went down in the remote jungle in northern Laos ten years earlier, during the Vietnam War. The presence of American Soldiers in Laos is a hot-button issue for both the Americans and Lao involved, and the search party includes high-level politicians and scientists. Then one member of the excavation party is found dead, setting off a chain of accidents that Dr. Siri suspects are not completely accidental. Everyone is trapped in a cabin in a jungle, and the bodies are starting to pile up. Can Dr. Siri get to the bottom of the MIA pilot's mysterious story before the fortune teller's prediction come true?

Just one of the many praises for the Dr. Siri Series:
Denver Post: "The sight, smells and colors of Laos practically jump off the pages of this inspired, often wryly witty first novel.

Collin Cotterill, the author

Thanks to Ms Rafferty of Soho Press for my copy.

Amanda Scott and Margaret Mallory’s GREAT SCOTS & HIGHLAND HEAT Blog Tour

2011-11-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

Two wonderful historical author grace my blog today. I asked both author two questions. These are very talented authors, and I'm very honored to feature then on my blog. Leave a comment, tweet the contest and post on Facebook. There will be two winners of these two books featured here. Contest open to US and Canada. Winners will be announced on December 8.

Ø When you're not writing about luscious hanky men, how do you occupy your time?

Writing takes up most of my time! When I can, I love to read, watch movies, hike, and travel. I was very fortunate to be able to take an amazing trip to Scotland and visit many of the places that are in THE SINNER and the other books in THE RETURN OF THE HIGHLANDERS.

Ø What processes are involved when you conceive a book?

Because I write adventurous historicals, one thing I do is look for a period with a lot of conflict. For this series, I found exactly what I wanted in the year 1513, in the wake of the Scots’ disastrous loss to Henry VIII’s forces at the Battle of Flodden. With that historical backdrop, I could have my four Highland heroes return from France to find their king and chieftain dead, a rebellion brewing, factions fighting for control of the crown, and their clan in grave danger. What fun!

The next thing I had to do was decide on a clan for my Highland heroes. When I discovered that the first chieftain of the MacDonalds of Sleat had six sons by six different women and that the animosity among the six sons led to two generations of murder, I knew I had found my clan. JThe hero and heroine and their romantic conflict are the heart of each book. Because all four heroes in this series appear in the first book, I already knew that Alex, the hero of THE SINNER, was a charming rogue dead set against being married. Naturally, I paired him up with a serious-minded heroine who is every bit as opposed to marriage, particularly to a known philanderer like him.

Ø Did you always wanted to write?

Not to write, necessarily, but I’ve told stories since I first began talking. I was the oldest of four kids and second oldest of a host of grandchildren (the oldest one being male), and that made me everyone’s babysitter of choice. I made up hundreds of stories in those days to entertain the younger children. We spent a lot of time on my grandparents’ ranch in northwestern California and at their cabin in the High Sierras. Neither place had TV, so we spent most of our time outside, playing games, and I made up many of them on the fly, although the others always added their ideas and fought to play their favorite roles. The lawyers in my family are all courtroom lawyers. If you stop and think about that, you’ll realize that they are all creative types, too, creating images and likely scenarios for juries. I’ve always liked to writer. However, I never expected to become “a writer.” The first chapter of my newest book, Highland Hero [Forever, Oct 2011] is posted on my website: www.amandascottauthor.com. If readers have questions or comments, they will also find a link there to my email, which is amandascott@att.net. I love to hear from readers, have learned a great deal from them, and I answer all messages.

Ø How did you get started and how long was it before your first book was published?

My husband was in the Air Force, a targets officer for the Strategic Air Command on America’s airborne command post, known as “Looking Glass” or “Doomsday Plane.” One of them was in the air 24/7 at that time. His job meant that he was ‘on alert’ for 2 or 3 days at a time, so to entertain themselves during their off-time on alert, the guys played poker. He is very good at poker. Meantime, I’d be home alone in our one-streetlight town near Omaha, reading my way through our tiny library and throwing books across the room because the authors had done so little historical research. He saw me do that one day and asked me why. I said, “I could do better than that myself.” He asked me if I’d like to write, and I realized then that I would, very much. I had already researched and written the text for the photo-essay book Omaha City Architecture, and I’d played with an idea for a historical novel since college, and even written some scenes. That weekend, he asked me if I REALLY wanted to write. When I said yes, he took me to the famous Nebraska Furniture Mart, chose a spectacularly beautiful leather-topped desk despite my insistence that it was far too expensive, had me ‘try on’ chairs and try out lamps until I found ones I liked, and then bought me the whole setup with his poker winnings and told me to get to it. NOT to have at least tried to write a book after that would have been a betrayal of the highest order. So I wrote The Fugitive Heiress and sent it to an agent, who sent it to an editor at Signet, who bought it. It took about two months from agent to editor to sale and a year for production before the book was on the shelves. That was 58 books ago. I’ve sold every manuscript I’ve written.

Good luck and have fun!

Hear Ye. Hear Ye!

2011-11-15T04:46:00.001-08:00

Just a head's up. Margaret Mallory is coming to my blog. There's an interview and maybe some goodies, too. Make sure to check on Friday the 18th. Have to mooch off my husband's computer. My internet is down. I hope to have it up by this afternoon.

106 Most Unread Books

2011-11-06T21:27:00.000-08:00

has nothing to do with the post, except that
it's a book and it's by Jodi Thomas
and it saved me from being extremely bored while waiting
at SAMS for my tires to be installed.

Hmmm, I found this on my 'draft list'

The below listed books are the top 106 books most often tagged as being unread by LibraryThing users (as of October 3rd).

The instructions are simple: Bold what you have read, and italicize books you have started but couldn’t finish. Add an asterisk* to those you have read more than once. Underline those on your TBR list (in my case this means I own them, but have yet to read them). The ones marked in red are books I am considering reading one day but do not have on hand.

I'm not sure if I would read the other books listed here which I haven't gotten around to before now. There's just so many new books that comes up. So unless I know how 'fabulous' a book listed here is, I'd probably just keep them in my TBR pile.

Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell
Anna Karenina
Crime and PunishmentCatch-22
One Hundred Years of Solitude
Wuthering Heights
The Silmarillion
Life of Pi: A Novel
The Name of the Rose
Don Quixote
Moby Dick
Ulysses
Madame Bovary
The Odyssey
Pride and Prejudice*
Jane Eyre*
A Tale of Two Cities
The Brothers Karamazov
Guns, Germs, and Steel: the Fates of Human Societies
War and Peace
Vanity Fair
The Time Traveller’s Wife (awesome!)
The Iliad
EmmaThe Blind Assassin
The Kite Runner (awesome!)
Mrs. Dalloway
Great ExpectationsAmerican Gods
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius
Atlas Shrugged
Reading Lolita in Tehran
Memoirs of a GeishaMiddlesex
Quicksilver
Wicked : The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West
The Canterbury Tales (I read assigned tales of this book for school many moons ago and never read beyond that)
The Historian (captivating)A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man
Love in the Time of Cholera
Brave New World
The Fountainhead
Foucault’s Pendulum
Middlemarch
Frankenstein
The Count of Monte Cristo
Dracula
A Clockwork Orange
Anansi Boys
The Once and Future King
The Grapes of Wrath
The Poisonwood Bible
1984
Angels and Demons
The Inferno
The Satanic Verses
Sense and Sensibility
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Mansfield Park
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
To the Lighthouse
Tess of the D’Urbervilles
Oliver Twist
Gulliver’s Travels
Les Misérables
The Corrections
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (wonderful!)
Dune
The Prince
The Sound and the Fury
Angela’s AshesThe God of Small Things
A People’s History of the United States : 1492-Present
Cryptonomicon
Neverwhere
A Confederacy of Dunces
A Short History of Nearly Everything
Dubliners
The Unbearable Lightness of Being
Beloved
Slaughterhouse-Five
The Scarlet Letter
Eats, Shoots & Leaves
The Mists of Avalon
Oryx and Crake: A Novel
Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed
Cloud Atlas
The Confusion
Lolita
Persuasion
Northanger Abbey
The Catcher in the Rye
On the Road
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Freakonomics
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
The Aeneid
Watership Down
Gravity’s Rainbow
The HobbitIn Cold Blood
White Teeth
Treasure Island
David Copperfield
The Three Musketeers

Skywatch Friday, Season 5, Episode

2011-11-05T14:23:00.000-07:00

Took this while driving my kids to school. I love the cloud cover...though too much white makes it spooky

Wires! I love wires on my picture. Yeah, it interferes with the clouds and skies, but I love it.

My children love to play in these playground. I usually drive them here and wait for them to finish playing. It takes two hours or more, and then they whine because we have to go home.

More skywatch here. Click on the pictures to see bigger size. All pictures taken with iPhone 4G.

Review: Welcome To Harmony by Jodi Thomas

2011-11-03T19:37:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Harmony
by Jodi Thomas
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Berkley (June 1, 2010)
Language: English>br>
ISBN-10: 0425235106

"I've a vision," she announced. "A terrible vision, all black smoke and fire." (page 1)

Jodi Thomas is a masterful author who wield her pen like a fence master extraordinaire. She use words that portray her story to the maximum enjoyment of her readers.

Welcome To Harmony is her first book of the series. Here we meet a 16-year old runaway named Reagan. She works at a nursing home where a former resident of Harmony, Texas reminisce about her childhood hometown in a most favorable way. When that old lady passed away, she travels to Harmony.

"I'd wish, if I were reverse wishing, that I didn't have to leave this place." (page 21)

Reagan took a chance and went to the last living Truman in town, Jeremiah, the pretend great-uncle. He's quite crotchety, but he's also fair and caring in his own way.

While Reagan is the central character of this book, there's also hoards of secondary characters. There's the mayor who seem to have the hots for the sheriff. There's the funeral director and his very interesting love story. I

"Any chance you'd kiss me?"
"No," she answered. "But, I might snuggle a little. It's getting cold and I guess if you're tied, you'll be safe enough. (page 347)

It is nearly impossible to get bored with this book. There's romance, mystery and interesting residents of this town. What I'd really like to know is...will I know Reagan's love story when she's finally grown up? The saddest part about this book is it's only a trilogy. I'd want more. There's that many characters that I want to get to know more.

Other books in the Series:

Somewhere Along the Way

The Comforts of Home

Review: Wicked Intentions by Elizabeth Hoyt

2011-11-02T12:47:00.000-07:00

Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing; 1 edition (August 1, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 044655894X
ISBN-13: 978-0446558945

I bought this book for Kindle after I finished reading Scandalous Desires. I was so captivated with that book as I have not been recently. In fact, the reduced number of books I've read recently can attest to my lack of interest to most books. But this one, it reminds me why I want to give up some of my sleep just to be able to read. Elizabeth Hoyt is costing me a lot of sleep!

Once upon a time, in a land long forgotten now, there lived a might king, feared by all and loved by none. His name is King Lockedheart....

I love how there's a fairy tale on each of the Maiden Lane Series. I'm pleasantly surprised because I'm not at all familiar with the ones Ms. Hoyt used in this series. This is better than fairy tale love story. In addition to happily-ever-after, there's this amazing chemistry between the two main characters. Note that I read the third book of the series before I got to the first one. It doesn't seem to matter to me. The story is excellent by itself.

Temperance Makepeace is a very capable lady with a devastating secret. She's living in atonement of that secret, her secret shame. Temperance and her brother managed an orphanage. Her family owns a brewery but they're barely making it. Still, it doesn't stop them from saving babies who needs saving. The foundling home is located in the bad part of town, so Temperance is familiar with the place.

The hero, Lazarus Huntington, Lord Caire, is well-known for his shocking sexual preferences. He doesn't like to be touched. He likes his partners tied when he's undergoing sexual congress. He need Temperance to guide him throughout the complicated passages of St. Giles in search of a killer of his previous mistress. Temperance cannot refuse since she needs the money for the rent and other necessities of the orphanage. Here their uneasy alliance started.

This book has excellent, hot, romantic interludes. It's cleverly woven into the fabric of the story so it never felt contrived. My main complaint with erotica is it's thick on sex and sparse on plot. This book could pass as erotica, but the romantic story dominates the book. The secondary characters are fascinating, I want to know more about them. I want to know more about Godrick St. John, Caire's best friend.

Overall, you will not regret picking up this book. The story and characters and finely crafted. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

400-Less Recipe In My Kitchen

2011-10-28T17:01:00.000-07:00


Yep, this is the book. I got it from Sams.

I really wanted to love this book. But, there are too many fancy ingredients, it's hard to make anything without thinking that I'm missing it up because I don't have this hard-to-find spice. However, I keep this book anyway because I like to punish myself with looking over the beautiful pictures and torturing myself with lovely images knowing that I'm too lazy to hunt for these exotic ingredients so I can make my own.

Last Wednesday, I wanted to make a soup. However, there was nothing in my Complete 400 recipe book which I can make because of missing ingredients. I had just made a cheesecake, cookie dough, and other stuff. I really wanted to make a soup. I thought it over and decided to make one up. I know I like chunky soup, and I know I like onion in my soup. Lucky for me, I had some onions.

What I end up making was really edible and yummy. Here's what I put together.

1 med. onion, sliced into strips
2 med. baked potato, cut into small chunks
1 can diced tomato
4 stalks of celery
1 can white northern beans
1 can red kidney beans
1 can cream style corn
1 cup of water
1 tbsp of dried parsley
1 tsp of dried Italian mix herbs
1 tsp of dried garlic (mined or powdered)
1 tsp seasoned salt
2 tbsp Olive oil

Heat oil, add onion and stir fry until it's translucent. Add potatoes, stir fry for 2 minutes, then add all the rest of the ingredients. Heat to a boil, stirring a little. Cool down, and serve with your favorite cracker or bread. The whole thing should be ready to serve in less than half and hour.

Serve it on a fancy bowl, and it's good for company too. It doesn't tasted like canned ingredients at all. Enjoy!

