Sundays At Tiffany's - Winners

And the Winners are:




Mindy
Trin
Joy
Ms.Bookish
Mom2anubal.

I will email the winners tonight!!
Congrats!

Thank You Hachette.

Love and Other Natural Disasters - Blog Tour

Love and Other Natural Disasters, Holly Shumas

Blog Tour:
Please see the end of the post for a blogroll of participants. Thank you Miriam from Hachette for sending the book and organizing this blog tour.


Full Description:
Eve is eight months pregnant and in the middle of a Thanksgiving celebration when she discovers that her husband Jonathan has developed an intimate relationship with a woman over the past year. Jonathon asserts his innocence (an affair involves physical intimacy, and he didn't have any), while Eve feels deeply betrayed by the emotional connection he shared with someone else. What Jon has done seems so terrifyingly out of character that Eve finds herself questioning her entire reality. Did she ever really know Jon at all? Was their happiness together a lie? Is emotional intimacy more forgivable than sexual intimacy? And can their marriage survive?

My review:
I will start of by saying I enjoyed the book. The first chapter was hard to get through. Just the whole pain of the situation in the story hit home to me even though I have not been through anything similar. I could sense and feel the betrayal of the situation as a wife, a woman, and a mother. As Eve discovers and ventures into the pain of the situation, I just felt so sad for her. I was compelled to read more of the book.

Most of the time I felt Eve's reactions and feelings to be something similar to what I would do and how I would feel. Especially having a fondness for flannel pajamas that were her "greatest comfort outside of chocolate." This book has questions that whisper throughout. "What would you do? Is Eve making the right decision? Do we feel sorry for Jon? And of course, what about the children? and most of all is "an emotional affair more forgivable than a sexual one?"

About halfway through the story, I began to say "okay, let's do something here....people c'mon." Seeds had been planted to blossom in the story for us to know more to this story than just Jon's betrayal. I wanted to watch Eve and Jon grow into the situation and take responsibility to fix it or move on. There has been a world of dysfunction in Eve's life as well as Jon and I wanted to see what they could make of their past, present and future as a family.

I found the story to be realistic and believable especially in these days of computer communication.

I found the characters to be likable and even lovable. I like strong and flawed characters. It is human to be flawed and to pick up bumps along the way in life. And it is only normal that our life is affected by the way that we react to things. To learn from our mistakes is the key to life. Working on repairing a marriage after trust is broken must be a really challenging process with a lot of humility and commitment involved. I think Holly Shumas did a great job writing about this.

I recommend the book.

Author Information:
Holly Shumas lives in Berkeley, California, where she is a marriage and family therapist. This is her second novel.

Book Browse Reader Here:

Our Tour Group. See what other bloggers are saying about this book.
http://jennsbookshelf.blogspot.com/
http://www.writeforareader.edublogs.org
http://www.bermudaonion.wordpress.com
http://booksamyreads.blogspot.com
http://cafeofdreams.blogspot.com/
http://ablogofbooks.blogspot.com/
http://athomewithbooks.blogspot.com
http://www.myfriendamysblog.com
http://thetometraveller.blogspot.com/
http://bookingmama.blogspot.com/
http://2kidsandtiredbooks.blogspot.com
http://www.skrishnasbooks.com
http://enroutetolife.blogspot.com/
http://www.anovelmenagerie.com
http://printedpage.us
http://cindysloveofbooks.blogspot.com/
http://luanne-abookwormsworld.blogspot.com/
http://bookopolis.blogspot.com
http://www.bookthoughtsbylisa.blogspot.com
http://exlibrisbb.blogspot.com/
http://www.marjoleinbookblog.blogspot.com
http://linussblanket.com

2nd 2009 Challenge - Outlander Challenge 2009

Outlander Challenge - I'm doing it! I have been debating on my second challenge for 2009. I have read Outlander in the past and I have a few of the sequels, I just haven't got around to reading them. This is the perfect opportunity to read along with others.

The Rules

1. Sign up!
2. You must read each of the six current Outlander Series novels prior to the publication of An Echo in the Bone (scheduled publication September 2009).
3. The format can be of your choosing (audio, book, Kindle, etc).
4. You must post your thoughts/comments/inspirations/criticisms at least once on each book.
5. Books can crossover to other reading challenges if you wish.
6. Have fun!

