What to Read? … What to Read?

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“She made a stunning cat burglar, dressed entirely in black spandex that molded to her waist and sweetly curved hips. Her golden hair hung in a ponytail down her back. The ends swished gently across her shoulder blades as she moved her head from side to side, scanning the bookshelf.

She stepped to the side, silent in her black socks. She must have left her shoes outside the window, thinking she’d move more quietly without them. He noted her slim ankles, then let his gaze wander back up to golden hair. He would have to be careful capturing her. Like any Vamp, he had super strength, and she looked a bit fragile.

He moved silently past the wingback chairs to the window. It made a swooshing sound as he shut it.

With a gasp, she turned toward him. Her eyes widened. Eyes green as the hills surrounding his home in Scotland.”

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth…or maybe a vampire, yes that’s it a vampire. I wonder if Santa can fit one in my stocking? Well maybe if he is unable to the jolly red man can leave me All I Want For Christmas Is a Vampire written by Kerrelyn Sparks.

Toni Davis’s Christmas wish list

1. Springing my best friend from the psych ward.

2. Living somewhere that doesn’t have coffins in the basement. Occupied coffins.

3. Finding Mr. Right. Please make him tall, dark, handsome, and alive.

This Christmas isn’t so merry for Toni. Her best friend’s been locked up in a mental hospital ever since she told the police she was attacked by vampires, and the only way for Toni to get her out is to prove that bloodsuckers really do exist. So she’s taken a job as a bodyguard for the Undead, but she gets more than she bargained for, especially when she meets Ian MacPhie, a Scottish rascal looking for Ms. Right.

Although Ian’s nearly five centuries old, he looks and acts like a twenty-seven-year-old hunk.

How can a dead man be so damn sexy? Could Mr. Wrong be Mr. Right? One forbidden kiss could lead to an eternity of passion—and all it takes is one moment under the mistletoe . . .

This is book 5 in the Love at Stake series; Sparks has managed to keep her series consistent; consistently funny that is, from the personal add that Ian’s friends place for him to the dialogue between Ian and Toni. Chalk this up as a fun light read and maybe if you are really good you will find that Vampire in your stocking.

Happy Reading

Sarah

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“You would think being a real live faerie princess would make your life fairy-tale-like, but fairy tales only end well. While the story is going on, horrible things happen. Remember Rapunzel? Her prince got his eyes scratched out by the witch, which blinded him. At the end of the story, Rapunzel’s tears magically restored his sight, but that was at the end of the story. Cinderella was little better than a slave. Snow White was actually nearly killed four different times by the evil queen. All anyone remembers is the poisoned apple, but don’t forget the huntsman, or the enchanted girdle and the poisoned comb. Pick any fairy tale that’s based on older stories, and the heroine of the piece has a miserable, dangerous, nightmarish time of it.”

Book 7 of the Merry Gentry series recently came out, Swallowing Darkness is written by the popular Laurell K. Hamilton. Now this is the way to spend a cold wet afternoon.

I am Meredith, princess of faerie, wielder of the hands of Flesh and Blood, and at long last, I am with child–twins, fathered by my royal guard. Though my uncle; Taranis, King of Light and Illusion, claims that he is the true father since he abducted me from my home, betrayed, and defiled me. And now he has branded my guards as a threat to my unborn children.

Bearing an heir has placed me halfway to my aunt’s throne, that much closer to my reign over the Unseelie Court–and well ahead of her son, my cousin Cel, in this race. Now I must stay alive to see my children born and claim my place as queen.

But not all in faerie are pleased with the news, and conspirators from every court in the realm plot against me and mine. They seek to strip my guards, my lovers, from me by poisoned word or cold steel. But I still have supporters, and even friends, among the goblins and the sluagh, who will stand by me.

I am Meredith Nic Essus, and those who would defy and destroy me are destined to pay a terrible price–for I am truly my father’s daughter. To protect what is mine, I will sacrifice anything–even if it means waging a great battle against my darkest enemies and making the most momentous decision ever made as princess of faerie.

