Blog of the Bookworm Princess

What are you reading?

2010-07-06T11:16:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-28T12:34:00.002-07:00

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

2010-05-28T12:34:00.001-07:00

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

2010-05-28T12:32:00.001-07:00

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

2010-02-25T18:05:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-25T17:56:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-23T17:01:00.001-08:00

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?

2010-02-20T16:43:00.001-08:00

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?

2010-02-18T07:48:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-16T19:44:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-16T19:40:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-17T11:30:00.000-08:00

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!!!!

2010-01-01T10:52:00.000-08:00

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!!!!

35. The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey

2009-12-30T11:04:00.001-08:00

34. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Decked Out

2009-12-30T11:03:00.002-08:00

33. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Rolling

2009-12-30T11:03:00.001-08:00

32. The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

2009-12-30T11:02:00.001-08:00

32. Sisterchicks Go Brit by Robin Jones Gunn

2009-10-30T19:58:00.002-07:00

31. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Caught by Neta Jackson

2009-10-30T19:58:00.001-07:00

30. The Yada Yada Prayer Groups Gets Tough by Neta Jackson

2009-10-30T19:57:00.002-07:00

29. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Real by Neta Jackson

2009-10-30T19:57:00.001-07:00

28. The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Down by Neta Jackson

2009-10-30T19:56:00.000-07:00

27. The Yada Yada Prayer Group by Neta Jackson

2009-10-30T19:55:00.002-07:00

25. Rotten to the Core by Sheila Connolly

2009-10-30T19:55:00.001-07:00

24. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

2009-09-14T08:43:00.000-07:00

Oh my gosh I couldn't get my hands on this book fast enough! After reading Hunger Games last month it was excruciatingly painful to have to wait for a month for the second installment. In this book, Katniss and Peetra have returned from the Hunger Games as joint victors. This was a first in the history of the games and due to an underlying "star-crossed lovers" ideology. Once they are home Katniss is so happy to see Gale and her family and get back into her normal routine, aside from the upgraded home in Victor's Village and the money! All is going well until President Snow pays a visit to Katniss at her home, after she has been hunting beyond the fence again, which is highly illegal by the way. She is informed that there is the threat of uprising in the districts and if she doesn't make the fairytale and very fake romance seem real to everyone that there will be stringent consequences in store for her. To throw another wrench into the situation this year's games is one of the "special" ones that only happens every 25 years. The twist this year is that the tributes will be selected from the previous victors from each district. Being that district 12 only has three victors, 2 male and 1 female, this means that Katniss will be entering the arena again with either Peetra or Haymitch!

Once she reenters the arena this time around, Katniss is an entirely different person. Her attitude is one of acceptance of her certain death and she seems to be indifferent to the possibility of never again seeing her family or Gale. I will not spoil the ending for those that haven't read it yet but I will say that the twists and turns continue and I can't believe I have to wait an entire year for the next book!

23. High Heels are Murder by Elaine Viets

2009-08-02T20:29:00.000-07:00

This is he second installment in the Mystery Shopper series featuring Josie Marcus, my favorite sleuth shopper. This one started out with what I thought was a steamy scene from Josie's high school days but turned out to be her present reality. Josh and her seem to be getting hot and heavy...we will see where this goes. In this story, Josie is to mystery shop a shoe store where a very slimy salesman named Mel seems to be a little too interested in women's feet if you know what I mean. Unfortunately for Mel he gets fired and then permanently silenced. I do enjoy the fact that the nosy neighbor is snubbed in this one. A great read that makes me want to continue to see how the next assignment goes.