Details

Sign up

The Bookshelf Meme - From Jo-Jo

The Book Shelf Meme:

Okay so.. I got this Meme from Jo-Jo.

It is a questionnaire meme. Please talk about the following.


The book that’s been on your shelves the longest:

It is a tie. I have three! My mom got me hardbound readers editions of Gone with the Wind, Dr. Zhivago, and Lady Chatterly's Lover in Christmas of 1983. I still have them. I have moved and got rid of most books about 4-5 times over my life. I have always hung onto these.

A book that reminds you of something specific in your life (a person, a place, a time, etc.):

This is a thought provoking question. I think I will have to go back to 1983 and Gone with the Wind. I did an 18 page report on it in my senior year in high school. Good times!

A book you acquired in some interesting way (gift, serendipity in a used bookstore, prize, etc.):
I think the best and most fun time for me was going at midnight to Borders to get my Deathly Hallows books in my Harry Potter Scarf. I think that was a GREAT TIME!



A book that’s been with you to the most places:

Well the book that has the most miles on it would be The Autobiography of Henry VIII, by Margaret George. I got to meet up with my book club in Baltimore in 2006 and that was our selection for August that year. So Henry went with me. It was a hoot. I have some great pics of me and my girl friends having a book / slumber party. I might share the photo, but I think I need permission to post a Jammie photo online.


The most recent addition to your shelves:

A very nice co-worker mailed me a book and I received it yesterday by Nicholas Evans called The Loop. He and I like to talk about books and dogs and he remembered this book and sent it to me. I am excited to read it.


A bonus book that you want to talk about but doesn’t fit into the other questions:

One of my favorite books that I love to have nearby all the time is The Hours, by Michael Cunningham. I really love the book. I know it isn't a upbeat book, but it always puts me into a trance and the writing is magnificent. I think it qualifies for one of the most unique books I have ever read.



So I am going to tag the following blogs:
Dar at Peeking Between the Pages
Jenn at Jenn's Bookshelf
Debbie at Wrighty Reads.

Here are the rules for those of you that were tagged:

1. Tag 3-5 people, so the fun keeps going!
2. Leave a comment at the original post at A Striped Armchair, so that Eva can collect everyone’s answers.
3. If you leave a comment and link back to Eva as the meme’s creator, she will enter you in a book giveaway contest! She has a whole shelf devoted to giveaway books that you’ll be able to choose from, or a bookmooch point if you prefer.
4. Remember that this is all about enjoying books as physical objects, so feel free to describe the exact book you’re talking about, down to that warping from being dropped in the bath water…
5. Make the meme more fun with visuals! Covers of the specific edition you’re talking about, photos of your bookshelves, etc.

Hachette Audio Book Give away - Sundays at Tiffany's

Sundays at Tiffany's, by James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet
Audio Book Giveaway - Three copies!

First of all let's thank Anna from Hachette

The Giveaway is from 1/10/2009 - 1/25/2009. Drawing on 1/26/2009, posted here!

It is a simple Random.org selection process. Just leave a comment and enter to win. You must leave your email contact information for me to let you know if you are one of three lucky winners!

Rules:
Over 18 only
Open to Canada and US only (books are shipped from Hachette)
No P.O. Boxes allowed.

Listen to a sample here.

Summary:
As a little girl, Jane has no one. Her mother, the powerful head of a Broadway theater company, has no time for her. She does have one friend-a handsome, comforting, funny man named Michael-but only she can see him.

Years later, Jane is in her thirties and just as alone as ever. Then she meets Michael again-as handsome, smart and perfect as she remembers him to be. But not even Michael knows the reason they've really been reunited.

SUNDAYS AT TIFFANY'S is a love story with an irresistible twist, a novel about the child inside all of us-and the boundary-crossing power of love.

Good Luck Everyone.

Thank you Hachette!

Hachette Audio Book Giveaway - Beat the Reaper

Beat the Reaper, by Josh Bazell - Audio Book Giveaway - Three copies!

