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♥