December Wrap-Up

December was a rough month for me physically.  My flare-up did not allow much reading time, which kept my book read to only 7 for the month!  I am doing much better now and I thank those that wished me well and checked in on me!  

Titles Read:

Abandoned by Allison Brennan
Ambush by James Patterson and James O. Born (audio)
Christmas by Accident by Camron Wright
Desperate Girls by Laura Griffin (audio)
Dreams of Falling by Karen White
Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis NF
Shelter in Place by Nora Roberts

•Total Read: 7

•Adult:7
•YA: 0
•Audios: 2
•Abandonded: 0
•New to me authors:2
•Debut authors: 0
•Series Books: 4
•Women Authors: 5
•Men Authors: 3
•Shortest:  240
•Longest: 438

•YTD - 199

•Favorite Book(s) of the Month: Dreams of Falling

Where I've Read This Month: Connecticut, Maine, New York, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia

Genres read: Contemporary (2), Non-Fiction, Suspense/Thriller (4)

What I Am Looking Forward to in January:

Linking up with Kathryn at The Book Date's Month In Review

                                The grand kids are growing. Cameron, Nora, Cole, Milo and Janessa.  We will be blessed with another grandson in May!

Weekly Reading Wrap UP (SP/IMWAYR?)

Desperate Girls by Laura Griffin #1

A criminal that defense attorney Brynn once prosecuted is suspected in the killing of a Judge, her former co-worker.  Her current boss hires security for her which she thinks is too much and will interfere with her current case. Erik works for Wolfe Security and is assigned to the case. They, of course, get off to a rocky start despite their attraction.  When it becomes clear that there is a real threat Brynn begins to cooperate and the action ramps up.  A good start to a new series that was narrated by one of my favorites Madeleine Maby. 

*Thanks to Simon and Schuster Audio for this review copy*

Christmas by Accident by Camron Wright

Carter has been warned against embellishing his insurance adjuster report.  When he is finally let go right before Christmas he decides to write a Christmas story. Abby works at the family bookstore ReadMore and loves Christmas.  She is involved in an accident when she is rushing to her Uncle's side. Her report is the last one Carter writes and when he is need of help editing his story he reaches out to Abby.  Their relationship starts out slowly and builds, both learning about love, family and second chances.  A cute story for the season.

Ambush by James Patterson and James O. Born #11 (audio)

Detective Michael Bennett and his partner receive a tip and are ambushed.  Michael's son who is serving time is beat up.  Michael knows this is more than it seems and sets out to find out who and why is after him and his family.  Because when you mess with his family it becomes extremely personal.  He is relentless when following the clues to get to the assassin. Danny Mastrogiorgio narrates this long running series that makes it a pleasure to listen.  Loved catching up with the Bennett family and look forward to the next book.

Up Next:
Shades of Wicked by Jeanine Frost
The Boy by Tami Hoag
The One You Fight For by Roni Loren


My reading came to a screeching halt when my fibro flared-up a couple of weeks ago. My head gets too heavy/fuzzy to read or even hold a book.  I then reach for light, easy reads so my brain is not too taxed. May your Christmas (or other holiday) celebration be filled with family, fun and many blessings.

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.

Tuesday Intro/Teaser

 

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros is a weekly meme hosted by Vicki of I'd Rather Be At The Beach every Tuesday. To participate share the opening paragraph or two of a book you've decided to read based on that paragraph. Please feel free to join in, First Chapter~First Paragraph~Tuesday Intros.

Meet Carter Cross
The squeaking of the cheap leather shoes scuffing across the room's cut-pile carpet should have forewarned Carter. The footsteps carried the sound of breathing, but Carter didn't move, didn't glance up, didn't twist around. Instead he pushed his body against the rubbery rim of his laminate desk and let his restless fingers resume their full frontal attack on his waiting keyboard. The breathing behind him deepened.


Christmas by Accident by Camron Wright

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker


We are insurance adjusters, Carter. Our job is to describe accidents as succinctly as possible. We don't embellish!


My reading has slowed way down due to a flare-up of my condition and I need to reach for easy, light reads while I recover physically.  This one will hit the mark perfectly.

BookTrib Holiday Thrillers Giveaway

As part of our holiday giveaway promotion, BookTrib will be giving away 20 books each week to one lucky winner through the month of December. Who needs to feel cozy and safe when you can feel frightened and paranoid reading a fantastic thriller? Like what you see? Enter for a chance to win lots of great titles and be sure to check in next week to see what our new box might have in store for you!

Follow this link for a chance to win.

*U.S. Entries Only*

Entry directly on the sight from today until December 20th.

Weekly Reading Wrap Up (SP/IMWAYR?)

Dreams of Falling by Karen White

Lark left her hometown years ago after an event and vowed never to return.  When her mother Ivy has an accident and ends up in the hospital she returns to her South Carolina home. While her mom is in a coma Lark uncovers long held secrets.  Told in alternating chapters and between now and then (1950s) in the voices of Lark, Ivy and CeeCee.  The past, hers and the women in her family, has a life changing impact on Lark. Southern fiction at it's finest. 

