Musings of a Bookish Kitty

Bookish Thoughts: The Water Witch by Juliet Dark

2013-05-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Water Witch by Juliet Dark

Ballantine Books, 2013

Fantasy; 352 pgs

I wish I had sat down to write this review earlier. It has been a few weeks since I read the book. I finished it just before all of my attention was taken by Riley's last days, and so reviewing this book, much less any other book, went down a few notches on my list of priorities. As a result, my memory is a bit fuzzy. What I do remember . . .

From the Publisher:

[. . .] Callie McFay, a professor of gothic literature, has at last restored a semblance of calm to her rambling Victorian house. But in the nearby thicket of the honeysuckle forest, and in the currents of the rushing Undine stream, more trouble is stirring. . . .

The enchanted town of Fairwick’s dazzling mix of mythical creatures has come under siege from the Grove: a sinister group of witches determined to banish the fey back to their ancestral land. With factions turning on one another, all are cruelly forced to take sides. Callie’s grandmother, a prominent Grove member, demands her granddaughter’s compliance, but half-witch/half-fey Callie can hardly betray her friends and colleagues at the college. To stave off disaster, Callie enlists Duncan Laird, an alluring seductive academic who cultivates her vast magical potential, but to what end? Deeply conflicted, Callie struggles to save her beloved Fairwick, dangerously pushing her extraordinary powers to the limit—risking all, even the needs of her own passionate heart.

I fell in love with Juliet Dark's writing, characters and their world in The Demon Lover. The Water Witch is the second book of the Fairwick Chronicles and it is just as good as the first. I was quickly swept back into Callie's life in Fairwick, enchanted by the world and people Dark has created.

Carol Goodman writing as Juliet Dark yet again shows her great writing chops. She has a way with words in spinning a tale and in creating a world that is so full and rich in my mind's eye. This particular book had less of the Gothic feel that the first book had, but it was no less atmospheric. Fairwick is full of charm and mystery, darkness and light. Oh, how I would love to explore the college town and the woods behind Callie's house! The author weaves mythology and folklore into her story, which only adds to the allure.

There is much more action and less romance in The Water Witch than was in The Demon Lover. As a result, this book seemed to move a bit faster pace wise. The characters were more fleshed out, and I enjoyed getting to know them better. Especially Callie. She's more fully coming into her own, learning where she came from, what powers she has and just how to use them.

I was not happy to see this book come to an end if only because the next book in the series isn't waiting in the wings for me to read it.

Rating: (Very Good +)

To learn more about Carol Goodman/Juliet Dark and her books, please visit the author's website.

Source: I received an e-copy of this book for review from the publisher via NetGalley.

© 2013, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Cat Thursday: Big Cat Meets Mini Cat

2013-05-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the weekly meme hosted by The True Book Addict that celebrates cats; their foibles and humorousness and the joy they bring. You can join in by posting a favorite LOL cat pic you made or came across, cat art or share with us pics of your own felines, then post your link up at The True Book Addict.

Bookish Thoughts: A Murder at Rosamund's Gate by Susanna Calkins

2013-05-15T00:00:00.001-07:00

A Murder at Rosamund's Gate by Susanna Calkins

Minotaur Books, 2013

Crime Fiction; 352 pgs

I am unable to resist a historical mystery, and when looking over upcoming books for a meme earlier this year, I added this title to it without a second thought. Coming across it on NetGalley seemed too good to be true, so I put in my request.

From the Publisher:

In Susanna Calkins's atmospheric debut novel, a chambermaid must uncover a murderer in seventeenth-century plague-ridden London.

For Lucy Campion, a seventeenth-century English chambermaid serving in the household of the local magistrate, life is an endless repetition of polishing pewter, emptying chamber pots, and dealing with other household chores until a fellow servant is ruthlessly killed, and someone she loves is wrongly arrested for the crime. In a time where the accused are presumed guilty until proven innocent, lawyers aren't permitted to defend their clients, and--if the plague doesn't kill them first--public executions draw a large crowd of spectators, Lucy knows she may never see this person alive again. Unless, that is, she can identify the true murderer.

Determined to do just that, Lucy finds herself venturing out of her expected station and into raucous printers' shops, secretive gypsy camps, the foul streets of London, and even the bowels of Newgate prison on a trail that might lead her straight into the arms of the killer.

In her debut novel, Susanna Calkins seamlessly blends historical detail, romance, and mystery into a moving and highly entertaining tale.

There was something very familiar about this novel as I read. I told my husband a couple times it seemed like I'd read it before, although I knew that could not be true. The book has just been released this year. Even so, I enjoyed the novel quite a bit, particularly the historical detail the author, Susanna Calkins, put into the story.

The time period the novel is set in is a perfect source for conflict--so much is going on. It was a time of great change, both political and religious. Not to mention one of great tragedy with the great plague and a fire that devastated the city. Add to that the fictional crime, murder. The author does a good job of creating a story around these events, although it did feel like the murder itself was forgotten for awhile there. While understandable given the circumstances the characters faced, it made me wonder what genre I was reading.

It didn't hurt my overall enjoyment of the novel, however. I do enjoy a good historical novel regardless. And Lucy Campion was a charming character to spend time with. I loved how selfless and forward thinking she was. She is a character I can get behind and admire.

As much as I liked Lucy, I was even more fond of Cook, and quite enjoyed the time I got to spend with her. She seemed level headed and quite caring. The Magistrate was another favorite character of mine. Although I didn't agree with him on every point, he seemed like a fair and thoughtful man.

I can't imagine what it must have been like to be a woman in that time period. The book is set in 1665, a time when the separation of classes was quite severe and women were not given much credit for their brains. I was particularly drawn to the conflict between the Church and the Quakers and the evolving shift of a country from Catholicism to Anglican. The author did a good job of capturing the mood and tone of the time period.

The murder mystery itself was intriguing, and the author did a good job of keeping this reader guessing! The climax was quite intense. There is romance mixed in as well, for those who like more spark in there mysteries. A Murder at Rosamund's Gate is a great start to a promising new series, and I look forward to seeing what Susanna Calkins's brings us next.

Rating: (Good +)

You can learn more about Susanna Calkins and her book on the author's website.

Source: E-copy provided by publisher through NetGalley.

Where is Your Bookmark?

2013-05-14T00:00:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to everyone for their prayers and kind words and thoughts these past couple of weeks. As many of you know, I had to say goodbye to my dog, Riley. I picked up his remains this past Friday. The poor lady at the animal hospital was almost in tears when I told her why I was there--it set me off crying again. Everyone at the specialization hopsital was so kind to me and Riley right from the start. You can tell the people who work there love their jobs and believe in what they do. My husband and I are talking about spreading his ashes in our backyard. I'm not sure when that will happen, but that's okay. There's no rush.

Meanwhile, the cats are being spoiled and enjoying the extra attention. Anya, my younger cat, sticks close to my side when I'm home. Parker has been mewing more for attention in the evenings than usual. And Mouse, well, she's been asking the inevitable questions.

This weekend was easier than last, emotionally. We had Mouse's soccer practice Saturday morning and the weather was so warm that afternoon we broke out the pool. Mouse still loves playing in the water. She practically jumped into her bathing suit, unable to contain her excitement. Sunday was Mother's Day and my husband and Mouse let me sleep in. They treated me to lunch out and then home again for some more pool time. Anjin made me a special dinner to cap off the day. It was very nice.

I haven't felt much like doing anything blog related, much less write reviews. I felt guilty cracking open a book the day after Riley died, afraid if I stopped thinking of him I was being disloyal. Obviously that was completely irrational thinking. I'm past that. I have kept to the lighter reads mostly though. I haven't listened to Wally Lamb's The Hour I First Believed since I last mentioned it here. I recently finished reading A Conspiracy of Alchemists by Liesel Schwarz and Never Tell by Alafair Burke. One a steampunk/paranormal romance novel and the other a mystery. I had planned to start The House at the End of Hope Street by Menna van Praag, but I thought I'd take a detour and slip in another escapist urban fantasy type read, Jamie Quaid's Boyfriend from Hell first. I'm loving the little kitten who Tina has befriended in the book.

What are you reading right now?

Every Tuesday Diane from Bibliophile By the Sea hosts

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, where

participants share the first paragraph (or a few) of a

book they are reading or thinking about reading soon.

Over the door, the tin scales of Lady Justice dipped ominously to the wrong side as Andre Legrande strolled into Bill's Biker Bar and Grill. The boss had been up to no good again, and our miniature Lady Disaproved.

Personally, I thought the dipping scale meant the little statue knew Andre was a fraud, but I was keeping my head down and my mouth shut these days. Rather than feed my boss's arrogance by admiring his assets, I propped my corrective boots on the stool rung and leaned over my tally sheet, pushing my cheap, black framed reading glasses up my nose and letting my overlong bangs hide my face.

