1. Feeling good is high up on my bucket list.

2. My favorite quote is "Count all your blessings, settle all your sorrows. What matters today, won't matter tomorrow ; it's from The Faith Hill song If You're Going To Fly Away.

3. My friends at PBS inspired me to start blogging.

4. Strawberries are best with sugar on a hot summer day.

5. Leaving a note for over night guests on my counter and waking up to find I had actually slept walked and wrote the freaking note! is the last dream I remember having.

6. The most enjoyable time to go for a walk is when I'm going to Dunkies to get a coffee.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to chillin', tomorrow my plans include a hair color appointment, sleeping and reading and Sunday, we're going to Golden Temple for Chinese Food.

Janeology

Janeology by Karen Harrington ~~ Jane, a loving mother of two, has drowned her toddler son and is charged with his murder in this powerful examination of love, loss, and family legacy. When a prosecutor decides Jane's husband Tom is partially to blame for the death and charges him with "failure to protect," Tom's attorney proposes a radical defense. He plans to create reasonable doubt about his client's alleged guilt by showing that Jane's genealogy is the cause of her violence, and that she inherited her latent violence in the same way she might inherit a talent for music or a predisposition to disease. He argues that no one could predict or prevent the tragedy, and that Tom cannot be held responsible. With the help of a woman gifted with the power of retrocognition—the ability to see past events through objects once owned by the deceased—the defense theory of dark biology takes form. An unforgettable journey through the troubled minds and souls of Jane's ancestors, spanning decades and continents, this debut novel deftly illustrates the ways nature and nurture weave the fabric of one woman's life, and renders a portrait of one man left in its tragic wake.


This is not your typical "ripped from the headline" story of a mother who kills her child in the midst of a depressive episode. It turns into a tale of a husband who is then put on trial himself , to be held for his own accountability in the death of his child. He wasn't even at home at the time of the killing, put the prosecutors go after him because he should have known his wife wasn't stable and they feel he did nothing to stop it! Is he responsible for his wife's actions??? Is she even responsible? His attorney has a very ingenious approach to getting his client off. As someone who has a degree in Early Childhood Education, I have always found the whole debate of 'nature vs. nurture' very interesting. Is someone predisposed to violence because their ancestors were violent? Or because of the way they were raised (be it by their natural parents or through adoption). Ms. Harrington doesn't answer the typical mystery question of who or how....but of why? A unique twist on an old genre. A powerful story that will leave Tom & Jane with you long after you finish the book. A

ARC Reading Challenge

June 21 - September 21, 2008

Teddy from So Many Precious Books So Little Time is hosting her FIRST reading challenge - and it's a good one! The ARC Challenge is all about reading Advance Reader's Copies (or Advance Reader's Editions) of books.

Here are the rules:

1. Make a list of all of the ARC's that you currently have and/or are on their way to you.

2. If you have:

• 1-3 ARC's then pick at least one to read and review for this challenge.
• 4-6 ARC's then pick at least two to read and review for this challenge.
• 7-9 ARC's then pick at least three to read and review for this challenge.
• 10 or more Arc's then pick at least 4 to read and review for this challenge.

3. Crossovers with other challenges are allowed.

4. List the books that you plan to read for this challenge (you can change it at any time, as long as the books you change are also ARCs). You can read the books on your list in any order.

5. Read the books and review them on your blog. If you don't have a blog, you can post your review on sites like Amazon. Leave a comment on the post about the challenge with a link to each of your reviews.

To sign up, go to the post about the challenge and leave a comment for Teddy with a link to your blog post about the challenge.

My list of ARC's ~ ** = books to use for this challenge. I'm going to read 7 books for this challenge :)

1. Angel's Tip by Alafair Burke**
2. Sweetheart by Chelsea Cain** finished for Challenge 6/28
3. Night Kills by John Lutz** finished for Challenge 7/12
4. The Other Queen: A Novel by Philippa Gregory
5. The Brass Verdict: A Novel by Michael Connelly** finished for Challenge 6/27
6. Say Goodbye by Lisa Gardner read
7. Testimony: A Novel by Anita Shreve
8. Cold Hearted by Beverly Barton** finished for Challenge 6/22
9. Songs for the Missing: A Novel by Stewart O'Nan
10. The 19th Wife: A Novel by David Ebershoff
11. The 7th Victim by Alan Jacobson
12. Fractured by Karin Slaughter
13. Left To Die by Lisa Jackson
14. Don't Tell a Soul by David Rosenfelt
15. Identical by Ellen Hopkins
16. Die, Decorator, Die: A Novel of Murder, Greed and Interior Design by Franklin H Levy **finished for challenge 6/30
17. The Condition: A Novel by Jennifer Haigh
18. The Mercedes Coffin: A Decker and Lazarus Book (Peter Decker & Rina Lazarus Novels) by Faye Kellerman ~ finished for challenge 7/26
19. Too Close to Home by Linwood Barclay - finished for challenge 8/16

Wednesday Weirdness

1.) Do you have anything planned for your father for Father's Day? If so, what? We're doing the same thing we do every year - Chinese food at Golden Temple.

