I love series mysteries where I get to know and care about a whole community of people that share my interests. Sally Goldenbaum writes a series called the Seaside Knitters Mysteries which appeals to two of my hobbies--knitting and mysteries.
I just finished The Wedding Shawl the fifth book in the series. Izzy, the owner of the local yarn shop is getting married. Her Aunt Nell is busy getting their house and yard ready to host the big event. Izzy's friends are busy working on a special knitted lace shawl to complement the wedding dress. The local band is preparing to provide music for the event and almost everyone in town is looking forward to seeing "their" Izzy marry Sam Perry.
First a book discussion led by a local author dredges up a fifteen year old cold case that occurred in town. Then the best friend of the murdered teenager is murdered, too. Can Izzy, Aunt Nell, Birdie and Cas bring closure to two murders and finish a knitted lace shawl before Izzy walks down the isle?
While the knitting of the shawl is important to the story you need not be a knitter to enjoy The Wedding Shawl. The friendships and personalities are warm and believable. The mystery has twists and turns and although they feel threatened the group does not back off or give up.
Just for knitters the pattern for the wedding shawl is included. Nell's recipe for Grilled Lobster Tails with Orange Butter Sauce is also in the book.
The previous four books are Death by Cashmere, Patterns in the Sand, Moon Spinners and A Holiday Yarn. Each includes a knitting pattern that ties in to the book and many of the yummy recipes mentioned are available on Goldenbaum's website. Her next book, A Fatal Fleece, is due May 1, 2012.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
The Assassin's Curse by Lindsay Buroker
Although the next book in Lindsay Buroker's series The Emperor's Edge will not be out until sometime this spring she has a little treat for her fans. A short story The Assassin's Curse is now available to help us make it to spring.
The story features the two main characters in The Emperor's Edge books, Amaranthe and Sicarius. While training on an inlet they hear an explosion and discover an army steam tramper has been destroyed. When they see a male and female leaving the area in a boat carrying part of the tramper they follow. The couple flees to Darkcrest Isle, rumored to be haunted. Some amazing things happen on the island and we learn more about Sicarius in the process.
Although this story is short it is also packed with adventure and chilling moments. Lindsay mentions on her website that it was written over Halloween. The haunting spirit of that time of year shines through. If you love The Emperor's Edge books this is a must read. If you have not gotten around to trying them this story will stand alone; it would be a good introduction.
The price and availability make it too easy to skip. For under a dollar you can download it from Smashwords, Barnes & Noble or Amazon. If you would like to read more about Lindsay's other work check out her website.
Don't miss this great story!
The story features the two main characters in The Emperor's Edge books, Amaranthe and Sicarius. While training on an inlet they hear an explosion and discover an army steam tramper has been destroyed. When they see a male and female leaving the area in a boat carrying part of the tramper they follow. The couple flees to Darkcrest Isle, rumored to be haunted. Some amazing things happen on the island and we learn more about Sicarius in the process.
Although this story is short it is also packed with adventure and chilling moments. Lindsay mentions on her website that it was written over Halloween. The haunting spirit of that time of year shines through. If you love The Emperor's Edge books this is a must read. If you have not gotten around to trying them this story will stand alone; it would be a good introduction.
The price and availability make it too easy to skip. For under a dollar you can download it from Smashwords, Barnes & Noble or Amazon. If you would like to read more about Lindsay's other work check out her website.
Don't miss this great story!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
For Rizzoli & Isles Fans--A Short Story
TV doesn't usually engage me but when I do watch I choose mysteries. If you also lean toward mysteries you may be familiar with Rizzoli & Isles. Only recently I discovered the show is based on a series of books by Tess Gerritsen.
Freaks: A Rizzoli & Isles Short Story seems like it could become a Halloween episode. The story is very short but entertaining. The death of a young run-away in an abandoned church features vampires and bats then ends with a surprise twist.
This free Kindle download includes a preview of Gerritsen's next novel, The Silent Girl, which is due out in early July. A short script, We Don't Need Another Hero, is a bonus selection.
While the whole download can be read in an hour it is bound to please Rizzoli & Isles fans while they await the next book and a return of the TV series this summer.
Freaks: A Rizzoli & Isles Short Story seems like it could become a Halloween episode. The story is very short but entertaining. The death of a young run-away in an abandoned church features vampires and bats then ends with a surprise twist.
This free Kindle download includes a preview of Gerritsen's next novel, The Silent Girl, which is due out in early July. A short script, We Don't Need Another Hero, is a bonus selection.