22. Homicide in Hardcover by Kate Carlisle

2009-07-31T12:56:00.001-07:00

This is the first book in the Bibliophile series and I cannot wait for the next one. Unfortunately I read faster than she writes and this book was released this year so I am sure I will have at least 6 months to wait. This story was intriguing from the very beginning. Brooklyn, a book restorer, is put in charge of Faust by Goethe. Of course this book is said to carry a curse but she does not believe it at all. From the description of the Covington library I absolutely want to go there, but of course it is fiction so it will remain a place in my mind. A handsome British detective also plays into the plot and boy is he a catch. After Brooklyn's mentor Abraham is viciously murdered in the splendid library with the Faust found in his jacket with his arms wrapped around it, she is determined to find out who has done this. But will she be able to find out who done it before she becomes another victim?

Definitely a 5/5

21. Cherry Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke

2009-07-27T15:40:00.000-07:00

It's Hannah Swensen again!! This follows after the proposal in Peach Cobbler and I wanted to know what happened. I loved this one because a new love interest entered the picture. Boy did Mike & Norman have a fit of jealously! Main street became the scene of a Hollywood movie and murder. The prop gun apparently was not a prop after all and Hannah has to figure out who did it.

20. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2009-07-27T15:25:00.001-07:00

OMG this was such an amazing read. This book is a young adult novel but it was absolutely captivating. I really enjoyed her Gregor series and this one did not disappoint me at all. This story reminds me of Shirley Jackson's 'The Lottery' in context. Katniss is such a wonderful main character and the relationship between her Pietra is a nice one to follow. I hope it continues in the next one. The next book comes out September 1st and I cannot wait. I am hoping for a midnight release party!

19. Photo Finished by Laura Childs

2009-07-27T15:20:00.000-07:00

This is the 2nd installment in the scrapbook mystery series by Laura Childs. I have enver read her tea series but I am sure that it is just as good. I love the characters in this series especially Shamus. I sure hope that Carmela and him end up back together although Glory Meechum is such a bear of a sister-in-law. This story takes us into the celebrations of New Orleans and the art museum world. Apparentl;y there is not only painting forgery that goes all but a whole lot more. I enjoyed this one and cannot wait to pick up the next one.

18. Through the Grinder by Cleo Coyle

2009-07-27T15:15:00.000-07:00

I loved this second installment in the coffehouse series. I love all the tips it gives you on how to identify blends and the recipes too! Claire finally gets involved in a relationship with someone other than Matteo this time around but unfortunately it doesn't work out. I would like to see her back with Matteo but at the same time think that there are good reasons for the break up in the first place. I am definitely picking up #3 and can't wait to see what happens next.

17. On What Grounds by Cleo Coyle

2009-06-25T15:33:00.001-07:00

This is the first in the coffeehouse series and what a delight it was to read. Although the Berkley typeface drives me crazy because it is so small, the book was so good that I couldn't stop turning the pages. I love the characters and the ambiance of the coffeehouse. I can just imagine cuddling up there with a good book and brew. There was a lot of insight into the coffee world and tips I would have never asked about espresso even though I am quite the connoisseur. I am picking up the second book right away and can't wait to see what is in store in "Through the Grinder".

16. Murder Over Easy by Jimmie Ruth Evans

2009-06-21T16:57:00.000-07:00

So I read the second book in this series without realizing it at all. It was the only book by Jimmie Ruth Evans in my library. I was delighted to be introduced to the Mississippi world of the Culpepper family. The characters were very well developed and the storyline was strong. There was a theme in the book about TJ that I defnitely picked up on before the big reveal but other than that it was a smooth read.

15. The Persian Pickle Club by Sandra Dallas

2009-06-16T07:14:00.000-07:00

This book was so hard to get through. It was selected as the book of the month for my bookclub back in December or January and I just now finished it. It was a slow read as it should have been for its setting in the 1930's Dustbowl era. I am a fast paced type of gal so it did drag. Out of 196 pages, it finally picked up around 101 and I couldn't put it down. The story is of a women's quilting club and the fabric that knits these groups of ladies together. A newcomer joins them and stirs up a deep old secret that the club has sworn to take to the grave. The story is heartfelt and shows the warmth that women can share in friendship.