The Loving Daylights by Lynsay Sands

2011-10-26T00:53:00.000-07:00

Title: The Loving Daylights
Author's website: Lynsay Sands
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
Isbn: 0505525275
Size: 4.4" x 6.6" x 1.3"
Publisher: Love Spell
Publication Date: 2003-04

I love Lynsay Sands vampire series. In fact, hers might have been the next series vampire series I read after Linda Lael Miller's vampire trilogy. This was way back before anybody was writing paranormal. Now, you cannot blink without seeing another paranormal novel. I haven't read this book, but when I saw the title, I just had to buy it. How could I not? It's now residing in my car for when I have time while waiting in the carpool line.

Don't you just like the homage to Austin Powers with that outfit? Have you read this book? If you had, please leave your link in the comments below.

Product DescriptionShy Jane Spyrus loved gadgets. She could build anything B.L.I.S.S. needed in that international organization's fight against crime—although its agents weren't exactly queuing up at her door. Some of them thought her inventions were a little too ... well, innovative. Like her shrink-wrap prophylactic constraints, or her spray-on truth serum. But they just didn't realize those items' potential.Of course, you couldn't use wacky inventions to fix all your problems; Jane knew that better than anyone. Her neighbor had been kidnapped, driving that point home. She would have to team up with another human being—and Abel Andretti arrived just in time. He would help Jane find her neighbor, stop the evil machinations of tall Dirk Ensecksi, and most of all he would have to show her how to love the daylights out of something without batteries..

If you want to know more about this book, check it out here.

PhotoHunt 288: High

2011-10-22T11:07:00.000-07:00

Six Flags Ride

I like books, and I also like photos. Which is why I'm a regularly irregular member of Photohunt club.It has weekly theme, so it makes for a nice challenge each week. This one is from Six Flags Over Texas. I have never ridden this ride before, but only because I'm a scaredy-cat when it comes to heights.

Review: Scandalous Desires by Elizabeth Hoyt

2011-10-19T22:16:00.000-07:00

Scandalous Desires (Maiden Lane)
by Elizabeth Hoyt

List Price: $7.00
Published in 2011
ISBN-10: 0-446-55893-1

My Take:

Books in the series:
Wicked Intentions
Notorious Pleasures
Scandalous Desires
Thief of Shadows (coming in 2012)

Yes, this is the 3rd book of Maiden Lane series. Having not read any of the book in the series before, I can honestly say that this could pass as a stand alone book. Some serial books are awkward to read out of order, but this one reads just fine. I was compelled to purchase in my kindle the other two books in the series.

I have never been entertained by a book so much before. Not since Eloisa James' Midnight series. I got that same feeling of giddiness while reading this book. The characters are pitch perfect. Yes, he's got a name like Charming Mickey and she's Silence...but it doesn't matter. Their story is the stuff of legends.

I thought I'd never like someone who's a pirate and a thieving 'prince' like I do Jennifer Donnelly's Sid in Winter Rose, but Charming Mickey comes close. If you have read those book series I've mentioned, then you'll know that Scandalous Desire is a book you must read if you're a romance junkie like I am. If you're not much into romance, then read this one anyway because it's got all that you need to be entertained in a book.

I'm thrilled to have read this book. Some parts are quite scorching. That's just extra icing treat. Thanks to Grand Central Publishing for my copy.

By the way, a 4th book is coming and I cannot wait to get my hands on it. I like the sound of Winter Makepeace very much.

Here's what the back of the book said:
Can a pirate learn . . .
River Pirate ‘Charming’ Mickey O’Connor has lifted himself from the depths of the slums to be the King of St. Giles. Anything he wants he gets—with one exception. Silence Hollingbrook has been haunting his dreams ever since she spent a single night in his bed.

That the only true treasure . . .
Once Silence was willing to sacrifice anything to save the man she loved. Now a widow, she’s finally found peace when Charming Mickey comes storming back into her life with an offer she can’t refuse. But this time she won’t be the only one paying the price for his sins.

Lies in a woman's heart?
When his past comes back to torment him, Mickey must keep Silence safe from a merciless enemy, while wrestling with the delicious hold this widow has on his heart. And in the face of mounting danger, both will have to surrender to something even more terrifying . . . true love.

GIVEAWAY + (review) What I Did For Love by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

2011-10-03T06:07:00.000-07:00

What I Did For Love
by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
Hardcover: 401 pages
Publisher: William Morrow; 1 edition (January 27, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0061351504

Susan Elizabeth Phillips is one of my all time favorite authors. I have to say that I read with my mood. And if the book doesn't match my mood, I enjoy it less. My first listen to this book on audio wasn't pretty. I couldn't stand Georgie York. I couldn't stand Bramwell, and I couldn't care less what happened to them. I find it hard to believe that a SEP book would not get my juices running, so I got myself a paperback and read it. It's much better. I think sometimes the reader and I just don't see eye to eye on how a book should be read. This is a fun book. I have a much better time when I read the words for myself.

On that note, I'd like to do an all-over-the-world giveaway. $20 worth of books at Book Depository. If they deliver to your country for free, then you qualify. Drawing will be scheduled on October 27 (coz that's my 20th year anniversary).

That's not all. For every additional 40 entries, I will draw another winner for $20. Maximum winners of 5. I'll make this easy. Rafflescopter will help me sort your entries and pick winners.

From Amazon:

How did this happen? Georgie York, once the costar of America's favorite television sitcom, has been publicly abandoned by her famous husband, her film career has tanked, her father is driving her crazy, and her public image as a spunky heroine is taking a serious beating.
What should a down-on-her-luck actress do? Not go to Vegas . . . not run into her detestable former costar, dreamboat-from-hell Bramwell Shepard . . . and not get caught up in an ugly incident that leads to a calamitous elopement. Before she knows it, Georgie has a fake marriage, a fake husband, and maybe (or not) a fake sex life.
It's a paparazzi free-for-all, and Georgie's nonsupporting cast doesn't help. There's Bram's punk-nightmare housekeeper, Georgie's own pushy parent, a suck-up agent, an icy studio head with a private agenda, and her ex-husband's new wife, who can't get enough of doing good deeds and saving the world—the bitch. As for Georgie's leading man, Bram's giving the performance of his life, but he's never cared about anyone except himself, and it's not exactly clear why.
Two enemies find themselves working without a script in a town where the spotlight shines bright . . . and where the strongest emotions can wear startling disguises.

(TBR Pile) Faro's Daughter by Georgette Heyer

2011-10-02T07:40:00.000-07:00


borrowed from my eLibrary, read via Kindle

Since I haven't had a chance to read this book, I borrowed an amazon review to titillate you and me.Review from Amazon by Jana L. Perskie "ceruleana" (New York, NY USA)

Deborah Grantham is well born, well-bred and ever so lovely. None of this matters, however, in the game of love and matrimony in Regency London, because Ms. Grantham earns her living playing cards in one of London's finest gambling houses. And marriage with such a gaming-house wench is just not done, especially not in the echelons of the "ton." Young Lord Maplethorpe is willing to flaunt society and risk its censure to marry the beautiful Deborah for love. His unhappy mother seeks help from her stepson, the handsomest, cleverest, richest man about town, Max Ravenscar. This unrelenting bachelor meets Deborah, his new foe, across the faro table where they play for power, although they wager for money.
And proud Ms. Grantham gives Ravenscar a run for his money as she proves to be more stubborn and high principled than he in this delightful romantic farce. Georgette Heyer writes one of her best novels with "Faro's Daughter." The witty dialogue, the power plays between the intelligent Deborah, who does not want to be beholden to anyone, let alone to the arrogant Lord who is so willing to believe the worst of her, and the creative subplots and adventures showcase her talent.
This is a winner, and a must read for all Ms. Heyer's fans!

(TBR Pile) Home Sweet Home by Bella Riley

2011-10-01T06:30:00.000-07:00


Author: Bella Riley

I can't wait to read this. I'm also taking LSAT in December 3, so it's going to be slow going on my TBR pile. After LSAT, I'm going to devour books after books after books. Right now, most of my reading material have LSAT on the title and requires pencil. Not even the pretty mechanical #5 pencils I prefer, but the #2 yellow wood pencil. It's what's allowed on LSAT day and I might as well get used to it now. Wish me luck on my test.

Product Description (from Amazon)
What if you can go home again?

Ten years and two hundred miles. That's what separates Andi Powell from quiet, secluded Emerald Lake-and that's exactly how she likes it. But now her job brings her back to the hometown she's tried so hard to forget . . . and to Nate Duncan, the man she's never been able to.

Nate once looked at Andi with love in his eyes. But that was before she left him in the dust to pursue her big-city dreams. Now he's the town's ruggedly handsome mayor with the power to break Andi's career like she broke his heart. As the two clash over the future of Emerald Lake, the sparks that fly between them rekindle a passion neither of them can deny.

Andi may have left town looking for the life she thought she wanted. But could everything she needs have been in Emerald Lake all along?

Lethal by Sandra Brown (Review)

2011-09-30T12:14:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Soho Press and Evan Boorstyn
Author: Sandra Brown
Binding: Hardcover
Isbn: 1455501476
Size: 1.5" x 6.5" x 9.25"
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Publication Date: 2011-09-20

I read my first Sandra Brown novel about 20 years ago. My favorite of her series is the Texas! series. I entertained myself endlessly on Sandra Brown's book. She always has romance, action, some heartbreaking moment and more. Lethal her newest book published in September 20 is just as fun to read. I thought Coburn was the 'bad guy'. He certainly does not sound 'safe' when he first burst into scene. Yes, burst. There's not other word for it. You sit up and take notice when he's on. Honor Gillette is not one of my favorite of her heroine, but she grow on me. When the story is spectacular, it's difficult not to enjoy every character in the book.

Even the villain is quite enjoyable. Ms. Brown kept me guessing almost to the end. I was almost tempted to jump to the last chapter and read ahead. But, I managed to contained myself since my husband reminded me I only do that on books I am not enjoying. I wonder if there's going to be another book with these couple.

About the Book (from the author's site):

When her four year old daughter informs her a sick man is in their yard, Honor Gillette rushes out to help him. But that "sick" man turns out to be Lee Coburn, the man accused of murdering seven people the night before. Dangerous, desperate, and armed, he promises Honor that she and her daughter won't be hurt as long as she does everything he asks. She has no choice but to accept him at his word.

But Honor soon discovers that even those close to her can't be trusted. Coburn claims that her beloved late husband possessed something extremely valuable that places Honor and her daughter in grave danger. Coburn is there to retrieve it -- at any cost. From FBI offices in Washington, D.C., to a rundown shrimp boat in coastal Louisiana, Coburn and Honor run for their lives from the very people sworn to protect them, and unravel a web of corruption and depravity that threatens not only them, but the fabric of our society.

One For The Money by Janet Evanovich

2011-09-28T15:25:00.000-07:00

I am very excited because the movie is coming out. Katherine Heigl looks great on the preview! I can hardly wait. I'm not sure about Ranger. I have a different picture in my head. Still, I'm going to drag everyone and their grandma to see this movie with me!
Product Description (from Amazon)
Read the Dynamite Blockbuster that Started It All!

Welcome to Trenton, New Jersey, home to wiseguys, average Joes, and Stephanie Plum, who sports a big attitude and even bigger money problems (since losing her job as a lingerie buyer for a department store). Stephanie needs cash--fast--but times are tough, and soon she's forced to turn to the last resort of the truly desperate: family.

Stephanie lands a gig at her sleazy cousin Vinnie's bail bonding company. She's got no experience. But that doesn't matter. Neither does the fact that the bail jumper in question is local vice cop Joe Morelli. From the time he first looked up her dress to the time he first got into her pants to the time Steph hit him with her father's Buick, M-o-r-e-l-l-i has spelled t-r-o-u-b-l-e. And now the hot guy is in hot water--wanted for murder.

Abject poverty is a great motivator for learning new skills, but being trained in the school of hard knocks by people like psycho prizefighter Benito Ramirez isn't. Still, if Stephanie can nab Morelli in a week, she'll make a cool ten grand. All she has to do is become an expert bounty hunter overnight--and keep herself from getting killed before she gets her man.

Amazon.com Review
Stephanie Plum is so smart, so honest, and so funny that her narrative charm could drive a documentary on termites. But this tough gal from New Jersey, an unemployed discount lingerie buyer, has a much more interesting story to tell: She has to say that her Miata has been repossessed and that she's so poor at the moment that she just drank her last bottle of beer for breakfast. She has to say that her only chance out of her present rut is her repugnant cousin Vinnie and his bail-bond business. She has to say that she blackmailed Vinnie into giving her a bail-bond recovery job worth $10,000 (for a murder suspect), even though she doesn't own a gun and has never apprehended a person in her life. And she has to say that the guy she has to get, Joe Morelli, is the same creep who charmed away her teenage virginity behind the pastry case in the Trenton bakery where she worked after school. If that hard-luck story doesn't sound compelling enough, Stephanie's several unsuccessful attempts at pulling in Joe make a downright hilarious and suspenseful tale of murder and deceit. Along the way, several more outlandish (but unrelentingly real) characters join the story, including Benito Ramirez, a champion boxer who seems to be following Stephanie Plum wherever she goes.
Janet Evanovich shares an authentic feel for the streets of Trenton in her debut mystery (she developed her talents in a string of romance novels before creating Ms. Plum), and her tough, frank, and funny first-person narrator offers a winning mix of vulgarity and sensitivity. Evanovich is certainly among the best of the new voices to emerge in the mystery field of the 1990s. --Patrick O'Kelley

(COMING UP) The Angel Maker by Jessica Gregson

2011-09-26T21:21:00.000-07:00

I just received this book in the mail. I cannot wait to read it! It sounds intriguing. The thought did occur to me while reading this book. Sari sounds like the Kevorkian of unwanted men. The description makes me antsy to find out why. Why would she be so motivated to do this? Why the whole town? This book got me hooked and I haven't even started reading it.

Synopsis: (from SOHO Press website):

Teenage Sari's smart, inquisitive nature would be enough to make her an outcast in her isolated provincial village; add to that her knowledge of healing herbs, and she's widely considered a witch.

