Weekend Reads

Omgosh, you guys are getting lucky tonight...  Two posts in one night... Here's whats on my list for weekend reads... I've started Supernaturally by Kiersten White. This is the second book - her first was Paranormalcy. Great series btw. 


Also on my reading list this weekend is Torrent by Lisa Tawn Bergren. It is from the River of Time series. Time travel YA romance at its best!!!  


So that's what I'm going to try to read this weekend. Drop me a line and let me know what your Weekend Reads are? Have a great weekend!!! Happy Memorial Day weekend everyone!!!! 

Must apologize!!!

When life gets in the way it seems that catching up is the hardest thing to do. I have been reading, but finding enough time to sit down and do a book blog has been a struggle. I love blogging - about Books, Crafts, and all sorts of different things.


 Breathe by Lisa Tawn Bergren Homeward Trilogy number 1. A great inspirational western about a young woman learning to breathe and fighting consumption (TB). Its about finding love and dealing with the loss of her mother and siblings to the same disease she's trying to beat. But not only is the story about her, its about her brother and his fight to step out of the shadows and limitations his father has set before him. Its about becoming his own "Man". Breathe is also about the youngest sister and her love for music - stepping onto the stage, dazzling the world and not letting any "Man" tell her she can't be who she wants to be. ♥♥♥♥ 




I'm reading The Noticer : sometimes, all a person needs is a little perspective by Andy Andrews - this book is about Jones - an old fella who sees what others miss and how he helps others change their perspective. 


Here's the summary - In this blend of fiction, allegory, and inspiration, Andrews tells the story of Jones--a mysterious man who shows up when things look the darkest for the people of Orange Beach, Alabama, and whose unique gift of noticing things that others miss helps us understand why things happen and what we can do about it. ♥♥♥  -  Its a great book, sometimes hard to follow the thoughts of Jones. His advice is very useful though. Our lives do intersect and intertwine with others. We do make lasting impressions and ripples in the water of everyone we meet. 

Author Interview with Lisa T. Bergren

Due to technical difficulties I'm just now able to post this interview.

(my apologies to Mrs Lisa.) I've had this interview for way to long. 

I'd first like to thank Lisa for taking the time to answer my questions. For letting me have this is an exciting opportunity to get to know one of my new favorite authors. Lisa T. Bergren is the author of the new YA "Rivers of time Series". She's also the author of thirty-plus other books, including the Colorado historical trilogy (Breathe, Sing and Claim). She lives in Colorado with her Husband and three children.

Where did the idea for your "River of Time Series" come from?

I've always loved the combination of historical and contemporary (THE BRIDGE had flashbacks to 1970s; CHRISTMAS EVERY MORNING had journal entries)--this was the perfect way to marry the two! Put the contemporary characters IN the historical time period. It provided instant and constant tension.

Have you do any archaeological work? If not would you consider it?

I like the romantic idea of it. I think I'd get tired of the hot, dusty 

work after a day or two. But I'd consider volunteering!

How many books are set for the "River of Times Series"? 

Three; but I'd love to go back and tell Lia and Luca's story for books 4-6. 

But 1-3 have to prove successful first.

Having just recently found your works and just now finding out that you write 

all sorts of things (children's books, adult fiction, devotionals for women). 

Can you tell me which type of book you like writing best and why?

These books were SO fun to write--when I get to write a combination of action, 

adventure and romance, the words just fly from my brain and heart to the page. It's almost easy--like watching a movie play.

Tell us, where is your favorite place to write and do you have a specific writing

routine? 

Errands, email, Twitter, Facebook, house management in the a.m.; writing in the afternoon--most successfully, at the library, where I'm away from all those  things noted for a.m. :-)

How hard is it for you to create a character in your books and then something 

horrific happen to them? Are they just words on a page or do you get attached 

to them?

I FEEL my main characters. Cry with them, laugh with them. If I'm not, then I 

need to do more work...because if I'm not, then the reader isn't going to 

connect with them in a visceral way either.

Once you've written a series and completed it, have you ever considered adding 

more books to it or once it's done it's done? Do those characters ever call to 

have more written about them? 

The only series I've wanted to write more for was The Gifted (THE BEGOTTEN, 

THE BETRAYED, THE BLESSED) and now River of Time. On the others, I was done!

If you could travel back in time where would go?

I'd like to be a travel "dipper"--stopping in my medieval time period in Italy 

to see how close I really got to reality; 1885 Midwest USA to see the 

Industrialists really take hold; 1915 Midwest to see my relatives, first 

generation immigrants, finding their way. But I really, really love modern 

conveniences. :-)

And for my last question... Are you currently reading anything?

Just finished DIVERGENT, a secular YA novel, and finally got around to reading THE HELP--both excellent books. I read a wide variety of books, and that's gotten even wider with my current fascination with YA novels. Next up, Libby Bray's BEAUTY QUEENS.