First of all lets thank Anna from Hachette

The Giveaway is from 1/10/2009 - 1/25/2009. Drawing on 1/26/2009, posted here!

It is a simple Random.org selection process. Just leave a comment and enter to win. You must leave your email contact information for me to let you know if you are one of three lucky winners!

Rules:
Over 18 only
Open to Canada and US only (books are shipped from Hachette)
No P.O. Boxes allowed.

Listen to a sample here.

Full Description:
Meet Peter Brown, a young Manhattan emergency room doctor with an unusual past that is just about to catch up with him. His morning begins with the quick disarming of a would-be mugger, followed by a steamy elevator encounter with a sexy young pharmaceutical rep, topped off by a visit with a new patient - and from there Peter's day is going to get a whole lot worse and a whole lot weirder. Because that patient knows Peter from his other life, when he had a different name and a very different job. The only reason he's a doctor now is thanks to the Witness Protection Program-and even they can't protect him from the long reach of the New Jersey mob. Now he's got to do whatever it takes to keep his patient alive so he can buy some time...and beat the reaper.

BEAT THE REAPER is not just the only novel that will be compared to Quentin Tarantino's films, Grey's Anatomy, and Chuck Palahniuk-it's also the most original and entertaining debut thriller you'll read this year.


Good Luck Everyone!

Chunkster Challenge - I am doing it!

Yep.. I am in! Here are the rules: (See full Details here)

*A chunkster is 450 pages or more of ADULT literature (fiction or nonfiction) Don't complain folks, I read all thousands of pages of the Twilight series and they were good, but not a challenge. A chunkster should be a challenge.

*If you read large type books your book will need to be 525 pages or more I asked around and the average LT book is 10-15% longer or more so I think that was a fair estimate.

*No Audio books in the chunkster. It just doesn't seem right. Words on paper for this one folks.

* You may start any time after signing up. You must complete your reads before or on Nov 15th.

*Short Stories and Essay collections will not be counted.

*Books may crossover with other challenges (see option 4 for a collaborative effort with TBR challenge)

*Only option 4 requires that you make a set list of books to complete the challenge

For My Challenge I am going to be:

*Do These Books Make my Butt Look Big? - this option is for the slightly heavier reader who wants to commit to 3-5 Chunksters over the next ten months.

My Selections:

Drood, by Dan Simmons
Annette Vallon, by James Tipton
Helen of Troy, Margaret George

Lemonade Award

Dar at Peeking Between the Pages gave me this award.
This one is the Lemonade award for blogs with great attitude and/or gratitude. Thank you Dar.

I am supposed to pass it along, but I am going to go off the cuff and just invite anyone who visits my blog to snatch it up and please pass it along to another blogger.

Happy Day to you all.... and show the love pass along the ice cold Lemonade and have thoughts of the Good Ole Summer Time....

On the book front, I am in the middle of Eclipse and I am really enjoying it and anyone who wants to see some of the mittens that have been knitted modeling Bella's mittens from the movie I have a knitting blog and you can see them there!!! I haven't made mine yet, but I am working on them. I love them because it is a secret way to be a Twilight Nerd and only other Twilight Movie Fans would know.... Gotta love it!!!

I got a Butterfly Award - Thank you

Thank you ladies.

I got this award from Kaye at Pugdy Penquin Perusals and Jenn from Jenn's Bookshelf.


This is a “meme” award, so it gets passed on. The rules for passing it on are:

1. Put the logo on your blog.
2. Add a link to the person who awarded the blog to you.
3. Award up to ten other blogs.
4. Add links to the blogs you award onto your blog.
5. Leave a message for your awardees on their blogs.

I am passing this award on to:
Alyce at At Home With Books
Sharon at Sharon Loves Books and Cats
J. Kaye at J.Kaye's Book Blog
Jo Jo at Jo-Jo loves to read
Serena at Savy Verse and Wit
Dar at Peeking Between the Pages

There are so many more including those who sent it to me!! (Kaye and Jenn) ( I read, love and comment on almost any blog I go to... I am not so good a the MeMe thing).

Sundays at Tiffanys -Book Giveaway

Summary:
As a little girl, Jane has no one. Her mother, the powerful head of a Broadway theater company, has no time for her. She does have one friend-a handsome, comforting, funny man named Michael-but only she can see him.