14. The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards

2009-06-16T07:11:00.001-07:00

This book was a long one and at times difficult to continue. It was full of emotion and a wrencher from beginning to end. I was pleasantly surprised by the ending although I wish things had gone differently in the middle. Do not read this book at a time that you are emotionally charged ro vulnerable as you will be a basketcase until you are done. I would read it when life is relatively good and not in turmoil. I really enjoyed this book and would gladly recommend it to a friend.

13. Peach Cobbler Murder by Joanne Fluke

2009-06-01T22:21:00.003-07:00

I can't remember which number in the series this is but the Cookie Jar is full of excitement in this one. Shwna Lee is back and rears her ugly head in this one by opening up a rival bake shop right across from Hannah's. SHe gets hers in the end though and Delores is smitten with Winthrop. Lisa and Herb get married in this one as well. I really enjoyed it and the surprise proposal was a cliffhanger!

12. Gregor and the Code of Claw

2009-06-01T22:18:00.000-07:00

This is the fifth and final book of the Underland series. It made me so sad to leave this wonderful world of underground fantasy. I wish that Gregor could stay with Luxa forever. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have been recommending this series to others. I say that even if this isn't your genre, this series is a heartwarming one that will expand your reading horizons.

11. Gregor and the Marks of Secret

2009-05-25T12:58:00.001-07:00

This was the slowest read so far of the series. I don't know exactly what it was missing but it wasn't as suspenseful or page turning as the previous three. On this adventure there really wasn't a "prophechy" they were trying to fulfill. They are trying to figure out what has happened to all the nibblers and the answer lies with the Bane. I do plan on reading the 5th and final installment of the series and I do hope that it is better than this book.

10. Keepsake Crimes by Laura Childs

2009-05-23T14:10:00.000-07:00

This was my first dose of Laura Childs and I was pleasantly surprised. I would have liked to have had the climax a little earlier than the last couple of pages but beggars can't be choosers. I love mysteries and love scrapbooking so this series is a welcomed new look. Again the font is small because of the publisher but it wasn't as hindering as in the past. I look forward to the next scrapbook mystery.

9. Key Lime Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke

2009-05-23T14:07:00.001-07:00

Oh how wonderfuly it was to re-enter the world of Hannah Swensen and the Cookie Jar. This time we are in the middle of a fair and one of the judges of the baked goods contest is murdered on the midway. There are delicious recipes for all types of gulity concoctions including the deep-fried candy bar.

If you haven't tried one you don't know what you are missing!

8. Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods

2009-05-23T14:05:00.000-07:00

This was the saddest in the series so far. It was quite adventuresome but also sad. This adventure takes Gregor to the jungle to find the cure for the plague that has taken over the underland. Gregor tries and tries different paths.

7. Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane

2009-05-23T14:02:00.000-07:00

This is book 2 and just as exciting as the first. IN this adventure Gregor is sent on a mission to fulfill the Prophecy of Bane. He finds out he is supposed to do away with the Bane, a baby rat. Ripred and Vikus help him to fulfill the prophecy. The next book is bound to be as exciting if not more so.

6. Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins

2009-05-23T14:00:00.001-07:00

My friend Melissa is to blame for turning me on to this series. It is a story of a boy who finds this mysterious "Underland" world below his apartment building in NYC. The characters are amazing and the plot well developed. Theere are only 5 books in this series and I am wondering what will come in the following stories.

5. Breaking Dawn

2009-05-23T13:56:00.001-07:00

So I was finally able to finish this one up about a month ago. I don't know why it wasn't as quick of a read as the rest of them but it dragged along for me. I actually read about 500 pages of it and then put it down for months. I let a friend borrow it and didn't pick it back up right away when I got it back. For me this one seemed to be drawn out more than was needed. I think that there is a lot of room to condense the story down into about 600 pages or less. And while it did take me a long time to get into the story and fiinish it up, I do miss them now.