2.) If you could visit anywhere in the world with all your expenses paid for each trip, where would you go? I'd probably go back to Israel and see it own my own terms. I went with a group last time and it was very rushed.

3.) What are a few things you have done that you previously thought I would never do? Work for the family business.

4.) How do you react to the bodily functions (passing gas, burping, etc) of your significant other? I'm a single gal!

5.) What are you allergic to? Penicillin, grass

6.) If you could go back in time and meet any passed historical figure, who would you choose and why? I'll have to think about this some more.

7.) Honestly, how often do you check up on any of your exes? Never

A Page Out Of Life

A Page Out of Life by Kathleen Reid ~~ The connections women make through scrapbooking inspire a novel full of “the twists and turns that keep readers turning pages.”

When frazzled mother of four Ashley joins a local scrapbook club, she’s amazed at the way old photos and mementos can bring color to sepiatoned memories. Among the diverse group is Tara, a single grad student whose search for love, like her relationship with her absentee father, has only brought her heartache…and some funny dating stories. Then there’s Libby, a semi-retired teacher who thought she’d spend her golden years taking classes—not as a town pariah after her son is charged in a corporate scandal. But all three find comfort and inspiration in the scrapbooking group, where they learn that only together can they face earth-shattering revelations and emotionally unavailable men—and figure out their futures while artfully commemorating their pasts.

*****

I loved this story. Any woman who gets together with a group of friends for any reason (book club, scrapbooking, knitting) must read this book! When Ashley joins her friends scrapbooking club she has no idea her life is about to change forever. While there is a large group of women who meet once a week, the story focuses on the lives of Ashley, Libby and Tara, three people with connections that no one expected. And how their lives will be changed forever. This is a beautiful tale of friendship and shows us just how lucky we are to have such good people in our lives. A+

Super Sunday's

Week of June 8:

More nosey questions

1. What is your favorite day of the week? Hhhmm......Friday :)

2. How do you usually wear your hair? Depends on my mood when I wake up.

3. What is your favorite item of clothing? My Tommy Bahama sweaters & my beetles!

4. Where would your dream vacation be? My couch with my books and some dunkies.

5. Who is your favorite author? book? Too many to list.

6. How often do you log on? Does all day count?

7. What is one of your favorite internet sites to visit? PBS of course

8. Coke or Pepsi? Is there any doubt - COKE!

9. Do you prefer healthy snacks or junk food? No brainer - junk food!!

10. Are you a morning person or a night owl? I'm an insomniac - so both :)

Trust Me

Trust Me (The Last Stand Trilogy, Book 1) by Brenda Novak ~~

Four years ago...

Skye Kellerman was attacked in her own bed. She managed to fend off her knife-wielding assailant, but the trauma changed everything about her life. As a result of that night, she joined two friends--also survivors--in starting The Last Stand, an organization to help victims of crime. But now... Her would-be rapist is getting out of prison. Skye knows that Dr. Oliver Burke hasn t forgotten that her testimony cost him his reputation--and his freedom. Sacramento detective David Willis, who investigated her case, believes Burke is a clear and present danger--and guilty of at least two unsolved murders. And now Burke is free to terrorize Skye again. Unless David can stop him. Unless Skye can fight back. Because Oliver Burke has every intention of finishing what he started. And that s a promise. Trust me.