Hamilton has a way of creating a vivid world that she immerses her characters in. She however couldn’t seem to pull this one off, although she has kept to her vivid writing it wasn’t quite up to her caliber. I was excited when I saw book 7 on the shelf, I eagerly picked it up seeing as how book 6 left us with a cliff hanger. If you haven’t read this series I will say this; the first part of this fantasy adventure is good, the second half not so much. It’s almost like there was no effort put into this. However, you may find you enjoyed it. If you did that is super if you didn’t on to the next adventure.

Happy Reading

Sarah

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I just wanted to let you know that the giveaway has no winners; maybe next time right?

Ok guess what I did? Come on guess! I started my Christmas list, top of my list is Scarpetta written by Patricia Cornwell and it will be released on December 2, 2008, just in time for it to be bought and put in my Christmas stocking. This is her 16^th book in the Kay Scarpetta series.

 Leaving behind her private forensic pathology practice in Charleston, South Carolina, Kay Scarpetta accepts an assignment in New York City, where the NYPD has asked her to examine an injured man on Bellevue Hospital’s psychiatric prison ward. The handcuffed and chained patient, Oscar Bane, has specifically asked for her, and when she literally has her gloved hands on him, he begins to talk—and the story he has to tell turns out to be one of the most bizarre she has ever heard.

The injuries, he says, were sustained in the course of a murder . . . that he did not commit. Is Bane a criminally insane stalker who has fixed on Scarpetta? Or is his paranoid tale true, and it is he who is being spied on, followed and stalked by the actual killer? The one thing Scarpetta knows for certain is that a woman has been tortured and murdered—and more violent deaths will follow. Gradually, an inexplicable and horrifying truth emerges: Whoever is committing the crimes knows where his prey is at all times. Is it a person, a government? And what is the connection between the victims?

In the days that follow, Scarpetta; her forensic psychologist husband, Benton Wesley; and her niece, Lucy, who has recently formed her own forensic computer investigation firm in New York, will undertake a harrowing chase through cyberspace and the all-too-real streets of the city—an odyssey that will take them at once to places they never knew, and much, much too close to home.

Will this be as good as her other books? I hope so.  I wonder if this will be a best seller or even win Cornwell another award. Well only time will tell. I will be sitting on my hands waiting for this one. I must remember not to go snooping around looking for early Christmas gifts. It does ruin the surprise. Now off with you, go get yourself a new book while we are waiting.

Happy Reading

Sarah

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“Jenks made a darting path over my basket, and a package of fern seed for Matalina’s wing aches thumped in.  Catching sight of the bust enhancer, his expression turned positively devilish.  “Speaking of slutty,” he started.

“Well-endowed doesn’t equal slutty, Jenks,” I said.  “Grow up.  It’s for the costume.”

“Like that’ll do anything?”  His grin was infuriating, and his hands were on his hips in his best Peter Pan poise.  “You need two or three to even make an impression.  Fried eggs.”

“Shut up!””

I was recently given a box of hand me down books. These were books that had been read and put aside to collect dust. I rummaged around and found The Outlaw Demon Wails written by Kim Harrison.

Red-headed witch Rachel Morgan has a demon after her, but that’s just one of her many troubles in this action-packed sixth installment of Harrison’s Hollows series (after 2007’s For a Few Demons More). A nice guy might be moving into Rachel’s town and life, but she’s still getting over her last boyfriend, whose murder she has yet to solve. Elf politician Trent Kalamack wants her to go to the ever-after on a dangerous mission. Rynn Cormel, Cincinnati’s new master vampire and ex-leader of the free world, is interfering in her life. Her friend, former demon familiar Ceri, is unexpectedly pregnant, by an unexpected partner. On top of all this, Rachel worries she may have had a too close encounter with a vampire and soon becomes concerned about her own abilities with demon magic. With the help of her feisty mother, Alice, and her pixy partner, Jenks, Rachel boldly tackles every challenge amid a cascade of plot twists that will delight Harrison’s fans.

