One man's junk. . .

Is another man's treasure! Check out these great finds from the Thrift Store today!

On Mystic Lake

by Kristin Hannah

Annie Colwater's husband has just confessed that he's in love with a younger woman. Devastated, Annie retreats to the small town where she grews up.  There, she is reunited with her first love, Nick Delacroix, a recent widower who is unable to cope with his silent, emotionally scarred young daughter. Together, the three of them begin to heal. But just when Annie believes she's been given a second chance at happiness, her world is turned upside down again, and she is forced to make a choice that no woman in love should ever have to make. . .

On Mystic Lake is the story of one woman, but it speaks to all of us -- to anyone who has ever had to find the courage to choose between what is. . .and what could be.

Born of Ice (The League series - book 3)

by Sherrilyn Kenyon

In the Ichidian Universe, the League and its ruthless assassins continue to keep rule. But at what cost? Welcome back to the future. . .and a whole new world.

He is an outlaw who offers no quarter.

Devyn Kell spent his life in service to the League until he learned of the double dealing and backstabbing that was costing innocent people their lives. Refusing to play those politics, he became a Runner -- someone who makes sure planets get the weapons, medicine, and supplies they need to survive. May the gods have mercy on any who get in his way, because he definitely won't.

She is on the run from her past that could end her life.

Alix Garran is a woman on the run from a past she can't escape. Signing on to work for Devyn as a Systems Engineer, she finds a cause she can fight for -- and a man she can respect. But as Alix's past catches up to her, and Devyn's old enemies turn lethal, they have to fight together. . .or fall alone.

Born of Fire (The League series - Book 2)

by Sherrilyn Kenyon

In a universe where assassins make the law, everyone lives in fear -- except for Syn.  Born of an illicit scandal that once rocked a dynasty, he always knew how to survive on the bloodthirsty streets. But that was then, and the future is now. . .

He takes no prisoners.

Syn was raised as a tech-thief until his livelihood uncovered a truth that could end his life. He tried to destroy the evidence and has been on the run ever since. Now trained as an assassin, he allows no one to threaten him.  Ever. He is the darkness that swallows his enemies whole.

She offers no escape.

Shahara Dagan is the best bounty hunter in the universe. When Syn comes back on the radar, she's the only one who can bring him to justice. There's only one problem: Syn is a close family friend who's helped out the Dagans countless times. But if she saves him, both of their lives will be on the line. Is Syn's protection worth the risk? The only hope Shahara has is to find the evidence he buried long ago. Now it's kill or be killed -- and they, the predators, have just become the hunted. . .

Born of Night (The League series - Book 1)

by Sherrilyn Kenyon

In the Ichidian Universe, the League rules all. Expertly trained and highly valued, the League Assassins are the backbone of the government. But not even the League is immune to corruption. . .

He was born and trained to kill.

Command Assassin Nykyrian Quiakides once turned his back on the League -- and has been hunted by them ever since. Though many have tried, none can kill him or stop him from completing his current mission: to protect Kiara Zamir, a woman whose father's political alliance has made her a target.

She must accept his protection -- or die.

As her world becomes even deadlier, Kiara must entrust her life to the same kind of beast who once killed her mother and left her for dead. Old enemies and new endanger them both and the only way they can survive is to overcome their suspicions and learn to trust in the very ones who threaten them the most: each other.

Lucia, Lucia

by Adriana Trigiani

It is 1950 in glittering, vibrant New York City. Lucia Sartori is the beautiful twenty-five-year-old daughter of a prosperous Italian grocer in Greenwich Village. The postwar boom is rife with opportunities for talented girls with ambition, and Lucia becomes an apprentice to an up-and-coming designer at chic B. Altman department store on Fifth Avenue. Engaged to her childhood sweetheart, the steadfast Dante DeMartino, Lucia is torn when she meets a handsome stranger who promises a life of uptown luxury that career girls like her only read about in the society pages. Forced to choose between duty to her family and her own dreams, Lucia finds herself in the midst of a sizzling scandal in which secrets are revealed, her beloved career is jeopardized, and the Sartoris' honor is tested.

