Mailbox Monday (119)

Not only is today the end of the weekend, but it's the end of the Jewish year. Tomorrow I'll be heading to services with Elley in tow. We may only be staying for the children's service, but it will be the first year of many for her of High Holy day services. First though, here's a look at the books that have made their way into our home in the recent weeks.
From PJ Library
Sammy Spider's First Book of Jewish Holidays by Sylvia A. Rouss
Speaking of Jewish holidays, in this book Sammy Spider shows how we celebrate Jewish holidays throughout the year. I love the illustrations and think it's adorable. I'd even say it's my favorite of all the PJ Library books we've received so far.

Gifted
Math at the Art Museum by Group Majoongmul
Me and Earl and the Dying Girl by Jesse Andrews
While visiting my dad in California (which I'll be finishing up writing about this week), he gifted me and Elley these two books. The first, for Elley, shows various famous paintings and explains the concepts of perspective, composition, and symmetry through them. The second, instead for me, is a YA book, one that was recently made into a movie.

From the Publisher
The Sea Beach Line by Ben Nadler
This one surprised me a bit. It's a mystery, which isn't the type I normally read. But it's about a Polish-Israeli street vendor, which intrigues me a bit, and I'm guessing is part of the reason I wound up receiving it.

From My Mom
Brick Lane by Monica Ali
Going through my mom's books I found this one, about a Bangladeshi woman who is sent to London for her arranged marriage. It's a book I wound have likely picked up on my own, but knowing it was one of my mom's makes me want to read it even more.

Childbirth Choices in Mothers' Words by Kim Selbert
It may be a bit odd adding a book about childbirth 9 months after my daughter was born. Except this book, which is a collection of birth stories, includes my mom's. As in the birth stories she wrote about having me and my brother. It's a little bittersweet reading it, especially when she talks about having her mother with her when I was born, since she couldn't do the same with me, but I'm so happy to have it. So far hers is the only one of the stories I've read, but I do plan on reading the rest.

For Review from TLC Book Tours
The Determined Heart by Antoinette May
I started this book last night, and so far really like it. It's a historical fiction about Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein. Even now I really have no idea who Mary Shelley was, and only recently put together the fact that Frankenstein was written by a woman, so I know it's one where I'll learn a lot and hopefully enjoy along the way.

Broken Homes & Gardens by Rebecca Kelley
I've actually already read and reviewed this one. It's a cute chick lit type book that I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Meeting Sebastian St. Cyr

What Angels Fear by C.S. Harris
Published: October 3, 2006 by NAL
First Published: November 1, 2005
Series: Sebastian St. Cyr #1
For a while now this book has been showing up in my goodreads recommendations. So when someone else suggested it for book club, not only had I already heard of it, but I was excited, if only because the internet told me I should be. Now that I've finished reading it, it's pretty easy to see why the algorithm recommended it for me.

This book is similar to a lot of the historical books I read, most specially the Pink Carnation series. Both of the series take place in England during the early 1800s. Both also include mysteries. But the big difference is that Pink Carnation has much more of a chick lit spin, while St. Cyr is a bit more gory.

While in some ways this did read a little slow for me, I think that's more to do with how little time I seem to have to read lately. Although one could argue that if it was good enough, I would have found a way to make time. Nonetheless, I always seemed to enjoy myself when reading.

There were moments when the politics involved got a little heavy. Considering that I feel a little more knowledgeable than most, makes me think others will likely have similar problems as well. But even so, I just wound up skimming over the lines that were a little involved, and still made sense of the overall story.

Overall it's definitely a book worth getting into. And while I may not be ready to list this as one of my favorites of the year, I'm still looking forward to continuing the series.

4/5

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

Mailbox Monday (102)

There's been some exciting arrivals in our home lately. Yes, I've received a ton of books to share with Mailbox Monday, but as a close second to that, we welcomed our daughter into the world two weeks ago! For now though, let's talk about the books.
From Goodreads
Pigs Can't Swim by Helen Peppe
A memoir about growing up the youngest of 9 children on a farm in Maine.