My sincere thanks for taking a few minutes to get to know you. Is there anything 

else you'd like to tell my readers before we close?

Only that I'd love to connect--find me on Facebook or Twitter! I love hearing 

from readers.

Thank you so much for this exciting opportunity. I look forward to reading more from you, beyond Torrent. I have lots of your books to catch up on. 

Thanks for the opportunity!

 LTB

http://www.lisabergren.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lisa-Tawn-Bergren/29354438694

https://www.facebook.com/riveroftimeseries

http://twitter.com/#!/lisatbergren

Thursday Book Review

HIT LIST by Laurell K. Hamilton (Rated PG-15) (13 is still to young)


I'm a huge LKH fan. I've read everything she's published. I've met her at book signings. Talked with her and her husband, Jon. Seen them multiple times. I love love love Anita Blake, so I was very excited when Hit List hit the shelves. To say I'm an Anita junkie, would be putting it mildly. I do go through withdrawals and crave the books like a drug.


But, here's the deal (this is my opinion - my review) DISAPPOINTING. The book was well written, more character development, more time with Anita, Edward, Olaf, Bernardo and the introduction of a few new characters. There is the continuing struggle with the Mother of All Darkness and Olaf's obsession with making Anita his own serial killer girlfriend. I just feel slighted - as I know many others do too... the reviews on this book go from bad to worse. 


It's missing its awesomeness!!! Fans of LKH have gotten spoiled with awesome plots, big fight scenes, lots of explosive action, big guns and sex, sex, sex and more sex - oh and can't leave out the harem of men.  We had a whole year of waiting for Anita, we all had high expectations for the book, built it up in our minds and waited impatiently for its release, then we get it and poof the spark, was not a spark it was an ember. 
I don't do spoilers here if I can keep from it... but there were a lot of plot holes and issues that were resolved in a very anti-climatic way. There was only one gratuitous sex scene (YAY!!!) with yet another new were-tiger to add to her harem. The orders of execution for this book belonged to other Marshals, until they were no longer able to complete the mission. So, Anita is fighting her reputation as a sex machine and men collector, instead of fighting the big bad guys. If the shoe fits... or hey here's a concept, try limiting your collection, send the kid home, no more **** buddies and let the ones with lovers just do them. Anita says she's not bothered by all of the insults and it doesn't matter what others think of her... she's fooling herself but she's not fooling us. She's strong but it does matter. 


Will I stop buying or reading the Anita Blake series??? Are you serious? Its just one book. I love the characters, I love the plots and Anita's world. Honestly I feel like both LKH and Anita are tired. IMO -Vacations are in order for LKH, Jon, Trin and everyone she works with. Leave both series for a bit and come back to them... hopefully it will get better with the next books. I'll be waiting impatiently for the next Anita book. 


PLOT - The Harlequin, under the control of the Mother of All Darkness, are committing seemingly random brutal murders of were-tigers across the country in an attempt to lure Anita away from the security of her home city of St. Louis, giving their mistress access to attempt to metaphysically inhabit Anita's body. Realizing it's all a trap, Anita and Edward must find a way to stop the Harlequin before they can both kill again and capture Anita. 

  Product Description

The #1 New York Times bestselling Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series continues! 

A serial killer is hunting the Pacific Northwest, murdering victims in a gruesome and spectacular way. The local police suspect "monsters" are involved, and have called in Anita Blake and Edward, U.S. Marshals who really know their monsters, to catch the killer.

So there you have it... all wrapped up in a nice neat thud. I'll be waiting for the next installment... ♥♥♥ out of 5. (worst review I've ever given...and not happy about it)

Weekend Reads

Here's what I have on my shelves to read this weekend.
Hit List by Laurell K. Hamilton (number 20 in the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter Series) Yay!!! I finally get my Anita fix!
Product Review: A serial killer is hunting the Pacific Northwest, murdering victims in a gruesome and spectacular way. The local police suspect "monsters" are involved, and have called in Anita Blake and Edward, U.S. Marshals who really know their monsters, to catch the killer.





Cascade by Lisa T. Bergren ( I'm on pg 380 of 399) This is the second book in The River Of time Series. The first was Waterfall. Excellent writing, great character development, lots of great history... She takes you back to ancient Italy and winds an awesome tale.
Product Review: Gabi knows she’s left her heart in the fourteenth century and she persuades Lia to help her to return, even though they know doing so will risk their very lives. When they arrive, weeks have passed and all of Siena longs to celebrate the heroines who turned the tide in the battle against Florence—while the Florentines will go to great lengths to see them dead.

But Marcello patiently awaits, and Gabi must decide if she’s willing to leave her family behind for good in order to give her heart to him forever.

And a free Kindle download from Melissa de la Cruz - Witches 101: A Witches East End Primer. Its just a snippet from her first Adult Paranormal Tale.
Product Review: From the author of the highly addictive and bestselling Blue Bloods series, with almost 3 million copies sold, comes a new novel, Melissa de la Cruz's first for adults, featuring a family of formidable and beguiling witches.

