Everything's Coming Up Rosie

Hi, it's me,Chari-Dee, I know I have been very quiet lately, but I haven't had a chance to do as much reading this summer as I would like. And now that school has started back up - although PTO is keeping me very busy - I should start to have more frequent posts. In fact, I have 6 books scheduled to be in my mail box today, so the reviews may start flying for the next week. Dee and I have both made it clear that we love to read. We love to talk about the books we read - especially the books we love. So, after finishing this book, I struggled with myself for a while about whether or not I should review it. But as I have said before, we will be honest but never cruel, after all, the point of a book review is to let other readers know what you thought about a book. That way, if it turns out they have similar tastes to you, they can use your thoughts on the book as a guide. So in the end, it was my own words that talked me into doing this review.




Everything's Coming Up Rosie by Kasey Michaels
(Back Cover Copy)
What's a dedicated bachelor doing at a week-long society wedding celebration? Doug Llewellyn is being bored out of his skull......until a beautiful, unkown woman calls him "darling,"then plants a big wet kiss on him. Suddenly boredom is no longer Doug's problem.

Rosie Kilgannon, she of the big wet kiss, is also a guest at the wedding, and although she's used Doug as a way to escape an amorous admirer, that kiss was really something else! Why not enjoy each other for the week, no strings attached?

Which might have worked, if not for the weeping bride, the suspiciously shifty groom, the neurotic wedding planner...and the fact that True Love often sneaks up on the unwary and belts them right in the chops!

A ROSIE BY ANY OTHER NAME....
WOULD STILL BE IRRESISTIBLE.

Isn't that an adorable cover? The back cover copy sounds interesting, too (which for me to say is high praise, I know). Add those two things with the fact that HQN (Harlequin's single title line) had not let me down yet, and you have the reasons I picked up this book. I wish I could say that the third reason still stands, but unfortunately, Rosie was a very big disappointment for me.

I've mentioned before my penchant for reading everything between the covers of a book, and this was no exception. In my reading I found out that Michaels is a USA TODAY bestselling author, has won many awards including the RITA and not only writes contemporary, but historical romances as well. And while I haven't read anything else that Michaels has penned, I would lay money down that her historicals are top notch. In fact, there were several times while reading this book that I got that historical feel. But Rosie is a contemporary romance and I found myself greatly turned off by the writing.

For instance, she has her main character Rosie actually call someone a cad! And while I could almost believe that if she had said something like, "21st century cad," but just out and out cad didn't flow well with the current times. Now granted, the characters in this book are all from money, and I'm not exactly versed in the conversational nuances of the rich, I still couldn't picture any one in this era calling some one a cad. Maybe it's just me.

I've also found the more I work on my own writing, the more I look more critically at the writing of others, especially published authors. I like to take note of the POV (point of view) they use, and the pacing. Rosie was written in 3rd person omnisicient (Om), and I find, that for a romance, I prefer to read a book written in 3rd Limited. You can really connect with a character in Limited as you are seeing things as they do and can really get into their head. While in Om it is as if some one is simply telling you what is going on as they see it. You just aren't really privy to the characters thoughts and feelings, and therefore, I felt disconnected through out the whole book. And I'll be the first to admit, I love me a good steamy sex scene (ahem, I mean sweet love making scene), and with the writing in Om, the scenes that could have been made very juicy, felt more like forced filler.

The premise, as you can see from the BCC, is that Doug is going to a week long wedding party, with the wedding being the big finale. After 5 full chapters, the start of Chapter 6 brings us to day 2. That is 140 pages devoted soley to day 1. That made for very slow pacing. The first paragraph hinted to me that there would be pacing problems, as it is only one sentence. One very long sentence. Also, in that first day, you could have made quite the drinking game out of how many times the characters say each others names. The conversations between characters didn't seem very natural to me, as they kept using each others name when they ended a sentence. Once again, I'm not versed in the speak of the rich, but it just seemed excessive. I felt like yelling, "I get it already! Her name is Rosie Kilgannon and his is Doug Llewellyn, can we get on with it now?"

When Doug finally gets to the house where the party is supposed to take place, he meets Rosie almost immediately and gets the wet kiss mentioned above. With in those 12 chapters that take up 2 days, they both realize they love each other. They have sex and make out, in those 2 days. And while I am a big fan of the HEA, I need to have my Romance be a bit more believable.

All in all, I'm not too sorry I read the book. I think I may have found an author to look up when I 'm in the mood for a Historical. And if you like Kasey Michaels work, then I'm sure you'll like this one. I just know for me, it will not be a re-read.

If you have read this book (which maybe not, I just saw on her website that it isn't supposed to be out until October) I would love to hear your thoughts on it. Do you think I am completely off base? If you have read some of Ms. Michaels historical books I would love to hear your thoughts on those as well.

As always.....


Take Care

You Could Do Better, by Stephanie Lehmann

Of course, I didn't just head into the Barnes & Noble at 11th&E in downtown DC and find this book. I was on a mission. I happened to be in town to meet some CherryBomb friends, and I knew that I had some hours to wait, and can you honestly think of a place that I like better than a bookstore? NOPE. So there I was... yeah, yeah, yeah, all alone in the middle of DC, in a bookstore, with NO KIDS, and three hours to kill. Heaven, I tell ya. If they could bottle that feeling, I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

I searched for this book, because I read an author interview over on...wait for it... Joshilyn Jackson's blog, Faster Than Kudzu. I liked the sound of the book. I was intrigued with the idea of a woman that escaped into tv-land instead of really living her life. That sounds like me, except I use books as my escape. TV doesn't really have a hold on me like books do, but I do understand using something else as a way to get out of whatever situation you may be in at any given moment.

Our heroine, Daphne Wells, is a curator at the Museum of Television and Radio. It's the perfect job for her, because she is obsessed with television. When I say "obsessed", I mean she's really into it. She would rather be watching "Supermodels" than having sex with her boyfriend. That would be sad, but then you find out how mediocre her boyfriend is in bed, and you understand. Sort of. No, I guess it's just sad. But then again, there have been books that have had the same effect on me. I won't mention any author names here, but there are a few that make Shane cringe, because he knows we won't do anything until I reach the last page, and have time to *absorb* the story. Yeah, I guess I'm pretty sad too, and I have an outstanding sex life, thankyouverymuch. Not that you really needed to know that...

Daphne's boyfriend, Charlie, proposes, she accepts, and then the trouble starts. Daphne has to tell her sister, Billie, that she's engaged. We see Billie as an aging model, whose one claim to fame is a taxi-cab commercial that still runs all the time. Daphne seems to think that Billie will flip out at the news, so she comes up with reasons not to tell her. This annoys Charlie to no end. He seems to want Daphne to stick up for herself, and for their relationship, but she seems afraid of Billie's reactions. Then Daphne meets another man, a big tv man, and she starts wondering if maybe she could do better than Charlie. I won't tell you anymore, because that would be *spoilers* and I think it's only fair for you to read this one yourself and find out what happens.

The plot wasn't twisted or convoluted, which was fine. The characters weren't campy or surreal, which was good. The situations weren't overblown or far-fetched, which was nice. I did NOT hate this book. I didn't even not like it. I think the problem, if you can call it that, was that I felt like it ended too soon. I got to the next to the last chapter and started worrying, because I just knew that it couldn't end the way I needed it to end in that short of a time. It was disconcerting.

I like books that take you on a journey. I like to be able to look back at the beginning and recognize the character, then flip to the middle and see her blossom, then re-read the end, and see her in full bloom. I need that transformation. I need an arc, I really do. I never realized it before, but it is something that I've grown so used to that I can recognize when it doesn't happen.