When the Doves Disappeared by Sofi Oksanen
A book originally published in Finland about Estonia during World War II.

Southern Gardner's Handbook by Troy B. Marden
We have a huge landscaped backyard, except it's all thanks to our home's prior owners. I basically have no idea what I'm supposed to do to take care of it, but hopefully I can pick up a tip or two from this.

You Can't Make This Up by Al Michaels
Another memoir, this one about sports broadcasting.

A Murder of Magpies by Judith Flanders
A mystery involving a book editor and one of her authors.

The Man Who Wouldn't Stand Up by Jacob M. Appel
A fictional story about a man "who wouldn't stand up" during the national anthem at a baseball game and the media frenzy that followed.

From Paperback Swap
The Temptation of the Night Jasmine by Lauren Willig
I just finished the 4th book of this series (review to come) and I'm anxious to jump back into the action with the next.

What Angels Fear by C.S. Harris
This is our February book club read, but it's also one that always on my goodreads' recommendations. It's a mystery that takes place in England in the early 1800s.

Definitely an exciting week in our house, both related to books as well as babies. Although considering the new edition (at least the living, breathing one) I have no idea when I'm going to find time to read all of these!

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Mailbox Monday (88)

First can we talk about how well my Mailbox Monday books match this week? Not really intentional on my part, but hopefully it makes up in a way for posting this so late. Although it is technically Monday that I'm posting it, so I guess I could still be considered on time!
From Paperback Swap
Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
Back in January I posted my review of Shiver, the first in the series. I can't say I fell in love with it, but I did enjoy it enough to continue. Maybe this is one series that gets better and better with each book, and I wind up a much bigger fan this time.

From Goodreads
The Forgotten Girl by David Bell
I don't know much about this one, but from the cover and summary it has a feel similar to Gone Girl which I loved. I've yet to read anything by David Bell, but maybe after this I'll be wanting to read more from him.

Purchased
Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins
I really wasn't planning on buying this the day it came out. But then Barnes & Nobles e-mailed me a 20% coupon, and I figured it was I sign. I absolutely adored the first two Stephanie Perkins book, so I have no doubt, especially after reading the first few reviews, that I'll fall in love with this one too!

What did you find in your mailbox this week? And when was the last time you rushed out to buy a book the day it was released?

While you're here, be sure to check out my giveaway for 2 A.M. at The Cat's Pajamas by Marie-Helene Bertino!

Mailbox Monday (87)

It's hard to believe summer is almost over, especially since growing up in California we didn't really go back to school till around Labor Day. But here in Louisiana, several schools started this past week and the rest will have their first day tomorrow. Which of course means no more summer-y traffic-free days. But back to the point at hand, which for the seemingly last time this summer, I'm linking up with Mailbox Monday.
For Review from TLC Books Tours
Vintage by Susan Gloss
I know several bloggers who have fallen in love with this one, so I hope it's the same with me. And while it is a chick lit type, it doesn't look especially summer-y, so hopefully it's the perfect book to bring in the fall.

From Goodreads
The Hello Kitty Baking Book by Michele Chen Chock
This one was too adorable to pass up. Looking through it, I'm not too sure on the recipes, but I am curious about the Hello Kitty Jack-o-Lantern Spice Cookies and the Red Apple Cupcakes. Now I just need to make time this fall to try them out!

Well Read, Then Dead by Terrie Farley Moran
I've never actually read a cozy mystery, but they seem to be a lot of fun to me. Plus it's a mystery involving food and books, which you can probably guess from this post, are up there in my world. I'm sure if this is one I enjoy I'll be turning to cozy mysteries far more often.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Mailbox Monday (73)

I hope everyone is having a happy holiday weekend! I know I've been depriving myself of baked goods for Passover, while scarfing down Easter candy, so I guess it's the best of both world. But now, of course, for my weekly Mailbox Monday link-up!
For Review from Virtual Author Book Tours
When Camels Fly by NLB Horton
This is a bit of a mystery/thriller, but what I'm most excited for is that it takes place in Israel. And actually, it's pretty much a perfect week to be sharing it.

