Happy New Year's Eve!!

My 2011 resolution for my blog is to write 200 posts... and not slack off towards the end of the year (as I did this year...lol).

I hope 2011 brings great bags, even better books and a Bon Jovi concert (oh yeah)!!

Cheers!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

I hope today finds you surrounded with love and joy!

288

Even though I've been slacking on this blog lately, I've written 288 posts, including this one! I think it would be really fun to write my 300th post on New Year's Eve. To accomplish that, I have to really make an effort to blog on a regular basis. I've done it before... I know I can do it... I have no idea why I haven't been blogging lately. I have the best of intentions but we all know about those... :D

My book club met tonight to celebrate Christmas. No book discussion... just a great dinner with good friends! We did decide, though, that our January book will be
The Hotel on the Corner or Bitter & Sweetby Jamie Ford.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this novel Have you read it? Does it lend itself to a thoughtful discussion? Has your book club read it?

The Lightkeeper's Bride by Colleen Coble

From Christian Fiction Blog Alliance website... "A thrilling romantic mystery set in the lush Victorian age.
Central Operator Katie Russell's inquisitive ways have just uncovered her parents' plan for her marriage to wealthy bachelor Bartholomew Foster. Her heart is unmoved, but she knows the match will bring her family status and respectability.
Then Katie overhears a phone conversation that makes her uneasy and asks authorities to investigate. But the caller is nowhere to be found. Mysterious connections arise between the caller and a ship lost at sea.
Against propriety, Katie questions the new lighthouse keeper, Will Jesperson. Then a smallpox epidemic forces their quarantine in his lighthouse. Though of low social status, Will's bravery and kindness remove Katie's suspicion and win her love. Katie and Will together work to solve the mystery of the missing girl and the lost ship as God gives the couple the desire of their hearts."

This novel is, at its heart, a mystery with strong Christian characters. It has everything a good mystery should have... an intriguing puzzle, red herrings, twists & turns, heroes & villians, and, most importantly... a satisfying conclusion. It would have read well without the faith-based characters and situations. But, Ms. Coble used faith in this novel to enhance and soldify the characters' motivations and actions.

As much as I enjoyed the mystery, it is the relationships between the three main characters... Will, Katie and Jennie (yes...Jennie!) that I believe is the heart of the story and what kept me reading. Yes, we all know. going in, how these novels will end so it's really not about getting to "the end"... it's about watching Katie and Will make that journey and how God lights their way.

I also read the first in Ms. Coble's series, The Lightkeeper's Daughter and loved it. So, I was so excited to be given the chance to read and review the latest in The Mercy Falls series. I was also excited to turn the last page of the novel and see that the next book, The Lightkeeper's Ball will be released in January 2011. I will, most definitely, read it and hope it' not the conclusion of this well-written Christian historical mystery series.

~~I received The Lightkeeper's Bride from Thomas Nelson Publishers and Bonnie from The Christian Fiction Blog Alliance in exchange for an honest and thoughtful review.~~

Cool New Follow Friday!

Yeah, I've been slacking on my blogging! No excuses, really... just life. I'm sure you know how that goes :D


Anyway, I just found this great new Follow Friday. It's hosted by Java at http://nevergrowingold.blogspot.com/ It's for bloggers, like me, who are over 40! That's not to say that I don't I don't love and follow bloggers of all ages... I definitely do... but it's kind of fun to read blogs of women who remember when Jon looked like this... and we looked like this...

So, I welcome those of you who found me through Java's Follow Friday 40 & Over! And for those of you who are kind enough to read my blog and have wondered where the heck I've been... I'm back and I'm going to blog on a more regular basis!!

I'll be back later with my favorite meme... First Line Friday!! And, of course, a picture of the purse I'm carrying today! Honestly, I've missed blogging about my bags!

Veteran's Day

God Bless and we thank those who have served and are serving our country in the most patriotic way!

My father and father-in-law both proudly served our country and are laid to rest, with Honors, in the same National cemetery... within "sight" of each other.

A Memory Between Us

From Sarah Sundin's website..."Major Jack Novak has never failed to meet a challenge--until he meets army nurse Lieutenant Ruth Doherty. When Jack lands in the army hospital after a plane crash, he makes winning Ruth's heart a top priority mission. But he has his work cut out for him. Not only is Ruth focused on her work in order to support her orphaned siblings back home, she carries a shameful secret that keeps her from giving her heart to any man. Can Jack break down her defenses? Or are they destined to go their separate ways?"

I LOVE this book!! I LOVE this series! The only thing I don't love... I have to wait until August 2011 for the third book. Not a problem, though... I'll just re-read the first two! And you bet... I most definitely will!!

