The 3 R's: Reading, Riting & Rithmetic...

Okay. Not so much of the Arithmetic! But I have been reading...and now it's time to write about it! I can hardly believe how much I've read since the last time I blogged on here!! So here goes-

First, I did get to read The Viscount Who Loved Me, the 2nd in Ms. Quinn's Bridgerton series. I also read Romancing Mr. Bridgerton and To Sir Phillip, With Love, numbers 3 & 4 in the series. I have now completed the entire series! I must say that they will remain on my bookshelf as one of my all time favorite families. All of the books were remarkably good and it's so much fun to have recurring characters. I absolutely fell in love with every book. Thank you Ms. Quinn for many hours of reading pleasure!

Second, I read both of the books I had in the Sabrina Jeffries School for Heiresses series. Both Don't Bargain With the Devil and Wed Him Before You Bed Him were fantastic reads. Again, I absolutely love the recurring characters. It's like reading really good gossip about old friends! And the last book in this series finally ties up the story of Charlotte Harris...the proprietor of the school. I have long been waiting for her "happy ending". I recommend the entire series!


I took a break from historical romance to give The Time Traveller's Wife by Audrey Niffeneggar a try. Lulu had bought and read it and raved about how good it was. In fact, she pretty much thrust it in my face and demanded I read it. So I did! It took me a bit to really get into it, but once I did, I was hooked but good! It is a fascinating read with a truly original concept. I stayed up way too late many a night because I didn't want to put it down. You can't help but get caught up in the characters and storyline as it hurls to it's inevitable conclusion. Highly recommended read!


I also took another genre leap and picked up a book called Blood Lite, short stories by different authors, presented by the Horror Writers Association. I thoroughly enjoyed it as well! Some of the stories not as much as others of course. But notable standouts were- Kelley Armstrong's "The Ungrateful Dead". I was laughing so much as I began this one that Jethro asked what was so funny. I preceded to read the story aloud and we laughed alot. There may have even been some laugh/snorting involved. I will have to pick up some of her novels and see if they are just as good. Another standout was- Charlaine Harris' "An Evening with Al Gore". Not quite as humorous, but I liked the theme and the conclusion was very satisfying!! Also standing out (in this readers humble opinion)- Eric James Stone's "PR Problems", proving that vampires and werewolves get all the good press! If you like horror or scifi, like to laugh and are looking for some short stories I'd recommend picking this one up!


Currently I've sunken my teeth into Once... by James Herbert, who in my book is the British answer to Stephen King. I've read many of his works but came across this one in a used book store and picked it up. It promises to be full of creepy situations and things that go bump in the night! Woo hoo!!!


That's all I've got dear readers...so go forth and read!!!
♥Gert

Romance, romance everywhere!

Finally, I squeezed in some reading time! And turned my attention to historical romance. I did get to read Seducing an Angel by Mary Balogh. And everything it promised, it delivered! Reading it was like seeing old friends you haven't seen in awhile, as it completed the quartet of books that began with First Comes Love. As always, Ms. Balogh crafts a believable world set in regency England. She fills her books with characters you can believe in and root for. I laugh, cry, and fall in love right along with them! It was very well done and definitely a must read! However, I do hope that she's not going to leave us hanging on what happens to cousin Con Huxtable! I know that he's an honorable man, for all that aspersions have been cast upon his character, and wait with baited breath to read his story!!!

I also managed to read another Bridgerton novel by Julia Quinn. I am attempting to read all eight in the series but am woefully out of order. I started with Gregory's story On the Way to the Wedding and as he is number 7 of the Bridgerton siblings obviously, that was not the first book! I did go back and read the first one, and the third and the eighth and finally the sixth. Confusing, no? The sixth book dealt with Francesca, the 6th Bridgerton sibling and the 3rd girl. It was called When He was Wicked. It was good, but not my favorite. I don't think any of this was the fault of Ms. Quinn's writing...it was superb as always, but I don't like characters whose major actions are led by guilt. I'm not a big believer in guilt myself. No regrets and all that. Still, it was a good story and a definate must read when following the lively Bridgerton clan! I finally got ahold of the 2nd book in the series and will read it next! Then there will only be two to go!

I also read What Happens In London, again by the incomparable Ms. Quinn. This one was a follow up to an earlier book called The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever, one of the funniest romances I have ever read! This second book follows the best friend of Miranda Cheevers, Lady Olivia Bevelstoke. And while Miranda and her husband (who is Lady Olivia's older brother) are not featured in this book, they are mentioned so that we know all is still well in their world. What Happens In London fully lived up to the first book. It was hilarious!!! I laughed out loud many many times. I also annoyed Lulu by reading aloud funny passages just so I could share it with someone. What a great read! Highly recommended!!