I'm NOT saying that it doesn't happen here, because it does. Daphne recognizes that she uses tv to escape reality, specifically her emotional relationships. She unplugs her tv, and there is silence, and she listens to herself in that silence. I really liked that part.

I think that for me though, there was more of her journey that needed to be shown for me to be totally satisfied. I felt like she started on her journey, but we only got through the takeoff. I wanted to know how she landed, too.

PLEASE don't think I didn't like this book. I did. Really, I did. I am actually going to get Stephanie's other books and read them as well. I enjoyed this one. I didn't LOVELOVELOVE it, but I enjoyed it. If you're a tv addict, like Daphne, then you will appreciate a LOT about this book. Daphne actually takes the reader through each decade of television, and you learn how tv impacted family life, as well as how family life impacted tv. You learn about ads, why they are important, how they came to be, and how they now drive programming. It made me think of tv in a whole new way. It was a good read, and I don't regret a single second I spent reading it. I will recommend it, and loan it, and be happy upon it's return. I will even read it again. So you should read it too, and tell me what you think.

And on that note...back to your regularly scheduled programming...uh, I mean - blog...

And The Winner Is.......

Entry #1 !!! We want to say Congratulations to Rebecca for winning the signed copy of R.L. LaFevers' newest release Werewolf Rising . Rebecca is 14 years old and a HUGE fan of R.L. LaFevers books. After reading her entry, it looks like Rebecca may have quite the career in writing herself!

We want to say a BIG Thank You to every one who entered our very first contest here on Dee & Dee Dish. We are hoping to get to do many more of these in the future, so please keep checking back!

It is the end of the summer and things should return to your regularly scheduled blog entries soon. Just as soon as I get this 6 year old in school I can start reading again. I may go ahead and do an entry on a book I've already read and title it Oldies But Goodies!!! Until Then.....


Take Care

We need some judges...

Yeah, I know that I said Char and I would judge, but I was just being silly. I mean, how are WE supposed to decide which one of those is better?

So, we're putting it on you guys. YOU be the judge. In the comments section of THIS post, tell us which entry you liked the best. You have a little over 24 hours. Tomorrow at noon, I will come in and count the votes. Then, the winner will be posted. Once the winner is announced, we'll get you in touch with Robin so you can claim your prize.

On your mark...get set...JUDGE!!

And The Entrants ARE (Drum Roll, Please!)

The contest is now closed and the 4 entries are as follows (I will state again, I sure wish I could enter but will be buying the book to read to Bear-Bear any way) (Oh, and these are in no particular order except the easiest way for me to post them - I'm lazy sometimes) all are exactly as they were received:

Entry #1:

My mom’s a cherry on the forums and saw your contest and since I’m a fan of Robin (and have read several of her books and manuscripts,) I just had to enter the contest. I got a bit carried away and it’s kind of long but I’m happy with it.


Here’s a fact about werewolves I bet you didn’t know; Wolves hate werewolves.

It’s true, believe me. Werewolves have been giving plain wolves a bad name for centuries. Not only do they use us as scapegoats when their situation get out of hand but they use up valuable hunting space too.

That’s right, I said us.

I’m a wolf, well mostly. I bet you’ve heard tons of stories about what happens when a human is bitten by a werewolf. You know they turn into a wolf in the moonlight. Well, have you ever wondered what happens when a wolf is bitten by a werewolf? Let me tell you, wolves get the short end of the stick. Humans get all the benefits of being wolves, sharp teeth, claws, killer instinct, and awesome senses of smell and hearing, while when a wolf turns into a werewolf we get nothing, zip, nada. At least during the day we get nothing, at night, here comes the best part; we turn into a weak, naked human. Do you know how humiliating that is?

By now you’ve figured out that I’m one of these unfortunate wolf were-wolfs. I was bitten in a little tussle with a werewolf. Back then I hated them remember? Well, I very well couldn’t go back to my pack, since they hated werewolves, so in my new, werewolf crazed, mind I decided to go live in a human city.

I now live in a small apartment at night, seeing as when I’m a human I can’t seem to get comfortable enough to go to sleep on the cold ground. I also work the night shift at a pizza place (how humiliating,) to pay for the rent. No one seems to care that I only show up at night and how all the dogs on the block have disappeared except for one. He’s a nice stray Irish setter (I can’t resist a guy with long fur) I’ve been scavenging with during the day. He recently asked me if I wanted to howl at the moon with him but I had to decline, seeing as I’m human then.

I even get relationship problems like human werewolves, how sad is that?

I guess what I'm saying is that being a werewolf is not all frolic and play, especially if you're a wolf. So, don't go around bugging stray wolves you find at night so you can get bitten. Don't bug stray wolves during the day either, especially if they're with an Irish setter.
Now if you’ll excuse me, my paws are sore from typing and I have to go get some clothes on before the moon rises.

Entry #2:

Werewolves, huh? My step-father's part werewolf! Well, sort of. The hairy part he's got down and, yeah, sure, he likes himself some meat every now and then. He just has a very sweet temperament. You could pull out some chest hair and all he'll do is walk away, wounded, hand to chest with worried eyes looking back at you. A pussycat, really, or more a barrel-like dog. No werewolf blood in me, though my preference for steak any night of the week may suggest otherwise. I do enjoy some great werewolf tales, and even have one of my own started. Their stories need to be printed, told, and paraded--at least so I find amusement in other things besides randomly hair-pulling the beasts as I pass by.

(p.s. -- How did I not realize your book was out?)-

Entry #3:

Ever since my Michael J. Fox crush was forever warped by "Teen Wolf", I've had secret were fantasies... made worse by the appearance of another schoolgirl crush, Jason Bateman, in "Teen Wolf Too". (campy teen pseudo-horror comedy? sign me up!)I'm loving the were-romance trend, for sure. And every full moon, I like to go to a country meadow and dance, dreaming about my one true love (who hopefully can appreciate the white-girl-no-rhythm groove I've got going on...);)

Entry #4:

To me werewolves are a frequent used species in supernatural writing, movies, etc. Although I have no story of my own, I have to say I'm one of those "if only it were possible" type of people who wish werewolves were real. They're an intimate species who can be sly and coniving, funny, and sexy. Werewolves' ability to shapeshift teases my senses; being able to roam under a star filled sky in secret, racing the winds, being a part of something just so grand is exhilirating. At least in my opinion. Well I guess that's about it for me. =]



Thank You to every one that entered! I am so excited. We are a fledgeling blog so to get any entries is amazing. I think the fact that R.L. LaFevers books are so great played a big part in that. Good Luck to the entrants.

Take Care

Note from "the Other Dee"... I removed all the names from the entries above. Yeah, it seemed only fair...

Look Here!!! Contest!!!! WIN WIN WIN!!!!!

I hope my title wasn't too subtle, cause I really want ya'll to enter this here contest we have going on. In case you are just joining us there are only 5 days left to enter for a chance to win R.L. LaFevers' newest book WEREWOLF RISING. All you have to do is leave us a comment telling us a little bit about werewolves and what they mean to you. It can be funny, sad (you know, like The Day The Werewolf Ate My Homework), fake, a favorite moment in a book you have read that includes werewolves, ANYTHING GOES, but you have to enter to win, so leave us a comment and let us know.

And, since I realize this isn't the easiest contest -I'm posting my entry (although I can't win) here and Dee has already done hers. I was actually going to post mine a couple of days ago, but, and I swear this is true, right as I was getting ready to post, my husband came walking (loping) out of the bedroom on all fours licking himself. No joke.

