BIRTHDAY BASH GIVEAWAY - Part 2!

(Ok - I couldn't find anything that said it's MY birthday - and I loved the dancing mouse!)




I never did make it back here yesterday to post a list of books or set up any rules!  So let's start with the books!

The Cost of Dreams
Nibble & Kuhn
Stray Affections (A Snowglobe Connections Novel)
Touched by a Vampire: Discovering the Hidden Messages in the Twilight Saga
Messages to Myself: Overcoming a Distorted Self-Image
Family Plots: Love, Death & Tax Evasion
Saint John of the Five Boroughs
Bo's Café: A Novel
Comes a Horseman
Never the Bride: A Novel
The Castaways (Platinum Fiction)
Beg, Borrow, Steal: A Writer's Life
Lost Mission (Christian Mystery Series)
Daniel's Den
Painting the Invisible Man
Spiced: A Pastry Chef's True Stories of Trials by Fire, After-Hours Exploits, and What Really Goes on in the Kitchen
Blue Jean Baby: One Girl's Trip Through The 1960s L.A. Music Scene (Paperback)
Ms. Taken Identity
White Picket Fences (Christian Fiction Series)
The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper: A Novel
Surviving High Society - Lots of Love Trumps Lots of Money
Sugar Time
Hot and Irresistible
Gold of Kings (Christian Mystery)
Jesse's Girl

I will be adding to this list, but this is all I have time for now.

Following books added April 4th
Ravens by George Dawes Green
Abbeville by Jack Fuller
A Better View of Paradise: A Novel by Randy Sue Coburn
Chosen by Desire (The Guardians of Destiny) by Kate Perry
Love You to Death by Shannon Butcher
THE PERUKE MAKER: The Salem Witch Hunt Curse by Ruby Dominguez
Ginger High by Melissa Burmester
All We Ever Wanted Was Everything: A Novel by Janelle Brown
Rion (Pendragon Legacy, Book 2) by Susan Kearney
Sins of the Flesh by Caridad Pineiro
To Desire a Devil (The Legend of the Four Soldiers) by Elizabeth Hoyt
Thirsty: A Novel by Tracey Bateman
The Evolution of Shadows by Jason Quinn Malott
Lucan (Pendragon Legacy) by Susan Kearney

I think we will have 5 winners - The first winner can pick 5 books, second winner 4 books, third winner 3 books, fourth winner 2 books, fifth winner 1 book.  If my followers grow - I will definitely add more winners!  And don't worry - I have another list of books a little longer than the one above to post!  Spread the word - I would love to increase the winners and get rid of clean off some more shelves!

And I am sorry - but this must be limited to US only.

To enter:  Must do this for all other comments to count - just tell me what your first choice book would be (don't worry, you don't have to keep it if I list a better one for you later!)  Please leave your email address also.

You can also do the following - but leave separate comments for each - Follow my blog through Google Friend Connect (2 entries - leave 2 comments).  If you already follow through Google friend - that works too.

Twitter - leave link - 1 entry - can do daily.

Individual blog post - 4 entries (leave 4 comments) - leave link

Blog post [not by itself] or on sidebar - 2 entries (2 comments) - leave link

Giveaway will end in 2 weeks - on Tax Day!   (April 15) 

Birthday Bash Giveaway

Today is my birthday (WOO HOO!), and since it is more fun to give than receive, I am planning a big birthday bash giveaway!  I need to go sort through my books (and take care of some other house keeping stuff) and I will be back later today with the details.  So spread the word!  Would love to hit 500 followers!   Have a great day!

Winner of UPrinting Post Cards is.....

Libby's Library!

Congratulations Libby - I will be emailing you shortly!

Waiting on Wednesday: Blind Spot

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Blind Spot

by Nancy Bush

Publication Date: June 29, 2010

In Blind Spot, a young man is slashed to ribbons at an Oregon rest stop, his pregnant girlfriend left alive but comatose. Psychologist Claire Norris is assigned to treat the Jane Doe at a private mental hospital, but ex-homicide detective Langdon Stone question's Claires every move, for he holds her responsible for his sister's murder. What they don't know is the killer is right in their midst, eager to see a mission evil through to its terrifying end.

