IN MY MAILBOX

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristie over at her place, The Story Siren. She explores what comes in her mailbox, books of course.

This week I got a review book in my mailbox.

"The Money God"
by Zena Livingston

Money was a driving force in Celia's life. With it she had everything, without it she was vulnerable and alone. Cel allows the pursuit of money to take over her life and control every action. She sacrifices her family and her morals for the almighty dollar.

The Money God traces the lives of three generations of Jewish women from the rural bliss of the Catskill Mountains during the 1930's to the challenges of city life in New York in the 1960's. Along the way, these women must face financial struggles, family rifts and the consequences of global conflict as they make their way in the world always being affected by Cel's actions and her constant drive to acquire money.

Amazon.com
# Paperback: 318 pages
# Publisher: Vanguard Press (June 25, 2009)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 1843865181
# ISBN-13: 978-1843865186

NEW READING CHALLENGE

I was over at Beth's place, Beth Fish Reads and she has a couple new book challenges posted there. They are The Reagan Arthur Books Challenge over at Kathy's place, Bermuda Onion and Laura over at Booking Mama's place. The Laura Lippman Book Challenge is over at Trish's place, Hey Lady! Whatcha Reading. So I went to check them out.

I will be joining Trish's challenge.

Here’s the rules/details:
* The challenge goes from January 26, 2010 through December 31, 2010.
* Anyone can participate! You do not need a blog!
* You can use the button I’ve got at the top of this post. Please save it down to your computer and upload it to your own blog.
* Challenge books can overlap with other challenges.
* You do not need to pick your book in advance.
* You can change levels mid-challenge!
* Levels:
o Taster – 1 book
o Dabbler – 2 books
o Interested Party – 3 books
o Laura Lippman Lover – 4 books
o Stalker – 5+ books

I checked out my library's data base and they have five of Laura Lippman's books. So I think I will be going for the Stalker level. I've never read any of her books, but I checked them out at her site and they sound pretty good. This is a list of books my library has.

1. No Good Deeds
2. What The Dead Know
3. Another Thing to Fall
4. Butcher's Hill
5. Life Sentences

REVIEW - LADIES OF LIBERTY

This book is for 5 of my reading challenges.
Women Unbound Challenge
Read Your Own Books Challenge
100+ Challenge
Reading From My Shelf Project
Monthly Mixer Melee

"Ladies of Liberty" by Cokie Roberts
Product Description(Amazon.com)
In this eye-opening companion volume to her acclaimed history Founding Mothers, number-one New York Times bestselling author and renowned political commentator Cokie Roberts brings to life the extraordinary accomplishments of women who laid the groundwork for a better society. Recounted with insight and humor, and drawing on personal correspondence, private journals, and other primary sources, many of them previously unpublished, here are the fascinating and inspiring true stories of first ladies and freethinkers, educators and explorers. Featuring an exceptional group of women—including Abigail Adams, Dolley Madison, Rebecca Gratz, Louise Livingston, Sacagawea, and others—Ladies of Liberty sheds new light on the generation of heroines, reformers, and visionaries who helped shape our nation, finally giving these extraordinary ladies the recognition they so greatly deserve.
# Paperback: 512 pages
# Publisher: Harper Perennial; Reprint edition (March 24, 2009)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 0060782358
# ISBN-13: 978-0060782351

MY THOUGHTS: This is the sequel to Cokie Roberts book Founding Mothers. Which I read a couple years ago. Ladies of Liberty starts with the Presidency of John and Abigail Adams and continues to the Presidency of James Monroe. If there is information that you wanted to know about the presidents and their family's this is a great book to read. It gives you the insight to what Washington, D. C. was like during that time frame. A country growing up! This book covers the burning of Washington in the war of 1812. Also the beginning of the migration west. And the beginning of the fight for freedom for African Americans. You will be amazed how much the women of this time had to do with politics. Dolly Madison was called the Queen of Washington and the bravest solilder during her time as First Lady. Elizabeth Monroe, President James Monroe's wife, was considered a recluse as she didn't have parties when she was First Lady. There are also some great recipes in the back of the book from that era.

MY RATING: 5

REVIEW - THE LAST SURGEON

This book is for 6 of my reading challenges.
A - Z Challenge[Titles]
Read Your Own Books Challenge
100+ Challenge
Reading From My Shelves Project
Suspense & Thrillers Challenge[Serial Killer]
Monthly Mixer Melee Challenge

"The Last Surgeon" by Michael Palmer
Product Description[Amazon.com]
The New York Times bestselling author and master of medical suspense delivers another shocker of a thriller filled with insider details and a terrifying psychopath

Four murders.

Three accidents.

Two suicides.

One left…

THE LAST SURGEON

Michael Palmer’s latest novel pits a flawed doctor against a ruthless psychopath, who has made murder his art form. Dr. Nick Garrity, a vet suffering from PTSD—post traumatic stress disorder—spends his days and nights dispensing medical treatment from a mobile clinic to the homeless and disenfranchised in D.C. and Baltimore. In addition, he is constantly on the lookout for his war buddy Umberto Vasquez, who was plucked from the streets by the military four years ago for a secret mission and has not been seen since.
Psych nurse Gillian Coates wants to find her sister’s killer. She does not believe that Belle Coates, an ICU nurse, took her own life, even though every bit of evidence indicates that she did—every bit save one. Belle has left Gillian a subtle clue that connects her with Nick Garrity.
Together, Nick and Gillian determine that one-by-one, each of those in the operating room for a fatally botched case is dying. Their discoveries pit them against genius Franz Koller--the highly-paid master of the “non-kill”—the art of murder that does not look like murder. As Doctor and nurse move closer to finding the terrifying secret behind these killings, Koller has been given a new directive: his mission will not be complete until Gillian Coates and Garrity, the last surgeon, are dead.
# Hardcover: 384 pages
# Publisher: St. Martin's Press (February 16, 2010)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 031258749X
# ISBN-13: 978-0312587499

MY THOUGHTS: I have never read any of Mr. Palmer's books before. But I sure will be adding his name to my favorite list of authors. This book was a edge of your seat read. The first sentence really gets to wondering what the heck is going on.

