JUST ME

Well, it's Thursday again. Where did the week go. I have a little weekly feature here when I share the things going on in my life.

This has been a busy week for us here. Mom of the babies had 2 doctor appointments and my son had to have his tooth taken out. So I was watching babies a lot. So you should know there would be pictures, right.

Bella with her mom's baseball cap on.


Luke with his mom's baseball cap on.


I did manage to get to the library this week. I am trying to finish up a reading challenge. Year of the Historical, which is why you have been seeing so many historical romances reviewed here lately. I got The Dragon Lord by Connie Mason. It's pretty good so far.



We are having some nice fall weather this week. Waiting for the first frost so we can pick our pears. The tree is really loaded this year. The late frost we had in April didn't get it this year. As you can see from this picture it's really got lots of pears.


I also got a couple scrapbook pages done. They are of the babies of course. This is my son and Bella trying to take a nap, but Bella isn't having any of it.


This one is of Luke flying. His little arms are always going like he's trying to fly.


Well, that's it for this week. Hope you all have a great weekend.

FALL READING CHALLENGE

Susan over at A Southern Daydreamer Reads is hosting the Fall Reading Challenge. Here is some info.

Challenge: Fall Reading Challenge 2010

Start date: September 22, 2010

Finish date: December 20, 2010

Hosted By: A Southern Daydreamer Reads

Rules:

1. Make a list of books you want to read this Fall.
2. Write a post with your list on your blog. (You can add to or change this list at any time during the challenge)
3. Please post the direct link to your Fall Reading Challenge 2010 post. (so that other participants can visit and see what you are reading)
4. You can write another post in December to let everyone know how you did.

My list of books.

1. Black Water Rising - Attica Locke
2. The Turquoise Mask - Phyllis A. Whitney
3. No Good Deeds - Laura Lippman
4. The Yiddish Policeman's Union - Michael Chabon
5. Gilead - Marilynne Robinson

REVIEW - RULE'S BRIDE

This book is for 2 of my reading challenges.
Year of the Historical

52 Books in 52 Weeks(Wk.40)

"Rule's Bride" by Kat Martin
Product Description(Amazon.com)
Unrepentant rake Rule Dewar is living the good life when a most surprising event occurs—he falls in love with his wife.
After their strategic "marriage of commerce" three years ago, Rule quite forgot about Violet Griffin, the teenage heiress to a Boston manufacturing fortune. He simply spoke his vows, took over her father's business and returned to England to resume his usual pursuits: high-priced wine, high-stakes gambling and highborn women.
Yet when Violet, now a sophisticated woman, unexpectedly appears at Rule's London town house, husbandly duties no longer seem so odious—he can't wait to take his stunning bride to their marriage bed. Violet, however, is not so easily led: she has her own ideas and is seeking an annulment to marry another. But as Rule attempts to win her over, someone else is determined to frame him for murder and keep him out of the way for good….
# Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
# Publisher: Mira; Original edition (April 27, 2010)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 0778327744
# ISBN-13: 978-0778327745

MY THOUGHTS: This is the 3rd book of the Bride Trilogy by Kat Martin. It involves the DeWar brothers, Royal, Reese and Rule. It is set in the early to middle 1800's.
Each brother makes a promise to their dying father and they set out to accomplish this promise. With some trouble along the way, the promise is kept by all three brothers. Rule has married Violet Griffin, it was a marriage of convenience. Violet's father is dying and he wants Rule to marry her and take care of her and the gun business. Violet is only 16 at the time so Rule marries her and heads back to London and forgets all about her. Until one day Violet shows up in his town house in London. Violet is wanting an annulment but Rule talks her into waiting for a while so they can get to know each other. In the mean time they are trying to see their gun manufacturing company. Someone wants it bad enough to commit murder and they set Rule up to take the blame. Doe Rule and Violet sell the company? Does Rule get off the murder charges? You'll have to read the book to find out.