Books Kids Will Sit Still For - 2nd Edition

by Judy Freeman

More than a read-aloud handbook, Books Kids Will Sit Still For is the definitive guide to picture books, fiction, poetry, folklore, and nonfiction books recommended for children from preschool age through sixth grade.

In this fully-revised and expanded second edition of Books Kids Will Sit Still For, author Judy Freeman, elementary school librarian, Rutgers University instructor, and popular lecturer on children's literature, reveals her personal treasure trove of tried-and-true, teacher-and child-tested titles for reading aloud, along with practical chapters covering both the how to's and why's of book-sharing techniques.

Teachers as well as school and public librarians will welcome this one-stop source for selecting good books for children and making read-aloud an indispensable part of their daily programs.

Plum Lucky (Stephanie Plum Novel)

by Janet Evanovich

Stephanie Plum has a way of attracting danger, lunatics, oddballs, bad luck . . . and mystery men. And no one is more mysterious than the unmentionable Diesel. He's back and hot on the trail of a little man in green pants who's lost a giant bag of money. Problem is, the money isn't exactly lost. Stephanie's Grandma Mazur has found it, and like any good Jersey senior citizen, she's hightailed it in a Winnebago to Atlantic City and hit the slots. With Lula and Connie in tow, Stephanie attempts to bring Grandma home, but the luck of the Irish is rubbing off on everyone: Lula's found a job modeling plus-size lingerie. Connie's found a guy. Diesel's found Stephanie. And Stephanie has found herself in over her head with a caper involving thrice-stolen money, a racehorse, a car chase, and a bad case of hives.

Plum Lucky is an all-you-can-eat buffet of thrills, chills, shrimp cocktail, plus-size underwear, and scorching hot men. It's a between-the-numbers treat no Evanovich fan will want to miss!

Twelve Sharp (Stephanie Plum Novel)

by Janet Evanovich

First a Stranger Appears.

While chasing down the usual cast of miscreants and weirdos, Stephanie discovers that a crazed woman is stalking her.

Then the Stranger Reveals Her Secrets

The woman dresses in black, carries a 9mm Glock, and has a bad attitude and a mysterious connection to dark and dangerous Carlos Manoso. . .street name, Ranger.

Next, Somebody Dies

The action turns deadly serious, and Stephanie goes from hunting skips to hunting a murderer.

Soon the Chase is On

Ranger needs Stephanie for more reasons than he can say. And now the two are working together to find a killer, rescue a missing child, and stop a lunatic from raising the body count. When Stephanie Plum and Ranger get too close for comfort, vice cop Joe Morelli (her on-again, off-again boyfriend) steps in.

Will the ticking clock stop at the stroke of twelve, or will a stranger in the wind find a way to stop Stephanie Plum . . . forever? Filled with Janet Evanovich's trademark action, nonstop adventure, and sharp humor, Twelve Sharp shows why her novels have been called "hot stuff" (The New York Times), and Evanovich herself "the master" (San Francisco Examiner).

It's Monday! What are you reading? 4-26-2010

What are you reading on Mondays is 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:

This World We Live In (The Last Survivors, Book 3) by Susan Beth Pfeffer - I know, I know - this one seems to be lingering - It is an e-book and I just can't seem to adjust to reading anything other than blogs!

Skin and Bones by D.C. Corso

How Do You Tuck In a Superhero?: And Other Delightful Mysteries of Raising Boys by Rachel Balducci

New this Week:

Hannah's List by Debbie Macomber - I just didn't get this one started last week like I wanted to!

Glaen: A Novel Message on Romance, Love and Relating by Fred Lybrand

Burn by Ted Dekker and Erin Healy - I don't think I will be disappointed!

Current audio books:

Twilight (The Twilight Saga, Book 1) by Stephenie  Meyer

Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith

Books finished and reviewed last week:

Beautiful People by Wendy Holden

My Own Personal Soap Opera by Libby Malin

Necessary Heartbreak by M.J. Sullivan

A Certain Wolfish Charm by Lydia Dare - Easily my favorite book last week!

Books still waiting to be reviewed:

The Poacher's Son (Mike Bowditch Mysteries) by Paul Doiron

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

and a whole slew of kids books!

