book Blogger Hop

It's time to join in the Book Blogger Hop with Jennifer at Crazy for Books.

If you want to join the fun and meet your fellow book bloggers, visit Jennifer, add your link to the list, and choose a blog to visit. I am no. 272 on the list so you can see there are a lot of blogs to visit and though we all share the same interest in books we are diverse enough to make it really interesting.

Today's question: Who is your favorite new-to-you author this year?

Hands down easy question for me. It's Elizabeth Peters and having just finished The Ape Who Guards the Balance, I plan on following her Amanada Peabody series to the hilt. Peabody, as she is called by her husband Emerson, is an Egyptologist and amateur sleuth and her stories are told behind the country backdrop of Kent, the teaming streets of London, the ancient temples of Egypt, and simmering religious tensions of Palestine on the eve of World War I.

Elizabeth Peters

Hope you are enjoying your weekend!

Have fun blog hopping!

Summer lovin' continues at The Love Shack

The love fest just keeps rolling on! I have been gifted The Versatile Blogger Award by Jazz at About Books Blog!

1. Thank and link back to the person who gave you this award
2. Share 7 things about yourself
3. Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic.
4. Contact the bloggers you’ve picked and let them know about the award.

It has occurred to me that when I was given the award the first time around by Kika at The Book Bluff , that I never got around to listing the 7 things about myself. So here they are in no particular order…

1. I love all things vintage.
2. I have a dog and a cat, Sadie and Kitty, who keep me on the straight and narrow.
3. I do not care for marmalade but will occasionally buy a bottle because it reminds me of my dad who has passed away. It also reminds me how much I hate marmalade.
4. I love The Mummy Returns, Independence Day and Lara Croft and can watch them over and over again.
5. Spent a summer in Japan and loved every minute of it.
6. As a child my favorite color crayon was Periwinkle Blue
7. Here is something you all know, I LOVE BOOKS!

Here are 15 (that's a lot baby!) bloggers that I adore reading...

1. Kritters Ramblings
2. Take Me Away Reading
3. Writing From the Tub
4. Alison Can Read
5. A Thousand Books With Quotes
6. Bags Books and Bon Jovi
7. A Novel Review
8. Book of Secrets
9. Books Are Like Candy Corn
10. Coffeelicious Bookaholic
11. Every Last Page
12. Librarian in Heels
13. Lit Addicted Brit
14. Live Out Loud
15. Book of Secrets

I know 15 bloggers is a lot to name and I may not always leave a comment but I do follow all of you and read your reviews and fun posts. Thank you for passing along some great reads.

Please realize that you are under no obligation to accept this award and that it is done in the spirit of recognizing and acknowledging really great book blogging!

Summer love!

A million thanks this Tuesday morning to the rocking Cheryl at CMash Loves to Read for the Summer Blogger Award she has bestowed upon me! Yay!

The criteria for this award: (created by Book Lover's Review)

Simple rules really, thank the person who passed the award on to you with a link back and pay it forward by listing four other rocking bloggers who deserve the award and post a note to them in their comments. In no particular order, here are my fab four:

Musings of a Bookshop Girl

Green Absinthia Book Blog

Mydnite Reader

Fantasy 4 Eva

To my fab four, I'd like to say that I really do enjoy reading your blogs. They are fun, creative and a joy to read. And to those of you that vlog - I LOVE IT!

Please realize that you are under no obligation to accept this award and that it is done in the spirit of recognizing and acknowledging really great book blogging!

Happy Summer Lovin'!

Saturday finds

Happy Saturday!

I came back from today's visit to the Friends of the Library with three books for $1.50! The books have been thumbed through but they look to be in great shape. They also appear to be chicklit which I dearly *HEART.* I find chicklit to be romantic without being bodice rippers and they are usually a fun and sometimes frothy romp.

So, I am familiar with Jane Green having read Jemima J (loved it), Mr. Maybe and The Beach House (review here). The other two authors are new to me but you can check them out on their websites at Sally Koslow and Sheila Curran.

The books are sitting on an old but sturdy wicker night stand with a Tracy Porter runner that was thrifted. The rabbit, who is named Paisley, was a gift from my mom and was the genesis of my bunny collection. The little mouse is still without a name, maybe you could help me with that?