MY RATING: 5

REVIEW - THE THYSSEN AFFAIR

"The Thyssen Affair" by Mozelle Richardson
Product Description(Amazon.com)
New York City, Saturday, September 27, 1980 Cane Eliot knew he was being followed before he reached the shuttle to Lufthansa for his overnight flight to Germany. It was the same thing that made the skin on the back of his neck crawl during the war when something was wrong. Making a quick decision to try to lose who ever was tailing him, he called Lufthansa and canceled his flight. Taking a taxi downtown, the shadow still with him, he got out at Rockefeller Center, slipped through the restaurant near the skating rink to the subway. Finding the small hotel he had known in the Village thirty years earlier and paying for the day, he carried the valise, and entered the elevator. At the fifth floor he left the elevator, ran down two flights and into the men's room at the end of the hall. He had to change his appearance and do it fast. The Stetson had to go. He stowed it deep in a swing-top garbage can, pulled off his boots and dropped them after the hat. Goddamn bloody shame to leave such old friends! For a minute he considered retrieving the rattle snake hat band, but thought better of it. It takes years for a hat and boots to conform to a man's own brand. Well, hell, I ll just have to start over in Colorado when this damn mess is finished. He opened the valise and pulled out his straight-edged razor. Peering intently at his reflection, and twisting his lips first one way and then another he shaved off his mustache. Name of the game. To lose your identity is part of it. He ran his finger across his smooth upper lip and down the scar across his cheek. That brought back memories of the war that he'd just as soon forget. It is also as positive an identification as a set of fingerprints. Changing into the gray suit, white dress shirt, knotting the blue silk tie, putting on the black oxfords he'd seldom worn except to funerals, he shook his head. The unfamiliar clothes made him feel awkward and uncomfortable. But a quick glance in the mirror, adjusting his tie and smoothing his vest Cane admitted that a suit made a hell of a difference in appearance. Securing the German skull with his jeans, jacket and cowboy shirt in the valise, he cursed under his breath. The satchel was a dead giveaway. But it couldn't be helped. How the devil had he been spotted so soon? Who was following? It must have been the man who passed him on the road to Cummings. Who was he? Well, for Christ sake, he had to be KGB and that meant the Russians knew they had the wrong skull. It meant too, that they could move pretty damn fast. He opened his billfold, cut up his credit cards with the Lapis knife and buried them in the trash. That was a big mistake using credit cards in Oklahoma City. He wracked his brain. Was there anything else to connect him with Cane Eliot? God, yes! The plane ticket from Denver to New York had been in his name! He had been out of it too long. Peter had made a goddamn poor choice for a Company man. Shape up, Cane! This isn't as simple as Peter had thought. He opened the door slowly, satisfied he was alone, walked briskly down the hall. The damn valise. It has to be gotten rid of. Taking the stairs again, this time to the basement he left through the alley door, walked several blocks, took a cab to a small residential hotel he remembered in the Bronx. The lobby was empty. He rang for the clerk and in a heavy German accent asked for a room and signed the register Wilhelm Swartz. Well, by God that ought to take care of any snoopers! He immediately called the number that would locate Peter and briefed him about the tail that had followed him from Oklahoma City. But not about his carelessness. He'd rather Peter didn't know about his getting a plane ticket to New York from Colorado via Oklahoma City in his own name. And then to rent a car. My God!
# Paperback: 460 pages
# Publisher: Mountain West Publishing; first edition (December 21, 2009)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 1616582448
# ISBN-13: 978-1616582449

MY THOUGHTS: This is a very mysterious and thrilling book. I really enjoyed reading it. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. Following Cane around and trying to figure out who is following him is a mystery in itself. This book takes you around the world following Cane. And what is it they are all after? Does Cane get away? You'll have to read the book to find out.

MY RATING: 5

[This is a free review book.]

JUST ME

I thought I would start a weekly feature about me and my family. So that folks could get to know me other than the person with all the books. LOL This weekly feature will be called JUST ME.

I'll be talking about my family, my scrapbooks, my crocheting, things that are happening around my house. As you all might know, we have twins. A Boy Luke and a Girl, Bella. They are 2 months old now. It takes lots of time to keep up with them. Between the 3 of us, me, mom and dad, they keep us busy. Which has cut drastically into my reading time and my computer time. But speaking as a first time grandparent, it's all worth it. I just love these little people so much.

This is Bella. She is the oldest by 15 minutes.


This is Luke. He's the biggest right now. Weighing in at 10lb. 4oz.


Well that's it this week. Hope to see you around my place again. Have a great day!