Ready - Set - Read!

Checklist for Blogmania!

Blogmania Early Bird Check List:


We want all of our visiting guests in our first Blogmania Event scheduled for April 30th to Get On Their Marks-Get Set…

It’s not time to go yet, but if you want to have the most fun and scoop up as much loot as possible, here are a few Early Bird Reminders to help you do just that.

1. Be at any of the blogs participating in the Blogmania Event as early as possible on April 30th. The easiest way to find a Blogmania Blog is to look for the Blogmania Badge (but you don't have to look any further because you can start right here!)
 
2. This is an international event, so understand that there will be some differences in time zones. My advice is to start early and stay late to catch all the blogs.

3. Each blog will have their own giveaway requirements. Read them carefully, follow through, and then move on as quickly as possible. If you run across a blog that you really like and want to spend some
time exploring, copy their URL and then visit them after Blogmania is over.

4. We have 123 blogs for you to visit. Each one will post their number like this. ( This is blog 50 of 100) This is to help you keep track of which blogs you’ve visited, and which ones you still need to reach. I’d suggest that you prepare a blog sheet which is numbered from 1 – 123, then mark off each numbered blog as you visit them.

5. All blog links provided will also have a number like (Blog 89 of 100). Look for the blogs that you haven’t yet visited and follow those links until you’ve checked off all the blogs on your sheet.

6. We have all types of blogs participating in Blogmania, which means that the range of items in their giveaways are diverse. I have previewed many and they are awesome.


7. Why not contact a friend and partner up. Compare notes, share loot, or organize your own friendly neighborhood Blogmania Competition.

You Cannot Hide From Blogmania!

 
 
This is our first Blogmania Event, but it isn’t our last. Blogmania is a bi-yearly Giveaway Extravaganza. In fact, our next Blogmania Event will start September 15th, and do we have some cool stuff planned for you! So keep in touch with our Blogmania Blogs, because they will be giving sneak previews, secret codes, and who knows what else in the weeks and months ahead.

BLOGMANIA IS COMING!

What is Blogmania??

For one day only - April 30th - there will be 123 blogs giving away a range of prizes from books to jewelry to gift cards to baby stuff!  You will be able to come to Books and Needlepoint on that day and find the entire list of blogs participating!  This event is being hosted (and was originated) by Between the Pages Blog.  She will be helped by her two co-hosts - The Black Sheep Dances and Books, Books Everywhere. 

So, if you want to have access to hundreds of prizes and discover a lot of great new blogs - be sure to come back on the 30th to start clicking away! 

Mailbox Madness (April 18 - 25)

In My Mailbox is hosted at The Story Siren. 

Mailbox Monday is hosted at The Printed Page . Please visit Kristi and Marcia  and take a look at what packages everybody else got this week!

The Secret Speech

by Tom Rob Smith

Stalin is dead, and the brutal Soviet regime once held together by fear is beginning to unravel, leaving behind a society where the police are the bloodiest criminals of all.  Former Secret Police Officer Leo Demidov is struggling to put his former career behind him, to make a life for himself, his wife, Raisa, and the two young sisters they adopted. But will the mistrust and betrayals from Leo's own past shatter his family's ability to love and forgive -- or destroy them in ways unimaginable?

Unseen

by Nancy Bush

She woke up with no memories. . .

She wakes up in a hospital room. . .bruised. . .bloody. . .confused.  She knows her name is Gemma La Porte-- but that's all.  She doesn't remember smashing her car. She doesn't remember anything from the last three days. But a policeman, Deputy Will Tanninger, is waiting for answers and wants to know if she's responsible for a fatal hit-and-run. . .

But remembering her past could kill her. . .

Hoping to restore her shattered memory, Gemma has no choice but to put her trust in Will. But if it turns out she's guilty of murder, he has no choice but to arrest her.  Torn by her growing feelings for Will, and haunted by her shadowy past, Gemma is determined to learn the truth.  But, in this case, the darkest truths are unknowable-- and the deadliest enemies are unseen. . .

