First Line Friday

Today is First Line Friday! 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.

"Much to the shock of his family, Mr. Singh rather enjoyed delivering newspapers."
Old City Hall
Robert Rotenberg

Because this is a murder mystery, I have a feeling that Mr. Singh will be finding a body while he's delivering newspapers and I'll bet that his family will be a lot more shocked about that.

I received information about this book from a publisher's email. I subscribe to quite a few and always get great book suggestions. This debut mystery was one of them. Because it's written by a debut author, I picked it up at the library. I'm not really loving the cover but it says "Amazing..." ~ Nelson DeMille. I love his novels so I hope he actually liked this book and didn't just write a blurb as a favor to someone as sometimes happens in the publishing world. On the back cover, there is also a blurb from Douglas Preston. His novel, Monster of Florence, is very, very good!

I have high hopes for this mystery and will definitely read it soon. I'm not sure if I mentioned this, but, lately, my TBR has had a lot of historical mysteries. I love them but I definitely feel the need to read something contemporary.

I carried two purses today. I used my Liz Claiborne cheetah print bag with red patent handles for work today. I wore black and white with deep red accessories. The bag looked great with my outfit. Later, I went to the bookstore to get the new People magazine. I had changed my clothes so, of course, I changed my bag. My second purse was my black Coach Satchel.

Book Blogger Hop~ Just A Bit Early!

It's (Almost!)Friday! Time for another Book Blogger Hop!!
ABOUT THE HOP: This is a weekly event, hosted by Jennifer at http://www.crazy-for-books.com/, where book bloggers and readers can connect to find new blogs to read. It's a great way to network with other bloggers and make new friends! Every day I seem to find another book blog that I start following. In the spirit of the Friday Follow, I thought it would be cool to do a Book Blogger Hop to give us all bookies a chance to connect and find new blogs that we may be missing out on! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed!Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.If you start following someone through the Hop, leave a comment on their blog to let them know! Stop back during the week to see other blogs that are added! And, most importantly, the idea is to HAVE FUN!!

OPTIONAL TWIST: On your blog hop post, tell us about some of the other great blogs you've found while Hopping around! DISCLAIMER:The Hop isn't just for you to throw your link in there and not visit any other blogs. It's all about networking and finding new blogs that are of interest. So, in the spirit of the Hop, try to make some time to visit other blogs and don't post your link if you are not planning on visiting other blogs in the Hop that week. This is a weekly event, so if you don't have time this week, that's fine! We'll see you next week!If you sign MckLinky, please share the love and POST ABOUT THE HOP ON YOUR BLOG! How else will anyone else find out about it and come join the party?Please check out her blog for a list of great book bloggers! Leave a comment so they know you've visited because of Jennifer's Book Blog Hop!

And if you've found my blog, through The Book Blogger Hop... Thanks, I'm happy you found me! I love new visitors! Please leave a comment for me... I'd love to visit your blog, too. Please check back here tomorrow as I will be posting about some great book blogs I've found through the Hop, my weekly meme, "First Line Friday" and blogging about other things, too! See you soon!

Waiting on Wednesday... Plural

My Waiting on Wednesday is a book that is getting great "buzz" on book blogs. It's Daughters of Fortune by Tara Hyland.

From Simon & Schuster UK... "William Melville's daughters are heiresses to the world's most exclusive fashion dynasty. Beautiful and rich, they are envied by all. But behind the glittering façade of their lives, each girl hides a dark secret that threatens to tear their family apart.
Smart, ambitious Elizabeth knows how to manipulate every man she meets, except the one who counts: her father.
Gentle, naïve Caitlin, the illegitimate child, struggling to fit into a world of privilege while staying true to herself.
Stunning, spoilt Amber, the party girl with a weakness for bad boys; more fragile than anyone realises.
As each of them seeks to carve out her own destiny, Elizabeth, Caitlin and Amber face difficult choices, which will take them in wildly different directions. But as old wounds resurface and threaten to destroy the foundations of the Melville empire, their paths will cross again. Because the simple truth is that, no matter how far you go, you cannot escape the claims of family."

