Weekly Reading (SP/IMWAYR?)

The Dirt On Ninth Grave by Darynda Jones (#9)

This book is very hard to talk about in order avoid spoilers for those who have not read Eight Grave yet.  Eight Grave left us on a major cliff screaming..."Noooooo"! The first half was a bit repetitive and slow. Once Charley realizes something is going on with the neighbor she becomes obsessed with figuring out what is happening with Mr. V.  Her snarkyness and doggedness remains in tact. You can feel the anguish and love of the other characters as they wait on Charley.  The second half gets crazy good with break neck speed, twisty turns and with a heartfelt, emotional way in which Charley gains some much needed information and help. Looking forward to what happens next to these characters. 

*Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for this copy*

My Kind of Wonderful by Jill Shalvis (#2)

Bailey has just come through a hard won fight with cancer.  She has decided that she will live to the fullest and has a list to help her with this goal.  She comes to Cedar Ridge to tackle an item on her list, "paint a mural".  She is hired by Hudson's mother who struggles with mental issues and is disappointed to discover it may not happen.  Hudson's family, however, thinks it is a great idea and get on board despite Hudson's negativity.  Hudson pushes himself to never let his family down and it shows.  The guilt is weighing him down and he tries to work it off, at the family's ski resort and as a cop.  He find Bailey a nice distraction from his everyday worries, but is determined to keep it light.  Bailey is just a intrigued, but for her, he  just a short-term as she has her list to live.  The family is blinded by their chemistry that they work way too hard to deny. Full of fun, heartwarming moments, and with hilarious banter that had me laughing out-loud numerous times.  Can't wait for Jacob's story.

*Thanks to Forever/GCP via Netgalley for this copy*

Marry Me At Christmas by Susan Mallery (#19)

I did not read this book while reading all my other themed books since I looked at it's series (Fools Gold) rather  than a holiday read.  Madeline loves her job managing the Paper Moon Bridal Shop.  She loves to help brides find "the one" dress that they've dreamed about.  She is surprised when Mayor Marsha asks her to help the newest resident in town plan his sister's small wedding, but agrees as long as they know planning is not her bailiwick.  Jonny has moved to Fool's Gold looking for a place to just be himself, not the movie star. He has been very satisfied with this move as the town's people have been treating him like a regular guy.  Madeline has been star struck by Jonny, but it determined to help out Marsha and Dellina by getting over this silly crush and help Jonny plan Ginger's wedding.  She quickly learns how that he is a regular guy, but the crush is not going away.  Another great romance in Fool's Gold  Shelby's story is next.

Into the Fury by Kat Martin  (#1)

Brodie Operations Security Services has a new job.  Provide secruity for LaBelle Lingere.  The models have each received a threatening note right before taking the anticipated show on the road.  Ethan Brodie is sure while this will be a headache of an assignment, but his partners are otherwise engaged. He quickly learns that these are no dumb bunnies and gains respect for these the hard work these ladies put in every day. When one of the models is murdered the assignment gets harder and Ethan is assigned to protect Valentine 24/7.  Because he is also a private investigator, he investigates while protecting and things aren't adding up.  Will he figure out what is going on before another model is killed?  A good beginning to a new series.

*Thanks to Kensington Books via NetGalley for this copy*

The Secret Life of Violet Grant by Beatriz WIlliams (#1)

Vivian is trying to make it as a reporter in 1964 New York when a package awaits her at the post office.  While standing in line to retrieve the item she meets a handsome young man that helps her carry the suitcase home.  When she finds out that it belongs to her Aunt Violet, a family member that she doesn't know much about, she is intrigued and knows it will make a great story.  Her mother does not want her to pursue the story of this family member that left the bosom of her family to become a scientist.  All they know of her is that she disappeared with her lover after her husband was killed.  Told in alternating voices of Vivian and Violet. Vivian is a spunky woman determined to have a career and find love. Violet's story is filled with mystery, intrigue and a few twists.  A great read.

Reading:
Devoted in Death by J.D. Robb

Listening to:
The Guilty by David Baldacci
Cross Justice by James Patterson
The Martian by Andy Weir

Up Next:
Silent Creed by Alex Kava
All The Stars in the Heavens by Adriana Trigiani
Will's True Wish by Grace Burrowes

The Christmas decoration are all put away and everything put back into it's place.  Tomorrow it is back to the normal schedule.  I am ready!  Are your decorations put away or do you like the season to linger?

Find joy in the simple things!

Year in Review Favorite of 2015
First Book of 2016


Linking to these memes:

Kathryn at Book Date hosts IMWAYR?, a place to  meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It's a great opportunity to organize yourself, visit, comment, and add to that every growing TBR pile.

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received.