The weird anomalies--like moving statues--that had begun appearing in the Zone after the first chemical spill ten years ago now seemed an everyday part of my life. I'd taken a job in this South Baltimore neighborhood two years back when no respectable place would hire me. That's pretty much the story of everyone in the Zone.

And so begins Jamie Quaid's Boyfriend from Hell (Saturn's Daughter series).

Would you continue reading?

Gardening

2013-05-13T00:00:00.001-07:00

One of my many chores when I was a child was weeding. Oh, how I hated weeding. The sun would beat down on my back as I painstakingly pulled weeds out of the ground, trying to make sure to get the roots. My mother's interest in plants and flowers was about average sized--she planted and cared for them, keeping the yard mostly neat, but I wouldn't say she had a particular love for it. My dad religiously mowed the lawn and trimmed the trees and bushes.

My mother-in-law was born with two green thumbs and a love for all things related to gardening. I think my father-in-law was too. I wish it'd rubbed off on my husband. It would have made it easier for me.

I joke that my husband and I both have brown thumbs; we kill just about every plant we try to raise. Even the cactus. Whenever someone gives us a plant as a gift, we're given advice on how to keep it alive. It never happens. I don't know why people expect it will be different this time. It never is.

I've tried. In our old house, we had a giant flower box sitting right under the front windows of our house, along with an area for a flower bed just below. We tried all sorts of flowers and plants, faithfully watering them and trying to care for them. The perennials in particular flourished for awhile. But mostly everything just died.

As I often do, I looked around my backyard and imagined what it might look better with more plants and splashes of color. The flowerbeds are mostly bare. I mentioned to my mom one day that I was thinking of starting a rose garden. It was just another comment along the same lines of many. My wishful thinking, knowing I'd likely never follow through. Only, this time my mom took my words to heart and our Easter present this year was money to start our rose garden. I couldn't exactly give it back or use it for something else. She was very specific in what it could be used for. I suppose I could have kept putting it off--I even tried, saying it'd be better to plant them in the fall--but my mom kept asking.

And so, off we went. Anjin, Mouse and I. We spent an afternoon at a nursery, me dreaming about all the plants and trees I wanted to add to our garden, my husband wishing we'd hurry up so he could get home and take a nap, and Mouse hoping for another look at the birds, caged by the nursery entrance.

We narrowed our rose choices down to four different kinds and spent the next afternoon planting them, under the supervision of Mouse. She's quite the helper.

When I think about it, I really want Mouse to experience the joys of gardening. I'm hoping the roses will take and flourish. I have no intention of giving up so easily this time. I may not like gardening much now, but maybe if I force myself to do it, I'll eventually come to like it. I hope. And in the process, I hope my daughter will maybe develop that green thumb I don't have. It would make her grandmothers proud, anyway.

Plus, I've heard roses are pretty hardy. I guess we'll see . . .

My Riley

2013-05-03T08:20:00.000-07:00


Riley Runyon, Our Best Friend (2000-May 2, 2013)

My husband and I loved our apartment, nestled among trees and greenery. It was our oasis. Yet we dreamed of moving into our own house. I wanted my own dog and a big backyard for him to play in. Nearly 10 months after moving into our own home, a fixer upper to be sure, my husband agreed I could finally get my dog.

It broke my heart, walking through the numerous animal shelters, seeing all those dogs locked behind bars, without homes to go to. I got teary-eyed more than once along the way. My husband and I had slightly different ideas of what kind of dog we wanted, but given Anjin was the one who was reluctant about the idea (he isn't a dog person), I let him take the lead. When we first saw Riley, he was very eager to please. He came right up to the bars of his kennel, tail wagging so hard his entire backside shook. He was adorable. We were allowed to visit with him in a private room at the shelter, where Riley, as soon as he walked in the door, went to my husband. A sign. The shelter staff told us Riley was 2 years old, which is the age we were looking for. The vet later told us he was more likely 1 year old. It didn't matter. Close enough and we were already smitten.

It wasn't an easy adjustment at first. There were tears. Doubts that we'd made the right decision. Not about Riley in particular, but about taking such a young dog in. I knew what we might expect on an intellectual level, but dealing with it all in person was a bit of a culture shock. My husband and I had been on our own so long and suddenly we had someone else to take care of too. I grew up with dogs, but my last childhood dog had been with us for 14 years. I'd been a lot younger when we took her in. As often happens, we got through those early baby blue days and Riley became a big part of our family.

I always joked that it was obvious Riley was adopted. He had a boundless amount of energy that lasted him well into his senior years. My husband and I have always been much more sedentary. It wasn't until last year that he started to slow down. He was diagnosed with arthritis in his back and put on medication that helped for awhile. I scratched his head and told him, "We're getting old, ol' boy."

I still remember the first day we brought him home, July 10, 2001, how shy he was, how cautious. He still wasn't sure of us or of this new environment we were putting him in. We let him explore the house at his own pace. At one point I had washed my hands and flicked water on him before drying my hands. He took off like a shot and hid under our bed. I felt bad. Eventually he came to like my doing that and thought it was a game.

The first time we heard him bark was in our backyard on that first day home. He let out a deep clear bark. We hadn't been sure he could bark. The woman at the shelter claimed he was a Basenji mix and Basenji's cannot bark. They make a yodel like sound instead. Well, whatever other kind of dog Riley had in his blood, he must have got his bark from the other part of him.

I loved Riley's coloring. Mostly white with patches of brown here and there. He had a couple of paw prints on his back; at least that's what they looked like. He was beautiful. He was slender in form, a smallish medium sized dog. I swear sometimes I could see him smiling.

Anjin and I struggled long and hard to come up with his name. I am not sure where Riley came from in the end, only that it came to me suddenly and we both knew it was the perfect name for him. Wiley Riley.

Riley was an escape artist. he often dug under the fence and got into the neighbors' yards during his earlier years. Occasionally he'd bolt out the front door if we weren't watching close enough--sometimes even when we were. He loved to explore and go on walks. During his unapproved outings, we would chase him around the block, not realizing the more we chased, the farther he'd go. It took a few times before we realized if we stayed at our house, he'd come back. Like a toddler exerting his independence, he needed to know we were close before he would continue too far.

He loved to be chased--and to chase. He enjoyed a good game of tug-a-war. He loved playing fetch most of all. He could do that for hours, whether inside or out. He was obsessed with balls and any type of throwing object really.

I loved how excited he would get after a bath, running around the house at full speed. He sometimes did that--the tuck-butt-and-run routine, as we came to call it. Getting out his excess energy. Everyone in the house would stand still wherever they were, least he run into us and knock us down.

Oh, how he hated baths! He'd try to hide at bath times and sit or stand there and shiver as he waited out the ordeal. I always felt so bad for him. He always sat well for my husband when he got his nails trimmed though. And he loved to be brushed.

He loved going for walks. He was good with other dogs. although he preferred smaller dogs to the bigger ones. And he was quite the jumper. Boy, could he jump! When we replaced the fence in the backyard of our first house, we made sure to get a six foot fence. Even then, Riley probably could have scaled it if he tried hard enough.

His enthusiasm when I came home from work or from running errands knew no bounds. Anyone who has ever had a dog knows that there's nothing that can compare to the greeting you get from your dog when you walk in the door. He'd nearly knock me down, his tail wagging fiercely.

Riley favored me of everyone in our house. He was definitely my dog. I had taken a couple weeks off work when we first brought him home and he and I bonded during that time. Riley would follow me everywhere he could. He was my shadow. Even though he was a bit too big, he was very much a lap dog. Whenever I would sit on the couch, he was right there, sprawled across my lap. When I sat at my computer, he jumped up and curled up behind me in the chair so that I would have to sit on the edge.

My dad was another of Riley's favorite humans. When my dad when come to visit, he spent much of his time playing with Riley, throwing him the ball and sitting with and talking to and petting him. Others did that with Riley too, of course, but my dad was a dog person through and through, and loved Riley like he was his own. I know it must have confused Riley when my mom started visiting without my dad.

Eight months after Riley joined our family, I brought home a stray cat that had been living in the parking lot of the courthouse where I was assigned at the time. He was just a little guy, an orange tabby, not even a year old. My husband had grown up with cats and he and Riley's relationship was at times strained. I wasn't sure how it would work, especially with my allergy to cats or how Riley and the kitten would take to each other. There were moments on that first day we doubted it would work, but by the end of the day, after our consistent efforts to get the two acclimated to each other, they became fast friends. Our cat, Parker, adored Riley. He'd rub against his legs, initiate play and even tried to cuddle up to Riley. Unfortunately, Riley was never much of a cuddler unless it was with an adult human.

It was the four of us for a number of years. We grew closer together each day and life was good. Riley eventually stopped chewing everything in sight but retained his overflowing energy. Always in motion (except when we cuddled together).

A few years later we added another cat to the mix. And while Riley and Anya got along great from the start (Anya was just a kitten), it took a long time for Parker to warm up to Anya. Much like Parker, she adored Riley and would bat at him from the top of the coffee table when Riley walked by, teasing him and encouraging him to play. She was even more of an instigator than Parker ever was.