Doesn't this sound like the perfect summer beach, okay...pool... read?!? And the cover... simply gorgeous. It truly evokes the wealth and privilege that is the novel's essence. I'm very excited to read it. I've already read the exceperts on the publisher's page as well as an interview with the author. She mentions that her favorite authors include Ken Follett and Jeffrey Archer, two of my favorites. She is asked which five words would she use to describe her book? Her answer... Fashion, glamour, secrets, wealth, passion. How can I not read this novel? I have even emailed her to see if she was coming to Denver for a signing, but, alas (isn't that a great word? Too bad, no one really uses anymore), she is not. Maybe she'll tour for her second novel, which she is already writing.


Another thing I'm "Waiting" on this "Wednesday" is the new issue of People magazine. It's the one with Sandra Bullock and her son (!!!). How absolutely freakin' cute is he? He's got this look like ... "don't mess with MY Mommy!" I cannot believe that she kept this amazing secret in the midst of all the crap she's been dealing with the past few months. I blogged about how much I love Sandra when she was nominated for the Oscar. I even talked about much I like her and Jesse as a couple and that I thought he was a good guy. Boy, was I wrong about him! I can't wait to see pictures. When I showed my husband the picture of Louis (yes, I know he was named for Louis Armstrong but I love that it's the same pronounciation as Monsieur Vuitton), he said "Wow, what a chubber!" Don't you just love chubby babies! Because both J and M were preemies, neither one was a "chubber", so I think I take extra delight with babies that have a little extra pudge.


I carried my "Motorcycle" bag today. I needed it to carry a lot of things. M had the second night of her play and she had to be there a half hour early. I knew i'd be sitting for a while so i brought my Margaret Coel novel (it reeked of cigarette smoke. I love library books but when they smell... yuck!) and a water bottle. She was a pirate tonight. She "glammed" it up, though. She wore a basic Seinfeld puffy shirt... remember that?!? ... with black leggings and boots. She accessorized with a red scarf around her waist. I thought her costume was complete... ummm, no! She comes on stage with a black hat trimmed in white feathers and a fishnet fingerless glove... both compliments of the music teacher's costume closet. She rocked her look. To make it even better... she put her sword in her boot not her waist sash, like everyone else. Even when she's in character, she has her own style!

Teaser Tuesday

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!

"Catherine drove west on I-70 in the rush hour traffic, the foothills of the mountains turning violet in the shadows, the crush of suburbs, shopping centers and warehouses falling behind. She passed a truck and settled into the right lane."
Blood Memory
Margaret Coel
p.67

What a great Teaser sentence!

It certainly hits close to home...literally! We drive I-70 west quite a lot as J grew up in Evergreen and his Mom still lives there. My first thought, when I read these sentences is that I know exactly where Catherine is. These pictures are I-70 west.The one on the left is a bridge with no center support so there is no impeded view of the majestic Rocky Mountains! After you go under the bridge, the view that meets your eyes is, in my opinion, awe-inspiring. Honestly, it is probably my favorite sight in Colorado. I've seen it countless times and will never tire of it. It really catches my breath because not only is it so beautiful, it is ever-changing. The time of day, the weather, the amount of snow on the distant range make this spectacular view different every time. I've said it before but I truly love living in Colorado! Tell me what's wonderful about where you live!

Well, this book is exactly my current read as I'm starting it tonight but I figure that's close enough. This is my mystery book club's choice for May and our meeting is next week, so, I thought I had better get started on it. I've never read a book by Margaret Coel but have heard great things and am looking forward to it. A few of the women in the group have actually met her as she's a "local" author so I'm sure we'll hear stories about those meetings. I love to hear about meetings with authors.


My purse today was my denim Dooney & Bourke. It was so warm here that it was the perfect bag for a Spring Day. I won't be using any Spring bags later this week as it's Springtime in Colorado. What does that mean? Well, look at our forecast...
I'm definitely not complaining, though... I'm still in cool weather mode. I still want to wear my boots which will... all weekend. I feel kind of bad, though... J golfed today and probably will tomorrow but on Sunday, his birthday, he won't be able to play. Luckily, he can sit on the couch and watch The Quail Hollow Championship. As luck would have it... Rocco's in the field!! Hopefully, he'll be in the last pairing on Sunday, leading the field by at least four shots and winning the tournament! I love Rocco!

