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Jen P. (quixotictea) - Reviews

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Agatha Raisin and the Potted Gardener (Agatha Raisin, Bk 3)
Agatha Raisin and the Potted Gardener (Agatha Raisin, Bk 3)
Author: M. C. Beaton
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 106
Review Date: 5/6/2007
Helpful Score: 1


In this 3rd book of the Agatha raisin series, Agatha finds a new woman seems to be receiving particular attention from her handsome neighbor. To make matters worsem the woman is beautiful and quite the green thumb! With the local Garden Day approaching, Agatha wishes to gain some attention for herself and kick that 'other woman' down a notch or two. After digging up dirt on her compatition, Agatha finds herself in another fine mess - another murder - and another scandal. Lighthearted and an easy read. Perfect for a lazy day.


Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death (Agatha Raisin, Bk 1)
Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death (Agatha Raisin, Bk 1)
Author: M. C. Beaton
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.6/5 Stars.
 18
Review Date: 3/31/2007


1st book in the Agatha Raisin mystery series. Here we meet Agatha, who has just sold her highly successful public relations business and is moving to her dream-home in the picture perfect Cotswold village. Her attempt to make her mark in the annual quiche-making competition goes horribly awry when the judge is poisoned by her own quiche. Unfortunately, Agatha has no cooking skills and must confess that she purchased her quiche at a London deli. Now exposed as a liar, a cheat, (and potential muderer!) she starts her own investigation into the mysterious death. This is a fun read.


Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet (Agatha Raisin, Bk 2)
Agatha Raisin and the Vicious Vet (Agatha Raisin, Bk 2)
Author: M. C. Beaton
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 107
Review Date: 3/31/2007


2nd book in Agatha Raisin series. Recently relocated to the quaint Cotswold village after selling her successful PR firm, Agatha is trying to make friends and fit in. She (and the other ladies in the village) take a shine to the new vet in town, but before that romance can take off, the vet is found dead. Agatha and her handsome bachelor neighbor, James Lacey, take an interest in the circumstances of Dr. Bladen's death. However, as they make inquiries, frightening things begin to happen, including the death of one of the local village women. Have Agatha and James struck a nerve? Agatha's prickly, yet lovable nature is endearing. Another delightful read.


Agatha Raisin and the Walkers of Dembley (Agatha Raisin, Bk 4)
Agatha Raisin and the Walkers of Dembley (Agatha Raisin, Bk 4)
Author: M. C. Beaton
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 104
Review Date: 4/10/2007
Helpful Score: 1


This is the 4th book in the series. Agatha Rasin has just tried a six month stint in London in a PR firm, but it just isn't the thrill it used to be. Plus, she realizes she doesn't like the person she becomes in London. It's a relief to come back to the Cotswolds where she's hoping to resume her friendship with the handsome next-door bachelor, James Lacey. If only they could do some more 'investigating' together. As luck, or rather murder, would have it, a member of a local ramblers club, has been murdered, and wouldn't you know it - Agatha is asked privately to look into it. James agrees to help Agatha's investigation, and they end of having to play man and wife to get an insider's view of the ramblers club. The body count rises in this case, and Agatha and James may find more than just the killer. Could love be in the cards for this pair?


The Anxiety of Everyday Objects
The Anxiety of Everyday Objects
Author: Aurelie Sheehan
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.1/5 Stars.
 34
Review Date: 7/10/2006


Winona Bartlett is a secretary of an NYC law firm, but has dreams of being a filmmaker. Enter Sandy Spires, the gorgeous, domineering, and blind new lawyer, who inspires Winona to continue working on her film. Office romances, secret meetings, disappointments and revelations - all is not necessarily as it appears. A fun read


Bed & Breakfast
Bed & Breakfast
Author: Lois Battle
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 3.6/5 Stars.
 18
Review Date: 1/12/2007


The death, or near death, of a close friend prompts a woman who owns a siimple bed-and-breakfast to re-prioritize her life. She decides she needs to reach out to her daughters and asks them to all come home and be together for Christmas. Each of the 3 daughters have their own opinions about spending the holidays together and are each having their own personal battles. This book highlights the complexity of love and relationships, and while there is no fairy-tale ending, lessons are learned and new appreciation does come to light, even if in surprising ways.


Bee Season
Bee Season
Author: Myla Goldberg
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 340
Review Date: 7/10/2006
Helpful Score: 5


An underachiever, Eliza Naumann, lives in the shadows of her seemingly workaholic lawyer mom, and a father who focuses all of his energy on Eliza's brother who has rabbinical ambition. She amazes everyone when she wins the spelling bee, and this victory sets off a series of events that throws the already dysfunctional Naumann family into crisis. It is Eliza, through her newfound abilities and confidence, who tries to hold them all together. An intriguing story that holds on to you well after you've completed reading it.


Blackberry Wine
Blackberry Wine
Author: Joanne Harris
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.6/5 Stars.
 91
Review Date: 2/2/2007


As a lad, Jay mackintosh spent a few golden summers in a small English town and got to know "Jackapple Joe" Cox. A lonely child, Jay found solace in Old Joe's simple wisdom and folk charm. Joe disappeared suddenly, and Jay never forgot. Years later, after publishing a widely successful novel, Jackapple Joe, Jay has not been able to write anything more and find life rather empty. On a whim, he leaves life in London and buys an old farmhouse in a remote French village. The journey to personal healing is a haunted by a local reclusive woman and child, stirrings from Jackapple Joe himself, and the ability to get back to who he was as a boy. In this story you encounter old friends from the novel, Chocolat, giving you the sense of your own homecoming. Delightful read.


