My Reading List - January 2013

FINISHED - 

1. "NO SAFE PLACE" by JoAnn Ross (A+++++) Chicago homicide detective Kate Delaney fiercely defends victims. Which is why - despite death threats - she's testifying to a federal grand jury about local police corruption. It's also why she's infuriated by the New Orleans police department's blase attitude toward her estranged sister's death. But pursuing an investigation in a strange city means allying with someone who knows the territory. And the players. Someone with a total disregard for the rules. As an ex-cop from a police family, New Orleans PI Nick Broussard knows that cops live by their own code. You don't rat out a fellow officer. The last thing he needs is some smart-mouthed, by-the-book outsider unknowingly injecting herself into his undercover search for the truth. Even worse is the way she conjures up visions of tangled sheets. Nick and Kate's chase pits them against the criminal underworld of the sultry southern city. And as they peel away layers of deadly deception, they discover a dark secret too many are willing to kill to keep.
2. "HEAT WAVE" by Nancy Thayer (A++++) After her husband's sudden death, Carley Winsted is determined to keep her two daughters in their beloved home on Nantucket. To ease the family's financial strain, she decides to transform their grand, historic house into a bed-and-breakfast. Not everyone, however, thinks this plan prudent or respectable - especially not Carley's mother-in-law. Further complicating a myriad of challengers, a friend forces Carley to keep a secret that, if revealed, will undo families and friendships. And her late husband's former law partner is making Carley confront an array of mixed feelings. Then, during a late-summer heat wave, the lives of Carley and her friends and family will be forever changed in entirely unexpected ways.
3. "CODE NAME: PRINCESS" by Christina Skye (Code Name #2) (A++++) When a beautiful hotel investigator teams up with an irresistible Navy SEAL, going undercover could take them over the top. Two FBI agents are dead. A top-secret government lab animal has been stolen. Now Hawk MacKenzie just walked in on a naked woman in his hotel shower. She says she's royalty and has the attitude to match. Whether this arousing female is a true blue-blood or not, the combat-trained Navy SEAL isn't letting her out of his sight. Actually a hotel investigator in disguise, Jess Mulcahey can't believe she's being held against her will by this gorgeous commando who's about to blow her cover. Lucky for her, she's good at narrow escapes. But just when he hits the road, dodging bullets and outwitting cold-blooded pursuers, her luck bottoms out...and Hawk is her only hope of protection. A few stolen hours in a stalled elevator show Jess a different, more sensual side of the hard-edged SEAL. Now the two are closing in on their missing government secrets and trying hard to ignore their memories. But they're about to discover that the most dangerous revelations come from an unguarded heart.
4. "RYAN'S PLACE" by Sherryl Woods (Delaney's #1) (A+++) Abandoned by his parents and separated from his brothers, Ryan Devaney never let anyone get too close. Then spunky Maggie O'Brien marched into his Irish pub and declared war on the icy fortress around his heart. Ryan claimed he didn't believe in love, but Maggie's bright smile and tender touch soon had him reconsidering. The beautiful redhead warmed his frozen spirit and awakened forgotten dreams - like the desire to search for his long-lost brothers. But did he dare accept her challenge to believe there was a place for him in happily-ever-after?
5. "ONLY BY YOUR TOUCH" by Catherine Anderson (A+++++) Determined to give her son, Jeremy, the childhood he deserves, Chloe Evans has left a tough past behind and is starting fresh in the charming resort town of Jack Pine, Oregon. But protecting Jeremy becomes a dicey proposition when he seeks out the most dangerous man in town, Ben Longtree, to heal his sick puppy. Chloe has been warned to stay away from Ben. But there's something about him, at once gentle and untamed, that intrigues her. Long ago, Ben accepted his role as the town outcast. Rumored to have once killed a man, he lives in splendid isolation with his forgetful mother, secretly employing his skills as a veterinarian to heal the wounded wild animals that mysteriously come to him. Now Chloe's sunny warmth and brave tenacity arouse desire he has long denied. And although Ben is notorious for his healing touch, it is Chloe's hands...and heart...that have the power to save his battered soul.
6. "BAREFOOT SEASON" by Susan Mallery (Blackberry Island#1) (A+++++) Michelle Sanderson may appear to be a strong, independent woman, but on the inside, she's still the wounded girl who fled home years ago. A young army vet, Michelle returns to the quaint Blackberry Island Inn to claim her inheritance and recover from the perils of war. Instead, she finds the owner's suite occupied by the last person she wants to see. Carly Williams and Michelle were once inseparable, until a shocking betrayal desroyed their friendship. And now Carly is implicated in the financial disaster lurking behind the inn's cheerful veneer. Single mother Carly has weathered rumors, lies and secrets for a lifetime and is finally starting to move forward with love and life. But if the Blackberry Island Inn goes under, Carly and her daughter will go with it. To save their livlihoods, Carly and Michelle will undertake a turbulent truce. It'll take more than a successful season to move beyond their devastating past, but with a little luck and a beautiful summer, they may just rediscover the friendship of a lifetime.
7. "DANGEROUS LOVER" by Lisa Marie Rice (Dangerous #1) (A++++) "I don't want to be alone tonight." Caroline Lake can hardly believe she would ever say these words to someone she'd never met before. When a tall, dark stranger arrives wanting to rent a room in her beautiful empty shell of a mansion, she hesitates. Though she is in dire financial straits, the man looks dangerous - dangerously sexy. She's overwhelmed by the desire he sparks in her - hotter than anything she's ever felt before, making her ache to experience his sensuous touch. But who is this armed and mysterious man with danger following in his wake? He's not who she thinks he is. Jack Prescott has wanted Caroline forever. He has spent the past twelve years dreaming of her, desiring her, while fighting in some of the worse hellholes on earth. Now he's back, with twenty million dollars in blood diamonds and a relentless enemy stalking him. But this time Jack's determined that nothing will stop him from finally making Caroline his.
8. "HOLLY LANE" by Toni Blake (Destiny, Ohio #4) (A++++) The weather outside is frightful, but kisses by the fire are so delightful. Sue Ann Simpkins is working hard to rebuild her life and find some holiday spirit. Aweekend away from Destiny in a cabin on nearby Bear Lake seems like the perfect Christmas gift to herself - until her ex's best friend, Adam Becker, shows up at the door, claiming the cabin is his! And if that's not trouble enough, how had she never noticed how gorgeous he was? Alone for the holidays and forced to play a reindeer at the local department store, Adam's been feeling rather Scrooge-ish himself. But finding the smart, sexy woman he's admired since elementary school waiting in the house he rented is helping to brighten his humbug mood. And when a sudden snowstorm strands them together in very close quarters, leading to one very hot night together, Adam soon realizes that what he really wants for Christmas is a second chance at love. Now all he has to do is convince Sue Ann.
9. "ANGEL MINE" by Sherryl Woods (Whispering Way #2) (A++++) Heather Reed thought she was making the right choice when she decided to raise her daughter, Angel, on her own. But three years later, Heather realizes she needs help. Her career as an actress is faltering and Angel's more than she can handle alone. It's time to track down Angel's father. The only problem is he doesn't know Angel exists. Heather's search leads her to Whispering Winds, Wyoming. If Todd Winston is dismayed to see his old girlfriend show up in town, he's horrified when he looks into the angelic eyes of the little girl who is clearly his daughter. Todd flatly refuses to open his life to Angel...and Heather flatly refuses to leave town until she finds out why. Neither counts, though, on their unexpected desire to become a family. The only question is...is it too late?