Things changed considerably when we brought Mouse home from the hospital. I had done little things here and there to prepare the animals for her homecoming, but Riley, who'd for years had my undivided attention, suddenly had competition. He was jealous. And I was unable to give him the same kind of attention he'd had before. It didn't help that I was going through Postpartum Depression either. We often think in terms of how it affects the other humans in the house, especially ourselves, but it also impacts the animals.

I had hoped Riley would take to Mouse the way you see in those pictures--with babies and dogs cuddling up together. Riley clearly didn't like Mouse initially, to the point where I wondered if I would have to do the unthinkable and re-home Riley. Fortunately, my mom and a fellow dog lover talked some sense into me. Riley was my forever dog, had been with me for all those years and was my first baby, and what we needed most was time to adjust to each other. It was rough going that first year, especially when Mouse became mobile. We stuck it out though, and while I can't say Riley bonded with Mouse quite the way I had hoped, the two did eventually become friends. At least, they found a way to co-exist happily. Mouse enjoyed chasing Riley around the house and took to sitting with me and petting him when he was feeling at his worst. She even offered him kisses to help him feel better and a pillow when he was resting under a blanket. I loved it when we'd walk into the house after we'd been out and she would say, "We're home, Riley! We're home!" I don't know that she ever really understood why she couldn't eat Riley's treats too, although she did like to give him treats--and often gave him her own food, on purpose and by accident.

Riley held onto his youth for so long I began to think he was invincible. I used to tell him he wasn't allowed to die. These past three months, as his health went into a significant decline, I began telling him it was okay if he wanted to let go, not to hold on just because of me. After numerous vet visits and different medications, we saw improvement and then the cycle would repeat. Yesterday it got to be too much. Tests showed that Riley had neurological damage complicated by recurring pneumonia. We could have treated him further, but the prognosis was extremely poor. My husband and I had to make the hardest decision of our lives. We decided to let him go. The doctors were wonderful and kind. They agreed we were making the best decision for Riley.

The memories are flowing through me right now. I can still hear the jingle of Riley's collar as he wanders around the house. I can hear the pitter patter of his feet on the kitchen floor. Out of the corner of my eye, I sometimes catch him running after a ball in the backyard. I catch myself calling to him and looking for him. It will be awhile before I stop going to the back door to let him out, I am sure.

Riley was my best friend. He was my baby. Words cannot express the love I feel for him.

Today Riley is with my dad. They are playing fetch, no doubt.

I love you, Riley. Take care of him for me, Dad. I miss you both so much.

Bookish Thoughts: Frozen in Time by Mitchell Zuckoff

2013-05-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Frozen in Time: An Epic Story of Survival and a Modern Quest for Lost Heroes of World War II by Mitchell Zuckoff

Harper, 2013

Nonfiction; 416 pgs

Airplane crashes and rescues are not my usual cup of tea, but after having read Mitchell Zuckoff's Lost in Shangri-La last year, I knew I could not pass up the opportunity to read and review his latest, Frozen in Time. Besides, I have a special place in my heart for the military.

My grandfather was stationed in the South Pacific during World War II, and so never visited Greenland, as far as I know. I can't recall if my father had ever been there. Of course, he was born in January of 1943, and so had no knowledge of the events transpiring in Greenland at the time, about the search and rescue missions and the downed planes. This is the kind of book I would have gotten him as a Father's Day present though--I know he would have enjoyed it.

From the Publisher:

Frozen in Time is a gripping true story of survival, bravery, and honor in the vast Arctic wilderness during World War II, from the author of New York Times bestseller Lost in Shangri-La.

On November 5, 1942, a US cargo plane slammed into the Greenland Ice Cap. Four days later, the B-17 assigned to the search-and-rescue mission became lost in a blinding storm and also crashed. Miraculously, all nine men on board survived, and the US military launched a daring rescue operation. But after picking up one man, the Grumman Duck amphibious plane flew into a severe storm and vanished.

Frozen in Time tells the story of these crashes and the fate of the survivors, bringing vividly to life their battle to endure 148 days of the brutal Arctic winter, until an expedition headed by famed Arctic explorer Bernt Balchen brought them to safety. Mitchell Zuckoff takes the reader deep into the most hostile environment on earth, through hurricane-force winds, vicious blizzards, and subzero temperatures.

Moving forward to today, he recounts the efforts of the Coast Guard and North South Polar Inc. – led by indefatigable dreamer Lou Sapienza – who worked for years to solve the mystery of the Duck’s last flight and recover the remains of its crew.

A breathtaking blend of mystery and adventure Mitchell Zuckoff's Frozen in Time: An Epic Story of Survival and a Modern Quest for Lost Heroes of World War II is also a poignant reminder of the sacrifices of our military personnel and a tribute to the everyday heroism of the US Coast Guard.

I am always awed by stories of the selflessness of our soldiers, about our heroes. Ordinary men (and women) who do extraordinary things to help others. The men described in Frozen in Time faced great odds and yet they were willing to risk their lives to help their fellow man.

Zuckoff's description of the conditions faced in Greenland during the winter of 1942/1943 were frightening to say the least. I can't even imagine. I often say that I like it when fiction authors are able to turn the setting into its own character--well, Greenland certainly earned that role in Zuckoff's nonfiction book. Greenland humbled the cockiest of men. It was in control and the island never let anyone forget it.

The author goes back and forth in his book between the past and the present. I admit I was most taken with the past and couldn't wait to get back to the survivors on the icecap when reading the more modern sections. Just the same, it was interesting to read about the difficulties faced in trying to get the expedition to find the Grumman Duck as well as all that went into it. I was pulling for Lou Sapienza as he tried to get the money and support he needed to carry it off. I admired the dedication and willingness of U.S. Coast Guard Commander James Blow to bringing the bodies of the World War II Coast Guard Vets home. And I was eager to see the team they put together succeed.

With the crash of the C-53 Cargo plane, the rescue effort began. It was an impossible search. No one knew where the plane had crashed and communication with the five crew aboard was limited. The odds were against them from the start.

The nine men on the B-17 who had been sent on the rescue mission were ill-prepared for surviving in an arctic climate, which is exactly what they were forced to do when their plan crashed. It was a harrowing experience for them all. A couple of the men were injured and all were affected by the bitter cold. They pulled together and did the best they could, not sure it would be enough. Through interviews and documentation, Zuckoff presents their experiences with candor, thoughtfulness and respect. I felt like I got to know each of the men and I wanted so much for them all to survive.

Unlike the cargo plane who lost radio contact soon after the crash, the B-17 crew were in a slightly better position in that regard. They were able to communicate their location in order for possible rescue. Regardless, it would be a risky rescue. Surrounded by hidden crevasses and trapped on an active glacier that hadn't completely settled, the odds weren't good.

John Pritchard, Jr, and Benjamin Bottoms of the Grumman Duck made a bold move in attempting to rescue the B-17 crew. Pritchard landed the amphibious plane on the ice cap itself. It was a success! Two of the survivors were able to fly out with Pritchard and Bottoms, reaching safety. Hopes were high that they could do it again, however, they were still cautious. Weather conditions were unpredictable. The second attempt was met with a bad storm and Pritchard, Bottoms and the lone survivor they had on board disappeared.

There are many heroes in this story, from the military personnel who dropped supplies to the survivors, the pilots who searched from the sky for the downed planes, the dogs and their sledders as well as those on the motor sleds, those who directed and those who were in the field. They would stop at nothing until they brought the last of the survivors home.

Frozen in Time is a tragic story as well as one of bravery and heroism. Men did die, becoming Greenland's victims. But men also survived, making this a story of hope as well. I was touched by Zuckoff's own efforts to bring the men of the Grumman Duck home, how invested he was in their story and that of the survivors of the B-17. I am glad he was able to go on the expedition to Greenland in search of the Grumman Duck. It brings the story home even more.

Rating: (Very Good)

To learn more about Mitchell Zuckoff and his books, please visit the author's website. You can also learn more about the author by visiting his Facebook page, and Twitter account.

I hope you will check out what others had to say about Frozen In Time on the TLC Book Tours route!

Many thanks to the TLC Book Tours for the opportunity to be a part of this book tour. Copy of Frozen in Time provided by publisher in e-book form.

Mini Movie Reviews

2013-05-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

I am not providing synopses for the following movies. If you want to know more about them, please follow the movie poster links.

The Shining (1980, directed by Stanley Kubrick) - Oh dear. I know many of you really like this movie. Even prefer it over the book. I was bored the entire film, only keeping it on because I wanted to be able to say I'd seen it. The acting, especially Duvall, was horrid. I'm usually not picky about the movie matching the book, but they left out some of the best scenes from the book. I also never felt a connection with any of the characters or even to the story. It wasn't remotely scary. I was unimpressed and wish I could get the time I spent watching The Shining back.