When I review a novel for my blog, I read it with a more critical eye than books I read for pleasure. That said... there is absolutely nothing "wrong" with this novel. The characters are real... flaws and all. This book (as well as the series) is set in WWII and, sadly, not all characters survive. There were times tears welled up as a character died. I have to say, though, it made the story real... it's war... people died. The story would have lost its "heart" had everyone survived. How the characters deal with their grief, their guilt and their willingness to carry on is what gives this novel its depth and grace.

I loved how Ms. Sundin writes. There are many combat scenes yet they are not so "technically" written that I skim the pages. Nor are they "fluff" or "filler" to remind us that this story is a war story. They are written as integral parts of the plot just as the love story between Jack and Ruth is. I could tell Ms. Sundin researched what she wrote about but didn't hit me over the head with it. She gave me what I needed to understand and appreciate what combat was like.

The same can be said for the faith aspect of the novel. While it is a necessary part of the novel and character development... the author writes it so that it is seamless. I've said it before but I won't read Christian fiction that uses faith as its only "draw". A Christian novel must have a great plot, welldrawn characters and a satisfying (not always happy but fitting to the story) ending or the faith part falls flat.

A Memory Between Us has it all. I simply LOVED it!! As much as I loved Jack and Ruth, I adored Walt and Allie!! Their story is told in A Distant Melody... the first book in the series. While A Memory Between Us can be read as a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading both. There is a richness from reading both stories that I just can't get enough of!

You know the old adage... you can't judge a book by its cover. Well, in this case...you sure can! The cover art is stunning! It captures, perfectly, the feel of this novel as well as what Jack and Ruth look like. I can say the same thing for A Distant Memory... perfect cover art!!


Please visit Sarah Sundin's website... www.sarahsundin.com. You will learn so much about the men and women who lived through WWII to become, as Tom Brokaw wrote... The Greatest Generation!

Thanks to Amy at http://www.litfusegroup.com/ for sending me a copy of A Memory Between Us in exchange for an honest and thoughtful review. Thanks also to Ms. Sundin for writing such a wonderful series.

First Line Friday & Old Friends

FIRST LINE FRIDAY...First lines have always intrigued me since I heard an author say that writing the first sentence is, by far, the most difficult part of writing a novel. The reasoning was that a first sentence can make the reader continue reading or cause the book to be tossed aside. So, go to your To Be Read Pile, choose as many books as you want and share the first line. Be sure to include the title and author so that if your reader also finds it intriguing, they can find the book. Also, share your thoughts about the first line. Does it draw you in? Is it...exciting...thought provoking...scary...funny?

Prologue
"He dressed the boy's body whilst it was still warm."
A Small Death in the Great Glen
AD Scott

My first thought about this first line... eewwww! My secoond thought about this first line... love the word "whilst'! My third thought about this first line... I always find it intriguing when a story begins with the murderer's perspective.It makes for an interesting read.

I found this mystery at B&N. To spend a while in a bookstore, by myself, perusing (great word... don't you agree?)the shelves is truly one of my most favorite things to do. We've been kind of a reading rut in my mystery book club. We've been reading multiple books by some authors. While that's not a bad thing, we really need to expand our reading horizons. There are far too many great authors that we have yet to read. I mentioned this book in book club the other day and it was decided we would read it in the near future.


I carried my large black Coach Carly today. I had dinner with two women that I hadn't seen in ten years. We were in a playgroup even before M was born. And as things happened, we gradually drifted apart as the kids entered school. I re-connected with L as J's school... her twins are sophomores there. G, another playgroup mom, was there and we shared pictures and stories of our kids. In my mind, these kids are toddlers and preschoolers. To hear stories of football practices, driving tests and Homecoming dates just reminded us what great kids we have! We had such a fun time and, definitely, plan to get together again... and again... and again.

September 29 of 30

From Amazon... "From rolling pastures in Lexington, KY to darkened alleyways in Newark, NJ, from Manhattan's posh '21' Club to a peculiar and mysterious landfill in Eastern Kentucky, and from Saratoga Springs, NY to the tiny island of St. Lucia, Shedrow portrays a collision of characters from many divergent worlds. High society and the racing elite, medical and veterinary specialists, mob figures, and Kentucky hill folk become entangled in this unique twist on the medical thriller.
Dr. Anthony Gianni, a prominent Manhattan surgeon, becomes involved in a racing partnership as a diversion from a thriving surgical practice and an ailing marriage. The excitement builds when the partnership acquires Chiefly Endeavor, a two-year-old colt with the breeding, the spirit, and enough early racing success to qualify for the Kentucky Derby.
When a new partner with an unsavory background appears and a breeder's nightmare becomes real, Dr. Gianni and a dedicated veterinarian must confront organized crime and solve a complex mystery that threatens to destroy both of their careers, and possibly a great deal more."