For anyone who has been following this series you will be extremely pleased with the sixth book. The plot was excellent, we get a feeling of where Harrison might be taking her story and we get a good laugh through dialogue between fabulous characters. If you haven’t read this series may I suggest you go and do so now.

Happy Reading

Sarah

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Oh! I can’t wait; November is a good month for new releases; such as November 11, 2008 we can expect to see Snake Dreams written by James D. Doss.

With his Southwestern series, bestselling author James D. Doss and his dryly humorous, no-nonsense Native American sleuth, Charlie Moon, have brought law and what’s going to have to pass for order to Charlie’s Columbine Ranch and the nearby Ute reservation.

Now the seven-foot rancher and part-time tribal investigator wants to carve out a little more space for himself alongside FBI Special Agent Lila Mae McTeague. That’s right: Charlie has it in his head that he’s going to get hitched. That is, unless Charlie’s irascible aunt, her sixteen-year-old niece, and their visions of a dead woman—her throat slit from ear to ear—have anything to say about it.

With a bit of romance and full measure of murder, Snake Dreams, the thirteenth in James D. Doss’s widely loved Charlie Moon series, is a haunting tale best told under a full moon and beside a crackling fire.

I have always enjoyed the Charlie Moon series, the plots are interesting, it’s not the typical the butler did it kind of mystery and the characters are believable as well. I know I will not be disappointed with this new release.

Happy Reading

Sarah

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“As much as I loved my home, I had vague, disturbing memories of a southern garden full of giant magnolia trees dripping with Spanish moss. I remembered a tall man with dark hair turning gray; a man who called me his son. I didn’t remember his face nearly as well as I remembered the nice warm and safe feeling he gave me. I guess one of the saddest things about growing bigger, and older, was that no one was large enough, or strong enough, to pick you up and hold you close and make you feel that safe again.”

I went digging through a pile of books that I found in the back of my closet and I happened upon If There Be Thorns written by V.C. Andrews.

Chris and Cathy made such a loving home for fourteen-year-old Jory — so handsome, so gentle. And for Bart,who had such a dazzling imagination for a nine year old.

Then the lights came on in the house next door. Soon the Old Lady in Black was there, watching them, guarded by her strange old butler. Soon she had Bart over for cookies and ice cream and asked him to call her “Grandmother”.

And soon Bart’’s transformation began…

Fed by the hint of terrible things about his mother and father…leading him into shocking acts of violence.

Now while this little boy trembles on the edge of madness, his anguished parents await the climax to a horror that flowered in an attic long ago, a horror whose thorns are still wet with blood, still tipped with fire.

This is of course the third in this series, with its simple plot a great thriller was brought out. Andrews did a wonderful job with this book. If you haven’t read this series then I think it’s about time that you do. You know where to go, so what are you waiting for?

Happy Reading

Sarah

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“Stryker honestly felt sorry for the creature who had to be in absolute agony. There was something about him that seemed familiar and yet he couldn’t place it. “How long have they held you here?””

Doesn’t it seem like you are always waiting for something? Well this is no different, but our wait isn’t too long only until November 4, 2008 when One Silent Night written by Sherrilyn Kenyon is released.

While the world carries on unawares, Stryker, who leads an army of demons and vampires, is plotting an all out onslaught against his enemies–which, unfortunately for us, includes the entire human race. To avenge his sister, Stryker prepares to annihilate the Dark-Hunters. But things go awry when his oldest enemy returns. Enter his ex-wife. Zephyra. Just when he thought nothing could stop him, he’s now embroiled in a centuries old war with a shrew who gives new meaning to pain and a shrew who is the only woman he’s ever really loved.

This is the next installment of her Dark Hunter’s novel. Will it flow with the rest of her series? Will it be a best seller? Only time will tell and speaking of time, I must run, I have a book to finish reading. Don’t forget November 4, 2008.