This Fine Life

by Eva Marie Everson

It is the summer of 1959 and Mariette Puttnam has just graduated from boarding school.  When she returns to her privileged life at home, she isn't sure where life will take her.  More schooling? A job? Marriage? Nothing feels right.  How could she know that she would find the answer waiting for her in the narrow stairwell of her father's apparel factory, exactly between the third and fourth floors.

In this unique and tender romance, popular author Eva Marie Everson takes you on a journey through the heart of a young woman bound for the unknown.  Discover the joys of new love, the perseverance of deep friendship, and the gift of forgiveness that comes from a truly fine life.

It Had to Be You (Weddings by Bella, Book 3)

by Janice Thompson

Bella couldn't be happier that two of her long-feuding relatives have finally admitted their love for one another and are getting married. Their forties-style wedding is sure to be a night to remember. But when the Rossi house begins to fill up with family from Italy -- and an old mobster from New Jersey -- life starts to get complicated.  Will a friend from the past drive the happy couple apart once more?  And will Bella ever have time to think of her own rapidly approaching wedding amid the chaos?

Full of humor, plenty of Italian passion, and a bit of Texas gumption, It Had to Be You will have you laughing out loud and wiping a tear from your eye.

The Host

by Stephenie Meyer

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away.

Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy that takes over the minds of human hosts while leaving their bodies intact. But Wanderer, the invading "soul" who occupies Melanie's body, finds its former tenant refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.

As Melanie fills Wanderer's thoughts with visions of Jared, a human who has avoided invasion and lives in hiding, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she's never met.  Soon Wanderer and Melanie -- reluctant allies -- set off to search for the man they both love.

Featuring one of the most unusual love triangles in literature, The Host is a riveting and unforgettable novel about the persistence of love and the essence of what it means to be human.

Deadly Fear

by Cynthia Eden

Two Brilliant Agents

FBI Special Agent Monica Davenport has made a career out of profiling serial killers. But getting inside the twisted minds of the cruel and the sadistic has taken its toll: She's walled herself off from the world. Yet Monica can't ignore fellow agent Luke Dante, the only man who ever broke through her defenses.

One Dream Team.

Luke has the unique ability to put victims at ease. . .professionally, he and Monica made a perfect team.  Now they're reunited to catch a murderer who uses his victims' deepest, darkest fears for sport -- but their investigative skills aren't enough.  Luke and Monica will have to face the secrets from their past, the ones that terrify them the most, if they are to have a future together.

Virginia

by Susan Hughes

I took hold of her hands, their bones tiny and birdlike, squeezed them gently. I felt like shaking them, shaking her into the panic I was feeling. "Virginia, I don't understand."

Virginia Donato has always had an indefinable quality that sets her apart from anyone else Ivy Morell has ever known.  But when this childhood friend and neighbor confides in her, confessing that she has been visited by an angel and asked to do something "momentous," Ivy begins to think Virginia has lost her mind. As Ivy struggles to make sense of her friend's bizarre claim, she notices other strange happenings in the Donato household. Determined to find out more, Ivy discovers that Virginia's older brother Paul may have a shocking secret of his own, one that could have dangerous consequences.  Can it be connected to Virginia? Should Ivy tell? and is there anyone she can turn to before it's too late?

A gripping story of an ordinary teenage girl drawn into an extraordinary chain of events, Virginia will have readers questioning their own beliefs and contemplating the secrets that we all carry.

Dangerous Desires

by Dee Davis

As the extractions expert for A-Tac, an elite CIA black ops unit masquerading as faculty at an Ivy League college, Drake Flynn knows how to survive behind enemy lines. But he's about to meet one adversary he can't subdue. . .or resist.

A Race For Survival

Stranded in the Colombian jungle after a mission goes bad, Drake has only one objective: evade the mercenaries hot on his trail and deliver "the package" to U.S. officials. But "the package" has a mind of her own, and she has no intention of trading one set of captors for another. Madeline Reynard is beautiful, headstrong, and hell-bent on escape after years as a crime lord's pawn.  She'll risk everything for freedom, even if it means deceiving the dark, handsome operative who now holds her life in his hands.

Drake has been burned too many times to let a woman manipulate him, especially a secretive one like Madeline.  Even so, they cannot deny the attraction between them.  Now as enemy forces close in, Drake and Madeline must trust each other with their lives -- or face certain death.