Abandoned by Allison Brennan #5

Maxine's (Max) mother left her with her grandparents when she was nine. As the years went by she received a few postcards, but never saw her again. This event has impacted her in numerous ways and led her to becoming an investigative reporter.  Now 16 years later a clue is uncovered that leads Max to Virginia and begin to really investigate her mother's disappearance. Her mother Martha's story is told as Max works in the present to figure it all out. A great installment in this series that introduces a couple new characters that will add to Max's life. 

Up Next:
Shadow and Ice  by Gena Showalter
The Ones You Fight For by Roni Loren


A busy week did not allow much time for reading or even exercising and I certainly feel it today!  Looking forward to things slowing down and getting back to normal before Christmas arrives.


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.

Tuesday Intro/Teaser

 

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros is a weekly meme hosted by Vicki of I'd Rather Be At The Beach every Tuesday. To participate share the opening paragraph or two of a book you've decided to read based on that paragraph. Please feel free to join in, First Chapter~First Paragraph~Tuesday Intros.

Eeny, meeny, miny ,moe, FBI Special Agent Atlee Pine stared up at the grim facade of the prison complex that housed some of the most dangerous human predators on earth. She had come to see one of them tonight. ADX Florence, about a hundred miles south of Denver, was the only supermax prison in the federal system. The supermax component was one of four separate encampments that made up the Federal Correction Complex located here. In total, more than nine-hundred inmates were incarcerated on this parcel of dirt.


Long Road to Mercy by David Baldacci

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker


Atlee Pine leaned forward, her lips an inch from the thick glass. "Where's my sister?" Eeny, meeny, miny moe.

Weekly Reading Wrap Up (SP/IMWAYR?)

1000 Books to Read Before You Die by James Mustich

The author explains his process of choosing the books included in this tome in his introduction. The author co-founded a mail-order catalog called A Common Reader and when that ended he began work on this book. It is an alphabetical by author name collection of fiction, poetry, history, science, travel, biography, children's books and more.  Each entry has an explanation followed by information such as What, When, Also By, Adaptations and Further Reading. I enjoyed those notes/explanation about the book and quite a few will be going on my TBR list. This is a book to keep and look at on and off.  A check list is included at the end of the book and I've read 100 of the 1000 books listed.  Here is a link to take a look at the checklist.

The Highlander's Promise by Lynsay Sands #6 (audio)

Aulay Buchanan is at the family lodge fishing and getting away from it all. His fiancee left him after his face was scarred. While out with his brother they find a girl tied to a ship's mast.  They rescue her and she recuperates at their house.  When Jetta awakes she is sure Aulay is her husband and due to her injury/amnesia they let her believe it to be true. As she gets better their chemistry increases. Accidents begin to happen and they have to figure out who is the target and why.  After a slow set up the story took off and kept me listening.  Joel Froomkin's accented narration made this an extra delightful listen. Looking forward to the next brother's story.

*Thanks to Harper Audio for the review copy*

Shelter In Place by Nora Roberts

Simone and her friends got to a movie theater in the mall.  Simone's boyfriend recently broke up with her via text.  When he shows up with his new girlfriend Simone leave for the bathroom.  What happens next changes her life and the lives of many as shooters enter the mall and theater.  The story picks up thirteen years later and what has happened to those involved.  Each had a specific part in this tragedy that has ramifications now years later.  A page turning story with plenty of suspense.

Girl, Wash You Face by Rachel Hollis NF

Stop believing the lies about who you are so you can become who you were meant to be is the tagline of this book filled with 20 lies that women think/feel about themselves. Honest, funny and emotional these stories will resonate with many readers. As a women in her late 50's most of them made me glad to be where I am in life.  

Up Next:
Dreams of Falling by Karen White
The One You Fight For by Roni Loren
Lies by T.M. Logan

November's Wrap-Up

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.

November Wrap Up

Titles Read:

1000 Books To Read Before You Die by James Mustich (NF)

All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover (audio)

Before I Ever Met You by Karina Halle (audio)

Consumed by J.R. Ward

Devoted to Pleasure by Shayla Black (audio)

Driven to Distraction by Lori Foster

Find You In The Dark by Nathan Ripley (audio)

I’ve Got My Eyes on You by Mary Higgins Clark (audio)

Magic Triumphs by Ilona Andrews

Smash Cut by Sandra Brown

Someone To Trust by Mary Balogh

The Highlander’s Promise by Lynsay Sands (audio)

•Total Read: 12

•Adult: 12
•YA: 0
•Audios: 6
•Abandonded: 0
•New to me authors: 4
•Debut authors:1
•Series Books: 7
•Women Authors: 10
•Men Authors: 2
•Shortest: 256
•Longest: 994