Read an excerpt of Blind Spot.

What are you waiting for?

Waiting on Wednesdays is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

Blind Spot
Publisher/Publication Date: Zebra, June 29, 2010
ISBN: 978-1420103410
384 pages

Wake by Lisa McMann (Audio version) Book Review

Title: Wake
Author: Lisa McMann
Performed by: Ellen Grafton

About the book: For seventeen-year-old Janie, getting sucked into other people's dreams is getting old.  Especially the falling dreams, the naked-but-nobody-notices dreams, and the sex-crazed dreams. Janie's seen enough fantasy booty to last her a lifetime.

She can't tell anybody about what she does -- they'd never believe her, or worse, they'd think she's a freak.  So Janie lives on the fringe, cursed with an ability she doesn't want and can't control.

Then she falls into a gruesome nightmare, one that chills her to the bone.  For the first time, Janie is more than a witness to someone else's twisted psyche. She is a participant. . .

My thoughts: Janie has been sucked into other people's dreams since she was eight-years-old.  Whenever she is around someone who has fallen asleep and is dreaming, she gets pulled in.  It doesn't matter where she is or what she is doing, she cannot keep herself from entering their dreams.  They leave her feeling very tired and unable to move - Nightmares are the worst and seem to take the most out of her. 

She only really has one close girlfriend, but hasn't even been able to share with her this "ability."  Then she meets Cabel.  Over one summer he transforms from a long-haired loser into a buff, pretty cool guy.  And for whatever reason, he seems to be interested in her.  She begins to trust him, only to be left disappointed - but he convinces her to give him a second chance. 

She finally shares her ability with him, and he believes her (and doesn't think she is a freak).  And besides, he has some secrets of his own. . .

I really enjoyed the audio version of this book.  My library doesn't have the second book in the series on tape, but I have already checked out the book.  Now, if I can just get it away from my daughter!

Montana Legacy by R.C. Ryan - Book Review

Title: Montana Legacy

Author: by R.C. Ryan

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

About the book: They're the McCords. . .three rugged, sexy cowboy cousins who'll inherit the family range -- if they seek the treasure hidden on it.  But even more precious are the women who can tame their wild hearts...

She was the one person who shook Jesse McCord's quiet determination. She was the only one he ever let in, body and soul.  Then suddenly Amy Parrish was gone and the oldest McCord cousin devoted his life to the family ranch.  Now Amy is back, offering to help Jesse find the McCord gold. Yet Jesse's not about to give her a second chance, and he hopes his pride will protect him from her irresistible charms. But under the wide prairie skies a dangerous, unseen enemy is fast closing in, threatening Amy and Jesse's very lives and the promise of their. . .Montana Legacy.

My thoughts:  This was a very quick, fun read.  Take three good looking cousins, a hidden treasure, a long ago love lost, and a mystery - and you have Montana Legacy.  I enjoyed the way this story played out - and while I thought that I had the mystery figured out - I had it all but the key player.  It was fun to be wrong and be surprised! 

The cousins are reunited on the ranch when their grandfather, Coot, passes away. Jesse was the only one who had remained there his entire life.  Wyatt and Zane had moved away as teenagers with their parents.  It had been many many years since they had all been together on the ranch - the place where they used to be as close as brothers.  In Coot's will, he gives them the option of taking $500,000 and leaving - or staying and looking for the treasure that has had generations of McCords looking for it - and being able to have a share in it if it is found.

While Jesse figures they will take the money and run, they decide to stay.  They had both been wandering the world anyway, and believed the ranch was the one place they could truly call home.   Slowly the cousins start to make their way back to each other, but it going to take a lot for them to regain the relationship they had when they were young.

