It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? Nov. 30

What Are You Reading On Mondays?

is a fun weekly event hosted by J. Kaye’s Book Blog . For this meme, participants post about books completed last week, currently reading and plan to read for this coming week.

Check out J.Kaye’s Blog to see what others are reading.

My gosh! Today is the last day of November. Where in the world has 2009 gone? A friend at work was telling me about an article she read, it was explaining how there is some brain chemistry changes that occur when we get older. This chemistry change actually has us feeling that time goes by at a more rapid pace than when we are younger. I am not sure if I followed her correctly nor if I believe but what I do know and believe is that time is going by at a pretty fast clip and the clip keeps becoming faster as each year goes by. Passage of time does seem to be heading towards the speed of lightening. What is up with that? I wanted time to travel by lightening speed when I was kid but not now, oh no way! There was a time when I could not wait to be some “magical” age but oh…not now!
Anyways, where has November gone? Where has 2009 gone?

Last week was so pathetic.
Three books I started reading and set down without finishing. Three books!
One book I actually read to page 134. Another to page 100. One book I made it to the whopping page 34. I just could not get into any of the books I *wanted* to read. Not one! It was not as if the books were bad. They just could not hold my interest. Maybe it is the genre as they all seem to fit into the same type of genre. Maybe it was that my thoughts were on many other things. Maybe it was that I did not have that much time to really read. Mostly, I think it was because I just was not interested in the type of story at this time. I am pretty sure what I wanted to read was a book similar to When You Went Away. For now, those three books are set aside. I will read them but at a later point in time.

Currently Reading:

Aloft by Chang Rae Lee

This book was recommended to me by a person at work who, as I told him, has a broader range of reading interests than I. He took on a book that I recommended so I certainly wanted to see what was one of his top books to recommend to others.

I am not far into the book, started it Friday night and have not had much reading time over the weekend. So far, I am finding this book to be a good read. It took me a bit to accustom myself to the author’s writing style as he uses many long sentences with a lot of description. Once I became accustomed, the reading started to become a bit easier for me to understand (for lack of a better word). Still, I am sure it will take most of this week if not all for me to complete the book.

One other thing, this book also seems to be fitting my desire to read a book that is *somewhat* similar to When You Went Away.

Up Next:

Lord John and the Hand of Devils by Diana Gabaldon
I do not plan to read this book straight through as I want to read the Lord John stories in chronological order as related to the Outlander series.
The story I will read is The Hellfire Club

Lord John and the Private Matter by Diana Gabaldon
After The Hellfire Club, this book is next up in the Lord John chronology.

Edited to add: In case anyone is interested in what I mean by the Lord John Chronology, I have decided to add a link. I also am not reading these books along with the Outlander books. I just want to read the Lord John stories in order of chronology.

The Reader's Chronological List to Lord John Grey
created by Rory over at Compuserve's Book and Writers Community - Diana Gabaldon's folder. You can visit that forum for further Outlander conversations and insights.

What are you reading this week?

My Thoughts….Photography

Something you may not know about me is that I love photography. My passion for photography started while I was in high school. Actually, I first attended University as a photography major but eventually I took a different career path. My passion for photography has waxed and waned throughout the years not because I did not like photography, the opposite is true, because my life took on a force of its own that did not offer me the concentration nor time to put into my skills. Because of my neglect, my photography hobby and skills have sadly gone down the drain.

For the last several years, I have relied on my son. He has a passion for photography. How cool is that? He was going to pursue a photography degree (attend an art school) but changed his mind….accounting is the degree he is pursuing. Anyways, the boy is good. I love looking at his images.

Ben is going away to university this January. *One*of the things that means, to me, is that I am loosing my resident photographer, go-to person on all things photos and electronics. What am I to do? Take action, that is what I am going to do.

My photography plan (to commence January 1, 2010)

• Project 365 – this is a project to take a photo a day. I will post daily (or at least weekly) to a photo sharing site such as ShutterCal.com, photoblog.com and Fotolog.