When I first requested this mystery to review, I had expectations of reading something along the lines of the Dick Francis horse racing mysteries I read in the 1980s. Besides the obvious horse racing backdrop... it could not have been more different. It is edgy, modern, sometimes violent but, above all... a fantastic mystery. I never read mysteries to figure them out... if I do, great... if I don't, fine, too. I just have to be able to look back and see the clues. Shedrow was the latter. I had no idea how it would end but the conclusion was so well put together that I am already looking forward to the next book in the series. I'm not sure there will be one... I've read differing ideas on that but my vote is to continue the seres.

Shedrow is a fast read but not one to be skimmed as Mr DeLuke is such a good writer. His dialogue was crisp and his descriptive passages set the scenes. I've never been to a race track but I could tour one after reading this mystery and, almost, know my way around. I'm not sure I'd want to hang around stalls with the horses, though... I'd rather be sitting in box seats, wearing a giant hat, sipping a Mint Julep and reading another taut, suspenseful Dean DeLuke mystery!

September 24 of 30

A NOTE FROM AN OLD ACQUAINTANCE by Bill Walker
From the author's website... "Brian Weller is a haunted man. It’s been two years since the tragic accident that left his three-year-old son dead and his wife in an irreversible coma. A popular author of mega-selling thrillers, Brian’s life has reached a crossroads: his new book is stalled, his wife’s prognosis is dire, and he teeters on the brink of despair.
Everything changes the morning an e-mail arrives from Boston artist Joanna Richman. Her heartfelt note brings back all the poignant memories: the night their eyes met, the fiery passion of their short-lived affair, and the agonizing moment he was forced to leave Joanna forever. Now, fifteen years later, the guilt and anger threaten to overwhelm him. Vowing to make things right, Brian arranges a book-signing tour that will take him back to Boston. He is eager to see Joanna again, but remains unsure where their reunion will lead. One thing is certain: the forces that tore their love asunder will stop at nothing to keep them apart.
Filled with tender romance and taut suspense, A Note from an Old Acquaintance is an unforgettable story about fate, honor, and the power of true love."

This is a powerful novel. It is so poignant and real. There were more than a few times that I had tears in my eyes. The characters were well-written as was the dialogue. One of my pet peeves is "stilted" dialogue... when authors use words just for the sake of using them, words that real people in real situations just don't say. Mr. Walker wrote dialogue that, not only moved the story and developed the characters, but read (yes, I sometimes read dialogue aloud) as if it was a normal conversation.... just the way it should.

The main character, Brian, is an interesting choice. This novel would have been completely different, and, honestly, not as good had Mr. Walker written a female protagonist. From Brian's perspective, I felt his loss differently... I'm a wife and mother. I know how I'd feel if I lost my husband and child. To read this love story from primarily a man's perspective, just showed, very simply, that love is love.

The flashback to 1991 was an important tool in understanding the characters' motivations. I was surprised that, having read that portion of the novel, some of my opinions about certain characters changed... that, to me, is a bonus as I read. It's a difficult task, I believe, to change my mind about a character but Mr. Walker did so with necessary scenes and dialogue, especially in the flashback. I've read other authors who don't delve into a character's psyche so I don't know (or sometimes care)why they do what they do. Definitely not the case in A Note From An Old Acquaintance, I still didn't like this character but I completely understood why he did what he did.

Just a few notes about the book, itself. The cover art was so fitting. I kept flipping back to it as I read and realized what I was reading about was pictured on the cover. I am also appreciative that Mr. Walker took the time to personally inscribe my copy. I'm a dork like that...lol... I LOVE personalized copies of books. Also, without giving anything away, make sure you turn the page after you've finished the book. It's details like this that make a novel memorable... and ultimately, re-readable. Okay, I know that's not a word but but I know you know what I mean! I also love reading dedications and acknowledgments. Mr. Walker dedicated his novel to "All Loves Lost... And Found". How appropriate! He also acknowledged a woman "for attempting to kill my excess commas." LOVE that as I find myself using a lot of commas... and ellipses... see what I mean :D

I look forward to reading more from this author and have already checked out his website (www.billwalkernovels.com). Titanic 2012 looks really good... I might just have to review that another time :D

~~Thanks to the author, Bill Walker, and Dorothy at www.pumpupyourbookpromotion.com for providing this novel in exchange for my honest and thoughtful review.~~

September 23 of 30

Alyce at http://athomewithbooks.blogspot.com/ hosts My Favorite Reads to showcase books that aren't burning up the blogging world but that we love, still. From her blog... "Each week I feature one of my favorite reads from the past. Most of these are my favorites from my pre-blogging days, but occasionally I throw in a current favorite as well. Since I haven't read these books in a long time I generally include the publisher's blurb and my reasons for featuring the book as a favorite, including any special memories I may have of the book."