For Review from Historical Fiction Book Tours
Love & Treasure by Ayelet Waldman
This is a historical fiction that takes place in the Holocaust. But it also looks to have a modern day story as well, and actually reminds me a bit of The Keeper of Secrets by Julie Thomas, which I really enjoyed, so I'm hopeful this one is worth it too.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Mailbox Monday (68)

Another awesome week of books! Seriously, if I would have known the amazing books I'd be bringing into my home three years ago or so before I got into book blogging, well... I'm not quite sure I'd believe it. As always, I'm linking up with Mailbox Monday.
From Goodreads
Stranger Things by Erin Healy
I will admit I'm not completely sure what this one is about. But it does look like some type of thriller/mystery, so we'll see...

Purchased
Where'd You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple
I know so many people who have loved this book. Plus it's currently being turned int a movie, so if you haven't heard of it yet, you probably will soon. It's actually our book club book for the month, so hopefully it's one I'm just as found of as everyone else.

For Review from TLC Book Tours
The Idea of Him by Holly Peterson
This looks to be a chick lit type book about a woman who finds out her husband is having affair. It also looks to be from the point of view of the woman in the affair, for two takes on the same story. Maybe a slightly overdone concept, but one I'm still excited for.

From Paperback Swap
The Winter Palace by Eva Stachniak
I love historical fiction, but I'm not sure I've ever read a book about Catherine the Great. I'm hoping to change that with this book, one I've heard great things about. I believe this sequel for this came out recently as well, so if I enjoy it know there's more of the story to look forward to.

What did you find in your mailbox this week? And have you read any of my finds this week?

Mailbox Monday (66)

I'm a little in shock that my Mailbox's have been so crazy lately. It's hard to believe all these books are coming into my home, but unfortunately unless I find a way to stop time have no idea when I'm going to be able to read all of these!
From Virtual Author Book Tours
Round the Bend by Alistair McGuinness
This is a travel memoir about the author's time in South America. Since I don't have plans to visit there anytime soon, I'm hoping this book will help to transport me there even if it's not quite for real.

From Historical Fiction Book Tours
Pilgrim Footprints on the Sands of Time by Sylvia Nilsen
This is a historical fiction about the murder of Thomas Becket. I actually read another book about this last year that I enjoyed, so I'm looking forward to seeing these events from another author's perspective.

From Paperback Swap
Bright Young Royals by Jerramy Fine
I absolutely loved Jerramy Fine's memoir and every since I've been wanting to read more by her. Although I don't expect this book to be anything like her memoir since instead it profiles royalty around the world. I am a bit royalty obsessed, so I'm looking forward to reading about Who's Who in the world today.

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
I absolutely loved the movie when I saw it last year, and ever since I've been wanting to read the book. I have heard they made some big changes with the movie, but I'm excited to see what's different in the original.

From Goodreads
Rosarito Beach by M.A. Lawson
This may not be my typical read, but I can't help that I love entering and then winning Goodreads giveaway. But this one does feature of female agent, which is the main reason I entered the giveaway in the first place.

Night Games by Lisa Marie Perry
Yes, another one I was lucky enough to win, especially since I probably wouldn't pick it up other wise. It's a romance novels about a football player, so I'm sure it will be a fun ride.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

Mailbox Monday (65)

Another busy week of books for me! So, as always, I'm linking up with Mailbox Monday!
From Paperback Swap
The Runaway by Terry Kay
This is actually our book club book for the month. I actually don't know much about it, except that from the summary it takes place in the South after WWII. But I do love historical fiction and enjoy reading about the South so hopefully it's one I'll enjoy.

From Goodreads
The Deepest Secret by Carla Buckley
I remember loving a Lifetime movie growing up about two little girls who were allergic to sunlight. I can't even remember the name of it, but certain scenes still are vivid in my memories. Which is why I'm so excited about this mystery since one of the main characters is a boy with a similar medical condition where he must avoid sunlight.

From Historical Fiction Book Tours
The Highlander's Reward by Eliza Knight
I haven't read much about Scotland, but it's definitely a place I'm curious about, which is of course why I'm excited to start this one.