10. "LAST CHANCE CHRISTMAS" by Hope Ramsay (Last Chance #4) (A++++) Dear Reader, I've been wishing for a miracle for my oldest boy, Stone, and this Christmas my prayers might just be answered! Her name is Lark and she's here in Last Chance looking into her father's past - and stirring up a whole mess of trouble without meaning to. As the chief of police, Stone sure has his hands full trying to keep up with her. Ever since his wife died, Stone's put everything into raising his daughters and dodging the Christ Church Ladies' Auxiliary matchmakers. And it's clear Lark has been through some trouble and could use a place to finally call home. I only hope Stone can let go of the past soon enough to keep her. Goodness, I need to stop talking and finish up Jane's highlights so we can make the town tree lighting. You come back by because the Cut 'n' Curl's got hot rollers, free coffee, fresh-baked Christmas cookies - and the best gossip in town. See you real soon, Ruby Rhodes
11. "ONE WISH" by Linda Lael Miller (A++++) She was the only child of a rich and powerful rancher. He was the son of a drunken ne'er-do-well. But when eleven-year-old Luke Shardlow rescued eight-year-old Charity Barnham from drowning, she promised him one wish...any wish his heart might desire. Fifteen years later, Charity and Luke meet once more, but the gulf between them seems as wide as ever. Charity is engaged to a neighboring rancher her father has chosen for her. Luke still seems to be a Shardlow to the core - a drifter, maybe even an outlaw, on a road to nowhere. But things are not always what they appear, for Luke has a few secrets to hide. And as a sweet, sensual passion begins to grow between them, Luke and Charity discover that the only wish either of them long to fulfill is to spend a sweet eternity in each other's arms - no matter the cost.
12. "THE ASSOCIATE" by Phillip Margolin (unabridged Audio Cassette) (A+++) Daniel Ames is an associate at Reed, Briggs, Portland's most prestigious law firm, earning more money than he ever imagined possible. When a charismatic civil litigator sues the firm's biggest client for manufacturing a drug that he claims causes unspeakable birth defects, Daniel is certain the claim has no merit. But as he begins to investigate, his world comes tumbling down around him. His work is sabotaged, he's accused of professional incompetence and he's fired. Twelve hours later he is arrested for murder. Daniel scrambles to clear his name and save his reputation - and in the process unearths a trail of deceit. But someone doesn't want this trail explored and Daniel becomes the target of a vicious killer who will stop at nothing to prevent the truth from being revealed.
13. "PINK JINX" by Sandra Hill (Jinx #1) (Times of Your Life - Cajun #5)  (A++++) Baited...Straitlaced Boston lawyer Veronica "Ronnie" Jinkowsky knows something's fishy when her estranged grandfather lures her to his New Jersey treasure-hunting business with woeful tales of old age and bankruptcy. But she never expected the salty old dog to shanghai her into a hunt for pink diamonds with her poker-playing, four-time ex-husband Jake Jensen in tow. Hooked...Betting her heart on Jake was always a losing proposition, yet just the sight of his come-hither blue eyes is still enough to melt her steely resolve. Now Ronnie's on a high seas adventure that throws together lost gems, a lost ship and lost love - not to mention a Mafia widow, her two goons and an elderly Cajun matchmaker. And going down for the last time!...Trapped with the man she could never learn to live with - and was never happy without - is Ronnie fated to be forever jinxed in matters of the heart?
14. "THE RED-HOT CAJUN" by Sandra Hill (Times of Your Life - Cajun #4) (A++++) The long hot Louisiana summer just got hotter for Rene LeDeux. He's burned out by D.C. politics and only wants to build his cabin in peace. But if his wacky, matchmaking great-aunt has her way, Bayou Black's prodigal son will be hitched before he can say butt-naked! That honor goes to Valerie "Ice" Breaux, Rene's high school nemesis turned Trial TV anchor, who's been abducted by Rene's activist friends. Mon Dieu! It's bad enough being kidnapped and having her power suit ride up her thighs. Did she have to land in the lap of the most irritating, sexiest hunk she's ever laid her eyes on? Now Val's stranded in Rene's remote cabin, besieged by irrepressible LeDeux relations, not to mention a dingbat duo out to save the swamp. It's a heat wave, guar-an-teed! Val vows she'll give her heart to the Cajun bad boy when alligators fly. Rene swears to get the girl who got away. It's never been steamier in the bayou than with two people this red-hot with desire...and more than ready for love.
15. "MIDNIGHT SUN" by Kat Martin (Sinclair Sisters #1) (A++++) Call Hawkins just wants to be left alone and leave the past where it belongs. The bleak beauty of Dead Horse Creek is a perfect place to get away from the world...a place where nothing reminds him of everything he's lost. His isolation is complete - until Charity Sinclair arrives fresh from New York City. Stunningly beautiful and stubbornly independent, she's also shamefully ignorant of the untamed wilderness...and the very real dangers she'll face if Call doesn't teach her a thing or two. But even with Call's grudging help, Charity's dream of life in the Yukon may have led her into something much more savage than a forest: A menace as endless as the long days that run together without darkness - and a killer who won't let anything come between him and perfect.
16. "A LAWMAN'S CHRISTMAS" by Linda Lael Miller (McKettrick's #15) (A+++) The sudden death of the town marshal leaves Blue River, Texas, without a lawman...and twenty-five-year-old Dara Rose Nolan without a husband. As winter approaches and her meager seamstress income dwindles, she has three options. Yet she won't give up her two young daughters, refuses to join the fallen women of the Bitter Gulch Saloon and can't fathom condemning herself to another loveless marriage. Unfortunately she must decide - soon - because there's a new marshal in town and she's living under his roof. With the heart of a Cowboy, Clay McKettrick plans to start a ranch and finally settle down. He isn't interested in uprooting Dara Rose and her children, but he is interested in giving her protection, friendship - and passion. And when they say "I do" to a marriage of convenience, the temporary lawman's Christmas wish is to make Dara Rose his permanent wife. "DARING MOVES" by Linda Lael Miller (A+++) She'd done it before: fallen in love with the wrong man. But life didn't come with an instruction manual and Amanda Scott knew she's had to rely on her instincts. Fate placed Jordan Richards right in front of her...and chemistry took it from there. But things began to get complicated when her ex-lover reappeared in her life - with his estranged wife not far behind. Despite her growing passion for Jordan, Amanda found herself repeating past mistakes. Only by making a daring move could she claim her one chance at happiness. An encounter with dashing widower, Jordan Richards, made Amanda Scott believe she could give herself to him heart and soul. But did she dare take a chance on love again with a man whose heart held wounds greater than her own?
17. "DESERT HEAT" by Kat Martin (Sinclair Sisters #3) (A+++) Fear and desire will find you...no matter where you run. For Ph.D. candidate Patience Sinclair, leaving the ivy-covered campus of Boston University for the wide, open spaces of Texas means a chance to stop looking over her shoulder at every turn. Traveling incognito with the Circle C Rodeo will help her finish her dissertation on the American West while hiding in plain sight. But she can't hide from Dallas Kingman. The champion rider makes it clear that he's watching her...and he likes what he sees. But everything about Dallas, from his country drawl to his rugged Texas charm, is unfamiliar to Patience. And if there's anything she understands with chilling clarity, it's what it costs to fall for the wrong man. As Dallas and Patience make their way through the heart of the southwest, a series of mysterious accidents turns the rodeo into a nightmare of fear and suspicion. Someone's obsession has turned deadly and Patience has moved closer to danger than she ever could have imagined.
18. "A TOWN CALLED VALENTINE" by Emma Cane (Valentine Valley #1) (A++++) Welcome to Valentine Valley - where broken hearts come home to mend and true love may lie just across the range. Emily Murphy never thought she'd return to her mom's rustic hometown in the Colorado Mountains. But after her marriage in San Francisco falls apart, leaving her penniless and heartsick, she returns to her old family home to find a new direction for her life. On her first night back, though, a steamy encounter with handsome rancher Nate Thalberg is not the fresh start she had in mind. Nate has good reason not to trust the determined beauty who just waltzed into town - he's no stranger to betrayal. Besides, she's only there to sell her family's old property and move back out. But as Nate and Emily begin working side-by-side to restore her time-worn building and old family secrets change Emily's perception of herself, both are about to learn how difficult it is to hide from love in a place known far and wide for romance, family ties and happily-ever-afters: a town called Valentine.