****

This is my first book by Ms. Novak and I loved it! Skye was nearly raped 4 years ago. She fights off her attacker and he goes to jail. Unfortunately he's going to get out a lot sooner than any one thought. While they scramble to find a way to pin a few other murders on Oliver, Skye works closely with David - the original detective on the case. The two have very strong feelings for each other, but David feels an obligation to his sick ex-wife. As Oliver prepares to leave prison and exact his revenge on all those that have wronged him, Skye starts receiving threating messages. Does Oliver have someone working for him on the outside? Or does someone who has nothing to do with him want Skye dead??? Is it possible that two separate people, with two separate agendas both want to get rid of Skye? A fast paced thriller with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end. I'm looking forward to next two books in the trilogy - which will focus on Skye's two friends & partners at The Last Stand (the organization they formed to help fight violence). A

The Cracked Pot

The Cracked Pot (Clay and Crime Mysteries, No. 2) by Melissa Glazer ~~ Nobody likes a good firing better than Vermont potter Carolyn Emerson---but a grisly discover in her own backyard may be too hot to handle...

The Art of Murder

It's easy enough to misplace a clay piece in a busy paint-your-own-pottery studio like Fire at Will. Misplacing a person, however? Carolyn certainly can't explain why renowned ceramics artist Charles Potter disappeared en route to an appearance at her shop. But everyone is really thrown when the man finally turns up---and turns out to be none other than her assistant David's long-estranged father.If Richard Atkins (aka Charles Potter) thinks he can just waltz back into Maple Ridge and smooth everything over, he's sorely mistaken. Instead of being greeted with open arms, he's met with murder...in Carolyn's raku pit, no less. Now, with David as the prime suspect, Carolyn and her friends in her studio's club, the Firing Squad, must crack the case---before it explodes in their faces...

****

This is definitely one of my favorite cozy series! Somehow Carolyn has found herself in the middle of another murder investigation. This time it's someone that she knows, but that no one is happy to see. Carolyn is very lucky to have such a great group of friend in the "Firing Squad". Friends that have no trouble snooping to help her solve the murder. And poor Bill continues to worry about Carolyn and the trouble she seems to find. Ms. Glazer makes her characters friends you'd like to have as your own. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series - A Fatal Slip. A

Killer Insight

Killer Insight (Psychic Eye Mysteries, Book 4) by Victoria Laurie ~ Upset when she breaks up with her boyfriend, FBI agent Dutch Rivers, on Valentine's Day, the last thing psychic Abby Cooper wants to do is go to a wedding. But her friend Ellie, who lives in Colorado, needs her - one of her bridesmaids has dropped out of the wedding and gone to California to find her ex-boyfriend. Abby agrees to fill in as bridesmaid, thinking the change will do her good. But Abby's psychic intuition tells her that the missing bridesmaid, Gina, is dead and she works with Ellie's sheriff brother Duffy to find out what happened to her. Unfortunately, the chief suspect seems to be Ellie's fiancé Eddie and it doesn't help that Abby is getting psychic visions of him being in jail. When Gina's body is found and more bridesmaids turn up missing, Abby and Duffy realize that someone is willing to do anything, even murder, to stop Ellie's wedding. Abby continues to help Duffy investigate the case, but she needs to be careful as she is now having visions of her own death.

I LOVE this series. Each one just gets better than the next. And talk about grabbing you from page one! Abby and Dutch have just "broken up", and on Valentine's Day no less, when she gets a call from her childhood friend Ellie, asking her to be a stand in bridesmaid for her wedding at the end of the week. So in order to get out of Dodge, and away from Dutch, Abby agrees to go to Colorado to be in the wedding to cover for the missing bridesmaid. But did she leave on her own or did she have "help"? Then more bridesmaid start disappearing. What can Abby do excpet help of course! Abby begins to help the police - and former crush Duffy, find the missing bridesmaids and who is responsible for their disappearnce. For me, at least, the culprit was easy to figure out, but that didn't stop me from finishing this book in just a few short hours. I can't wait to read the rest of this series. A+

Friday Fill Ins

1. Idle hands are not doing anything!

2. I love make lists while in the shower.

3. My favorite time of the day is when I'm at work by myself.

4. The last tea I drank was Lipton's Decaf about an hour ago.

5. I like to chill in the Summer.

6. My mother always said think Prada, Tod's, Louis!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to relaxing, tomorrow my plans include a waxing and a pedicure and Sunday, I want to read, read, read!