Red Dawn (2012, directed by Dan Bradley)- I loved the original Red Dawn (1984, directed by John Milius) movie. Probably more than it deserves. I thought the cast was great and it was fun. Okay, so it was a bit cheesy, but I don't care. When I was a teen, I created an entire fantasy world around that movie, including myself among the rebels. I started to write a book along those lines. So, I went into the remake a little apprehensively. Yet, I had to see it. I had to know. And I liked it. Not quite as much as the original, but I thought it was just as fun as the first movie. It's action packed. Not really believable, but at the end of the day, I was glad I watched it. But glad I missed it in the theaters.

The Call (2013, directed by Brad Anderson) - I like Halle Barry. And I like action movies. Even some of the bad ones. This one is pretty intense. I liked this movie quite a bit--picked up a few tips in case I'm ever locked in the trunk of a car (I sure hope there's paint cans full of paint!)--until the end. As my husband pointed out though, this paves the way for a sequel.

Olympus Has Fallen (2013, directed by Antione Fuqua) - I divide much in my life into two sections--the before Mouse and after Mouse periods. Before Mouse, high body counts in action movies bothered me less. I knew it was just a movie, after all. That isn't to say I felt nothing--it still bothered me to some extent. Nowadays, I cringe and can't help but think that those people dying on the screen are someone's father or mother or child . . . I feel more emotional. I still know it's not real, but it's harder to stomach. This movie had a high death count. An extremely high death count. Still, Olympus Has Fallen was somewhat entertaining, but, ultimately, I found it to be unoriginal and completely unbelievable.

Have you seen any movies recently?

Where Is Your Bookmark?

2013-04-30T00:00:00.001-07:00

A very small collection of some of my bookmarks.

Some of you spent this past weekend deep in your books, taking part in Dewey's Read-A-Thon. There's always so much enthusiasm around the event--I can't imagine though how any of you get any reading in with all the Twitter chatter, mini challenges, and blog hopping that takes place. Somehow you do it though! I hope those of you who did take part had fun and got in all the reading you hoped to.

Although I didn't participate, I did manage to squeeze in some reading time this weekend, finishing off two books, one of which I have been reading for a couple of months. Both were very different books: one a paranormal/urban fantasy novel, The Water Witch by Juliet Dark, and the other being literary fiction, A Teaspoon of Earth and Sea by Dina Nayeri. I hope to spend some time this week writing up reviews. I've actually got a handful of reviews of books I have been reading ready for you. Or at least they're mostly ready to go. They need a good polishing before I post them.

In audio, I am listening to Wally Lamb's The Hour I First Believed, narrated by George Guidall. It's over 25 hours long, so it will be a while before I finish it. I'm about four hours into the book, having just finished the chapter where Caelum, the lead character, reminisces about his childhood and his relationship with his father. The book is set around the time of the Columbine school shooting. Caelum's wife, Maureen, was a school nurse, on campus at the time of the shooting. This book is pure fiction, but it deals with the impact such a tragedy has on a person--on a family. At least that's what the book's description says. Really though, the book is about so much more.

I most recently started reading D.A. Mashini's mystery, The Missing File, set in Israel. It's still too early to offer up an opinion, but so far so good!

Let's not talk about my progress--or lack there of--with War and Peace. I haven't given up, but I have definitely stalled.

What are you reading right now?

Every Tuesday Diane from Bibliophile By the Sea hosts

First Chapter First Paragraph Tuesday Intros, where

participants share the first paragraph (or a few) of a

book they are reading or thinking about reading soon.

An opening may not make or break a book, but they are important. Especially for someone like me who needs an instant hook or else I might start looking elsewhere.

Opening of The Missing File by D.A. Mishani:

Across the desk from him sat a mother. Another mother.

She was the third he had seen this shift. The first had been too young, and pretty too, with a tight-fitting white T-shirt and wonderful collarbones. She had complained that her son had been beaten up outside the school hard, and he had listened to her patiently, promising that her complaint would be dealt with seriously. The second had demanded that the police send out a detective to follow her daughter and find out why she speaks in whispers on the telephone and locks her bedroom door at night.

Would you keep reading?

Cat Thursday: "I think I'll rest here for awhile."

2013-04-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

My Anya.

Bookish Thoughts: The Fairfolk in Knob's End: Book 1: The Daughters of Annwn by Rachel Armstrong

2013-04-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Fairfolk in Knob's End: Book 1: The Daughters of Annwn by Rachel Armstrong

Featherweight Press, 2013

Fantasy (YA); 218 pgs

I worry that many people will pass over this book because it is from a small press, but I hope you won't. I really, really, really hope you won't.

The author approached me about reading this book when she heard that I was struggling with a more serious read, wishing I had something lighter. It's her first foray into Young Adult Fantasy, a genre I've started to read more and more in recent years. I have read two of the author's previous books, both mysteries, and so knew there was a good chance I would like this book. And, oh my gosh, did I ever!

This is one of those rare fantasy novels that cast a spell on me as I read, where even when not reading, I feel like a part of me is still inside the pages of the book. Fantasy novels most often have that effect on me, in truth, especially the really good ones.

From the Publisher:

As if losing her mother and moving to live with her grandmother in Knob’s End wasn’t enough to contend with, sixteen-year-old Sophie James soon discovers that her new best friend is more than the average high school girl. Nerys is a magical Tylwyth Teg from the land of Annwn, and has been forced to seek refuge from a terrible fate.

Unless the people of Annwn can find a way to break the pact made with the sinister Coraniaids some two thousand years before, Nerys and her sisters will be forced into marriage and their homeland will be changed forever. Sophie and Nerys need to find the Dagger of Everlasting Truth and destroy it. The problem is no one knows its location, and, with so many lives in mortal danger, there is no time for mistakes. Lies are told and danger lurks around every corner, yet there persists a whisper of a human girl who may hold the key to their salvation, a girl with the gift of prophecy. Could Sophie be the one?

I didn't always like stories about the fae and their kindred. Only in recent years have I really been drawn to them. Gaelic mythology is so interesting, and I enjoy seeing it brought to life in literature.

Rachel Armstrong has created an interesting world, that sits alongside our own. Knob's Hill, by all accounts, is an ordinary place. Humans go about their daily lives, not realizing a door into another world lies right on their border. Annwn is a beautiful place, but darkness threatens it and tensions are high.

Nerys is a Tylwyth Teg, hiding among the humans and avoiding a fate that will mean the downfall of her people. It's clear there is something different about her the minute we meet her. Sophie knows this on some level too, only she can't quite pinpoint it. Ever since Sophie came to town, she's noticed little things--things that make her question her reality.

Sophie is the kind of girl I think I would have gotten along very well with at the age of sixteen. She is bookish, smart, athletic, and kindhearted. As the story unfolds, Sophie grows more confident and finds a strength inside herself she didn't know she had. I suppose in some respects, looking back, Sophie seemed too perfect some of the time, but it wasn't something I really noticed as I read the book, and it didn't hurt my enjoyment of it.

Sophie comes across many unexpected allies in her search, and many of them found their way into my heart just as Sophie did. I was especially fond of Cadoc the Wanderer (okay, so I have a little crush on him). I think my most favorite character, however, was Tegwen. I was quite moved by her story and admired her strength.

The Fairfolk in Knob's End is an adventure quest story that takes readers deep into the land of Annwn. Sophie sets out in search of the Dagger of Everlasting Truth, facing obstacles along the way. There is romance and action, politics and moral dilemmas, and magic, both good and bad, just as one might expect. I have to say, the action scenes were quite intense! The author's descriptions of them put me right in the middle of them. There was more than one moment in the book when I found myself holding my breath a few times, suspecting the outcome, but still concerned for the characters.

I hated to leave Annwn when the story came to an end. Fortunately, this is the first book in a series, and it only touches the surface of a a world I would like to get to know better.

Rating: (Very Good)

You can learn more about Rachel Armstrong, aka Liz Strange, and her books on the author's website.

Source: E-copy of the book provided by the author for review.

Cat Thursday: Happy Birthday, Parker!

2013-04-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

Parker was just a little kitten when I first met him. He was living in the parking lot of the courthouse where I worked at the time. He was very people friendly, often seeking out attention. I wasn't looking for a cat to bring home. I already had a dog, and I'd never really been a cat person. A persistent coworker put the pressure on though, and I eventually gave in.

Parker didn't immediately come to our house. I took him first to the vet where he spent the night after being neutered and given a general well check up. The next day, April 18, 2002, Parker came home for the first time. We celebrate the day as his birthday (even though he was probably about 6 to 8 months old at the time).

It didn't take long for my husband and I to fall in love with Parker. He settled into our family quite well. He and Riley became bosom buddies that first day. Parker is sweet and even tempered. He can be playful and vocal when he wants to be. He is bold and is rarely shy around strangers. He is a nurturer. He comforts Mouse when she is upset and has been a good mentor to Anya. Parker is my little angel.

Happy Birthday, Parker!