When the men go off to fight World War I, however, everything changes. Without their oppressive and often abusive husbands and boyfriends, the women at last taste freedom and independence, and Sari makes friends. She and a number of other women in the village even begin relationships with injured Italian POWs housed nearby. Swept up in an intellectual and passionate love affair with a university professor, Sari's mind and body awaken for the first time in her life.

With the war's end, the men of the village return. Sari's freedom—and her newfound friendships—are imperiled. But just as Sari knows the herbs that will heal, she knows as well those that will kill. It takes several weeks for the arsenic, sprinkled in her fiancé's food, to finish him off. The first poisoning leads to another, and then another. Based on a true story, The Angel Makers shows how a good person can be led to evil, and how a community can come together to conceal unspeakable crimes.

(COMING UP) Heartstrings and Diamond Rings by Jane Graves

2011-09-25T09:34:00.000-07:00

I love the cover. I have this lined up to read. Can hardly wait for it. You can whet your appetite or assuage your longing by reading chapter one here now.

(From the author's Website)He's the man of her dreams. . .
In a world full of frogs, Alison Carter is determined to find her prince. Maybe her dating past is more Titanic than Love Boat, but she's seen enough happy marriages to know that true love is possible. No matter what, she won't give up on happily-ever-after. If she can't find Mr. Right, she'll simply hire someone who can.

She just doesn't know it yet
When Brandon Scott inherits a successful matchmaking business, he thinks his prayers have been answered. Set up a few lonely ladies, collect the fee, how hard can it be? No one needs to know he's not really a professional matchmaker--especially not his first client, the beautiful, spirited Alison. Soon he's falling for her--and her dreams of kids and carpools. But Alison is getting close to figuring out his secret, and if she learns he's deceived her too, she'll walk right out the door, taking Brandon's heart with her.

Kindle and Public Library

2011-09-24T20:02:00.000-07:00

I have tried all kinds of reader. I bought a Sony pocket specifically so I can borrow eBooks from my public library. It wasn't as fun, but I managed to read quite a few books in it. Kindle (the latest generation) is the best one, I think. I ever tried Nook color for the same reason. But the back light does not make it an ideal reading for me. My 12 years old now uses it to watch YouTube videos.

I have been buried under LSAT related text the past few weeks. Today, I got a chance to check out my library's website to look for a video. What a nice surprise to find out that Kindle and my public library are together at last! I can check ou library eBook through my Kindle! I've been waiting for this for ages. I can now say that my Kindle is perfect at last. I checked out this book below. Since I'm still getting ready for a big test, I also check out McGraw-Hill's LSAT book.

This is the public library book in my Kindle!

See the books I've check out so far! I can hardly wait to check out more.

Click on the picture to see that Public Library has Kindle check out

Does your public library loan eBooks through Kindle yet?

He Loves Lucy by Susan Donovan

2011-09-23T09:14:00.000-07:00

I thought this would combine my passion and my likes. A good old 'yellow' book could also play for TNChicks Saturday Photo Hunt.This is a romantic comedy about a woman wanting to be in better shape but food gets in the way. Who can't relate, right? I enjoyed this book with it's laugh out loud moments. I highly suggest it.

Product Description
Marketing exec Lucy Cunningham is thrilled when her firm lands The Palm Club account. The campaign concept for Miami's hottest fitness club was Lucy's idea: take one fitness-challenged woman, put her in front of TV cameras, and into the hands of the club's top personal trainer, Theo Redmond. And there's a big cash reward for each pound shed. It seems like a brilliant idea-until Lucy gets picked to be the guinea pig. It's obvious she needs to drop the pounds, but the idea of letting it all hang out in front of some Malibu Ken jock has her choking on her Milk Duds before she even begins!After one meeting, Theo knows Lucy will be his toughest client and one of the most unforgettable women he'll ever meet. Smart-mouthed and stubborn, it's clear she isn't fond of marching to anyone's drumbeat but her own. But she shocks Theo by rising to the challenge like a pro. And he finds his heart in jeopardy long before Lucy starts to slim down and turn heads.As Lucy sweats her way into a whole new life, things start to heat up between her and Theo. But trust doesn't come easy for either of them. They've both been burned by romance in the past. Now Lucy and Theo are about to discover that appearances can be deceiving-and in the end, true love lies somewhere between pizza and Pilates...

Horton Hears A Who! By Dr. Seuss

2011-09-14T06:16:00.000-07:00

My youngest is now 5. He's in Kindergarten and he adores this book. In fact, the other night while I was reading this book, my 12 years old boy also stopped what he was doing and listened.

Who can resist Horton the Elephant who cares so much for the little inhabitants of Whoville? We were going to watch the movie last night, but ended up not being about to because Amazon Instant Play is not selling a copy, and Redbox don't have one either. Today we might be luckier because a library nearby is showing to have 3 copies of the movie.

Have you read this book? If not, you really should give it a try. Dr. Seuss has a particular talent for telling a story. Yes his drawing are creepy, but his story are fun.

The Guardian by Margaret Mallory

2011-09-08T06:15:00.000-07:00

The Guardian (Return of the Highlanders)
by Margaret Mallory
List Price: $7.00
Published in 2011
ISBN-10: 0-446-57516-X

I fell in love with Margaret Mallory with her All The King's Men Series. Those luscious covers and the fantastic stories. It's what I came to expect with Ms. Mallory. She's like Johanna Lindsey only so much better in her own way.

The Guardian is the first of the new series: Return of the Highlanders. I have a soft spot for any romance books with Highlanders in it. Ian MacDonald is kind (as demonstrated when he was a young lad being followed around by an urchin) and sometimes a bit misguided man, but above all, he's got heart. Sileas is the perfect girl for him. I did not say that she's perfect, only that she's perfect for him. I admire her self-control and demeanor. If I were in her place, I would probably have hit Ian on the head with an iron skillet!

There's a bit of cloak and dagger and some thrilling moment when Sileas took a trip. I like the progression of the romance and the hot sex that follows. Susan Mallory rocks!

Thanks to Ms Beers of Grand Central Publishing for my copy.

Black Ties and Lullabies by Jane Graves

2011-09-03T15:22:00.000-07:00

Black Ties and Lullabies
by Jane Graves
Published in 2011
ISBN-10: 0-446-56847-3

My Take:
I enjoy Jane Graves writing since the DeMarcos Brothers (John, Alex and Dave). I adore those guys. They're tough and sexy Texans residing in a book that's romantic and funny and poignant, too. Thanks to Ms Beers of Grand Central Publishing for my copy. I enjoyed reading it over tea when every one of my 5 kids are asleep.

The story flows wonderfully. I like how Bernadette Hogan is a capable girl and Jeremy Bridges is strong and fun to read about. This is a good love story that will keep you entertained from page one. If you live in Dallas area, like I do, there might be one little detail that will annoy you. It has to do with finding pregnancy test kit. It doesn't really take more than 15 minutes to get one, even at an ungodly hour.

I highly recommend this book. Read Chapter One just to whet your appetite.

What If (Movie)

2011-08-31T05:48:00.000-07:00

Kevin Sorbo Kevin Sorbo ... Ben Walker
Kristy Swanson Kristy Swanson ... Wendy Walker
John Ratzenberger ... Mike the Angel

My Take:
Kevin Walker walked out on his girlfriend fifteen years ago and became a successful businessman. Wendy and Ben was supposed to get married and get into ministry together. Instead, he's got a high-paying job, and a trophy fiancee. Then an Angel showed him what he was missing if he had stayed around and become the minister he planned to be.

Yes, what if movies has been done before. The highly entertaining Family Man with Nicholas Cage comes to mind. However, this one is different. It's got this underlying goodness that comes through the movie like an aroma wafting out of an over baking a bread. Yet, it's not in-your-teeth-preachy like Keanu Reeves The Day The Earth Stood Still.

I recommend watching this movie. Why I rated it 4? Because there was just something that I wanted and didn't quite get. Otherwise, this movie is entertaining.

Love My Header! (Win A Book)

2011-08-29T21:47:00.000-07:00

My daughter made this bracelet.

My very good friend, Shabem at Embrace Simplicity and Paperhearts Boulevard made this header for me. I like it very much. I'm in awe of her creativity. Not only that, she is also an extraordinary photographer or photo-artist, or whatever we call these people who takes beautiful pictures.

To celebrate, I will give away one new book. Valued up to 15 dollars. Any book as long as it comes with free shipping from Amazon if you have US address. No PO Box address please. This is also open to any country that Book Depository will ship for free. (click on link to find out if your country is one of them.

Contest will be open for 10 days. Then on September 8, I pick one winner using random.org. Winner will be announced on the same post. Winner will choose a book and send me the title and mailing address. A second winner will win a bracelet created by my daughter.

Here's how to win:
(Must Do):
Follow me and leave a comment with your e-mail. (already a follower, no problem. Just mention it.)

(extra entry each, leave a separate comment each until I can figure out how to do otherwise.):
+Visit my header's designer page and let me know what you found out on her site. (links above)
BLOG POST LINK: http://tinyurl.com/4y447fx
+Link this post on Facebook (leave a link of your FB page and date/time the link posted; limit 1 per day)
+Twit about this contest (leave your twitter link, which you can find on the time stamp of your twit. Limit to one twit per day)
+Leave a comment to my other post. (limit to 2 a day).

That's it. Enjoy and Good luck!

Waiting For Forever (Movie)

2011-08-28T09:05:00.000-07:00

Top 4 Actors
Rachel Bilson Rachel Bilson ... Emma Twist
Tom Sturridge Tom Sturridge ... Will Donner
Richard Jenkins Richard Jenkins ... Richard Twist
Blythe Danner Blythe Danner ... Miranda Twist

My Take:
Here's the story. There's a boy who doesn't really have a job, unless you count juggling and clowning as a reliable income. He thinks the girl he was last classmates with in 5th grade is 'the one'. Usually, I like stories like this. In fact, I dozens of these in my shelves. But, for some reason I wasn't rooting for this guy. He's cute, though. The girl whom this guys follows around is an actress in some minor TV show. The show's cancelled and she's going home. The guy is too because he follows this girl every where. This same girl who also cheated on her fiancee with his best friend.

The story picks up somewhere in the last few minutes of the show. I like the ending, hence, the 3. Otherwise, it would have been a one. Is it worth watching? If you're doing something else and have nothing else to watch, sure. It's really not that bad.

To The Moon And Back by Jill Mansell

2011-08-27T16:33:00.001-07:00

To The Moon and Back
Author: Jill Mansell
Binding: Paperback
Isbn: 1402243855
Size: 5.2" x 7.9" x 1.2"
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Publication Date: 2011-09-01

This is a story about Ellie. Newly widowed and still very much in love with her dead husband. It's also a story about Zach, who saw her one day, and promptly felt something strong. It's a rich book filled with engaging characters you'll fall in love with. There's secondary stories you'll find yourself rooting for. This book is a wonderful read on any night you want to be entertained.

This book will make you laugh; it might even make you cry. This book is guaranteed to make you feel something. This is Jill Mansell at her best yet. I just adore this author. I think I have almost all of her books. If she ever visits the US to sign books, I'll be sure to show up. She's like my passion for Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Jill Barnett, Eloisa James, and Diana Palmer all rolled into one.

This copy is an ARC courtesy of Danielle from Sourcebook.

The Key To High Scores by David W. Fielder

2011-08-09T00:10:00.000-07:00

I'm registered to take the October 1 LSAT. It's a little harrowing because I've always been a science major. This test is quite different from what I'm used to. So, I try to get as many books as I can to help me along. One of the books I picked up from the library is this:

Key to High Scores on Standardized Tests
by David W. Felder
List Price: $19.00
Published in 2006
ISBN-10: 0-910959-06-4

This book is okay if you are not familiar with any standardized exams. However, if you're about to take LSAT, this is not the book you need. Stick to Kaplan, Barron, McGraw-Hill, and LSAC's published ones. I had to check it out because the title is quite enticing.

BTW, the number one key to acing the LSAT is to study and I haven't been studying since Friday. Tomorrow, off the to library. It's amazing how one little interruption is a welcome nod to goof off the whole day. There are other better books out there.

Left Neglected by Lisa Genova: Review and Giveaway (US)

2011-07-28T05:29:00.000-07:00

Added Aug 9.
I used Raffle King.

Left Neglected
by Lisa Genova
List Price: $15.00
Published in 2011

My Take:
This book is very engrossing for me. I picked it up and could not put it down until I know what happens all the way to the end. The details and prose of this books puts me right there in the middle of the story. It's disconcerting when my husband asks me question and I can feel myself literally pulled from the pages of the book. It's pretty much like when Steve from Blue's Clues skedaddle into a picture frame.

What I'm saying is, this book is highly recommended. It's powerful and poignant. It's a book you can't missed. This author is certainly going places.

About the author:

Lisa Genova became an instant literary star when STILL ALICE, her first novel about a woman coping with early onset Alzheimer’s, debuted at #5 on the New York Times bestseller list and remained on the list for more than thirty weeks. Genova, who holds a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from Harvard University, was widely lauded for her heartbreakingly authentic depiction of the disease, making STILL ALICE a success not only with readers and reviewers, but also doctors and Alzheimer’s organizations.

In her bestselling second novel, now available in trade paperback, Genova examines a lesser known condition called “left neglect” and delivers a compelling and poignant story about a vibrant woman who, in the prime of her life, is struck with the crippling disorder. LEFT NEGLECTED introduces readers to thirty-something Sarah Nickerson, who, like so many women today, is driven to succeed at home and at work, multi-tasking all day long, and spread extremely thin. The morning that changes her life forever begins typically, in her car on the way to work, as she is about to make a business call. While driving.

Sarah takes her eyes off the road for one second too long, and is involved in a terrible accident that results in a traumatic brain injury. Her memory and intellect are still intact, but she loses the ability to perceive information coming from the left— as if the left side of everything no longer exists. As she works to recover, Sarah also learns to pay attention to— and heal the rifts within— other parts of her life she has left neglected, mainly her husband, her children, and her previously distant mother.

