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Rereads (comparison reviews)

December Wrap-Up

•Total Read: 24
•Adult: 18
•YA:  5
•Audios: 4
•New to me authors: 2
•Debut authors: 0

•YTD - 231

•Favorite Book(s) of the Month: The Rosie Project, Someone Else's Love Story

Where I've Read This Month: California, Chicago, Colorado (2), Florida(2), Georgia (3), Kansas, Montana,  New Jersey, New York (3), North Carolina (2), Ohio,  Oregon, Virginia, Washington, DC, Afghanistan, Australia, England(3), Germany, Paris, Netherlands

Titles Read:
Allegiant by Veronica Roth
Big Sky Wedding by Linda Lael Miller (audio)
Champion by Marie Lu
Christmas Bliss by Mary Kay Andrews
Cross My Heart by James Patterson
Douglas by Grace Burrowes
Hunting Eve by Iris Johansen
Just One Year by Gayle Forman
Ladies Night by Mary Kay Andrews
My Own Miraculous by Josilyn Jackson (audio)
Never Go Back by Lee Child
Red Hill by Jamie McGuire (audio)
Sea Creatures by Susanna Daniel
Sever by Lauren DeStefano
Someone Else’s Love Story by Joshilyn Jackson
Take Down Twenty by Janet Evanovich
Take Over At Midnight by M.L. Buchman
Thankless in Death by J.D. Robb
The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen
The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die by April Henry
The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks (audio)
The Marquis Who Loved Me by Sara Ramsey
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Welcome Back to Apple Grove by C.H. Admirand

Tuesday Intro/Teaser

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros is a weekly meme hosted by Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea every Tuesday. To participate share the opening paragraph or two of a book you've decided to read based on that paragraph. Please feel free to join in, First Chapter~First Paragraph~Tuesday Intros.

Much later, Nora would learn magic for dissolving glue or killing vermin swiftly and painlessly or barring mice from the house altogether, but that morning, the last morning, she later thought of it, as she padded into the kitchen in search of coffee, she was horribly at a loss when she saw the small brown mouse wriggling on the glue trap in the front of the sink.  At the sight of Nora, the mouse froze for an instant, then tried to bolt, but only succeeded in gluing another paw to the sticky cardboard.  "Oh crap," Nora said aloud, "I can't deal with this. Not on top of everything else."

The Thinking Woman's Guide to Real Magic by Emily Croy Barker


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of  Should Be Reading.

Where Are You Reading?

Hosted by Sheila @ Book Journey

Every year I try to read in each of the 50 States between January – December.  It is fun to see where I've read for that year.

Alabama - The Target
Alaska - Silenced
Arizona - Best Kind of Broken
Arkansas
California - Ashes
Colorado -The Broken
Connecticut I Kill The Mockingbird
Delaware
District of Columbia - Vanished
Florida The Buried
Georgia - Lost Lake
Hawaii
Idaho - Breaking Nova
Illinois - Coaltown Jesus
Indiana Neverhome
Iowa - Little Mercies
Kansas - Beautiful Oblivion
Kentucky - Dare You To
Louisiana - The Pride of the King
Maine - The Wife, the Maid and The Mistress
Maryland - A Kiss For Luck
Massachusetts - The Coldest Girl in Coldtown
Michigan - The Whole Golden World
Minnesota - Take A Chance On Me
Mississippi - A Long Time Gone
Missouri - Sisterland
Montana - The Highway
Nebraska - Fangirl
Nevada - A Beautiful Wedding
New Hampshire - Mercy Snow
New Jersey - Top Secret Twenty One
New Mexico - Love Letters to the Dead
New York - NYPD Red 2
North Carolina - Bones of the Lost
North Dakota
Ohio - Dash of Peril
Oklahoma
Oregon - If You Could See What I See
Pennsylvania - Accused by Lisa Scottoline
Rhode Island - Providence
South Carolina - Return to Tradd Street
South Dakota
Tennessee - Faking Normal
Texas - It's Always Been You
Utah
Vermont - I Am The Mission
Virginia - King and Maxwell
Washington - Morning Glory
West Virginia - Up From The Grave
Wisconsin - Shotgun Lovesongs
Wyoming - Wyoming Bold

2013 Reading Challenges

2013 Reading Challenges

New Author Challenge  63/50

Outdo Myself Challenge  230 /246

Regan Arthur Challenge - Complete

War Through The Generations- Complete

What's In A Name 6 - Compete

Where Are You Reading?  38/50

What Are You Reading? Last one for 2013

Sheila at Book Journey hosts this weekly event where we celebrate what we are reading for the week as well as books completed the previous week.

How are you celebrating the end of 2013 and the beginning of 2014?   I hope to ring in the New Year by reading! Thank you to Shelia for hosting this weekly meme. 

Thoughts on the Books I Read Last Week:

Sea Creatures by Susanna Daniel

Georgia and Graham move back to Florida after her failed business and his sleep disorder disaster.  They are both hoping for a new beginning.  Georgia takes a job working for an eccentric artist that surprisingly brings benefits not only for her but for her young son. A beautifully written story of heartbreak, hope and healing.

