What every little book blogger needs

These Arms of Mine

Title: These Arms of Mine

Publisher: Harlequin

Pub Date: January 31st 2012

Author: Judy Hubbard

Received From: NetGalley

When Alesha Robinson ended her torrid affair with Derrick Chandler, she gave up the love of her life. Now fate’s giving them a second chance. But when Alesha asks Derrick to save her brother, she never dreams what the scorned multimillionaire will demand in exchange: becoming his wife—in name only.

Even after Alesha shattered his trust, Derrick never stopped loving her. His strings-attached proposition was supposed to be strictly business: revenge for her cruel betrayal as he rebuilds his public image. Until desire reignites—hotter than ever.

As the ex-lovers give in to their passion, a marriage of convenience is about to become inconvenient. And Derrick realizes just how far he’ll go to keep Alesha in his bed, in his arms, in his heart—forever.

I am a true lover of Romance Books, They are great easy reads and this one did not disappoint. The character development and the behind the scenes secret drew me in from the beginning. I was intrigued by the past relationship between Derrick and Alesha. Where they had been to get to this point. What was Alesha saving her brother for, when I finally found out it was a great relief and the actions of Derrick when he found out warmed my heart. This book contained all the good pieces, passion, romance, believable story lines and lovable lead character!

C's turn for a giveaway

C decided she wanted in on the giveaway fun, so here goes another giveaway. Three childrens books picked by C. We will attempt to purchase appropriate books for the level you want! Thanks!

Private Arrangements

Title: Private Arrangements

Publisher: Harlequin

Pub Date: January 31st 2012

Author: Brenda Jackson

Received From: NetGalley

No man has ever tempted her like this…

Nikki Cartwright can’t believe Jonas Steele—the Jonas Steele—has chosen her for a high-profile marketing venture. It could make her career. But when she remembers the kiss they once shared, a kiss so intimate it sent their desire skyrocketing from simmering to blazing, Nikki knows she must guard her heart against the seductive Phoenix playboy as if her life depends on it.

Jonas has no problem making their professional relationship personal. With the beautiful and talented photographer within his reach, he can erase her from his system once and for all. From a whirlwind Las Vegas affair to jet-setting across four continents, this Steele discovers getting Nikki out of his system is easier said than done, and now he wants her to belong to him heart and soul—as the woman of his most passionate fantasies.…

Private Arrangements by Brenda Jackson was a fantastic read. I love a good romance and had heard of Brenda Jackson as an author but cannot recall reading one of her books before. I was pulled into the life of photographer Nikki and her collegeu Jonas immediately. Reading the explosive feelings between then had me at moment one. I knew there was great moments to come. I was also completely drawn to the project they were working on together. The idea of a airship trip that works like a cruise but via air was very intriguing to me. I love to cruise and travel and so I spent time really imagining the locations and places their trip took. By and large I really felt engaged and intrigued with this book, I consider it a must read!

Second Time Around

Title: Second Time Around

Publisher: Bantam

Pub Date: March 30th 2010

Author: Beth Kendrick

Received From: Purchased





Every summer, four college friends hold a mini-reunion. They laugh, reminisce, and commiserate about their soul-sucking jobs. Maybe they should have listened to everyone who warned them to study something “practical.”

Then an unexpected windfall arrives—one million dollars, to be exact—with the stipulation that they use it to jump-start their new careers. Almost overnight, a professor, a bartender, a copywriter, and an administrative assistant reinvent themselves as a novelist, an event planner, a pastry chef, and a bed-and-breakfast owner. But the changes in their professional roles create unexpected turbulence in their personal lives, and soon the secrets and scandals from their past start to resurface. 

For anyone who has ever wondered “What if?,” this engaging novel provides a sweet, funny look at friendship, romance, and second chances. 


This book really pulled at my heartstrings, I loved the story of the survival and growth of the lives of four woman, who were each given the opportunity to get what they want out of life when one of their friends leaves them each some money when she passes away. I would have liked to see a small bit more of the back story of Arden who lost her life and left her friends this amazing gift. . She was sprinkled throughout the story to show us the relationship between the characters and Arden, but how did she as a young woman obtain this amount of money while dealing with an illness? that piece just seemed a bit unbelievable to me. What I did feel and know throughout the book was the love these women shared with her and the friendships with one another that may have stagnated overtime but grew when they returned to their college home together! this was a truly wonderful tale of young women, friendship, growth and love!