Barely a Lady (Drake's Rakes Series - Book 1)

by Eileen Dreyer

He can't remember. . .

Olivia Grace has every reason to despise Jack Wyndham, Earl of Gracechurch, who scandalously married and then divorced her, ruining her completely.  Yet when she finds an injured Jack on a battlefield wearing the enemy's uniform, she can't resist saving him. He might have broken her heart, but can he truly be a traitor?

What she'll never forget. . .

When Jack awakes he is shocked to discover that he has lost Olivia's love -- and much of his memory. Did he really destroy their marriage?  And what do his dreams of blood-soaked French uniforms and revenge mean?  As the noose of danger tightens around them, Jack and Olivia must determine which is most frightening: the threat of the hangman, their own tempestuous history, or the passion that flares between them once again.

The Little Giant of Aberdeen County

by Tiffany Baker

Meet Truly Plaice -- part behemoth, part witch, part Cinderella. Born larger than life into a small-minded town, Truly breaks her family into smithereens.  Her mother dies during Truly's birth, and when her father follows shortly afterward, Truly and her dainty sister, Serena Jane, are destined for very different fates.  As Truly grows larger and larger on a rundown farm, she watches lovely Serena Jane become the town's adored May Queen and the obsession of a local boy Bob Bob Morgan -- the youngest in a line of Aberdeen's doctors, who for generations wove their influence among the town's citizens.  Yet no matter how far apart life propels them, Truly and her sister are forever linked. And Truly will find her future shaped by Serena Jane's relationships, a centuries-old antique of Dr. Morgan's, and the reality that love cannot be ordered to size.

Tempted by a Warrior

by Amanda Scott

Before her marriage, it was whispered that Lady Fiona Jardine was  a young woman no man could control.  Now the rumors are more threatening.  Her cruel and womanizing husband has vanished into the battle-scarred Scottish borderlands without a trace, and everyone thinks Fiona is to blame.

Sir Richard Seyton, Laird of Kirkhill and a powerful knight and baron, is honor-bound to be Fiona's guardian until her husband is found.  Kirkhill strives to keep her safe -- while her enemies plot to prevent her from ever being the mistress of the Jardine lands. But can he protect her from the desire that ignites at their slightest touch?  For with suspicions mounting and tensions along the Borders rising, surrendering to their passion could cost Fiona and Kirkhill their very lives.

Wicked Intentions (Maiden Lane Series - Book 1)

by Elizabeth Hoyt

A man controlled by his desires.

Infamous for his wild, sensual needs, Lazarus Huntington, Lord Caire, is searching for a savage killer in St. Giles, London's most notorious slum.  Widowed Temperance Dews knows the area like the back of her hand -- she cares for its children at the foundling home her family established.  Now that home is at risk. . .

A Woman haunted by her past.

Caire makes a simple offer -- in return for Temperance's help navigating the perilous alleys of St. Giles, he will introduce her to high society so that she can find a benefactor for the home. But Temperance may not be the innocent she seems, and what begins as a cold bargain soon falls prey to a passion neither can control -- a passion that may well destroy them both.

The Last Christian

by David Gregory

In the future, it's possible to live forever - - but at what cost?

A.D. 2088. Missionary daughter Abigail Caldwell emerges from the jungle for the first time in her thirty-four years, the sole survivor of a mysterious disease that killed her village.  Abby goes to America, only to discover a nation where Christianity has completely died out.  A curious message from her grandfather assigns her a surprising mission: re-introduce the Christian  faith in America, no matter how insurmountable the odds.

But a larger threat looms. The world's leading artificial intelligence industrialist has perfected a technique for downloading the human brain into a silicon form.  Brain transplants have begun, and with them comes the potential of eliminating physical death altogether -- but at what expense?

As Abby navigates a society grown more addicted to stimulating the body than nurturing the soul, she and Creighton Daniels, a historian troubled by his father's unexpected death, become unwitting targets of powerful men who will stop at nothing to further their nefarious goals. Hanging in the balance -- the spiritual future of all humanity.

In this fast-paced thriller, startling near-future science collides with thought-provoking religious themes to create a spell-binding "what-if?" novel.