While the whole download can be read in an hour it is bound to please Rizzoli & Isles fans while they await the next book and a return of the TV series this summer.
Monday, January 16, 2012
The Strange Case of Finley Jayne by Kady Cross is the prequel to The Steampunk Chronicles and is only available as an ebook. It was long enough to hook me on the series, but short enough to read in one day.
If you have followed this blog you know I really enjoy Steampunk. I know, my kids find that odd, too. This is a fine example of what the genre can be, a mix of technology, Victorian dress and lifestyle, and a engaging mystery.
Finley is a sixteen year old girl with a deep, violent inner self. Luckily for Finley the violence comes forth only when warranted. The first time it emerges is when the governess at a home where Finley serves is cruel to the child of the house. After Finley is dismissed for attacking the governess she finds a position as a companion to a rich young woman who has just become engaged. Phoebe is to be wed to a much older, wealthy and powerful Lord Vincent who creates automatons.
As with any mystery not everyone is what they seem and Finley's sense of foreboding is not just from reading Mary Shelly's Frankenstein. There is something very wrong and it is Finley's job to find out what it is.
Try this quick read and I believe you will want to continue with The Steampunk Chronicles as well.
If you have followed this blog you know I really enjoy Steampunk. I know, my kids find that odd, too. This is a fine example of what the genre can be, a mix of technology, Victorian dress and lifestyle, and a engaging mystery.
Finley is a sixteen year old girl with a deep, violent inner self. Luckily for Finley the violence comes forth only when warranted. The first time it emerges is when the governess at a home where Finley serves is cruel to the child of the house. After Finley is dismissed for attacking the governess she finds a position as a companion to a rich young woman who has just become engaged. Phoebe is to be wed to a much older, wealthy and powerful Lord Vincent who creates automatons.
As with any mystery not everyone is what they seem and Finley's sense of foreboding is not just from reading Mary Shelly's Frankenstein. There is something very wrong and it is Finley's job to find out what it is.
Try this quick read and I believe you will want to continue with The Steampunk Chronicles as well.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Eat That Frog!
Eat That Frog! 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time by Brian Tracy is a quick and easy read. Tracy goes around the country giving motivational talks and it shows in his writing style. Of course, since the topic is procrastination the quick and upbeat tone is appropriate if not mandatory.
This is not the first book I have read on setting goals, planning and getting more out of your life. It is the first one that I recall telling me that I can't do everything. Instead Tracy suggests you make the most of your time, but also realize that you must prioritize and do the most important things on your list. Since I tend to be a person who wants to do it all it was hard to accept at first. He does point out along the way that by saving time you really are making room for more of what you want in life.
The book is full of quotes that enforce and highlight the topics of each chapter. In fact, the Eat That Frog! title is based on a quote by Mark Twain.
I appreciate the the information is organized at the end of each chapter in numbered steps. If you can't follow the plan it won't be because Tracy didn't try. The idea of writing down lists and committing to things on paper really appeals to who I am. (Remember at the end of the year I shared my reading goals for 2012 with you.)
The time you spend reading Eat That Frog! 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastination and Get More Done in Less Time will reward you with much more time over the next year to do the things you really want to do.
The only negative thing I can say about this book is that the Kindle download was only ninety-nine cents when I bought it early this month and now you will have to pay around $8. for it. However, after reading it and beginning my lists I think the full price is still a bargain.
This is not the first book I have read on setting goals, planning and getting more out of your life. It is the first one that I recall telling me that I can't do everything. Instead Tracy suggests you make the most of your time, but also realize that you must prioritize and do the most important things on your list. Since I tend to be a person who wants to do it all it was hard to accept at first. He does point out along the way that by saving time you really are making room for more of what you want in life.
The book is full of quotes that enforce and highlight the topics of each chapter. In fact, the Eat That Frog! title is based on a quote by Mark Twain.
I appreciate the the information is organized at the end of each chapter in numbered steps. If you can't follow the plan it won't be because Tracy didn't try. The idea of writing down lists and committing to things on paper really appeals to who I am. (Remember at the end of the year I shared my reading goals for 2012 with you.)
The time you spend reading Eat That Frog! 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastination and Get More Done in Less Time will reward you with much more time over the next year to do the things you really want to do.
The only negative thing I can say about this book is that the Kindle download was only ninety-nine cents when I bought it early this month and now you will have to pay around $8. for it. However, after reading it and beginning my lists I think the full price is still a bargain.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
The Habit
On the surface The Habit, a memoir by Susan Morse, is a story of mother-daughter relationships. As you settle down into the story you are sure to discover other relationships as well; children, siblings, grandparents, friends, spouse, and God.