Big Sisters are the Best

Title: Big Sisters are the Best

Publisher: Capstone

Pub Date:February 1st 2012

Author: Fran Manushkin

Received From: NetGalley

Becoming a big sister is an exciting time full of smiles, smells, hugs, and kisses. For ages 2-5.

Bringing a new baby into the home is a time of wonder and challenges. Author Fran Manushkin celebrates this special time with tales that emphasize that there is plenty of love for everyone, baby and all.

Also available by author Fran Manushkin: Big Brothers Are the Best.


(Reviewed by C)
I am a big sister and now my baby isn't so little but I remember when she was little. I used to help with her diapers, but she didn't drink bottles. This book will show other big sisters how to be good big sisters too. 

(Mom's Comments)
I enjoyed the premises of this book and the colors and illustrations were very good. Having introduced a baby to our house two years ago we read lots of big sister books. The one thing I found this book to be missing was the feeling that big sisters are just as loved as new babies. I really think that understanding is important. I also was not a huge fan of the babies drink bottles, as C pointed out our baby didn't take bottles. Not to turn this review into a pro-breastfeeding forum, but it may be best to emphasis that babies are fed differently, like snuggled in a chair while big sisters eat at a table! Overall I would say I'd give the book as a gift or recommend it to those about to have a big sister in their house, just knowing that parents can point out differences in families. 

My First Giveaway

Seeing as I don't yet have any great books to giveaway I am going to let you pick one of your own! To get this blog started off we are offering a $10.00 Amazon E-gift card, with your email address we'll get the gift card right to you! You can pick a Kindle book, order a hardback or paperback, or even buy yourself something else! Giveaway runs till 12:01 Am EST on 1/25/2012. This is my first giveaway so bear with me in case of kinks!

Thanks for playing and following along.

Heart of Texas Series

Title: Heart of Texas Series

Publisher: Mira

Pub Date: 2007-2008

Author: Debbie Macomber

Received From: Purchased


Heart of Texas Vol. 1 Lonesome Cowboy/Texas Two-Step

Heart of Texas Vol. 2: Caroline's Child\Dr. Texas

 

Heart Of Texas Vol. 3: Nell's Cowboy\Lone Star Baby

Have I said before that I love to read books that continue, to follow up with characters I've met and loved? If not this is your clue. I absolutely loved that about this set of books. In the first volume I was introduced to the main sets of characters Savannah and Laredo and Ellie and Glen. I loved hearing their stories, sharing in their struggles and watching their happily ever afters,  but I was also introduced to the characters I'd fall in love with throughout the series.  One of the things I love most in this set of books is the continuations. In the second and third books I still got to glimpse the lives of those four characters. As each story unfolded it contained arcs from the one before, the bad guy evolved and existed throughout and no story line was left untouched. It isn't often that I get to close a book feeling 100% like I am at peace with where the characters land and their lives are cut off from mine. I read these books as fast as I could wanting to be in their lives! Truly fantastic was the storytelling and growth and evolution of characters. If you like me love to follow your characters these are some great books for you to pick up!

A Grown-up Kind of Pretty

Title: A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Pub Date: 1/25/2012

Author: Joshilyn Jackson

Received From: Netgalley 






Every fifteen years, trouble comes after the Slocumb women. Now, as their youngest turns fifteen, a whole new kind of commotion is chasing all three generations.
A long-hidden grave has been discovered in the family's backyard, and headstrong young Mosey is desperate to know who used their yard as a make-shift cemetery, and why. The oldest Slocumb, forty-five year old Ginny, fights to protect Mosey from the truth, a fight that could cost Ginny the love of her life. Between them is Liza, silenced by a stroke, with the answers trapped inside her. To survive Liza's secrets and Mosey's insistent adventures, Ginny must learn to trust the love that braids the strands of their past--and stop at nothing to defend their future.