Won at Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell
Billion Dollar Cowboy by Carolyn Brown
The Cowboy's Mail Order Bride by Carolyn Brown
The Cowboy's Christmas Baby by Carolyn Brown
Not only did I receive these 3 books, but also this sparkly cowboy boot ornament. I'm not quite sure which of these I'm most excited about, but maybe The Cowboy's Christmas Baby.

What did you find in your mailbox this week?

You still have time to enter my giveaway to win a copy of Marie Antoinette's Head!

Time is Running Out {Giveaway}

The Hourglass by Sharon Struth
Published: July 19, 2013 by Etopia Press
I feel like I've been in such a reading rut lately, where I'm just not enjoying the books I've picked up. Thankfully this was just the book I needed to escape! Part romance novel, part mystery, it's the type of book you start reading and while feels like only minutes later you're already halfway through.

Parts of it remind me of The Pilot's Wife or The Unfinished Work of Elizabeth D., where after a person's death you wonder how well you really knew them. But unlike those two where that was the main point of the book, here that story line is only part of what you're reading.

This may not be the type of book that has you thinking about it after you're finished, but it is one where you'll really enjoy the experience. You want the couple to be successful, and you want to know the end of the mystery, and those two together make it hard to put down.

4/5

Hopefully this has you intrigued and you want your own copy. And if so, it's your lucky day because I have a copy of giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: I was provided this book through TLC Book Tours. All opinions expressed are my own

Mailbox Monday (38)

One of my 101 in 1001 goals is to cut my to-read pile in half. In theory, this is a doable goal, especially considering how quickly to read through books. Although it makes it nearly impossible, when I have such big Mailbox Monday posts. I'm not quite complaining here, but I guess it isn't a bad problem to have. With that said I'm linking up with Book Obsessed, our host for July, to share my recent bookshelf additions.
From Paperback Swap
Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr
I actually won the 3rd (or maybe 4th) book in this series almost two years ago. It's been sitting unread till I can read the books before it, but now at least, I'm finally on my way there.

For Review from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours
The Tudor Conspiracy by C.W. Gortner
I think this summer may be my summer of Gortner, but I'm really excited about it!

For Review from TLC Book Tours
Etched in Sand by Regina Calcaterra
This one is a memoir of five sibling who survived an unspeakable childhood on Long Island (taken directly off the cover). I have a feeling this will be the type that makes you cry, but still happy to see that they've made it to the other side.

From Goodreads
My goodreads luck must be back since after last week's 6 wins, I've continued to win 5 more over the next week. Not sure how long this will keep up, but at the moment, I'm definitely enjoying it!
The Case of the Missing Servant by Tarquin Hall
This is a crime series, that (what I'm most excited for) takes place in India. This is the first in a series, and I think the 3rd or 4th recently came out.
Immortal Bird by Doron Weber
This is another memoir, about a family raising a son with a congenital heart defect.
Chasing Alaskaby C.B. Bernard
I think this is also a memoir type, but dealing with exploring Alaska's wilderness.

What did you find in your mailbox this week? And are you able to take books off your reading pile, or does it seem to be always growing like me?

The End of the Millennium

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Steig Larsson
I can't believe I put off reading this books for so long thinking I wouldn't like them. Yet now, here I am finished, wishing for more.

I did enjoy this one, but I think it's probably my least favorite of the trilogy. I think the the first two you had to keep reading because you had to know how things worked out. But while there are a few smaller mysteries, the majority of the book deals with the consequences of what happened in the last book. It did still hold my interest, and I read through it very quickly considering the length. But still, don't think it was nearly as suspenseful as the first two.

I'm also not a huge fan of the title. With the first two, the titles are literal. Lisbeth does have a dragon tattoo. Her playing with fire, is what brought on a lot of the actions in the second. But while Lisbeth may have kicked a hornet's nest figuratively, unless I'm missing something, she doesn't kick one literally. And given how literal the first two titles were, I wish this one was too.