Why Project 365?
1. To improve, you must take photos. Hopefully I can keep up the daily taking of photos…
2. I will focus on different skill areas: composition, lighting, manual settings, Photoshop, etc.
3. A way to log the year….in photos

• My Photo Equipment – Nikon D50 with a few different lenses and Photoshop CS
  My question to myself is….For a daily photo, do I need to lug my Nikon D50 everywhere I go? I am thinking yes but geesh…that will be cumbersome. OR Should I purchase a decent small camera that can be easily tucked into the bag that tags along with me? If I should purchase a smaller camera for daily life-travel purposes, which camera? Then….if I go with a smaller camera for daily life-travel, will my skill building goals suffer?
  
  
• Themes – To keep things interesting, I am going to join and utilize themes.
  I am going to pick apart the mind of my friend Shari for ideas on themes. She is my most avid photographer friend.
  
  
• Skills – I am not certain how I am going to proceed in this area. This is going to be self-taught, that I know for certain. The sources I will use: Internet ( I need to sort out the sites that I want to utilize the most), My son and friend, Nikon D50 – Digital Field Guide, Adobe Photoshop CS – Classroom In A Book.
  
  
• What Does this mean for this blog? Photography will take time and concentration which means less time for reading. That is the give and take of life. So, my amount of book reviews posted will be less. I am going to post reviews only about the books I like. I am going to come up with a plan by January for posting days. Yes, I am a schedule oriented kind of woman. I am thinking that I will post 1 –2 book reviews a week, at the most. I will still participate in a few book related memes. I will participate in book discussions. I will also continue to post my other miscellaneous life stuff when I feel led to do so. For the most part, I am thinking that I will post to *this* blog a minimum of 2-3 times per week.
  
  
• Will I post my photos to this blog? I already do. *smile*
  Seriously though, for my Photography 2010 Plan, I will most likely post an update. The update will feature one photo with a link to where you could view my other photos, if you are interested.
  
  
  

Do you like photography? Do you have any photography resource suggestions? Have you participated or plan on participating in Project 365?

Side Note: Above photo taken by Benjamin on May 30, 2009
Photo taken with his Holga camera using kodak gold 400 35mm film.
How many cameras does Benji own? Hmmm….several!!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

I woke and there was snow on the ground. A light dusting but snow nonetheless. Yay!

Today, I will be working then to my brother’s for our Thanksgiving meal.
I am most looking forward to the Pumpkin Pie that my Mom and daughter made.
Oh yes, must not forget to watch the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving show. Love Charlie Brown!

What will you be doing on Thanksgiving?
What food are you looking forward to eating the most?

Have a great Thanksgiving Day!

Have I Told You?

I am a pretty good driver. No accidents and maybe two tickets during my whole driving career. Oops…I suppose my brother would not completely agree. I suppose, I should mention that when I was 16 or 17 (I forget the age) I ran over his motorcycle while it was parked in our driveway behind my car. Ummm…yeah, I ran over his motorcycle. Believe me, I thought if I picked that darn thing up then none would be the wiser. Have you ever picked up a motorcycle that fell over? I am here to say, those things are darn heavy. Besides, my brother noticed the commotion and came full force out of the house. I laugh now but at the time I swear I was peeing my pants from fear.

Have I told you that I am completely useless when it comes to directions?
I can get myself all turned about rather easily. If I know the location of Lake Michigan then I have chance. I can drive *to* Milwaukee pretty good but not inside the city. Do *not* ask me to drive to Chicago, that would be torture.
I love the GPS but do not own one. I love driving with my Mom because she is my human-GPS (Yes, that is one of my names for her). I do not like driving with my Dad because he is just like me but with less patience. I am pretty bad with directions. If there is a way to get lost while driving then I will find that way.