Years later, Jane is in her thirties and just as alone as ever. Then she meets Michael again-as handsome, smart and perfect as she remembers him to be. But not even Michael knows the reason they've really been reunited.

SUNDAYS AT TIFFANY'S is a love story with an irresistible twist, a novel about the child inside all of us-and the boundary-crossing power of love.

About James Patterson click here.

Sponsored by Hachette. (Thank you Valerie!!)

A Circle of Books is giving away Five Copies of this book.

Details: (pretty easy)

US and Canada Only
No P.O. Boxes Please.
Drawing from Random.org on January 14th, 2009
(I will announce the winners on January 15th HERE)

Simply leave a comment with your email address and you will be entered. If you blog about this contest you will get 3 entries. ( please let me know if you blog about it on your comment or email me).

Good Luck Everyone!!!

My Girl

Just a happy photo to share with everyone....with a silly story.

My daughter came home for Christmas! What a good time I had with her. Jessica is just the Best!

Funny little story. I booked the travel a few months in advance. And I did double checked her flight time the night before. (so I thought) I thought I had plenty of time to tidy up and get ready for her visit as her flight didn't arrive until 10 pm Monday evening. Even though I thought to myself "why did I book a flight that late, it really cuts the visit short." Oh well....

So on Monday morning I get a call at 6 AM or so in the morning and it was an exuberant Jessi talking away. I was groggy and didn't really panic when she said she was in Denver.." yeah yeah honey, hugs and kisses....can't wait to see you too..mmm" I layed my head on the pillow and "what??" Uh.. yeah.. if she was in Denver then she would be home in a three hours!!!!... Aye Aye Aye!!! a quick rush to the computer to verify the time. Oh my gosh! Hubby and I got up and finished the housework and showered and picked her up.... about five minutes late.... she was still waiting for luggage... Anyway.. as you can tell by now her plane was to arrive at 10 AM not PM.

I am so glad she called or I would have been in sweats at Walmart or something and I would have had one ticked off daughter thinking that I forgot about her. Ha ha.... not really funny if you know my Jess. Uh.. don't be late or forget about Jess... or..... Well.... It is funny NOW... that everything turned out.

It was wonderful to have her home for the holidays.

PS. Dexter loves her too!

Happy New Year

I wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year. I look forward to reading and blogging with everyone in the year to come.

Toni - A Circle of Books

New Moon - Stephenie Meyer

October/November was an exciting month for me as I got to join the vast group of Twilight Readers. If you follow my blog you know that I enjoyed the book and the movie A LOT!

At the end of Twilight there was a snippet from the first chapter of New Moon that left me peeking into this book even before I was ready to read it. I just had to know what happened next.

I actually took a few weeks to read this book in between Holiday hooplah and I really did enjoy it. It is hard to review this book without spoiling so I will just give my two cents overall.

I enjoyed Twilight more than New Moon. This book goes heavy duty into a secondary and even a third storyline. And both were fun to read. For the most part the book was really entertaining, as I loved to be back in Forks with Bella and the other kids and characters.

I found the action in this book a little less thrilling than in Twilight. I liked getting deeper into some of the characters. Okay, so... for those that say the book is not deep enough or the writing is not good enough for them, I see what you are saying. But the book is what it is. It is being told from a young girl's perspective in modern time. Yes, toward the end of the book there is a little "cheese."

I am kicking myself because I came across a few eloquent passages while Bella is going through a very emotional time and I wanted to share them and I didn't have my post-it pen. I plan to get those quotes out in the future.

Anyway... it was good for me to read... It was the sequel to Twilight!!!! Yay...Woo Hoo and Scream..... I am not sure what makes me get all giddy and excited when I read these books but I do really like them.

Thanks to Jenn from Jenn's bookshelf I have a copy of Eclipse waiting to be read. I am looking forward to it. Thank you Jenn.

Edited note: ( SPOILER ALERT!)
After writing this review, I went to read a lot of other reviews of the book (finally) and I am not sure my review does the book justice and I know it is vague for fear of spoilers. I read a lot of reviews about Bella's attitude and whining. I think Bella's behavior is appropriate considering what happened to her. In Twilight Bella was put through so much and to have it crash down on her in New Moon was devastating. I also found her quest for danger was justified considering the "pay off."