Typically a book that changes from one character telling the story and back is not my favorite, but I could not put this book down. The weaved lives of Ginny, her daughter Liza and her daughter Mosey are amazing. This story is told both from the current day happenings and piece of the past to illustrate the picture of how we got here. I love the relationship between these women and the mysteries that abound in the book. My first conclusion as to the answer of the big mystery was not even close to spot on and the other mysteries that unfolded were a great piece of the puzzle. I don't even like mystery books that well, but I could not stop myself from coming back to find out what was next! I really don't want to give this book away, but it is a true vision in love, relationships and family, when your family isn't picture perfect! 

Trying something new!

Follow my book blog Friday!!!

I've never ever linked my blog anywhere, so we'll see if this works! I've been book blogging since the beginning of the new year and I am hooked. I read all kinds of books and my 6 year old reads picture books and some chapter books! We are loving reading our days away and blogging about the books!

MANY READERS/BLOGGERS ARE ALSO BIG MUSIC FANS. TELL US ABOUT A FEW OF YOUR FAVORITE BANDS/SINGERS THAT WE SHOULD LISTEN TO IN 2012.

Ugh this is a bad question for me! I love to listen to the radio, and music BUT I pay no attention to who sings it, who the popular artists are etc. I just go for a sound I like. So for 2012.. turn on a station on the radio you don't normally listen too! 

Mooshka, a quilt story

Title: Mooshka, A Quilt Story

Publisher: Peachtree Publishers

Pub Date: 3/1/2012

Author: Julie Paschkis

Received From: Netgalley 

Karla loves her special quilt, Mooshka. But Mooshka is more than just a quilt-it speaks, comforting Karla at bedtime with whispered stories. Karla's grandmother lovingly pieced Mooshka together using scraps of fabric from members of Karla's family. Each square, or "schnitz," shares aspecial memory of Karla's ancestors and their lives.

When new baby sister Hannah arrives, Karla's routine is upset and Mooshka falls silent. Only when Karla shares Mooshka with her sister does the quilt begin to speak again and tell Hannah the treasured stories ofher family.

(Reviewed by C)
I liked it because it was about a blankie and her grandma sewed it together from all different times and it was really good. Blankies are great cause they keep you warm and help the bad dreams stay away. If I had a blanket that could talk to me I would listen to a story if I had a bad dream. If that was my sister I wouldn't have given her my blanket cause mommy would have gotten her. 


(Mom's Comments)
This was a very cute and fun book. I loved the story of a quilt that tells you stories of each fabric in it! This book would go great with any crafting or story telling project! I think this weekend, we'll play with some old baby clothes in the same way and I'll share with C stories of things we did when she wore certain outfits (You know the non-crafty ladies way to do this)

Last Chance Beauty Queen

Title: Last Chance Beauty Queen

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Pub Date: 2/1/2012

Author: Hope Ramsay

Received From: Netgalley


Dear Reader,
Gracious me, my beautiful daughter Rocky sure could use my help. I always knew she wasn't much interested in the local boys - but who'd have thought she'd come home with English royalty? 
Trouble is, Hugh wants to buy some of our folks' land. We don't want to sell, but Rocky's job depends on her closing the deal. And though Hugh's obviously smitten, I'm not sure he's right for my Rocky. Oh, he's classy and handsome - and you should've seen the way he judged pies and fixed stock cars at our Watermelon Festival! - but what do we know about him, really? I know I sound like a nervous mother hen, but after forty happy years with my Elbert, all I want is to see my little girl find the same. 
Well, time for me to quit chattering and get back to Miss Bray's wet set. Always nice talking to you, and remember: the Cut 'n Curl's got hot rollers, free coffee, and the best gossip in town.
See you real soon, 
Ruby Rhodes

 The Last Chance Beauty Queen is the third book about Last Chance. In full disclosure I had not heard of this series before, so I started with book three. I would have never known this book wasn't a stand alone romantic tale. There was no expectation of my knowing characters or story lines. I love books that I can enjoy together so I fully plan to read both of the other books about Last Chance, after all I fell in love with the characters and the great little town they live in! 


The story line of the book is a solid one, with a little bit of mystery, a little bit of romance and a good deal of "hum I wonder"... I love that bit of makes you think in a romance. I will solidly admit there were times in the book that I questioned who the lead would really end up with. Not many romances can trick me in that way. I would have to say that the author did a great job of that! I know I can't wait to grab the other 2 books and read more from this author!