After the initial shock wore off, and my husband was walking on two legs again, we did a little research into his family tree. It appears that his chest is hairy because his great-great-great-grandfather, was in fact a werewolf. I know, "inconceivable!" But, as it turns out, when the males in my husbands families are born they are put on this very special diet. They have learned that if you never feed the growing boys meat, especially red meat, it can (and usually does) suppress the "changing gene". Unfortunately, my hubby married a carnivor, and since I love me a big, fat, juicy, dripping steak, and I make them often, the urge to change has resurfaced in my husband.

This is a new adventure we are embarking on. Usually, a werewolf will undergo their first transformation around puberty, my hubby is well past this age (just don't tell him I said he isn't as spry as he once was) so it makes things a bit difficult. For one, he truly makes a terrible werewolf. He spent the whole of the last couple of days, curled up at my feet whimpering. It's worse than when he is sick. There just are no killer instincts in my man.

He has never been the type to deer hunt. So this is gonna really put a crimp in my food budget for the coming months. He has found, that while in wolf form, he has a hankering for T-Bone steak. And while he usually enjoys his with a side of baked potato, he now wants them with a side of Rib-Eye. When I suggested that he try to hunt for his food ( I am all about encouraging my man to tame his inner beast) he looked at me and said, "I cannot believe you! I thought you were a nice person! And now I find out you want me to kill Bambi's mamma!" I thought about that and told him that I would actually prefer it if he would kill Bambi's daddy, lots more meat and I could use what was left for jerky.

The upside to this is 2-fold. After a whole 2 days with a cry baby wolf that looked a bit like daddy in the house, Miss Beautiful is no longer afraid of dogs. The other is this great new game my hubby likes to play - Little Red Riding Hood. And in our version, the wolf really does get to eat Red.

Well, there was my entry. I'm off to get my red parka cleaned.

Take Care

DRUM ROLL, Please...

...for our latest announcement!

There is a new book coming out by a FABULOUS author, and we are thrilled to be able to share it with you. The totally amazingly talented Robin LaFevers, writing as R. L. LaFevers, has written a book called Werewolf Rising. It is going to be released on August 17th. I am so excited for this book and I'm going to tell you why. Sit back and enjoy this little tale...

I'm a Cherry, as you all know. This past spring, a call went out on the Cherry site for someone that knew e-bay. Since e-bay and I are as good as related, seeing as I spend so much time there and all, I sent off an e-mail and said I'd help. Robin was in charge of organizing a fundraising auction for another Cherry, so we worked together on that project. It was an incredible effort, and one of the things that I am truly thankful to have been a part of this year. In the process, I got to know Robin as a person, and she really impressed me. She has such a great attitude about things, and she also has a wonderful sense of humor. As a thank-you, she sent me her four books, in hardcover. These books were just so beautiful that I really didn't even want to read them. I wanted them to stay on a shelf and be pretty forever. But you know how I am with books, and they were cracked open the same day they arrived.

Her first published book, The Falconmaster, kept me up late that first day. It's the story of a young boy that just doesn't fit into the life he lives. He's different than everyone around him, and they make sure he doesn't ever forget those differences. Because of circumstances, he leaves his village and hides in the forest. He meets a stranger, rescues some birds, and discovers an inner strength that he never knew he had. (Yeah, I know, that's really a horrible synopsis, but hey, I'm running on 4 hours of sleep over 3 days, so cut me some slack already!) If you want a decent review, please click the link in the title to go to the Amazon page.

Robin's Lowthar's Blade trilogy was riveting. We read them together as a family, and that was a HUGE mistake. I say "mistake" because I grew hoarse reading those books. My kids simply would not let me stop reading. If that didn't spell "BOOK LOVE" clear enough for me, here's something else. (I already shared this with Robin on her blog, so you can skip ahead if you read it.) My younger son, Mathew (age 9), can not put Robin's books down. I've caught him up way past bedtime...reading. I've caught him sitting outside...reading. He's been reading instead of doing his chores. He's been reading instead of playing the Playstation or watching tv. He's just been...reading...Robin's books. He is thoroughly enchanted with the Blade trilogy. He's never been interested in books before we got that box from Robin. Yes, he'd read if I made him, but I really don't like the forced-reading thing. After we got those books and I read them aloud, he's been hooked. He can't get enough of them. I can't thank her enough for writing books that turned my son into a READER!

So here's the deal. Robin has very generously agreed to sponsor the prize for one of you loyal readers. She is going to send you a personally signed copy of her newest book, Werewolf Rising (this link goes to the Amazon site for the book!). All you have to do to win this new book is tell us, in the COMMENTS, your most interesting werewolf experience. It can be a real story, or something you make up. It can be about how you've always been scared of werewolves, or how you ARE a werewolf. You can tell us why the movies scare you, or how you can't get enough of them. But TELL US!! You can write it all out here, or you can blog it on your own blog and link back to it. All entries have to be posted by no later than August 15 at 11:59 blogger time. Charity and I will read through the entries and will announce a winner on the 17th, the same day as Werewolf Rising hits the streets.

I promise you a much longer review of all 4 of Robin's books very soon. However, I'm too tired to do them justice right now. Yet still, I am so excited for this new book that I just couldn't go to bed until I blogged about this contest to you guys. Seriously, it is after 4am, and I am sitting here thinking about Robin's book, and how Mathew is counting the days until it is released. I have a feeling I will be making a special trip to Borders that day, and it's a trip that I will gladly make!!

If you've read any of Robin's books, feel free to leave a comment and tell me how much you loved them, or how much your children adored them. I say "love" and "adore" because, really, there are simply no other emotions that are applicable to her books. If you've read them already, I know you agree. If you haven't read them yet, why the heck are you still here instead of over at Amazon ordering everything this woman has written? Be gone with you already and go buy some LaFevers books!!

Between, Georgia - More Than A Town

It is official, yes, official! I just filled out my paperwork and mailed me my check to the Joshilyn Jackson CDSSF(Crazy, Drooling, Screaming, Stalker Fans). And no, that link will not take you to the CDSSF web-site. Joss doesn't know about us and we want to keep it that way. If, like me, you totally adore this woman, send your check or money order for $75 to Dee c/o Dee & Dee Dish and I'll sign you up! Notice, I said mail the check to me, that's cause I'm the first member - notice the "mailed me my check" that wasn't bad grammar, that was the truth. I'm sorry, but at this time I cannot accept Credit Cards, but should membership grow at the rate I am expecting, I will be able to rectify that.

What has turned me into such an intense fan? The answer my friends is her novel Between, Georgia . I just finished reading this last night, and I fell so hard and fast for this book, I had to shout from the roof-tops about it. See the bad scanned in picture up there? How cool is it that she signed the book for me - even though I wasn't even there?! That is right, not only did Dee get me a signed copy of gods in Alabama , but she got me the signed hardcover of Between as well. How awesome is she? But Joss, it is me that should be thanking you - for writing something that is such a pleasure to read!

I know, this is a book review blog, so without further ado - on with the review (well, my version of one any way). And just like last time, read Dee's review last , because no matter what she may tell you, she does write the reviews way better than I.

Between, Georgia, population 90, is the setting for this tale of life, love, and self discovery. But, Between is not just a town, it is the constant state of Nonny Frett's life. In First Person narrative, Nonny takes us through her life, filled with ups and downs and twists and turns that easily rival any roller coaster and start right out of the gate. The book grabs you from line one and does not let go. I'm a sucker for an excellent opening line and this book definitely delivers, "The war began thirty years, nine months, and seven days ago, when I was deaf and blind, floating silent and serene inside Hazel Crabtree." Even if I would have wanted to, after reading that line, it would have been impossible for me to put this book down. She doesn't stop there with the memorable lines. The last line of Chapter 1 reads, ".....I know, but pull some pants on and hurry down. Stacia needs us to help her steal Ona Crabtree's grandbaby." I know, great huh?