19. "BARE FACTS" by Katherine Garbera (Liberty Investigations #1) (A++++) Once upon a time, there were three little girls, Charity, Justine, Anna. Individually, they're lethal weapons. Together? They're the force to be reckoned with at Liberty Investigations. Their bodies may be made for sin, but everything else is for kicking ass. Charity: Former model-turned-martial arts expert, Charity Keone is used to people thinking she's just a pretty face. They usually figure out the "oh crap" part just after she turns them into human pretzels and hauls them off to jail. And it's clear her latest client, shipping magnate Daniel Williams, is one of those guys who thinks she's all looks - until she saves him from a shooter. He responds passionately and Charity...lets him. Whoa, baby. Suddenly Charity's wondering just whose body needs guarding. Growing up on the streets can make a guy wary, but nothing like the way Charity's got Daniel on his toes. Everything about her, from her Ivy League smarts to her criminally luscious bod, has him thinking less about the guys who want to take him out and more about showing Charity a few of his own moves. Lips-on-the-neck moves. Hands-everywhere moves. Pleasure-till-we-both-need-pain-medication moves. As long as he can keep his secrets safe from her it should be fine. But putting your life in the right hands is one thing, trusting your heart to them is something else.
20. "SHADES OF GREY" by Maya Banks (A+++++) (KGI #6) The Kelly Group International (KGI): A super-elite, top secret, family-run business. Qualifications: High intelligence, rock-hard body, military background. Mission: Hostage/kidnap victim recovery. Intelligence gathering. Handling jobs the U.S. government cant. P.J. and Cole were sharpshooting rivals on the same KBI team and enjoyed a spirited, uncomplicated camaraderie. Until the night they gave in to their desires and suddenly took their relationship one step further. In the aftermath of their one-night stand, they're called out on a mission that goes terribly wrong and P.J. walks away from KGI, resolved not to drag her teammates into the murky shadows she's poised to delve into. Six months later, Cole hasn't given up his search for P.J. and he's determined to bring her back home where she belongs. Bent on vengeance, P.J. has plunged into a serpentine game of payback that will make her question everything she's ever believed in. But Cole - and the rest of their team - refuse to let her go it alone. Even if it means sacrificing their loyalty to KGI, and their lives. "SOFTLY AT SUNRISE" (KGI #6.5) (A+++++) Rachel Kelly has traveled a long, hard road in her journey back to her husband, Ethan, and the Kelly family. Now, as she and Ethan are poised to move into their new home, safe behind the walls of the Kelly compound, Rachel wonders if she'll finally be free of the ghosts that have haunted her for so long and if she'll step into the sun after a past steeped in darkness.
21. "AGAINST THE ODDS" by Kat Martin (Raines of Wind Canyon #7) (A+++++) This case may prove to be too hot to handle. There's silver out there: Sabrina Eckhart is sure of it. And when she finds the hidden mine on that big piece of West Texas desert, all of her financial problems are solved. That is, if she can find it. The man with the skills she needs is private investigator Alex Justice - a former navy fighter pilot and a current pain in the neck. When mysterious "accidents" start to plague their search, it seems Rina's multi-acre inheritance might be more a curse than a blessing. And yet, there's still something sensual about the heat...his arrogance...her stubbornness...being thrust into each other's arms by danger. But the vultures are circling and if they don't watch their backs, the relentless desert sun could be the last thing Rina and Alex ever see.
22. "THE SEDUCTIVE ONE" by Susan Mallery (Marcelli Sisters of Pleasure Road #3) (A++++) Of all the Marcelli sisters, the only one who dreams of running the family's winery is Brenna - and she's about to get her chance. But taking the helm at Marcelli Winery is tougher than she bargained for - especially when she butts heads with her grandfather, whose Old World ways dictate that a male should inherit the business. In need of some fast capital in order to prove her grandfather wrong, Brenna turns to Nic Giovanni, her family's nemesis. Years ago, she ended her secret relationship with Nic, choosing loyalty to her family over the hot passion they shared. But now he's back in her life, he's loaned her a million dollars and their feelings for each other are stronger than ever. Brenna must find out for herself: Is Nic the love of her life? Or the schemer who could topple the Marcelli dynasty - and break her heart?
23. "BABY, I'M YOURS" by Susan Andersen (Baby #1) (A++++) The last place Catherine MacPherson ever expected to find herself was sitting on a Greyhound bus, handcuffed to a surly bounty hunter, with only a suitcase of her twin sister's flashy, shrink-wrap clothing to wear! Just two hours ago, the respectable schoolteacher was sitting quietly at home when this big, macho hunk crashed through her door, mistook her for her errant Miami showgirl sister and hauled her off in his strong arms. And no matter how sexy he is, she's furious! Twins - ha! Sam McKade's the last person to ever fall for that line. He's finally got the gorgeous, leggy redhead just where he wants her - and no matter what outrageous tricks she pulls, he's not letting her get away. The problem, she's a lot smarter - and sweeter - than he expected. And he's got this deep=buried tenderness she hadn't expected. And their kisses are so hot, they just might burn up...before they sort it all out.
24. "DARK AND DANGEROUS" by Jeanne Adams (A++++) Nowhere to hide - Dana Markham is up against a cold-blooded killer who knows her all too well: Donovan Walker. Wanted for drug trafficking, armed and dangerous - he's also her ex-husband. What she knows about him could land him behind bars forever...or put her and her young son in an early grave if Donovan finds them first. Dana's one chance lies with a man she barely knows at all. Tall and darkly sensual, Caine Bradley is an undercover FBI agent who's been posing as Walker's henchman. Compelled to work with Caine to lure her ex out hiding, Dana must fight against her own raw, urgent needs. But is he who he says he is? Her passionate desire for him could be her salvation - or her greatest mistake.
25. "THE PROTECTOR" by Gennita Low (Crossfire #1) (A+++) There are two things Navy SEAL Jazz Zeringue knows: 1) his black ops team will always have his back and 2) there's nothing more enticing than a woman of mystery. When the best of intentions gets Jazz arrested overseas, he couldn't be more surprised to find Vivi Verreau ready to spring him out of jail. Obviously more than the civilian she claims to be, he's sure Vivi is hiding an agenda...and he's determined to stick by her side until he uncovers all her secrets. A covert agent who shrouds herself in disguises and who fearlessly jumps into dangerous situations without thoughts for her own safety, Vivi has no need for a protector. But if she is to have any hope of completing her most important mission, she'll have no choice but to recruit Jazz and his men. And when everything explodes arouond them, they will need each other more than they ever imagined.
26. "BLUE-EYED DEVIL" by Lisa Kleypas (Travis #2) (Hardy Cates #2) (unabridged Audio CD) (A++++) Meet the blue-eyed devil...his name is Hardy Cates. He's a self-made millionaire who comes from the wrong side of the tracks. He's made enemies in the rough-and-tumble ride to the top of Houston's oil industry. He's got hot blood in his veins. And vengeance on his mind. Meet the heiress...she's Haven Travis. Despite her family's money, she refuses to set out on the path they've chosen for her. But when Haven marries a man her family disapproves of, her life is set on a new and dangerous course. Two years later, Haven comes home, determined to guard her heart. And Hardy Cates, a family enemy, is the last person she needs darkening her door or setting her soul on fire. Watch the sparks fly!