Desperate Deeds

by Dee Davis

As the demolitions expert for A-Tac, a black-ops CIA unit masquerading as Ivy League faculty, Tyler Hanson has two great loves: literature and explosives. She lives by the motto "Duty First" and doesn't have time for personal attachments. . .until a steamy one-night stand turns into a professional partnership.

Burned By Betrayal

When Tyler meets Owen Wakefield, a handsome British operative, she seduces him with no intention of ever seeing him again.  But then the sexy Brit is brought into A-Tac, and despite Tyler's efforts to keep her distance, she finds herself falling for him. Trusting him.

Owen seems too good to be true -- and he is. He's hiding his true motives and identity, and no matter how he feels about Tyler, he can't keep her secrets.  One of A-Tac's members has turned traitor and helped terrorists to hijack a shipment of nuclear weapons.  As witnesses start dying and evidence starts disappearing, Owen and Tyler must race to find the mole -- and prevent a final, cataclysmic act of destruction.

Captured by Desire

by Kira Morgan

A Woman on the Run

Florie Gilder is a beautiful and celebrated goldsmith -- and a fugitive from the law.  Thought to have stolen a precious heirloom that is the key to her true heritage, she seeks sanctuary in a church. . .only to be discovered by Rane MacAllister.  Chivalrous and charming, this broad-shouldered archer is bound by oath to prevent this feisty "thief" from escaping into the countryside.  He does, but at a price.

A Man on the Hunt

Florie chafes at being anyone's prisoner, let alone that of a man sent by her accuser. But Rane, alone with Florie in this abandoned cloister, begins to conquer her guarded heart -- and ignites a fiery passion.  Now as their enemies gather to bring about their ruin, Florie and Rane will need courage, wits, and, most of all, love, to survive being. . . Captured By Desire.

Put on Your Crown:

Life Changing Moments on the Path to Queendom.

by Queen Latifah

Put on Your Crown: Life Changing Moments on the Path to Queendom . . . is a wake-up call to empowerment!

Oscar-nominated actress, Grammy-winning entertainer, entrepreneur -- Queen Latifah has done it all.  Through everything she has encountered, she has come to love herself, including her flaws.  But this transformation didn't happen overnight: The Queen had to overcome a series of challenges -- difficult moments -- before she knew she was going to emerge triumphant.  we all have moments like these.  The question is: How can we learn from such experiences and use them to turn ourselves into strong, confident women?  Queen Latifah provides the often surprising answers in this rewarding and inspiring book.

What to Wear for the Rest of Your Life:

 Ageless Secrets of Style

by Kim Johnson Gross

Every woman's closet -- no matter the size -- is "a room of her own."

In that space, side by side, hang clothes for the special occasions and the everyday, both wardrobe triumphs and disasters, together with memories we should cherish and those we should jettison.  Kim Johnson Gross helps us to discover our "closet identity" -- the clothes that define us -- and use it to reimagine who we want to be.  She shares her personal journey and the intimate, poignant, and often humorous accounts of the dozens of women she interviewed across the country for this book.

Along with calming fashion advice about how to choose flattering clothes that will fit your shape and style, Gross's engaging stories will help you evolve gracefully -- from wife and mother to empty-nester and globe-trotting adventurer, whatever role you choose -- while letting your style express your inner beauty.

What great things did you find in your mailbox this week?

A Certain Wolfish Charm by Lydia Dare (Book Review)

Title: A Certain Wolfish Charm

Author: Lydia Dare
Publisher: Sourcebooks


About the book: He gets crankier and crankier as the moon gets full. . .

The rules of Society can be beastly -- especially when you're a werewolf and it's that irritating time of the month.  Simon Westfield, the Duke of Blackmoor, is rich, powerful, and sinfully handsome, and has spent his entire life creating scandal and mayhem.  It doesn't help his wolfish temper at all that Miss Lily Rutledge seems not the least bit afraid of him, and in fact, may be as untamable as he is. . .

A woman whose charm is stronger than the moon. . .

When Lily's beloved nephew's behavior becomes inexplicably wild, she turns to Simon, the boy's cousin and guardian, for help. But Simon's idea of assistance is far different than hers, and Lily finds herself ensconced in his house and engaged to the rogue.