Hope you are enjoying your weekend!

Book Blogger Hop

Honestly, I don't know where the time goes!

It's Friday so that means it time to shake your booty over to the Book Blog Hop. Go visit with Jennifer at Crazy for Books to see what it's all about and add your book blog to the hop! You'll meet tons of like minded people and make lots of new friends. You'll have a blast!

Here are three blogs that I have recently discovered:

Booksploring

Jess Hearts Books

Musings of a Bookshop Girl

Ok, this week's question: What are you currently reading? For me it's The Language of Bees by Laurie R. King. I am loving it!

Brief overview: Mary Russell and Holmes (as in Sherlock) return home to the Sussex coast and find an entire colony of Holmes' bees have taken flight and disappeared. Soon, however, death comes knocking and they have a bigger mystery to unravel.

What are you reading?

Contest with Carly

Absolutely, brand spanking new contest alert!

The lovely Carly at Writing from the Tub is offering you a chance to win...

...a copy of an ARC of Torment...

...by Lauren Kate!

Here is a summary from Goodreads: How many lives do you need to live before you find someone worth dying for? In the aftermath of what happened at Sword & Cross, Luce has been hidden away by her cursed angelic boyfriend, Daniel, in a new school filled with Nephilim, the offspring of fallen angels and humans.

Daniel promises she will be safe here, protected from those who would kill her. At the school Luce discovers what the Shadows that have followed her all her life mean - and how to manipulate them to see into her other lives. Yet the more Luce learns about herself, the more she realizes that the past is her only key to unlocking her future...and that Daniel hasn't told her everything.

What if his version of the past isn't actually the way things happened...what if Luce was really meant to be with someone else?

I know, you can’t wait to enter the contest, right!

I have to admit that I have yet to read Fallen, the first in the series, but I am excited to start.

Carly says she’s already read Torment twice (presumably from her tub with a glass of wine – well, that would be me anyway) and thinks it’s BRILLIANT!

Visit with Carly to have the chance to win a copy of Torment!

Good luck!

I won!

Unleash the hounds!

I actually won a contest!

I am soon to be the proud owner of my very own copy of The Imposter’s Daughter…

…written by Laurie Sandell

Contest was held by the lovely Cheryl at CMash Loves to Read

Thanks again, Cheryl!

Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side

A Little Background: Sharing a love of reading, a young middle school friend of mine proposed this book as something I might enjoy. I took her up on Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side and here is what I think of suggestion…

Book Description: Jessica’s Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey




What if you had a secret identity? What if it was so secret even you didn’t know about it!

Jessica has always known she was adopted but the exact circumstances were not clearly known. Jess’s parents, a laidback, vegan and tofu loving couple have got quite a story to tell. To put it succinctly, Jessica is a vampire princess from Romania who was betrothed at birth to one princely Lucius Vladescu. Tell me if that wouldn’t knock your sox off!

Lucius travels from Romania to claim Jessica as his betrothed but instead of finding a royal princess finds a slightly geeky, high school "mathlete" more interested in doing her muck raking chores on the family farm than dressing and acting royally. Think of it this way, he’s a little bit country and she’s a little bit rock and roll.

Indeed, the imperious Lucius is at a loss and sends off letters to his Uncle Vasile back in the old country. These little missives provide a lot of biting (hehe) and prickly humor for me. A few examples….

On Making Do: I write to you from my “loft” above the Packwood’s rundown garage, where I am housed, not unlike some sort of unwanted automobile or forgotten piece of luggage, no doubt breathing in stale vehicle exhaust day and night.

On American Cuisine: And do not speak to me of “Jello-O” and “sloppy joes.” FOR GOD’S SAKE, VASILE. How much must I endure in the interest of peace between the clans?

On School: Can I ever again be happy in our soaring Gothic castle after walking the halls of Woodrow Wilson High School, a literal ode to linoleum?

On Holidays: Best wishes as we approach All Hallows’ Eve. You would so enjoy the universally naïve but ubiquitous depictions of vampires the Americans somewhat compulsively display at this time of year. One would think our entire race consisted of pale, middle-aged men with a genetic tendency toward “widow’s peaks” and a penchant for the over application of hair gel.