Jesse is wrangling with another relationship at the same time - one with Amy Parrish - the daughter of his next door neighbor and the oldest enemy of the McCords.  Amy is back in Gold Fever to take care of her father, who, because of illness, has to undergo a series of treatments (it never mentions cancer - but that is what I think you are supposed to believe).  Amy and Jesse were once young lovers - the electricity still seems to be between them, but they both are playing it cool.  When she joins in the search for the treasure, another menace appears that might keep them apart forever.

There are two more books coming in this series - Montana Destiny is due out in May and Montana Glory in November!

~I was provided a copy of this book for review from Hachette Books.~

Montana Legacy

Publisher/Publication Date: Grand Central Publishing/Mar 2010

ISBN: 978-0-446-54861-8

281 pages

It's Monday! What are you reading? (3-29-10)

Ok,  I know that it is not really Monday - but this list keeps me on track for what I need to do this week! 

I have a giveaway ending today for 100 Custom Postcards!  Be sure to check it out as well as all the new giveaways!

What are you reading on Mondays is now being hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey - You can hook up with the Mr. Linky there with your own post - but be sure and let me know what you are reading too!



Currently Reading:

1. The Poacher's Son (Mike Bowditch Mysteries)by Paul Doiron - Reading this as part of the Barnes and Noble First Look -Still a terrific book - just can't seem to finish it!

2. The Edge of Light (At Home in Beldon Grove, Book 1) by Ann Shorey - Reading in preparation for Blog Tour of Book 2 - The Promise of Morning.

3. Disrupting Grace: A Story of Relinquishment and Healing by Kristen Richburg - This is a short book about the heartache of an adoption that didn't work out.

Books abandoned last week:


1. Seized: A Sea Captain's Adventures Battling Scoundrels and Pirates While Recovering Stolen Ships in the World's Most Troubled Waters by Max Hardberger -


2. Here Burns My Candle by Liz Curtis Higgs

New this week:

1. An Absence So Great (Christian Fiction Series) by Jane Kirkpatrick

2. Promise of Morning, The (At Home in Beldon Grove) by Ann Shorey

3. A Touch of Scandal by Jennifer Haymore

4. The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker



Current audio book:
1. Twilight (The Twilight Saga, Book 1) by Stephanie Meyer - Spring break has put a crimp in our ability to listen to this one!

Books reviewed last week:

1. Eggs in Purgatory by Laura Childs

2. Waking up in the Land of Glitter by Kathy Cano-Murillo

Waiting for review: I am so embarrased by this list of books that keeps following me from week to week...  Hopefully I will get some of them off my desk this week!

1. Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver


2. Dear John by Nicholas Sparks


3. 101 Glam Girl Ways to an Ultra Chic Lifestyle: A Cheeky Book with Tidbits of Advice for a Glamorous Lifestyle by Dawn Del Russo


4. Wake by Lisa McMann


5. Chosen: The Lost Diaries of Queen Esther (Lost Loves of the Bible) by Ginger Garret

6. Montana Legacy by R.C. Ryan

Ready - Set - Read!

Apologize, Apologize! by Elizabeth Kelly - GIVEAWAY!

Apologize, Apologize!

by Elizabeth Kelly

Welcome to the perversely charmed world of the Flanagans and their son, Collie (yes, he was named after the dog breed). Coming of age on Martha's Vineyard, he struggles within his wildly wealthy, hyperarticulate, resolutely crazy Irish-Catholic family: a philandering father, incorrigible brother, pigeon-racing uncle, radical activist mother, and domineering media mogul grandfather (accused of being a murderer by Collie's mother).  It is a world where chaos is exhilaratingly constant and money is no object. Yet it is one where the things Collie wants -- understanding, stability, a sense of belonging -- cannot be bought at any price. Through his travails, we realize what it really means to grow into one's family: to find ways to see them anew, to forgive them, and to be forgiven in turn.