Breakfast at Stephanie's
Breakfast at Stephanie's
Author: Sue Margolis
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.3/5 Stars.
 59
Review Date: 7/10/2006


Single mother and aspiring jazz soloist, Stephanie Glassman, is struggling to make ends meet and her lack of love life isn't helping matters. Suddenly, though, with the return of her son's sexy daddy, and the flirtation of Stephanie's long-time crush, she now has 2 romantic possibilities. Life is turned upside-down when her career gets a big break, scandel erupts, and two men are competing for her affections. Stephanie's decisions may surprise everyone.


Breakfast at Tiffany's
Breakfast at Tiffany's
Author: Truman Capote
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 204
Review Date: 10/29/2006


Reading Capote's tale of Holly Golightly is a treat, whether you've seen the movie or not. Such interesting and colorful characters - you feel like you truly have spent personal time with each of them. Also included in the book are the short stories, "House of Flowers," A Diamond Guitar," and "A Christmas Memory."


The Cat Who Brought Down the House (Cat Who...Bk 25)
The Cat Who Brought Down the House (Cat Who...Bk 25)
Author: Lilian Jackson Braun
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 149
Review Date: 3/27/2007


Pickax native and aging Hollywood star Thelma Thackery is moving back to her hometown to live out her golden years. When her prized Amazon parrot disappears and her twin brother dies mysteriously, Jim Qwilleran and his wise cat, Koko, are on the case. As with all of "The Cat Who..." books, this is a fun, light read - a mental vacation. This is the 25th book in the series.


Chocolat
Chocolat
Author: Joanne Harris
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 121
Review Date: 10/29/2006


Vianne and her daughter, Anouk, arrive in the small French village for a new life. The people they meet are deep, rich, and tangible characters. They say small village life is the simple life, but the history, prejudices, and family secrets are anything but simple here. Religion, principle, love, determination, and family butt heads and make beautiful music throughout this touching story. Is Vianne a witch, casting her charms and weaving her soul into this town, or are the townspeople ready to face the truth of who they are and make amends for past wrongs?


Citizen Girl
Citizen Girl
Author: Emma McLaughlin, Nicola Kraus
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 2.4/5 Stars.
 100
Review Date: 1/12/2007
Helpful Score: 6


This is the story of Girl navigating her way through getting a start in Corporate America after college graduation. While over the top with some horrendous bosses, the experiences ring true on many levels and answers that burning question of 'what am I willing to compromise for a job in order to pay the bills?'


Death at Buckingham Palace (Her Majesty Investigates, Bk 1)
Death at Buckingham Palace (Her Majesty Investigates, Bk 1)
Author: C. C. Benison
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.6/5 Stars.
 48
Review Date: 10/31/2006
Helpful Score: 1


Jane Bee is a Canadian who has found employment in Her Majesty's service at Buckingham Palace. Fun read of how she gets involved in investigating a murder in the Palace at the request of Her Majesty, the Queen!


Death at Sandringham House (Her Majesty Investigates, Bk 2)
Death at Sandringham House (Her Majesty Investigates, Bk 2)
Author: C. C. Benison
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 26
Review Date: 10/29/2006


In the 2nd book of the series, Jane Bee finds herself once again face to face with a murder. Though police seem to think the local animal rights activists are suspicious, Jane and Her Majesty, the Queen, have a hunch someone in their midst may be to blame. A fun, light read.


Death at Windsor Castle (Her Majesty Investigates, Bk 3)
Death at Windsor Castle (Her Majesty Investigates, Bk 3)
Author: C. C. Benison
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.6/5 Stars.
 27
Review Date: 10/29/2006
Helpful Score: 1


In the 3rd book in the series, Jane Bee, housemaid to the Royal Family, is summoned to the Throne Room at Windsor Castle to see the body of Roger Pettibon run through with a sword. Though someone has confessed, Jane knows the confession is false, and once again, Jane and the Queen do their own investigating. Light and fun.


Deception Point
Deception Point
Author: Dan Brown
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.7/5 Stars.
 1746
Review Date: 2/2/2007


Dan Brown is still trying to find his writing syle in this book, but it is an interesting look into a government conspiracy situation. Action packed!


Digital Fortress
Digital Fortress
Author: Dan Brown
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
  • Currently 3.6/5 Stars.
 1754
Review Date: 2/2/2007
Helpful Score: 1


A techno-thriller. Not as good as Brown's other novels, but still an interesting read.


Dr. Richard Marrs' Fertility Book : America's Leading Infertility Expert Tells You Everything You Need to Know About Getting Pregnant
Review Date: 11/16/2006


This is an overview of the types of fertility treatments available and questions to ask.


Espresso Tales (44 Scotland Street, Bk 2)
Espresso Tales (44 Scotland Street, Bk 2)
Author: Alexander McCall Smith
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 80
Review Date: 2/19/2007


In this follow-up to 44 Scotland Street, we meet again with 6-year-old Bertie, the child genius, as well as his mother and father who are beginning to disagree on the path their son should take. Self-centered Bruce is without a job and is now contemplating becoming a wine mercahnt. And Pat is embarking on a new life at Edinburgh University, much to her father's relief. It is a joy to catch up once more with these endearing characters.


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