On Jessica: In sum, Jessica Packwood is not a vampire. Living in America seems to have cleansed our future princess of all traces of the royal blood that we know must have coursed through her veins at birth. She has undergone a terrible cultural dialysis, so to speak.

Lucius tries his best to impress upon Jessica the importance of their union to prevent an all out war between their two clans, the Vladescu’s and the Dragomir’s. But will Lucius manage to convince Jessica in time and will Jessica acknowledge the growing feelings she has for Lucius. You will find out what pluck this all American girl/vampire princess has and what she will do to prevent pending bloodshed.

My Take: I enjoyed it! It is a book good enough to satisfy Twi-hards and other lovers of the paranormal genre. Now where can I get a copy of a Teen Vampire's Guide to Dating, Health, and Emotions? That sounds like an interesting read!

About the Author:




Beth Fantaskey was raised and still lives in rural Pennsylvania, a place that features prominently in her books. Apparently there's nothing unusual about getting stuck in Amish buggy "traffic" where she lives.

Fantaskey has slung her share of burgers, was a teenage tax collector, a journalist, and now a part-time professor at Susquehanna University. But her most fun job is "YA author," because she gets to interact with so many interesting readers.

You can visit Beth at her website and also via Twitter and Facebook. Interested in reading Chapter One of Jessica’s Guide, just click here.

Book Blogger Hop

If it's Friday, it must be time for the Book Blogger Hop! Go visit with Jennifer at Crazy for Books to see how you can participate and get your blog out there!


Here's this weeks Hop question: Right this instant, what book are you dying to get your hands on (past, present or future)?

Oh, good one! I have just been thinking I'd like to purchase the collected works of Rudyard Kipling. For me, the author's name alone conjures up the vibrant colors, spicy foods and colorful bazaars of India. To read Kipling, is to be swept away to a different time and space and exotic locale. Everyone is familiar with The Jungle Book and Kim but my favorite story is Kipling's Rikki-Tikki-Tavi having read it as a very young bibliophile. I recall that I was mesmerized by the actions of a very brave little mongoose and I've never forgotten the story.

Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.
Rudyard Kipling

Have a great weekend!

Book Blogger Hop and a Giveaway

Is it Friday all ready? I’m happy to be Book Blog Hopping again and visiting new blogs.

Jennifer at Crazy for Books asked us to name some of our favorite authors so here’s a short list of mine:

1. Laurie King for the awesome Mary Russell series
2. Mary Kay Andrews because I just love her southern sensibilities
3. Sophie Kinsella/Madeleine Wickham for the Shopaholic series and all her stand alones
4. Clive Cussler because I do love adventure
5. Steve Berry for even more adventure and the Cotton Malone character
6. Jane Austen for just being Jane
7. Charlotte Bronte for Jane Eyre
8. Lillian Jackson Braun and the wonderful Cat Who series
9. Kate White for her Bailey Weggins crime series
10. Adriana Trigiani and her warmly written and relatable characters

I could go on but there wouldn’t be room for anything else! Why not play along, it’s a great way to meet your fellow bloggers.

Speaking of which, Alison at Alison Can Read is having a great Twilight giveaway. Go visit with her and you’ll have a chance to win Twilight Saga Eclipse: Official Illustrated Movie Companion plus a Twilight collector’s beaded bookmark! So are you Team Edward or Jacob? Contest ends July 15th.

The Literary Gato and the Head Librarian wish you a great weekend!

See you next week at the Hop.

A trip to the library

A quick trip to my neighborhood library today netted these great titles...

Borrowed:

The Ape Who Guards the Balance by Elizabeth Peters. I borrowed this book because I have read so many great reviews of Elizabeth Peters novels on various blogs. I can't wait to get started!

I just finished Lethally Blonde by Kate White and discovered a new heroine, Bailey Weggins. I am now obsessed with wanting to read all the books in the series and as If Looks Could Kill is the first in the series what better place to start?

Purchased at the Friends of the Library: An interesting memoir titled Summer at Tiffany by Marjorie Hart caught my eye. Adriana Trigiani said of this book "Charming and delicious...I loved every moment." For a scandalous look at the fashion industry I bought Fashion Babylon by Imogen Edwards-Jones & Anonymous. What really goes on in the fashion industry - I'm about to find out! Total cost for these two books: $1.50...not bad.