And last but not least, I had the good fortune to find The Bridegroom, the fourth book in the Stone Creek Series by Linda Lael Miller. It follows the life of Gideon Yarbro, younger brother to Rowdy and Wyatt (books 2 &3). It was short, but very good. I love returning to Ms. Lael Miller's recreation of the Northern Arizona Territory. Who doesn't love a good western?! And Ms. Lael Miller is a pro at it! Again...I laughed, cried and rooted for the hero. If you haven't read the series...I suggest you do!

Well I'm going to start another Bridgerton novel tonight. Number 2 in the series, The Viscount Who Loved Me. After that I have on my nightstand...Don't Bargain With The Devil and Wed Him Before You Bed Him. Both are part of the Sabrina Jeffries series "The School for Heiresses".

Happy Reading,
♥Gert

Heart sore!

Gert,
I will skip apologies for tardiness. I have, as you know, been reading Duma Key. It was brought to life by The Master. Stephen King. Ouuu, you nasty man!
Let me say first that I didn't expect to cry while reading one of his works. I expected to be scared stiff, and in that he delivered. And then some! The crying came as total surprise and left me feeling hollow. These people, in Duma Key, were my friends. Crazy? If you say yes then you should put down whatever book your reading and grab the remote. Don't get me wrong, not all authors can sweep you away so thoroughly. But if your a reader, it's impossible not to have lived one of the books you've read before. Mr.Stephen King is an author that won't let you sit on your chair or couch quietly reading his story. He summons you in and you go willingly. After that there is no escape. Not that you'd ask for it anyway. I will be haunted by Duma Key for some time to come. I will hear the shells speaking under Big Pink. My children will never have red-headed baby dolls. And I won't buy any art from the gulf area.
Thank you sir, for some more nightmares, as that is why we read your thoughts! Obviously I recommend reading this one. Just be prepared to lose a day or two, depending on how quickly you read. And don't read it right before bed! Trust me, you'll lose a lot of sleep that way.
Next I intend to read some happy and romantic stories. I have to.

Please don't let the table be leaking! Hildi

So many books...so little time...

Hello Faithful Readers! Life has been chaotic lately. And I haven't had the opportunity to retreat and stick my nose in a book nearly as often as I'd like. But I have done my best!

I finished Dust to Dust by Heather Graham. It was really engrossing. Could be I'm just a fan of Ms. Graham's or it could be that it was an entirely new idea. A new take on the "end of times". I've always been interested in apocalyptic fiction, both as the Apocalypse happens and afterward. And as you know...it's hard to find an idea someone else hasn't already done and done to death. So kudos to Ms. Graham for doing just that. Also kudos for bring back characters from other books. I love familiar characters...they feel like old friends. All in all, definitely a good read and highly recommended.

I also finished what I believe was the fourth in Eloisa James' Desperate Duchesses series. It was, as is expected of Ms. James, fabulous. It was When the Duke Returns. It brought back Isidore from the 3rd book Duchess by Night and told her story. Again...it's like family. I always get caught up in Ms. James books. I laugh, I cry, I forget where I am. And really, isn't that the mark of a great read? It is in my humble opinion.

Well I have several selections on my nightstand and as I will be recovering from surgery next month...I should have time to get to them! Some to look forward to... Seducing an Angel by Mary Balogh. It is the fourth in the series. Remember how I complained that it was released in hardcover? Well I got it at the library! Yay for free reads! Also looking forward to another Elizabeth Berg. And another Bridgerton novel by the incomparable Julia Quinn.

And on a side note...I have a friend who's going to Maine next month. And guess what??! She's going to take a picture of Stephen King's house for me! I know...I'm a huge goober where he's concerned. He's just a man...blah blah blah. Sorry I'm unrepentant in my blatant admiration. And poor him if he ever meets me in person! I'll probably chat him to death.

good books & crazy fans,
♥gert

Got to love summer...

Well dear readers summer is the busiest time of year for yours truly so the reading falls by the wayside. But have no fear...I managed to sneak a book or two in last month. My first recommendation is Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict. Being a huge fan of Ms. Austen myself, this one has been calling to me from the bookshelves since it was published. Luckily I found it in the bargain bin of a "Books A Million" store! (Love the bargain bins!!) It was an entertaining read. The concept was that a modern day Austen fan goes to sleep and wakes up in the body of an 18th century woman. At first there's some problems, but having read so many Jane Austen novels she is at least somewhat prepared for the lifestyle. I didn't ever cry but it did provoke many giggles and it is a good story. Definitely a quick read, but perfect for some light entertainment.