REVIEW - LETTERS FROM SWEETWATER

"Letters From Sweetwater" by Dr. Dale Garland
Product Description(Amazon.com)
Deep in the mountains of North Carolina is a tiny but wondrous valley called Sweetwater. Mysterious forces, both good and evil, have converged there to produce a tender but compelling story. Through occasional flights of fantasy, Jesse Gernon gets to peep "behind the curtain" and catch a glimpse of the Glory land. What he discovers there may prove to be far different from anything you ever have imagined, but come see for yourself and be prepared for the unexpected. Romans 8:28 KJV... And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. When Keith, Jesse's troubled uncle, comes to visit it is with the intent of disclosing a secret he hints could involve the family honor. En route, however, he encounters a mysterious stranger who strongly advises against such. Soon thereafter Keith is stricken with bacterial encephalitis, leaving him permanently brain damaged and with amnesia... Is his secret lost forever? A question that is certain to haunt the reader. Written in poetic prose, LETTERS FROM SWEETWATER is a tribute to the human spirit with its ability to overcome and achieve when guided by Divine purpose.
# Paperback: 440 pages
# Publisher: Revival Nation Publishing (August 20, 2009)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 1926625315
# ISBN-13: 978-1926625317

MY THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting book. All the characters are great. And the mystery of Sweetwater is a mystery. But is Jesse's family secret ever revealed? You will have to read the book to find out. If you have a chance to pick this book up....please do. It's a really good book. I really enjoyed reading about Sweetwater and Jesse's story.

MY RATING: 5

[This is a free review book.]

REVIEW - HER FEARFUL SYMMETRY

This book is for 2 of my reading challenges.
Books to Read Before I Die
Fill in the Gaps Project
52 Books in 52 Weeks(Wk.39)

"Her Fearful Symmetry" by Audrey Niffenegger
Product Description(Amazon.com)
Julia and Valentina Poole are twenty-year-old sisters with an intense attachment to each other. One morning the mailman delivers a thick envelope to their house in the suburbs of Chicago. Their English aunt Elspeth Noblin has died of cancer and left them her London apartment. There are two conditions for this inheritance: that they live in the flat for a year before they sell it and that their parents not enter it. Julia and Valentina are twins. So were the girls’ aunt Elspeth and their mother, Edie.
The girls move to Elspeth’s flat, which borders the vast Highgate Cemetery, where Christina Rossetti, George Eliot, Stella Gibbons, and other luminaries are buried. Julia and Valentina become involved with their living neighbors: Martin, a composer of crossword puzzles who suffers from crippling OCD, and Robert, Elspeth’s elusive lover, a scholar of the cemetery. They also discover that much is still alive in Highgate, including—perhaps—their aunt.
# Paperback: 406 pages
# Publisher: Scribner; Reprint edition (September 29, 2010)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 1439169012
# ISBN-13: 978-1439169018

MY THOUGHTS: This is my book clubs choice for September. I have wanted to read this book and I'm really glad I did. It was a very good book. I really liked all the characters. I really liked Martin a lot. I could feel for him. Does he get to leave his apartment? Does Robert get his Thesis done on Highgate Cemetery? As Julia and Valentina move to London they seem to grow apart. Valentina wants to be separate from Julia. With the help of their Aunt Elspeth's ghost they think of something that seems so impossible. But does it work? Will Valentina get her wish and be separate from Julia? You'll have to read the book to find out the outcome of this very interesting book.

MY RATING: 5

IN MY MAILBOX

In My Mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren.

It's been a while since I done a In My Mailbox. I've gotten a few new review books. So here goes.

187 Pain and Bliss - Wade J. Halverson
Bobo's Daughter - Bonnie Barnett
Primitive - Mark Wykanen
Cry Ohana - Rosemary and Larry Mild
Repairing Rainbows - Lynda Fishman
Dismissed With Prejudice - Fletcher Cockrell

These are all linked to Amazon.com if you want to check them out.