Bookish Thoughts: Book 1, 2 & 3 of the Immortals After Dark Series by Kresley Cole

2013-04-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

A Hunger Like No Other (2006, Pocket Star; 384 pgs)

No Rest for the Wicked (2006, Pocket Star; 384 pgs)

Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night (2007, Pocket Star; 384 pgs)

Tasha from Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and Books and I got into a discussion on Twitter after I read her post "Why I Don't Read Literary Fiction: A Case Study", about my lack of excitement when reading romance novels. I mentioned that I am always on the look out for a good romance novel that will win me over. I don't want to not like the genre as a whole, but I do tend to shy away from it. I have said before that I like romance in books, just usually when it's a side story and not the main story line. I used to be able to say all those hot and heavy sex scenes bothered me as a whole (as in "What's the point? Get on with the real story already."), but even I've come to appreciate a good sex scene now and then.

I actually once was ga-ga over romance. I read a lot of it in high school and during my early years of college. Even then though, I tended to prefer the romantic suspense novels to the straight up romances. So, maybe it's more a matter of burn out?

The truth is, these days novels with romance as the main story line tend to bore me (please don't throw tomatoes at your computer screen--it's messy). I have come to realize I like more conflict than a romance-focused novel provides. Like Tasha not especially liking to read Literary Fiction, I just don't care for romance unless it is mixed with mystery or magic or some other sort of drama.

Somewhere in that conversation, Tasha recommended the first book in Kresley Cole's Immortals After Dark series, A Hunger Like No Other. She knew I liked urban fantasy and have read quite a few books that straddle that urban fantasy/paranormal romance line. A Hunger Like No Other definitely fits more in the paranormal romance camp--heavy on the romance with a touch of mystery/thriller. My experience with books like this (romance-focused) hasn't been all that great, so I was a little leery.

I liked A Hunger Like No Other more than I thought I would. I had to get over my initial disgust at the male lead, whose idea of forcing himself on a woman is the way to win her over. It was one of those situations where I had to separate my reality from the context of the fantasy I was reading. His world is not my world. He is from a different era, where the roles of women and men were different. He is a different species, with animal instincts that override reason. Once I got past that, I felt better about him, and actually came to like the big guy.

I have to say, I really liked Emma, the female lead. She is half vampire, half Valkyrie. Raised by the Valkyrie as one of their own, she was raised to hate and kill vampires. She never knew her mother and has no idea who her father is. She wants to know him though, at least who he is, and it is why she finds herself in Paris--right in the path of LaChlain MacRieve when he escapes from his imprisonment in search of her, his Mate. What I liked most about her character was the amount of growth she made over the course of the book. She learns much about herself and also gains confidence as the story unfolds. By the end of the book, she is a much different person than the one she began as in terms of courage and strength.

Kresley Cole has created a complex and interesting world, a world in which supernatural beings, all a part of the Lore, live along side the unknowing humans. The Horde, the vampires who prey on humans and other supernatural beings, are the enemy of all, while the other supernatural beings, the immortals, seem to just tolerate each other.

One thing I really like about Cole's immortals is how rough around the edges they are. While gorgeous on the outside (of course), they definitely have their dark sides. The whole good versus evil is more grey than anything else (except when it comes to the Horde). It adds complexity to the characters as well as the story.

The common theme in the series seems to be that certain immortal beings have only one soul mate out there. For vampires, it is their Brides. For the Lykae, it's their Mates. Obviously, this love connection isn't restricted to like beings, often crossing the divide, attracting immortals who aren't exactly fond of the others race. Getting over that prejudice for love can be mighty difficult.

In LaChlain's case, he hates vampires. Vampires imprisoned and tortured him for hundreds of years. How is it possible his Mate would be part vampire? He struggles internally with this dilemma, wanting both to hurt and protect Emma. It explains his harsh behavior with her one minute and gentleness the next. Of course, Emma doesn't understand. She's struggling with her own feelings and preconceptions about the Lykae, and has no idea why this man is so intent on keeping her his prisoner.

I came away from A Hunger Like No Other wanting more, always a good sign, and so jumped right into the next book in the series, No Rest for the Wicked. Each book in the series features a different couple, so reading in order isn't necessary. However, many of the characters appear in each of the books, and they seem to run in chronological order, so it seems safest to read the series in order.

I wasn't as taken with the second book in the series, No Rest for the Wicked. Kaderin was a hard character for me to warm up to. Maybe because she had been shut off from her emotions for so long and could be so ruthless in her dealing with others. I'm not a big fan of cruelty. She is a Valkyrie, the daughter of gods. Her sisters had been killed years ago by vampires. The loss was too painful to bear. For an unknown reason, she was given a gift of the absence of emotions and has become a vampire killing machine. Every year, Kaderin competes in a competition called the Hie, in which the goddess pits immortals against each other. Participants are sent on a scavenger hunt in which each item they retrieve is worth a set amount of points. The two top competitors then compete against each other for the ultimate prize. This year's prize is one Kaderin must have at all costs.

She didn't count of meeting Sebastian Wroth though. He is a vampire long sequestered in his house in Estonia, not aligned with the Horde or the Forebearers (the "good" vampires). He never wanted to be a vampire and longs to die. He welcomes Kaderin to take his life. Only, she is unable to. The attraction between the two is undeniable. And Sebastian realizes he's met his Bride (not a spoiler as we know this almost immediately).

I quite liked Sebastian. He was ever the gentleman and had a gentle heart. I felt bad for him the way Kaderin treated him at times. But I also understood it was a necessary evil as Kaderin worked through the sudden reappearance of her feelings and her attraction to the one type of being she hated most in the world.

Perhaps reading the two books back to back was too much. I didn't find this second book in the series to be quite as alluring. Kaderin and Sebastian weren't as interesting characters as Emma and LaChlain had been. I didn't feel the chemistry between them as I did the couple in the first book. Don't get me wrong. I didn't dislike the book. I was just glad when I finished reading it so I could move onto something else.

And so, a few books later, I picked up the third book in the Immortal After Dark series, Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night, and found it much more to my liking. Mariketa is a young mortal, a witch who has yet to turn immortal. She is an extremely powerful witch but is unable to control her magic. While competing in the Hie, she comes up against the irresistible Lykae, Bowen MacReive, a Lykae, who is determined to win the contest (the same Hie Kaderin and Sebastian competed in during book 2) at all costs.

Bowen had lost his Mate centuries ago and has never gotten over it. There's never been any evidence to suggest someone can have more than one Mate in a lifetime, and so Bowen believes the connection he feels with Mariketa when he meets here is a spell she's cast on him. He places her in mortal danger when he leaves her behind, trapping her, along with several others, in a supernatural prison, in an effort to get ahead in the Hie. And she wants nothing more than to kill him for putting her in such a position.

Perhaps because I have a special affinity for witches, I was immediately drawn to Mari's character. She's young and naive in some respects, but she is also smart and ballsy. She wasn't a damsel in distress by any stretch.

Bowen struggles with feelings of betrayal of his lost love and his growing love for Mari. A family tragedy at the hands of a witch centuries ago only adds to the conflict in Wicked Deeds on a Winter's Night, as Bowen does not trust witches in general. I liked Bowen quite a bit in the first book in the series and not at all in the second. In this third book, he renews my faith in his character, and I found myself rooting for him. He's a rather gruff man, who is clearly much older than Mari, but he's likable just the same.

Of the first three books in the series, I definitely liked Mari and Bowen's story best. It had characters I could get behind, an intriguing story and a setting I'm enjoying getting to know the more I read about it.

While the love stories in all three books are fairly formulaic (to be expected given the type of book), the characters and much of what they experienced are different enough to make each of the stories unique. The steamy parts were sufficiently hot and well written. And each of the books were plenty suspenseful. I raced through each one pretty quickly. I'd say Tasha chose well. And yes, I do plan to read more of the series. There a few characters I hope to see as the focus in future books!

Reading books that so heavily focused on the romance was a bit of a change for me, but the supernatural and thriller elements gave them an advantage. I think Tasha realized this when she recommended the first book in the series to me. Start with where the reader is most comfortable and go from there.

Many thanks to Tasha for the recommendation!

You can learn more about Kresley Cole and her books on the author's website.

Source: I bought e-copies of all three books for my own reading pleasure.

Bookish Thoughts: The Shining by Stephen King

2013-04-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

The Shining by Stephen King

Doubleday, 1977

Horror; 672 pgs

From the Publisher:

Jack Torrance’s new job at the Overlook Hotel is the perfect chance for a fresh start. As the off-season caretaker at the atmospheric old hotel, he’ll have plenty of time to spend reconnecting with his family and working on his writing. But as the harsh winter weather sets in, the idyllic location feels ever more remote . . . and more sinister. And the only one to notice the strange and terrible forces gathering around the Overlook is Danny Torrance, a uniquely gifted five-year-old.