I was happy with the ending, even though it wasn't necessarily what I expected. I wouldn't say it ends on a cliffhanger, but you could easily see more could be told. And while Steig Larsson is no longer living, he has written something for I believe 4 more books in the Millennium series. So I'm hopefully that at some point, maybe in several years, but eventually we will see his other books.

If you're like I used to be, and think these books are too gruesome for you, I really would give them a chance. I wound up being pleasantly surprised by the entire trilogy, and have a feeling you're likely to feel the same.

4.5/5

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

The First Girl with Fire

The Girl Who Played with Fire by Steig Larsson
Like the first one in the series, I really got caught up in the mystery in the book, and couldn't stop reading it. I definitely devoted a few late nights to this because I just couldn't fall asleep till I got just one more clue of the mystery. It's funny because I really didn't think I'd like these books based on all the brutality I heard they included, and while it is there, I didn't really mind it, since I was so caught up in everything else.

A lot has been said on this book, so rather than repeat the same things as everyone else, I wanted to mention a few minor plot lines that I really appreciate. First a someone big part of the plot (and somewhat of a spoiler), is that an author dies before his book is published leaving others to decide what to do with his work. I think it's a bit of eerie foreshadowing since Steig Larsson died before he could publish all of his books. Supposedly he had written, or at least outlined, 3 or 4 more Millennium books, but if I remember correctly his family and girlfriend have been arguing over what to do with them. I do think based on some of the actions in this book, you have to speculate what Larsson own belief would be.

A second aspect I really loved was the cameo of Fermat's Last Theorem. Having a Masters degree of Mathematics it's something I am familiar with, and while I don't know the intricate outlines of the proof, I do know basic idea of what it involves. So the fact that Lisbeth supposedly solves the theorem by hand really bugs me. And I wasn't a fan of how they somewhat "dumb-ed down" the problem. But I still loved the fact that they choose a real problem for Lisbeth to be fascinated by.

I think a lot of people have read this by now. But if you're avoiding it because you think you won't like it, know that I felt that way too, and instead I'm loving the time I'm spending reading them.

5/5

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

Top 10 Books of 2012

In the next few days I'll be recapping December along with the entire year, but felt for me in order to really wrap up the entire year I had to include the books. It was interesting going through this, because some my opinion on some books changed with some time. (My number 1 pick wasn't even a 5/5 rating at the time I reviewed it.) So without further adieu, here are my top 10 books of 2012.

1. Celebrating Interfaith Marriages by Rabbi Devon A. LernerWhile I enjoyed this when I read it, it wasn't till I started thinking about our wedding ceremony that I realized how amazing it was. I realize I haven't blogged our ceremony yet, but when I do, I will be referencing this over and over again.

2. The Dovekeepers by Alice HoffmanI loved this one because it brought me back to my time in Israel. Although think even if you've never been, you will still absolutely love this one.

3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen ChboskyReading this brought me right back to high school (although not always in good way). I have read some negative reviews of this lately, which surprise me a little considering how much I enjoyed it.

4. Song of the Nile by Stephanie DrayI loved this book and was so excited when I heard a third book in the series was planned for 2013. I may have been swayed to put this here, by the fact that Stephanie Dray found my blog and commented on my post. But still, this was a fun read on a time period I hadn't really read before.

5. Divergent by Veronica RothI feel like I'm a year late reading this, but now can join the club of its fans. I do have Insurgent to read, although feel like the longer I wait to read it, the less time I have to wait for the third book of the trilogy.

6. Gone Girl by Gillian FlynnThis is the book that everyone is talking about this year. If you haven't read this one you need to, if only so you can read it before anyone spoils the twist for you.

7. Wither by Lauren DeStefanoI was so excited when I finally got my hands on this. I wasn't as big of a fan of the sequel, but can't wait to see how Rhine's story ends when the third book comes out later this year.

8. Courting Her Highness by Jean PlaidyI love all the Jean Plaidy books I've read, but this one has to be one of my favorites. It's interesting going back and reading how I lamented they were no longer republishing her books in that review, especially since they've started to again, just with a different publishing house.