4. One Bad Apple by Sheila Connolly

2009-05-23T13:52:00.001-07:00

This is the first in the Orchard Mystery series from Sheila. I liked the storyline alot but the size of the text just bhugged the heck out of me. It is very small and apparently th eublisher is who decided on the tine and cramped font. It made it harder to read through as quickly but still worth it.

I especially enjoyed the insinuating love story that I hope will continue in the next book.

3. Murder Between the Covers by Elaine Viets

2009-01-24T10:45:00.000-08:00

This is the second book in the Dead End Job series and it was delightful. I love Helen Hawthorne and this time she is working in a bookstore (dream job if you ask me). The owner of the bookstore, a real jerkface anyway, ends up dead and Helen's friend Peggy is charged with the crime. Helen sets out to prove that Peggy is innocent and learn some interesting things about her former boss, coworkers and friends along thw way.
5/5

2. Snow Blind by PJ Tracy

2009-01-12T06:25:00.001-08:00

This is from the Monkeewrench series although it primarily involves Detectives Roseleth and Magozzi. Grace and her gang only make a couple of brief appearances throughout the book. This story starts out with a snowman making contest gone haywire and ends with a tale of murder, lies, and destruction of an entire generation.

4.5/5

TBR challenge for BookLover'sGroup

2009-01-05T17:48:00.000-08:00

These are the 10 books that I am commited to finishing this year.

1. Wicked- Gregory Maguire
2. 16 Lighthouse Rd- Debbie Macomber
3. Hide- Lisa Gardner
4. Whistling in the Dark- Lesley Kagen
5. Perisan Pickle Club- Sandra Dallas
6. One Fifth Ave- Candace Bushnell
7. The Historian- Elizabeth Kostova
8. The Shack- William Young
9. Dead Run- PJ Tracy
10. Millionaire Women Next Door- Thomas J. Stanley (Non-fiction)

1. Bake Sale Murder by Leslie Meier

2009-01-03T17:41:00.000-08:00

This is book number 13 in the Lucy Stone series and it brings no bad luck to Leslie Meier's wonderful character. This book was great from beginning to end. We meet some new neighbor's in Tinker's Cove and they are great additions. I am reading this series out of order so this is my first lucy Stone myestery set in Tinker's Cove. I plan on starting at the beginning with Mistletoe Murder now that I have read the most recent. 5/5

#31 Love the One You're With by Emily Giffin

2008-12-31T21:50:00.000-08:00

This is my final read for 2008 finished at 9:41pm on the 31st!

I picked up this book because I have read two others by her and really enjoyed them. In this story Ellen has moved on from a long-term relationship with Leo to marry her best friends brother Andy. All things are going well and Leo is the past until one day years later their paths cross in a New York City intersection. Ellen is faced with the decision to choose between the two and she picked wisely (at least I think so). I really enjoyed the storyline although there were some dry patches along the way. I think that this is one others can definitely relate to about the "one that got away." 4/5

#30 The Starter Wife by Gigi Levangie Grazer

2008-12-27T20:47:00.001-08:00

So I started to watch this series on USA without even knowing that there was a book behind it. I loved this book from the first page. It is delightful to read about how shallow those in Hollywood are. I am so glad that Gracie did not let her life fall into complete shambles after being told that her husband wanted a divorce. This was a page turner that was intriguing and left me wanting more. I thoroughly enjoyed it, definitely a 5/5.