Giveaway:
Ms. Ayelet of Gallery Books graciously allowed me to sponsor a giveaway for US resident. Leave your comments below about wanting to read this book and what is your most favorite 3 books of all time (or just recently if you want).
Extra entries includes:
-Follow me
-Link to facebook
-Twit this post, etc

On August 5, I'll pick a winner using random.org. Good luck and have fun!

Fast Friends by Jill Mansell

2011-07-21T12:26:00.000-07:00

FAST FRIENDS
by JILL MANSELL
List Price: $15.00
Published in 2006
ISBN-10: 0-7553-3249-0

Blurb:
When bored housewife and mother Camilla Stewart impulsively invites her old schoolchums for dinner she hardly imagines that the evening wilhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifl shatter her comfortable existence. But Roz Vallender and Loulou Marks are no ordinary guests. Roz, stunning and self-assured, is notorious as a TV presenter and superbitch, whilst the reckless Loulou owns Vampires, the trendiest wine bar in town. Horrified to discover that husband Jack has been playing around, Camilla determines to make some changes. With a little help from her friends she soon finds out that life in the fast lane is a lot more fun and the future still holds plenty of surprises.

My take:
Worth the time to read it.

I end up staying up until I finished reading the whole book. I like the chemistry. At first, it was hard going because Camilla is try too hard and I got annoyed with her. But if you just really hang on, you'll find that this book is fantastic. It makes you realized that sometimes, there are no other option except to get a backbone and start using it. I highly recommend this book. I've been on a Jill Mansell binge since reading RUMOR HAS IT.

I just finished another Jill Mansell called TWO'S A COMPANY, TO THE MOON AND BACK and STAYING AT DAISY'S.

Remember Everything You Read by Stanley D. Frank

2011-07-12T15:11:00.000-07:00

Remember Everything You Read: The Evelyn Wood 7-Day Speed Reading and Learning Program
by Stanley D. Frank

List Price: $23.00
Published in 1990
ISBN-10: 0-8129-1773-1

Product Description (from Amazon.com)
Now you can join the millions of people of all ages who have reaped the rewards of the famous Evelyn Wood Speed Reading and Learning Program. All the secrets of this amazing system are now available to you in this book. Find out how you can:

Read 50% faster in only an hour
Double your reading speed in a week
Soar beyond -- to read an amazing 1,200 to 3,000 words per minute -- and remember everything you read!
DISCOVER THE SPEED-READING PATH TO POWER AND SUCCESS

In just a few lessons, the proven techniques of this dynamic learning system will unlock the natural power of your mind, opening the door to new realms of intellectual power and potential success.

THERE'S NO LIMIT TO WHAT YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH!

My Take:
I must have owned this book for years. Sometimes, you see a book and you just have to buy it. Then it sits there unread for years. My 5 years old took it out of the shelf a week before I went on a vacation to San Francisco with my 9 years old. I read this book on a lark because it's an interesting title.

While waiting for my children's piano and guitar lessons, I started reading. I timed myself on all the timed practice...and believe it or not, I REALLY doubled my reading speed by chapter 2. That's less than an hour!

Tell me, how awesome is that? I'm re-reading the book again, because if I can read faster, retain more, then it will be very helpful for my LSAT (Law School Admission Test) in October 1. As usual, I am procrastinating and have barely begun to practice the test. I will do it now. Not tomorrow, now. Knock on wood and keep fingers crossed. :)

I highly recommend this book to anybody who reads and likes reading, and to anybody else who wants to read faster. I'm not at 1500 words per minute yet, but I bet I will be before the year is out.

Sheer Mischief by Jill Mansell

2011-06-25T06:33:00.000-07:00

Winner: Mischief! Rae

Sheer Mischief
by Jill Mansell
Published in 2001
ISBN-10: 0-7472-6847-9

I read the one with the red cover, the other one is a newer edition. This is a highly recommended book from me. It's chick-lit, and romantic. It's deep and comedic. I just love the way Jill Mansell writes. I devoured this book in 2 days. My mother is now reading this one. I have to buy my copy from UK! It's worth it, though. She never disappoints.

This is a story about a sister who outshines her older sister in every possible way. Those with sisters can certainly relate. Who hasn't got one of those. If you're an only child you can enjoy the love story of the book. There's also a handsome successful man who is in dire need of a nanny, a charismatic chef, and two adorable children. There's also some missing husband. All these ingredients made for a wonderful hours of reading.

If you would like to win a copy of this book:
1. Follow me
2. Leave a comment stating that you want a copy.
3. I will pick up a name on July 13. (coz I'm going on a trip to SF and won't be back for a while.)

We Want to Know Wednesday Q&A

2011-05-25T08:33:00.000-07:00

I can't resist. This meme is too fun to pass up. So here I go.

This week's questions are from Seriously Shawn

{1} What must you do before you go to bed at night?
{2} What is one thing you must snack on at the theater?
{3} Before going on vacation what must you do?
{4} What is one thing you must do every day?
{5} Is there something you do that must be done in a particular order?

1. I must brush my teeth, wash my face, straightened up my bed sheets, and read a book before I go to bed at night. I'm currently reading

2. At the theater, the price of the snacks keeps me from wanting anything while watching a movie. So, I don't buy anything unless I am with my children, then I am forced to pay up for popcorn and soda. I don't like those.

3. Before vacation, I like to pack first, then clean my house and make sure things are straight and neat. I like to go home to a nice orderly house. Sometimes, this is very hard because my children and husband can be such slobs.

4. Read a book. It's an addiction. Even on my most busy day, I grab a book and read a page simply because it's like being and OCD. I must.

5. Well, quite a few. For example, when I go to shower, I like to make sure that no clothes are strewn about in the bathroom, the rugs and nice and floppy, the sink is orderly, then I make sure that the floors are as dust free as possible. Then I grab a towel, turn on shower, line up my shampoo and stuff. Get naked, and jump in the shower. I imagine other people do the same.

Is It Like Listening To You Talk?

2011-05-16T20:36:00.000-07:00

As you probably know, to become an internationally best-selling author, you need to sell three books. This is not an easy task, but once you’ve managed to rack up these three sales, the rest is more or less a done deal.

Now, these sales themselves will not put you on the best-seller lists. They won’t even put you within a million spots of the bottom of the lists, but what they will do, and what they do every time, is spark a slowly growing buying frenzy that will get you there.

These three people will love your book, they will tell another five people, who in turn tell another seven. Within roughly four-and-a-half weeks, you finally make your first million.
That’s how it happens. Every single time.

But, how does an author tackle this monumental task? Where does he find these three readers?

I myself was quite lucky. When my novel appeared on Amazon I already knew over five people! What’s more, some of these people even liked me... somewhat. So I set out to become an internationally best-selling author by convincing at least three of these five people to buy my novel.

I started with my mother. Of all the five people I knew, I probably knew her the longest. I showed her my Amazon page and she nodded approvingly. She did not, however, make any attempts to buy a copy. So I logged on for her, navigated back to my novel’s page, and left the mouse pointer conveniently positioned over the BUY button.

She read the novel description again, searched-inside-this-book, and nodded some more. When I asked her if she’d like to buy a copy, she scrunched up her nose and said;

‘But what if I don’t like it?’
I told her not to worry. ‘It’s a really good book,’ I said. ‘I should know. I’ve re-written it like 50 times. It’s really funny and interesting.’
My mother wasn’t convinced. ‘I’m not really into comedy writing, though,’ she said.
‘It’s not just a comedy,’ I pointed out. ‘It has a real story; it’s a mystery. And it has twists and turns and believable characters.’
My mother hesitated. ‘Maybe I should just play it safe and buy another Stephen King novel…’

I ended up having to offer a personal money-back guarantee, and purchase a copy using my own credit card for the time being, but she finally cracked. I’d made my first sale!

Next, I prodded my wife. Although she did like words in general, she wasn’t sure she was up for reading and entire book full of them. ‘Is this like your usual stuff?’ she wanted to know.
‘What usual stuff?’
She shrugged. ‘I don’t know. Is it like listening to you talk?’
‘What’s wrong with they way I talk?’
‘Nothing. It’s just, well, sometimes you talk a lot of nonsense.’
I waved it away. ‘Don’t worry,’ I said. ‘I am much more interesting and ‘telligible’ on paper.’

Long story short; my second sale is almost in the bag. Now I just need to find one more person to buy my novel, and I’ll be set for life!

Check out the Summer of Gomez!

Get free books and win a Kindle or iPod.

As reviewers have been calling “No Hope for Gomez!” the perfect summer read - light, fast, fun - I decided to give this summer's Gomez readers some exclusive content and the chance to win prizes.

ROYAL Giveaways!!! (Win One Here, too! US and Canada)

2011-04-23T05:45:00.000-07:00

Winner: Tina

What's the next best thing to slice bread and chocolate? (Okay, other than chocolate in slice bread). A great car insurance? For sure. FREE BOOKS! Yes, lots of them. So read on below and find out how you can get your hands on some extraordinary prizes.

Stay tuned in this blog for more fun stuff. There might even be a major giveaway. Watch out for it on the sidebar.

If you haven’t already checked out the Sourcebooks British Babes Book Brigade Facebook Page (where you can participate in giveaways and interact with authors like Elizabeth Chadwick, Jill Mansell, Helen Hollick, Sarah Bower and Phillipa Ashley and more…) then you should before next week because the page is about to go royally mad!!

The royal wedding is only a week away and we are going to be celebrating all next week. Starting Monday we will be doing a giveaway every day until the big celebration on Friday. But these are no ordinary giveaways – these are royal wedding prize packs!

3 winners will be randomly picked each day:

- The 1^st place winner will get a William & Kate wedding memento (it is top secret for now (just like Kate’s dress J) but check the page out on Monday to find out – oh and they are all different so there will be a different memento each day). Along with that they also get their choice of three books from any of our British Book Babes.

- The 2^nd place winner will have their choice of any two books from any of our British Book Babes.

- The 3^rd place winner will have their choice of one book from any of our British Book Babes.

Leave a comment here and you could be a winner, too. Win surprise title of Georgette Heyer's novel. Drawing on Sunday, May 8. Up to two winners. US or Canada address only. No PO Box.

So, You Want To Write A Novel?

2011-04-20T12:57:00.000-07:00

I saw this on facebook with Anna's post. It is funny. It might just be true also.

Just present my Spanish project today. I think I did okay, except for the parts where I did not.

Hand In The Till by Gerald Hansen

2011-04-14T01:49:00.000-07:00

Added April 20
Winner: Lisa

Hand In The Till
by Gerald Hansen
Paperback

List Price: $16.95
Published in 2011
ISBN-10: 1-4502-8770-0 / 1450287700
ISBN-13: 978-1-4502-8770-8 / 9781450287708

With a family like this, who wouldn't need absinthe?

Fionnuala Flood, mother of seven unruly thugs, takes stock of her life on her 45th birthday, and it couldn't be more of a misery. She's been fired from the corner shop for stealing, her two oldest sons are in prison, her husband's hands are fondling more than frozen fish at the packing plant, and her lesbian daughter has just published a book exposing the family's attempts to get their claws into Auntie Ursula Barnett's lottery winnings the year before. Daughter Dymphna, unwed mother, has just been kicked out of her boyfriend's house, adding two more mouths to feed.

Desperate to raise money to travel to Malta for the launch party and wreak havoc, Fionnuala puts into motion a get-rich-quick scheme that preys on the weaknesses of others and will hopefully add a bit of luxury to her empty coal bin of a life. The scam unleashes dark secrets that bring Ursula back to town for a final showdown.

Hand In The Till is a darkly comic look at revenge, retribution and, perhaps, reconciliation. With a shot of absinthe.

Win a copy of this book by leaving a comment and filling up the form on the left hand side. Drawing will be on Sunday, April 17.
Contest open US only for paperback copy.
Worldwide for Kindle e-book copy.

Extra entry: follow me and mention it in the comment.

2011-04-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

Origins
The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries Series, Book 1
Edition: Unabridged
Series: The Vampire Diaries: Stefan's Diaries
by L. J. Smith and Julie Plec
Reader Kevin T. Collins
Duration: 6 hours, 21 minutes
ISBN: 9780062068088
Release date: Nov 02, 2010

I borrowed The Vampire Diaries DVD from Netflix for about 7 months now. But I was immersed in another series (Smallville). I just sat on this DVD until this week when I have so many exams, I have to watch a new series!

I listened to the audio book before watching the show because it's there in my digital checkout from my local library. I wanted the background for the series. I end up liking the story, but not sure if I am really love it. I find the story slow, and have to stop a few times as it was making me drowsy. I don't know if it's the story or the reader. I am used to energetic reader like Dick Hill of Lee Child's Jack Reacher series.

This story is good in its own way. It's probably not going to be 'super'-anything, but it's fun series to watch on TV.

I finished 3 episodes of season 1. I think I will keep on watching. The actors are beautiful and attractive, and the story compelling enough.

Summary:
Set during the Civil War, against a backdrop of grand estates, unimaginable riches, and deadly secrets, three teenagers in Mystic Falls, Virginia enter a torrid love triangle that will span eternity.

Brothers Stefan and Damon Salvatore are inseparable until they meet Katherine, a stunning, mysterious woman who turns their world upside down. Siblings turned rivals, the Salvatores compete for Katherine's affection, only to discover that her sumptuous silk dresses and glittering gems hide a terrible secret: Katherine is a vampire. And she is intent on turning them into vampires so they can live together-forever.

Based on the popular CW TV show inspired by the bestselling novels, Stefan's Diaries reveals the truth about what really happened between Stefan, Damon, and Katherine—and how the Vampire Diaries love triangle began.

Homer said:

2011-04-06T20:56:00.000-07:00

Saw this one on my friend's facebook status update. So classic!