Elizabeth Kelly is a magazine editor and award-winning journalist with several Canadian National Magazine Awards and nominations to her credit. Apologize, Apologize! is her first novel. It will be published as part of Knopf Canada's "New Face of Fiction" program in April, 2009. She has a profoundly (some might say tragically) Catholic education, attending a Catholic elementary school, a convent high school, and then St. Michael's College at the University of Toronto, where she majored in English, multiple fiancés, and truancy. Years of poverty, strong opinions, and poor judgment ensued. Today, a largely unrecognized authority on Guns N' Roses, she lives in a century-old house in a little eastern Ontario village where she hides from visitors and nightly prays that she won't one day be found under an avalanche of old newspapers, partially consumed by dogs—one Labrador Retriever named Chip in particular.

Giveaway

I have three copies of this paperback book to giveaway courtesy of Hachette Books. For your first entry (MUST DO THIS ONE FOR ANY OTHER ENTRIES TO COUNT) Collie is one of the characters names in this book - what is the most unusual name you have ever heard.  Oh - and leave your email address.

For additional entries you can sign up to follow (old followers let me know), Twitter or post it on your blog. Each entry must have it's own comment. (Four entries total.)

This giveaway if for U.S./Canada only - no PO boxes and will end Apr 20!

Reading Group Guide:

1) Throughout this account of Collie Flanagan’s life (so far), he appears to be the only conventional—or perhaps even sane—member of his family. However, the novel is told from his perspective. Do you feel like you can trust what he’s saying?

2) What do you think of Collie’s mother? Does she seem to have lived a life of passion, or is she defined only by her rebellion against her aristocratic roots?

3) Should Collie have gone in after Bingo and the others, knowing as he did that there was no hope?

4) In one interview, Elizabeth Kelly referred to Bingo as “representative of full-blown adolescence, but in all its glory,” and as something of a heroic character as well. What do you make of him?

5) Elizabeth Kelly has clearly had a lot of fun creating the hilarious and often manic characters at the heart of this novel. How did you react to the various Flanagan family blowouts? Did you more often cringe or laugh out loud?

6) Talk about the role of money in this novel: who has it and who doesn’t; how it can be a motivator, or stunt one’s ambitions; how it insulates the Flanagans, yet forces them into the limelight; and so on.

7) “Dignity is the last refuge of scoundrels,” Collie’s father was known to say, and he certainly was one to put himself into undignified positions, despite his charm and sharp clothes. What do you make of him as a man, and as a father?

8) Who is your favorite character in this novel, and why?

9) Collie and Bingo have a relationship that’s not always straightforward, yet at its heart is a strong sibling love. What does each expect, and receive (or not), from the other?

10) What was Collie hoping to achieve in El Salvador? Did he change as a result of his experiences there?

11) What are Collie Flanagan’s personal strengths? Were there small events that stood out for you as monumental in terms of proving his character?

12) More than any other member of the Flanagans, Collie has a close—if complex—relationship with his grandfather, Peregrine Lowell. Why is that so? How has their relationship developed by the end of the novel?

13) The Flanagans inhabit a world of elite privilege, yet are so self-absorbed you can’t help but wonder whether they’d even notice if the rest of humanity ceased to exist. Does Collie rise above all that, or is he just like the rest of them?

14) Collie’s father has a knack for showing up wildly drunk for even the most staid of events, including the funerals held for his wife and son. Talk about how his disappearances and arrivals function in the novel.

15) Whenever anyone talks to Collie about the events of the day Bingo and his mother died, they always get the details wrong. What is Kelly saying about living up to the expectations of others in this novel? Should Collie have stood up for himself more often?

16) The Flanagans are a wild and wildly humorous bunch, and even their seemingly unwarranted jabs at Collie are terrific. Discuss the role of cutting humor and over-the-top judgment in the novel.

17) At the end of the novel, Collie appears to have come to terms with his family, or at least seems to have achieved some measure of peace. What does the future hold for Collie Flanagan?