First Line Friday

Today is First Line Friday! 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.

"The most magical thing happened on the morning of my grandmother's wedding in Tuscany. It snowed."
Brava Valentine
Adriana Trigiani


Okay, so I cheated a little... I included the second line. I think it just flows with the first line.

This novel has been sitting in my TBR pile for quite a while. I really need to read it but, as you well know, other books sometimes are read before TBR books. We were talking about Lucia, Lucia in my email loop so I thought I'd read the first line of Brava Valentine for First Line Friday.


I used my new bag again today. I don't normally carry the same bag two days in a row, but since I hardly used it yesterday, I wanted to use it again.

M had play rehearsal today as there was no school. The sixth graders are putting on The Pirates of Penzance next week. She has two parts so she had to be at both the morning and afternoon rehearsals. She is a daughter on Monday night and a pirate on Wednesday. She loves acting and, as her middle school electives next year, she's taking Musical Theater and Vocal Music.

Book Blogger Hop!

It's Friday! Time for another Book Blogger Hop!!
ABOUT THE HOP: This is a weekly event, hosted by Jennifer at http://www.crazy-for-books.com/, where book bloggers and readers can connect to find new blogs to read. It's a great way to network with other bloggers and make new friends! Every day I seem to find another book blog that I start following. In the spirit of the Friday Follow, I thought it would be cool to do a Book Blogger Hop to give us all bookies a chance to connect and find new blogs that we may be missing out on! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed!Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.If you start following someone through the Hop, leave a comment on their blog to let them know! Stop back during the week to see other blogs that are added! And, most importantly, the idea is to HAVE FUN!!

OPTIONAL TWIST: On your blog hop post, tell us about some of the other great blogs you've found while Hopping around! DISCLAIMER:The Hop isn't just for you to throw your link in there and not visit any other blogs. It's all about networking and finding new blogs that are of interest. So, in the spirit of the Hop, try to make some time to visit other blogs and don't post your link if you are not planning on visiting other blogs in the Hop that week. This is a weekly event, so if you don't have time this week, that's fine! We'll see you next week!If you sign MckLinky, please share the love and POST ABOUT THE HOP ON YOUR BLOG! How else will anyone else find out about it and come join the party?Please check out her blog for a list of great book bloggers! Leave a comment so they know you've visited because of Jennifer's Book Blog Hop!

And if you've found my blog, through The Book Blogger Hop... Thanks, I'm happy you found me! I love new visitors! Please leave a comment for me... I'd love to visit your blog, too. Please check back here later today as I will be posting about some great book blogs I've found through the Hop, my weekly meme, "First Line Friday" and blogging about other things, too! See you soon!

Earth Day... Among Other Things

~ I hope you did something good for Mother Earth today. We may not be as "green" as we want to be... but I think we're doing pretty good!

~ I've decided that I want to read a great novel about Camelot... Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot et al. The last one I read was The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley. I really enjoyed it but that was years ago and I'm in the mood to read another. I've googled "Athurian" novels but there are just so many. Have you read one that you'd recommend? If so, please tell me.

~ Elizabeth George's new novel came out on Tuesday. I've checked her website and, as of right now, she's not scheduled to do a signing here. If I see an author, I buy the book at that store... it's only right, in my opinion to give them the business.
She usually does a signing at The Tattered Cover, a local independent bookstore. Because they're an indie, they don't discount, they don't have a membership/rewards program and they don't have coupons. As much as I love a bargain, I do shop there to support them. Imagine my surprise, though, when I received an email saying that tomorrow is Book Lover's Day and, because of that, if I purchased a book tomorrow, I'd receive 20% off, a red rose and a Book Lover's bookmark. One guess as to who is buying Elizabeth George's new book, This Body of Death tomorrow?!? It's a win/win... I buy the book (with a coupon...yay!) at the store that, most likely, will be where she signs and The Tattered Cover gets my business. I love book karma!

~ Because this blog is about me, I tend to use the word "I" a lot... I know... go figure...lol! Anyway, I've noticed that every time I type the letter "I", it doesn't capitalize. I've had to go back and correct every single one, including the ones in this paragraph. I've checked the right shift key and there's nothing wrong with it. I'm having no problems capitalizing other words. Hmmm...