Nonny Frett was born to a Crabtree. Birthed in the front room of the Frett's, Nonny enters the world from a child that doesn't want her and slides right into the loving arms of her true mamma, who does everything she can to have her. The Frett's and Crabtrees are mortal enemies. They are the epitome of the haves and have not's. When Nonny's biological grandmother finds out who Nonny really is, she wants her, in her sick and twisted way she loves her, and the way she sees it, she was wronged and she cannot forgive that. So, the hate between the two families escalates to an even bigger presence.

Nonny is raised by a deaf and soon to be blind mamma and her twin sister, Genny, who has nerves as strong as, well as strong as something the polar opposite of steel. The cast of characters that make up Nonny's life are as endearing as they are infuriating. Her pushy Aunt Bernese, her baby cousin Fisher, her soon-to-be ex-husband, and her best friend Henry Crabtree, and even her drunken natural grandmother Ona Crabtree are central to her life. The good and the bad.

In Between, Nonny struggles with who she is and what she truly wants. I could identify with Nonny. 30 years old and still not sure how to just get things done. One of my most favorite moments in the book is when Nonny goes into her mammas room one night to talk. She has had a very confusing day, she has made lots of promises to people and to keep one of them means she would have to break the rest. She is wanting guidance, some one to tell her what she should do. Her mamma asks her how she felt about something that had happened that day, and they start to talk about seeing things through. "You do not have this thing that's in me. The thing inside Bernese. I am not sure what to call it. Will or evil, or maybe it is only that we see things through." And then when Nonny tells her mamma that she can see things through her mamma says, "You never have before....... I couldn't trust that this would be the moment that you would pick to grow into yourself. I know you will. But there have been things you knew you needed to do before, hard things, and you folded in and waited and hoped either until something outside came along to make you or until it was too late." I identified so intensely with this part of Nonny, I just didn't know it. Not until I read that. But now that Joss has so eloquently pointed this hidden part of my soul out to me, I intend to fix it.

One of the other things I got from this book was that seeing things through doesn't necessarily mean you do it alone. The thing about seeing things through is you have to know what you want, know that you will do anything to get it, and then figure out how to do it and who to have help you. Towards the end of the book, after the war escalates and comes to an explosive climax, Nonny realizes exactly what it is she wants, and she tells her mamma, "......I know it. I don't know how to do it...........But you do."

This book has changed me. Changed me at a cellular level, and it is a change that is for the better. There are no words to express the true beauty that is Joshilyn Jackson's writing, you just have to experience it and live it for yourself.

Take Care

P.S. In the near future, we will be running a contest! Make sure to leave comments and let us know what you think. Also, keep checking back over the next couple of weeks for your chance to win the loot.

gods In Alabama

Since Joshilyn Jackson is here and there and everywhere this month, I thought I'd post about her here as well. Okay, not true, before she started popping up all of the world wide web, I had plans to post a review on this book for you. It just worked out that it would be at the same time she is prancing all over cyber space wearing her Ms. Popularity crown. But let me tell you, this chick deserves that crown. She is funny. Not ha ha funny, but, hold my side for me so I can wipe the tears out of my eyes, funny. Flippin' hilarious.

My dear friend, the other Dee, has already reviewed this book and there is no way my review will be near as good as hers was, so read hers last. I shudder to think about following her. Dee is also the reason I can even review this book. See that image to the left? The one that looks terrible because I had to scan it in and the book is thicker than a single sheet of paper, and much more valuable, so it looks like it does, but anyway. ISN'T THAT THE COOLEST THING EVAH??? Dee also got me Joss' book Between, Georgia and it is signed as well. SK -AH- WEEEEEEEEE! Dee is the best. Okay, I'm done bragging, I'll get on with it.

If I were to simply say this book was good, it would be a gross understatement, akin to saying Dolly Parton has larger than average boobs. And while both statements are true, if you are a person that is unfamiliar with Dolly's twins or Joss' books, the statements just don't quite cover it. Making any sense?

I utterly enjoyed this book. And if you read Dee's review you'll get a very clear picture of the book. Can we say 'Cop Out'? BUT, now that I have firmly (I hope) expressed how much I enjoyed turning the pages, I have a few gripes with the publisher. (I can hear the collective sigh of our reading audience as they think is she ever satisfied with they way a publisher does things? The answer to that as a reader is - no. The answer to that as an aspiring writer is - absolutely! You publishers are the most beautiful people to ever walk the planet and if you'll look at my work and publish me I will tell the world daily of your pretty-ness.)

Not only am I a spoiler slut, I'm also the type of person that reads everything that comes before the first word of chapter one. And since this book is so great, and every one loves it, there were a lot things to read. Like two pages (four really, counting front and back) of praise for this book. Quote after quote of people, important people, gushing about the work. They are right of course, but my complaint centers around the front cover quote:

"Fresh...Unpredictable...Satisfying...the kind of book you hate to finish but can't wait to pass on to friends." - Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Fresh? Absolutely. Satisfying? Thoroughly. The kind of book you hate to finish.....? So very true. Unpredictable? After reading this quote? Not so much. Can't wait to pass on to friends? No way Josie. I'm keeping this baby all to myself. It was the "unpredictable" that got to me though. Because whenever I hear that, I'm guaranteed to be able to predict the way of it. There are some mighty twists and turns of this plot (which she crafts so outstandingly) but I was looking for them because of that quote. Maybe I shouldn't complain though, cause I was double satisfied at the end. With Joss for her great writing, and with myself for figuring it out.

Then, when the book is all over, Joss has a few pages where she describes the book and gives some of her thoughts on it. She starts by talking about how people were asking what kind of book she was writing and that when she absolutely must come up with an answer she says, "It's Southern fiction seasoned with a dash of literary murder mystery." I can only agree with that statement to an extent. I didn't get the whole southern feel. I knew through out that Lena was from the south and that her secrets are all buried in the south, but that is about it. And I think by putting a "Southern" label on it, some people will never pick it up and know the true beauty that is Joshilyn Jackson's writing.

And for crying out loud, quit reading this review (or something I'm trying to pass as one) and GO READ THE DAMN BOOK! It is absolutely endearing!

Take Care

Danse Macabre - The Dance of Death or The Anita Series

At least - the death of the Anita series for me. Today's review is of Danse Macabre by Laurell K Hamilton the latest installment in the Anita Blake Vampire Hunter series. I'm not sure how to go about reviewing this particular book. I went into reading it, expecting more of the same she has been putting out, Anita has sex multiple times with multiple men - Anita gets a new power - Anita has some more sex - some one/thing dies. Close but no cigar this time.

I used to love the Anita Blake novels, I loved them when they really were about plot and not sex. I still read them, but will admit that I've become less enamored of them. In this latest Anita Blake Vampire Hunter novel, an all Vampire ballet troop is coming to town for their last stop on tour and Jean-Claude, master of the City of St Louis, has invited several other Masters to come to town to celebrate. Two of the masters Jean-Claude invites he considers friends and if the way they treat Anita is how friends behave, she doesn't even want to think about how their enemies will behave.

Anita may be pregnant, Mommie Dearest (Marmee Noir - The Mother of All Darkness) pays a couple of visits to Anita, Anita needs a new pomme de sang (and all the visiting vamps have brought possible canadits), she has to deal with her lion beast, her men, and herself.

My main complaint with this book was the sex was just TOO very much. Not, too much as in that it was the whole book, but too much as in it wasn't even sexy in this book, in my opinion. Simply TOO MUCH.