"Books are useless! I only ever read one book, To Kill A Mockingbird, and it gave me absolutely no insight on how to kill mockingbirds! Sure it taught me not to judge a man by the color of his skin but what good does *that* do me?"
- Homer Simpson

Pride and Prejudice and Zombie by Seth Grahame-Smith

2011-04-05T22:17:00.000-07:00

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls (Pride and Prejudice and Zombies Series)
by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
Read by Katherine Kellgren
Produce by Audible/ Brilliance Audio

Duration: 10 hours, 58 minutes (Unabridged)
ISBN: 9781441816801
Release date: Oct 21, 2009

I want to read this book when it came out. I never got the chance until now. Yes, it's still Pride and Prejudice but it is running amok with hordes of undead. England is plague with zombies. Elizabeth and Jane and her sisters are quite dashing. They can fly like well-trained Shaolin monks because they trained in China.

I love the fighting scenes. It might be a little off-putting that Elizabeth is less compassionate. But then again, if there are zombies running amok, she cannot afford to be 'nice'. Jane Austen's P&P is still there, but it's new and exciting package. Just don't let the gore turned you off.

This book is now optioned to be a movie. Can't wait to see what they do with it. Can you picture who might play this new deadly Elizabeth?

Summary:
So begins Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, an expanded edition of the beloved Jane Austen novel featuring all-new scenes of bone-crunching zombie mayhem. As our story opens, a mysterious plague has fallen upon the quiet English village of Meryton -- and the dead are returning to life! Feisty heroine Elizabeth Bennet is determined to wipe out the zombie menace, but she's soon distracted by the arrival of the haughty and arrogant Mr. Darcy. What ensues is a delightful comedy of manners with plenty of civilized sparring between the two young lovers -- and even more violent sparring on the blood-soaked battlefield. Can Elizabeth vanquish the spawn of Satan? And overcome the social prejudices of the class-conscious landed gentry? Complete with romance, heartbreak, swordfights, cannibalism, and thousands of rotting corpses, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies transforms a masterpiece of world literature into something you'd actually want to listen to.

Heart of Fire by Linda Howard (Free Book, US only)

2011-03-25T06:33:00.000-07:00

I borrowed this on my local public digital library. I love using Dallas Public's digital library. It's so convenient to download it to my iPod and when I'm done, just delete it. I used to load up CD after CD of books to listen to audio.

I didn't recognized that this was the same book published in 1997. I enjoyed the story, but it is not my favorite Linda Howard story. I like the alpha male character though, and the girl is not so bad. It's good company while I'm driving for 35 hours at night.

If you want a free copy of this book, leave a comment and follow me. Will pick up a winner next Thursday via random.org.

From Publishers Weekly
Archeologist Jillian Sherwood attributes her lackluster professional reputation to the fact that her late father, also an archeologist, was notorious for his supposedly crackpot theories, such as one about a lost city in the heart of the Amazon jungle that was home to a band of Amazon women warriors. Equipped with a map from her father's papers, Jillian is determined to find the lost city, thereby salvaging her father's reputation and her own. She is accompanied on the two-month expedition by Rick, her half-brother, who still resents her being daddy's favorite; Steven Kates, an unprincipled crook who has money to fund the venture and plans to steal anything valuable that turns up; Ramon Dutra, a jungle-wise thug; and Ben Lewis, an experienced guide who is more macho than any human being needs to be. Unfortunately, the more intense their adventures, the less realistic they appear because the characters have charmed lives. A pirate attack, an encounter with a jaguar and a hazardous walk along the side of a mountain give Howard's ( The Touch of Fire ) romance an adventure-yarn feel, but since Jillian seems to be virtually indestructible and Ben, as her only possible love interest, is inevitably guaranteed survival, the book lacks real suspense.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

The Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

2011-03-24T07:27:00.000-07:00

Revolution [ENHANCED]
Edition: Unabridged
by Jennifer Donnelly
Readers: Emily Janice Card
Emma Bering

Publisher: Listening Library
Subject(s): Fiction
Historical Fiction
Juvenile Fiction
Language(s): English
Awards: Odyssey Award Honor
American Library Association

Description

BROOKLYN: Andi Alpers is on the edge. She's angry at her father for leaving, angry at her mother for not being able to cope, and heartbroken by the loss of her younger brother, Truman. Rage and grief are destroying her. And she's about to be expelled from Brooklyn Heights' most prestigious private school when her father intervenes. Now Andi must accompany him to Paris for winter break.

PARIS: Alexandrine Paradis lived over two centuries ago. She dreamed of making her mark on the Paris stage, but a fateful encounter with a doomed prince of France cast her in a tragic role she didn't want--and couldn't escape.

Two girls, two centuries apart. One never knowing the other. But when Andi finds Alexandrine's diary, she recognizes something in her words and is moved to the point of obsession. There's comfort and distraction for Andi in the journal's antique pages--until, on a midnight journey through the catacombs of Paris, Alexandrine's words transcend paper and time, and the past becomes suddenly, terrifyingly present.

Jennifer Donnelly, author of the award-winning novel A Northern Light, artfully weaves two girls' stories into one unforgettable account of life, loss, and enduring love. Revolution spans centuries and vividly depicts the eternal struggles of the human heart.

I did not like this book at first. I just finished Sherrilyn Kenyon's Acheron and I wasn't in the mood for more angst in my audio book. I just feel like I'm going to end up driving onto a tree if I hear anymore suffering. However, this is Jennifer Donnelly. THE Jennifer Donnelly who wrote The Tea Rose and The White Rose, books which I re-read because I enjoy and love the story very much. It's right up there with Paullina Simon's The Bronze Horseman, or Elizabeth Kostova's The Historian, C.W. Gortner's The Last Queen. Historical, epic and not to be missed. So I listened. I have to restart the first disc three times. But that's not strange for me. I have to restart Diana Gabaldon's Outlander about 7 times before I found my groove and adored the book.

I didn't understand what the book was at first. There were some pretty neat lyrics though. Anyway, by the time I put the 2nd out of 12 disc, I'm in. I want to know what happened to Andi's brother. I want to know what she's going to do next. I'm invested. This is the best possible way to enjoy a story. Being invested in a character.

I'm still 4 discs away from finishing, but I'm confident that I recommend this book. Don't missed it. Jennifer Donnelly did it again. This author is so talented, reading her book (or listening to it) is a gift.

Why one star less? Only because I have to restart more than once to get into the story. I'm not sure if this is due to my having to get used to the reader or some other thing. However, I love the book now and enjoying it very much.

Happy 5th Birthday, Baby

2011-03-23T04:53:00.000-07:00

It just seem like yesterday when my doctor said, "I'm sorry. You're not going home. You're going to be induced today."

I went to the hospital 2 weeks before my due date. I had fever and I was worried that my baby was not moving. Do you know that babies gets distressed when mothers are having flu? After two days, I was ready to go home. Only, I couldn't because I have a bad case of preeclampsia. My blood pressure was very high. So high that when my baby turned breach mid-labor, they had to do a c-section instead of taking the time to turn him around.

It was all worth it because I have a beautiful baby afterward. We'll light a cake today, celebrate over the weekend because I go to school and so does every body else.

Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon

2011-03-22T22:50:00.000-07:00

Acheron (Dark-Hunter, Book 12) [Audiobook, CD, Unabridged] [Audio CD]
Sherrilyn Kenyon (Author), Holter Graham (Narrator)

I read this book when it came out in August of 2008. When I was in my local library, I saw that they also have it there. Since I have been driving at least 20 hours a week, I decided to keep up with 'reading' by listening to audio books. I started with David Baldacci's audio books which I have on hand. Then I saw this one. Nineteen (19) discs long!

I still like the story, but I just never noticed before how almost half of the book, Acheron suffered. For such a powerful being, for someone who has the power of life and death of all beings, he sure is powerless for up to disc 10. I understand he didn't know he was a god before. There's an excellent reason for this. But what about afterwards? After he knew?

Would I recommend this book? Sure! It is a Sherrilyn Kenyon after all. However, I just want to warn you that the utter hopelessness, pain and humiliation is worth the book. I think that I listened through it all because I like Ash from the previous 11 books. I wanted to know why he behaves the way he does. This book can be read or listened to by itself....but just know it's part of a Dark Hunter Series, too.

Formerly, ThisBookForFree.com

2011-03-22T08:24:00.000-07:00

I have to change my domain. It was hacked and godaddy.com cannot help me with fixing it. I find it very annoying, but what can I do?

I am back in school, elbow deep in guts and blood, and wading my way through Spanish class, too. So, here I am, starting over (sort of). Will have lots of goodies for you guys.

Let me know what kind of free books you'd like to see. I'm interested to know.

Enchanting The Lady by Kathryne Kennedy

2011-01-13T06:41:00.000-08:00

This is a delightful tale, and for me a different take on the world of Magic and aristocracy. At first, I wasn't keen on the book, but it grew on me. To keep a title, one must be able to pass a magic test. It's a cool idea. It's like title based on merit. On the other hand, what happens if someone plays foul and the victim is unaware of it? This is Felicity's story. Enjoy this story about love, magic, secrets, dastardly deeds, and smart dragons. You won't be disappointed at all.

About the book:

Little-noticed Felicity Seymour is a woman with a problem: she can't take control of her parents' lands until she can prove her magical abilities, of which she's never had the slightest hint. When she meets a handsome were-lion baronet, Terence Blackwell, she's surprised at his interest; what she doesn't know is that Terence smells the taint of relic-magic on her, the same magic that killed his brother. Resolving to learn her secrets, Terence courts the worried wallflower and is as surprised as anyone when he falls head over heels. Soon after they marry in secret, Felicity discovers that people she's trusted all her life are conspiring to steal her magic, her title and her land. Now she's got to stop them with the help of her new husband—but how much does she really know about her mysterious mate? The latest from Kennedy (Beneath the Thirteen Moons) is simply delightful, set in a fantasy-touched Victorian England that's imaginative, historically vigorous and ripe for further adventures. Felicity is a pleasantly unassuming heroine and is well matched in Terence, while the identity of the villain will keep readers guessing until the very end. (Jan.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Unbillable Hours: A True Story by Ian Graham

2011-01-11T12:34:00.000-08:00

Unbillable Hours: A True Story [Kindle Edition]
Ian Graham

Ian Graham (Author)

› Visit Amazon's Ian Graham Page

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4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (21 customer reviews)

21 Reviews

5 star: (18)

4 star: (0)

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1 star: (3)

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Digital List Price: $11.99

Print List Price: $24.95

Kindle Price: $0.00 includes free wireless delivery via Amazon Whispernet

You Save: $24.95 (100

I enjoyed reading this book immensely. I'm usually an avid romance reader, but I'm branching out. If you hurry, you can get this book for free at amazon kindle right now.

About the book:
The story—part memoir, part hard-hitting expose—of a first-year law associate negotiating the arduous path through a system designed to break those who enter it before it makes them.

Landing a job at a prestigious L.A. law firm, complete with a six figure income, signaled the beginning of the good life for Ian Graham. But the harsh reality of life as an associate quickly became evident. The work was grueling and boring, the days were impossibly long, and Graham’s main goal was to rack up billable hours. But when he took an unpaid pro bono case to escape the drudgery, Graham found the meaning in his work that he’d been looking for. As he worked to free Mario Rocha, a gifted young Latino who had been wrongly convicted at 16 and sentenced to life without parole, the shocking contrast between the quest for money and power and Mario’s desperate struggle for freedom led Graham to look long and hard at his future as a corporate lawyer.

Clear-eyed and moving, written with the drama and speed of a John Grisham novel and the personal appeal of Scott Turow’s account of his law school years, Unbillable Hours is an arresting personal story with implications for all of us.

Wentworth Miller

2010-06-05T03:30:00.000-07:00

I actually found Prison Break because of Dominic Purcell from John Doe. But now, it's Wentworth Miller I find so sexy!

Hot David!

2010-05-30T22:45:00.001-07:00

Speedracer: The Movie

2009-07-21T11:00:00.000-07:00

It's a Boy Girl Thing

2009-07-17T16:25:00.000-07:00

I watched this movie with my friend, Shabem. What a cute story. He's a jock and she's a brainiac. They don't like each other very much. Then, one morning, they woke up in each other's bodies. Now, they have to live with. It's a cute love story with comedy thrown in. They're both believable character. I can't believe I didn't notice Kevin Zeger in my other favorite movie, The Jane Austen Book Club.

He might be even cuter than Zac!

Top Five Casts:

Samaire Armstrong ... Nell Bedworth
Kevin Zegers ... Woody Deane
Sherry Miller ... Katherine Bedworth
Robert Joy ... Ted Bedworth
Sharon Osbourne ... Della Deane

He looks like Zac Efron or Zac Efron looks like him.

Stone Cold (The Camel Club) by David Baldacci Audio CD

2009-07-16T16:29:00.000-07:00

Stone Cold (The Camel Club)
by David Baldacci
Reader: Ron McLarty
Audio CD
List Price: $49.98
Published in 2007
ISBN-10: 1-60024-052-6

This is the second Camel Club book I listened to. I knit while I listen. So, at the end of this book, I have this much finished. I listed to Divine Justice first and didn't like Annabelle very much. But in this book, I like her very much. I understand where's she's coming from. I like Harry Finn's character. He's efficient and smart. I think his character is well-developed. I like Alex Ford. I can't wait to find out more about him in the previous book. I reserved it from the library. I like Ron McLarty as a reader too. He's quite engaging. I'm going to go and find a picture of him now.

Book Summary:

Oliver Stone and the Camel Club are back in their most dangerous adventure yet, a war on two fronts. Casino king Jerry Bagger from THE COLLECTORS is hunting Annabelle Conroy who conned him out of millions. Stone and his colleagues Reuben, Milton, and Caleb marshal all their resources to protect Annabelle. Yet all their skills may not be enough when a deadly new opponent rips off the veneer of Stone's own mysterious past. Bagger's menace pales next to newcomer Harry Finn's lethality. Seeming a normal family-man, Finn has already killed three men with more targets to come. When Finn also sets his bulls-eye on Stone, his reason why will be the greatest shock of all, making readers reconsider their beliefs in good and evil. As bodies and institutions topple, the story rockets toward a shattering finale that will leave the survivors of this explosive tale changed forever.