I really enjoyed her friendship with Jacob and was hoping that at some point Bella could let go and move in that direction. Nothing is better to me that best friends forever. I also enjoyed the turn /twist in the plot with Jacob and company. Perhaps a bit under developed?

I really enjoyed getting a bit more of Alice and finally the Cullens back into the scene. I didn't mind having to wait for them to appear again. Kind of like, it doesn't matter when you show up to the party as long as you show up!

I like how the book traversed to Italy and enjoyed the dramatic scene in the underground. Perhaps there were some cheesy scenes after that? I enjoyed the references to Romeo and Juliet. I am not so sure I enjoyed the moonless sky analogy. ( maybe at a different time in my life). Anyway, I enjoyed the very end confrontation with the three in the forest.

I am not so thrilled with the timeline for Bella's "change." It seemed like they (Bella and Edward) were joking around about it so much. Not sure how I feel one way or another about Bella moving in that direction. She seems clumsy and impulsive sometimes and this part makes me think she is to ga-ga to know exactly what she is thinking.

I also read this book with the stresses and joys of the holidays season. I picked this book because I wanted to read about characters that I "know" and love. I think it did the trick but I think I would have been more relaxed and not as cynical if I was reading at another not so busy time.

Beat the Reaper - Guest Review - Gary Harris

Beat the Reaper, Josh Bazell

As always thank you Miriam from Hachette for providing a review copy.

I would like to introduce my son Gary Harris. He read and reviewed this book for us! Thank you Gary.

A Book Review of "Beat the Reaper"
By Gary Harris

I picked up this book shortly after it arrived in the mail and right off fell in love with the provocative cover and title. Then I turned the book over and read the back. Blah, was the first thing that came to mind; a mafia book by a medical resident and a first book at that. I put off reading it until it came time to write a review for it.

"Beat The Reaper" starts off with so much energy and force that by page ten you are up to your neck in 'Peter Browns' narrative. The story is a first person account of an ex-mafia hit man, Bearclaw, who has gone into the witness protection program and is now a Doctor.

At a lightning pace he takes drugs, relives his past, questions his future, and then comes face to face with a ghost from his former life. I read this book in under four hours.

This book isn't a masterpiece of modern literature but it is entertaining and clever. The footnotes throughout the book remind me of the deadly one liners from "Fight Club"- with enough medical information to fill a second book called "The stuff the doctor didn't tell you".

I don't know if anybody ever beats the reaper, but this book definitely beat this reader. This book is a good read and I will look forward to Mr.Bazell's next work.

Here is the full description from Hachette.

Publish Date: 1/7/2009, Hachette

Sounds like a fast good read eh?

*** Note my son is 23 years old this is not a teen book****

Lit Flicks - Flirting with Forty -

I didn't mean to do it but I fulfilled another Lit Flicks Selection!

In December I read Flirting with Forty/ and watched the Lifetime movie. See my review and post here.

Another book/movie selection off my list. I hope to watch Little Women this weekend and scratch that off my list also. Check back for my review.

So my List so far:

1. Twilight
2. Flirting with Forty.
3. Little Women (movie) review coming.

Give away - Tomato Girl -

Dar at Peeking Between the Pages is having a giveaway for Tomato Girl.!!
Check it out here.

Winner Giveaway - The Magician's Book

We have a winner! Congrats!!!!

The winner of the Magician's Book is:

The Giveaway Diva (here)

THANK YOU!! Miriam from Hachette for sponsoring this event.

Your book will be shipped from the Publisher.

The Winners - The Little Giant of Aberdeen County

Thank you Miriam from Hachette.

Congrats winners!!
Serena - Savvy Verse and Wit.
Wrighty - Wrighty Reads.
Dawn - She is too fond of books.

I will send out an email for you all to reply with your mailing address when I get home from work tonight.

Congrats!!!!!

This was a LOT of fun.

Hachette will be mailing your copies.

Meet Dexter

So this is my new companion Dexter. I got him to be my reading / knitting buddy. He is 13 weeks old tomorrow. ( I thought 11 but checked out his papers today).