My thoughts:  I am loving myself some werewolves!  To heck with all the vampires (Sorry Edward), but I am getting a kick out of these werewolf stories.  Simon is lovable even when he is trying to be all mean - we get to read his thoughts from the beginning, so we know that he is attracted to Lily, but is just trying to keep her on the darkside of the moon (haha) and keep her safe.  That is why he doesn't feel he should marry her - even though she is all he can think about!  Lily thinks he is just toying with her (you know - like a dog with a bone? - Ok, I'll stop with the puns) and feels that he has been coerced into marrying her so that her reputation will not be sullied.  If she could only see what he was thinking!  I love this couple - throw in some werewolf brothers, a werewolf nephew and some well-meaning neighbors and you have the beginning of what I feel will be a great series. 

If you missed my interview with the authors that comprise Lydia Dare - see it here.  There is also a giveaway going on there.

~I received this book free of charge from Sourcebooks in exchange for my unbiased review.~

A Certain Wolfish Charm
Publisher/Publication Date: Sourcebooks, April 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4022-3694-5
376 pages

Wonderful new Book from Debbie Macomber - Hannah's List - Giveaway!

Hannah's List

by Debbie Macomber

Book Synopsis: A grieving widower receives an unexpected gift of love from his late wife on the anniversary of her death in HANNAH’S LIST, the emotionally powerful new novel by #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber. Connected to her bestselling Blossom Street books (SUMMER ON BLOSSOM STREET, TWENTY WISHES, BACK ON BLOSSOM STREET, SUSANNAH’S GARDEN, A GOOD YARN and THE SHOP ON BLOSSOM STREET) this story continues her moving exploration of the complex relationships among family and friends.

In the year since his wife, Hannah, passed away, Dr. Michael Everett has been inconsolable. Unable to carry on living any semblance of a normal life without her, Michael has avoided contact with friends and family and filled his empty days with work. So he’s shocked when his brother-in-law, Ritchie, hands him a letter Hannah had written before she died; apparently she’d instructed Ritchie to deliver it to Michael on the first anniversary of her death.

In it she reminds him of her love and makes one final request: she asks Michael to marry again and become the father he was meant to be. Knowing his reaction, Hannah gives him a gentle push by suggesting three women—each of whom, she says, would make an excellent wife and companion.

Michael’s heart isn’t in it, but he decides to carry out Hannah’s final wish by contacting each of the women. He soon discovers that he is not the only person dealing with a broken heart.

The first woman on Hannah’s list is her cousin, Winter Adams, owner of the French Café on Seattle’s Blossom Street. Winter is passionate about three things—food, cooking and fellow chef Pierre Dubois. But Winter and Pierre—both uncompromising perfectionists—have had a stormy on-and-off relationship and are currently in the “off” phase. Winter’s miserable with and without Pierre. Maybe Michael will provide an alternative…?

Leanne Lancaster is the next woman on Hannah’s list. Leanne is the oncology nurse who cared for Hannah in her last months. Like Michael, she is coping with her own sense of loss over the dissolution of her marriage. Her husband, Mark, embezzled $25,000 from a charity organized by the hospital where Leanne works. With Mark sentenced to a prison term and unwilling to explain his actions to his wife, Leanne felt she had no option but to ask for a divorce. But what Leanne really needs most is closure. Without understanding his motives, Leanne is unable to reconcile with Mark or move on without him.

The final name on the list is Macy Roth. Macy is everything Michael is not—artistic, spontaneous, eccentric and always late for appointments. Hannah felt that Macy’s effervescent personality might encourage someone as serious as Michael to learn to laugh again. Macy is a collector of strays—cats, dogs and even people. Michael can’t believe Hannah added Macy to her list; the only way he’d fall for her is if opposites really do attract.

As he spends time with each woman, Michael realizes that Hannah’s list may end up saving four lives, not just one.