Divine Justice by David Baldacci Audio CD

2009-07-10T17:30:00.000-07:00

Divine Justice
by David Baldacci
Audio CD
List Price: $44.98
Published in 2008
ISBN-10: 1-60024-428-9

I listened to this book on a lark. I've been trying to assemble David Baldacci's books. I think I have most of them. But sometimes, I'm anal about having all the books then reading them one after another. But, I wanted to take up knitting again. I listed to this and carried around my CD player with me. My iPod happened to stop syncing with my iTunes so CD player it is. What a great read.

The book start out with Oliver Stone, not his real name, running and hiding. He just killed two high profile government people. He ended in this small town, right into a nest of murdering drug dealers. The action never stops. I like this story very much. I'm probably going to read/listen more of Baldacci's stories.

Other books in the series:
The Camel Club (2005) | The Collectors (2006) | Stone Cold (2007) | Divine Justice (2008)

Five Children and It - Freddie Hightmore

2009-07-06T17:31:00.000-07:00

Five children were sent to an English countryside due to war. While exploring the seaside through a forbidden room, they encountered IT. He's like a genie, except that his wish doesn't last past sundown. This is a hilarious and oftentimes melancholy tale of children and their wishes and the lessons to be learned from it. This is also a book by Edith Nesbit. I'm planning to read it to my children and see how they compare to the movie we just saw via Netflix's instant play.

Tara Fitzgerald ... Mother
Freddie Highmore ... Robert
Alex Jennings ... Father
Jonathan Bailey ... Cyril
Jessica Claridge ... Anthea

The Scarecrow by Michael Connelly (audio)

2009-07-04T11:39:00.000-07:00

The Scarecrow
by Michael Connelly
Read by Peter Giles
Audio CD
List Price: $39.98
Published in 2009
ISBN-10: 1-60024-574-9

This story takes a bit getting used to. It's Peter Giles. He reminds me of my Ethics 101 professor, Dr. Channel. He's a brilliant instructor, but his voice is quite hypnotic. I would even say, soporific. Peter Giles is not that bad. Just that it's got the same rhythm to it. I was going to knit and listen, but I end up scrubbing my floors and listening because otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to finish the story.

This is about Jack McEvoy. He works for Los Angeles Times and is #99 on the workforce reduction list. That last two weeks of his stay, he stumbled into a serial killer investigation. This brings back his former FBI girlfriend because he had no one to turn to. The Scarecrow feeds into my suspicions that on the hands of the wrong person, information superhighway can cause chaos and mayhem.

I like this story, but it isn't my favorite one by this author. Lincoln Lawyer is still one of my most favorite.

Thanks to Anna of Hachette for my copy. You can still win a free copy of this audio until July 21, 2009.

The Proposal - Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds

2009-06-20T07:54:00.000-07:00

I went to see this movie with my husband yesterday. I had so much fun. I think Sandra Bullocks makes great romantic comedy movies. She and Ryan Reynolds makes the screen sizzle. It was a pleasure to watch a good film and be entertained. There are many laugh out loud moments. There are also some tender moments that makes me teary-eyed. I will watch this movie again.

Top Five Casts:

Sandra Bullock ... Margaret Tate
Ryan Reynolds ... Andrew Paxton
Mary Steenburgen ... Grace Paxton
Craig T. Nelson ... Joe Paxton
Betty White ... Grandma Annie

I don't know how long this link will last, but I like this scene. Funny!

Poseidon (2006)

2009-06-17T14:52:00.000-07:00

I saw this movie last Tuesday on Netflix Instant Play. I didn't bother watching it when it came out because, well, it wasn't that appealing to me then. I'm not much into movies, but it's amazing that I've been watching more of them lately than ever. I think my books are positively forlorn that I have not been spending as much time with them as I used to.

This movie is exciting, scary and fun. All things that makes a movie glue you to your seat. My daughter was cowering next to me, but of course, she stayed and watched. It was a fun movie. It was all things a movie should be. I wished now that I had watched it on big screen.

I think that I might just go ahead and pull a rabbit out of a hat. My husband wants this 73" screen TV. I'm with him on that now...where before I couldn't see the point. We have three working TV. So, we're shopping for that big screen TV now.

Top Five Casts:

Josh Lucas ... Dylan Johns
Kurt Russell ... Robert Ramsey
Jacinda Barrett ... Maggie James
Richard Dreyfuss ... Richard Nelson
Emmy Rossum ... Jennifer Ramsey

Amazing Young Adults Giveaway

2009-06-16T13:48:00.000-07:00

Lisa Roe has three amazing young adults book giveaway. Click here to win them. The more you do, the more chances you have of winning.

Tombstone Tea (ARC) by Joanne Dahme
published by Running Press Teens

The Hunting, Book 1: Z.Rex (ARC) by Steve Cole
published by Philomel Books

Uncle John's Under the Slimy Sea Bathroom Reader for Kids Only by Bathroom Readers' Institute.

UP May Not Be a Book

2009-06-06T06:33:00.000-07:00

Up may not be a book, but it's a fantastic movie. I cried in more than one place in it. I love it! Have you seen it?

Top Five Casts:

Edward Asner ... Carl Fredricksen (voice) (as Ed Asner)
Christopher Plummer ... Charles Muntz (voice)
Jordan Nagai ... Russell (voice)
Bob Peterson ... Dug / Alpha (voice)
Delroy Lindo ... Beta (voice)

I Love My Library

2009-04-25T12:31:00.001-07:00

I just got an e-mail that I can pick up my copy (for borrowing that is) of
The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide
by J.R. Ward
Paperback
560 Pages
Published 2008 by Signet

I will rate it later, after I have read it. I'm just really excited about it right now. Too bad I cannot make it to my library because I was out all morning and part of the afternoon getting glasses for my 4-years old. He's finally got it 5 hours later. I might have gone shopping in between somewhere.

Like Cans of Soup...

2009-04-14T20:45:00.000-07:00

---

I just cannot leave it alone. I had to fix the list. So, I went back and put authors and readers on my books. This is only a partial list of the books I have read. I like reading, but I don't always review what I read. Here are some books that caught the 'I feel like reviewing' wave.

Here I am taking a picture of a flower on the way home from eating out. My husband took this picture. What does canned soup have to do with it? I used to re-arrange my canned soup pantry when I have to take a major exam. The order soothes me.

Awards From Bobbie

2009-04-03T16:39:00.001-07:00

I am very happy that Bobbie thought of me when he did this award. Thank you so much! Bobbie reviews books at Book Reviews by Bobbie.

1. Put the logo on your blog
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you
3. Award up to ten other blogs
4. Add links to those blogs on yours
5. Leave a message for your awardees on their blogs

I need 20 blogs, and I'm going to give it some thought. I should have another post coming up.

Put the logo on your blog or on a post.
Nominate up to 10 other bloggers which show great attitude and or gratitude.
Be sure to link to your nominees within your post.
Let them know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
Remember to link to the person from whom you received your award.

Changed Domain

2009-04-01T16:44:00.000-07:00

My dot com expired, and I'm back here. I hope my friends can still find me.

One Shot by Lee Child

2009-01-29T00:09:00.000-08:00

One Shot (Jack Reacher, No. 9)
by Lee Child

I can't believe I'm already on the 9th book of Jack Reacher series. This is a fantastic series. I'm so glad I found out about it. I've been listening to the audio of this book. Dick Hill is a fantastic reader. I hope they pick an actor who sounds like him when they make this series into a movie. I've gotten used to Jack Reacher sounding like him.

In this installment, Jack went to Indiana to find out about a trained military sniper like James Barr who went on a rampage. The slam-dunk case is no more when Jack finds out more and more about the event. I like the twist and turn this story takes. I like how it's always possible for Jack to find help, and it's believable. I almost didn't want this story to end. It's one satisfying read.

The Alpha Factor by Wes Ball

2009-01-28T11:37:00.000-08:00

The Alpha Factor: The Secret to Dominating Competitors and Creating Self-sustaining Success
by Wes Ball
Hardcover
Published in 2008
ISBN-10: 0-9800031-0-5

I was a little distressed to realize that my 2009 is shaping up away from books. Take a look at my list so far. So much more movies than books. But then I got hold of a really great book, which I will soon be giving away at my other site, then I'm back to my reading thing. Thanks to Lisa Roe of Online Publicist for sending me a copy of this book.

I read THE ALPHA FACTOR by Wes Ball. It's an engaging books for business people, but very easy to read for every body else. In fact, I think every one should read this book because it has nuggets of wisdom about what truly ticks in marketing. It's surprising to find out what I've suspected all along. People buy products if it makes them feel smart and empowered about their choices. I used to get annoyed at commercial who makes their potential customer look and feel stupid.

This book is truly a must read for anyone who operates a business or even if you're planning to be one. It's organized and it's smart. It's highly researched. And frankly, reading this book will make you feel smart! I'm making this my new stocking staffer. You won't be sorry if you read this book.

Books and Movies I've Read/Seen in 2009

2009-01-07T16:49:00.000-08:00

I usually have a nice list somewhere, but I don't want to forget the ones I've started already, so here they are. I have listened to two books, but I can't recall their title now, even if it was just a few days ago...I mean we're only 7 days into 2009!

Book:
1. Child, Lee - Persuader~, read by Dick Hill

~ audiobook

Movie:
14. Yes Man* - Jim Carrey
13. Hannibal Rising - Gaspard Ulliel
12. Meet the Robinsons - cartoon
11. A Scanner Darkly - Keeanu Reeves

10. Accepted - Justin Long
9. My Fair Madeleine - cartoon
8. The Virgin Queen - Kevin McKidd
7. Trainspotting - Ewan McGregor
6. Marley & Me*+ - Owen Wilson

5. Gran Torino* - Clint Eastwood
4. 27 Dresses - Katherine Heigl
3. Love is the Devil - Daniel Craig
2. The Mother - Daniel Craig
1. Bedtime Stories*+ - Adam Sandler

* movie theater
+ will watch again

Third Option by Vince Flynn

2008-12-15T14:29:00.000-08:00

The Third Option
by Vince Flynn

I listened to the audio cassette version read by Nick Sullivan. He's a great reader, and it's really important for me to have a reader I like. There's some books that I like, but the reader just kills it for me. Nick Sullivan is a wonderful reader.

This book opened with Mitch Rapp in Germany about to take care of some baddies. Unfortunately, the mission didn't go too well as his team member had a different assignment. He got shot, and now he must find the killer and find out why all this happened. I like the pace, it's quite exciting, so I'm going to listen the next book in the series I can get my hands on. I noticed that I haven't been finishing my romance novels lately. I wonder if I'm aging and this is what's happening.

Amazon.com Review

Rancorous political infighting surrounds the selection of a successor to the dying head of the CIA just as Mitch Rapp, the agency's top operative, embarks on a dangerous mission to take out a well-known German industrialist believed to be supplying Middle East terrorists with highly sensitive equipment critical to constructing a nuclear bomb. When Rapp's ultimately successful mission is compromised from within, ailing CIA director Thomas Stansfield puts his imprimatur on the efforts of his chosen successor, Irene Kennedy, director of the agency's Counterterrorism Center, to identify the powerful interests both inside and outside the agency that wanted Rapp to fail.
The motive soon becomes clear; there are people who'll stop at nothing to remove Kennedy from the helm of the agency after Stansfield dies. One thing they didn't count on was Rapp's survival, and now he's a lethal weapon whose sights are fixed directly on the most powerful among them. This is a strong, swift thriller, a bit predictable (the senator in the black hat has dogs named Caesar and Brutus) but nonetheless involving. Author Vince Flynn sustains the dramatic tension from the opening paragraph to the last; in Mitch Rapp, he's got the makings of a promising series hero. --Jane Adams

Vince Flynn's Mitch Rapp Series

2008-12-14T10:38:00.000-08:00

This is the order of the book:

Term Limits,
Transfer of Power,
The Third Option,
Separation of Power,
Executive Power,
Memorial Day,
Consent to Kill,
Act of Treason,
Protect and Defend,
Extreme Measures.

I'm listening to Third Option audio cassette right now. It's the only unabridged I can find. I might actually have to read the first and second book. I like this character very much.

And yes, this is going to be a movie, soon.

Lee Child's Jack Reacher Series

2008-12-11T10:52:00.000-08:00

I love this series too. These are the book in order:

Killing Floor
Die Trying
Tripwire
Running Blind
Without Fail
Persuader
The Enemy ( I read this first because it's a prequel)
One Shot
The Hard Way
Bad Luck and Trouble
Nothing to Loose

Jack Reacher is an awesome character. I am thinking of casting him in an actor, but I can't think of any one who'd be perfect as him. For sure, that actor has to be tall.

Not sure if they're going to make this one into a movie yet, but I sure hope so. I just finished Running Blind, and will start Without Fail when my laundry piles up again. :)

Tripwire by Lee Child

2008-11-26T07:06:00.000-08:00

Tripwire (Jack Reacher, No. 3)
by Lee Child

Jack Reacher finally found a girl he might be willing to stay in one zip code for. Or had he? I'm getting ahead of myself. Jack is in Florida, digging ditches and building his muscles into delicious proportion. Then people looking for him started dropping dead. Not long after that, he's deep into the mysterious cover up by the military. He's an ex-MP himself and can go to places where no ordinary mortals might be able to go.

I got sucked into this series by a great story and an enthralling reader, Dick Hill. Dick and I have done many loads of laundry together. He's even there when I get hit with my penchant to wax and mop my floors for the nth time in a day. I highly recommend this book even if you're primarily a romance reader like moi.

Here's interesting facts about Jack Reacher, according to his creator/author, Lee Child.

I Got an "I Love Your Blog Award"

2008-11-08T16:32:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Bobbie for giving me this award. I'm so happy to get it. I meant to do this post right after I got the award. Unfortunately, I had to replace my sidings, so it was delayed a whole lot. But, this award doesn't spoil, so I'm doing it now.