27. "HOT RAIN" by Kat Martin (A+++++) Allie Parker knows her best friend's death was no accident and her quest to find the truth soon puts her in the wrong place - at the worst possible time. An unwilling passenger on a boat carrying deadly cargo and dangerous men, her only ally is mysterious Jake Dawson, who warns her that she must play the role of his reluctant bedmate...if she wants to stay alive. Before long, the heat rising between Allie and Jake has drawn them into the heart of the steamy Mexican jungle - and into something deeper than they ever imagined. Now, as Allie places her trust - and herself - in the hands of a total stranger, she wonders if this desperate gamble will be her last.
28. "SMALL WONDERS" by Marilyn Pappano (Bethlehem #9) (A++++) They said he was beyond redemption - until one woman decided to save him. Coming home to Bethlehem in handcuffs isn't the way Cole Jackson's life was supposed to turn out. Now, trapped in the last place on earth he wants to be, he's facing serious jail time...and the woman and kids, who are both better off without him. Once Cole thought sexy single mother Leanne Wilson could make a new man of him...until he walked away from the tantalizing promise of a future together. But seeing her again rekindles the kind of passion that could set one lifelong sinner on the rocky road to redemption. Liar. Schemer. Heartbreaker. Sure, Leanne knows Cole Jackson. Everyone knows how he cheated the good folk of Bethlehem, then skipped town, leaving Leanne to pick up the pieces. She swore she'd never forgive him, but something's happened since Bethlehem's bad boy returned. Maye it's those five thousand hours of community service that are slowly turning the town Cole's way. Or maybe it's how he's seducing her all over again with a passion that makes her year for forever with the man who could be her last, best mistake.
29. "SMOOTH TALKIN' STRANGER" by Lorraine Heath (A+++++) Serena Hamilton has never had a one-night stand, but the supreme loneliness she feels after the loss of her husband drives her to a bar and into the arms of a sexy stranger. Afterward, she's racked by guilt...or at least she knows she should be. But there's something about her one-time lover that makes her think they may share more than just out-of-control chemistry. Hunter Fletcher isn't a commitment kind of guy, but the woman he meets at the honky-tonk stirs a new kind of longing. A covert operative for the CIA, Hunter carries his share of secrets. But when they intersect with Serena's tragic past, he fears she won't want to know the truth...or that once she does, the only woman he's ever loved will leave him forever.
30. "SERENDIPITY" by Carly Phillips (Serendipity #1) (A++++) Faith Harrington was the classic girl of privilege - until her father was convicted of running a Ponzi scheme and then her marriage crashed and burned. Now Faith is back in her hometown, hoping for a fresh start. But her father's betrayal has rocked Serendipity - and not everyone is ready to welcome her with open arms. Then she runs into her teenage crush - the dark, brooking Ethan Barron. Ethan, no stranger to scandal himself, never imagined he'd own the mansion on the hill, much less ever again come face-to-face with Faith - the princess he once kissed senseless. The chance meeting reignites the electric charge tween them. Still, when Ethan hires her to redecorate what was once her childhood home, Faith is sure that getting involved with the town's notorious bad boy will lead to only trouble. But her heart has other ideas. And so do the townspeople of Serendipity.
31. "TREASURED" by Sherryl Woods (Million-Dollar Destinies #3) (A+++) Destiny strikes again...or does she? Despite the wealth and power of his remarkable family, Ben Carlton stayed hidden away in rural Virginia with only his artistic talent and his troubled memories for company. But when he met beautiful gallery owner Kathleen Dugan at the urging of his matchmaking aunt Destiny, his wounded heart began to open - yet he couldn't completely forget the tragedies of his past. Vivacious, driven Kathleen was intrigued not only by Ben's paintings, but also by the handsome, mysterious man who created them. Were Ben's wounds too deep for Kathleen to mend...or did Destiny create another perfect match?
32. "AIZA CLAN" by Diana Castilleja "TRUSTING DELILAH" (Aiza Clan #1) (A++++) Roman Aiza is the second born son of the Aiza clan. He also owns and operates a private security company and has an ongoing contract with one of Florida's most infuential restidents. He's patrolling at a party when he encounters a woman who will haunt him. A woman who at their first meeting, manages to walk right out of his hands when he follows her for trespassing. She manages to do this without giving Roman a single reason why she is in the depths of the house he's protecting. When he does finally locate her days later, his goal is to prove that his instincts are wrong. She is not the woman that all of his senses are clamoring for. Yet when the daughter of Roman's largest and closest account is kidnapped and held for ransom, will they be able to build a trust between them? Or will their own secrets keep them apart? "A TRUST EARNED" (Aiza Clan #2) (A++++) Selene Aiza is a very compassionate woman by nature and fiercely protective of those she cares for. A renowned doctor with gentle patient skills, she prefers the wild country of western Oregon and the secluded hospital where she can help the people who truly need her assistance. And in the depths of those wooded wilds she can keep her secrets well hidden. She is safe until the man she encounters by pure chance becomes the hospital's first choice as co-administrator. Her secrets and her very life fall into jeopardy and only he can save her. He could also destroy her.
33. "BETTER THAN CHOCOLATE" by Sheila Roberts (Life in Icicle Falls #1) (A++++) How sweet it isn't! Sweet Dreams Chocolate Company has been in the Sterling family for generations, ever since Great-Grandma Rose literally dreamed up her first fabulous recipe. But now it looks as if they're about to lose Sweet Dreams to the bank - and that would be a disaster, not only for the family but for the town of Icicle Falls, Washington. Can Samantha, the oldest daughter and new head of the company, come up with a way to save it? After Samantha does some brainstorming with her mother and sisters, inspiration strikes. They'll have a chocolate festival! Time's running out, but the Sterling women are determined and the town's behind them, so everything's bound to go smoothly. Or not. Events seems to be conspiring against Samantha and her mother's attempts to help aren't helping. To make matters worse, the fate of her company is in the hands of her archenemy, Blake Preston, the bank manager with the football-hero good looks. It's enough to drive her to chocolate. But Blake's also enough to convince her that (believe it or not) there's something even better than chocolate.
34. "BABY, DON'T GO" by Susan Andersen (Baby #3) (A++++) Rule One: Don't Let Him In. When photographer Nick Coltrane saunters into Daisy Parker's office, all she sees is the man who broke her heart nine years ago. Never mind that he wants to hire her as his bodyguard - ah, security speciaist - or that her fledgling company desperately needs the cash flow. She'd once broken her own rules, only to watch his sexy self go running for the door. Providing round-the-clock protection for him now is out of the question...right? Rule Two: Always Be Able To Walk Away. Nick needs Daisy around to keep the hired thugs that are out for his blood from actually getting it. If he can make amends for the way he screwed up nine years ago in the process, then so much the better. Except time has done nothing to dull the memory of how Daisy once rocked his world off its axis and her cocky attitude and mouthwatering curves still have the power to turn his brain to mush. Well, that doesn't mean Nick can't handle living handin-glove with the one woman he's been obsessed with for years. Yeah. Sure he can. Some Rules Were Made To Be Broken. In the city by the bay, two people who once were friends and used to be lovers will discover if love and trust can come from a passion that breaks every rule.
35. "BENDING THE RULE" by Susan Andersen (Sisterhood Diaries #2) (A+++++) He could be her fantasy man - if he could just lighten up. Tall, dark and intense, Detective Jason de Sanges excites all kinds of fantasies in Poppy Calloway. But when she suggests the three teens caught spray-painting a Seattle neighborhood be given art-related community service and he just wants to see them pay - all bets are off. With the men in his family always in and out of the slammer, Jase was raised in foster care. He knows what it takes to walk the line. And his number one self-imposed rule? Avoid his hunger for sexy, irresistible Poppy, who challenges him on everything. But it's a vow that's getting harder and harder to keep.

