Megan stood in the empty foyer and wondered how she'd manage to lose control of her life so easily. One minute everything was clean and uncomplicated, and then, wham, her mind was cluttered with babies and sexy pediatricians and roast turkeys. The worst part was that she was actually enjoying all this. Megan, you're such a jerk, she told herself. Have you forgotten about the bag hanging in the closet upstairs? Have you forgotten about Dave? And what about Steve? And Jimmy Fee, the little nerd?
Okay, she thought, she'd allow one man into her life. Tim. The other man would henceforth be referred to as "Dr. Hunter." And no more of that Mrs. Hunter stuff. And no more kisses! She'd set her alarm tonight, and tomorrow she'd get up at five o'clock and be fully clothed before Dr. Hunter arrived. (p. 38)
Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich is a quirky, fun book about two people who are hesitant to begin a new relationship but are brought together during the Thanksgiving season by a rabbit, an abandoned baby, and two interfering mothers who believe they are engaged. Megan finds herself attracted to Pat, but she's already been jilted by three loves in her life and doesn't want to go down that road again. Dr. Patrick Hunter finds himself attracted to Megan because she's feisty and full of energy. And baby Tim brings the two together in a very unexpected but loving way. Can they survive being parents? Can they survive Thanksgiving dinner? Can they survive the love they are beginning to feel for one another?
Typical Evanovich chick-lit, Thanksgiving was fun seasonal reading that lightened up my mood with love and laughter for a couple of days.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Decisions
I don't usually post anything except my reading reviews and book challenges on this blog, but I thought this was worth remembering. It is a post from another reading blog that I stumbled upon, and I enjoyed what I read. (I guess that fits my criteria of posts.) Thanks, Janet, for this link that I found through your new reading blog.
Enjoy!
The Choices We Make by Deb Baker
And me? I would probably eat exactly the same thing as Deb!
Enjoy!
The Choices We Make by Deb Baker
And me? I would probably eat exactly the same thing as Deb!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Unnatural Exposure
"How do you know you've got the flu? That it's not something else?"
"I don't have a rash. Is that what you want to hear?"
There was a long silence. Then he said, "What if you get one?"
"Then I'm probably going to die, Benton." I coughed again. "You'll probably never touch me again. And I'd never want you to see me again, if it goes its course. It's easier to worry about stalkers, serial killers, people you can blow away with a gun. But the invisible ones are who I've always feared. They take you on a sunny day in a public place. They slide in with your lemonade. I've been vaccinated for hepatitis B. But that's just one killer in a huge population. What about tuberculosis and HIV, and Hanta and Ebola? What about this? God." I took a deep breath. "It started with a torso and I did not know." (pp. 260-261)
Kay Scarpetta finds herself doing an autopsy on a torso that many people believe is part of a serial killer's trail. However, when she discovers the torso and another dead body both have a rash that hasn't been seen in years, Kay becomes very nervous and knows that this killer is out for revenge. Unnatural Exposure by Patricia Cornwell is the eighth book in the Scarpetta Series. The title describes a crime that Kay must solve before the world is exposed to a deadly disease of which she and others have unknowingly already been exposed. All the favorite characters are in this book, the familiar tensions and twists continue to be a part of the plot, and the conclusion comes suddenly as it often does in this series. Still, I very much enjoyed Unnatural Exposure and will continue reading from this series at my leisurely pace.
"I don't have a rash. Is that what you want to hear?"
There was a long silence. Then he said, "What if you get one?"
"Then I'm probably going to die, Benton." I coughed again. "You'll probably never touch me again. And I'd never want you to see me again, if it goes its course. It's easier to worry about stalkers, serial killers, people you can blow away with a gun. But the invisible ones are who I've always feared. They take you on a sunny day in a public place. They slide in with your lemonade. I've been vaccinated for hepatitis B. But that's just one killer in a huge population. What about tuberculosis and HIV, and Hanta and Ebola? What about this? God." I took a deep breath. "It started with a torso and I did not know." (pp. 260-261)
Kay Scarpetta finds herself doing an autopsy on a torso that many people believe is part of a serial killer's trail. However, when she discovers the torso and another dead body both have a rash that hasn't been seen in years, Kay becomes very nervous and knows that this killer is out for revenge. Unnatural Exposure by Patricia Cornwell is the eighth book in the Scarpetta Series. The title describes a crime that Kay must solve before the world is exposed to a deadly disease of which she and others have unknowingly already been exposed. All the favorite characters are in this book, the familiar tensions and twists continue to be a part of the plot, and the conclusion comes suddenly as it often does in this series. Still, I very much enjoyed Unnatural Exposure and will continue reading from this series at my leisurely pace.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Winter Holiday Reading Challenge --- November Update
What is everyone reading this month for the Winter Holiday Reading Challenge?