9. Where We Belong by Emily GiffinEmily Giffin is an author, like Jean Plaidy, that I always seem to love. In my review I said this was probably my favorite of hers. As time has passed I'm not so sure on that anymore, but think because I read this so quickly I don't remember it that well. I guess that just means I probably need to go back and reread it!

10. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig LarssonI didn't think I would like this one nearly as much as I did, but I guess I should have listened to everyone who recommended it sooner. I haven't picked up the next two books yet, but plan on doing so soon.

What books would make up your top 10 reads of 2012? And have you read any of the books on my list?

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

Just Like a Tattoo

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson
I kept hearing how much people enjoyed this book, but I just didn't think it was for me. I knew there was graphic violence and rape scenes in this, and it just didn't seem like something I'd really enjoy reading. But it was my book club's pick this month, so I decided to suck it up and finally read it. Turns out everyone else was right and I really did enjoy it.

Now the violence and awful scenes were there (I didn't just make that up), but there weren't many and they weren't as graphic as I expected. I could see how if you don't expect them, it may turn you off from the book. But considering how gruesome I expected them to be, I think it wasn't as big of a shock for me, and didn't really hinder my reading experience/

It did also take me about 150 pages to really get sucked in, but from there I had to know how the mystery would end. I do think reading this book again would be fun, since there's a lot in the first part I just read and didn't really pay attention to, but I'd much rather read the other two books in the series first.

5/5

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!

Mailbox Monday (14)

It's another Sunday, and I'm happy to say that I'm once again linking up with Mailbox Monday. This is a traveling meme, and for the month of December is being hosted by Suko's Notebook. It's a place to share the books we've picked up recently that we can't wait to start reading.
For Review from Virtual Author Book Tours
Flesh by Khanh Ha
I've actually been seeing this one around quite a bit lately, so I'm excited to finally have a chance to read it. This is a historical fiction that takes place in the early 1900s in Vietnam. I get the feeling that it won't be the easiest book to read, but I'm hoping to learn a lot from it.

From My Parents
The Fire by Katherine Neville
My mom absolutely loved Katherine Neville's book The Eight. And while I read it, and enjoyed it as well, I didn't love it nearly as much as her. A few years back she read this one, which is a sequel to The Eight, although didn't love it nearly as much. Knowing my mom wasn't as huge of a fan, I haven't been jumping at the chance to read it, but still want to read it eventually, which is why I brought it back with me after being out in California for Thanksgiving.

Ratio by Michael Ruhlman
I had planned to bring a few other cookbooks back with me, but as our suitcases slowly started to fill this is the only one that made it. According to my dad, this is one of the last cookbooks my mom picked up. And while this would have to be classified as cookbook, it does seem to be written a lot more like an actual book.

The Girl who Played with Fire by Steig Larsson
The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Steig Larsson
I actually just finished The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and really enjoyed it. (I hope to have my review up on Friday.) So I'm sure I'll be starting these books sooner rather than later. (I know my dad's read all three. I believe my mom never finished the second, although they did watch all 3 of the Swedish version movies together.) Given how much I enjoyed the first, I'm sure I'll be enjoying these as well.

What's in your mailbox this week? And have you read any of these books?

Gone But Not Forgotten

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
It feels like everyone has been reading this book lately, and here am I jumping on the bandwagon. If I was writing this review for only those that have read it, I feel like there's so much I can say. But since I know most of the world hasn't read this yet (even though it feels like they have) I'm somewhat limited since I hate giving spoilers.

There are just so many twists and turns in this that it's hard to write about it without giving something away. The book does remind me of The Deadly Sister by Elliot Schefer, except just a much more adult version. But even though there are similarities between the two, there are so many more difference.

A lot has been said about the ending, but in a way I kind of like it. I'm not a fan of the final few words though, because they definitely create a cliffhanger that I don't think is ever going to be solved, since I don't see any type of sequel ever happening.

If you haven't read this yet, and you're even thinking about picking it up, you need to do so sooner rather than later. Not necessarily because it's an amazing book (although it is pretty amazing), but more because you don't want anyone to ruin this for you.

5/5

Today I'm linking up with Blonde Undercover Blonde for Book Club Friday!