No! I Don't Want To Join A Book Club

No! I Don't Want to Join a Book Club: Diary of a Sixtieth Year by Virginia Ironside ~~ In her first American release, London journalist Ironside slices through the hullabaloo about reclaiming youth. On the cusp of 60, Marie begins keeping a diary, and the approximately 18 months' worth of entries that make up the narrative offer blunt appraisals of the state of the world, matters of health and family, and the good and bad aspects of the Internet age (cut and paste is good; booking travel online is bad). The major development is the thrilling news Marie's going to be a grandmother, and plenty of smaller crises, squabbles, life events and drama are contributed by her posse of goofball pals. Widower Archie, whom Marie had a crush on when she was a teenager, is still around, and Marie's friend Penny is on the brink of a fling with a man 30 years her junior. After grandson Gene is born, Marie, of course, fawns over him, though that happiness is mitigated by a friend's illness. Both humorous and poignant, this will appeal to its target boomer demographic and should pull in a few younger readers as well

Booking Through Thursday

Have your book-tastes changed over the years? More fiction? Less? Books that are darker and more serious? Lighter and more frivolous? Challenging? Easy? How-to books over novels? Mysteries over Romance?

Absolutely. I used to read mostly romance and mysteries. I hardly ever read traditional romances anymore. I still love my mysteries and now, thanks to my friends at PBS, have found a whole new sub-genre in cozies! I also read a lot of romantic suspsense. I also never "challenged" myself each year. Now I'm trying out some differnent challanges. A "complete the series challenge", which I've finished. I've got 6 authors left on my "new to me author challenge". And I'm about 40% done on my challenge to read 10 more books this year than last year.

Wednesday Weirdness

1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? I always wanted to work with kids. I got my degree in early childhood education and went to work in day care. But after 7 years, I got tired of being a glorified babysitter and there went that dream. Now I'm in the screw business ;)

2. Do you put ketchup on top of your french fries or on the side to dip in? If you don't use ketchup, what do you use? If you don't eat french fries, what's wrong with you? (Ok so that last one is just a joke. Kind of. *wink*) I'm a definite dipper.

3. When was the last time you had phone sex? If you've never done it, why? Too long ago to remember!

4. When was the last time you made someone cry? What did you do to make them cry? On Sunday. I bumped my little nieces had on a bar, but smothered her with kisses and she stopped ;)

5. How often do you sing in the shower? At 4:15am?????

6. Have you ever cooked dinner or any other meal naked? If not, would you? Never and not a chance!

ARC Book Giveaway

The Marvelous Melanie is giving away an ARC of How Far Is the Ocean from Here: A Novel by Amy Shearn on her blog. Come on over and sign up :)

Random Thoughts

Ever want a place for a random comment? A place that doesn't really have to do with the last post, but there is something you want to say? Well here is the spot for it. Feel free to post what ever you'd like. When it falls off the main page, Mr Yellow will have a link to come right back to him when you click on it :) Happy Posting!

Tuesday Thingers

Today’s Tuesday Thingers question is:
Why LT?

Why did you choose to open and maintain an LT account? Do you/did you use other online cataloging/social networking sites, like GoodReads or Shelfari? Do you use more than one? Are they different or do they serve different purposes?

I chose LT because I needed a place to keep track of all my books. Where I was in a series, if I liked the book so I could decide if I wanted to read more in the series, and most importantly to remind myself of books I've already read. I also just started using Shelfari. For me they serve the same purpose. An organized place to keep track of my books and forums to chat in with great people!

An ARC Giveaway

She's Too Fond of Books is giving away an ARC copy of The Brass Verdict by Michael Connelly. Come visit her blog and tell her why you would like to read this book - could be you're doing an A-Z challenge and need an M or C. Or you could be like me and LOVE Michael Connelly. Come on over and enter!!!

June ~ Pay it Forward Book Exchange ~

Welcome to my next Pay it Forward Book Exchange.

I had so much fun with my first one, I've decided to make this a monthly exchange. This month I have 3 brand new books to give away. The rules will be slightly different though. If we have between 1-20 players - ONE person will win ALL of the books. If we have 21+ entries than THREE people will each win ONE book. Any questions, please ask :) Sign ups will be open until June 29th and winner will be announced on June 30th.

• Shakedown (Pinnacle Books Fiction) by Joel Goldman


• Tempting Evil (Prison Break, Book 2) by Allison Brennan


• Certain Girls: A Novel by Jennifer Weiner

If you'd like to win these books, here is what you must do:

1. On your blog, write a post about this giveaway, using my "Pay it Foward" button, and then link back to my post. I am sure your readers would appreciate learning about the chance to win a book. You must complete this step to be put in the drawing, unless of course you don't have a blog ;)

2. Sign the Mr Linky (the Mr Linky is that list of name at the end of this post - just type your name in the box) with your name and specific URL of your Pay it Foward post. Note, if you are not a blogger, you may still enter to win. Just sign your name on the Mr. Linky without a URL and then email me (lori @ frandanbolt dot com) your contact information. Please note on your email that it is for the Pay It Forward Book Giveaway.