REVIEW - DRAWN TO THE LAND

This book is for 1 of my reading challenges.
52 Books in 52 Weeks(Wk.38)




"Drawn To The Land" by Elizabeth J. Cockey & Barton M. Cockey
(from inside flap)(Amazon.com)
Drawn to the Land: The Romance of farming takes readers on a spellbinding tour of upstate New York and its farming community. A follow-up to Upstate New Your: Towns That We Love, this volume focuses on the men and women who feel the enduring pull of the land. From beekeeping to wine making, the book tells the story of the dedication and passion that mark every sustainable New York homestead. The reader learns about raising chickens, building silos, and growing potatoes from conversions with the people who remain devoted to the natural world in an increasingly urban age. Alongside Barton's descriptions of animals, farm stands, and fresh ice cream are Elizabeth's oil paintings, which burst from the page with the love and admiration of an artist revising the place she was raised. Rural upstate New York is a one-of-a-kind locale, and Drawn to the Land celebrates its unique culture, conveying the richness of both its soil and its traditions.
# Hardcover: 38 pages
# Publisher: Bridgeway Books (June 15, 2010)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 1934454400
# ISBN-13: 978-1934454404

MY THOUGHTS: This is a very interesting book. It has all kinds of info on farming, animals and the people who love their farms. The paintings from Elizabeth are awesome. Even if you aren't a farmer, there is lots of useful info for gardeners. The book is set up for the seasons, Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. It takes on a tour of the farms in this area. If you have a chance to pick this book up....do so. It's really a great books.

MY RATING: 5

{This is a free review book.]

REVIEW REESE'S BRIDE

This book is for 2 of my reading challenges.
Year of the Historical
52 Books in 52 Weeks

"Reese's Bride" by Kat Martin
Product Description(Amazon.com)
Wounded in battle, Major Reese Dewar returns to England—but his injuries are nothing compared to his shattered heart
Years ago, love-struck Reese departed his home at Briarwood with a promise from raven-haired Elizabeth Clemens that she would make a life with him upon his return. But mere months later, she married the Earl of Aldridge, attaining wealth and status Reese could never match. Memories of that betrayal make his homecoming far more bitter than sweet.
Seeing Elizabeth on his doorstep dressed in widow's garb twists the knife even deeper. But fear for her young son's safety has overcome her pride: she begs Reese for protection from those who would see the boy dead to possess his fortune. He agrees to an uneasy alliance, sensing Elizabeth still harbors deep secrets—and Reese knows that he's placing himself in danger…of losing his heart all over again.
# Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
# Publisher: Mira; Original edition (December 29, 2009)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 0778327442
# ISBN-13: 978-0778327448

MY THOUGHTS: This is the second book of a trilogy of the DeWar brothers. Royal, Reese and Rule DeWar are all handsome and very virile men. The women they fall in love with are strong and independent. So they often clash with each other, but they finally work it out. Reese's lady is Elizabeth, Lady Aldridge. She is a widow seeing help from Reese. Elizabeth's brother-in-law, Mason Marlow, wants the title her son now holds, he wants it at any cost. Elizabeth runs to Reese, whom she was to marry 8 years earlier. But was forced into an unwanted marriage by her father. Reese is home from the war and is very hate filled about what Elizabeth has done to him. Reese and Elizabeth marry to protect Jared, Elizabeth's son, from Mason Marlow. But do they love each other, they do desire each other. But is that enough to keep their marriage of convenience together? Does Reese love Elizabeth and can he over come his hatred to love her? Does Mason Marlow get the title he wants? You'll have to read the book to find out.

MY RATING: 5

REVIEW - ROYAL'S BRIDE

This book is for 2 of my reading challenges.
Year of the Historical
52 Books in 52 Weeks

"Royal's Bride" by Kat Martin
Product Description(Amazon.com)
Wounded in battle, Major Reese Dewar returns to England—but his injuries are nothing compared to his shattered heart
Years ago, love-struck Reese departed his home at Briarwood with a promise from raven-haired Elizabeth Clemens that she would make a life with him upon his return. But mere months later, she married the Earl of Aldridge, attaining wealth and status Reese could never match. Memories of that betrayal make his homecoming far more bitter than sweet.
Seeing Elizabeth on his doorstep dressed in widow's garb twists the knife even deeper. But fear for her young son's safety has overcome her pride: she begs Reese for protection from those who would see the boy dead to possess his fortune. He agrees to an uneasy alliance, sensing Elizabeth still harbors deep secrets—and Reese knows that he's placing himself in danger…of losing his heart all over again.
# Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
# Publisher: Mira; Original edition (December 29, 2009)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 0778327442
# ISBN-13: 978-0778327448