Currently Reading -

1. "Kiss of Midnight" by Lara Adrian (Midnight Breed #1)

Currently Listening to -

1. "Veil of Night" by Linda Howard (unabridged Audio CD)
2. "Fatal Error" by J.A. Jance (Alison Reynolds #6) (iTunes Audio Book)

Happy New Year, everyone!!     This is going to be the year I read a lot of new [to me] authors.  I've got such a large TBR pile that it will take all year to even make a dent in it, but what more could a person want!! 

Finished: 

Random Acts by Taylor Smith --- A powerful story about a serial killer who isn't at all what he seems to be.  FBI profiler Laurel Madden and FBI Agent Dan Sprague work to find the killer while reporter Claire Gillespie tries to tie Madden in with a story she's been working on for her news magazine.  A real page-turner, could not put it down!! 

The Poet by Michael Connelly  --- This is the first book by Michael Connelly I've read, and it certainly won't be the last!!  Intense writing, a chilling plot and interesting characters.  This is the first Jack McEvoy book and Connelly has developed a complex protaganist.  The ending was a complete surprise, I never saw it coming!  Highly recommended.

 The Map Thief by Heather Terrell --- An interesting blend of fact and fiction. From the fifteenth century China and Portugal to modern day, Terrell takes the reader on a journey around the world with both early Chinese and Portuguese explorers.  Who really discovered the world?  A lot of information about early map making, seafaring and other areas of the 1400s.  Sometimes a little hard to follow, but it all comes together in the end. This is the first book I've read of Terrell's...I think I'll look for her other two [that I know of].

 Ruby by Lauraine Snelling  --- I needed a break from the usual suspense/mysteries I normally read, so picked this one up and I really enjoyed it.  I haven't read any of Snelling's other works, but I do have 2 more in this series.  This one takes place in the Dakota Territories.  Ruby & her sister, Opal, travel there to see the father that deserted them years before.  He's dying and has left them an inheritance, a saloon & brothel. You have to read the book to find out what happens!

Lion in the Valley by Elizabeth Peters  --- Another Amelia Peabody novel.  I really enjoy this series, even more so as I get farther into them and become more acquainted with Amelia, Emerson and their son, Ramses.  What fun! Both Amelia and Emerson have such high opinions of themselves [and each other], that it makes for a rip-roaring delightful story.  And there is no one like Ramses, what an 8-year-old going on 40.  Love it!!

Nine Lives by Sharon Sala  -- I've read Sharon Sala before [and also her pseudo-name Dinah McCall], but this is the first of the Cat Dupree series and I really liked it. A quick read, but a well-developed plot and interesting characters in Cat and Wilson McKay.  Cat's background is similar to Carol O'Connell's Mallory series, tough, street-wise women who depend on no one but themselves.  Makes for interesting reading.