Happy Reading

Sarah

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“Try to get some sleep,” he said.

But Meggie didn’t want to sleep. “Dustfinger! What sort of a name is that?” she asked. “And why does he call you Silvertongue?”

What’s more fun than discovering a new series; finding out that it will soon to be turned into a movie. What series am I blabbering about? That would be Inkheart written by the talented Cornelia Funke.

Meggie’s father Mo has an interesting talent: when he reads aloud, things, and sometimes people, come out of their stories and into the real world! But now the evil Capricorn wants to use Mo’s talents to bring himself great wealth and power. Then Meggie discovers that maybe Mo isn’t the only one who can read things to life. This is an enchanting story full of adventure, suspense, and magic. The characters are vivid and delightful. Unlike many books for younger readers there is a distinct emphasis on the importance of family as seen in the close relationship between Meggie and her father. Unfortunately the author does include several instances of mild profanity which seems totally unnecessary in a children’s book and is perhaps the biggest detractor from the story. Lightly magical, humorous, and fun, Inkheart will appeal to those who like adventure and fantasy, and to anyone who ever wished a story could come to life.

This is a book that will delight readers of all ages. Its plot is interesting, its characters charming and you will definitely have your favorites. I know I sure do and I am marking down the days until the movie hits the theaters. Now the question is will the movie do the book justice? I certainly hope so. There have been a few movies that have come out that should not have been attempted. Now let’s all go and read Inkheart while we wait for January 23, 2009.

Happy Reading

Sarah

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“Arabeth dared to run her hand under the open fold of his shirt, her fingers

dancing across his smooth skin to the rougher place where skin and tar had

melded together, and it occurred to Maimun that he typically kept his shirt

open just a bit more for exactly the reason of revealing a hint of that scar, that

badge of honor, that reminder to all around that he had spent most of his life

with a blade in his hand.”

When one goes to the bookstore or the library you never know what you might find. I happened upon The Pirate King written by R.A. Salvatore, this is the second book in the forgotten Realms series.

Drizzt returns to Luskan, and the Realms will never be the same!

The Arcane Brotherhood has long held the city of Luskan in their power, but when corruption eats away at their ranks, Captain Deudermont comes to the rescue of a city that has become a safe haven for the Sword Coast’s most dangerous pirates. But rescuing a city from itself may not be as easy as Deudermont thinks, and when Drizzt can’t talk him out of it, he’ll be forced to help.

This was an entertaining book, it was a little awkward in the middle, and the way it reads seemed to be forced just a bit. But that to me didn’t matter, it was entertaining all the same and it was a great way to waste away an afternoon. Will you enjoy this book, I would say yes especially if you enjoyed the Hunter’s Blades trilogy. You know what to do.

Happy Reading

Sarah

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A new series is being released on October 21, 2008; how exciting is that? Ghost at Work is a brand new mystery series that is written by the talented Carolyn Hart.

Bailey Ruth Raeburn has always been great at solving mysteries. Why should a little thing like her death change anything? In fact, being dead gives her more of an opportunity to be on top of events. Bailey Ruth is delighted that her unique position as a ghost makes it possible for her to lend a helping hand, sometimes seen and sometimes not. And if anybody needs a little help, it’s Kathleen, the pastor’s wife. There’s a dead man on her porch, and once the body is discovered, the pastor is sure to become a suspect.

Uncharitable people might call it meddling, but Bailey Ruth knows Kathleen needs her help! As a member of Heaven’s Department of Good Intentions, Bailey Ruth goes back to earth to extricate Kathleen from a dire situation. If Bailey Ruth has to bend a few rules to help Kathleen save her family, Wiggins, her fussbudget supervisor, will make sure it all turns out right in the end.

Hart has won the Agatha, Anthony and Macavity awards for her other books, will Ghost at Work bring her a new award? Only time will tell on that one. So in the meantime go to your local bookstore or library and reserve your copy. Let me know what you think.

Happy Reading

Sarah