"I know you can't believe this is happening, Ms. Coates, but I assure you it is. I have been paid, and paid very well, to kill you."

This one line leads you Belle Coates sister Jillian which leads you to Dr. Nick Fury. The story line in between is very easy to follow and keeps you up to date on what the killer is doing. Nick and Jillian are drawn together to find the person responsible for the series of killings. Which leads them to a hospital where Belle worked. As the story unfolds you begin to wonder who could be doing all this. You will never guess who it is and I can't tell you anything else as it would ruin the book for you if you want to read it. If you like physiological thrillers you will love this book!!

MY RATING: 5

[This is a free review copy]

WONDROUS WORDS WEDENSDAY

Kathy over at Bermudaonion is the host for Wondrous Words Wednesday. Here are the details:

Wondrous Words Wednesday is a weekly meme where we share new (to us) words that we’ve encountered in our reading. If you want to play along, grab the button, and join the fun! (Don’t forget to leave a link in the comments if you’re participating.)

My words all come from the Ladies of Liberty by Cokie Roberts.

Traduced - "Your friend Mrs. Madison is shockingly and unfeelingly traduced in the Virginia papers."

truh-doos, -dyoos
to speak maliciously and falsely of; slander; defame: to traduce someone's character.
****************************************************
Placating - The new president, with none of Jefferson's style or stature, would have some placating of the public on his plate.

pley-keyt, plak-eyt
to quiet, calm, appease,
***************************************************
Solemnity - The one exception to the festive air--the new president seemed the soul of solemnity.

suh-lem-ni-tee
the state or character of being solemn; earnestness; gravity; impressiveness: the solemnity of a state funeral.
**************************************************
Egalitarian - They were certainly egalitarian.

i-gal-i-tair-ee-uhn
asserting, resulting from, or characterized by belief in the equality of all people, esp. in political, economic, or social life.
*************************************************

Did you find any new words in your books? Head over to Kathy's place and check out all the folks that did.

REVIEW - THREE TO GET DEADLY

This book is for 4 of my reading challenges.
100+ Challenge
52 Books in 52 Weeks[Week 4]
Stephanie Plum Challenge
Monthly Mixer Melee

"Three To Get Deadly" by Janet Evanovich
Product Description[Amazon.com}
A "saintly" old candy-store owner is on the lam-and bounty hunter extraordinaire Stephanie Plum is on the case. As the body count rises, Stephanie finds herself dealing with dead drug dealers and slippery fugitives on the chase of her life. And with the help of eccentric friends and family, Steph must see to it that this case doesn't end up being her last...
# Mass Market Paperback: 396 pages
# Publisher: St. Martin's Press; later printing edition (July 15, 1998)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 0312966091
# ISBN-13: 978-0312966096

MY THOUGHTS: What do you get when you have Stephanie Plum on the case? You get Ranger, Mozelli, Grandma Mazur and Lula to help you out. This time Stephanie keeps having dead bodies falling around her. Dead drug dealers. Not to mention the guys with ski masks that keep threatening her. Then on top of that her truck is trash and her hair is orange. So Stephanie isn't in a good mood. Since Mo, the candy store guy is missing, Stephanie has to find him. But she has to go through lots of trouble as usual to find him. This is book 3 of the Stephanie Plum series. It's also very good!!

MY RATING: 5

MUSING MONDAYS

Rebecca over at Just One More Page is the host for Musing Mondays. What is the question this week?

Where do you keep any books borrowed from friends or the library? Do they live with your own collection, or do you keep them separate? Do you monitor them in anyway.

I keep all my books separated from each other. That way I don't make a mistake and put them where they aren't suppose to be. The books I am reviewing for authors is on a book stand at the end of my computer desk.



My library books I keep on the file cabinet at other side of my computer desk. That is also where the books are kept that I am currently reading.



I have another place where my books are kept. They are my TBR books.



So where do you keep your books? Do they mingle all together or kept separate? Don't forget to head over to Rebecca's place.

REVIEW - THE CAMEL BOOKMOBILE

This book is for 4 of my reading challenges.
100+ Challenge
Countdown to 2010 Challenge(2007)
2010 Global Challenge(Africa)
Monthly Mixer Melee Challenge

"The Camel Bookmobile" by Masha Hamilton
Product Description(Amazon.Com)
Fiona Sweeney wants to do something that matters, and she chooses to make her mark in the arid bush of northeastern Kenya. By helping to start a traveling library, she hopes to bring the words of Homer, Hemingway, and Dr. Seuss to far-flung tiny communities where people live daily with drought, hunger, and disease. Her intentions are honorable, and her rules are firm: due to the limited number of donated books, if any one of them is not returned, the bookmobile will not return.
But, encumbered by her Western values, Fi does not understand the people she seeks to help. And in the impoverished small community of Mididima, she finds herself caught in the middle of a volatile local struggle when the bookmobile's presence sparks a dangerous feud between the proponents of modernization and those who fear the loss of traditional ways.
# Paperback: 336 pages
# Publisher: Harper Perennial (April 1, 2008)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 0061173495
# ISBN-13: 978-0061173493

MY THOUGHTS: This is a very good book. I loved the character of Fi Sweeny. She is dermined to get books to people who want to read. All the people of Mididima are not happy she is there with her books. Some of the older people want to stick to their trational way of life. But the younger ones want to learn of other places and people. This all leads to a large misunderstanding amoung the people there. Kinika who wants the books to come. She wants to go to the city to become a teacher. Mr. Matini who is the teacher of this tribe. He wants the children to learn as he did. Taben who is called Scar Boy because of a terrible night when he was almost killed by a Heyina. And is now so scared that he doesn't venture of his hut. But he is using the books for something else besides reading. One persons misunderstanding leads to the bookmobile almost being shut down. Fi fights for it's continuing. As she heads back to Midiima to tell the people she wants to help, she comes upon an empty village that is no longer there. This is a great book to learn of a different culture than your own. The people who live there and their ways and traditons.