Also, the ending was forced, it almost seemed like a kiss off. Like LKH simply couldn't figure out how to end it so she did a pseudo epilogue and I wasn't sure if she did it this way because it may be a while for any more, or if she truly ran out of ideas as to how to end it. There was too much going on in this book, and none of it felt completed. It really and truly felt like half a book, although it weighs in at 483 pages.

It wasn't all bad - in fact, some of it was deeply touching and I thought I'd share one of my favorite parts of the book: We stood barely two feet apart, but it might as well have been a thousand miles. Some distances are made out of things bigger and harder to travel across than mere miles. We stood and stared at each other across a chasm of misunderstanding, and pain, and love.

It was that passage that gave me glimpses of why I got hooked on the Anita series to begining with. The truth in that paragraph and the beauty in which she conveys it, well, it's just amazing.

If you are an Anita fan, you will probably love this book. If you have never read any of the series before, DO NO START with this one.

Take Care

Snipped In The Bud - A Flower Shop Mystery

No catchy title today - sorry, one just isn't coming to me yet. I'll try harder on the next review. I've been MIA lately, all over bloggerland, my sister came to town and I've been visiting with her and my family over at my parents house and today is my errand day but I loved this book and wanted to share before I got on with today's business.

I just realized that the last two books I have reviewed were books in a series and truth be told, this book - and the two others I will be posting reviews for soon - are also books in a series. I promise, I do read stand alones and will post one soon. But on with the review.

From the back cover: When I swapped the thorny problems of law school for the budding business of my flower store, Bloomers, I vowed that I, Abby Knight, wouldn't be caught dead visiting that hateful campus ever again. But sometimes a girl's got to face down her dragons....

Someone orders a black rose for Abby's old law school nemesis, Professor "Snapdragon" Puffer. But her plans for a speedy delivery are foiled when he catches her putting the bloom on his desk and sends it straight into the trash. Abby flees in terror, only to run smack into Carson Reed, the professor who recently had her arrested at an animal rights protest. After a biting exchange, Abby storms out of the building. But if there's anything she can't stand, it's injustice and bullies. So, even though she knows bad luck comes in threes, she ignores the advice of her sometimes boyfriend, hunk-a-licious Marco Salvare, and heads back in to retrieve her dignity and her flower - only to find the rose now decorating a dead professor, and herself the prime suspect......

(Note:I have to give the person who wrote this copy a virtual high-five. They did an excellent job setting up the book without giving a thing away. And, as you all know, it's a rare thing for me to give kudo's to back cover copy.)

Snipped in the Bud is the fourth book in the Kate Collins Flower Shop Mystery Series. I have been following the series since book one Mum's the Word . And I have to say, they just keep getting better. It seems that Collins is finally hitting her stride with Abby and I am very excited for the next release. Something that hasn't happened before. Yes, I have bought every one of the books, but none of them were ones I remembered release dates for, Snipped has changed all of that.

Abby Knight is the 26 year old owner of the small flower shop "Bloomers". At only 5'2" she's a shorty with a big heart and flaming red hair. She's also a meddler. Abby likes to see justice served and loves to fight for the little guys. Naturally, her tendency to meddle often finds her in the middle of murder investigations. Usually she's fighting to clear some one else's' name, but this time, Abby needs to clear her own name before she winds up in jail for murder.

Abby's world is filled with people that love her, the two women who work for her - Grace and Lottie, Marco Salvare - the hottie owner of Down The Hatch a bar and grill just down the street from Bloomers, her mother - who loves to create works of "art" (you should read about some of the so called art this woman creates), her father - an ex cop who was shot in the line of duty only to suffer a stroke during surgery, her roommate Nikki - childhood friend since forever, and her cousins Jillian - who has severe marriage issues.

The cast makes for laughs, not ones that have you LOLing, but ones that have you smirking from start to finish. And although Abby knows they mean well, she tends to get just a tad annoyed with them sometimes. The thing is, the way Collins has crafted these books, written in the first person, you too, start to feel Abby's victories, disappointments, and even her lusts. I just love Abby Knight.

So, for a fast fun read, pick up Snipped in the Bud right a way. You do not need to read the first three books in this series to follow along, but trust me, as soon as close the book, you'll be heading to your local bookstore to find the other three. They are so addicting.

Take Care

Janet Evanovich - Twelve Sharp(er Than the Rest)

Hi, it's me, Chair-Dee again. I want to thank Dee, cause she has now made it possible for me to blog over here whenever I want! She even changed the name to include me!! I'm pumped. As I explained over on my solo blog Lip Service , my nickname is Dee and that is why it is Dee & Dee. Also, if you want us to review one of your favorite books or a book that you have personally written, let us know, we'll read it and give a review. Please note: we will be honest but never cruel.

Now that the intro is over, on with the review. On June 20th, Janet Evanovich released book #12 in the Plum Series titled Twelve Sharp. I am an avid reader of the Plum Series so I went out and bought this book the day after it was released. It was read (red ) in less than 4 hours. What can I say? These books are so funny and fast paced that I have no choice but to gobble them up. If - like me -you are a spoiler slut (and this review doesn't give you enough of a fix) then by all means head on over to the Cherry Forums and look at the Book Discussions and you will find a thread dedicated to this book and also a thread that is dedicated to the rest of the series (just in case you have yet to discover the Fun of Plum).

In Twelve Sharp Stephanie Plum - Bounty Hunter Extraordinaire - is back on the job at Vincent Plum Bail Bonds, and if this was a review for any of the books 2-11 I would simply be able to say "and mayhem ensues" - not that that's a bad thing. Not a bad thing at all, the Plum books are always guaranteed laughs with a touch of mystery. You could buy the book and pretty much know that Stephanie was going to be turned on by Ranger, fight her feelings for Joe, deal with her wacky grandmother, take flack from her mom for not being the "normal woman" the burg is famous for turning out, get her car blown up, and by sheer dumb luck get the bad guy. But, with Twelve, Evanovich actually shows some character growth with Steph, her family is not as big a focus, and Steph is actually driving the same car from scene one to the end.

Twelve starts with the bonds office being short handed. Ranger isn't doing captures much any more, and Vinnie has been writing more bonds than usual. FTA's (Failure To Appear) are piling up and Steph and Lula need to bring them in. Problem is, there are too many. So, while Steph and Lula go after a pervert, a menopausal woman, a car thief, and an arsonist/attempted murderer - Connie advertises for a new Bounty Hunter and Ranger heads to Miami for personal business. Plus, besides helping Steph catch the bad guys - Lula joins Sally Sweet's new band "The What" as singer and gets Grandma Mazur to sing back-up!

The day after Ranger leaves for Miami Steph is confronted by a crazy woman claiming to be Carmen Manoso, Ranger's wife. She says Ranger up and left her over night and she is going to stick to Steph like glue until she gets her hands on Ranger. What we find out is really happening is that some one is trying to take over Ranger's life. He wants to be Ranger and in order to become him, he kidnaps his daughter and hunts Steph.

When Ranger gets back to Trenton he is in hiding while he tries to get his daughter back safely and get this fake-Ranger off the streets. He enlists Steph's help and moves in with her. If, like me, you are a Babe - THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU!!!!! We learn a lot about Ranger. This book should have been titled - Ranger's Story.

Oh man, I want to say so much about this book, but I really do not want to spoil your fun. So, to sum up, I will say, Twelve Sharp has shades of One For the Money in that it is a much darker (not as zany and larger than life as the others). Stephanie grows up some, she is starting to think more and take matters into her own hands. With Twelve, Evanovich struck the perfect balance of comedy and suspense. If you haven't read it yet, GO GET IT NOW!!!!!

FOR SPOILER SLUTS - THE NEXT THREE STATEMENTS ARE FOR YOU!!!

