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♥
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
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
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
Thursday, June 25, 2009
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
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
Friday, February 20, 2009
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
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
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
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!
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!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Still loving the master...
I have honestly never read a John Grisham book. But I don't really enjoy the movies from the books so I doubt that I would enjoy the books. I'm not a real law/political crimes book kind of girl. But I'll take your word that it was good!
I finished Stephen King's Just After Sunset finally. It was fantastic, as usual. Even after reading the whole book...the story "Harvey's Dream" was still my absolute fav. The foreshadowing and build up to the climax was amazing. So good in fact, that I read it out loud to Jethro and Lulu. Neither has ever read Stephen King, but they too were in awe. And agreed that it was an awesome example of the art of the short story! I highly recommend this book, not just to fans of his but to anyone who enjoys a good story.
When we gathered for "story time" I asked them what their favorite short stories currently were. Jethro said "To Build a Fire" by another master...Jack London. And Lulu said "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allen Poe. My gosh...are they brilliant or what?! Haha. At least they have excellent literary tastes! As both of those authors are considered amazing! Both classic storys that are prime examples of foreshadowing! The very element of writing demonstrated by "Harvey's Dream". Boy, did they have an fantastic literature teacher or what?! Oh yeah...it was me! You've got to love homeschooling!
Well, I don't know what I'm going to read next. I have several books calling my name, but very little time to read since christmas is right around the corner. In fact, I'm getting ready to go wrap some gifts now! I can't wait for christmas as I talked to mom and I happen to know we are both getting some really great books!!! Yes, I do have a one tract mind.
I'd rather be reading,
gert♥
I finished Stephen King's Just After Sunset finally. It was fantastic, as usual. Even after reading the whole book...the story "Harvey's Dream" was still my absolute fav. The foreshadowing and build up to the climax was amazing. So good in fact, that I read it out loud to Jethro and Lulu. Neither has ever read Stephen King, but they too were in awe. And agreed that it was an awesome example of the art of the short story! I highly recommend this book, not just to fans of his but to anyone who enjoys a good story.
When we gathered for "story time" I asked them what their favorite short stories currently were. Jethro said "To Build a Fire" by another master...Jack London. And Lulu said "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allen Poe. My gosh...are they brilliant or what?! Haha. At least they have excellent literary tastes! As both of those authors are considered amazing! Both classic storys that are prime examples of foreshadowing! The very element of writing demonstrated by "Harvey's Dream". Boy, did they have an fantastic literature teacher or what?! Oh yeah...it was me! You've got to love homeschooling!
Well, I don't know what I'm going to read next. I have several books calling my name, but very little time to read since christmas is right around the corner. In fact, I'm getting ready to go wrap some gifts now! I can't wait for christmas as I talked to mom and I happen to know we are both getting some really great books!!! Yes, I do have a one tract mind.
I'd rather be reading,
gert♥
Monday, December 15, 2008
Trying new things!
Every once in a while I read something that is out of the romance or historical romance category. Like 20th Century Ghosts. I read a couple of romance novels after that, that I had not read for a while. While I was looking for another of these, I ran across a book our cousin had given me for a birthday years ago. Dom.. dom.. da... daa! The Testament, by John Grisham. I have never read any other of his novels. I have been missing out. I know that there are movies that have been made from some of his books, but I really never payed much attention since I hadn't read them. That will change soon. The Testament is about a lawyer, a millionaire and a missionary. There are complex relationships, almost fatal diseases and money! I really can't tell you more or I would give away something. However, I will say that one or two of the characters renewed my faith in humanity and the power of believing. Mr. Grisham is very, very good at portraying real people and their faults as well as the crazy turns life sometimes takes. I suggest giving this book a try, you will be hooked like I was.
Next on my list is a favorite by Heather Graham. The Presence. I have read it before, but I'm looking forward to a fresh look at it. I'll tell ya all about it next time.
Love and new books for Christmas! Hildi
Next on my list is a favorite by Heather Graham. The Presence. I have read it before, but I'm looking forward to a fresh look at it. I'll tell ya all about it next time.
Love and new books for Christmas! Hildi
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