3. If you’re the lucky winner of the book giveaway and you have your own blog I ask that you, in turn, host a drawing to give that book away for free to one of your readers, after you’ve had a chance to read it (let’s say, within a month after you’ve received the book). If you mail the book out using the media/book rate that the post office offers it’s pretty inexpensive. If you're a non-blogger who has won the book, please consider donating the book to your local library or shelter after you're done with it.

4. If you’re really motivated and want to host your own “Pay It Forward” giveaway at any time this month, feel free to grab the button above to use on your own blog. Just let me know so I can publish a post on my blog plugging your giveaway and directing my readers your way!
Make sure to visit Overwhelmed with Joy for other Pay it Forward giveaways.

If you have any books that you'd like to Pay It Forward yourself this month, please leave a comment below and I'll link you in this post.

No One Lives Forever

No One Lives Forever by Jordan Dane ~~ Nothing Is What It Seems
Born to a childhood pitted by violence, Christian Delacorte is desperate for peace when he embarks on a new life with the woman he loves, Detective Raven Mackenzie. But soon his old life comes calling—in the tempting form of a mysterious woman assassin.
When a Deadly Seductress Comes Calling
Jasmine Lee is determined to collect an old marker from Christian. He owes her—big time—and she needs his help freeing her kidnapped lover, Nicholas Charboneau—a powerful mogul linked to Chicago's underworld. Christian doesn't trust her, but Jasmine entices him to leave Raven behind when she reveals his shocking connection to Charboneau.
And a Lethal Race Against Time Begins
Christian has seven days to attempt an impossible rescue of the father he never knew. And when a woman assassin with ulterior motives makes a lousy ally, Christian is alone to face the stark reality that no one lives forever . . . and he might be the next to die.

Weekly Geeks - Week 6

This week’s theme is simple ~ Catch Up On Reviews Week

Since I usually post my review when I'm done reading the book, I'm going to use this week to catch up with the book I have to review for B&N First Look, as well as the books I've really wanted to read the past few weeks, but haven't had the time for.

Visit the rest of us geeks here and join the fun. Weekly Geeks. Don't forget to come back at the end of the week and post your wrap up of the week :)

Tempting Evil

Tempting Evil (Prison Break, Book 2) by Allison Brennan ~~ Joanna Sutton can cope with the fierce winter storm bearing down on the small rural community of Centennial Valley, Montana; the popular romance writer has survived much worse in life. Haunted by the loss of her husband and child, Jo has found refuge at her family’s secluded lodge, but her haven soon becomes a hell. During the ferocious blizzard, a local Boy Scout troop is stranded in the wilderness, compelling Jo to spearhead a desperate rescue mission, aided by a newly arrived stranger with an unknown agenda.Meanwhile, Sheriff Tyler McBride hears that three escaped convicts are fast approaching Big Sky Country. Hoping to warn Jo, he faxes over the men’s mug shots. But they never reach their intended recipient. Then Tyler makes a shocking discovery: Two people are dead, and a killer is among the group, along with the woman Tyler loves, searching for his lost son.More than one innocent life is at stake. For the sake of those Jo cares about most, and for her own survival, she’ll need all the cunning, courage, and passion she can muster to survive the mounting terror.


This is book two in the Prison Break series. Joanna Sutton has moved home to be with her sister and grandfather in the mountains after having lost her husband and son to murder 4 years earlier. She is struggling to admit her love for the county Sheriff, Tyler, for fear it will mean she has "forgotten" her husband and child. Meanwhile, three of the escaped convicts are heading toward Jo. One of which feels that Jo belongs to him and is the love of his life - also thinking the feeling is mutual. He loves Jo so much that he's even killed the man who took her family away from her. What ensues is a hunt through blizzard like conditions to stop this madman (and his partner) from killing more people, especially Tyler and Jo. How are they going to stop this psychopath?? Ms Brennan has the knack for pulling you in from page one and keeps you turning the pages well into the night, until you finish. In the midst of death, desperation and secrets being told - new love is found! A

Winner - May Pay It Forward Book Exchange :)

We have a winner :) My handy dandy Randomizer picked # 15 ~

15. Lenore

Congrats to Lenore. Please get in touch with me with your mailing addy so I can get the books out to you on Monday. Please let me know when you "pay it forward" :)

I'll be starting June's Pay It Forward Exchange either Sunday or Monday, so keep your eyes out. I've got 3 brand new books to offer. Depending on the number of sign ups, one person may win all :) Or we may have 3 winners.