Stephen King's books are infinitely readable. I may like some more than others, but he spins a good yarn and his books are generally quick reads. My interest in The Shining was more out of curiosity than actual interest in the story line. For years people have talked about how frightening this book is. If you've ever seen the show Friends, you know that Joey and Rachel found the book to be freezer worthy--meaning so scary they hid the book in the freezer. This, I had to see for myself. For some reason though, I got it into my head I had to read The Stand first (I know, totally unrelated book). Finally, last year I did.

So, when I heard about the Shine On, a read-along of The Shining, I joined up, looking forward to tackling The Shining at last. I have yet to be wowed by King, even though I keep hoping. I liked The Stand well enough, but was disappointed I didn't like it more. Cell was entertaining, but ultimately my least favorite King book so far. I did like Misery though.

I can definitely see why so many people get white knuckles while reading The Shining. It was quite intense in parts, especially near the end as the book reached its climax. By then I was so invested in the characters, it was a race to the end to see what would happen. I have been fortunate not to have been spoiled as to the end (and I hadn't yet seen the movie).

While The Shining isn't my most favorite horror novel, it is probably among my favorite King novels of the four I've read so far. I appreciated the depth the author went into in regards to the characters and their back stories, the foundation King laid, and the way the Overlook Hotel was much a character itself. As much as King went into the history of the hotel, I wish I, as the reader, had a chance to explore it more.

I never grew to like Jack, although at times I could empathize with him. I'm not sure I would have been as patient and accommodating as his wife was with him in her situation, but one never really knows unless you walk in that other person's shoes for awhile. Jack had a lot of problems, many unresolved. He wasn't the most insightful guy.

I did like Wendy, Jack's wife, to some degree, and not just because of her name. I don't feel she was as well fleshed out as Jack and Danny were, but perhaps that was the point. I got the impression she didn't have much of a self-esteen, a result of her past and a situation not helped by her husband. I felt bad for her much of the time, stuck between a rock and a hard place

I liked Danny and really felt sorry for him, for his circumstances. Here is this young boy with a preternatural gift that no one really understands. He's had to grow up way too fast, and is now faced with much he doesn't understands. King does a good job capturing the thoughts and fears of the five year old. I often wanted to pull him out of the book and protect him from what I knew was sure to come.

I was most drawn to the more psychological thriller aspect of the book--watching one of the characters go down the road to madness, seeing how it could grip the mind and twist one's thinking, deluding not only the victim but those around him or her too.

I guess the big question is whether I found The Shining freezer worthy. I can't say I did. White knuckles while holding the book for those last hundred or so pages, perhaps. But no, never did I have the urge to put the book in the freezer.

Rating: (Good +)

You can learn more about Stephen King and his books on the author's website.

Source: I bought a copy of the book for my own reading pleasure.

Wordless Wednesday: Baby Snail

2013-04-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hosted by Wordless Wednesday

Laying Claim to my Blog and a Cat & Mouse Conversation

2013-04-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

Follow my blog with Bloglovin. Blatant ad, I know. Something I guess I have to do to claim my blog through Bloglovin. I am sad to see Google Reader go as I rely on it quite heavily. I have tested out a few of the alternative feedreaders including Feedly, Bloglovin and The Old Reader. I am most content with The Old Reader, I must say. Probably because it more familiar to me being that it is just like the old Google Reader. Anyway, I did want to at least claim my blog through Bloglovin (why I'm posting about this)--and I discovered I have followers there (many thanks!).

Conversations with my daughter:

Upon coming home from work/school

Me: Time to get out of the car, little missy.

Mouse: I not missy. I Mouse.

Later that evening as we're getting ready for bed

Mouse: You big.

Me: Yes. I am a woman.

Mouse: No! You not wo-man. You mommy.

During bath time the next day

Mouse: You are not wo-man.

Me: Mouse and mommy are both women. Daddy is a man.

Mouse: You are not wo-man! You mommy! I missy!

Me: You're missy? I thought you were Mouse.

Mouse (laughing): I missy! You mommy! Daddy wo-man.

Bookish Thoughts: Carry On, Warrior: Thoughts on Life Unarmed by Connie Melton

2013-04-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

Carry On, Warrior: Thoughts on Life Unarmed by Glennon Doyle Melton

Scribner, 2013

Nonfiction; 288 pgs
(e-book copy provided by publisher)

I had never heard of Glennon Doyle Melton before being approached to be a part of this tour. Before agreeing, I did a little research, including visiting Glennon's blog, Momastery. I like what she has to say. I like what she represents. She seems like a smart and witty woman who is all about empowering women and respecting--and supporting--each other. And so, I agreed to read and review her book.

I immediately liked Glennon, from her openness about her life with all its hardships to her positive attitude. She fell into addiction at a young age, as well as an eating disorder. She never felt like she fit in and found a hollow comfort in controlling what went in and came out of her body. It wasn't until she became pregnant by a man she barely knew that she realized she needed to get her life together. It was a difficult struggle, but with the help and support of her family, especially her sister, Glennon made it happen. I couldn't help but think of my graduate school research partner as I read Glennon's story. Her own experience was similar in terms of her addiction and lifestyle choices early in her life. And like Glennon, she made the decision to turn her life around and is now an inspiration to others.

One day at the park, Glennon writes that she was talking with another mother and grew tired of the usual superficial banter. She spilled her story to this woman she didn't know all that well and was met with tears and a heartfelt story from this new friend. The woman could have had a completely different reaction, of course, but her own openness spurred Glennon on. Glennon knew she had to continue what she started and so she has--both in her personal life and in starting her blog. She let down her guard, let people see who she really was and not just what she wanted them to see.

I recently tried to recreate a similar moment with the mother of one of my daughter's friends and was met with a quick change of subject. I didn't exactly give her my whole history--just shared a personal struggle I'd had that fit in with the conversation. It was something, and even though it may not have led to a best friend forever scenario (I didn't expect it would anyway), I am glad I spoke up. In actuality, I have been more open and honest about quite a few things over the last year and a half--talking about how hard (and funny) parenting can be and the like--and it has been very rewarding in terms of getting other women to talk about some of their struggles. While time and experience is its own confidence builder, I also feel these conversations have given me a bit more confidence, especially in my parenting choices which aren't always in alignment with what everyone else I know is doing. So, I can relate to Glennon's approach.

The book is essentially a series of essays (many of which have appeared on her blog at one time or another). Glennon's writing style is conversational, and she comes across as someone who is easy to relate to. At least I found her so. There were times I wish she'd delved a little deeper, taken it a little farther. Ultimately, though, the author describes her experiences, her decision to be more truthful in her life, her family life and her love for her children. She talks about her faith and her strong friendships. She explains that she wants people to be more open with each other, more honest, and to be open to each other. She wants people, especially women, to stop competing with each other, to see how we are similar and value and accept each others differences--and most of all, to be kind to ourselves, to forgive ourselves when we falter or make mistakes.

As I read Glennon's thoughts and story, I felt just the way I'm sure she hoped I would feel. Validated. Hopeful. Inspired. How long will these feelings last? I don't know. But while I was reading, it sure felt nice. I was touched by her experiences, could relate to much of what she said, and admire her all the more for who she is, what she has done and what she strives to do. She isn't perfect, and I like that about her too. Perhaps most of all.

There will be some who won't connect with Glennon, I imagine. She had to make some hard choices in her life and has beliefs that might not gel with everyone else's. Even so, I think her message is one that encompasses all of us out there.

Rating: (Good +)

To learn more about Glennon Doyle Melton and her book, please visit the author's website.

I hope you will check out what others had to say about Carry On, Warrior on the TLC Book Tours route!

Many thanks to the TLC Book Tours for the opportunity to be a part of this book tour. Copy of Carry On Warrior provided by publisher in e-book form.

Finding A Moment of Peace and Joy

2013-04-02T13:18:00.004-07:00

The last couple of months have been one thing after another, between sickness, injury, a wedding, birthdays, company, work and just every day life. The last couple of weeks have been particularly intense as my dog, Riley, struggles with his health. It was touch and go there for awhile, and a couple of times I was sure he wouldn't be coming home with me when I took him to the vet. It's been a roller coaster ride, and I have to tell you, I am spent. There are moments when I am not sure which way is up and which is down. Right now I am cautiously optimistic. Riley is beginning to show signs of getting better, and hopefully it will take. I just wish I could take away his pain when that darn spinal arthritis gives him so much trouble.

At times like this, I am reminded of how precious life is. And how important it is to embrace what joy--and peace--we can find.

These are just a handful of moments I enjoyed most recently:

Sitting watching television with Riley on my lap and my cat Anya on my chest. Sure, the laundry needed to be moved from the washer to the dryer, but who cared? In that moment, we were all at peace.

Playing spaceship with my daughter: "Blast off!" "Do you want some berries, Mommy?" "I want some too!" Not worrying about work or the dishes or anything else that needed to be done.

Lying in bed reading, uninterrupted for a half hour.

My husband letting me sneak off to take a nap and being joined by my purring cat, Parker.

My coworker telling me not to rush and to spend a little extra time at lunch, knowing I was going to go home and check on Riley, even though we were busy. (I didn't take that extra time, but it's nice to know I could have.)