Something happens for Lula where Tank is concerned.

Stephanie realizes her love for ?????????? (sorry can't give that away ;) ) But I will give you this little book from the book :
"We have unfinished business," Ranger said.
"We always have unfinished business. Just out or morbid curiosity, how would you define your role in my life?"
"I'm dessert,"he said.
"Something that gives me pleasure, but isn't especially good for me?"
"Something that could never be the base of your food pyramid."
See, here's where I was in trouble. Dessert was the base of my food pyramid!

And finally - One of the two men in Stephanie's life is shot in front of her.

Just go get the book! It is the best Plum yet!

Take Care

Kim Harrison Has Charity Charmed!!

Wow! Just - Wow! I'm blogging on Dee's Book Blog!!!!!!!! I am so pumped to be here and (I'd be lying if I didn't add) just a tad nervous. After all, Dee does great book reviews and I have a LOT to live up to if I don't want to let ya'll down. Dee is a very busy lady these days and she's invited me to do some reviews for this lovely new blog she has. I do some book reviews on my own blog (yeah, I know, I haven't done any in a while) but I don't get near the hits the fantabulous (can you tell I want to be invited back?) Dee gets so I'm a bit giddy inside with the excitement of reaching a new audience.

Dee and I met through the JCF and have become friends. Cherries are kinda like that. We have much in common - reading being one of those things. And while we have similar tastes in most books, I thought I'd give review a book that's a bit different from the books Dee normally reviews.

If all goes well, I have two other books to review, all of them released in June, so if you haven't had a chance to get them yet - or you were simply unsure whether or not you would like them - maybe my reviews will help you decide.

Okay, I think I've stalled enough. So without further ado - (drum roll please) first book review for Dee's blog!!!!

A FISTFUL OF CHARMS
by Kim Harrison

(Back Cover Copy)

The evil night things that prowl Cincinnati despise witch and bounty hunter Rachel Morgan. Her new reputation for the dark arts is turning human and undead heads alike with the intent to possess,
bed, and kill her - not necessarily in that order.

Now a mortal lover who abandoned Rachel has returned, haunted by his secret past. And there are those who covet what Nick possesses - savage beasts willing to destroy the Hollows and everyone in it if necessary.

Forced to keep a low profile or eternally or suffer the wrath of a vengeful demon, Rachel must nevertheless
act quickly. For the pack is gathering for the first time in millennia to ravage and to rule. And suddenly
more than Rachel's soul is at stake.

Let me start by saying that I absolutely adore the books of Kim Harrison. I have been following her books set in the Hollows since her debut DEAD WITCH WALKING . She has created a world so believable that you are not simply reading her books - you are living the lives of her characters as well. Let me also say that I'm as big a fan as the next girl when it comes to snappy, attention getting, suspenseful back cover copy. What I am not a fan of is back copy that misrepresents the actual text in the book it was meant to describe. In fact, that's the reason I tend to not read the back cover copy of most books. I also know that most authors have no say in what is printed on the back of their books, so I will not hold this misleading back cover copy against Harrison. So, I thought I'd explain the book by taking you through the points in the back cover copy.

Point 1: The evil night things that prowl Cincinnati despise witch and bounty hunter Rachel Morgan. - Aside from being a bugger to read - that statement is somewhat true. Most despise her - some want to control her and her powers.

Point 2: Her new reputation for the dark arts is turning human and undead heads alike with the intent to posses, bed, and kill her - not necessarily in that order. -Rachel does use some demon magic in this book. The circumstances she faces require her to. As far as having a "new reputation for the dark arts" - Phooey! She has no new reputation and she is turning no new heads. In fact, the people who know what she has done were already looking her way in the first place. Rachel struggles in the book - she faces challenges that her simple earth and ley line magic can't help her with. So she uses magic that no other witch can, and since it is black and she is a white witch, she has qualms with it. But any new attention she gets is not because of her new "charms".

Point 3: Now a mortal lover who abandoned Rachel has returned, haunted by his secret past. - Um, No. Actually Nick doesn't return - anyway, not the way the cover copy suggests. He has taken Jax (Rachel's pixy partner Jenks' son) and turned him towards a life of crime. When Jenks decides to travel north to find his son, Rachel goes so that she can keep Jenks safe (this is where one of the demon curses comes in). After they find Jax, Rachel and Jenks discover that Nick has been captured by the Weres because he has something they want and he isn't giving it to them. Nick is greedy and the phrase "haunted by his secret past" is just wrong. To say Nick was haunted implies that he has changed and the past is coming back to bite him in the arse. Nick hasn't changed and his greed is what has gotten him in this situation. And although Nick has broken Rachel's heart ten ways to Sunday she still goes on a rescue run to save him. After all, he has saved her life before, or did he really?

Point 4: And there are those who covet what Nick possesses - savage beast willing to destroy the Hollows and everyone in it if necessary. - Kind of. I can agree with the first half of this statement. The Weres want an artifact that they had hired Nick to steal for them. Several packs have joined forces in order to claim this artifact and they are not acting like "normal" Weres. The second half of the statement I take exception to. This line makes it seem as if the action takes place in the Hollows and a huge war is ensuing. The action in the book does not take place in the Hollows. So, while we can assume the Weres are willing to follow them any where to get the artifact, that statement is severely misleading.

Point 5: Forced to keep a low profile or eternally suffer the wrath of a vengeful demon, Rachel must nevertheless act quickly. - HUH? I had to re-read that line a lot for it to make any kind of sense. Also, it doesn't fit. Perhaps it would be better suited on the back of Every Witch Way But Dead but with this book, it just doesn't belong. Aside from the demon curses Rachel twists and the mentioning of her scars - the demons do not appear in this book.

Point 6: For the pack is gathering for the first time in millennia to ravage and to rule. - The packs, plural, are gathering for the first time. To rule - not some much ravage. I wonder if whoever wrote this copy read the book?

Point 7: And suddenly more than Rachel's soul is at stake. - Um, well duh! I just cannot even justify this last statement.

This was a good book. Ivy and Rachel make some HUGE changes in their relationship. Jenks and Rachel make amends and Rachel does a lot of self discovery. If paranormal is your cuppa, I definitely recommend this as a read. I suppose it could be a stand alone without much difficulty but to fully understand some of the references made, it would help to read the other books.

My only real complaint with the book is that the copy editing on this was very poor. A lot of typos and poor punctuation. When I came across these mistakes, it took me a while to get the pace of the book back. Enjoy the book though, I know I did.

I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank Dee for allowing me to post a review. And I would love to do a few more if she'll let me!

Take Care

Note from Dee: Charity did an EXCELLENT job on this review, and I think I'm going to have to change the name of this blog to include her here. Please take the time to tell her that you read this review, ok?

"There are gods in Alabama..." says Joshilyn Jackson

I can't believe I'm doing this again. I really can't. But alas, it can not be helped. You see, I am now smack dab in the middle of novelist-worship, and this is my altar. I am doing another book review. Right after the last one. And it's the same darn author. I've never done this before, this back-to-back review thing, and I don't think I've ever plugged an author more than once. You can check if you must, but I'm pretty sure I'm right on this one. There's a reason for that. It's because I don't do many reviews. Because I read so very much, I think I've become almost too stingy with my praise. If I don't get a feel for a story within the first 10 pages, I will stick with it to the very end, but I won't remember a thing about it an hour after it is finished. There aren't a whole lot of books that rate a review here, and there are very few authors that I ever mention more than once. You know my favorites, of course. I mean, The Cherry is at the top of the list, followed closely by any other Cherry authors I find. Well, my very Cherry friends, I have a secret for you... I totally adore the writing of Joshilyn Jackson!