Read-A-Thon

What is the 24 Hour Read-a-thon?

It’s sort of a reading challenge, only everyone participates at the same time. For 24 hours, we read books, post in our blogs about our reading, and visit other readers’ blogs. We also participate in mini-challenges throughout the day.

June 28th, starting at 9am Pacific DST.

Since I have my niece's baby naming on the 29th, I can't actually participate in the read-a-thon this year (bummer!) BUT I am going to be a cheerleader for those of you that do sign up. We'd love to see you there. Click on the picture above to get to the site of the Read-a-Thon. Make sure to also click here Read-A-Thon Page for all the info. Have fun everyone. I'll be "cheering" from the sidelines :)

TAGGED!

I was tagged by Shhh I'm Reading for an author meme.

1. Who’s your all-time favorite author, and why? Too many to list: Jonathan Kellerman, Faye Kellerman, James Patterson, Lee Child, Brian Freeman, James Grippando, Andrea Kane.......

2. Who was your first favorite author, and why? Do you still consider him or her among your favorites? From when I really started reading? Danielle Steele, Nora Roberts. I was really into romance at first.

3. Who’s the most recent addition to your list of favorite authors, and why? Jordan Dane - she's new to the mystery/thriller genre and I love her books. Cozy authors too. I just found this genre about a year ago and I've got a lot of catching up to do!

4. If someone asked you who your favorite authors were right now, which authors would first pop out of your mouth? Are there any you’d add on a moment of further reflection? Same as above. Also ~ Hunter Morgan, Allison Brennan, Rick Mofina

Friday Fill Ins

1. For me laziness is the opposite of creativity.

2. Do I have to pick one? was the last excellent book I read.

3. I like fill-ins because they'r fun and make me think.

4. In nature I like looking at sunrises & sunsets.

5. I haven't decided yet who should win the US elections.

6. The last time I laughed with all my belly was last week with my 2 1/2 year old neice.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to starting a new book, tomorrow my plans include reading and sleeping and Sunday, I have to go to my cousins birthday party and then I'm doing more reading and sleeping ;)

No One You Know

REVIEW : No One You Know by Michelle Richmond ~~ All her life Ellie Enderlin had been known as Lila’s sister. Until one day, without warning, the shape of their family changed forever. Twenty years ago, Lila, a top math student at Stanford, was murdered in a crime that was never solved. In the aftermath of her sister’s death, Ellie entrusted her most intimate feelings to a man who turned the story into a bestselling true crime book—a book that both devastated her family and identified one of Lila’s professors as the killer.Decades later, two Americans meet in a remote village in Nicaragua. Ellie is now a professional coffee buyer, an inveterate traveler and incapable of trust. Peter is a ruined academic. And their meeting is not by chance. As rain beats down on the steaming rooftops of the village, Peter leaves Ellie with a gift—the notebook that Lila carried everywhere, a piece of evidence not found with her body. Stunned, Ellie will return home to San Francisco to explore the mysteries of Lila’s notebook, filled with mathematical equations, and begin a search that has been waiting for her all these years. It will lead her to a hundred-year-old mathematical puzzle, to a lover no one knew Lila had, to the motives and fate of the man who profited from their family’s anguish—and to the deepest secrets even sisters keep from each other. As she connects with people whose lives unknowingly swirled around her own, Ellie will confront a series of startling revelations—from the eloquent truths of numbers to confessions of love, pain and loss.A novel about the stories and lies that strangers, lovers and families tell—and the secrets we keep even from ourselves.

When her sister is murdered, Ellie thinks life will never be the same again. Especially since Lila was the "good" child. The one who excelled. But eventually Ellie's heart began to heal and she made a life for herself as a coffee buyer. On one of her coffee trips she randomly runs into the person everyone thought was responsible for her sisters death - even though there was no concrete proof - and based info in a book that a "friend" of Lila & Ellie's had written. While searching for the truth about her sister's death Ellie finds out that not everyone is what they seem and not all the stories that they tell are the truth. While most of the math explanations (Lila was a math prodigy) can be confusing at times, the author does an excellent job of explainging them in "plain english". And they all seem to have something to do with an aspect of the story that is being told. An emotional novel that grabs you from the start and keeps a hold of your heart until the truth is finally revealed. A