AlleluiaLu read The Christmas Pearl by Dorothea Benton Frank
Tea read The Christmas Clock by Kat Martin
Lindy (Grilsgood) read Silver Bells by Luanne Rice
Marilu read Cowboy Santa by Judy Christenbrry
Julie is reading The Christmas Shoes
Diane (bookinhand) read Thanksgiving by JanetEvanovich
Tea read Christmas Letters by Lee Smith
Tea read High Heels and Holidays by Kasey Michaels
Melissa read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Let everyone know what holiday adventure you experienced through reading this month! Leave your comment with the title and author, as well as a link to your review if you have one. (Remember, reviews are optional.)
Happy Holiday Reading!
(Winter Holiday Reading Challenge original post can be found here.)
AlleluiaLu read The Christmas Pearl by Dorothea Benton Frank
Tea read The Christmas Clock by Kat Martin
Lindy (Grilsgood) read Silver Bells by Luanne Rice
Marilu read Cowboy Santa by Judy Christenbrry
Julie is reading The Christmas Shoes
Diane (bookinhand) read Thanksgiving by JanetEvanovich
Tea read Christmas Letters by Lee Smith
Tea read High Heels and Holidays by Kasey Michaels
Melissa read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
Let everyone know what holiday adventure you experienced through reading this month! Leave your comment with the title and author, as well as a link to your review if you have one. (Remember, reviews are optional.)
Happy Holiday Reading!
(Winter Holiday Reading Challenge original post can be found here.)
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Rabbit Hill
All the hill was boiling with excitement. On every side there rose a continual chattering and squeaking, whispering and whistling, as the Animals discussed the great news. Through it all could be heard again and again the words, "New Folks coming." (pp. 11-12)
Rabbit Hill by Robert Lawson is a Newbery Medal (1945) book about the Animals on Rabbit Hill who are looking forward to a new family moving into the farm house that has stood neglected for quite some time. This cute book is told through the eyes of the animals. As the animals prepare for the coming of the New Folks, they prepare themselves for whatever may arrive. There have been both good and bad times on the Hill, and the Animals are desperately hoping for New Folks that will plant the gardens, landscape the grounds, and be understanding and compassionate of the current residents of the Hill. The story tells the adventures of the Rabbit family, especially Little Georgie, and of their preparations, joys, and dangers before and after the New Folks arrive. The story concludes on Midsummer's Eve, a very special day for the Animals on Rabbit Hill. But their excitement for this year's event has a two-fold purpose, and this brings the story to a very happy ending.
The sun had set, and the gold of the west slowly faded to a cool clear green. Venus, hanging low over the Pine Wood, burned brilliantly, all alone at first, but as the sky deepened the small stars began to show themselves. High up the new moon swam like a silver sickle.
As the dusk thickened the whole Hill began to whisper with the soft rustle of small bodies passing through the grass, with the swish of tiny feet, all making their way toward the garden, for this was Midsummer's Eve and the Little Animals were gathering. (pp. 119-120)
A cute story rich with setting and anticipation, Rabbit Hill was an enjoyable read. The book is recommended for ages 8-12 with a reading level of 6.7. I recommend it to those who love a good animal story!
Rabbit Hill by Robert Lawson is a Newbery Medal (1945) book about the Animals on Rabbit Hill who are looking forward to a new family moving into the farm house that has stood neglected for quite some time. This cute book is told through the eyes of the animals. As the animals prepare for the coming of the New Folks, they prepare themselves for whatever may arrive. There have been both good and bad times on the Hill, and the Animals are desperately hoping for New Folks that will plant the gardens, landscape the grounds, and be understanding and compassionate of the current residents of the Hill. The story tells the adventures of the Rabbit family, especially Little Georgie, and of their preparations, joys, and dangers before and after the New Folks arrive. The story concludes on Midsummer's Eve, a very special day for the Animals on Rabbit Hill. But their excitement for this year's event has a two-fold purpose, and this brings the story to a very happy ending.
The sun had set, and the gold of the west slowly faded to a cool clear green. Venus, hanging low over the Pine Wood, burned brilliantly, all alone at first, but as the sky deepened the small stars began to show themselves. High up the new moon swam like a silver sickle.
As the dusk thickened the whole Hill began to whisper with the soft rustle of small bodies passing through the grass, with the swish of tiny feet, all making their way toward the garden, for this was Midsummer's Eve and the Little Animals were gathering. (pp. 119-120)
A cute story rich with setting and anticipation, Rabbit Hill was an enjoyable read. The book is recommended for ages 8-12 with a reading level of 6.7. I recommend it to those who love a good animal story!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Oceans Apart
Max kept reading, but Connor was no longer listening. His heart was stuck back on the first part, where Jesus knew that the people needed His word so that their hearts would be right. How simple was that? Simple and sound and true beyond anything Connor had told himself in the past ten years.
When was the last time he'd had those profound truths in the forefront of his mind? Back when he met Michele and the two of them began dating, definitely. But when had he stopped? When had he chosen to get through a week or even a day without God's words to guide him? And how come bells hadn't gone off, alarms to signal the fact that without the wisdom Jesus gave, he was bound to fall?