The Girl Who Was Supposed to Die by April Henry

Cady wakes up to “Take her out back and finish her off.”  She doesn't know who or why this is happening.  She manages to escape and is on the run trying to figure it all out.  An intense, quick read.

Champion by Marie Lu

The third book in the Legend trilogy. Day and June have worked together to change their world for the better. Each has sacrificed so much, but are called to even more sacrifice.  Can their ideals survive? Will they?  A good conclusion that was not a total disappointment.

Up Next:
The Dancing Master by Julie Klassen
Christmas Bliss by Mary Kay Andrews
The Splendour Falls by Susanna Kearsley

Book Thoughts Posted:
Welcome Back to Apple Grove by C.H. Admirand

Welcome Back To Apple Grove

There's no place like home ~ Grace Mulcahy thought she'd finally gotten Apple Grove, OH, out of her system. Until she's lured back for a family barbecue and spies a broad-shouldered hottie hanging out at the grill. He somehow seems utterly at ease, whether flipping burgers or horsing around with her hellion nephews. Why didn't her brother-in-law tell her he had such gorgeous friends? Suddenly her mouth is watering for more than her best friend's famous pie.

When firefighter Pat Garahan sees Grace, it's like a five-alarm bell goes off and he's the one ablaze. She says she wants to leave Apple Grove, but he will do whatever it takes to keep her around. The life of a firefighter isn't an easy one, though, and he'll have to prove their immediate sparks can have a lasting chance at love...​

This is a small town that is a delight to revisit. Fun and quirky characters are easy to like, and want them to get their HEA. I like how understanding and accepting everyone was of Grace and her decisions.  They love her so much they play matchmaker. A great afternoon read.  

Author:  C.H. Admirand
Published: December 2013
Pages: 322
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Source:  Sourcebooks
Finished: 12/15/13



This complimentary review copy was received thankfully from Danielle and Sourcebooks and in no way influenced my review of this book. These are my personal thoughts and reactions to the reading of the book.

Tuesday Intro/Teaser

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros is a weekly meme hosted by Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea every Tuesday. To participate share the opening paragraph or two of a book you've decided to read based on that paragraph. Please feel free to join in, First Chapter~First Paragraph~Tuesday Intros.

"Jean Eloise Foley!"  Marion Foley tugged hard at the fabric of the ivory lace dress.  "How am I going to fix this dress if you can't stand still for five minutes?"  I squirmed and looked over my shoulder and down at my mama, who was glaring up at me.  I was standing on a none too-sturdy wooden kitchen stool, and in high heels yet."

Christmas Bliss by Mary Kay Andrews

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of  Should Be Reading.




Merry Christmas!

What Are You Reading?

Sheila at Book Journey hosts this weekly event where we celebrate what we are reading for the week as well as books completed the previous week.

The back to back winter storms forced me to get the presents wrapped.  I listened to an audiobook which made the job go very quick.  I also got a bit of reading done.  Hopefully, the weather will cooperate with last minute shopping.  Merry Christmas to all!

Thoughts on the Books I Read Last Week:

Never Go Back by Lee Child

This book wraps up a four story arch and finds Jack making his way to Virginia to meet Susan Turner, the voice on the phone. When he arrives he thinks it will be a simple thing to ask her for a date. It turns out to be anything but simple. He finds out he is being reinstated into the Army, and has two serious charges levied against him. Susan has been arrested.  In signature Jack Reacher style he sets out to find the truth and lights up the pages.

Take Down Twenty by Janet Evanovich

Salvatore “Uncle Sunny” Sunucchi has missed his court date and Stephanie is looking for him.  Not only is Sunny doing everything he can to avoid Stephanie his family is doing all they can to get in her way. As usual everything that can go wrong does.  A few laugh out loud moments, but I am ready for Stephanie to make a choice on which man she wants!

Someone Else's Love Story by Joshilyn Jackson

Shandi is moving to her dad's condo to make commuting to college easier. When they stop for gas, Shandi and Natty her 3 year old genius son are inside,  a gunman holds up the station. William steps in between the gunman and Natty. Shandi falls in love. Both have pasts that must be faced and they give each other the courage to do so. I fell in love with these characters as their stories are told. A wonderfully, emotional read that will be on my favorite of 2013 list.

Big Sky Wedding by Linda Lael Miller (audio)

Brylee Parish is finally feeling like she has survived being jilted at the altar, and is loving her successful business. Zane Sutton, drop dead gorgeous actor, has moved to back town and despite what he says, Brylee is sure he won't be staying. Great secondary characters. Looking forward to Landry's book. Jack Garrett did a great job narrating.

Cross My Heart by James Patterson

Alex Cross is the obsession of a criminal who believes he knows how to commit the perfect crime. As he weaves his plot to take down Alex, Alex and Bree are investigating two crimes that intersect, all while trying to maintain a normal family life. They solve the crimes and are looking forward to celebrating Easter when Marcus Sunday makes his move. He commits the absolute unimaginable and leaves Alex Cross a broken man, or does he? A fast paced, page turner that ends with a cliff hanger that leaves a frustrated reader.