Mercy Street

Mercy Street: A Novel by Mariah Stewart ~ On a balmy spring evening, four high school seniors–three boys and a girl–enter a park in the small Pennsylvania city of Conroy. The next morning, two of the boys are found shot to death, and the girl and the third boy are gone. After three weeks with no leads and no sign of either of the two missing teenagers, the chief of police begins to wonder if they too were victims. But with no other suspects, the authorities conclude that one of these kids was the shooter.The missing boy’s grandmother, a secretary at the local parish church, maintains his innocence. On her behalf, the parish priest, Father Kevin Burch, hires former detective Mallory Russo as a private investigator to figure out what happened in the park that night. Mallory had ended her nine-year stint with the Conroy police force some time ago after becoming a target of a smear campaign. Now a true-crime author, Mallory is surprised to receive the priest’s offer–and highly intrigued by the case. She can’t help but accept the challenge–especially when she learns that her investigation will be financed by Father Burch’s cousin the reclusive billionaire Robert Magellan, a man whose own wife and infant son disappeared without a trace a year ago, a man who understands the heartache of not knowing what happened to a loved one. Detective Charlie Wanamaker is facing another sort of tragedy. He fled Conroy years ago with no plans to return to what he considered a dying factory town–until a family emergency brought him back. Finding the situation much worse than he’d thought, he trades his job as a big-city detective for one with the Conroy police department. Assigned to the park shooting case, Charlie quickly realizes that the initial investigation left a lot of questions unanswered. Unofficially, he teams up with Mallory to uncover the truth and find the two kids, dead or alive. What Charlie and Mallory discover will take them down a twisted path that leads to an old unsolved murder–and justice for a killer with a heart of stone.

Buy A Friend A Book (BAFAB)

I completely missed this last time so I'm glad I caught a post about it now. July will be here before we know it and this time we don't want to miss out!

The Good Stuff

The winner will receive the book of their choice up to a $30 value.

Or, if you'd like a $30 certificate from Amazon

The Details

1. Not limited to Book Blog members in the U.S. I know Amazon has UK and Canadian stores so things should go smoothly there. If the winner lives outside the US, UK, or Canada we will work out the details.

2. Stop by this blog post and leave a comment with your name (first name only is fine), Book Blog ID (so that I know I have right person!) and your selected book title.

3. Entry deadline is June 30th. I will annouce the winner the 1st week of July. I will draw a random winner from all entries received. I promise this will be fair as I'm going to use Random.org

4. I believe in sharing the wealth so if you'd like take what you want from this post and share with other readers.

5. If you'd like to know more about BAFAB check out: Buy A Friend A Book

Ta Da Tuesday

If I could go on a dream vacation, it would be to a deserted island
My 3 favourite things to do are: sleeping, reading and my nieces
If I could change the world, I would start by filling it with happiness

The Mournful Teddy

The Mournful Teddy (Berkley Prime Crime Mysteries) by John J. Lamb ~~ Bradley Lyon spent twenty-five years with the San Francisco Police Department until a murder suspect shot a bullet into his fibula and tibia in Ghirardelli Square, which led to three things. His disability retirement he and his wife of over a quarter of a century Ashleigh returning to her hometown in Remmelkemp Mill, Virginia and his aversion to hot chocolate. --- Ash collects and creates teddy bears. She enjoys attending the conventions and has an entry, Miss Susannah S. Seraphim in the nearby Shenandoah Valley Teddy bear Extravaganza. The highlight of the gala is the auctioning of the renowned Mourning Bear made in 1912 to commemorate the sinking of the Titanic with a short run of 655 thus its value is tagged at $150,000 or more. However, the pleasant trip is interrupted when their canine Kitch finds the corpse of a murder victim in the nearby river. Without seeing the body, Sheriff Holcombe rules death by accidental drowning or suicide, infuriating the cop resting inside Bradley’s brain s he knows a strangled victim when he sees one. Unable to stay out in spite of warnings to mind his business or else, Bradley begins making inquiries that tie the victim to the Mourning Bear.

Pointe and Shoot

Pointe and Shoot (Jenny T. Partridge Dance Mysteries, No. 3) by Natalie M. Roberts ~~ Studio owner Jenny needs her girls to win the Ultimate Dancer Championship—and the prize money—to expand her business. But first she’ll have to do some fancy footwork to stay alive.



Poor Jenny can't seem to stay out of trouble. She's hoping and praying her girls win teh UDC so that, with the prize money, she can open up a dance store inside her studio. Finally earning her enough to stop eating Ramen noodles for dinner every night. But once again, someone wants Jenny dead. Her boyfriend/detective Tate will do whatever it takes to protect her from the mysterious person in the grey Hummer. Could it be a psycho dancer mom? A friend? Or someone in the dancing world?? Can she handle the ultimate betrayal?