Today, I took myself to an all-time low with my car and directions. Today, I lost my car in the parking lot. Oh yes I did. Into the mall I went for lunch and haircuts with my 3-year old and 6-year old tagging along with me. When we left the mall the weather was not the best…drizzling mist. We walked towards the aisle where I thought I left the car. No car. We preceded to walk down seven aisles. Yes folks, we walked down seven aisles. Let me tell you, walking with a 3-year old who always lags behind and 6-year old who always wants to bolt is no fun while in a parking lot! I kept thinking to myself, “My God, Deanna, where did you park the car?” “Crap! Where could that car be?” “Should I call Dad? No, what could he do?” “Okay, okay…it must be here because who in the heck would take my car?” “Let’s go inside and I will think.” We kept walking. Finally, the light bulb went off and I thought, “Maybe I did not park in this lot. Maybe we entered JcPenneys through a different door.” I trudged with kids towards the other lot. At this point we are wet with the drizzling mist. I am thinking that I am pretty pathetic that I cannot recognize my own car nor remember what freaking door I entered into the mall. Yes, it is true, I cannot recognize my car without looking for a tell-tale sign. While scanning a lot all the black cars look the same to me. Pathetic I am. During our “Where are you car? Where are you Car?” game, I went up to or veered towards every black car I saw looking for the one thing that says “I am your car.” I chide myself because of this problem but to be fair I have only been driving this car for one month. Prior to this car I have been driving a rather large van which did not require me to recognize its finer features from a distance.

Yes, I found the car in the other lot. A sigh of relief. How do I locate my car whether it is in my work parking lot, local store parking lot or the mall parking lot… the stickers.

Let me also state here. While I am glad about the stickers for identification purposes they were not placed there by me. Nope, this use to be my boy’s car thus his stickers.

There you have it. My big car related problem…directions (of any sort, it seems).

A Blog is a Blog is a Blog…

This post is rather long and boring. It is mostly for me to help organize my thoughts. However, I welcome you to read this post. Your comments are welcomed.

I have been wondering about my blog lately. I have been wondering if I should change my blog name. I have been wondering about social networking. I have been wondering.

I came across this post:
The importance of branding your book blog by Farm Lane Books Blog

The post talks about the importance of a blog’s name. It also provided some links to other posts which discuss social networking, the identity of blogs, etc.
I trailed through the links provided in the post.
I started thinking and wondering even further.

Should I create two blogs? Making one just for books and the other for the miscellaneous stuff (family, recipes, activities, etc) that I post about?
These questions have been rattling around in my head for a time now. I am pretty sure that I will maintain this one blog. I will continue to mesh my love of books with other interests in my life into this one blog. Why? I have decided that maintaining two blogs seems like an awful lot of work and not to mention organization. Those two factors equal time and energy. Both of those commodities are in short supply. Besides, I have family that read my blog. I kind of want them to know about the books I read as well as the other factors of my life. I am thinking that they will not want to stake out two of my blogs. Okay…that was my long-winded answer.

What about my blog name, should I change it?
My answer is yes!
When I first started my blog , I gave the name no thought. Yes, you read that right. No thought was given. I did not want to think about the name. I still do not really want to think about the name. The creating of a blog name is hard for me. I know that I want my blog name to reflect my avid reading as well as all my other interests. I would like my blog name to be one word or two words at most…maybe three words.
What should I name my blog? Possibly something to do with “ibeeeg”?
I am going to start seriously thinking about a new name.
I am going to start asking my family and friends for ideas.
I am taking suggestions…

My identity?
My blog is casual. That means, I post what I want to post about.
First and foremost, this blog is for me. Then this blog is for my family and friends. Then it is for everyone else who enjoys reading my blog. My blog is eclectic . I will continue to post about a variety of things – family, activities, food, art/crafts, books, music, etc. Pretty much whatever comes to mind that I feel like using my energy and time to write about I will post. Currently, books are huge on my list of interests. I do not see that changing any time soon.

Do I want my blog to be a polished book review blog?
Well, no. I do want to write the best that I can for my reviews, for any post. I do not see myself writing great and wonderful analytical posts. That just is not how my brain works with literature. Besides, I am not up on all the literary terms. What I can do is write about my thoughts. While I may not use the most eloquent language they are written with honesty. I want my book reviews to be an extension of my personal reading. I am not that interested in reviewing books for authors. I will at times but it is not my interest because then I feel far more pressure with my writing than I care to feel at this point in my life. No, my book reviews are truly for me. For me to maintain a record of the books I have read. For me to share my excitement for what I have read. The thing is…most of the people in my home base life are not avid readers nor do they like to read what I like to read (for the most part). I have very few people IRL that I can discuss and share books. My blog is a way to help me with my desire to discuss and share about the books I have read. I really do like sharing about the books I liked, disliked, question, cannot stop thinking about, etc.
A side benefit of this blog is my discovery that I do like to write. I look at the writing as a challenge and well…I like challenges. However, I would like my writing to improve. Hopefully, it will as time goes on.

