I'm Back....

After some recent time management issues... I am back and trying to catch up with my blog. I have read some interesting things during my time away, so I will restart with some new "Just Finished" posts. Glad to be back, blogging friends!!

Mailbox...um....Friday?

My wonderful sister at The True Book Addict gave me an awesome gift for Christmas.....BOOKS!! She gave me a gift certificate for books from Better World Books, and my selections arrived today!

Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier
Burning Bright by Tracy Chevalier
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell
Abundance by Sena Jeter Naslund
The Widow of the South by Robert Hicks
If I Were a Lion by Sarah Weeks

I can't say enough good things about this site! The books arrived in a timely manner, AND you just can't beat the prices! I got all of these books for $22.00! Granted they are used, but gently, and they are all hardcover. Swing over there if you are interested in some good deals. I chose the Bargain Bin (5 for $15.00), and had enough left on my gift certificate to get an extra book plus my grand daughter's absolute favorite (If I Were a Lion) for $2!! I would highly recommend this book for any preschoolers out there.....Off to read now...Thanks Michelle, I love you!!

Just Finished.....

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. This was a great read! It is the second book in a series with the first book being The Hunger Games. I first heard of this series from Stephenie Meyer's web site, she highly recommended it. It took me a minute to get reacquainted with the characters, but once I did, what a ride! This series is fast paced, full of action, and has a touch of a love story. I was riveted to this book, and read from the third chapter to the end of the book without stopping! The only problem is that this book has a cliffhanger ending! I will have to wait until the third book comes out to find out what happens. I will be waiting with baited breath!!!

Anticipating.......

In no particular order...

Dead in the Family by Charlaine Harris, a Sookie Stackhouse novel (releasing June 2010).
Waking the Witch by Kelley Armstrong (releasing August 2010).
The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong, YA (releasing May 2010).
Tales of the Otherworld by Kelley Armstrong (releasing April 2010).
Flirt by Laurell K. Hamilton, Anita Blake Vampire Hunter (releasing February 2010).
Bullet by Laurell K. Hamilton, Anita Blake Vampire Hunter (releasing June 2010).

These are just a few books I have my eye on, and am "patiently" waiting for their/my release!

Just Finished......

Gwenhwyfar by Mercedes Lackey and Divine Misdemeanors by Laurell K. Hamilton. I was very impressed with Gwenhwyfar. It was a King Arthur story which is based on the premise that Arthur had three wives by the name of Gwenhwyfar (Guinevere). The author found plausable research that put her on the track of writing this novel. There is plenty of intrigue, magic, action, and thankfully, only one love scene! I enjoyed "growing up" with Gwen, and formed a bond with this character of endearing qualities and spirit. I heard it may be the first in a trilogy? I certainly hope so, I will be keeping my eye on this author.
Divine Misdemeanors was also an interesting book. I read all of Laurell K's books religiously, and this is from the Meredith Gentry series. I love the imagination of the author, and some of the historical facts she adds about the lore of the fairies. Of course this book didn't lack of action and drama, and thankfully, it was not as steeped in sexual liasons as in previous books in the series. I will continue to read on in this series, as well as her other series.

Just Finished....

I have been a busy bee the last couple of days! I finished And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie, and Dances with Wolves by Michael Blake. I have to thank Ryan at Wordsmithonia, for the recommendation of Agatha Christie. I really enjoyed this read, it had so many twists and turns, I really was stumped at "who done it." Just when I would think I knew, they would end up dead! I have to say Agatha Christie is the queen of mystery, and I will read more of her work.

I was also very satisfied with Dances with Wolves. I have seen the movie more times than I can count, I own it on DVD too. Every time I catch it on TV, I can't help but watch it, and it makes me cry every time! The last time I caught it on TV, it was Thanksgiving, and I saw that the movie was based on a novel by Michael Blake. I am always interested in reading a novel that was made into a movie. I like to compare how closely the movie follows the novel, and how well the actors are chosen. After reading this book, I have to say, the movie followed the book extremely close. I absolutely love to read about the American Indians, and their struggles with the white race, and this book doesn't disappoint. I found myself wondering how the author dreamed up the story, and how he managed to capture the heart of the Comanche way of life. This book was beautifully written and I will be reading more from this author as well!

Just Finished....

Prophecy of Sisters by Michelle Zink. This was a really good read. It has suspense, mystery, and a touch of romance. As you can tell by the title, the plot circles around an ancient prophecy involving twins and the world of the living and the dead. Lia, the main character, is a twin who must make some tough choices involving her twin sister Alice. I won't give away the storyline, I'll just say that it piqued my curiousity, and kept me interested. The book is set in 1890 New York, a time period and city I am fond of reading about. The author didn't tidy up the ending, so I am hoping for a sequel?!