After receiving the award you are supposed to pay it forward:
1) Add the logo of your award to your blog.
2) Add a link to the person who awarded it to you.
3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4) Add links to those blogs on your blog.
5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

Here are my seven blogs:

1. Sidney's My Sari Sari Store. This is a photoblog about the Philippines. I find it very informative and pleasant to go there because he's giving me view of the Philippines that I never got to see before.

2. Charles' The Queer Chef. And just like he promised, he's queer and he'll make your taste buds cheer. Right now, he's not into cheering your taste buds, but he's definitely going to make you cheer when you visit him.

3. Sanna's MisbehavinAngel. She's a mother of one from Germany. She's creative, and she's into books like I am. She's quite an impressive lady.

4. Acey's tralalalala. You have to be there to know it. It's about her life, thoughts and arts. She's quite an impressive artist.

5. Cathy's Me and My World. She's is creative and wonderful and it shows in her blog. She's a fabulous cook also. I love her food. I know what I'm talking about because I have eaten her food.

6. Pamela's Writer's Block Review. She's writes book review like I wanted to write them.

7. Lori's Reading Corner. She's a book blogger, and I like her reviews too.

Shadow Music by Julie Garwood

2008-11-04T15:06:00.000-08:00

Shadow Music: A Novel
by Julie Garwood
Audio
Read by Davina Porter

The Secret is my first Julie Garwood book. It's a story set in the highlands. This one is too, but the girl, Gabriel is a related to the King of St. Biel. I find that I don't like this story as I did the others. I don't know if it's the reader who sounds like a very old woman. The heroine is young, and the narrator is old or at least sounds like a really old person. I was disappointed. Maybe it's the story. I just don't know. But, it's Julie Garwood, so I had to read it. I've always like her book, except this one.

About the book:

Throughout her acclaimed writing career, Julie Garwood has captivated readers with characters who are compelling, daring, and bursting with life. Now one of the most popular novelists of our time proudly returns to her beloved historical romance roots–in a thrilling tale of love, murder, adventure, and mystery set against the haunting landscape of medieval Scotland.

For Princess Gabrielle of St. Biel, Scotland is a land of stunning vistas, wild chieftains, treacherous glens, and steep shadows–skullduggery, betrayal, and now murder. Prized for her exquisite beauty, the daughter of one of England’s most influential barons, Gabrielle is also a perfect bargaining chip for a king who needs peace in the Highlands: King John has arranged Gabrielle’s marriage to a good and gentle laird. But this marriage will never take place.

For Gabrielle, everything changes in one last burst of freedom–when she and her guards come upon a scene of unimaginable cruelty. With one shot from her bow and arrow, Gabrielle takes a life, saves a life, and begins a war.

Within days, the Highlands are aflame with passions as a battle royal flares between enemies old and new. Having come to Scotland to be married, Gabrielle is instead entangled in Highland intrigue. For two sadistic noblemen, underestimating Gabrielle’s bravery and prowess may prove fatal. But thanks to a secret Gabrielle possesses, Colm MacHugh, the most feared man in Scotland, finds a new cause for courage. Under his penetrating gaze, neither Gabrielle’s body nor heart is safe.

A gripping novel that delves into the heart of emotions–unyielding passions of love, hate, revenge, and raw desire–Shadow Music is magnificent gift from Julie Garwood and a crowning achievement in her amazing career.

Sweet Smoke by David Fuller

2008-11-03T19:11:00.000-08:00

Sweetsmoke by David Fuller

Bobbie is hosting a contest for a brand new signed edition of this book. Read the first chapter here. What an interesting first chapter. Go to A Taste: Chapter 1 excerpt. If the rest of the book is the same, then this one is a potential keeper.

If you also want a chance to win, visit there now. Drawing is on November 7.

Here's what other authors and readers are saying about this book:
Product Description
"David Fuller vividly and movingly describes the life of Cassius, a slave on a Virginia tobacco plantation. Meticulously researched and beautifully written, Sweetsmoke resonates with unforgettable characters and is a gripping story of loss and survival."
--Robert Hicks, author of The Widow of the South

"Sweetsmoke is a fascinating and gripping novel about the Civil War. The slave, Cassius Howard, is a great fictional character, and his story is part mystery, part love story, and a harrowing portrait of slavery that reads with the immense power of the slave narratives. A tour de force for David Fuller."
--Pat Conroy, author of Beach Music and South of Broad

"With Sweetsmoke, David Fuller gives an extraordinarily nuanced, privileged, and convincing view of the world of slavery during the American Civil War, and of the hearts and minds of the men and women who had to live in that world."
--Madison Smartt Bell, author of All Souls' Rising and Toussaint Louverture

The year is 1862, and the Civil War rages through the South. On a Virginia tobacco plantation, another kind of battle soon begins. There, Cassius Howard, a skilled carpenter and slave, risks everything--punishment, sale to a cotton plantation, even his life--to learn the truth concerning the murder of Emoline, a freed black woman, a woman who secretly taught him to read and once saved his life. It is clear that no one cares about her death in the midst of a brutal and hellish war. No one but Cassius, who braves horrific dangers to escape the plantation and avenge her loss.

As Cassius seeks answers about Emoline's murder, he finds an unexpected friend and ally in Quashee, a new woman brought over from another plantation; and a formidable adversary in Hoke Howard, the master he has always obeyed.

With subtlety and beauty, Sweetsmoke captures the daily indignities and harrowing losses suffered by slaves, the turmoil of a country waging countless wars within its own borders, and the lives of those people fighting for identity, for salvation, and for freedom.

Vince Flynn Signing

2008-11-01T19:03:00.000-07:00

11/03/2008
Barnes & Noble , 7700 West Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75225
7:00 p.m.

Yay! I love this Barnes and Noble location because it's in the same row as Cheesecake Factory, Red Door by Elizabeth Arden, Container Store (not that I have any intention of going there anytime soon), and Tom Thumb. It's also right across North Park Mall.

I was just checking on audible what's new with Vince Flynn. I wanted to get unabridged audio book for my iPod. It's great company when I'm sorting my closet, or folding the laundry. I'm quite new to his Mitch Rapp character. I like that guy. I like his reader. I especially like him in Transfer of Power.

These are the order of Mitch Rapp books.
Term Limits, Transfer of Power, The Third Option, Separation of Power, Executive Power, Memorial Day, Consent to Kill, Act of Treason, Protect and Defend, Extreme Measures

Here's the quandary. I'm about to buy the audio of this book from audible. If I buy a book, it's not because I have time to read it anytime soon. So, I guess I can purchase a signed copy for my This Book For Free site. Except this is a heavy hardcover, so I'll have to limit my winner to local. Hmm. What's a girl to do?!

Books Every Which Where

2008-10-31T22:26:00.000-07:00

I don't know if I had talked about this before. I keep a few blogs. I don't really understand this, but sometimes, I just want a different scene. Well, I'm the same with reading. I would read up to 15 books simulataneously without losing track. In fact, I got so good at it, I pushed it to 20 once, but I tend to forget plots and character at near 20.

The point is, I read so many because if the book is not compelling enough, my mind would wonder around. So, to keep my time from wasting, I'd just jump into the next book until next time. Also, it's a location thing. I'd have a book at any and every place I might have to wait. Bathroom. Kitchen. Car. Purse. Closet. Bedroom. Chairs. I have them every where. It got so bad, that one time I ask my 2 years old to get me a book and he said, "which book, Mommy?".

I'm wondering if anyone is as nutty as I am when it comes to reading. What's your quirks?

Book Contest at Ruth Schaller

2008-10-17T21:05:00.000-07:00

Ruth Schaller of Books Books and More Books is hosting a contest. There will be 5 winners for the set of ten books below. Here are some of the ways you can win.
- leave a comment
- subscribe to Books, Books, and more Books! Ruthie's Book Reviews via the link in the right sidebar
-Post about this contest anywhere (your own blog, website, etc.) and post the link here for me to verify the posting!

I hope to win one of these sets. Wish me luck!

1. THE HERETIC'S DAUGHTER By Kathleen Kent
2. ISOLATION By Travis Thrasher
3. THE 13 BEST HORROR STORIES OF ALL TIME By Leslie Pockell
4. THE MONSTERS: Mary Shelley and the Curse of Frankenstein By Dorothy Hoobler , Thomas Hoobler
5. THE MYRTLES PLANTATION: The True Story of America 's Most Haunted House By Frances Kermeen
6. GHOSTLY ENCOUNTERS: True Stories of America 's Haunted Inns and Hotels By Frances Kermeen
7. THE TERROR By Dan Simmons
8. DRACULA By Bram Stoker
9. WHEN GHOSTS SPEAK: Understanding the World of Earthbound Spirits By Mary Ann Winkowski
10. THE HISTORIAN By Elizabeth Kostova

City of Ember

2008-10-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

The City of Ember (Books of Ember)
by Jeanne DuPrau
Paperback
List Price: $6.99
Published in 2008
ISBN-10: 0-385-73628-2

My daughter and I went to see this movie last Friday. I have no idea what it's all about until I was watching it. It's a story about people living under the earth. I didn't quite catch why they had to live way down under.

It's always nighttime in the city of Ember. Their light source is light bubls which run on cranky and failing generator. The children have education, but instead of graduation day, they have 'Assignment Day'. After 'graduation', the kids gets their life job. Doon Harrow and Lina Mayfleet became a pipe assistant and messenger.

Like any other civilization, there's always that forward thinking individual who thinks there's something better out there. These two were inquisitive, and curious enough to find out what's out there. I have not read the book, but the movie was good.

Top Five Cast:

David Ryall ... Chief Builder
Ian McElhinney ... Builder
Harry Treadaway ... Doon Harrow
Tim Robbins ... Loris Harrow
Bill Murray ... Mayor Cole

Ghost Town: Ricky Gervais, Tea Leoni and Greg Kinnear

2008-10-03T21:09:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday night, my husband and I went to this movie, GHOST TOWN. I wanted to see THE WOMEN, but we missed the time. Our kids had a late karate class they can't miss. They're going to test for blue belts on Saturday.

I like this romantic comedy. The premise goes like this. A dentist, Bertram Pincus (Gervais) had a surgery and came out seeing ghost. When Frank (Kinnear) noticed, he convinced Bertram to help him with his wife (Leoni) love life. There's a lot of funny moments and some tears too. It's a fun date movie.

As a side note: Greg Kinnear is hot, hot, hot!

My Best Friend's Girl: Dane Cook, Kate Hudson, Jason Biggs

2008-10-02T21:04:00.000-07:00

There are many laugh out loud moments of this film. It is not for kids, but I enjoyed watching it with my husband. My favorite line:

"It's not gonna suck itself"

It's a movie about a guy who is sort of a date specialist. He gives these girls horrible dates so they would go back to their old boyfriends. Then of course, there's always the one person that gets to him.

Arthur's April Fool (Arthur Adventure Series) by Marc Brown

2008-10-01T04:28:00.000-07:00

I'm doing homework with my 7 years old every night from Monday to Thursday. We read books together every night of the week. Sometimes, the other kids would join us, other times, it's just us. Last night, we were reading a book that Yoav borrowed from the library. The story is about Arthur's fear of Tank, a giant, hulking boy who's a bully. When Arthur was performing a magic show, Tank volunteered just to intimated Arthur. Well, Arthur found his bravado at last. Here are the parts that made my kids laugh.

Arthur: Let me saw this man in half.
Tank pales and backs away.
Arthur: Give me my saw Francine. Here's the bucket to catch the blood...
Tank fell off the stage.

Books I've Read in September

2008-09-30T04:25:00.000-07:00

90. Pemberly - Emma Tennant
89. These Three Remain* - Pamela Aidan
88. Duty and Desire* - Pamela Aidan
87. An Assembly Such as These* - Pamela Aidan
86. The Confessions of Fitzwilliam Darcy - Mary Street
85. Zoya by Danielle Steel
84. Fielding, Joy - Grand Avenue 5♥

Whoa...I think I've outdone myself by reading about Mr. Darcy here. I think my favorite is Mary Street's Confessions. It's short and sweet. I would sometimes get lost in Pamela Aidan's series because of new characters she introduced.

Zoya by Danielle Steel

2008-09-13T04:30:00.000-07:00

Zoya
by Danielle Steel
Published in 1989

I read this book in early 90s. Last night, I watch the movie with Melisa Gilbert in it. My mother and I enjoyed watching it thoroughly.

In the Philippines, she's one of the most common authors that made it there. So, I made it a habbit to read her books whenver I see them. I especially like this book because it's both sad, and triumphant. I cried in many places. It touched my heart.

Zoya is a countess from Russia who had to move to France during the revolution. Her grandma kept her safe, and the rest of her family were slaughtered. From living in grand palaces to a tiny room in Paris, she kept her wonderful spirit. She has a happy love life, but they just don't last very long. Personally, I think it's Rasputin's curse.

Have you read this book? Wha did you think of it?

Letters from a Desperate Dog by Eileen Christelow

2008-09-07T04:05:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how fast he's growing. Almost 2 and a half. He hasn't mastered the art of talking quite yet, but it doesn't stop him from trying. Yesterday, he was standing on my knees and called out to his siblings. "Look at me, Yoel." I was so tickled.

When we were reading Letters from a Desperate Dog by Eileen Christelow, he's reading right there alongside me. It's like an echo. When I realized this, I read in shorter sentences to give him time to catch up. Now, he can't wait 'til we read to the kids next. He'll come to me with a book and say, "Come everybody, time to read." Then he echoes alongside me for the duration of the story. My children loves this story of a dog who is desperate to please his master who always seems to be bellowing about something or the other. We've read this book many times since we 'discovered' it a few days ago.

Books and Movies in August

2008-09-05T03:58:00.000-07:00

August was a fun month. I get to read lots of wonderful books. Saw a lot of movies with my kids, but mostly with my husband on a date.