Witches

Title: Witches

Publisher: Star Bright Books

Pub Date:8/15/2011

Author: Cheryl Christian

Received From: Netgalley
 


Little witches abound in this rollicking, rhyming adventure that features all of the fun, fantasy, and treats—but none of the tricks—of a Halloween night to remember! Whimsical, colorful illustrations overflow with charming details that will engage young readers to read the book again and again to discover all its charms!


(Reviewed by C) 
I really liked it because it was about Halloween and it was fun because it was about witches. I liked the pictures they were really good drawing. I had no idea the witches were kids going trick or treating I thought they were real witches and it was silly because they were really just kids in costumes! I think a bunch of kids even kindergartners would like it! 


( Mom's Comments) 
This book was a fun easy read, both my 6year old and my two year old enjoyed the pictures and the story. The illustrations had great color and the story flowed well!

Me@You.Com

Title: Me @ You.com

Publisher: Bold Strokes Books

Pub Date:1/27/2012

Author: KE Payne

Received From: Netgalley

Is it possible to fall in love with someone you’ve never met? Imogen Summers thinks so because it’s happened to her.

Immy is a normal eighteen-year-old, with a normal life, a normal family, and a normal boyfriend. But when she finds herself falling for a girl on an Internet message board, a girl she knows only as the mysterious Fickle, her so-called normal life is suddenly turned on its head.

As her relationship with Fickle develops into more than just friendship, Immy finds another message board friend, the sweet and lovely Freddie, the perfect person to confide in. But can Freddie stay out of it when she starts to fall for Immy herself? Things are about to get complicated...

I knew from the synopsis this book was going to carry me out of a zone I knew. Being that I myself am a heterosexual married mother of two, the life of a teenager is a fun one to re-visit in book. But that of a Lesbian teenager is a bit different. (Heck i just had to look up how to spell Heterosexual and Lesbian). When I started this book I immediately developed a caring mode toward out young Immy, who hasn't been unsure of themselves or their relationship as a young adult? It must be even harder when you not quite sure what your looking for. I applaud the author for making this book real, in the sense that Immy follows a path I have been know to to figure out if she is in the right relationship. Really what is it about relationships that makes people feel the need to dig in deeper to see if they are real. It would be nice it all relationships came with user guides wouldn't it! Anyway back to this story, I felt very relieved for the main character as she figured out what she wanted in life, sought it, shared it with her friends and ended in triumph! I hope that this book will be an eye opener to others who are just beginning the process of determining what they want from love!

The Things That Keep Us Here

Title: The Things That Keep Us Here

Pub Date:1/25/20111

Author: Carla Buckley

Received From: My Momma!

Everything seems quiet on Ann Brooks’s suburban cul-de-sac. Despite her impending divorce, she’s created a happy home and her daughters are adjusting to the change. She feels lucky to be in a supportive community and confident that she can handle any other hardship that life may throw her way. But then, right before Thanksgiving, a crisis strikes that turns everybody’s world upside down. Suddenly her estranged husband is forced back onto her doorstep, bringing with him his beautiful graduate assistant. Trapped inside the house she once called home, confronted by challenges she never could have imagined, Ann must make life-or-death decisions in an environment where the simple act of opening a door to a neighbor could jeopardize all she holds dear.

The choices she makes will impact the lives of those around her irrevocably and linger in the reader’s memory in this marvelous first novel, written with authority, grace, and wisdom.

In full disclosure I read this book about 7 months ago and I cannot get it out of my head! When I was handed this book, I set it aside for awhile, not really sure it was my cup of tea so to speak. But once I started reading it my life changed. Yes you heard me this book changed my life, not something that I can easily say, most books just entertain me! But this one, well it opened my mind to things I never thought possible. I've always been one to take on a "Oh my goodness what would I do if ____ or _____ happened" attitude. But holy cow, I was not prepared in my brain for what I would do if I were placed in the situations Anna faces. 

