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!!!!