My Blog Layout?
I am fairly satisfied with my layout thanks to my friend Shari. I would, however, like to have a better header. The problem is, I cannot decided what I want that header to look like! I love photography so I would like to utilize photos. What photos though??? I guess this decision may be a bit easier once I decide on my new blog name as well as what kind of avatar I would like to use. I am pretty sure I would like books, family and other interests to be represented in the header some how.
A headache area for me would be my sidebars. I need to update my blog roles and lists. I also need to fix an issue that I am having in moving gadgets around in my sidebars.

Using the same avatar across the board with my Blogger profile, Goodreads profile, Twitter , etc.
I do think this important. Am I consistent? No.
I should decide on one picture and stick with it….stop changing it. What do you think? Should I use a real picture of self , caricature picture or a graphic? I like real pictures but I also like the caricature pictures that Alaine, Teddyree and others use.

Social Networking…is it worth it?
Google Reader….Yes, Yes, Yes (a one-way network that helps me keep track of all the wonderful blogs that I want to read)
Replying and making comments….Yes, yes, yes
I do think commenting does help with the “discussing” about books.
I will say though, some weeks lend themselves readily to commenting while other weeks, I just do not have time to comment much. I comment on other’s blogs when I can and *try* to reply to all the comments on my blog.
GoodReads….yes.
I use Goodreads to see what others have read or are reading. I comment here a little bit but not much. For me, Goodreads works out best for maintaining my to-read, have read and other book related lists.
Twitter….yes….this one is surprising to me.
I actually use Twitter far more than I thought I would. I use Twitter for the blogging world. I am finding that I view other blogger’s posts far more readily when they use twitter to announce a new post. I also like twitter to “chat” with blogging friends, namely Alaine and Annie.
Facebook …..No,not really.
I am not liking Facebook. I use Facebook for friends and family. I really do not get it. I really do not. If you want to chat with someone then why not email? Why do I stay on Facebook with the hassles it has been providing me lately? Well, there are a few specific people that I do maintain a certain flow with on Facebook. One friend in particular updates her Facebook faithfully and I like seeing what she is doing and a lot of times her updates initiates an email conversation between us. I would get rid of Facebook in a flash if were not for those few individuals.

As you can see, I have been doing a lot of wondering about my blog because yeah…I do not have more important things to wonder about. NOT.

Anyways, I need a new blog name.

The Boy Has Good Taste….

Isn't this sweet?

Benji has been feeling a bit stressed as of late. Stressed with school, preparing to go away to University, work and money. His girlfriend, Randie-Lynn, has most likely been hearing a great deal of his grumpiness.

What does she do?
She sent him flowers last Tuesday. How sweet! Seriously, it is.

It is no secret, Robert & I really like Randie. I have been telling my friends, family and co-workers about Randie . Telling them about what a wonderful girl through and through she is and how we like her very much.
She truly is a lovely person. Ben *is* blessed to have her as his girlfriend.
So, yeah...the boy has good taste.

Again, how sweet that she sent him flowers.
Of course I did the Mom-geeky thing and took pictures.
I have gone a step further and posted it here. *smile*

BTW: Benjamin was pleased with Randie's gesture of caring. Also, this week has been far better than last Sunday and Monday. Thank God! *smile*

Above are photos of Benjamin and Randie-Lynn.
Left photo was taken Dec. 2008
Right photo was take summer 2009 at Country Thunder.

Interview with Author Cheryl Pierson - Part Three: Questions about the book Time Plains Drifter

This is part three of Cheryl’s interview. To read part 1 please visit Martha’s blog and to read part 2 please visit Sumana’s blog.

Q: Can you summarize TIME PLAINS DRIFTER in one sentence?

C: The forces of good and evil clash in a battle to the end as Jenni and Rafe struggle to hold onto their love across a trip into a time that neither of them belongs to.