The range of emotions is equally diverse. I texted my sister during the first chapter to say "you've got to read this--it is so funny". It is funny. It is also sad, heartwarming and scary. Morse reminds us that as people live longer many of us have become part of a sandwich generation splitting our time between our children and our parents. Unfortunately often there is no time for oneself which can result in a melt down.
Morse does melt down on more than one occasion, especially when dealing with HMO's, health care, assisted living, and cancer. She comes out the other side enjoying the quality time she has gained with her mother and learned a few things in the process.
When the book begins Susan is trying to cope with the religious journey her "Ma" has begun. While not everyone has a mother who has decided to become an Orthodox Christian nun we can identify with accepting changes in family members as they age.
The Habit will stay with me for a very long time. I hope that the lessons Morse had learned will save me from stumbling on some of them for myself. It is a new year, treat yourself to a book that will entertain and perhaps prepare you.
The range of emotions is equally diverse. I texted my sister during the first chapter to say "you've got to read this--it is so funny". It is funny. It is also sad, heartwarming and scary. Morse reminds us that as people live longer many of us have become part of a sandwich generation splitting our time between our children and our parents. Unfortunately often there is no time for oneself which can result in a melt down.
Morse does melt down on more than one occasion, especially when dealing with HMO's, health care, assisted living, and cancer. She comes out the other side enjoying the quality time she has gained with her mother and learned a few things in the process.
When the book begins Susan is trying to cope with the religious journey her "Ma" has begun. While not everyone has a mother who has decided to become an Orthodox Christian nun we can identify with accepting changes in family members as they age.
The Habit will stay with me for a very long time. I hope that the lessons Morse had learned will save me from stumbling on some of them for myself. It is a new year, treat yourself to a book that will entertain and perhaps prepare you.
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Nine Horses
Nine Horses is a collection of poems by Billy Collins published in 2002. Collins is known to many as the Poet Laureate of the United States 2001-2003.
Reading a book of poetry is a different experience, at least for me, than reading either fiction or non-fiction. Poetry requires a slower pace and I cannot read a book of poetry cover to cover. Poems seem to need a chance to nestle down and sink in.
Although I would not hesitate to recommend any of the collections by Collins I am particularly fond of this volume for two reasons. First, it was a gift to me last fall from a former student. She had it autographed in 2005 when she went to a book signing. Since I had retired she held onto this wonderful book until we crossed paths once again. Secondly, Nine Horses contains several poems that are now my favorites by Collins.
The Literary Life is an excellent example of Collins work. He begins a search for information on a long forgotten poet and ends in the kitchen "taking in the silvery toaster, the bowl of lemons, and the white cat, looking as if he had just finished his autobiography." I love the tone and imagery. I know just how that cat must have looked. I can feel and see what the poet felt and saw. That is what poetry is all about.
In previous posts I have mentioned my appreciation of thankfulness. Collin's poem As If to Demonstrate an Eclipse touches that part of me. I now think of his words when I gaze up into the slice of universe that is our night sky. Beginning with creating a model of an eclipse using an orange, a blue and white marble and an aspirin we read through many stages with the poet. There is a sense of creation, then praise, then gratitude.
Although I have reviewed Nine Horses any book of Collins work is worthy of reading, study and introspect.
Reading a book of poetry is a different experience, at least for me, than reading either fiction or non-fiction. Poetry requires a slower pace and I cannot read a book of poetry cover to cover. Poems seem to need a chance to nestle down and sink in.
Although I would not hesitate to recommend any of the collections by Collins I am particularly fond of this volume for two reasons. First, it was a gift to me last fall from a former student. She had it autographed in 2005 when she went to a book signing. Since I had retired she held onto this wonderful book until we crossed paths once again. Secondly, Nine Horses contains several poems that are now my favorites by Collins.
The Literary Life is an excellent example of Collins work. He begins a search for information on a long forgotten poet and ends in the kitchen "taking in the silvery toaster, the bowl of lemons, and the white cat, looking as if he had just finished his autobiography." I love the tone and imagery. I know just how that cat must have looked. I can feel and see what the poet felt and saw. That is what poetry is all about.