MyFavorite Read this week is Are You There, God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume. The reason why I'm choosing this is because M is reading it... again! Just like I did... and probably you, too...right? It is a book that we all read and discussed with our friends. I am loving that she and I are connecting over a book that we've both read. How many Moms and daughters have done the same thing with this novel? We must, we must, we must increase our... well, you know the rest, don't you?

September 22 of 30

I am really not waiting on any books this week except for Fall of Giants which will be released next weeek. YAY!

My WoW this week is a package from Lands End containing J's uniform shirts and jacket. It's not a strict uniform, luckily, he basically wears golf shirts and shorts but, as the weather will get cooler (come on, Fall... where are you?), he needs long sleeved shirts. So, I ordered a bunch... as well as a Rugby shirt and a fleece jacket. We have to order from Lands End as the clothes have to be mongrammed with the school name. Not a big deal to me, although, last year, the school had no such dress code. Yes, it looks great on the kids but it would be great to not have to order it.


My handbag today was my huge zebra bag! I don't think I carried it much this summer... so, it was time to bring it out. Considering, I had that bag and a cheetah print cosmetic bag, all I needed was a leopard print wallet and I would have been right at home at the zoo :D

September 21 of 30

I LOVE Teaser Tuesday.
Grab your current read.
Let the book fall open to a random page.
Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!

"The Sarre regiment? I am not sure what was sold to them, if anything."
page 178
The Secret Life of Josephine
Carolly Erickson

I was so excited to buy this book. I found it at The Dollar Store... can you believe it?!? M and I were trolling the store for items she could use for a 3-D model of a plant cell. I have The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette by the same author and have heard that both novels are great reads!


I carried my black Coach Sabrina today. I've been thinking about heading to the Coach outlets and seeing what's new. I get in these moods, every once in a while and want to buy a new bag. I'm in one of those moods now... probably because all the fall handbags are showing up in the stores!

September 20 of 30

Musing Monday is hosted by Miz B at Should Be Reading.

Today's question... What makes you love/hate a character in a book?

As they say, there's a thin line between love and hate. A great author, in my opinion, can elicit both emotions from me with well-written characters. I have no probalem hating a character. It just means that the author has struck a chord in me. A character that I hate but that I think was very written and "fleshed out" is Regan Hamleigh from Pillars of the Earth. She is evil and lacks a conscience allowing her to manipulate all those around her to get what she wants. I hate the character but love the way Follett wrote her.

The worst kind of character, to me, is that one I just don't care about. The characters in The Kite Runner are such. There are many reasons that I hated this novel... I know, I know... I'm probably the only one who did.. but, the characters held absolutely no interest to me. They were poorly written, they were caricatures and their outcomes were so obvious... even from early on in the book.

My bag today was just my wallet. I didn't go anywhere except to drive J and M to carpools. I usually only take my wallet with me, as sometimes there are four kids in the car as well as all their accompanying backpacks, lunchboxes, hoodies... well, you get the picture :D

September 19 of 30

Their new song...

I really like it. I do think Jon looks a little "refreshed"... which isn't necessarily a bad thing... lol!

September 18 of 30

I have been having major computer issues as well as problems with Blogger. I have been writing a post every day as I want to post every day in September but, for some reason, I couldn't upload them. I hope that problem is now solved! I tried posting to my "test blog" and it's now working. They may be out of order, but they are there, I hope!!

This is how I feel with computers... I am SO not computer savvy...
And this is what I need....

September 17 of 30

I began First Line Friday because first lines have always intrigued me since I heard an author say that writing the first sentence is, by far, the most difficult part of writing a novel. The reasoning was that a first sentence can make the reader continue reading or cause the book to be tossed aside. So, go to your To Be Read Pile, choose as many books as you want and share the first line. Be sure to include the title and author so that if your reader also finds it intriguing, they can find the book. Also, share your thoughts about the first line. Does it draw you in? Is it...exciting...thought provoking...scary...funny? Join in, if you enjoy first lines as much as I do! Be sure to use my great First Line Friday graphic and leave me a comment so I can read your blog! I'm not the only one with a meme celebrating first lines... Becky at Page Turners at http://pageturnersbooks.blogspot.com/ hosts Book Beginnings... check her blog, too.