Open Season by C. J. Box  --- A very powerful 1st novel by Box.  An in-depth look at a game warden in Wyoming...Joe Pickett is honest, caring, hard-working and flawed.  He makes mistakes, sometimes real doozies! But when he finds, what he believes to be, a serious cover-up coming from people he has trusted, he doesn't hesitate to search for the truth.  I will definitely be looking for more of the Joe Pickett series. This is a real page-turner...highly recommended.  

'A' is for Alibi by Sue Grafton  --- I've been meaning to start this series for some time, just never got around to it until this week. While this series has been around for a long time, and the first books are a little dated [if the first one is any indication] I was pleasantly surprised.  The writing is well done and the plot intricate, but easy to follow.  I'm going to enjoy reading more of Grafton's Kinsey Millhone series.

Rueful Death by Susan Wittig Albert  --- I enjoy the China Bayles series and this one was especially interesting, combining the monastic life of a group of nuns, a couple of murders and some intriguing information about herbs, both poisonous and non. Albert always has a lot of details unknown to most people concerning the herbs she writes about. I find it very informative . Look forward to reading the next in the series.

Islands by Anne Rivers Sidons  --- Every time I read one of Siddons' books I come away feeling like I've just left old friends.  She has a way of transporting the reader into the time and place of the story and the characters become so real, it's hard to imagine not having known them personally.  Islands takes place in the Low Country of South Carolina...Charleston comes to life in the telling of this story.  Like many of her books, this one takes on a dark tone towards the end, but in keeping with the people it all rings true.  A marvelous read.

 If Ever I Return, Pretty Peggy-O by Sharyn McCrumb  --- McCrumb writes an interesting story dealing with the men who fought in Vietnam and weaves it through a mystery with an ending that's totally unexpected. I especially enjoyed the location background since it's so close to where I live. Her Ballad series is a treasure. 

The Rapids by Carla Neggers  --- 3rd in the U.S. Marshalls series.  It really helps to have read the previous books in the series because Neggers always refers back to the previous books in all her series.  It can be a little disconcerting at times if the reader doesn't know what's happened before.  She writes good stories, that's my only complaint.  This one deals with the hunt for a paid assassin with some romance thrown into the mix.

Stealing Shadows by Kay Hooper  -- Very good paranormal....  psychic Cassie Neill is able to get inside the heads of serial killers. In doing so she helps law enforcement find the killers, but she also puts herself at risk if she goes in too deep.  A tense, well-written plot that introduces Noah Bishop. 

Reading now:    The Last to Die by Beverly Barton     &   The Wind Dancer by Iris Johansen 

Up next:  

Currently Reading

1. The Camel Club by David Baldacci (Camel Club # 1)

Finished

Finished

• Scent of Rain and Lightning by Nancy Pickard 
• Giving Up the Ghost: A Story About Friendship, 80s Rock, a Lost Scrap of Paper, and What It Means to Be Haunted by Eric Nuzum
• So Brave, Young, and Handsome: A Novel by Leif Enger
• Bereft by Chris Wormersley
• Sunset Park by Paul Auster
• Round House by Louise Erdrich

Currently Reading

• John Saturnall's Feast by Lawrence Norfolk

 Listening To

• Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan

Recently Added to Wish List

• Leaving Ardglass :: William King
• Me and You :: Niccol Ammaniti
• The Dinner :: Herman Koch
• The Diviners :: Libba Bray
• The Imposter Bride: A Novel :: Nancy Richler

Currently reading:

Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell  (book)

Dead Calm - Charles F. Williams (Kindle)

Finished:

This Life Is In Your Hands by Melissa Coleman (kindle) - FINISHED -  Very good!!

Those Across the River - Christopher Beuhlman (Kindle) - Not sure yet what I think of this one.

Reading:

The Real Grey's Anatomy Andrew Holtz

Finished:

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button F Scott Fitzgerald

Beware of Cat Vincent Wyckoff

The Wrong Stuff Sharon Fiffer

Tales from the Peoli Road Eli Beachy

A Girl Made of Dust Nathalie Abi-Egzi

Play With Fire Dana Stabenow

Let the Lion Eat Straw Ellease Southerland

Oink-My Life with mini pigs Matt Whyman

Bedtime for Bonsai Elaine Fox

Home Game Michael Lewis

Lumby on the Air Gail Fraser

The Council of Dads Bruce Feiler

Murder of a Snake in the Grass Denise Swanson

The Christmas Note Donna VanLiere

The Secret Lives of Hoarders Matt Paxton

Cross Roads Fern Michaels

Fly Away Home Jennifer Weiner

The House of Hope and Fear Audrey Young

Long Drive Home Will Allison

I just finished

The Yellow Birds: A Novel

Author: Kevin Powers

Now reading

The Black Box (Harry Bosch, Bk 18)
Author: Michael Connelly

Finished

Game Of Thrones by George RR Martin

Wow, what an epic. Over 800 pages and not even anywhere near a conclusion at the end. I think there's 5 books in the series so far, this is gonna take awhile. It's a pretty good story, stays interesting, but a little too much going on. I didn't find it hard to keep everything straight like a lot of people have said they did but with all the separate stories going on they were pretty far between and advanced slowly. I don't have a lot of criticism, it's a good story and very thoroughly imagined. This first book is not much in the fantasy realm, it's a pretty straight forward story, but at the end it takes a turn and it looks like it will be a lot more fantastical in the coming books.

Nemesis by Jo Nesbo - A Harry Hole mystery. I started reading his books from the latest ones first and now that I'm getting to the earlier ones you can really see how the quality of the writing has improved as he goes on. The translation on this one isn't perfect either, there are a few clumsy sentences. He's getting his complexity down much in this one but it's not quite there yet. Good story lines, they just don't fit together as tightly as the next books do.

Dear Cary by Dyan Cannon - A memoir but very much focused on her relationship with Cary Grant, who as we all know is probably about the most desirable man in history. If you're a big fan you might want to skip this book though, he had some serious flaws in his reolationships with women. I guess it's to be expected, she was his 4th wife, and any man that handsome has to have some problems. I think she did well not blaming him though, the fault was spread around. And she also gave a pretty good demonstration of why he had these issues, his childhood was messed up. It's easy to see why he had abandonment issues with women. He did some awful mean stuff to her though, and she let him. According to some other reviews I have seen she left out a lot of stuff but there's plenty here to give a decent impression. He was an incredibly romantic, demonstrative and loving man who had some deep seated problems, but don't we all. I was hardly a hatchet job on him, I thought she was pretty fair, and probably more forgiving than I would have been over a couple incidents. I don't want to spoil anything but the dog incident would have made me leave him right then and there. This book will shatter some images, but I think we all know deep down that no one is that perfect, and it can be awfully hard trying to live up to that image.