MY THOUGHTS: This is book one of the Bride series of books by Kat Martin. This deals with 3 brothers, Royal, Reese, and Robert DeWar. Royal is the new Duke of Brumsfield and must marry to return his Dukedom back to it's former glory. He also makes a vow to his dying father to marry Jocelyn, who is very rich and wants to be a Duchess. As Royal is tending to his grounds he comes upon an overturned carriage and mistaking the occupant for his bride to be. She is Lily, cousin to Jocelyn. As Royal digs into his father's investments he finds out he was duped out of all his money. Royal and some of Lily's family and friends set up a sting operation to get back the money taken. Royal and Lily become more fond of each other. Does the Duke get his money back? Does Royal marry Jocelyn or Lily? You'll have to read the book to find out.

MY RATING: 5

REVIEW - THE WOLF OF TEBRON

"The Wolf of Tebron" by C. S. Lakin
Product Description(Amazon.com)
A young blacksmith must undertake a perilous journey to the four ends of the world to rescue his wife, who is held captive by the Moon. Along the way, he befriends a powerful wolf who encourages, protects, and ultimately sacrifices his life to save his human friend. A stirring allegory of Gods love in classic fairy tale tradition.
# Paperback: 272 pages
# Publisher: AMG Publishers (August 13, 2010)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 0899578888
# ISBN-13: 978-0899578880

MY THOUGHTS: This book isn't what I thought it was. I was expecting something totally different. Total surprise and very well written. The characters are all very enchanting and believable. This book reminded me of the fairy tales I read as a child. My imagination took hold and I was running along with the wolf and the wizard as they were trying to save the wizard's family. Do they fulfill their journey and save his family? You'll have to read the book. It's well worth the read.

MY RATING: 5

[This is a free review book.]

REVIEW - THE HANDMAIDEN'S NECKLACE

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

"The Handmaiden's Necklace" by Kat Martin
Product Description(Amazon.com)
Can a necklace hold the power to right a love gone wrong?
Five years ago Rafael, Duke of Sheffield, believed he was betrayed by the woman he loved and the pain haunts him still. When Rafe discovers that he was cruelly tricked, and that Danielle Duval was never unfaithful, he's desperate to win her back. But Dani is already on a steamer bound for America to marry another man. Impulsively, Rafe follows her and, trapping her in a compromising situation, quickly makes her his wife.
Promising her that with time he can prove his love and win her trust, Rafe presents her with a stunning necklace rumored to hold great power. As much as Dani wants to believe it can right the wrongs of the past, she fears there is one truth it cannot conceal, a truth that could cost her this second chance with Rafe, the only man she has ever loved.
# Mass Market Paperback: 416 pages
# Publisher: Mira (October 26, 2010)
# Language: English
# ISBN-10: 0778328740
# ISBN-13: 978-0778328742

MY THOUGHTS: 3 of 3 books. This is the last of the Bride's Necklace Trilogy. Danielle and Rafe are wed, but he has to blackmail her to do it, and once home in England they start their life together. But there are a few secrets Danielle didn't tell Rafe. As those secrets start coming out, they almost tear them apart. And to add to this strife in their life, someone is trying to kill them. Rafe and his friends rush to figure out who it is, but they keep coming up empty handed. Then Danielle's biggest secret is found out, she is barren, and Rafe needs a legitimate heir. As the secrets and treats of murder all come out, Rafe and Danielle get back to their life. Does Danielle give Rafe an heir? You'll have to read the book to find out.

RATING: 5

BLACK CATS & FOUR-LEAF CLOVERS

Sorry I didn't get this posted yesterday. Busy day with the twins. The publishers, Penguin Group have generously offered 3 copies of this book to the lucky winners. I have used Random.org for the numbers. The winners of the book Black Cats & Four-Leaf Clovers by Harry Oliver is.............





Number 1, 3 and 5

Darlyn
Senora G
Freda

I will be getting in touch with the ladies and the publisher and get these books sent out as soon as possible. Thanks lots for participating in my give-a-way.