If his heart had been right that summer eight years ago, he never would've been unfaithful, never. Tempted, maybe, but he would have seen the way out, the way promised by God Himself. But then, he wouldn't have this wonder child sitting before him to remind him of everything he'd forgotten. (pp. 179-180)
Oceans Apart by Karen Kingsbury reminds us that Love happens when people forgive (p. 322). It's a story of forgiveness and second chances. It's a story about being oceans apart physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And it's a story about a little boy finding a family, a man living through the consequences of his poor choices, and a family needing to experience forgiveness before they are torn apart by the past. I liked how the story unfolded and I appreciated the various threads of forgiveness that made the story whole. Oceans Apart is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it to others.
When was the last time he'd had those profound truths in the forefront of his mind? Back when he met Michele and the two of them began dating, definitely. But when had he stopped? When had he chosen to get through a week or even a day without God's words to guide him? And how come bells hadn't gone off, alarms to signal the fact that without the wisdom Jesus gave, he was bound to fall?
If his heart had been right that summer eight years ago, he never would've been unfaithful, never. Tempted, maybe, but he would have seen the way out, the way promised by God Himself. But then, he wouldn't have this wonder child sitting before him to remind him of everything he'd forgotten. (pp. 179-180)
Oceans Apart by Karen Kingsbury reminds us that Love happens when people forgive (p. 322). It's a story of forgiveness and second chances. It's a story about being oceans apart physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And it's a story about a little boy finding a family, a man living through the consequences of his poor choices, and a family needing to experience forgiveness before they are torn apart by the past. I liked how the story unfolded and I appreciated the various threads of forgiveness that made the story whole. Oceans Apart is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it to others.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Not Even For Love
In Switzerland, Jordan Hadlock is surprised to find a fellow American outside her bookshop door --- especially one so ruggedly handsome. What's even more surprising are the feelings this alluring stranger awakens in her, even though she is already involved with a high profile Swiss industrialist. Now she will have to choose between a friend and a lover. (back cover of audio book)
Yes, I listened to another Sandra Brown audio book right after finishing one a couple weeks ago. Not Even For Love did not let me down. A true Sandra Brown romance, I very much enjoyed this book. The main character Jordan irritated me much of the way through the story because of her indecisiveness for what she really wanted, but I liked how Reeves pursued her to convince Jordan of her true intentions. Fun, steamy, and dreamy (I loved the setting of Switzerland), Not Even For Love gave me a perfect escape from reality during my daily commute.
Yes, I listened to another Sandra Brown audio book right after finishing one a couple weeks ago. Not Even For Love did not let me down. A true Sandra Brown romance, I very much enjoyed this book. The main character Jordan irritated me much of the way through the story because of her indecisiveness for what she really wanted, but I liked how Reeves pursued her to convince Jordan of her true intentions. Fun, steamy, and dreamy (I loved the setting of Switzerland), Not Even For Love gave me a perfect escape from reality during my daily commute.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Ring
Tall and slender, Asakawa had never in his life had an illness worth the name. To think that this was how he was sentenced to die. Part of him still felt it was a dream, that he'd reach ten o'clock on October 18th without having understood the video or figured out the charm, but in the end nothing would happen and the days would stretch out before him as they always had. Oguri would wear a mocking expression and expound on the foolishness of believing in superstitions, while Ryuji would laugh and say, "We just don't understand how the world works." And his wife and daughter would greet their daddy with these same sleeping faces. Even a passenger on an airplane falling from the sky can't shake the hope that he'll be the one to survive. (pp. 120-121)
Asakaw, his family, everybody who had seen the video had been subconsciously infected with this virus. They were carriers. And viruses burrowed directly into the genes, the core of life. There was no telling yet what would result from this, how it would change human history --- human evolution. (pp. 284-285)
A chilling mystery of how one man discovers an unusual link between four deaths that now threatens his life and his loved ones is the premise of Ring by Koji Suzuki. How will Asakaw find the connection between a video, paranormal occurrences, and an unknown woman within a deadline of one week's time? With the help of his friend and old classmate Ryuji, Asakaw searches a vacation resort, a museum, an island, and an old well for the charm that will help break this virus and its deadly sentence.
I found the book Ring to be a real page turner; however, because it is a trilogy the ending left me hanging. I understand there is both an American and a Japanese movie based on this book that can be found on DVD. I'm not usually fond of horror mystery movies, but the book Ring was a good one and it might be worth checking out in movie format.
Asakaw, his family, everybody who had seen the video had been subconsciously infected with this virus. They were carriers. And viruses burrowed directly into the genes, the core of life. There was no telling yet what would result from this, how it would change human history --- human evolution. (pp. 284-285)
A chilling mystery of how one man discovers an unusual link between four deaths that now threatens his life and his loved ones is the premise of Ring by Koji Suzuki. How will Asakaw find the connection between a video, paranormal occurrences, and an unknown woman within a deadline of one week's time? With the help of his friend and old classmate Ryuji, Asakaw searches a vacation resort, a museum, an island, and an old well for the charm that will help break this virus and its deadly sentence.
I found the book Ring to be a real page turner; however, because it is a trilogy the ending left me hanging. I understand there is both an American and a Japanese movie based on this book that can be found on DVD. I'm not usually fond of horror mystery movies, but the book Ring was a good one and it might be worth checking out in movie format.
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