There were moments in the book that brought out every possible emotion in me.  I laughed imagining being quarantined in my house with my kids, I'd have to laugh to survive right? Can you imagine everyone cooped in one house for a long period of time, I go nuts after a 2-3 day self-imposed quarintine for the flu! I cried, more than I'll care to admit. I was scared, fearful and heavy hearted. There were many time I put this book down and had to just breathe. I don't want to give away too much but I will say this if you read this book you won't be the same afterwards. I decided to review this book as I overheard a conversation in the grocery store the other night and immediately thought of this story and how we really can never be prepared for what might come. Three Cheers to Carla Buckley for taking something that could be real and turning it into a story I'll forever remember!

The Accidental Bride

Title: The Accidental Bride

Pub Date:1/03/2012

Author: Denise Hunter

Received From: NetGalley

When a wedding reenactment turns real, this cowgirl suddenly finds she’s an accidental bride. Shay Brandenberger is raising her daughter in Moose Creek, Montana on her childhood ranch, nestled against the Yellowstone River. Despite her hard work, she can’t seem to keep her head above water—and now the bank is threatening to foreclose. She prays for a miracle, but the answer she receives is anything but. Having agreed to play the bride in the Founders Day wedding reenactment, Shay is mortified to be greeted at the end of the aisle by none other than Travis McCoy, her high school sweetheart—the man who left her high and dry for fame and fortune on the Texas rodeo circuit.  Then the unthinkable happens. Thanks to a well-meaning busy body and an absent minded preacher, the wedding reenactment results in a legal marriage. But before Shay can say annulment, Travis comes up with a crazy proposal. If she refuses his offer, she’ll lose her home. But if she accepts, she may lose her heart.  Shay isn’t sure if the recent events are God’s will or just a preacher’s blunder. Will trusting her heart to the man who once shattered it be the worst mistake of her life? Or could their marriage be the best accident that ever happened?


WOW! I loved this book. I was caught in the story from the first page, they storytelling done by Denise Hunter is well written, and concise. Each twist and turn of events that worked to bring Shay and Travis together was matched with something that pulled her away from him. I was drawn into not only their lives but those of their friends and families as well. Never having been a real farm girl I enjoyed some of the glimpse into small towns and life on a farm. Knowing what one wants at the ripe old age of 18 is tough. Your often so sure in that place and time, but finding that again as an adult is amazing. This story was told with ease and love. I could not put it down and found myself reaching for it anytime I had a spare moment! Definitely run to your nearest bookseller and pick up a copy. 

A Turn in the Road

Title: A Turn in the Road

Pub Date:4/26/2011

Author: Debbie Macomber

Received From : Library

In the middle of the year, in the middle of her life, Bethanne Hamlin takes a road trip with her daughter, Annie, and her former mother-in-law, Ruth.

They're driving to Florida for Ruth's 50th high-school reunion. A longtime widow, Ruth would like to reconnect with Royce, the love of her teenage life. She's heard he's alone, too…and, well, she's curious. Maybe even hopeful.

Bethanne herself needs time to reflect, to ponder a decision she has to make. Her ex-husband, Grant—her children's father—wants to reconcile now that his second marriage has failed. Bethanne's considering it….

Meanwhile, Annie's out to prove to her onetime boyfriend that she can live a brilliant life without him!

So there they are, three women driving across America. They have their maps and their directions—but even the best-planned journey can take you to a turn in the road. Or lead you to an unexpected encounter—like the day Bethanne meets a man named Max who really is a hero on a Harley. That's when Bethanne's decision becomes a lot harder. Because Grant wants her back, but now there's Max….

From Seattle's Blossom Street to the other end of the country, this is a trip that could change three women's lives.

As a mother and a daughter and a daughter-in-law I found myself wrapped up in each one of the three characters in this book. I reflected back on my younger days while following the life of Annie. I wondered what my life would be like if I were Bethanne, and I imagined the anticipation of the journey for Ruth.The relationships that change and grow in this book are lighthearted and fun while intense and deep at different times. I spent the whole two days i read this pulling for different men based on the piece of the story I knew.


 I have been a lover of Debbie Macombers books since I first found Blossom Street. A turn in the Road just like all other Macomber books I've read, pull me in, entertain me and lighten my heart! What's not to love? I would suggest if you've never read from this author you grab this book and enjoy!