#29 New Year's Eve Murder by Leslie Meier

2008-12-21T11:50:00.000-08:00

This is book #12 in the Tinker's Cove series and my first read. I loved my first visit to Tinker's Cove although it was brief as the majority of the story takes place in New York. The glamour of a mother-daughter makeover turned deadly when one of the editor's turned up dead. Lucy had to do her detective work to get to the bottom of it all. 4.75/5

#28 Eclipse by Stephanie Meyer

2008-12-21T11:48:00.001-08:00

This being the 3rd and almost final installment of what has become known as the "Twilight Saga" was a good read. I think that it was better than the 2nd but the 1st is still my favorite. 4/5

#27 New Moon by Stephanie Meyer

2008-10-19T22:01:00.001-07:00

This book is of course the 2nd in the Twilight Saga. I did not find it as addictive as the first book though. It also did not leave me wanting to pick up the third one right away either. I did enjoy parts of it but I think that the storyline went in a direction that I did not think it needed to go. Bella meets Jacob in this one and he seems to get her out of her Edward funk but not for long. I personally think that Jacob did not need to come into the picture and complicate things. I think that Bella is perfectly made for Edward. 4.5/5

#26 Dying in Style by Elaine Viets

2008-10-19T21:53:00.000-07:00

This is the first in the Josie Marcus mystery shopper series and I absolutely loved it. Josie is a mystery shopper, a woman after my own heart, and she finds herself in the middle of a fashion designers corporate merger nightmare. This book is filled with twists and hints as to the beginnings of a possible romance for Josie. 5/5.

#25 Shop till You Drop by Elaine Viets

2008-08-11T18:54:00.000-07:00

This is another new author to me and the first read of the Dead End Job series. I was delighted with the characters and plot of this story. The women that shop the store remind me of the Shopaholic series type with serious attitude. I will definitely be picking up more reads by this author. This gets a 5/5.

#24 The Penguin Who Knew Too Much by Donna Andrews

2008-08-11T18:51:00.000-07:00

This is a new author to me and this mystery was whimsical and funny. From the zoo animals being hauled in more and more each day to Meg's exasperation over the whole ordeal, this was a great read. I give it a 4.5/5

#23 Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

2008-08-01T12:02:00.001-07:00

This book was awful, in a great way! The last 40 pages of the book were a waterfall for me. Towards the last 20 I started to get a grip but then the waterworks were on again. This story reminds me so much of a friendship I have with my closest girlfriend that I can't imagine getting older and one of us losing each other. I would recommend this book to anyone with heart. I look forward to reading others by this author. Definitely a 5/5.

#22 Twilight by Stephanie Meyer

2008-07-27T18:17:00.000-07:00

This book was amazing. I have been told to read it by several people but due to the vampire theme I had resisted. Well I finally picked it up yesterday and finished it tonight. I didn't want to put it down last night but it was approaching midnight and the kids get up early so I had to. I definitely recommend this one even if you don't think you would get into it. I will be running out to pick up New Moon tomorrow. It definitely deserves a 5/5.

#21 Just Desserts by Mary Daheim

2008-07-24T12:16:00.000-07:00

This book was a little difficult for me to get into and I think it was only because the print on the pages was very small and being a fast reader I had o adjust to be able to take it all in. It was a good read with a whodunnit throughout the book. The characters were enjoyable and likeable as well. I give it 3.75/5

# 20 Shoe Addicts Anonymous by Beth Harbison

2008-07-20T20:18:00.001-07:00

This was a refreshing chick lit book that I finally got my hands on. The library hasn't had it in regular print and I couldn't break down and buy it so I ended up having to settle with the large print version but it was so worth it. I enjoyed the storyline about the "addicts" gtting together to help feed each others habit and finding friendship along the way. This gets a 4.5/5

#19 Blueberry Muffin Murder by Joanne Fluke

2008-07-19T10:59:00.000-07:00

This was a quick and easy read. This book introduced me to the world of Hannah Swensen and her delicious sounding recipes. I look forward to picking up another tasty mystery by Fluke. I give it a 4/5.

#18 Don't Look Down by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer

2008-07-14T18:00:00.001-07:00

This book was a monthly read for one of my bookclubs and I must say that it wasn't all that great. I haven't read any of her other books but after this one I may never get around to it. The book was very hard to get into and I wasn't inclined to finish it until I reached chapter 8. The last few chapters were the best and while the ending was nice it didn't leave you with wanting more. It gets a 3.5/5