Q: Do you have a favorite scene in the book?

C: My favorite scene in the book is when Rafe unexpectedly gets what he’s wanted all along. Hmmm. I better not say anymore—don’t want to spoil it for anyone. <G>

Q: Your story involves a [Historical Western/COWBOY] – did anything special inspire this story?

C: I was born and raised in Oklahoma, so I have been around cowboys all my life. I wouldn’t say there was anything in particular that inspired the story of Time Plains Drifter. In fact, it was kind of an odd story, and one that I wasn’t at all sure I could do justice to.

Q: Do you find anything particularly difficult or special about writing in this historical western genre?

C: No, I actually love writing in the historical western genre. Growing up in the era that I did, cowboys and Indians were what we played at as kids, and watched on television and the movies. Living in Oklahoma where those cultures are so prevalent, it’s only natural that I would write in that genre. I love it!

Q: What do you think readers will like best about TPD?

C: It’s an odd story, in that the time travel occurs for both the hero and the heroine. So neither of them are in their own time. I think what readers will enjoy the most is that this story, like all my stories, has a very definite HEA ending, though for a big chunk of the book the reader will be wondering HOW that is going to be able to happen. It will, though. Trust me. LOL

Please join us on Dec. 2 at Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf for Part Four – A Few Personal Questions.

Time Plains Drifter review will be posted on Dec 1st at Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf.

Don't forget to comment here and on each event for extra entries to the giveaway but *also* make sure that you enter at the main post - GIVEAWAY AT THIS LINK!

What Are You Reading On Mondays? Nov. 23rd

What Are You Reading On Mondays?

is a fun weekly event hosted by J. Kaye’s Book Blog . For this meme, participants post about books completed last week, currently reading and plan to read for this coming week.

Check out J.Kaye’s Blog to see what others are reading.

Ugh…I had this post already to go and then would you know it…the darn computer froze. Serves me right for not saving the post!!! I had to redo the whole thing!!!!!!

Last week found myself a bit more settled with all the hustle and bustle around my life. Yet, it was a bit of a surreal week.

I hope you all have a great week ahead.

Happy Reading!

Last week:

Blood Promise by Richelle Read
I am glad that I have finally read this story. (review to come soon)

When You Went Away by Michael Baron
Thank you J.Kaye for posting about this story.
Oh my…go read my review.

The Bastard by John Jakes
I am amazed by my teenage self. Seriously, I am impressed with my reading teenage self. My adult self is very glad that I read this story. (review to come)

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
This was suppose to be a read aloud. It did not pan out that way. Instead, Shiver became our read along. So…I won “Mom of the Year” award because my 10yod finished this book first. She said to me….”Mom, I don’t think this book is for kids.” with a smirk on her face. All and all, I am okay she read the book. (review to come)

Up Next:

Angel Time by Anne Rice

Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Dawnbreaker by Jocelynn Drake

What are you reading this week?

Mom-Musings Blog Note:
This month on Mom-Musings …
You could win one of four books that I am excited about reading in November.
Ends Nov 30th...check this post for details. Open Worldwide.

When You Went Away by Michael Baron

When You Went Away
by Michael Baron
Copyright 2009
Pages: 340
Book Source: Purchased for my bookshelves

Back Cover:
Only a few months ago, Gerry Rubato had everything he thought he needed from life. He was passionately in love with his college sweetheart after nearly twenty years of marriage, he had a bright, independent-minded daughter, and he had the surprising addition of a new child on the way. Then everything changed with stunning rapidity. With little explanation, his daughter ran away with her older boyfriend. Then, only a month after giving birth to their son, his wife died suddenly.
Now, Gerry needs to be everything to his infant child while he contends with two losses he can barely comprehend. And when a woman walks into his life as a friend and their relationship verges on something more, Gerry must redefine all that he knows about himself, about love, about loyalty, and about his dreams.

First Sentence:
I dreamt of us in springtime.

When You Went Away is one of the best books I have ever read.