I also managed to read The Next Thing on My List by Jill Smolinski. This was another quick read, but very good! The storyline is that out of a feeling of responsibility for another's death, the lead character vows to finish all the items on the deceased's list of things to do before her 25th bday. And the list varies from "go bra less" to "change someone's life". It is an amazing story of how completing these tasks brings the character to realize many things that needed attention in her own life. Tears and laughter and a really good feeling at the end of the book. A definite "should read"! Put it on your list!

I'm now about halfway through Dust to Dust by the amazingly talented Heather Graham. It's book one in a four book series about the end of the world. It brings back many characters from previous novels in her vampire series. Lucien, Jade, Sean, Maggie....I guess you could say "the gangs all here"! Plus it introduces some brand new characters. So far it's an engrossing read. Unfortunately I know when I finish it I'll be jonesing for the next book. Too bad for me though...Ms. Graham has decided to wait a full year in between publishing...look for book two in July of 2010.

Well readers that does it for me...back to my busy summer! Hope you all are getting plenty of reading time in...

wishing everyone a quiet spot with a good book,
gert♥

The Never Ending Snooze

Of course I have awoken. I may not have blogged, but I never stopped reading. Therefore I too have so many plots and authors in my head that I can't determine where to begin.
Heart Shaped Box, by Joe Hill, is the one book that I was desperately waiting on after Christmas. Finally I was able to read it and was not disappointed. To say that it was worth waiting for, might give you a clue of what I thought of it. However let me expand upon this with a heart-felt thank you to the person that loaned me the book. Joe Hill as you know is one of my favorites and I thoroughly enjoyed my all to brief stay with his characters in this book. There were ghosts, tragedy, blood, death and finally redemption. It was a wild, suspense filled ride, and at times I was afraid to be a part of it. I must admit though, I got right back in as soon as I had a moment to do so. I soo look forward to being a part of the next wonderful, awful journey.
The books I am currently enjoying are definitely not in the same category as Heart Shaped Box, but are something I would recommend to anyone who needs a laugh and likes a good happy ending. The first is actually a series by Julia Quinn. The Duke And I, is just one story in eight about the Brigerton family. I loved this book and the other two I've read in the series. In the Duke And I the main characters are very funny and extremely likable. Julia Quinn has a wonderful way of making you feel as if you truly know her characters. I suggest everyone give this series a try.
As you probably know Eloisa James is another lady author that I adore. I truly feel as if her friends( characters) are my friends. Her Duchess series is simply marvelous. I have read each one so far and can't wait for the next installation. Some of the characters remain the same throughout these books and I must say they're some of my very favorites. You have to give these books a try if your married or in happy expectation of that event. She gives us wonderful insight to the trials and tribulations of marriage.
I'd like to take a minute to tell you about another book I was fortunate enough to be lent. Burned, by Ellen Hopkins is layed out completely in poem form. This is the first of her books I have read, but won't be the last by any means. After my confused brain adapted to the layout I was sucked into this story in a way that I had not expected. Be prepared for a turbulent and frustrating experience when you take this one home. Also be prepared to be very glad you read this story about lost innocence and the kind of love that not everyone has a chance at.
Well that's it for now. I shall attempt to be more dedicated to sharing my other reads with you.

Pools, books and umbrella drinks! Hildi

so it's your turn...

It was your turn but you snooze you lose sister! Bless me father for I have sinned...it's been months since my last book blog...

And once again I've read soooo many books I don't even know where to start. I know that I'm always raving about the Stephen King but seriously, the dude is a force to be reckoned with. Having no new books to peruse by his majesty I went back and read an old one that I had missed. I missed it mostly because I was too little to read it when it was actually published! It was of course, Salem's Lot. That was some serious "leave the lights on" wordage there, let me tell you! It was an awesome read of course. I remembered seeing the miniseries when I was maybe 10 or 11 and the one image has stuck with me through the following twenty odd years...when the one boy knocks on the other boys window...and he's all fangs & glowing eyes floating out there in the fog. I swear that I didn't look out a window at night for the next decade! I knew that they had made a newer miniseries starring Rob Lowe. Well par for the course, none of the rinky dink video stores near us had either miniseries in stock, so I did what any good fan would do...I hit up amazon. I got the newer miniseries and watched it. Poop on that!!! I freakin hate it when they take an amazing book and change everything around. WTF??!! How on earth does it follow that if the book was a fantastic read, the movie adaptation will be better if we screw with the storyline??! I do not get it, not one little bit. So I'm going to have to order the original miniseries and re watch it. The new one...not even scary either. On a scale of one to ten, my disappointment level was probably hovering near fourteen.