MY RATING: 5

IN MY MAILBOX

Kristie over at The Story Siren is the host for In My Mailbox. Get something book related in the mail? Here are the details:

In My Mailbox explores the contents of my mailbox on a weekly basis. Of course I only mention the really cool things, like books!

I only got one book in the mail this week. It's a free review book. Here's a little about...............

"The Chimera Seed" by Matthew Tully
(from the back cover)
Immortality is possible, but the cost of eternal life is death.
Richard Tiernan's sudden death sparks a chain of events that threatens the survival of the human species. The visionary scientist's son and only heir, Dr. Michael Tiernan, inherits Oisín Pharmaceuticals and learns of his father's astonishing secret. Hidden away in the little Sardinian town of Boroneddu, Michael discovers his father's greatest legacy: the fountain of youth.
In possession of Dionysinol, the most dynamic anti-aging drug ever engineered, Michael Tiernan aspires to turn Oisín Pharmaceuticals into an empire. His plans rapidly unravel when he becomes ensnared in a cutthroat game of pharmaceutical espionage and learns just how far some people will go to acquire immortality and how far others will go to destroy it.
The Chimera Seed transports the reader to Italy, where the genetically-engineered Niamh grape grows, and back to the United States, where politics, corruption, greed, obsession, revenge, passion and moral imperatives make Dionysinol the most soughtafter and dangerous substance on Earth.
Product Details
Amazon.com
* Paperback: 384 pages
* Publisher: Comfort Publishing (June 30, 2009)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 1935361325
* ISBN-13: 978-1935361329

Don't forget to head over to Kristie's place to check out what everyone go in their mailbox this week.

KIDS KONNECTION

Julie over at Booking Mama is the host for Kids Konnection. Got a children's book you want to let everyone know about? Hop over to Julie's and check it out!

I thought I'd feature/review a children's book. It might be a picture book, an early reader book, a middle grade book, or possibly even a young adult book. At the end of my review post, I will set up a Mr. Linky. During the weekend if you have a kid's book-related post, please come back, grab the button, and link to Mr. Linky so we can all see what book you have featured.

This is one of my favorite children's books. I can't count the many times I have read this book to the kids at work. My copy is getting a little on the rag tag side. I may have to buy another copy before long. They love this book! They will also sit and read it themselves, flipping through the pages and feeling the spider web as it grows. Yes, you can feel it! The web and the spider are done so that you can run your finger over it and actually feel it. It's awesome. The kids get a kick out of this. I'm sure most everyone with kids have read this book before. But if you haven't, you really should, it's a great book for children.

Product Description(Amazon.com)
With over 300,000 copies sold since its publication in 1985, The Very Busy Spider is well on its way to becoming a modern classic. The raised lines for the spider, its web, and an unsuspecting fly allow both sighted and visually impaired children to follow the action. Full color.
# Reading level: Ages 4-8
# Hardcover: 24 pages
# Publisher: Philomel; Miniature edition (March 15, 1989)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 0399215921
# ISBN-13: 978-0399215926

Don't forget to head over to Julie's place, you might find your next child's book there.

REVIEW - THE WESTING GAME

This book is for 4 of my reading challenges.
100+ Challenge
TwentyTen Challenge[Young Adult]
Shelf Discovery Challenge
Monthly Mixer Melee Challenge

"The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin
(from inside flap)
Sixteen people were invited to the reading of the very strange will of the very rich Samuel W. Westing. They could become millionaires, depending on how they played the game.
The not-quite-perfect heirs were paired, and each pair was given $10,000 and a set of clues (no two sets of clues were alike). All they had to do was find the answer, but the answer to what?
The Westing game was tricky and dangerous, but the heirs played on, through blizzards and burglaries and bombs bursting in air. And one of them won!

Amazon.Com
# Paperback
# Publisher: Penguin Putnam Books for Young Readers (June 30, 1997)
# ASIN: B001TI1YJS

MY THOUGHTS: This is a wonderful book! I was intrigued and hooked about the 3rd chapter. Couldn't put it down after that. All the characters are great. I thought maybe I would have trouble remembering and keeping them all straight, but I didn't. Turtle, Sandy the doorman, Mr. & Mrs. Hoo, and Chris Theodorakis are just a few of the characters, but they were all very memorable. They all set up in Sunset Towers Apartment complex. They all were sent to the Westing Mansion. They all got their $10,000. Then they had to figure out was the murderer with the clues they got. The blizzard came first and snowed everyone in and then the bombs, which were really fireworks set off. But who was doing all this. Westing was suppose to be dead or was he? And did anyone actually figure out who the murderer was and get the money? You'll have to read the book.

MY RATING: 5

A DIFFERENT READING CHALLENGE!!

I was out blog hopping and found this challenge over at Trisha's Book Blog. It's called A Buck A Book Challenge and it's over at Del GAl's Reviews Books. Here is what the challenge is all about:

Here's a great way to reward yourself for reading persistence and save money at the same time. Read as many books as you'd like, there is no minimum, and there is no maximum. BUT, here's the "catch", you MUST physically take a dollar and save it somewhere safe where it won't be spent, every time you complete a book. At the end of the year, your total money saved will be the total amount of books read, ideally the more book read, the more money saved.
Now, once Dec 31 comes, you're must spend this saved money on something fun just for yourself (no paying bills, no buying gifts for someone else!), to begin the next year... Maybe more books for the new year? A nice dinner out to celebrate reading? The possibilities are endless! Finally, once this challenge completes on Dec 31st, please let your blog fans, and fellow challenge participants, know what you decided to spend your money on by posting whatever it may be. If it's $5 or if it's $100, we want to know what you rewarded yourself with for a year of hard yet enjoyable fun reading!
In short - put aside a dollar for each book you read. Post in the comment section your progress if you don't have a blog, or a link to your blog. At the end of the year update us as to what you did with your saved money. That's it!
May you have much reading joy participating!