Author Bio: Debbie Macomber, the author of 92 Pacific Boulevard, 8 Sandpiper Way, Summer on Blossom Street and Twenty Wishes, has become a leading voice in women’s fiction worldwide. Her work has appeared on every major bestseller list, including those of the New York Times, USA TODAY, and Publishers Weekly. She is a multiple award winner, and won the 2005 Quill Award for Best Romance. More than a hundred million copies of her books have been sold worldwide. For more information on Debbie and her books, visit her Web site, http://www.debbiemacomber.com/.

In celebration of her new book release - Big Honcho Media is sponsoring a giveaway right here!

Grand Prize winner will receive:

• 
  
  A $25 VISA gift card to enjoy additional titles by Debbie Macomber.
• 
  
  Copy of Hannah's List

Two additional winners will receive:

• 
  
  A copy of Hannah's List 

To enter - just leave me a comment telling me you would like to win - along with your email address.  This giveaway is open to U.S. mailing addresses only (International readers can enter if they have someone in the U.S. that this can ship to.)  This giveaway will end May 7.

Additional entries (each in their own comment please)

+2 - If you are a Google Friend Connect Follower or sign up to be one (2 comments)

+1 Twitter and leave link

+3 Own Blog Post - leave link (3 comments)

+1 Sidebar of blog or posted with other giveaways - leave link

Special Additional Entries!

+5 - Visit Hannah's List and tell me something you have learned. (5 comments)

(I received a review copy of Hannah's List in support of this post)

Happy Earth Day Giveaway! Green Like God by Jonathan Merritt

Green Like God: Unlocking the Divine Plan for Our Planet

by Jonathan Merritt

In GREEN LIKE GOD, Jonathan Merritt gently and insightfully observes that the bible has a lot to say about environmental problems like unclean water, material waste, over consumption, air pollution, and global warming. In fact, Jonathan writes that "in the book of Genesis, God went green and never looked back." Relying heavily on scripture, Jonathan gives the case for green living, but not because it's trendy and hip. Rather, it's part of living rightly as a believer. It's an act of obedience to our Creator-God.

GREEN LIKE GOD is at once practical, prescriptive, and conversational in tone. The author looks at a number of trends with tips to help the reader wade into the world of creation care living. An appendix includes suggestions of things we can do. In addition, the book includes interviews with everyday Christians to tell the story of the journey to environmental stewardship among people of faith.

This is the book that Christians are longing for and need today. Written for a new generation of Christians who are struggling with how to deal with the important issue of creation-care and green living, GREEN LIKE GOD is both highly relevant and theologically sound. It will have a profound impact on how Christians live and interact with the world today.

GIVEAWAY!

I have 3 copies of this book to giveaway courtesy of Hachette Books!  For your first entry, please tell me if there is anything you have started in the last year to make your household "more green".  It is okay if you don't have anything to share - maybe this book will help you get started! (Must leave a comment with email for your first entry).

For additional entries:
1. Become a Google Friend Connect follower or let me know that you already are. (2 entries - 2 comments)
2.  Follow me on twitter and tweet this (leave link) or blog about it (leave link)

Each entry must have its own comment to get full credit. Giveaway is open to residents of the U.S./Canada - no PO boxes.  It will end on May 6.

New Giveaway! --- I Has a Hotdog by Professor Happycat

I Has a Hotdog

by Professor Happycat

I HAS A BWAIN!!1!

An you thawt we dint! Now Professor Happycat tells you what's in it and, from I HAS A HOTDOG.com and beyond, lets over 200 LOLdogs loose on the world, all barking the truth about kibble, toys, and bad kitties. This collection of favorites and never-before-seen photos will have you barking for more!

For all you hoomins, a LOLdog is a kay-nine picture with a funny, misspelled caption.

 

Visit I Has a Hotdog online to see what the book is all about!

 

GIVEAWAY!

I have 3 copies of this book to giveaway courtesy of Hachette Books. Easy to enter - just leave a comment with your email address!

For additional entries:

1. Sign up to follow through Google Friend Connect (old GFC followers count also) this is good for 2 entries - leave 2 comments.

2. Follow me on twitter and tweet about it. Please leave link in comment.

3. Post it on your blog - leave link in comment.

Each entry must have it's own comment (or two). This giveaway is for U.S./Canada - no P.O. boxes. It will end May 6.