This book pulled me in many directions emotionally simply through the wonderfully written telling of how Gerry slowly pieces back together his life after loosing his wife suddenly, caring for his infant son on his own while gripped with worry over his teenage daughter who ran away. Gerry is experiencing grief , tremendous grief. His saving factor is Reese, his two month old baby. Through Reese, Gerry learns to revel in the small things life has to offer. Through Reese, Gerry has a center from which he can start his healing process.

I absolutely, 100%, loved this story. I was completely taken into Gerry’s point-of-view. Let me explain…

Michael Baron’s writing is amazing.
His use of words and expressions were real. He allowed Gerry’s voice to speak to me. He gave Gerry’s voice depth of emotion, personality and honesty . I was drawn into Gerry’s world effortlessly as he narrated his current path of life and as he shared his past experiences of life with Maureen (his wife) and Tanya ( his 17 year old daughter). I had a hard time putting this book down.

Gerry deeply loved his wife. He felt great tenderness towards Maureen and unconditional love for his daughter. One of the parts that I liked was when Gerry decided to start writing letters to his daughter via his journal. These letters were very moving as they provided more insight into this man’s deep and satisfying love towards his wife. Thorough these letters, Gerry also shared memories of his daughter, his hopes and desires along with his fears. I thought, my gosh, all fathers should give this kind of gift to their daughters and sons, for that matter. These letters were moving.

“I’m sure your mother told you how we met at NYU, though I doubt her memory of our early days matches mine exactly.”

He continues on, in the above quote, to share with Tanya his thoughts and feelings when he first met Maureen.

“I know you thought I hated Mick from the moment I met him. You wouldn’t be entirely wrong about that. But I don’t think you completely understood why I hated him.”

“I think it’s safe to say that I grossly underestimated the value of a two-parent family. I’m not saying that I undervalued your mother, but I don’t think I fully appreciated how well we’d divided up the workload in the house or how comforting it was to know that there was always backup when I needed it. I hope she felt the same way.”

I felt Gerry’s emotions, desires and hopes. I felt like I was living in Gerry’s haze of grief as he tried to bring his life and world back into order. A tricky thing to do when one looses someone that they have completely and utterly loved.

“ I guess I can officially say now that our love lasted forever. How’s that for a horribly bittersweet notion?”

Even though When You Went Away is laden with grief , I did not feel overwhelmed with this emotion. Yes, at times I was torn-up and stifled a cry (at times,reading in public can be difficult) but there were was also so much hope, love and joy within the story. There is hope that life will go on and that joy can still be obtained.

I really have not done this story justice. There is so much more within these pages than what I have described. For instance, the secondary characters are well developed . They added richness and depth to the story. The words flowed off the pages so smoothly that I felt as if I was following Gerry, gaining first-hand insights. I was completely engaged in the read from the first page to the last.

When You Went Away is an absolutely beautiful story.
The writing, simply put, is utterly amazing.

Rating: 5/5 stars

Side Note: In the back of the book there is a note from the author.
Michael Baron wrote the following in his note: “ When You Went Away is the first of several novels I’ll be publishing with great rapidity over the new few years. These stories have been building up inside of me for quite a while now and it is a true joy to get them on the page at last.” I say, Mr. Baron, I am so glad you have put this story onto the page at last. It was a true joy for me to read!

With great anticipation, I look forward to Michael Barron’s next novel, Crossing the Bridge. The release date is January 5, 2010.

Other Reviews:
J. Kaye’s Book Blog
The Book Resort

Mom-Musings Blog Note:
This month on Mom-Musings …
You could win one of four books that I am excited about reading in November.
Ends Nov 30th...check this post for details. Open Worldwide.

What Are You Reading On Mondays? Nov. 16th

What Are You Reading On Mondays?

is a fun weekly event hosted by J. Kaye’s Book Blog . For this meme, participants post about books completed last week, currently reading and plan to read for this coming week.

Check out J.Kaye’s Blog to see what others are reading.

This weekly event is helping me to stay on track with my reading list. Some weeks I am able to read more than other weeks but at least I am not looking at my list or bookshelves wondering what I am going to read next. What Are You Reading Mondays has helped me to feel a bit more organized. That is huge in my world where I feel a bit all over the place many times throughout the week.

Thanks Sheree for encouraging me to participate.

Happy Reading!