Isn't this a great idea!! I am joining up on this one. I will be putting my piggy bank in my sidebar and every book I finish will have a 1.00 added to it. Even though I am starting now, I am going back to January 1st and put my 1.00 in for every book I have read so far. That's 13.00. I finished another book today. So be watching my 1.00 add up. Want to join in? Head over to DelGal's Book Reviews and join up.

I will be keeping track of the books I read for this challenge here.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
A Wrinkle in Time
Mistress of the Art of Death
Harriet the Spy
Our Hart
Evidence
Following Fake Man
Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart
9 Dragons
Rough Country
The World in Half
A Country Called Home
The Westing Game
The Camel Bookmobile
Three To Get Deadly
The Last Surgeon
Ladies of Liberty
The Rook
Kit's Wilderness
The Girl Made of Cool
Dino Vinelli Private Eye
A Day No Pigs Would Die
Life of Pi
The Witch of Blackbird Pond
The Little Giant of Aberdeen County
Burn
13 Little Blue Envelopes
The Witches of Worm
Cataloochee
The Chimera Seed
My Sister's Keeper
One Thousand White Women
The Money God
Jacob Have I Loved
Bridge to Terabithia
The Murder of King Tut
The Power of Half
Sarah's Key
Little Men
The Wind in the Willows
Winter Haven
She-Rain
Sons
The Lumby Lines - Gail Fraiser
By Reason of Insanity - Randy Singer
Over Sea, Under Stone - Susan Cooper
Wench - Dolen Perkins-Valdez
Jane Austen - Christen Encounters - Peter Leithart
Vanish - Tom Pawlik
The Spiderwick Chronicles - Tony De Terlizzi(5 books)
Tunes For Bears To Dance To - Robert Cormier
The Music Teacher From The Black Lagoon - Mike Thaler
The Breath of Allah - Tempest O' Rourke
The London Eye Mystery - Siodban Dowd
The Graveyard Book - Neil Gaiman
Legacy of a False Promise - Margaret Fuchs Singer
Mansfield Park - Jane Austen
The Twin in the Tavern - Barbara Brooks Wallace
The Clouds Roll Away - Sibella Giorello
Rainbow's End - Martha Grimes
Blood Games - Iris Johansen
The Life O' Reilly - Brian Cohen
The Secret of Holly Green Manor - Karen Cogan
Four to Score - Janet Evanovich
Sarah and me and The Lady From the Sea - Patricia Beatty
Lamb's Bright Savior - Robert Vivian
Finding Lubchenko - Michael Simmons
Winnie the Pooh - A. A. Milne
Little Bee - Chris Cleave
What Sex is a Republican? - Terri McCormick
Worst Case - James Patterson
Shattered - Karen Robards
Revenge Served Cold - Jackie Fullerton

REVIEW - A COUNTRY CALLED HOME

This book is for 6 of my reading challenges.
A - Z Challenge[Titles]
Read Your Own Books Challenge
100+ Challenge
TwentyTen[Shiny & New]
Reading From My Shelves Challenge
Monthly Mixer Melee

"A Country Called Home" by Kim Barnes
Product Description[Amazon.Com]
A powerful novel of young love and rural isolation from the acclaimed author of In the Wilderness.

Thomas Deracotte is just out of medical school, and his pregnant wife, Helen, have their whole future mapped out for them in upper-crust Connecticut. But they are dreamers, and they set out to create their own farm in rural Idaho instead. The fields are in ruins when they arrive, so they hire a farmhand named Manny to help rebuild. But the sudden, frightening birth of their daughter, Elise, tests the young couple, and Manny is called upon to mend this fractured family. An extraordinary story of hope and idealism, A Country Called Home is a testament to the power of family—the family we are born to and the family we create.
# Paperback: 288 pages
# Publisher: Anchor (October 6, 2009)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 0307389111
# ISBN-13: 978-0307389114

MY THOUGHTS: This is my Book Clubs pick for January due to discuss in February. I will tell you right now one of the points I will make, is I didn't really like the ending to this book. I leaves a lot of unanswered questions for me. Like what happens to Thomas, he is a sometimes doctor that has got addicted to drugs after his wife dies. Also what happens to Elise and Lucas and the new baby? The book just ends and doesn't tell what happens to everyone. I hate that! Other than that, I really enjoyed reading this book. Following all the lives in the town of Fife. Dr. K the pharmacist, Stubbs and Sweeny the local handymen and of course Manny. He's the handyman that has stayed on as the permanent help and winds up raising Elise. Very good book that is sometimes happy and sometimes sad.

MY RATING: 4

WONDROUS WORDS WEDENSDAY

You can find Wondrous Words Wednesday over at Bermuda Onion's place. Find any interesting words to share? Hope over and check out all the new words. Here are the details of how it works:

Wondrous Words Wednesday is a weekly meme where we share new (to us) words that we’ve encountered in our reading. If you want to play along, grab the button, and join the fun! (Don’t forget to leave a link in the comments if you’re participating.)

All of my words come from The Camel Bookmobile by Masha Hamilton. My meanings I found at Dictionary.com



diaphanous - A soft light fell in from the window, dousing the room in a flattering glow and intensifying the sensation that everything around her was diaphanous, and that she herself was half here and half not.

Diaphanous (dahy-af-uh-nuhs) means:
1.very sheer and light; almost completely transparent or translucent.
2.delicately hazy.

****************************************************

amorphous - She was thirty-six, after all, not a kid, and what she sought--this "something more" --seemed amorphous, even to her.

Amorphous (uh-mawr-fuhs) means:
1. lacking definite form; having no specific shape; formless: the amorphous clouds.
2. of no particular kind or character; indeterminate; having no pattern or structure; unorganized: an amorphous style; an amorphous personality.
3. Petrography, Mineralogy. occurring in a mass, as without stratification or crystalline structure.
4. Chemistry. not crystalline.
5. Biology. having structural components that are not clearly differentiated, as the nuclear material in certain bacteria.

