What are you reading?

I really need to get better about updating my blog, but alas I am always running around with my head cut off trying to finish school. Come December I will be on top of it way more, I hope :-)

I am currently reading Sex, Murder and a Double Latte by Kyra Davis. I am enjoying it so far but at the beginning there were some contextual issues that just nagged at me. I am a anal retentive editor while reading so misspellings, grammar errors, and contextual errors irk me to no end. Maybe I should become a book editor to end it once and for all!!

In any case, why don't you drop me a line about what you are currently reading by commenting on this post.

Free for all Friday

What is everyone doing this weekend? Do you have plans for this Memorial Day Weekend?

Since it is still raining here in Oregon we don't have any outdoor plans as of yet. I really wish Mother Nature paid attention to the calendar...it is almost June after all!

One of these years I really want to travel to the Arlington cemetery and place the flags on the grave sites of our fallen heroes. My husband and I are both veterans and we are very grateful for the time and sacrifice of those that have served and are serving today.

Do you have any traditions related to this holiday?

Book Seven: Murder Most Frothy by Cleo Coyle

Oh how I love visiting the Village Blend, but this story took place in the Hampton's this time. It was nice for a change of scenery but I can't wait to be back in New York and the aromas of the Blend.

This book was intriguing from the prologue. I kind of like it when we know a bit of what happens from the beginning. It makes me eager to read quickly to that part of the story. The story twists and turns exposing the greediness and rivalries of the business world. Truly an enjoyable book.

The one character from this story that I would love to see in person is Jim Rand. He sounds so yummy!! Even though Clare has a thing for Detective Quinn I hope to see Clare and him meet up again in a future book.

Book Six: Latte Trouble by Cleo Coyle

A fun return to Greenwich Village and the Village Blend. In this installment we visit Clare , Matt and the gang throwing a swag party for fashion designer Lottie Harmon who has launched her line of Java Jewelry inspired from the rich colors of the beans.

Unfortunately a poisoned latte leads to the murder and the arrest of Tucker, one of Clare's baristas.Clare puts her sleuthing skills to work and tries to help Tucker get out of the tangled web of rivalries in the fashion world. A riveting read.

Book Five: I'm the Vampire, That's Why by Michelle Bardsley

So after the Twilight phenomenon I happened upon this paranormal romance series by Michele Bardsley. The premise of a small town in Oklahoma being overtaken by vampires and turning the parents into midnight PTA leaders was all too appealing.
Come to find out this series is fun, quirky, and sprinkled with romantic interludes.

In this book the main character is Jessica Matthews mother of two. After being made a "turnblood" she finds her guardian Patrick to be the one she is supposed to be bound to. This binding lasts for 100 years so you have to be careful in making this choice. This story also delves in to the war between the "turnbloods" and the "lycans". An enjoyable read for sure!

Book Four: Fuzzy Navel by J. A. Konrath

Wow! That is all I can say about this one. I have not read this author before and I am so glad I did. It was an awesome read and it flew by. The main character Jacqueline or "Jack" is my new hero. I am assuming there is a back story in the preceding books that gives us some insight in to Jack and Alex's past relationship. There are twists and turns and almost constant action. It was hard to put down.

The two plots are intertwined flawlessly and always leave you guessing what's going to happen next. I like the fact that the viewpoint changes from chapter to chapter. I also liked that the chapters were not numbered or named but rather go by time and they run sequentially. This twist combined with the fabulous plot make this a 5/5 book for me.

Talk about it Tuesday

So what are you reading right now? Let us know by giving us a paragraph from the current read you are on. Share the title, author and brief synopsis too if you want :-)

Are you a clubber?

Do you belong to a book club? With so many different types of ways to belong these days it is almost essential for those bookaholics. I belong to the traditional in person group that meets once a month and I also belong to a few online groups.

I have found that the in person group is a much more of a social getaway than an actual book discussion group. This is totally fine with me because I love meeting with these ladies. I only wish that we would adopt a semi-formal structure for those that do want to discuss the book.
My online group discusses the books and we also have a chatter side to socially connect. I like the structure of the online group better but the human connection is missing.

There are many resources to start or join a book club including Paperback Swap www.paperbackswap.com or Meetup www.meetup.com You can also check with the local library or browse craiglist.

Do belong to a book club, what is your structure? Are you happy with it? What would you change if you could?

Why do you love to read?

For me reading has always been an activity that I have not minded doing on my own. I remember Summer vacations where I would read for hours without end while my parents were driving. I am sure I missed plenty of great sight of Mexico because of this. Reading has always been a great escape for me and when I have a bad day it is great to be able to pick up a murder mystery and realize that it isn't so bad after all because I am still around to play the crazy game called life.

So, tell me why you love to read and what your favorite genres are?

Book Three: Carrot Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke

Always a pleasure to visit with Hannah and the gang. I love the coziness of Lake Eden and all it offers. In this book we are privy to Lisa and Herb's family reunions. There are over 100 people gathered for the event including long lost cousin Gus. Just when he reappears in their lives he is gone. And in his wake he has left questions of who he really is and who would want to get revenge after all these years. 4/5

The yummy recipes are so mouthwatering that I can't wait for the compilation in October 2011. While I am excited for this book to come out I am also fearful that this will mean the end of the series. We will just have to wait and see!

Book Two: Fourplay by Jane Moore

This book was a refreshing chick lit read. With my 30th birthday just over a week away I found myself able to relate to the main character rather easily. Jo is a smart part-time interior decorator caught in the midst of a cheating husband and a wild single life (if she wants it) on the horizon. After kissing a few more frogs along the way she ends up happy. I look forward to seeing more from this author. 4/5

Book One: The Diva Runs Out of Thyme by Krista Davis

It only took me 16 days but I was able to finish my first book of the year. I enjoyed this book although it had a Hannah Swensen feel to me. I haven't read the Denise Swanson series but I have read that it may be comparable in story lines as well. We will have to see if this continues or if it was just a coincidence in this book.

I enjoyed all the characters I was introduced to and think that Sophie is a good main character. There were some typos in the book which annoy the natural editor in me but other than that it was well written. There are some points that go unexplained or I missed the explanation somewhere along the way. I would like to see some loose ends tied up as well.

I was originally drawn to this book because of the series title, The Domestic Diva, but now I am left feeling inadequate. I am definitely not the Martha Stewart aspiring type but I would like to feel that I am a good host when I have company. The tips for decorating throughout the book are ones that I do not think I would ever attempt. I barely have time to get the food on the table or wash the towels let alone make individual name cards or personalized bath baskets for guests.

While I did enjoy this book I am not anxious to go pick up the next one. 3.5/5

Happy New Year!!!!

A New Year and a fresh start on the quest for 100 books read. The past two years I have not accomplished this feat and I think for this year I will set my goal at 50 books. It is my senior year at U of O so I will be overwhelmed with textbooks and projects this year. I hope to sneak in as much leisure reading as I can. If I get in a pinch I may have to count my textbooks in my count this year :-)

Good luck to all in achieving their reading goals. I hope that there are many wonderful adventures in your reading journey that you are able to travel on this year. Happy Reading!!!!