For as much as I liked Between, Georgia, I was a little afraid that I wouldn't like gods in Alabama quite as much. I mean, it was Joshilyn's first book, right? How on earth could it be as good as her second book? We all know that writers take time to find themselves, to develop, to really deliver, right? Wrong, my friends. So very very wrong. Not all writers need that time. Some of them run the ball back for a touchdown from their own 1 yard line on the very first play of the game! Joshilyn Jackson is one of those.

If you haven't read this book yet, don't read any further, because I'm bound to give away some SPOLIERS, ok? (After reading this through, I realize that I really haven't put any true spoilers in here. So if you want to, go ahead and read this one through. It's safe.) I want you to know that this is unintentional, but inevitable. I simply must discuss this book. There is no alternative.

To anyone that has ever lived in the South, especially in the Deep South, or in any small town, really, the first paragraph of the book swallows you up whole. You know, or remember, those gods that are mentioned, or you have your own slightly different list of gods from your own town. Maybe it's a high school hockey goalie ins tead of a quarterback. Maybe it's fast cars instead of pickup trucks. But really, you know the gods of which she speaks. You revered them. You worshipped at their shrines, just like I did. They still have a hold on you, even though Jesus may or may not have a bigger hold now. In your heart of hearts, you know there are gods.

Arlene/Lena knows this as well. "There are gods in Alabama..." This is her mantra. She has a secret, she's made a deal with the big "g" GOD, yet she still practices this refrain in her head for the better part of ten years. When a person from her past shows up in her very Yankee new life asking questions about something Arlene has tried unsuccessfully to forget, the power of those gods is unleashed all over her poor, guilty, Southern soul. She hightails it back home to Alabama, thinking her journey will be anything but sweet. Those gods have some surprises up their sleeves though. See, Arlene did a Bad Thing when she was younger. That Bad Thing prompted her to make that deal with God. She kept up her end of the deal, but I think she was always scared that He might not keep up His end. When her past shows up on her doorstep, she's pretty sure that He has called off the Deal, and she must now face up to that Bad Thing.


When Arlene gets to Alabama with her boyfriend/pretend husband Burr by her side, she has to start facing her past. That past is rolled up in a family that includes a crazy momma, a perfect cousin, a sweet uncle, and the steeliest aunt anyone not familiar with steely Southern aunts has ever seen. I've known my share of steely Southern aunts. I have two of my own. But really, Arlene's Aunt Florence has them beat hands down. Her past also includes her unapologetically racist family, though they are really just mentioned, not heard from. And it includes the kudzu. We can't forget the kudzu, ok?

I fell in love with Arlene. I liked Lena, her Yankee all-grown-up self, too, but really, I loved Arlene. I could feel her shift from Lena, self-assured Deal-keeper, to Arlene, guilty little Bad Thing doer, as soon as she waved goodbye to Tennessee and hello to Alabama. Arlene has a quiet strength, a vulnerability, and a crazy streak, that would seem fake in any other character. It works for her. I felt her pain, her rage, her joy, her guilt, her passion, her jealousy, her indignation, her love. I became her for the day. It wasn't hard to do, Joshilyn made it virtually painless to slip into her skin.

I loved the alternating timelines of the chapters in this book. It starts in present day, then it eases you back in time 17 years. During those flashback chapters that aren't really written like flashbacks, you get to know Arlene as she was at 15. You get to live, every other chapter, inside her head, seeing everything that led up to the Bad Thing. You already know what the Bad Thing is. You find out at the very beginning of the second chapter, even though its pretty well spelled out in the first. It's not a secret anymore, because Joshilyn puts it right out there at the beginning. It's almost as if Joshilyn is saying,"This is my story, and she is my girl. She did this Bad Thing, I'm telling you that right now. But you may not judge her just yet. She's lived with the guilt for a good many years, and you will hear her out, every last word of her story, before I allow you to sit in your stifling glass house and pass judgement on her."

And that's exactly what I did. I sat there, transfixed, as the drama played out around me. I breathed in that fertile Alabama soil, I slurped that sweet tea (really, is there any other kind?), and I listened to all of the things that Aunt Flo didn't say, until I'd heard every last word.

When it was over, when it was just me staring at that very last page, I sat very still and could think of only one thing: There are gods in Alabama. And they bestowed a gift on Joshilyn Jackson. And I will praise them forevermore.

If you really need me to say it, I will say it for you now. GET. OUT. OF. YOUR. CHAIR. AND. GET. YOUR. BUTT. TO. YOUR NEAREST. BOOKSTORE. AND. GET. THIS. BOOK.

The gods will smile down upon you when you do.

Between, Georgia

Ok, you have the image of this gorgeous book, now get off your computer and go buy it. (See, Char, I'm GREAT at book reviews! lol)

My friend Charity got me hooked on Joshilyn Jackson. She didn't do it on purpose, but it happened all the same. Charity has Joss's site, Faster than Kudzu, linked on her blog. Charity also enters Joss's monthly contest, Blogging For Books (B4B). I had to check out the site after reading Char's entry last month, and I just can't seem to stay away from that place. I read it at night, when Shane and I are sitting in our office. Our desks are facing each other across the room, both in corners. I read it and start laughing and look over at him apologetically. He takes a break from code writing and raises his eyebrows. I ask "Do you have a second? I have to read you just one line from this..." He always replies with "Sure, go ahead." I start at the beginning of the blog and read it all the way through. By the time I'm done, we're both laughing hysterically. Sometimes, I've got tears rolling down my face from laughing so hard. I hadn't read either of her books, but I loved the way she wrote... Until today.

I bought "Between, Georgia" yesterday. I also bought her first book, "gods In Alabama". No, that isn't a typo, it really is a little "g" in gods. I had already started Between at the bookstore last week, and was pretty interested in the story. Last night I started reading it. I finally put it down around 2am. I woke up around 7am and reached for it right away. I just finished it.

Whew!

What a roller coaster ride that book turned out to be. I want to gush about it and tell you all of the parts that I loved, but then you may learn too much and decide not to buy it, and that would just be a true crime. Because it is beautiful. And you need to read it.

The characters were as deep as the ocean, and the conflicts were as real as the screen you see before you. These were people that you could believe in, and even come to care about. Some of them have been in your very own world. You will recognize them. You will want to call them on the phone and tell them that you love them.

The basic premise is that two families in little Between, Georgia, really don't like each other much. They are from different sides of town, in every sense of the words. The Fretts are everything, and have everything, that the Crabtrees will never be or have. Frett's are respectable and kind, proper and well off, go to church, never drink, never curse, never do anything wrong. The Crabtrees are the polar opposite, drinking, carousing, cursing, going in and out of jail. A young Crabtree girl gets pregnant and ends up on the doorstep of the Frett house. She gives birth and walks out of the house sans baby. She just leaves her daughter. One of the Frett women takes the child and makes her a Frett, setting in motion a chain of events that takes 30 years to play out.

The baby, Nonny, knows her history. She tries to reconcile her Frett upbringing with her Crabtree blood all throughout the book. She's in a marriage that is about to end, though she's not sure if that's what she wants. She's in a job that she's comfortable with, though she wanted to do more. She's basically been rolling along on the wave of her life, not daring to stick her neck out for anything. Then the Crabtrees and the Fretts come head to head in the middle of Between, and Nonny's life spirals. If you think that means 'out of control' you really need to read this book.

Just go get it so we can gab about it. And pick up gods while you're at it. I've read the blog for a while. Now I've read one of the books. I can't imagine gods not being just as awesome.

Do it and tell me about it when you're done. I can't wait to hear what you think!

Oh, and please go on over to Charity's blog and tell her thanks for turning me onto Joss. While you're over there, check out her music meme. And NO CHEATING!