Would you like to share some words? Hop over to Bermudaonions' place and check it out.

REVIEW - THE WORLD IN HALF

[This is a free review copy]

This book is for 5 of my reading challenges
A - Z Challenge[Titles]
Read Your Own Books Challenge
100+ Challenge
52 Books in 52 Weeks Challenge
Reading from My Shelves Challenge

"The World in Half" by Cristina Henriquez
(from Amazon.com)
Miraflores has never known her father, and until now, she’s never thought that he wanted to know her. She’s long been aware that her mother had an affair with him while she was stationed with her then husband in Panama, and she’s always assumed that her pregnant mother came back to the United States alone with his consent. But when Miraflores returns to the Chicago suburb where she grew up, to care for her mother at a time of illness, she discovers that her mother and father had a greater love than she ever thought possible, and that her father had wanted her more than she could have ever imagined.
In secret, Miraflores plots a trip to Panama, in search of the man whose love she hopes can heal her mother—and whose presence she believes can help her find the pieces of her own identity that she thought were irretrievably lost. What she finds is unexpected, exhilarating, and holds the power to change the course of her life completely.
# Hardcover: 320 pages
# Publisher: Riverhead Hardcover (April 2, 2009)
# ISBN-10: 159448855X
# ASIN: B002ECEHPQ

MY THOUGHTS: This is a wonderful first novel for Cristina Henriquez. I really loved the character Miraflores. She is a young woman going to college, going about her life. Then she and her mother find out that her mother has Alzheimer. Miraflores finds her father's letters to her mother and decides to go to Panama to find him. Thinking this will help her mother. While there she meets Danilo and Hernan. They try to help her find her father. Danilo and Miraflores become friends and talk about all kinds of things. Miraflores mother has an accident and has to go home to take care of her. As to Miraflores father, does she find him? You will have to read the book to find out. This is an awesome book about love, life and all the complications that arise from life. It is a heartwarming story of a girl and her mother.

MY RATING: 5

IT'S TUESDAY, WHERE ARE YOU? AND TEASER TUESDAYS

Raidergirl over at An Adventure in Reading is the host for It's Tuesday, Where Are You? and MizB over at Should Be Reading is the host for Teaser Tuesday.


TEASER TUESDAY




"It's okay." Helen touched her daughter's soft hair. "Are you ready for Mama?" Manny shifed the baby into Helen's lap and averted his eyes as Helen lifted her sweater. P. 86 "A Country Called Home" by Kim Barnes

IT'S TUESDAY, WHERE ARE YOU?




I am in Idaho, it is January and the ground is thawing. The water is rising and everything is floating away in the river. I am digging a ditch to try to keep the water from taking the barn away. "A Country Called Home" by Kim Barnes



Thomas Deracotte is just out of medical school, and his pregnant wife, Helen, have their whole future mapped out for them in upper-crust Connecticut. But they are dreamers, and they set out to create their own farm in rural Idaho instead. The fields are in ruins when they arrive, so they hire a farmhand named Manny to help rebuild. But the sudden, frightening birth of their daughter, Elise, tests the young couple, and Manny is called upon to mend this fractured family. An extraordinary story of hope and idealism, A
Country Called Home is a testament to the power of family—the family we are born to and the family we create.
Product Description[Amazon.Com]
# Paperback: 288 pages
# Publisher: Anchor (October 6, 2009)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 0307389111
# ISBN-13: 978-0307389114

REVIEW - ROUGH COUNTRY

This book is for 4 of my reading challenges.
A - Z Challenge[Titles]
100+ Challenge
Suspense & Thriller Challenge[Hard Boiled Mystery]
Monthly Mixer Melee Challenge

"Rough Country" by John Sandford
Product Description[Amazon.Com]
Virgil's always been known for having a somewhat active, er, social life, but he's probably not going to be getting too many opportunities for that during his new case. While competing in a fishing tournament in a remote area of northern Minnesota, he gets a call from Lucas Davenport to investigate a murder at a nearby resort, where a woman has been shot while kayaking. The resort is for women only, a place to relax, get fit, recover from plastic surgery, commune with nature, and while it didn't start out to be a place mostly for those with Sapphic inclinations, that's pretty much what it is today.

Which makes things all the more complicated for Virgil, because as he begins investigating, he finds a web of connections between the people at the resort, the victim, and some local women, notably a talented country singer. The more he digs, the more he discovers the arrows of suspicion that point in many directions, encompassing a multitude of motivations: jealousy, blackmail, greed, anger, fear. Then he finds that this is not the first murder, that there was a second, seemingly unrelated one, the year before. And that there's about to be a third, definitely related one, any time now. And as for the fourth . . . well, Virgil better hope he can catch the killer before that happens. Because it could be his own.
# Hardcover: 400 pages
# Publisher: Putnam Adult; 1ST edition (September 29, 2009)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 0399155988
# ISBN-13: 978-0399155987

MY THOUGHTS: This is the first book in this series, Virgil Flowers, that I have read. I like John Sandford because he writes with lots of information on the suspects, victims, and the scene. You feel like you are there in the book. Moving with the guy who's doing the investigating. As Virgil moves around the state gathering information, he keeps trying to remember something about the case, but can't quite remember what it was. He narrows it down to one suspect or family in this case, and then puts all the pieces together. This story has a great ending that you won't see coming and won't have any idea that this is what prompted the first killing. I was totally blown away! If you follow the Virgil Flowers series you will definitely want to read this book!

MY RATING: 5

IN MY MAILBOX

In My Mailbox is over at Kristi's place, The Story Siren. She is the host and has some interesting books in her mailbox this week. You should go and check this out.

I got 2 review books this week.