Welcome Back To Apple Grove by C.H. Admirand

A delightful small town story.

Up Next:
Champion by Marie Lu
Sea Creatures by Susanna Daniel

Book Thoughts Posted:
Take Over At Midnight by M.L. Buchman

Take Over At Midnight

Name: Lola LaRue

Rank: Chief Warrant Officer 3

Mission: Copilot deadly choppers on the world's most dangerous missions

Name: Tim Maloney

Rank: Sergeant

Mission: Man the guns and charm the ladies

The Past Doesn't Matter, When Their Future is Doomed

Nothing sticks to "Crazy" Tim Maloney, until he falls hard for a tall Creole beauty with a haunted past and a penchant for reckless flying. Lola LaRue never thought she'd be susceptible to a man's desire, but even with Tim igniting her deepest passions, it may be too late now...With the nation under an imminent threat of biological warfare, Tim and Lola are the only ones who can stop the madness--and to do that, they're going to have to trust each other way beyond their limits.

Loved these gutsy, strong women of the elite SOAR team.  Lola felt pressure to prove herself, and does not want a complication of Sgt. Maloney.  An action filled, exciting mission oriented book.  Liked that characters from the previous 3 books featured prominently.

Tuesday Intros/Teaser

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros is a weekly meme hosted by Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea every Tuesday. To participate share the opening paragraph or two of a book you've decided to read based on that paragraph. Please feel free to join in, First Chapter~First Paragraph~Tuesday Intros.

"Eventually they put Reacher in a car and drove him to a motel a mile away, where the night clerk gave him a room, which had all the features Reacher expected, because he had seen such rooms a thousand times before. There was a raucous through-the-wall heater, which would be too noisy to sleep with, which would save the owner money on electricity. There were low-watt bulbs in all the fixtures, likewise. There was a low-pile carpet that after cleaning would dry in hours, so the room could rent again the same day. Not that the carpet would be cleaned often. It was dark and patterned and ideal for concealing stains. As was the bedspread. No doubt the shower would be weak and strangled, and the towels thin, and the soap small, and the shampoo cheap. The furniture was made of wood, all dark and bruised, and the television set was small and old, and the curtains were gray with grime. All as expected. Nothing he hadn’t seen a thousand times before."


Never Go Back by Lee Child

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of  Should Be Reading.


“Turn around,” Reacher said. “Go back wherever you came from. You’re in over your heads.”

What Are You Reading?

Sheila at Book Journey hosts this weekly event where we celebrate what we are reading for the week as well as books completed the previous week.

Digging out of lake effect snow that has been hanging on for days now.  Got a good chunk of Christmas shopping done.  Ten days 'til Christmas!

Thoughts on the Books I Read Last Week:

Sever by Lauren DeStefano

Time is running out for Rhine and friends. This virus kills girls at age 20 and boys at age 25. Vaughn is trying to find a cure but the consequences are too costly, and Rhine just wants to get away from him. They find refuge with Vaughn's brother Reed and search out the truth. FINALLY, a satisfying conclusion to a trilogy.

Allegiant by Veronica Roth

Not even sure what to say.   I totally understood Tris's decision, it was so her, but didn't like it at all. Tobias was a hot mess and not the guy we fell in  love with in the first 2 books, but I also understood as I thought about one of the major themes of the book.  The explanations of how this world came to be were so involved and bordered on boring with their twistiness. I closed the book with mixed feelings.

Take Over At Midnight by M.L. Buchman

An Action filled, exciting mission oriented book.  Like that characters from the previous 3 books featured prominently.

Douglas, Lord of Heartache by Grace Burrowes

Douglas has experienced heartbreak upon heartbreak within his family.  Gwen has been betrayed and just wants to be left alone.  These two have a hard road to their happy ending.  Another enjoyable book in the Lonely Lord series.

The Marquis Who Loved Me by Sara Ramsey

Ellie was forced to break her engagement with Nick and marry his cousin.  Ten years have passed, Ellie is a widow, Nick is back to learn who is trying to kill him and has revenge in mind for Ellie. These two tortured hearts may not survive the reunion. I loved how they lit up the pages with their broken hearts and passion. The third book in the Muses of Mayfair (stands alone well).  Looking forward to Prudence's story. 

Thank you to Sara Ramsey and Netgalley for this review copy

Up Next:
Welcome Back to Apple Grove by C.H. Admirand
Never Look Back by Lee Child

Listening to:
The Coldest Girl in Cold Town by Holly Black (Christine Lakin)
Sisterland by Curtis Sittenfield (Rebecca Lowman)
Dead Set by Richard Kadrey (Kate Rudd)
Big Sky Wedding by Linda Lael Miller (Jack Garrett)

Book Thoughts Posted:
Red Hill by Jamie McGuire
Andrew, Lord of Despair by Grace Burrowes