In previous posts I have mentioned my appreciation of thankfulness. Collin's poem As If to Demonstrate an Eclipse touches that part of me. I now think of his words when I gaze up into the slice of universe that is our night sky. Beginning with creating a model of an eclipse using an orange, a blue and white marble and an aspirin we read through many stages with the poet. There is a sense of creation, then praise, then gratitude.
Although I have reviewed Nine Horses any book of Collins work is worthy of reading, study and introspect.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
This month's book club selection was Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. It has been very popular with book clubs for at least a year now, if you haven't read it please do. You will Thank me.
The voice of the story alternates between Sarah a young Jewish girl living in France in 1942 and Julia an American living in Paris with her French husband.
The editor of the magazine Julia writes for assigns a pieces on the Velodrome d'Hiver roundup on July 16, 1942. Through her research she learns of a little girl who was taken away along with her parents on that day, and the awful secret she carried with her.
Julia has her own story as well. An unfaithful husband, a series of miscarriages, a cherished family member who is dying all become part of the story as Julia learns about the people, especially the children of the Vel' d'Hiv'.
This book covers so much. It includes the Holocaust, mystery, family relationship, healing and survival. Forgiveness is crucial to many parts of this story; the forgiveness of others but also of self.
For those of us who discussed Sarah's Key last night it was a doorway into many events that occurred during WWII.. We were glad to have read the book. Some used to book as a starting point for further reading. Others had read other histories and fictions that gave us further discussion and information. I think I am speaking for all of us when I say read this book.
The voice of the story alternates between Sarah a young Jewish girl living in France in 1942 and Julia an American living in Paris with her French husband.
The editor of the magazine Julia writes for assigns a pieces on the Velodrome d'Hiver roundup on July 16, 1942. Through her research she learns of a little girl who was taken away along with her parents on that day, and the awful secret she carried with her.
Julia has her own story as well. An unfaithful husband, a series of miscarriages, a cherished family member who is dying all become part of the story as Julia learns about the people, especially the children of the Vel' d'Hiv'.
This book covers so much. It includes the Holocaust, mystery, family relationship, healing and survival. Forgiveness is crucial to many parts of this story; the forgiveness of others but also of self.
For those of us who discussed Sarah's Key last night it was a doorway into many events that occurred during WWII.. We were glad to have read the book. Some used to book as a starting point for further reading. Others had read other histories and fictions that gave us further discussion and information. I think I am speaking for all of us when I say read this book.
Book Club
Last night was book club which means so much more than a simple notation on a calendar. What that actually means it that in addition to reading and discussing a wonderful book we enjoy a table full of snacks and the friendship and talk of a group of women.
One new member joined us last night. Some members whose lives don't allow monthly attendance made it, two of them in one night. Only one member was absent so it was a large group by our standards, eight people. We filled our little corner of the library with talk, laughter and friendship. Maybe that is the whole point. After all, we could read books then stay at home and read more.
We tried to figure out how long we have been doing this. I have been with the group as far back as the records go--January 2000. But I know that one current member was already there the first time I visited in early fall 1999. Gradually our record keeping has improved and an online book club page helps us to track as well.
When I drive home from our monthly meetings I marvel at the range of topics a book can bring out. We bring so much of our life's experiences into our discussion that it almost enhances the book itself. If you aren't currently in at least one book club I highly recommend trying it out. Then, stay until you become one of the "old" members. It will enrich you life and your reading.
One new member joined us last night. Some members whose lives don't allow monthly attendance made it, two of them in one night. Only one member was absent so it was a large group by our standards, eight people. We filled our little corner of the library with talk, laughter and friendship. Maybe that is the whole point. After all, we could read books then stay at home and read more.
We tried to figure out how long we have been doing this. I have been with the group as far back as the records go--January 2000. But I know that one current member was already there the first time I visited in early fall 1999. Gradually our record keeping has improved and an online book club page helps us to track as well.
When I drive home from our monthly meetings I marvel at the range of topics a book can bring out. We bring so much of our life's experiences into our discussion that it almost enhances the book itself. If you aren't currently in at least one book club I highly recommend trying it out. Then, stay until you become one of the "old" members. It will enrich you life and your reading.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Currently Reading.....
I just finished Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay for book club this Friday. Amazing, I will tell you all about it after our discussion. (I harbor a hope that when they have time my book buddies are following this blog.)
Now I am reading The Habit by Susan Morse. This is a funny, sometimes too true memoir of a mother-daughter relationship.
My current non-fiction is Eat that Frog! 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time. Author Brian Tracy writes, lectures and speaks on time management. I should be done with this short read very soon.
Now, what are you reading? Feel free to comment on this post with the title and author of your current read.