"Dino Vicelli Private Eye" by Lori Weiner
(from Amazon.com)
Product Description
This story transports the reader to an alternate-reality version of New York City, in which talking dogs interact regularly with humans. The hero, Dino Vicelli, is a private investigator who just happens to be a sharply dressed Italian greyhound with a great fondness for cigars. He takes on what initially appears to be a routine missing person case but soon finds himself in the midst of a sinister plot that involves kidnapping, murder, and bizarre scientific experiments aimed at controlling the world. As he investigates this strange case, Dino repeatedly encounters mortal danger, while also finding romance with a beautiful blonde Afghan dog.
With its unusual twists on the traditional detective story genre, this book blends elements of humor, suspense, and fantasy into a truly unique and entertaining tale.
# Paperback: 98 pages
# Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Co. Inc. (June 8, 2009)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 1434902943
# ISBN-13: 978-1434902948

"Burn" by Ted Dekker
(from Amazon.com)
Product Description



The past Janeal thought had burned away is rising from the ashes.
Years ago, the Gypsy Kumpania where Janeal Mikkado lived was attacked by outsiders. With her best friend about to be consumed by a fire, Janeal had two options: try to save her friend--at serious risk to her own life--or disappear with the million dollars that she had just discovered . . .
But the past is quickly coming back to haunt her. Both the best friend and the boyfriend that she was sure were dead have reappeared in her life, as has someone who knows about the money. There's a debt to be paid for the money she found, but there's an even greater debt she must face--and if the chaff isn't burned from her own heart, it will consume her.
# Hardcover: 384 pages
# Publisher: Thomas Nelson (January 12, 2010)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 1595544712
# ISBN-13: 978-1595544711

Did you get some books in your mailbox this week? Hop over to Kristi's place and check out all the folks that did.

THE COLORFUL READING CHALLENGE

The Colorful Reading Challenge is over at Lost in Books. Here are the details:

You still need to read 9 books with 9 different colors in the title, but this time you get to choose all 9 colors for your books! You may be wondering how many books are there really out there with colors in the title? You may be surprised. To help you out and inspire your reading list, I created a reading idea list for sixteen or so different colors. So be sure to click over if you aren't sure what you can read.

As always, there is no need to make a list of books if you'd rather play it by ear and if you do make a list you may change it at any time. The challenge runs from January 1- December 31, 2010. If you would like to participate, please sign up using the Mr. Linky below. I will try to put up another Mr. Linky to use for posting your reviews this year now that I know how to work it!

Here is my list of books.

1. Black Water Rising - Attica Locke
2. Plum Pudding Murder - Joanne Fluke
3. Violet Dawn - Brandilyn Collins
4. Coral Moon - Brandilyn Collins
5. Crimson Eve - Brandilyn Collins
6. Amber Morn - Brandilyn Collins
7. The Turquoise Mask - Phyllis A. Whitney
8. Bad Boy Brawly Brown - Walter Mosley
9. Scarlet - Steve Lawhead

101 FANTASY READING CHALLENGE

The 101 Fantasy Reading Challenge is over at A Bibliophile's Bookshelf. Here are the details:

So here are the rules:
1. Pick the number of books you want to read. It can be a mixture of the top 101, and/or the whole list. For example, you might want to aim to read 5 from the top 101 and 5 from the rest of the list.
2. Create a list of the books you want to tackle. You can create a list now, or add them as you go. Completely up to you.
3. The challenge runs from 10/10/09 to 10/10/10.
4. Please post the direct link to your 101 Fantasy Reading Challenge post. (so that other participants can visit and see what you are reading)
5. 101 of the Best Fantasy Books list is here.

This is my list of books.

1. City of Glass - Cassandra Clare
2. City of Ashes - Cassandra Clare
3. Blue Bloods - Melissa De la Cruz
4. Stardust - Neil Gaiman
5. The Subtle Knife - Philip Pullman
6. Darfever - Karen Marie Moning
7. Bloodfever - Karen Marie Moning
8. Darkside of the Moon - Sherrilyn Kenyon
9. Dragonflight - Anne McCaffery
10. Dragonsong - Anne McCaffery

MONTHLY MIXER MELEE CHALLENGE

This challenge is over at Jen's Book Talk.

All you have to do is read a book that begins with a letter of each month or read a book that begins with the authors name (first or last name, doesn’t matter).

There are 74 letters so you will have to have 74 different books to complete the challenge. Books can however be used to complete other challenges.

You don’t have to do the months in any kind of order, just fill in books as you go along until you have each letter a book by it.

Challenge begins November 1, 2009 and ends November 2, 2010 so you have a whole year to complete! Lets break out them books and get busy!

SUSPENSE & THRILLER READING CHALLENGE

This challenge is now over at Book Chick City. She is hosting it this year.

Details:

• You don't have to select your books ahead of time, you can just add them as you go. Also if you do list them upfront then you can change them, nothing is set in stone! The books you choose can crossover into other challenges you have on the go.

• If you decide to participate in this challenge please use the links I have set up below with the buttons to post on your sidebar, this way others can find their way back to this post and join in the fun.

• If you decide to join this challenge be sure to create a post telling others, please make sure you add a link back to this post so others can join in.

• You can join anytime between now and the later part of next year.

. The sub-genre list is here.

• There will be a place for you to link your reviews and be entered into the monthly prize draw. Non-bloggers welcome - please go HERE and select specific month for more information.

My list of books.

1. Murder Mystery - Evidence - Jonathan Kellerman
2. Action Thriller - Seven Paths to Death - Dorothy Hoobler
3. Historical Thriller - The Case of the Cryptic Crionoline - Nancy Springer
4. Spy Thriller - The Spy Who Came to Christmas - David Morrell
5. Serial Killer Thriller - Blindside: an FBI Thriller - Catherine Coulter
6. Terrorist Thriller - Dark Horse - Ralph Reed
7. Private Detective - Half-Moon Investigations - Eoin Colfer
8. Futuristic Thriller - Survivor in Death - J. D. Robb
9. Hard Boiled Mystery - Chasing the Dime - Michael Connelly
10. Cozy Mystery - Postern of Fate - Agatha Christie
11. Amateur Mystery - Cream Puff Murder - Joanne Fluke
12. Disaster Thriller - City of Refuge - Tom Piazza

YEAR OF THE HISTORICAL READING CHALLENGE

I had this reading challenge over at one of my other blogs, but have decided to bring it over here. It's really hard to keep track of them all spread out. I have several of them that I am bringing to Just Books that were at my other blogs. This is one of 5 challenges. The rest will follow this one. That is so I can get them into my labels list and can find them later.