•YTD - 192

•Favorite Book(s) of the Month: Magic Triumphs, 1000 Books to Read Before You Die

Where I've Read This Month: Atlanta (2), Boston, California, New Jersey, Ohio, Washington, England, Scotland, Van Couver

Genres read: Contemporary, crime fiction, historical romance (2), Non-fiction, paranormal, romance (3), romantic suspense, suspense/thriller

What I Am Looking Forward to in December

                                                       Long Road to Mercy

Leverage in Death









I am behind on my reading goal for the year with print books, but way ahead with my audio goals. Life is not allowing as much time for print reading as I would like, but glad for audio! I believe I will make the goal of 200 books, but not exceed my last year's total.  If I was counting all the books I read to my grand kids, I would definitely make and pass my yearly total.

Are you close to your yearly goal?


Linking up with Kathryn at The Book Date's Month In Review

Tuesday Intro/Teaser

 

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros is a weekly meme hosted by Vicki of I'd Rather Be At The Beach every Tuesday. To participate share the opening paragraph or two of a book you've decided to read based on that paragraph. Please feel free to join in, First Chapter~First Paragraph~Tuesday Intros.

All roads lead home. That thought mingled with the soothing sound of Debussy as Cara descended from the majestic highlands of Tennessee toward the sultry lowcountry of South Carolina. Her brand-new red station wagon wound its way past racing rivers and creeks that flowed south to the ocean, past billboards advertising fireworks, fruit stands, deserted gas stations, and tumbledown antiques shops. Signs of spring - yellow jasmine blooms against lush greens - dotted the countryside. From time to time a flock of birds would fill the sky, and she would crane her neck to watch them migrating north. A short laugh escaped her lips. We are all heading home to nest, Cara thought.


Beach House Reunion by Mary Alice Monroe

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker


Each decision she made now had rippling consequences. Cara felt her resolve stir. She needed to be home now, more than ever.

Weekly Reading Wrap Up

Someone to Trust by Mary Balogh #5

Elizabeth Overfield is a young widow.  She is contemplating marrying again and may have found the right man.  A man she can trust is of most importance. While visiting her brother's at Christmas she meets Collin, a younger man.  They hit it off and remain friends.  Each time they meet their attraction grows.  Elizabeth thinks she is too old for Collin, but can't deny their chemistry.  Collin's mother has other plans for her son. Thankfully she is no match for Elizabeth.  This is a great addition to the series even though it got off to a slow start.  Look forward to Abigail's story next year. 

*Thanks to Berkley/NetGalley for this review copy*

Devoted to Pleasure by Shayla Black #1 (audio)

Shealyn is the star of  hot show Tempted By Pleasure, but she is nothing like the character she plays.  When she is blackmailed, she hires a bodyguard to help her with the payoff.  Cutter knows there is more to the situation that Sheayln realizes and convinces her of the need for further protection.  Their chemistry is explosive, but their obligations are getting in the way.  There are several suspects that keep them guessing, but the twist they didn't see coming could cost them their lives. Christian Fox narrated.

*Thanks to Tantor Audio for this review copy*

I've Got My Eyes On You by Mary Higgins Clark (audio)

Right before Aline returned home from London, she got a text from her sister telling her she had some important news.  By the time she got home her sister Kerry is dead. She had a party the night before and was found when her parents and sister returned home. It is discovered that she was murdered. The main suspect is her boyfriend Alan.  They had a fight at the party.  The neighbor is worried as her special needs son went over after the party. Aline helps the investigator using her role as the school counselor. January LaVoy narrated this quick, predictable but enjoyable story.

Last week was crazy with a root canal, broken hot tub and Thanksgiving.  Thankfully my tooth settled down and I was able to enjoy dinner on Thursday.  My daughter and I managed to do a little shopping on Black Friday as it was not too crazy. 


Up Next:
Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
Shelter in Place by Nora Roberts
The Highlander's Promise by Lynsay Sands
Abandoned by Allison Brennan


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.

Happy Thanksgiving

Tuesday Intro/Teaser

 

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros is a weekly meme hosted by Vicki of I'd Rather Be At The Beach every Tuesday. To participate share the opening paragraph or two of a book you've decided to read based on that paragraph. Please feel free to join in, First Chapter~First Paragraph~Tuesday Intros.

Jamie was in his room on the second floor of his mother's small Cape Cod house in saddle River, New Jersey, when his life changed. For a while he had been looking out the window to watch Kerry Dowling's backyard. She was having a party and Jamie was mad because she hadn't invited him. When they were in high school together, she was always nice to him even though he was in special classes. But Mom had told him that it was probably just a party only for Kerry's classmates who would be leaving for college next week.

I've Got My Eyes On You by Mary Higgins Clark

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Ambrosia of The Purple Booker

But then he saw someone come into the yard from the woods. He grabbed something off a chair and came up behind Kerry, hit her on the head, and pushed her into the pool.