The young man at the grocery store who volunteered, unasked, to take my shopping cart after I'd unloaded the groceries into my car, buckled Mouse in her seat, and realized the cart rack was too far to go without having to take Mouse out of her carseat (which she'd fought me tooth and nail getting into). *Normally, I don't put Mouse in the car until after I've put the cart in the cart rack, but I was off my game that day.

What about you? What moments of peace in your daily life stand out for you most recently?

Happy Birthday, Mouse!

2013-03-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

My baby girl is 2 today! She is so different today than she was just a year ago. She is more sure on her feet, definitely more verbal, and can do so much more than she could back then.

Some of the things she does that make me smile:

She still loves to spin when dancing, encouraging her dad and I to join in on the fun.

Twirling in circles and insisting I fall down right along side her, only to get up and repeat the process over and over.

How she adds "so much" to the end of her sentences (examples include "I love you so much!" or "I miss you so much!" or "I broke it so much!") ~ a sign I use the phrase too much!

"Just one more, please" - a phrase used often when she wants something, even when coming back for seconds, thirds and fourths.

The way she blows kisses.

The way she cuddles up next to me when we are watching television or reading on the couch.

The way she sits in my lap when we read together.

The way she caresses my arm and face when she's trying to fall asleep.

The way she fake cries, "Wah! Wah!" and then laughs.

"The bear is coming!" - how she encourages us to hide with her from the imaginary bear, checking now and then to see if he's still there.

The way she crouches down and creep forward, flashlight (tube of toothpaste) in hand, peering into the dark cave (bathroom).

The potty dance.

Enjoying imaginary picnic lunches with her.

How she always asks for an apple to delay going to bed.

The way she sings Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, The Wheels on the Bus, The ABC song.

The way she always sings a clean up song when cleaning up.

How eager to help she is.

How she loves to say, "Catch!" and then throw the ball at me.

The way she eats her taco, from the middle of the bottom first.

The way she pretends to talk on the phone, "Hello! How are you?"

The way she says, "No saying!" when she wants me to stop talking (when I'm talking to someone else).

I love how when she is given two of some special treat, she always gives one to me or her dad or her friend.

Seeing her play with her friends; how excited she get when she sees them, and how she holds her own even with the older kids.

How she always responds with, " I pushed Austin," when I ask her what she did that day at school whether Austin was there or not.

Her hugs.

Her kisses.

Her laugh.

Her smile.

How energetic she is!

And how playful.

The way she shakes her head to feel her hair move.

Seeing how resourceful she is and how quickly she learns to do things.

How she reaches up on her tiptoes to open closed doors.

How she insists that all doors be closed after she enters or leaves a room.

How she says, "Riley! I'm home!" when we come home at the end of the day.

The way she runs to me when I come pick her up from school and then takes me by the hand to whatever she'd been doing when I arrive so I can join in the fun too.

The way she runs to greet her dad when he gets home from work.

How obsessed she is with Dora and Caillou and Mickey Mouse.

Hearing her say good morning and seeing her bright smile when we wake up together.

How she loves to play with her cars and train one minute, build a doghouse with her Duplo Legos the next, and then nurture and care for her baby dolls.

How she tells her dolls "It's okay" when they are sad.

How much she loves being outdoors.

Watching her race to the door when the doorbell rings.

Crawling and hiding in her dad made fort with her.

How she chases the dog around the house and throws him his ball.

Listening to her count out tortillas and cups of flour with her dad.

"I tickle you!"

Watching her sleep.

Just about everything she does makes me smile, when it comes right down to it. I feel so lucky to have Mouse in my life.

Happy Birthday, Mouse!

[March is a busy month in my household with birthdays and a wedding and a houseful of guests. I am taking three and a half weeks off from blogging as a result. Enjoy your reading!]

Bookish Thoughts: What's a Witch to Do? by Jennifer Harlow

2013-03-07T00:00:00.000-08:00

What's a Witch to Do? by Jennifer Harlow
Midnight Ink; March, 2013

Crime Fiction (paranormal cozy); 336 pgs

I like cozy mysteries just fine, but there's something to be said for adding in an element of the paranormal. So, when I came across this title, I couldn't resist. It looked like it would be a light fun read, and I was right!

From the Publisher:

A suspenseful brew with a dash of passion High Priestess might sound like an ’80s hair band, but its Mona McGregor’s life. She runs the Midnight Magic shop in Goodnight, Virginia, and leads a large coven. She’s also raising two nieces and hasn’t been with a man for fifteen years…until a handsome doctor takes an interest in her. But Mona’s life really heats up when Adam Blue, a sexy werewolf, arrives at her door. Adam informs her that someone wants her dead and he is there to protect her. Hell’s bells! When a demon begins stalking her, Mona has to suspect her coven members, and even her family.

With two handsome men and a determined demon after her, Mona teams up with Adam to find out who really wants her dead . . . and who really wants her.

What's a Witch to Do is the first in a new cozy mystery series, a spin off of the author's F.R.E.A.K. series which I have yet to read. If you haven't read the other, don't worry. You'll manage just fine. Right from the opening of the book, it's clear Mona has a lot going on in her life. I found What's a Witch to Do? to be a fast-paced suspenseful romp. It was a bit predictable, but, I often find books like this to be so--and I don't really mind.

There was a lot to like about Jennifer Harlow's book and about her characters. I loved the interaction between Mona and her nieces. It's obvious she really cares about them and will do anything for them. The two young girls seem older than their ages, but given their past--at least the hints we are given--it's really no wonder.

I love that Mona isn't your typical urban fantasy type heroine. Yes, she's a strong woman who isn't afraid to speak her mind, but appearance wise, she's not exactly Angelina Jolie (and I am so tired of heroines who eat anything they want and don't gain weight!). Mona can hold her own though, especially when it comes to working out problems. I like that Mona is modest, even despite her position as high priestess. She truly cares about those around her and isn't afraid to ask for help when she--or others--need it.

There's plenty of action with a side of romance as Mona tries to figure out who is out to get her. There's a definite southern small town feel to the novel with the genial hospitality and the gossip that spreads like wildfire. I enjoyed getting to know the people of Goodnight, and look forward learning more about a few favorites in future books.

Rating: (Good +)

You can learn more about Jennifer Harlow and her books on the author's website.

Source: I received an e-copy of this book for review from the publisher via NetGalley.

From Book to Movie: Must Love Dogs by Claire Cook (Spoilers)

2013-03-05T00:00:00.000-08:00

Must Love Dogs by Claire Cook

Viking, 2002

Romance; 256 pgs

(Movie version came out in 2005, directed by Gary David Goldberg)

My must see movie wish list is not nearly as long as my must read wish list, but occasionally the two share titles. I am generally a person who likes to read the book before seeing the movie, and so there are quite a few movies I have not gotten to simply because I have yet to read the book. Must Love Dogs was on that list for quite a while. I have wanted to see the movie since it first came out, only, well, it took me awhile to get to the book. But finally I can say I've seen the movie! Now that I've read the book.

From the Publisher:

Forty-year-old Sarah Hurlihy, a divorced preschool teacher whose life is her classroom, is about to meet her first date in more than a decade. It was the "Loves Dogs" that hooked her in the personal ad, and now she is scanning her neighborhood café for the man with a yellow rose. And find him she does, but he's the last person on earth she expects to find there . . .

In Must Love Dogs, hilarious missteps abound. Sarah's widowed father, Billy Hurlihy, with six adult kids, is seeing at least two women. And he and Sarah aren't the only Hurlihys with romantic challenges. Her brother Michael, for one, has a rocky marriage that Mother Teresa, his St. Bernard, just may put over the edge. With self-deprecating humor and a laugh-out-loud view of the way we live now, including shar pei/Labrador crosses and a transgenerational body-piercing experience, Must Love Dogs is a perfect beach read that melts the heartache of dating with warmth and humor.

Must Love Dogs was a fun way to spend an afternoon. I do not often read books like this, admittedly, and so think that played a big part in my delay in reading the book. I enjoyed it just the same. Sarah seems like the kind of person I might like to hang out with--and I just love her family. I think they and John Anderson were perhaps my biggest draw to the book. I confess there were moments I wanted to shake Sarah and point her in the right direction, but what would be the fun in that?

I liked how the author didn't gloss over how difficult it can be to start over after a failed marriage and in starting to date again. She also touched on ongoing marital issues and the challenges that are sometimes faced when the couple grows apart.

In the book, the reader is inside Sarah's head and sees the world through her eyes. As a result, not much is known about her possible love interests. The movie helps fill that out, however, complementing the book quite nicely.

The book and movie are quite different in several respects, but it didn't hurt my enjoyment of either. There's a lot less dating and more walking through Sarah's typical day in the book than there is in the movie. The mode of putting out an ad for dating was also different--likely a sign of the changing times from when the two were written. The movie had more obvious funny moments while the book took a more subtle approach. And, of course, there were some character changes-additions and cuts.