# Sign up here if you plan to participate, pretty please.
# You may read any historical fiction book for this challenge: straight historical fiction set in the English Regency, or in Asia, or in Europe, or in Africa, or in Prehistoric times etc. You may read young adult, romances, historical paranormal romances (i.e. Kim Lenox’s Shadow Guard series), historical fantasy – as long as it takes place in a historical time that at least originated with a real historic time period or event (therefore YES, steampunk is an option!) and it is fiction, it is game. Please, no nonfiction, biographies, or the like.
# Please label your reviews in a way that associates them with this challenge. I’ll be using “YotH: (Book Title)” format for my review headers AND linking the original challenge notice/sign up post in each review so that interested readers can see why/what challenge it’s associated with.
# I will do a post every month during the last week – this is where you need to link, in the comments section, your monthly review. I will then edit into the body of the post links for everyone’s reviews.
# There is no limit to how many reviews you can do per month, but I am only requiring one review for a total of 12 books.

This is my list of books.
1. Mistress of the Art of Death - Ariana Franklin
2. Our Hart - Lloyd Lofthouse
3. The Jester - James Patterson
4. Cataloochee - Wayne Caldwell
5. The Devil's Necklace - Kat Martin
6. The Handmaiden's Necklace - Kat Martin
7. Rosamund - Bertrice Small
8. The Dragon Lord's Daughter - Bertrice Small
9. Man on a Red Horse - Fred Grove
10. Sheik - Connie Mason
11. Lair of the Lion - Christine Feehan
12. The Dragon Lord - Connie Mason

REVIEW - 9 DRAGONS

This book is for 3 of my reading challenges.
A - Z Challenge[Titles]
100+ Challenge
52 Books in 52 Weeks Challenge[Week 2]

"9 Dragons" by Michael Connelly
(from inside flap)
Fortune Liquors is a small shop in a tough South L.A. neighborhood, a store Detective Harry Bosch as known for years. Bosch still carries in his pocket a matchbook he picked up there on a case years ago. Its motto--"Happy is the man who finds refuge in himself"--has been a guiding light through some of his darkest days. The murder of John Li, the store's owner, hits Harry hard, and he promises Li's family that he'll find the killer.
The world Bosch steps into next is unknown territory. He brings in a detective from the Asian Gang Unit for help with translation--not just of languages but also of cultural norms and expectations that guided Mr. Li's life. He uncovers a link to a Hong Kong triad, a lethal and far-reaching crime ring that follows many immigrants to their new lives in the United States.
And instantly his world explodes. The one good thing in Bosch's life, the person he holds most dear, is taken from him, and Harry travels to Hong Kong in an all-or-nothing bid to regain what he's lost. In a place known as Nine Dragons, as the city's Hungry Ghosts festival burns around him, Bosch puts aside everything he knows and risks everything he has in a desperate attempt to outmatch the triad's ferocity.
Amazon.com
Product Details
* Hardcover: 384 pages
* Publisher: Little, Brown and Company; 1 edition (October 13, 2009)
* Language: English
* ISBN-10: 0316166316
* ISBN-13: 978-0316166317

MY THOUGHTS: This is a very fast paced book of crime and destruction. Harry Bosch's daughter Maddie, by his ex-wife Eleanor Wish is living in Hong Kong. As Harry starts investigating this murder he finds a man who is a suspect. This man is part of the triad in Hong Kong. Harry gets a phone call to back off the case or there will be trouble for him. Then Harry gets an email from his daughters phone showing her being held in a tiny room. Harry jumps on a plane to Hong Kong to find his daughter. I can't really tell you anything else or it will give the story away. If you follow the Harry Bosch series by Michael Connelly you will love this book. It is a on your edge of your seat book. I was totally blown away by the ending!!

MY RATING: 5

REVIEW - MR. DARCY BROKE MY HEART

[This is a free review book]

"Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart" by Beth Pattillo
(from back cover)
Claire Prescott doesn't understand Mr. Darcy's appeal. She's been comfortably dating Neil, a nice-if a bit negligent-sports fanatic. When she agrees to stand in for her sister at a Jane Austen seminar in Oxford, England, she finds herself holding a lost version of Pride and Prejudice. Scholars thought Austen's original manuscript was destroyed centuries ago, but as Claire reads the first draft, she uncovers a long-hidden secret about the iconic Darcy, as well as the truth about Austen's own struggle to find the right hero for Elizabeth Bennet.
And when a tall, dark, and dashing stranger crosses her path, will the staid Claire suddenly discover her inner Lizzie Bennet? Neil's unexpected arrival in Oxford complicates Claire's journey to finding her own romantic lead, and she discovers that finding the right hero can be more difficult that she ever imagined.
Amazon.com
# Paperback: 272 pages
# Publisher: GuidepostsBooks; Original edition (February 1, 2010)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 0824947932
# ISBN-13: 978-0824947934

MY THOUGHTS: I have seen this book around some of the other book blogs. It sounded like a typical love story. But is that wrong. This book has romance, but it also has mystery and intrigue. As Harriet keeps giving Clarie pieces of the manuscript, Claire finds her romance life in a bind. It's a cross between Neil, her long time boyfriend, or James, a new guy, her Mr. Darcy come to life. Not only that, Claire has several people trying to get to the manuscript. Which brings in the intrigue. As Claire promised Harriet she would keep it a secret, Claire needs someone to verify that this could be real. In the end the manuscript is real and Claire has to decide what to do with it. Give it to a museum, give it to a publisher, give it back to Harriet or something altogether different? As Claire worries over the manuscript Neil pops into the picture and her romance kind of gets all confusing. Which one should she choose? Reliable Neil or James the new guy? To find out what happens to Claire and the manuscript you will need to read the book. It's really a great book!!