Prologue
Conciergie Prison
October 3, 1793
"They say the fearsome thing doesn't always work well."
The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette
Carolly Erickson


Because Marie Antoinette is writing this from prison, I assume she is referring to the guillotine. Her fate is, of course, already decided so, it will be an interesting read... to read her "side." I cannot imagine writing about that, knowing that it will be my demise, as she did. I love reading novels with historical figures... especially those, like this, that are written in first person. I hope they are historically accurate but, even if they aren't, it's fascinating to live history through their eyes.

September 16 of 30

There comes a day whenever I do this "blog every day for a month" posting that I have nothing to write about. Well, guess what? Today's that day. I read some blogs for inspiration but nothing really struck me.

So, I'm going to post three things about me and, hopefully, I haven't said them before.

1. I am loving this new lip product from Bath & Body Works... Dark Kiss. While I'm still on the fence regarding the body care scent, this lip gloss is WONDERFUL!! Like most women, I have tons of lip products, but keep going back to my "old stand-bys". I think this will become one of those. It has everything, great taste and smell, just enough gloss and it's not sticky! Perfection!

2. I've posted a few book reviews from books sent to me from either publishers or authors. While I've been very lucky and honestly enjoyed these novels and given positive reviews, I'm starting to think about how I will review a book I don't like while still being honest and not "snarky". I've turned down requests for books in genres I don't like. I'm afraid there will be a book that sounds great, the cover looks great yet I just don't like it. I always inform the person sending the book that I will write my honest feelings... good or bad. I've just not had to write the bad... yet. For those who review books... how do you write a review for a book you don't like?

3. I am getting excited for all the new fall shows. Next week is "premiere week". The ones I'm looking forward to are... Blue Bloods (Tom Selleck is just aging so perfectly), Outlaw (Jimmy Smits...ummm... yeah!), The Defenders (this looks funny but serious, too and how can you not love a show set in Vegas?), Mike and Molly (cute show but it's from Chuck Lorre who created Big Bang Theory and Two & A Half Men...love them both), Hawaii Five-O (loved the original and have very fond memories watching it with my Grammy). I'm sure there are more as I know I'll probably watch a lot of TV next week.


I carried my quilted black bag today. The chain handle is an odd (in a good way) color. It's not silver, not black not even grey but a mix. Because I always match the hardware on my bags to my jewlry, it's a good thing that I have earrings and bracelets in that same metal.

September 15 of 30

I'm in a real "funk" today. It would have been my Dad's 71st birthday.

After I dropped the carpool kids off at the high school, I went to the cemetary and just sat there. I cannot believe very much I miss him. It's been four years and it still sucks!

September 14 of 30

"Idina, glowing, at the front of the crowd on the station platform, watched Euan walk toward her. His cap was straight, shoulders still square, feet stepping briskly forward."
page 70
The Bolter
Frances Osborne

I received an email from the library that this book was in. Funny thing, though, I didn't remember what it was about. After I googled it, I remembered having read about it on another blog. I'm not that far into it as I've been reading books that I will review at a later date. This book is not what I expected and it is a little slower than I want it to be. Honestly, I'm not sure if I will finish it. Idina Sackville, the book's subject, has been "immortalized" in various fiction and I might read one of those instead.


My handbag today was my very big red shoulderbag. It was a birthday gift from my friend, D. She was the first friend I made in college. We sat next to each other in our first class on the first day and have been friends ever since. Her birthday is Sunday and we are celebrating this Friday night. I'm really looking forward to it!

September 13 of 30

Do you read Beach Wives Diaries... http://beachwives.blogspot.com/... if you don't... you SHOULD!! It's a fantastic blog written with witty humour a healthy dose of sarcasm. No wonder it's one of my favorite blogs to read! And, to my astonishment, they love my blog, too!! So much so, they gave me a blog award! I'm not to shy to quote what they say about Bags, Books & Bon Jovi... "This gorgeous blog is exactly what it says. Great book reviews and, to our delight, reviews of handbags and getaway bags that will have you diving in the closet looking for matching shoes." Totally made my day to read that! We'd SO be friends if I lived on a coast! Thanks, Chicas!



I carried my Louis Vuitton Mini Lin Speedy 30 today. I usually carry it as a fall/winter bag as it's brown but I hadn't carried it in a while and it called to me from my purse closet. Well, not really... but I think it did whisper my name :D Either way, I rocked it and will carry again very soon.