I bought into the movie romance more than I did of that in the book, but I think that is in part because the movie took it farther. Not only is the viewer given Sarah's perspective, but we also get the perspective of her love interest, Jake Anderson (John in the book). There's also the fact that the movie and book end on slightly different notes. One being your happily ever after type ending and the other being more of an introduction to that possibility. If that makes sense.

One thing I liked about the book more was the portrayal of Sarah's family. I felt like I got to know them much better in the book and I missed the interactions between Sarah and her niece in the movie. I think their relationship was a significant part of the book and was one of the reasons I was endeared to Sarah.

Overall, I enjoyed both the book and the movie. It's hard to say which I liked more--but for different reasons. Both were entertaining and a nice break from the more serious topics I have been reading lately.

Rating: (Good)

You can learn more about Claire Cook and her books on the author's website.

Source: I purchased a copy of the book and movie for my own pleasure.

Bookish Thoughts: The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark

2013-02-28T00:00:00.000-08:00

The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark

Ballantine Books, 2011

Romance (Paranormal); 448 pgs

I loved this book. My husband's been giving me a hard time for liking it at all, but it was so good! Juliet Dark (also known by the name Carol Goodman) is a master of description, weaving a tale that pulled me in and has me craving more. I was reminded of how I felt when I read Karen Marie Moning's Darkfever, although the books are very different.

From the Publisher:

Since accepting a teaching position at remote Fairwick College in upstate New York, Callie McFay has experienced the same disturbingly erotic dream every night: A mist enters her bedroom, then takes the shape of a virile, seductive stranger who proceeds to ravish her in the most toe-curling, wholly satisfying ways possible. Perhaps these dreams are the result of her having written the bestselling book The Sex Lives of Demon Lovers. Callie’s lifelong passion is the intersection of lurid fairy tales and Gothic literature—which is why she’s found herself at Fairwick’s renowned folklore department, living in a once-stately Victorian house that, at first sight, seemed to call her name.

But Callie soon realizes that her dreams are alarmingly real. She has a demon lover—an incubus—and he will seduce her, pleasure her, and eventually suck the very life from her. Then Callie makes another startling discovery: Her incubus is not the only mythical creature in Fairwick. As the tenured witches of the college and the resident fairies in the surrounding woods prepare to cast out the demon, Callie must accomplish something infinitely more difficult—banishing this supernatural lover from her heart.

I actually picked up this book to read only because I liked the sound of the second book in the series. I admit to being a bit turned off by the description of this book, afraid it would be more sex than story. And while there was a lot of sex, there was also quite a good story.

When Callie first visits Fairwick, she has no real interest in taking the job there. She and her boyfriend had long ago agreed to settle in New York City once they finished school. But Callie is drawn to the town, particularly an old Victorian house once owned by a famous author. She buys the home and accepts the position even despite all her reasons not to. As Callie will soon discover, both she and the town of Fairwick are more than they at first appear.

I loved the setting of the novel. From the old Victorian house and the woods behind with all its secrets to the university and its eclectic staff to the small town itself, with its charm and unique townsfolk. This is a place I would love to explore further, getting to know the people and taking in the beauty and heart of my surroundings.

Callie is the typical heroine, strong and intelligent. Her students are important to her, and it shows in her teaching and in her interactions with her students. Callie is practical, but a romantic at heart. She doesn't want to believe the man who comes to her in her dreams is real, can't imagine he could be, but as the evidence mounts, she struggles with what to do. Callie's emotions are at war with what she knows is right. It's an age old dilemma, but one many of us can relate to on some level.

The incubus haunting Callie isn't the only trouble she faces in The Demon Lover. There's also the curse on one of her student's family and a mysterious illness going around. There is also her grandmother, a formidable woman with her own agenda.

The book has a distinct Gothic feel to it, which makes it all the more appealing. It is beautiful and intense. And I loved every word. I hated to leave the world Juliet Dark created and am anxious to jump into the second book of the Fairwick Chronicles, Water Witch.

Rating: (Very Good +)

To learn more about Carol Goodman/Juliet Dark and her books, please visit the author's website.

Source: I received an e-copy of this book for review from the publisher via NetGalley.

My Not so Review of The Road by Cormac McCarthy (Spoilers)

2013-02-26T00:00:00.001-08:00

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Knopf, 2006

Fiction; 256 pgs

I was going to write a review of The Road, both the book by Cormac McCarthy, and the movie (2009, directed by John Hillcoat), but I then decided not to. Yet, here I sit, trying to come up with something for you . . . and nothing. I am not sure what to say beyond the writing is brilliant, the story stark and depressing and yet full of love with a (very) dim spark of hope. Once I had time to actually sit down and get into it, rather than the stolen reading moments I sneaked in here and there, I was captivated and completely drawn to the story of this young boy and his father as they traveled toward the coast in an inhospitable, post-apocalyptic world.

For me, it's impossible not to talk about this novel--or the movie--without talking about the ending. It was an important ending--and a powerful one. I finished the novel while at work, and so didn't have as strong a reaction to it as I might have had I been home, free to feel whatever emotions came. I was able to let my emotions flow after the movie, however, and it was awhile before the tears stopped. A parent dying and leaving behind a child (or a child dying) is a trigger for me. And both the movie and book affected me for days. I imagine they would have anyway, even if I wasn't more sensitive to that particular topic. Still, it was compounded by the recent real life murder of a local police officer who left behind a wife and two children. No matter how hard I tried to block out the thought of those poor kids, I couldn't do it. Although I did not know this particular officer, I have worked with others on the force. We are community partners, fighting the same fight.

And so, a few weeks later, I still am not sure what to write about The Road. It's a book I have wanted to read since I first heard the hype when it was published. Then I put off reading it because of the hype. And now that I have finally gotten to it, I find at a loss for what to say--in part, because of the hype. What's there to say about a book that just about everyone has already read and dissected? All I can say is that, for me, this book was more a visceral read than one I analyzed as I read.

I liked the movie and felt it was well done, although the book is better. I liked better my own vision of the world McCarthy created rather than that on the big screen. The changes between the two were minor and did not really change the story. Still, the book seems more powerful, more meaningful to me. And yet seeing the story on the screen, brought it even more home for me. I'm not sure I can explain why exactly.

Rating: (Very Good +)

To learn more about Cormac McCarthy and his books, please visit the author's website.

Source: I purchased a copy of this book and movie for my own viewing pleasure.

Wordless Wednesday: Sick Days

2013-02-20T00:00:00.000-08:00

Bookish Thoughts: The Expats by Chris Pavone

2013-02-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

The Expats by Chris Pavone

Broadway, 2013

Crime Fiction; 352 pgs

When Kate's husband first tells her he has taken a job in Luxembourg, her mind reels with what the move will involve. It means leaving behind her own job, one that has defined her for many years. She convinces herself it is for the best--she'd been feeling the strain between working outside the home in such a demanding job and her family since the day her first child was born. This could be the opportunity she's been waiting for to break from her old life.

As she attempts to settle into her new life as a stay at home mom, socializing with the other expats in Luxembourg, she seems to be going through the motions, just playing a part. Her husband had promised to be home more and have fewer late nights working, only that isn't proving to be the case. And then there is the new American couple in town who seems a bit off. Both set off bells for Kate, and she begins to look into the possible secrets everyone, including her husband, around her is hiding. Kate can't help but wonder though if it is all in her head, remnants of her old life, of always being suspicious and never taking anything at face value.

Kate herself has her own secrets, including that she once worked for the CIA. She struggles internally with whether to tell her husband, unsure how he will react. The lies came so easily for so long; she wonders if the truth will do more damage than good. The author captures very well the strain secrets can have on on a marital relationship, and I found myself wondering what would happen to Kate and her husband throughout. Chris Pavone poses some difficult ethical questions in terms of honesty and protecting the ones we love. He does an excellent job of demonstrating how no decision is exactly black and white.

Kate is an interesting character. I never felt like she completely let me in, even as a reader, and yet I feel as if I understand her. I got the impression she was often just going through the motions, not really happy with her life. I think it was the burden of the secrets she carries as well as the constant lies. Much of the novel is focused on Kate's internal struggles, which I really appreciated as it added depth to the story.

I have made this book sound more like a book about relationships than the thriller it is, but The Expats has plenty of thrill. The story is told in the first person narrative, with the past and present running parallel. It makes for an especially intriguing story with just enough foreshadowing to build suspense but not enough to spoil. I was quite taken with Chris Pavone's ability to surprise me with the many twists in the novel. There was rarely a dull moment. And I loved the author's way with words, at once beautiful and thoughtful. The Expats is both an intense and thought provoking book.

Rating: (Very Good)

To learn more about Chris Pavone and his book, please visit the author's website.

I hope you will check out what others had to say about The Expats on the TLC Book Tours route!

Many thanks to the TLC Book Tours for the opportunity to be a part of this book tour. Copy of The Expats provided by publisher.