This Child Will Be Great by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf - Oh boy, what a chore this was. It was like a Liberian history course with a particularly boring instructor. I learned a lot about Liberian history, including how the US helped screw up the country, but man was it dry and boring. Very little about her life outside of the political realm, although it didn't sound like she had much private life. It is one of those books that I'm glad I have the knowledge now but there is no enjoyment in the reading.

Fool Moon by Jim Butcher - Dresden Files book 2. I have mixed feelings about this series, I enjoy it but some things bug me about it. The cop, Murphy, is an idiot and does her best to get Dresden in trouble then take away anything he has that might help him, but out of stupidity not trying to get him hurt. She hires him becasue he's a wizard and there's something supernatural going on but then she refuses to believe what he says, thinks he's part if it, and strips him of his magic stuff. It happened in both books so far, so she's either an idiot or Butcher just doesn't write conflict well. She claims to be his friend but gez, with friends like her... There's also an awful lot of dumb luck going on. The scenarios are not all possible even considering many are in the magic realm. It has some flaws, but I still enjoy reading the books. The characters are mostly interesting and credible, there's a lot of humor in it, and you do end up rooting for the good guys. Just don't think about it too much.

Horns by Joe Hill - I really liked this one. It's supposed to be a horror book but I didn't find it scary. The protagonist may turn into the devil but he's not a bad guy and not very scary. He only does one bad thing to someone who doesn't deserve it and that seems out of character somehow. He's just a nice guy who got screwed by most of the people around him. You will have sympathy for the devil.

Corduroy Mansions by Alexander Mcall-Smith - A simple story about the inhabitants of a house divided into flats in the London area. Nothing ground breaking here but a pleasant little book. Most of his books are mysteries and I assumed this one would be too but it's not, just a bit about the resident's lives. They're quite a varied group and the stories go in many directions but they all have a little bit of a connection to one another.

Dominion by C J Sansom - A spy novel set in a dystopian Britain in 1952, where Hitler had won the war and controls most of Europe. Britain is left independant but a reluctant ally of Hitler, and slowly moving closer to Hitler's Germany. The two main characters are David, a civil servant who hides the fact that he's half Jewish and Holt, a German officer loyal to the SS. The story alternates between David's of joining the resistance and working within his government job to smuggle confidential info to the resistance and his eventual discovery and escape attempt and Holt's, who is the main officer in pursuit of David and his group. There is a third aspect that brings them together, a weird and withdrawn scientist whose brother has been working on the atom bomb in America accidently gets himself all up in it when his brother starts bragging while drunk about the bomb. Now Holt is after him and David must keep him safe. This isn't the kind of book I normally care for, I hate war and all that stuff, but it wasn't bad at all. It left me feeling bad for the things that have happened and how people still live and how fundamentally bad people are but it's human nature. We're nowhere near as noble as we think we are.

American Gods 10th anniversary edition by Neil Gaiman - I'm not a big fantasy reader but I really liked this book. There were a couple things that I didn't understand why they were quite as long as they were, detailed life stories of characters that are only mentioned again in passing, but it was never boring. Held my interest the whole time. It's a stroy about traveling across America to gather up the gods who have settled here, ancient gods that are somewhat retired and living human lives. Lots of stoies about places and gods, all in all a very interesting book. And not too far out there that it keeps reminding you that it's a fantasy story. He makes you think it's possible that these old gods could still be around and stocking shelves at the local supermarket.

The Golden Spiders by Rex Stout - A Nero Wolfe book, one of my favorite series. This one was a bit more 'physical' than he usually is, with Archie torturing someone a little bit. It was not bloody torture but seems so out of character for him. This one was written in 1953 and is a little more Sam Spade-y than usual with some pretty cute timely banter. Of the dames and cool cats variety. Three people are murdered, 2 of them with the same car, and in investigating the murders Mr Wolfe and his leg men come across a pretty big racket, so it's the typical complex unravelling that Stout is so good at.

The Man Who Mistook His Wife For A Hat by Oliver Sacks - Dr Sacks was the doctor in the film Awakenings, and this is a compilation of other neurological cases. It was written in 1986 and reads pretty dated, the section on people with mental retardation is called "The Simple" and they are refered to as defectives, morons, simpletons, retards, retardates. They may have been acceptable medical terms of the time but seem so weird now. I'm not a PC person but it was kind of distracting. The case stories were interesting but he does tend to go on a lot, especially about things like whether a person with profound brain damage still has a soul, is still an actual person. He refers to Freud and several philosophers a lot. I prefer my science without any of that kind of stuff and ended up skimming a lot. He refers to Awakenings a lot too, I didn't even know the connection until reading the book. There are about 25 case studies, many of them people who have extraordinary abilities despite being extremely damaged in one way or another and are really interesting, but be prepared to skim over a lot of padding.

Take Five: Four Favorite Essays and One Never Before Seen One by Augusten Burroughs - Short book, kindle only, with 5 stories from his life. I'd only seen one of them before, must have some catching up to do. Entertaining and a nice, light break. He's funny but sad at the same time, he can squeeze the humor out of the most horrific situations. A bit bitchy, a bit snarky, but always entertaining.

In The Blood by Steve Robinson - I really liked this book, I was up til 4:30 one night because I never came across a slow spot where I could stop. It is a non-stop story and very well done. I was surprised that it is a debut novel, it's tight, complex and well put together. It's a bit of a cozy, it doesn't have anything graphic and it's not scary, it's not really written to be. There are some awful anxious spots but it didn't make me want to leave a nightlight on. It was still a complex and interesting story about a genealogist trying to uncover what happened to a family line that just doesn't look quite right, and ends up being deadly. Good story, good history, it will make you look differently at your local genealogist. I don't know if he's written any more books yet but it does feel like he has set up a character for a series. I would definitely read them if he does.

This year I would like to blog alot more, so I plan on using the criteria that is outlined in PBS's Blog area to write reviews and really get to the meat of what I am reading. I also plan to do a couple of Reading Challenges, one from the Historical Fiction area and one from a list I created : Civil War books. There's alot out there that actually fits this category so it should be fun!

New Categories:

For Book Groups:

The Book of Salt~Monique Truong: A story from the point of view of a Vietnamese man who worked as a cook for Gertrude Stein and Alice B. Toklas! Very poetic and educational from a point of view I am not usually acquainted with, liking it!! about 1/2 way through

Tiny Beautiful Things~Cheryl Strayed: A book of advice column letters from the Rumpus.net So far I am liking it, very wise words from a woman of the world, she counterbalances each case with an illustration of self reliance and responsibilty. I am impressed! Almost done, a miracle, I usually don't get to finish before the group meets but this really pulled me in, now I want to read her "Wild"book!