August Books:
83. Child, Lee - Killing Floors* 4♥
82. Flynn, Vince - Transfer of Power* 5♥
81. Lindsey, Johanna - Marriage Most Scandalous* 4♥
80. Child, Lee - The Enemy* 4♥
79. Steel, Danielle - Toxic Bachelors* 4♥
78. Beaton, MC - Death of a Maid* 3♥
77. Card, Orson Scott - Ender’s Game 5♥
76. King, Stephen - Stationary Bike 3♥
75. Kenyon, Sherilyn - Acheron (Dark-Hunter, Book 12) 5♥
74. JR Ward - Lover Enshrined 5♥

August Movies:
80. Only You - Marisa Tomei
79. Death Sentence - Kevin Beacon
78. She’s the Man - Amanda Bynes
77. Traitor* - Don Cheadle
76. Henry Poole is Here* - Luke Wilson
75. Sharpe’s Eagle - Sean Bean
74. Martian Child - John Cusack
73. Tropic Thunder* - Ben Stiller
72. Pineapple Express* - James Franco, Seth Rogen
71. Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants* - Alexis Bledel
70. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor* - Brandon Fraser
69. 3:10 to Yuma - Christian Bale, Russell Crowe
68. Nims Island - Gerard Butler, Jodi Foster

The Enemy by Lee Child

2008-08-22T19:49:00.000-07:00

The Enemy (Jack Reacher Novels)
by Lee Child
Dick Hill (Reader)
Audio CD
Published in 2004
ISBN-10: 1-59355-394-3

This is my first Lee Child book. One of my ThisBookForFree winners won the newest title by this author and I got curious. The Enemy is actually the 7th novel, but the event takes place two years before the first book of Jack Reacher series. I decided that it is a good place to start.

I enjoyed it. The reader, Dick Hill, is very engaging and he has this pleasant voice that makes me lost track of time while I'm doing my laundry, scrubbing the floor and all kinds of other things mother of five must do.

The story started with a death of a two star General in a motel on a New Years Eve. I like how I get to hear about MP. Took me a long while to guess whodunit. It's definitely worth listening. I loaded up on the next book, Killing Floor.

Marriage Most Scandalous by Johanna Lindsey [Ruby Tuesday, too]

2008-08-18T18:20:00.000-07:00

This child in ruby red usually wants my attention the second I get engrossed in a book. Actually, make that engrossed with anything. He's my last baby, and I'm already missing the time when he couldn't care less what I am doing.

*******

Marriage Most Scandalous
by Johanna Lindsey
Audio CD

Do you know how weird it is to listen to a book in your iPod and the play list is scrambled worse than an egg? I was listening to CD 1, 2, 5, 4, 3, 6...it was crazy. I still like the story of Sebastian Townsend. He seem lucky or maybe talented or both. He doesn't know himself. First he was an heir, then he's cut off from his inheritance because he killed his best friend in a duel...

I just wish it wasn't scrambled when I was listening to it because it's got great flow to it. This is a historical romance. Lady Margaret is a likeable girl. She's not TSTL* heroine.

I'm going to be giving away the CD's at anyone interested. Watch out for that post at this site. The post should be up in a week or so. I usually only give out books, but this is audio book, so a book nonetheless.

*Too Stupid To Live

Thursday Thirteen: Nine Alphabets

2008-08-14T02:31:00.000-07:00

I wanted to do a different Thursday Thirteen. I guess I'll see at the end of this week if I have at least 13 books suggestions beginning with these 9 author's last name initials that I am missing on my author's list.

I will list book suggestion along with the blogger and her blog. You'll be permanently embedded on this post. :)

I was just looking at my author's list and found that I have 9 missing alphabets. I guess I have to go now and read authors with last names beginning with:

I, N, O, Q, U, V, X, Y, Z.

I think I have read authors with those names, but did not review their books. I have much to learn about writing a reveiw for a book. I just have no idea how to go about it. I need more words.

Hey, have you got good books with those beginning author's last name as above?

Lover Enshrined (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 6) by J.R. Ward

2008-08-12T18:39:00.000-07:00

I'm been through this many times. I would read a book. I would enjoy it so much, that every thing pales in comparison. It's such a big let down. I just finished two wonderful vampire books one of which was Acheron by Sherilyn Kenyon:

I was actually dragging my feet about reading Lover Enshrined by JR Ward because I knew that when I finished reading it, it will be a while before the next one comes out. I don't think I have forgotten the story of the first book, Dark Lover to re-read it again.

It was funny how in the beginning, I was uber annoyed with the flying 'Hs' in the book. You have to read it to believe it, but these hot guys goes by the names of Phury, Rhage, etc. See all the Hs? But you know what? Once I got over my hang-up about 'H', the story's great. I love it! There are plenty of sex to please most people. Fortunately, I'm not most people and I tend to rush through love scenes.

This book is about the twin of Zhadist. He's the Primale. He gets to 'bred' with a whole lot of Choosen to make sure there's going to be many pregnancies to replenish the diminishing supply of vampire race. Why have a "Primale"? It is to make sure that the 'parents' of the new generation will be the creme-de-la-creme.

This story wasn't like the other book, which is probably good because who wants to read recycled plot huh? I did feel that there was less romance between Phury and Cormia...but this guy was partner to a whole bunch of 'Choosen' and the author has to reduce that to just one person. The book took a whole month to grow with me. Once it got going, it's going great...just getting used to the set up was tough.

Phury is an addict, and no matter how justified or how handsome or how the person was in pain, it is very hard to overcome an addict and make that character into a hero. JR Ward pulled this off, and I enjoyed the last part of the book on my last days in San Francisco when I'm about all toured out and was ready to relax with a book before going home.

Acheron (Dark-Hunter, Book 12) by Sherrilyn Kenyon

2008-08-09T13:39:00.000-07:00

Acheron (Dark-Hunter, Book 12)
by Sherrilyn Kenyon
Hardcover
Buy it Here
Published in 2008
ISBN-10: 0-312-36215-3

Finally, the most awaited book of all Dark-Hunter is here, and it didn't disappoint. I read it in two days, because I still have five children to watch, but I basically have stop doing everything else. Thank goodness my mother is here, or the laundry would be unbelievably high.

This book is almost 800 pages, and I wish there was more. I wanted more of Simi, and more of Ash, and more of everything. I think I'll still buy and read this book if it were 2,000 pages long. I finally get to see the 3D version of that b!+**-goddess Artemis, as Simi likes to call her.

Now, I feel like I want to go back to book one and make the journey and read the whole series again. Unfortunately, my MIL have my collection, and she ain't very happy with me at the moment. I have low tolerance for BS, and I guess we finally have our first 'ignoring-each-other' thing. Fine by me, but drat if it isn't inconvinient. Now, I have to buy the whole collection again. Bummer.

I would say more about this book, but I just don't know what to talk about without giving away the story.

Books I'll Read at Some Point

2008-07-26T22:12:00.000-07:00

I'm surfing the net for books to put in my iPod for my trip to SF.
King Leopold's Ghost: A Story of Greed, Terror, and Heroism in Colonial Africa
by Adam Hochschild
Paperback
List Price: $15.00
Published in 1999

I want to read this because it has five stars from Amazon readers. One of my super-favorite novels, The Poisonwood Bible received 4.5 stars...and that was a thrilling tale. Too bad audible do not have the audio book for this title.

Heart of Darkness (Norton Critical Editions)
by Joseph Conrad
Paperback

List Price: $11.90
Published in 2005
ISBN-10: 0-393-92636-2

Then these:
Good Harbor: A Novel (Paperback)
by Anita Diamant

The Last Days of Dogtown: A Novel (Paperback)
by Anita Diamant

The Space Between Us: A Novel (P.S.) (Paperback)
by Thrity Umrigar

Sky Watch Friday: Let's Take a Walk

2008-07-25T00:34:00.000-07:00

My husband took a few pictures for my Skywatch.Let's take that walk with him, shall we?

He took a nice little walk, and saw that this would make a nice post.He walked closer still....
Each step bring him closer to this opening...
And when he's there, still more to see...
Isn't this a nice doorway into something?

The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver

2008-07-24T21:33:00.000-07:00

This is a moving novel about Taylor Greer and her journey to nowhere. On the way, she was handed a baby of undetermined age. She raised her as her own. Her friends and acquaintance are colorful and remarkable. It's a tragedy that I had to listened to this book with half an ear, but I enjoyed myself thoroughly when I could pay attention. This book is highly recommended by anyone who had ever read it. I find this novel to be gritty, and not my type. I like cheerful, funny novels with love story and happily ever after. I like them as Susan Elizabeth Phillips writes them. I like happy-ever-afters kind of story. This one's realistic enough to be very uncomfortable. I guess that is what makes it such a great book.

I think my favorite Kingsolver book so far is The Poisonwood Bible. That was also a gritty novel, but it's epic about a family of missionary in Africa. It's so well developed, I can't help falling in love with it.

Mama Mia

2008-07-19T23:28:00.000-07:00

I had a ball watching this movie. I was humming in my head to all the beats and song. I had no idea I know about ABBA songs so much! If you're a musical fan, then this movie is for you. My husband came with me and snored through it. We're both happy. He got his sleep and I get to see my movie, and we get to date.

Sky Watch: Museum Trek

2008-07-17T11:12:00.000-07:00

Wasn't it a spectacular day for going to the Museum? It was very warm, but just a hair short of hot. We had fun!

Midwives by Chris Bohjalian

2008-07-16T18:33:00.000-07:00

Chris Bohjalian wrote a compelling story about a birthing by midwife gone wrong. Sibyl Danforth, ex-hippie, experience midwife made a call to save a child life and changed her life forever. It made me realized how lucky I am to be having my child in the hospital as each labor seem to take to me to the edge of death's door. I think midwives are wonderful, but not as safe as a hospital birth when it comes to complication.

Sure, we can just travel to the hospital any time, but when you're trapped by the weather, that's when it gets hairy. This is that story. When something as spectacular and common as birth becomes a nightmare. This is narrated by Sibyl's 14-year-old daughter when she's an adult. I find the story compelling.

I'm definitely going to read more books by this author. Love to win free books? Check out this link.

What Matters Most by Louanne Rice

2008-07-11T00:09:00.000-07:00

I usually enjoy Louanne Rice's books. I first read her Dream Country and was so touch by the characters. I emerged from the story bleary-eyed and satisfied. I cried over her Home Fires, I was so touched. Follow the Stars Home just about broke my heart into million little pieces. In Cloud Nine, Safe Harbour and Firefly Beach, I didn't want to stop reading, I just truly enjoyed her characters and their lives. Then I started reading The Perfect Summer and just stopped for no special reason. I think it was because I veg out on her books and needed a break.

I picked her books again with this one, and it wasn't a Louanne Rice I know. This is a story about Sister Bernadette and Tom Kelly, and of their son they left behind in Ireland, Seamus Sullivan and his love of Kathryn. For 23 years, Tom stayed near Sister Bernadette, working as a groundskeeper.

What Matters Most is not about love. It's about being true to your vocation no matter the wreckage it left behind. While Sister Bernadette might make for a good Nun, she sure sucked as a mother, and as someone who's supposed to love Tom Kelly. She's so selfish, I just want to dive into the book and slap her a little.

While she was pregnant, she received a calling from Mother Mary, which she took to mean that she has to be a Nun. Never mind that she's pregnant with Tom's child. Tom seem like a wonderful, hardworking man. She wouldn't even let Tom helped with raising their child or have much to say in what to do with him. She left the child in a convent orphanage, and not a nice one at that. Tom's family is rich and powerful and good people. What could it hurt for her to have Tom raise their child?

The story picks up from when they went back to Ireland to find their child. I just couldn't really excuse her behavior. Why didn't she let Tom raise their child? Why leave in Orphanage to suffer? It wasn't the Mother Superior who had an axe to grind that ruined their lives, it's actually her, Sister Bernadette - a selfish, self-centered woman! She's right up there my list of unlikeable heroine. The secondary story is about Seamus and Kathryn.

The story is effective, after all, Ms. Rice have managed to make Sister Bernadette so hateful. Only a talented author could draw out such emotion. Still, I wouldn't be keeping this book for re-reading. In fact, I'm sure to put this on my list of books never to be read again.

Would I recommend Louanne Rice's books? YES! Would I read more of her books? YES!

If you want story that's epic, sweeping, and magnificient, I suggest Jennifer Donnelly's The Tea Rose and The Winter Rose. There's a third book coming out, and I can't wait to read it.

Sky Watch Friday

2008-07-10T14:30:00.000-07:00

I took many pictures of our trip to Nasher Sculpture downtown. I have absolutely no idea what this art was. It was a big sheet of metal, all rusty and curvy. We looked all around it. I don't know what's it for, but I guess that's art for you.

Visit Tom for more skywatch.

BTW, I'm inviting you to join Mailbox Monday. . There's be a post as early as Sunday noon, and you get to sign in to Mr. Linky and play. I hope yu can come and play.

Lawman by Diana Palmer

2008-07-09T23:49:00.000-07:00

I listened to this book with Todd McLaren as the reader. He does not have many voice variations, but he's got a sexy voice. I would listen to him read phone book, but thankfully, I don't have to do that because he's got many books I can choose from.

This story is set in Jacobsville, Texas, hometown of the many Long, Tall, Texans by Diana Palmer. There's a bit of inconsistency about coffee drinking, and I'm missing the whole audio CD that I forgot to load into my iPod. Ugh. It's really exciting where I had to stop, but they're still not in love enough to have HEA. Happily Ever After is still my favorite kind of story.

Garon Grier is a neighbor of Grace Carver. They meet when Grace's grandma was dying. He's an FBI agent, and she's a potential bait, and the story works around it. I like Diana Palmer because I've always read hers. I like how her heroine never sleeps around. The men, they're rogues and they reformed, but Garon Grier is not so much a rogue as cruel and dim. He's got redeeming qualities, but for today's standard, he's like a caveman. He reminds me of Judith McNaught's hero in Whitney, My Love. He at least have an excuse of living in Regency or something really-old era.

I'd still recommend this book, but if you're new to Diana Palmer, I'd try some of Firebrand, or Night Fever that she wrote as Susan Kyle, or her Long, Tall, Texans. Those are great books.

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