Last week:

The Trials of the Honorable F. Darcy by Sara Angelini
I enjoyed this book a lot. (review to can be found here)

Time Plains Drifter by Cheryl Pierson (review to come towards the end of November)

Currently Reading:

The Bastard by John Jakes
I am finding it interesting to see how I am liking this book knowing that I loved all of John Jakes’ books when I was a teenager.

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater – This is the chosen read aloud book with my girls. So far, this is a very good read.

The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis – Audiobooks must not be my thing right now. I have not listened much to the book.

Up Next:

Blood Promise by Richelle Read
It has been a few months since I have read the last book in the Vampire Academy series.

When You Went Away by Michael Baron
I first became interested in this book when J. Kaye had posted her review. Also, I became even more interested after reading about her post.

Dawnbreaker by Jocelynn Drake
This is the third book in the Dark Days series. A series that I do enjoy so I am looking forward to the read.

What are you reading this week?

New Series Reviews, Interviews and GIVEAWAY with Author Cheryl Pierson!

Over the next several weeks author Cheryl Pierson will be visiting several blogs.

Cheryl has written several books and is celebrating her latest historical western release, Time Plains Drifter due out through Class Act Books in early December!
Fire Eyes, which is also an historical western was released in May 2009 by The Wild Rose Press. A Night for Miracles is also to be released by The Wild Rose Press in December!

This is a mini team series shared at THREE BLOGS!
Martha of Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf , Sumana at I READ and here at MOM-MUSINGS.
Martha is the main blog and coordinator for this series.

The interview will be in four parts:
Part One – Questions about the writing process.
Part Two – Questions about the publishing/promoting process and Fire Eyes
Part Three – Questions about the new book – Time Plains Drifter
Part Four – A few personal questions!

We will also be posting reviews for Fire Eyes and Time Plains Drifter.

Cheryl is giving a choice of her books to TWO lucky winners.

TO ENTER: You MUST ENTER at Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf and leave your e-mail address to be entered in the Giveaway!

Extra Entries: You will get an extra entry for each comment made at any of the review and interview posts. That is a possible 8 additional entries!

For easier entry I am including the events schedule here. Please keep an eye on Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf as Martha will update these links as the reviews and interviews are posted. These updates will occur on her Main Giveaway Post.

11/15 - Main Giveaway Post
11/17 – at Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf: Review of Fire Eyes.
11/18 – at Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf: Interview Part 1 - The Writing Process!
11/19 - at I Read: Sumana's review of Fire Eyes.
11/20 - at I Read: Interview Part 2 - The Publishing Process and The Book - Fire Eyes!
11/23 – here at Mom-Musings: Review of Time Plains Drifter.
11/24 – here at Mom-Musings: Interview Part 3 - The Book - Time Plains Difter!
12/1 – at Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf: Review of Time Plains Drifter.
12/2 – at Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf: Interview Part 4 - Some Personal Questions!
12/4 - End of the Giveaway at midnight CST; Winners announced on Saturday December 5th!


* This contest is open to residents of US and Canada for print book (as soon as available) or eBook and OPEN Internationally for an eBook choice!

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

We hope you will join us as we learn about an author and her books!!

See you Tuesday with the first review at Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf.

The Trials of the Honorable F. Darcy by Sara Angelini

The Trials of the Honorable F. Darcy
by Sara Angelini
copyright 2009

Challenge: Everything Austen Challenge

Back Cover:
Judge Fitzwilliam Darcy, a legal expert on both sides of the Atlantic, is ready to hang up his black robe and return to the life of a country gentleman—until he meets Elizabeth Bennet, a fresh-faced attorney with a hectic schedule and no time for the sexy but haughty judge.
Tempers and sparks fly in Judge Darcy's courtroom— and outside, in a series of chance encounters that give each of them pause—as the two match wits and try to fight their overwhelming attraction.

First Sentence:
Charles Bingley looked under the hood of the Lamborghini Murcielago and crossed his arms over his chest.

The Trials of the Honorable F. Darcy was a delightful story that kept me entertained throughout the entire read. This contemporary twist on Pride and Prejudice was quite enjoyable.