I sure love this guy. Had to post a picture of him after all, from now on, he is the co-author of the blog! I will try not to do the "new parent thing" with a zillion pics.

Thanks for letting me indulge. Oh.. in case you didn't know he is a Basset Hound.

Flirting with Forty, a Novel and Lifetime Movie!!

A Novel, by Jane Porter and
NOW A Lifetime movie to premier Saturday December 6th at 9 PM/8c.

Thank You Miriam from Hachette.

My Review:
Fun and Flirty. This is a curl up and veg out girly girl book. I enjoyed the book. I needed an escape from some of the cool foggy weather and other deeper issues in life. As a woman of 43, I can validate or sympathize many of the feelings that Jackie is going through even though I haven't been 40 and newly divorced with children. I do, however understand how one can get lost in caring for a family and wake up one day and say "what is left of me?" Jackie goes to Hawaii for her 40th birthday (she is practically forced to go) and in her own interest of happiness has this fling. Why not finally give in and have fun and see what is left of her romantic side? This reminded me of a movie from my era. Risky Business because sometimes in life you just have to say, "what the heck."

The book is on the lighter reading side. There are genuine and sweet times in the book that are sad, moving, uplifting and comical. I think a lot of moms, sisters, girlfriends can and will relate and have fun with this novel. It really is a fun flirty read. Perfect vacation reading, rainy day reading or everyday good reading.

What do I think? I think sometimes you have to say what the heck and just let go and read something girly and fun!!! Watching Jackie listen to her heart verses her head was entertaining. I think the book has a quality that makes you want to talk back to Jackie in the book as she questions her self. I enjoyed the book.

It is down-to-earth and full of every day challenges of motherhood and womanhood and how the two intersect and divide.

Full Description: (Novel)

He got the second home and the Porsche. She got the kids and a broken heart. Now Jackie, post-divorce and heading toward the big four-oh, is on vacation in sunny Hawaii and staring down her upcoming birthday-alone. But not for long. She's soon falling for Kai, her gorgeous, much younger surf instructor, and the wild passionate fling they have becomes the biggest surprise of Jackie's life.

Back home in Seattle, Jackie has to struggle with single parenthood...and memories of Kai. He hasn't forgotten her. Yet thousands of miles of ocean-not to mention an age difference that feels even wider-separate them. And, of course, her friends disapprove. When a choice must be made, can she, will she risk everything for her chance at happiness?

Author Bio (Jane Porter) and some other fun pictures: HERE
Visit Jane at her website: HERE

Check it out: Jane will be appearing on the Grand Central Publishing Blog Talk Radio Station on 12/5 at 1PM ET.

Check out this link for more Movie info.

Blog Tour Participants: (Check out the blogs that are featuring this book and movie if you don't see it tonight, check back and look tomorrow!!)
http://www.myfriendamysblog.com
http://BermudaOnion.wordpress.com
http://bookcritiques.blogspot.com/
http://sharonlovesbooksandcats.blogspot.com/
http://thetometraveller.blogspot.com/
http://printedpage.wordpress.com
http://luanne-abookwormsworld.blogspot.com
http://Books-Movies-Chinesefood.blogspot.com
http://AllisonsAtticBlog.blogspot.com
http://Skrishnasbooks.blogspot.com
http://blog.literarily.com
http://www.bookingmama.blogspot.com
http://cherylsbooknook.blogspot.com/
http://cindysloveofbooks.blogspot.com/
http://booksbytjbaff.blogspot.com/
http://exlibrisbb.blogspot.com/
http://www.marjoleinbookblog.blogspot.com
http://bookopolis.blogspot.com
http://www.anovelmenagerie.com
http://wendisbookcorner.blogspot.com
http://thebookczar.blogspot.com
http://www.thebookgirl.net
http://acircleofbooks.blogspot.com
http://01crazymomma.wordpress.com/
http://ablogofbooks.blogspot.com/
http://www.bookthoughtsbylisa.blogspot.com
http://enroutetolife.blogspot.com/
http://athomewithbooks.blogspot.com



Check out this great shots from the set. Looking good!