Now I am reading The Habit by Susan Morse. This is a funny, sometimes too true memoir of a mother-daughter relationship.
My current non-fiction is Eat that Frog! 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time. Author Brian Tracy writes, lectures and speaks on time management. I should be done with this short read very soon.
Now, what are you reading? Feel free to comment on this post with the title and author of your current read.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Charlotte and Emily A Novel of the Bronte's
Over the last two or three years I have had several books by Jude Morgan on my to-read list. Book club came to my rescue when we read Charlotte and Emily A Novel of the Bronte's for our December discussion.
Unfortunately I was not able to attend our December meeting so I can only give you my thoughts and observations. The book is now a favorite and other books by Jude Morgan have moved up on my lists.
The pace and cadence seemed to slow my typically fast paced reading style. I found the language and tone enjoyable and fitting of the subject. The characters are real and believable. Although the title is focused on Charlotte and Emily all the Bronte's are covered, including their father, Patrick.
The setting and sense of place pulled me into the story. The imaginary world of play with toy soldiers and minute hand made books made me think of childhood perceptions and my own overactive imagination as a child.
This excellent book stands alone. Your enjoyment will not be dimmed if you have not read works by the Bronte's, although it may spur you to try one or two. I found the book hard to put down even with holidays and family activities vying for my attentions. Charlotte and Emily will not be my last novel by Jude Morgan.
Unfortunately I was not able to attend our December meeting so I can only give you my thoughts and observations. The book is now a favorite and other books by Jude Morgan have moved up on my lists.
The pace and cadence seemed to slow my typically fast paced reading style. I found the language and tone enjoyable and fitting of the subject. The characters are real and believable. Although the title is focused on Charlotte and Emily all the Bronte's are covered, including their father, Patrick.
The setting and sense of place pulled me into the story. The imaginary world of play with toy soldiers and minute hand made books made me think of childhood perceptions and my own overactive imagination as a child.
This excellent book stands alone. Your enjoyment will not be dimmed if you have not read works by the Bronte's, although it may spur you to try one or two. I found the book hard to put down even with holidays and family activities vying for my attentions. Charlotte and Emily will not be my last novel by Jude Morgan.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Catching Up
During the very busy month of December I hardly kept up with holiday prep and staying ahead of my readers with Christmas Stories. I did manage to read two short books in December and want to share one of them with you.
Hunted, book #2 of the Flash Gold Chronicles by Lindsay Buroker was excellent. I mentioned the first book, Flash Gold, earlier. Although I still prefer the heroine in the Emperor's Edge series by Buroker, I will read all of the Flash Gold books that she writes.
The Flash Gold books are set in the Yukon which gives them a slight twist from most steampunk. Kali McAlister is trying to get away from a variety of people trying to track her down. In book two she had decided to build an air ship that, with the help of the magical flash gold, will carry her away to a better and safer life. Part of the problem is that although her father created the flash gold Kali can only use it, not make more. If she is tracked down that information may very well get her killed. Cider, who came to her aid in the first volume, is still on hand but is trying to track down his brother's killer while keeping a protective eye on Kali.
The action is good, the machines are wonderful and the flash gold sounds like something we could all use a little bit of--as long as it was secret.
Digital copies of this are so inexpensive that there is no reason not to try a couple and judge for yourself. Visit Lindsay's web page and see what is upcoming. If you are a fledgling writer hoping to publish an ebook her site is a must.
Hunted, book #2 of the Flash Gold Chronicles by Lindsay Buroker was excellent. I mentioned the first book, Flash Gold, earlier. Although I still prefer the heroine in the Emperor's Edge series by Buroker, I will read all of the Flash Gold books that she writes.
The Flash Gold books are set in the Yukon which gives them a slight twist from most steampunk. Kali McAlister is trying to get away from a variety of people trying to track her down. In book two she had decided to build an air ship that, with the help of the magical flash gold, will carry her away to a better and safer life. Part of the problem is that although her father created the flash gold Kali can only use it, not make more. If she is tracked down that information may very well get her killed. Cider, who came to her aid in the first volume, is still on hand but is trying to track down his brother's killer while keeping a protective eye on Kali.
The action is good, the machines are wonderful and the flash gold sounds like something we could all use a little bit of--as long as it was secret.
Digital copies of this are so inexpensive that there is no reason not to try a couple and judge for yourself. Visit Lindsay's web page and see what is upcoming. If you are a fledgling writer hoping to publish an ebook her site is a must.
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