~ I bought a new purse today. I've been wanting to buy a new one for a while but hadn't seen one that "grabbed" me. Well, today, I did and it was on clearance. I told you I love a bargain! It was amazingly inexpensive! I liked it so much that I went to my car, took the tags off the bag and switched my things from a fairly expensive Dooney & Bourke to this amazingly inexpensive :o) bag! I just don't discriminate with purses. If I love it, I love it... I don't care about the price.

~ I wasn't the only one who loved my look today. As I was waiting to fill my drink at Panera, a lady tapped my shoulder and said, "I have to tell you... I love your whole look... your boots (I was wearing tall black stretch boots as it was cold and pouring rain), your earrings, your bag and your blouse (a new favorite! A fitted white blouse with a black snake/cheetah print... not as odd as it sounds, really!). It just all works!" Wow, wow, wow! I politely said thank you but inside I was jumping up and down. She totally made not only my day but my week, if not my month! You just never know how a compliment can touch someone. Have you complimented someone lately?

~ I can't get a good picture of the bag as it's too dark in here so I'll take one tomorrow in the sunlight. It's a black quilted tote (a little Chanel-esque) with double handles that have a chain detail.


~ The Broncos drafted QB Tim Tebow from Florida. He'll fit right in... he already wears orange and blue! I hope he does well here. Football in Denver is huge! Elway played his entire career here. That said, though, I still hate the new coach... BLECH!!


~ I am waiting to watch the season finale or Project Runway. I hope Seth Aaron wins but I think Emilio will. I told M that we'd watch it tomorrow On Demand but I can't wait. It's re-running right now!!! Go Seth Aaron! I ADORE his houndstooth coat. So happy it made it to Bryant Park. I was a little worried that it might get "cut" (wow... a football and fashion reference!)when Tim commented on his lack of color.


~ Book Blogger Hop has started! What a great thing that Jennifer at Crazy-for-Books has started. I'll post my welcome post soon!

~Yes, I'm still having to correct every "I" that I write. I think my keyboard is possessed! So, if I've missed capitalizing a few... it's the keyboard demons!

11th Anniversary~

Today is the 11th anniversary of the massacre at Columbine High School.

The school is less than five miles from our home.

Please keep the victims and those who love them in your thoughts and prayers today.

First Line Friday!

Today is First Line Friday! 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.

"St. Louis
Gabriella's Journal
5 April 1846 1st Entry
This morning I watched my fiancé kill a French nobleman."
Gabriella
Earl Murray
This first line is precisely why I adore first lines! How can you not want to read this book?!? I've never even heard of this author but, unless this novel falls really flat, I'll read more by him... just based on this first line. Many scenarios come to mind when I read this... is it murder? Is it self-defense? Did the fiancé kill for her honor? Who is the nobleman? Is his title the reason why he was killed?

I found this novel at The Friends of the Library bookstore. I always stop there right after I pick up my holds. The cover of this book caught my eye. It is perfectly reminiscent of the West. Lately, I have thought that I'd like to read a "western". I was thinking about Louis L'Amour or Zane Grey but this novel might suffice for now.


Today, I carried blue faux-suede bag to lunch with a group of friends. We really don't see each other much, as a group, any more. It seems as our kids get older... they're all in sixth grade... we're not walking them to and from class. It used to be a lot easier to take the conversation from the school parking lot to a nearby coffee shop. My friend, B, has kind of moved away. She and her kids moved to another city for her job while her husband has stayed in our neighborhood for his job. B comes back about once a month so we do see her. They choice-enrolled their daughter at the school that J attends and that M will attend in the fall. She was accepted and took the placement tests yesterday. So, of course, the lunch conversation revolved around our hopes that they will move back and her daughter will go to school with M. Not only will they both get a great education but B will be here permanently and maybe we'll get together more often.