MY RATING: 5

REVIEW - FOLLOWING FAKE MAN

This book is for 5 of my reading challenges.
A - Z Challenge[Title]
Read Your Own Books
100+ Challenge
Twentyten Challenge[Charity]
Reading from my Shelves

"Following Fake Man" by Barbara Ware Holmes
Product Description[Amazon.com]
Homer Aldrich Winthrop was a neurologist who died of a neurological illness. That’s all Homer Jr.’s mother will say about his father, who died when he was 2, and any prodding for details results in silence,
evasion, or sudden migraine headaches. So by age 12, Homer’s given up asking.

But on an unexpected trip to Maine, Homer finds himself in a place where his father had lived. In this one coastal village there must be millions of facts about his father. Now Homer must face his biggest fear–maybe there’s a reason his father is such a secret. Maybe there are things he really doesn’t want to know.

Still, Maine gives him courage. There’s something about the people he meets and the breadth of the sky that convince Homer to search for the truth–to solve the mystery of his own life.
# Reading level: Ages 9-12
# Paperback: 240 pages
# Publisher: Yearling (November 12, 2002)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 0440418550
# ISBN-13: 978-0440418559

MY THOUGHTS: This is a book I bought at my library book sale. I will admit I have never read this author before, I just picked it up and I really liked that cover. I admit it, I'm one of those people that will buy a book because I like the cover. How about you? Anyway reading this story about Homer was very nice reading. It is short and it filled in until I could get my new books from the library. Homer is a very intrigued by his father. Or the lack of one. Every time he asks his mother about his father she gets a terrible Migraine Headache and goes to bed. So Homer doesn't know anything about his father, except that he died when he was a baby. One day they go to sell a piece of property and Homer finds out this is where he lived as a baby. He starts asking questions but that sends his mother into a Migraine Headache and to bed. So Homer and his new friend, Roger, are investigating this mysterious man on the island. He wears a disguise, wig and make-up, and carries a cardboard box. This all leads of course to more questions. Does Roger and Homer find out about the mysterious man? Does Homer find out about his father? You'll have to read the book to find out.

MY RATING: 5

REVIEW - EVIDENCE

This book is for 3 of my reading challenges.
A - Z Challenge[Title]
100+ Challenge
52 Books in 52 Weeks

"Evidence" - Jonathan Kellerman
Product Description(Amazon.com)

In the half-built skeleton of a monstrously vulgar mansion in one of L.A.’s toniest neighborhoods, a watchman stumbles on the bodies of a young couple–murdered in flagrante and left in a gruesome postmortem embrace. Though he’s cracked some of the city’s worst slayings, veteran homicide cop Milo Sturgis is still shocked at the grisly sight: a twisted crime that only Milo’s killer instincts–and psychologist Alex Delaware’s keen insights–can hope to solve.

While the female victim’s identity remains a question mark, her companion is ID’d as eco-friendly architect Desmond Backer, who disdains the sort of grandiose superstructure he’s found dead in. And the late Mr. Backer, it’s revealed was also notorious for his power to seduce women.

The rare exception is his ex-boss, Helga Gemein, who’s as indifferent to Desmond’s death as she apparently was to his advances. Though Milo and Alex place her on their short list of suspects, the deeper they dig for clues the longer the list grows. An elusive prince who appears to harbor decidedly American appetites, an eccentric blueblood with an ax to grind, one of Desmond’s restless ex-lovers and her cuckolded husband–all are in the homicidal mix spiced with eco-terrorism, arson, blackmail, conspiracy, and a vendetta that runs deep. But when the investigation veers suddenly in a startling direction, it’s the investigators who may wind up on the wrong end of a cornered predator’s final fury.
# Hardcover: 368 pages
# Publisher: Ballantine Books; 1 edition (October 6, 2009)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 0345495152
# ISBN-13: 978-0345495150

MY THOUGHTS: Milo Stugis and Alex Delaware are at it again. Trying to solve a bizarre double murder that eventually leads them to a small island of the cost of India. But is also linked to revenge of a sister's death. Milo and Alex get involved with the FBI on this one. One of their murder victims is linked to eco - terrorism. Which the FBI is investigating. They also have to deal with foreign diplomats and this gets them into trouble trying to get the information they need to solve this crime. As usual Mr. Kellerman's writing has you involved in more than murder and more than one murder. If you follow the Alex Delaware series you will want to read this book! On the edge of your seat reading!

MY RATING: 5

REVIEW - OUR HART

This book is for 1 of my reading challenges.
Year of the Historical

"Our Hart, Elegy for a Concubine" by Lloyd Lofthouse
Our Hart, Elegy for a Concubine continues the love story that Robert Hart did not want the world to discover. The Ch'ing Dynasty called him Our Hart. He arrived in China in 1854. By 1908, he was the godfather of China's modernization and the only foreigner the emperor trusted.

ISBN: 978-0-9819553-1-5
(trade paperback - 8.5 x 5.5)

Price: $15.95

Publisher: Three Clover Press

Date of Release: January 2010

Page count: 291

MY THOUGHTS: Have you ever read the book My Splendid Concubine by Lloyd Lofthouse? This book is a continuation of My Splendid Concubine. Robert and Ayaou's love story is very poignant and proves love is stronger than anything. It is 1857 and Robert is an interpreter for the British Consulate in Ningpo, China. Ayaou's sister Shao-mei has been raped and murdered. Now Robert feels guilty for this as the person who done this horrible act is his enemy. Robert and Ayaou continue on with their lives. Robert is now working for the Chinese. They call him Our Hart. Robert and Ayaou have children and Robert wants to marry Ayaou but she keeps telling Robert he can't marry her because she is his concubine. Robert continues on improving and modernizing China. This is an awesome book. If you would like to find out more just click on the link to Three Clover Press and you will go to the web page for My Hart. It is a truly wonderful book and very descriptive. I could visualize very well while reading this book.

MY RATING: 5