Speaking of the Library: thought I'd share a few shots of the Mission Valley Library where I like to hang out. I'm there at least once a week and maybe twice.

A look down from the second floor balcony

Shot taken from the back lanai with a glimpse of the San Diego trolley

Here's the courtyard just off the children's section of the library

Hope you enjoyed your visit. But before you go, just two more things...

File this one under when will it ever end: We had another earthquake today that registered 5.4. Not as high as the one we had over Easter, a 7.2, but believe me it provided quite a jolt!

And, I'd like to wish Ringo Starr Peace & Love and a happy 70th birthday!

Smitten by Janet Evanovich

A Little Background: In the days before Plum, Janet Evanovich sent her stories to editors and agents only to begin a collection of rejection letters. There was nothing left for her to do but put on her big girl pantyhose and work for a temp agency. Four months later she got a call from an editor offering to buy one of her manuscripts. An offer of $2,000 was enough for Janet to kiss temp work goodbye and never look back! Here then, is one of those romantic tomes.

Book Description: Smitten by Janet Evanovich

Lizabeth Kane, single mom recently divorced, has to come up with a way to support her young family. A stellar education at Amherst for some reason doesn’t seem conducive to finding a job and while walking through the neighborhood one day she discovers Matt Hallahan a contractor who is looking for a carpenter. Of course, it’s silly that Lizabeth would be considered for carpentry work, she knows it, Matt knows it, but he is a sucker for a sad story and let’s face it, Lizabeth is awfully cute.

There is a little drama and mystery thrown in the romantic mix. Lizabeth’s politically bent ex-husband thinks it would be a good idea to have the kids for the summer as they would make for great photo ops. Ok, why don’t we just nominate this bozo for Father of the Year? No wonder he and Lizabeth are divorced. And then there is the mysterious flasher who seems to have targeted Lizabeth and has the audacity to give a little wave when he sees her.

How does it all end? Well it would not be a spoiler to tell you that it most definitely ends Happily Ever After!

My Take: Come on, do you really kiss your employer...forget that he's hunky...your first day on the job? Honestly, I had to re-read that page to make sure I really did read what I read. I know with romance you sometimes need to suspend your belief system but this is ridiculous. SIDENOTE: When did I turn into my mother?

Ok, despite all this it was a cute story and with two young boys, a monstrous mutt, a crazy old aunt who drives a ragtop caddy, and a mysterious flasher, the story almost reminded me of a Doris Day movie minus the sex! Specifically, I was channeling Please Don’t Eat the Daisies. Read Smitten for the fluff of it. I finished the book in one sitting and I would have finished it sooner if my sister hadn’t called!

About the Author:

Janet Evanovich writes the widly successful Stephanie Plum series. But before the sexy bounty hunter was even a twinkle in the author's eyes, Evanovich toiled in romance.

With her busy schedule, Evanovich was asked how she likes to unwind, to which she replied...

I don't unwind! I just keep going. If I ever unwound I might not get wound again. I have no hobbies. I just work. I'm really boring. I like champagne and greasy pork roll sandwiches, and shopping for shoes.

Hey, I like this girl!

Just for Fun: Take a look at the original artwork for Smitten back in 1990 when Evanovich wrote for the Bantam series "Loveswept." . What a difference 20 years makes! The only thing I recognize is the rundown Victorian in the background.

Book Blogger Hop & Happy 4th of July!

Here's the thing, there is a marathon of Royal Pains going on right now on the USA Network. It's only one of my favorite TV Shows!

So far today I've watched three episodes but I finally decided that it's too gorgeous of a day to spend in front of the television set! The sun is out, and I do need to get some grub for the weekend. I also need to get ready for the Blogger Hop and check out all the unique blogs out there in book blogger land!

This is a great meme and I know you'll have fun checking in with Jennifer at Crazy for Books. If you'd like to participate you can even add your book blog to Mr. Linky. Let the fun begin!



I discovered these blogs last week...

1. Kristin at Kritters Ramblings
2. Steph at Fangs, Wands and Fairy Dust
3. Loren at Heart of a Bookworm

Have a great weekend and a fabulous 4th of July!