Guys & Dogs

I just finished Guys & Dogs by Elaine Fox. I've never read any of her books before, though I have noticed them in stores. I actually went to Borders to look for this book last week, but couldn't find it, so they ordered it for me. I really wanted to read it after reading a very short review in my local newspaper. Normally, I'm not big on reviews, because everyone has different feelings about books, and I don't trust very many people out there when it comes to recommendations. I have different standards than most people, and I also hate being told what is 'good' or 'really awful'. Please know that this doesn't apply to my friends, though, and I truly love it when you guys tell me what books I should get. I mean, I TRUST you guys, and besides, you all have great taste.

Anyhoooo... I had to pick up this book because it's supposedly set in my town. The heroine, Megan Rose, has recently moved to Fredericksburg. Basically, reading it was a study in research, to see how much of a place shows up in books, if the author had actually ever been here, if the places were real. See, it just ticks me off when I read a book that is set someplace that I've been, but I can't recognize the place from the description. I mean, if you've ever been to NYC, you know that you can't see the Statue of Liberty from Tiffany, right? You also know that the Crab Cooker is NOT on the beach in Newport Beach, California. It's close to the beach. You can see the beach. They have damn good clam chowder. But on the beach? Not so much. It's a pet peeve of mine, and I wanted to see how close Ms. Fox came to capturing the spirit of my 'Burg.

She did ok. Well, better than ok, really. She made up a few places, and that's to be expected. She made the town seem much smaller than it really is, but not smaller than many of its longtime residents want it to be. But all in all, she did a decent job of letting the reader get a feel for my town, without the town losing anything. Plus, she mentioned Sammy T's, for which she deserves my undying loyalty.

Sammy T's is such a cool place. She calls it "a Fredericksburg institution". And it is. It's also happens to be the end-of-the-mommy-daddy-date-night place for me and Shane. It's our secret escape to the days before the rest of our lives seemed so busy. We discovered it our first year here, almost 6 years ago. It was my mission to go to every restaurant in "Old Town" with my husband. We found Sammy T's after wandering the streets one night. It seemed inviting, so we snuck in. The place was awesome. The waitress was welcoming, the atmosphere was relaxed, and they had beer bottles from all over lining the walls. Plus, they make the best chocolate mousse I've ever had in my life. And Shane swears by their Apple Crisp. The coffee cups are bottomless, and the booths are comfortable. It has since become the place we head to before we head home, if we're out alone. We love it there. So Ms. Fox gets bonus points for adding it to her book.

The story was pretty good too. Megan is a vet, and she's come to town and taken over her dad's animal hospital. She ends up befriending a Brittish billionaire, Sutter Foley, talking him into adopting a dog, and falling in love. Along the way, there are new friends, tabloid reporters, a wacky secretary, and dog-napping charges to keep Megan and Sutter on their toes. It was cute.

This was not a "You must rush out RIGHT NOW and buy this book" like some of the others that I've reviewed. The book did distract me for the morning, and that was bad. But I enjoyed the distraction, so that was good. If you're at the store, and you need something light to read, and you see it, pick it up. It's worth the few hours of your time. It had a good feel, and was pretty enjoyable.

And besides, she mentions Sammy T's. That alone is worth the price I paid for the book!

Madame Mirabou's School of Love

It's been a while since I've been here. I took a totally unplanned week off from blogging. I still checked out my friends' blogs daily, but just didn't have a whole lot to say on my own. I had stuff brewing up there in my head, and I think I was afraid to let anything spill out that I might need. Some of you may know how that goes. I will blog all about my lost week, but first I must tell you about this book.

I picked up "Madame Mirabou's School of Love" by Barbara Samuel on Sunday evening. I was in Richmond with friends, and we simply HAD to get to the bookstore. There is more to that story, and it will be in another blog. I needed some unread books, new blood if you will. I'd read most everything in my house a few times, and really wanted something like springtime, breezes blowing after a rain, flowers blooming. FRESH.

I remembered this book from the HW/SW blog. Jenny Crusie talked about the cover. I have to agree with her, it is FABULOUS. There is just something about this cover that makes me LONG for a claw-footed tub and a bottle of Ms. Clairol. It's not sexy, this cover. It's beyond sexy. It's sensuous. That's not a word that I use every day, and it is generally reserved for something needing highest praise. This book's cover earns the word, and then some.

The book lived up to the cover.

Yes, that sentence is it's very own paragraph. You don't get much more to the point than that. I can't tell you much about this book, because I want you to go out and buy it. Today. And read it all at once. Tonight. I don't say that about many books. This one warrants it.

Nikki/Nicole is reeling from her recent divorce. She's moved into an apartment complex full of other recent singletons. She is struggling with betrayal, and loss, and fear. She is middle-aged, and feeling it. She feels adrift, and disconnected from what is now her life. These are common themes in books today, and I wasn't expecting anything much different from the hundred other books (yes, literally!) that I read every month.

I was transported to Colorado, breathed in the crisp air, marveled at Pike's Peak, tasted the wholesome quiche from Annie's. I ached for Wanda and Roxanne, Nikki's new friends. I could see them as MY friends (in fact, I know a Roxanne, and they are similar in many ways). My stomach fluttered with Nikki's as she rediscovered dating and the singles scene.

Nikki loves to mix scents. She has a nose that can identify smells. She creates exotic and personal perfumes. It's her passion. It became my passion as well. I could smell these things that she described. I felt transported to picnics, and walks, and lazy afternoons with my children. The way that the author uses words to create the feelings and memories that the smells evoke for Nikki was nothing less than breathtaking for me.

Ok, I can't tell you anymore. You just have to buy it. And tell me all about how you got lost in the pages, how you found something of yourself that you'd forgotten. How you discovered something new. It's all in there. I hated it when I reached the last page. Nothing tells me a book was REALLY GREAT more than that feeling of despair in my gut when I realize it's over. I finished this book an hour ago, and I still have that feeling.

Bye now. I'm off to read it again.

Why I'm HERE

I just realized how much fun I have reviewing books. Now, this is not to be compared with the fun that I have WRITING, or the fun that I have BLOGGING. But still, it is fun. I know that I'll never be one of those big reviewers, because frankly, I can't stand most of them. And I know I'll never be as cool as the Smart Bitches
While they have a great style, it is sooo not me. I love reading them, but really, I just am not that 'smart'. Or something. Still though, I do love me a good book. And I love to share when a book has really touched a place in my soul.

I read almost a book a day. That gives me the opportunity to tell you guys lots of things about lots of books. I've been doing just that over on my other blog. Today though, after realizing just how much I loved doing the review-thang, I decided to have an offshoot blog. I want to be able to do reviews on any old book that I feel like, without having to worry about boring my few readers to death by making them read yet another book review. See, I don't review all that many books over there, because, well, I only liked to take the time to recommend books. That means that I have to actually like the books that I review. See the thing?

I want to be able to tell you if a book is a wallbanger without taking up all of my time that you give me to read my blog. I'm pretty sure that most of you don't show up over there to read what I thought about books. Actually, I'm still not quite sure why many of you show up there, but I am oh-so-glad that you do.

So here, in this new blog, I will tell you about books that I read. I will be brutally honest. I will tell you if I think it sucks, or bites, or rocks, or whatever. You have an obligation or two here though, ok? You must tell me if you've read the book already, and if you agree or not. You must also drop me lines to let me know what sorts of books I should read next. I will be waiting for your comments and suggestions.

Now, I'm going to spend the next few days moving my reviews off the other blog, or at least copying them over to here. Then, bright and early, or dark and late, one day very soon, I will post a brand new review.

Let the fun begin!