Murder on Marble Row

Murder on Marble Row (A Gaslight Mystery) by Victoria Thompson ~~ Thompson transports readers back to New York City at the turn of the century in her sixth Gaslight Mystery. Wealthy industrialist Gregory Van Dyke dies when a bomb explodes in his office. When Detective Sergeant Frank Molloy arrives at Van Dyke's home to investigate, he finds Sarah Brandt, a widowed midwife from an upper-class family, already there. The two have worked together on other cases, but Molloy swore that he would never see her again because he knows that the rigid social hierarchy prevents the expression of his true feelings. Sarah, on the other hand, is delighted to be involved in another investigation and puts her social connections to good use. As Molloy learns, there are plenty of dark secrets and as many suspects on Fifth Avenue as there are in the tenements.

Once again Sarah and Frank are thrown together to solve a murder. This time Frank is investigating by special request of Teddy (Roosevelt that is). When a wealthy friend of the family is murdered, it's up to Sarah and Frank to figure out who is responsible. Is it the prodigal son who left the home? The daughter who is secretly pregnant? The younger wife who cheated? Or none of the above? Ms. Thompson does a terrific job of making you feel like you're right there in 19th Century New York with Sarah, Frank and the rest of the regular characters. I've always been a huge fan of this series and I think this is the best one to date. A+

Round 2 - This Book For Free

Shoshana has added a second round to her free book giveaway. How generous can she be??

I'd love the chance to win the new Lee Child book - so I'd love it if you'd come and vote for me ;) I would greatly appreciate all of the votes I can get. And you never know - you must just see it in a future Pay it Forward Book Exchange :)



There is no shame in my game ~~ come vote for me!!!!!

Free Book Giveaway Contest

Free Book Giveaway Contest ~ Bookshipper (Tina) is giving away an ARC of The Flirt by Kathleen Tessaro. Come check it out and enter for a free book ;)

Tantalizing words written on an ivory card. It is the first clue that will lead an intrigued and intriguing London lady on an odyssey of sensual experience designed to awaken her romantic nature.
Out-of-work actor Hughie Venables-Smythe has found a profitable new outlet for his talents. He is hired, often by distraught husbands, to flirt with wives who are feeling neglected in their relationships. His current seductive campaign is focused on Olivia, the spouse of a narcissistic billionaire, and the lady is responding quite nicely to the cream-colored missives he secretly leaves for her. So nicely, in fact, that Hughie decides to employ a similar technique—and shockingly similar messages—in his pursuit of his own heart’s desire: the aloof and charming lingerie designer, Leticia. But the canny, professional flirt’s brazen anonymous intrusions into the lives of two women are about to set in motion a series of remarkable events that no one could have anticipated—setting the stage for shocking revelations about love, friendship, and domestic bliss.

Book Giveaway

"Booklogged" is giving away a copy of Did I Expect Angels by Katheryn Maughn. Come visit the site and sign up for a chance to win :)

Jennifer Huffaker knows that grief is normal, but she thought she’d get over it—that’s what people do. But it’s been eighteen months since her husband Jack died, and she still can’t focus on her young daughter Kaitlin, can’t accept support from her family, and can’t allow herself to live without the love of her life. Jennifer is angry at everything and everyone—including herself for being so unprepared. But what did she expect? Angels?
On the day after Christmas her anguish finally becomes too much, and Jennifer’s pain culminates in a shattering decision. But this is also the night she runs into Henry, an elderly friend from Costa Rica who has seen more of life’s trials than anyone could know. Henry realizes the devastating depths to which Jennifer has sunk, and he decides that tonight is the night to tell her his story.
Touching and incisive, poignant, and sometimes bitingly funny, both Jennifer’s and Henry’s stories intermingle into a tale of love, despair, faith and, ultimately, hope, as Jennifer realizes she has been blessed with the most unexpected angel of all …

1. On my laziest day I like to sleep and read!

2. Making collection calls makes me feel like I'm being productive.

3. I love little kids and big smiles.

4. This summer I want to relax.

5. My PBS friends made me start my blog.
6. Red is hot and orange is juicy.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to watching some tv, tomorrow my plans include a waxing and a pedicure and Sunday & Monday , I want to read, sleep, read, sleep, read and sleep some more !