Kindle: I couldn't connect with the Glass Room, so returned it, waiting to find a new one. Did read "The Gun" essay by Stephen King. he made some very good points on how the school shootings got covered like too many cliches and how it all begins to diminish the impact on our society. 

Mystery/Detective/Thriller:  M is for Malice~Sue Grafton: Kinsey is on a missing person's case. She loves these kind of cases, except nobody really wants her to find the missing heir so there is going to be some mischief for sure! Also an old boyfriend in the picture so there will be some relationship intrigue as well! Started this but it really hasn't taken off yet, unusual.On hold

Historical Fiction Challenge: (HFC) An Instance of the Fingerpost~Ian Pears: A poisoning of an Oxford Don in England in 1663, what could be more intriguing?

Civil War List: (CWL)  Cloudsplitter ~ Russell Banks: Will start before Jan ends! Promise!

NonFiction/Bio/Memoir: My Lobotomy~Howard Duffy: About a boy who gets an "icepick lobotomy" for no apparent reason. Research for my essay about the reasons behind "modern" treatment of people with disabilities and vulnearble adults. inspired by my reading of "The Immortal Life of Hennrietta Lacks"

Wild Card Choices:  This category is one or two random pick from my TBR or Reminder list to replace the previous years Next Book category. It just seems more realistic for me because I jump around and sample alot.

Criteria:  I will only list books if I am at least 50 pages along and somewhat invested: This month is:

Saul & Patsy~Charles Baxter: City Mouse couple becomes Country Mouse couple and the adjustment is different for each of them. 

The Garden of Last Days~Andre DubusIII: Wow, Started this and I have not been able to put it down! _{And all the rest of my reading has gone on hold til I am done! Spooky and raw, this is a story takes place in Southern Florida in the days right before 911 and the figures around that dreadful event. Dubus so artfully balances prejudice and vunerabilty in each of his characters, they are impossible to forget!Finished~Stupendous, See my review in Bets Books of the Month Thread~Hidden Gem 5 Stars}

Thanks~Have  a Great Reading Month!

Reading The Distant Hours by Kate Morton.

Barb, I really want to read Game of Thrones this year, the size is daunting but the overabundance of characters is what scares me the most.  I've heard it can be hard to keep up with who's who.

Reading Iron House by John hart

Listening to No Time For Goodbye by Linwood Barclay - cd

Listening to

Melissa, I LOVED Game of Thrones.  It's not that hard to keep up with the characters.  There's a glossary at the back to help if you really feel lost.

Melissa, I agree with Rhonda about Game of Thrones! I got sucked into the first book so fast I didn't know what hit me. The size was daunting to me as well, but now that I'm into the series I couldn't imagine the books being any smaller. I love the series and just finished book 4 before the new year. :) The characters aren't very hard to keep track of once you get into the story. Every chapter is a different character, so that helps.

(I found myself trying very hard to keep track of who was maester at what place, who ruled what lands, etc but now I don't worry so much if I can't remember as I'm reading. I've found that it all comes back to me eventually and the reading is much more enjoyable when I'm not always trying to figure those little details out all of the time as I read along.)

Myself, I'm chugging along nicely with Anne of Green Gables. What a fun read so far. :)

Have always enjoyed British mysteries, but recently "discovered" some new ( to me) authors :

1.Brian McGilloway whose first book, Borderlands, has me searching for more!!!!

2. Janet Neel- SO SO good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally managed to find all she has written.

3. Susannah Stacey- also very good. Am getting more of hers.

Anyone have other suggestions?

Alice

Just finished two books:  Where Did You Sleep Last Night? by Danzy Senna, where the author attempts to unravel the family mystery of her father's past, and The Train Jumper by Don Brown, a YA novel about a depression-era boy heading out west to find his wayward brother.  Both were fast, interesting reads.  

Next up: Satan's Sisters by Star Jones. 

Happy January! Woot! I'm excited to finally have books to post here!  I know I don't make enough time to read anymore and that makes me sad :(

Finished:
1. Magic Hour,  by Kristin Hannah
2. Stuff White People Like, by Christian Lander

Currently Reading:
1. Coupon Girl by Becky Motew
2. A Practical Wedding Creative Solutions for a Beautiful Affordable and Meaningful Celebration by Meg Keene

Finished:

1. Insurgent by Veronica Roth - I loved Divergent but I had to force myself to plow through this one.
2. The Killing Floor | Jack Reacher #1 by Lee Child - I really enjoyed this one. There were a lot of parts that were pretty unbelievable and if I had let myself dwell on them I'm sure I wouldn't have liked the book near as much. 
3. Desperate Passage - The Donner Party's Perilous Journey West by Ethan Rarick. Very interesting and well-written. Parts of it were pretty gruesome but the author doesn't dwell on or sensationalize it, he just gave the facts. I didn't know a whole lot about this story so I learned a lot.
4. American Death Songs by Jordan Harper - I won this book from GoodReads. It's a collection of short stories where one or more characters usually dies, and the events that lead up to it. It's pretty harsh and violent - lots of meth addicts, prison yard violence, gangs, drug deals that went wrong, etc. Not for everyone. Being a middle-aged midwestern woman, this stuff is pretty far from what my life is like, which made it an interesting read for me. The author does a good job of making you really dislike some of characters and hoping other characters are going to get out of the bind they're in.
5. Let's Pretend This Never Happened - A Mostly True Memoir by Jenny Lawson. I picked this one up after finishing Deperate Passge. I definitely needed something light and funny. It's a collection of long rambling stories, some parts are really funny but most of it is just really kind of boring. Update: yeah, I had to put this one down. It's on my nook so I'll probably just pick it up and read one story at a time, then put it away for awhile again. This author is just too annoying to sit and read for hours at a time, she reminds me of an obnoxious 14 year old girl.
6. Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys. This is about a family that is arrested in Lithauania during the Stalin era and sent to Siberia. 

I have Game of Thrones in my pile to be read.  I zoomed through Pillars of the Earth, and when I got to World Without End, 1014 pgs., I was so sad to see it end, I only allowed myself 3 pages a night until the end.   When I buy hardback books, the thicker the better.  I guess I see it as a bargain, like potatoes by the lb.

Maysied

So far this month I have read The Secret Holocaust Diaries by Nonna Bannister and I just finished Full Service by Scotty Bowers.  Not sure what I will read next but I do have a very large TBR pile.

Horns by Joe Hill 

I have a few things going, but the one I am really liking is The Widower's Tale by Julia Glass.  And I also am enjoying The Marriage Test by Betina Krahn.  I have enjoyed all her books.  She has a great sense of humor.  Also I always have a western going and this week it is Sudden Country by Loren Estleman, my favorite western author.

Sunday bumping