Let's see...I also read Elizabeth Berg's Say When. I do believe that this woman is also a master in her field. I have never read a book by her that I wasn't completely engrossed in. She's much more mainstream then most of the authors I read daily and definitely has a literary bent. This book centered on the separation and imminent divorce of the two lead characters. It's told from the man's point of view. It was fascinating. Mostly because I could see my own husband having the very same thoughts as this character! Getting the opposite perspective was very refreshing.


Of course I read another Julia Quinn...in her Bridgerton series. Amazing as ever! I laughed, I cried, I devoured the book in 24 hours. And a nod to Eloisa James and the Desperate Duchesses series as well. She also can make me run the full gamut of emotion in a single book. And a nod out to Julia London as well...loving the Scandal series! And Mary Balogh has a great 4 book series out. I devoured the first three as quickly as they were released and eagerly awaited the 4th and final book. My disappointment knew no bounds when it was released in hardcover!!! Why do they do that?? The first three were paperback and then wham-o! Please spend 3 times the money for a hardcover edition. No thanks. I boycotted. I refuse to buy the hardcover on principle. (And the fact that it totally messes up the order in the bookcase!!!)


I read a Nicholas Sparks, The Choice. I haven't read many of his books, mainly because they are such tearjerkers and always end badly for the characters, but this one was definitely worth the read. I won't spoil the ending but it was probably only a 20 tissue read, instead of the whole box!


And then my daughter pressed upon me a Sarah Dessen novel. This Lullaby was beautifully written. I think Ms. Dessen perfectly captures the drama of young adult lives and the struggle for independence in all of their relationships. It was a good read, and fantastically funny.

Well dear fellow reader...that is nowhere close to all of the books I've read in the past months! But it's all I have time for now. I will try to be a better blogger and stay more up to date in the future!!!

Many happy page turnings to all,
♥Gert

My constant companions...

Books! God love 'em. Sometimes they are my best friends! Since I blogged last I have probably read 20 of them. Can't even remember them all so I'll hit the highlights.

A Wanted Man, the third in the Stone Creek series by Linda Lael Miller. Love these books. The fictional town of Stone Creek, Az sounds like a place I would've wanted to live (had I been born in the 1800's). Everyone of these books has caught and held my attentions. Ms. Miller is at her best in my opinion when writing about the old west. She creates strong heroes and stronger heroines. Which leads me to another good one...A Mckettrick Christmas another book in the Mckettrick series also set in northern Arizona in the late 1800's. Definitely worth the read.

I also read the new two book series by Julia Quinn, The Lost Duke of Wyndham and Mr. Cavendish, I presume. Ms. Quinn is also a huge favorite of mine. She does regency England to perfection. And there is always a humor to her books that leaves me laughing. And of course, always a few tears too. I would highly recommend both books.

Lest you think I've only read romance...I also read and was completely engrossed by The 19th Wife. It was a novel about the dangers and inherent evil of polygamy. The novel started with a modern day murder mystery set on a polygamist compound in Utah, and went back and forth between that and the historical papers of Brigham Young's 19th wife, who broke off from the church, divorced Young and toured the continent lecturing about life in a polygamist community! It was fascinating!!!

I have several more books stacked on the night table and totally looking forward to devouring them one and all! On a good note...I also got new glasses...I can actually see the words without squinting and getting a headache. Oh joyful day!

Well happy reading to all,
♥gert

Lots of books!

Gert,

I got some great books for Christmas! Some of them were by Linda Lael Miller. Always an enjoyable read. I also received another by Tess Garritsen. It was the Keepsake. Very good book! She has a lot of wonderful characters and a truly unique way of blending everything together. Plus, she scares me! I am so used to reading romance novels that I always look for a love interest for the characters. There isn't sometimes in her novels and it's actually refreshing, and a little more real.

My husband gave me a book by Heather Graham for my birthday! I love the Heather Graham! Talk about scaring ya. The title is Deadly Gift and it's part of a trilogy about brothers. It's the last one. I'm very eager to read the first two now. The Deadly Gift has buried treasure, Irish legend, and evil all in the same house! Hopefully one of the others will be my next read. I forgot to grab Heart Shaped Box when I was at home for the holidays! Poop!