Elizabeth and her sister Jane were portrayed as smart professional women who were independent yet still yearned for romance and love. The relationship between the sisters was strong just as portrayed in Pride and Prejudice but there is an additional friend in Elizabeth’s life that added a nice depth. Lou, Elizabeth’s gay friend, was a terrific friendship for the story. Lou added a new dimension to the story with his advice and humor. He was a hoot.

As in Pride and Prejudice, it was not love at first sight for Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy (who goes by Will or Judge Darcy). Their relationship starts off bumpy as wonderful dynamics spark between them. I loved this version of Mr.Darcy, dare I say, even more than the original. Let me not forget Elizabeth, I believe she endeared herself to me more so than the original version as well. Ha…do not let those statements fool you though, I still love Pride & Prejudice but I found that this contemporary version did do a fabulous job of continuing the intense and passionate personalities of Elizabeth and Darcy.

The environment that brought Elizabeth ad Darcy together was great. I really enjoyed the whole courtroom-lawyer premise as it added a great dimension. The combination of their professional and personal environments lent itself wonderfully to their interactions for which I greatly enjoyed. While the story followed the framework of Pride and Prejudice there was enough difference that gave The Trials of the Honorable F. Darcy its own voice, its own story. There was freshness to the story so it did not feel like a re-read of Pride and Prejudice.

This contemporary take of Pride and Prejudice worked for my reading mind. The modernization of language (including foul words) and the shagging (as Will puts it) flowed well with the story. I enjoyed the change-ups and twists.

The Trials of the Honorable F. Darcy was a delightful and enjoyable read with romance, humor, misunderstandings, passion and chemistry.

Rating: 4/5 stars

Source: Library book

Other Reviews:
Wendi’s Book Corner
Booking Mama
A Hoyden’s Look at Literature

Mom-Musings Blog Note:
This month on Mom-Musings …
You could win one of four books that I am excited about reading in November.
Ends Nov 30th...check this post for details. Open Worldwide.

Thursday Tunes: Bon Jovi

Thursday Tunes is hosted by S. Krishna's Books. Each week music will be showcased. Join in on the fun, share what you are listening to, what music artist you have discovered, to see what others are showcasing, etc.
S.Krishna's Books - Thursday Tunes

I thought it was about time I posted another Thursday Tunes.

This week, I am showcasing ....

Bon Jovi

Ahhh….Bon Jovi….I so do like the music of Bon Jovi.

Why? You may be asking. Well, first and foremost, I like their energy and sound. I love Jon Bon Jovi’s voice and Richie Sambora plays a mean guitar. Love it!Back in the 80’s I liked them because they rocked and let’s face it…they were hot! Today, I like them because well…they still rock and jeez ….they are aging quite nicely! :)

Bon Jovi is like comfort music to me. They bring back memories from my youthful days. Wait…youthful days? Ha…I am still youthful, right? Damn right! LOL Seriously, I have great memories of listening to Bon Jovi with one of my great friends. Hey Lisa, if you are reading this, you know that you corrupted me. Oh yes you did! LOL
Yeah, those were the days of heavy metal and what not. Although, I am not certain that I would classify Bon Jovi as heavy metal. They certainly did have the hair thing going on. Besides that, I would say they are rock band, plain and simple.

Today, I still like them because they still rock. They have made it through the years. They have endured. There is something fabulous to be said about that. Oh…another thing, they have matured. They do not try to keep their image the same as it was in the 80’s. Their hair and clothes have matured. Their lyrics speak to their growth as well. Nothing turns me off more than a band that still wants to live in the past.

Suffice it to say, for me, Bon Jovi still rocks! They still look great!
They know how to jam. Their music is still damn good!



The Circle is their latest album. I have listened to the album via the playlist.
So far, I am liking what I hear.

This week only, you can download The Circle from Amazon for $3.99.

Side note: I just heard today that they will be in concert here at Soldier’s Field, July 2010. The tickets go on sale this coming Monday. Hmmm…will I be able to get tickets? Probably not. I still may try.

Mom-Musings Blog Note:
This month on Mom-Musings …
You could win one of four books that I am excited about reading in November.
Ends Nov 30th...check this post for details. Open Worldwide.