The three Beauchamp women--Joanna and her daughters Freya and Ingrid--live in North Hampton, out on the tip of Long Island. Their beautiful, mist-shrouded town seems almost stuck in time, and all three women lead seemingly quiet, uneventful existences. But they are harboring a mighty secret--they are powerful witches banned from using their magic. Joanna can resurrect people from the dead and heal the most serious of injuries. Ingrid, her bookish daughter, has the ability to predict the future and weave knots that can solve anything from infertility to infidelity. And finally, there's Freya, the wild child, who has a charm or a potion that can cure most any heartache.

For centuries, all three women have been forced to suppress their abilities. But then Freya, who is about to get married to the wealthy and mysterious Bran Gardiner, finds that her increasingly complicated romantic life makes it more difficult than ever to hide her secret. Soon Ingrid and Joanna confront similar dilemmas, and the Beauchamp women realize they can no longer conceal their true selves. They unearth their wands from the attic, dust off their broomsticks, and begin casting spells on the townspeople. It all seems like a bit of good-natured, innocent magic, but then mysterious, violent attacks begin to plague the town. When a young girl disappears over the Fourth of July weekend, they realize it's time to uncover who and what dark forces are working against them.

With a brand-new cast of characters, a fascinating and fresh world to discover, and a few surprise appearances from some of the Blue Blood fan favorites, this is a page-turning, deliciously fun, magical summer read fraught with love affairs, witchcraft, and an unforgettable battle between good and evil.

Non Fiction Blurb

It doesn't happen often, I generally can't get my head around reading non-fiction works. But, this time I found one that I couldn't put down. I've always been fascinated with Mediums. You know John Edward, Sylvia Brown, James Van Praagh to name a few. I came across Maureen Hancock and her new book The Medium Next Door. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I learned a few signs to watch for from my loved ones who've passed. I'm waiting for signs. ♥♥♥♥ out of 5. 

  Product Description

At just five years old, Maureen Hancock discovered her ability to communicate with the dead. Descended from a long line of legendary Irish mystics, she was no stranger to the spiritual realm, but for fear of being misunderstood by her friends and family she kept the otherworldly messages to herself, eventually suppressing them completely.

Maureen wouldn't hear the spirits again until she was in a near-fatal car crash. Soon after, she had hundreds of voices in her head, many of which helped her crack cases and expose fraud in her role as a litigation paralegal at a large Boston law firm. Then, when tragedy struck on 9/11, Maureen was bombarded with messages from the spirit world. As each one made contact with her, she finally came to terms with her calling: to communicate with the deceased, assist the dying, search for missing children, and teach the living about life after death, all the while raising her children in her suburban home.

Maureen Hancock is literally is the Medium Next Door, and in this book and through her stories of her encounters with the otherworld as well as guided exercises at the conclusion of each chapter, she offers the same comfort and wisdom she shares in her healing encounters and lectures about what is out there waiting for all who are open to its mysteries. . . .

Friday Favorite

I've neglected the site and I apologize... I've been working on making some extra cash and getting my son's wedding flowers and some other items purchased. I have been reading though... I have a selection for my followers to try.


First is The Cross Gardener by Jason F Wright.

  From Publishers Weekly

Author and political commentator Wright (The Wednesday Letters, coauthor with Glenn Beck of The Christmas Sweater) returns with another modern fable that wears its conservative values on its sleeve. Born on the side of the road to a dying teenager, John Bevan grew into happiness and safety on an idyllic Shenandoah Valley orchard, falling in love as a teenager, eventually marrying his high school sweetheart and having a daughter with her. When, pregnant with their second child, his wife dies in a car accident, John finds his faith and ability to function shattered. Attending the site of her death, John encounters the Cross Gardener, a man who tends the roadside memorials of strangers, and with his help John finds himself returning to the path of responsibility and righteousness. This title offers the same kind of values-focused emotionalism that fans expect, with plenty of uplift and tradition-affirming sentiment; even by the standard of his other work, however, this effort is prudish and clunky, and John often comes across as more sullen than bereaved.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. 

My review: Its the story of a man overcome with grief from the death of his wife and unborn son. A man who has retreated into himself and withdrawn from the world around him, all except the two crosses that make where that tragic accident took place. Its about how he meets a man who is the Cross Gardener. This man cleans around the crosses of those killed in tragic traffic accidents along road sides and even watches over the crossing points of others killed in different circumstances. The cross gardener helps our main character John Bevin learn to grieve. You have to wonder did our author live through such events or similar? All the whys? What if's? And questions only God can answer.
This is a very emotional book... I cried, laughed and questioned some of the deaths I've dealt with over the years. I think I came to a better understanding and grieved a little right along with John Bevin and Lou Lou (John's little girl).  ♥♥♥♥ out of 5.