So, are you Book Blog hopping? I have found some really cool blogs! It seems like there are a lot of blogs that focus on young adult novels. At first, I wasn't really interested in the reviews... although I love other aspects of their blogs, then I noticed titles that M was interested in. We love our librarian, A. If I have some concerns about a book that M wants to read, I'll ask her opinion. She knows M very well and will honestly let me know if it's appropriate for her. Reading these blogs that "specialize" in YA novels is just another tool to help me guide her reading choices. To think... I probably would not have read those blogs had I not been part of the Book Blog Hop.

Book Blogger Hop!

It's Friday! Time for another Book Blogger Hop!!

ABOUT THE HOP:This is a weekly event, hosted by Jennifer at http://www.crazy-for-books.com/, where book bloggers and readers can connect to find new blogs to read. It's a great way to network with other bloggers and make new friends! Every day I seem to find another book blog that I start following. In the spirit of the Friday Follow, I thought it would be cool to do a Book Blogger Hop to give us all bookies a chance to connect and find new blogs that we may be missing out on! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed!Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.If you start following someone through the Hop, leave a comment on their blog to let them know! Stop back during the week to see other blogs that are added! And, most importantly, the idea is to HAVE FUN!!

OPTIONAL TWIST: On your blog hop post, tell us about some of the other great blogs you've found while Hopping around! DISCLAIMER:The Hop isn't just for you to throw your link in there and not visit any other blogs. It's all about networking and finding new blogs that are of interest. So, in the spirit of the Hop, try to make some time to visit other blogs and don't post your link if you are not planning on visiting other blogs in the Hop that week. This is a weekly event, so if you don't have time this week, that's fine! We'll see you next week!If you sign MckLinky, please share the love and POST ABOUT THE HOP ON YOUR BLOG! How else will anyone else find out about it and come join the party?Please check out her blog for a list of great book bloggers! Leave a comment so they know you've visited because of Jennifer's Book Blog Hop!

And if you've found my blog, through her... Thanks, I'm happy you found me! I love new visitors! Please leave a comment for me... I'd love to visit your blog, too. Please check back here later today as I will be posting about some great book blogs I've found through the Hop, my weekly meme, "First Line Friday" and blogging about other things, too! See you soon!

Waiting on... & Jacqueline Winspear

I received an email today that This Body of Death by Elizabeth George will be released on April 20. I'm sure I've said it before but Elizabeth George transcends the mystery genre. There is nothing about her novels that is not perfect! The only thing that is not perfect is that, as of right now, she hasn't scheduled a signing here. I'm sure that will change as she has visited Denver every time she's brought out a new Lynley mystery. My friend, L, and I were talking about that tonight. She and I were at Jacqueline Winspear's signing (more about that later) and already making plans to see her. We've seen her two or three times and will always see her. The last time we saw her, for Careless in Red, she was very intrigued with L's name as she signed her book. L's name is extremely unique... I had never heard of it before I met her. Elizabeth said she loved it so much that she might use it in a novel some day. How cool is that? Can you imagine reading a novel and seeing your name? Not just your name but knowing that it is there because you met the author and she used the name because she met you!

L and I saw Jacqueline Winspear tonight. Her latest Maisie Dobbs mystery was recently published. We've seen her several times, as well... do you see a pattern in our friendship? She told the story of how the book, The Mapping of Love and Death, came to be. I told L, on the drive home, that I was going to start it tonight. So, why am I not reading it tonight? Because I'm a wonderful daughter, that's why. Are you following that? Because of the signing and that J was working, my Mom took J (the son, not the husband) to his ortho appointment. I love my Mom! So, when I picked J & M up, I gave my Mom the book to read first. She's not a huge mystery fan but she came with us a few years ago to another Jacqueline Winspear signing. She has since read all the Maisie Dobbs books. As kind of a thank you for taking J to his appointment, I'm letting her read the book first. Hopefully, she'll read it quickly because I'm excited to read it, too.

L carried a brown Coach satchel tonight. She has an amazing sense of style, not just with her purses but all her outfits. She knows what looks good on her.

I carried my Vera Wang black satchel. It has gold hardware that looked good with the black, white and tan shirt I wore. It was also big enough to put the Maisie Dobbs book in it.

Good Luck!

As I've been Book Blog Hopping, I've noticed that quite a few bloggers are participating in 24 Hour Read-a-Thons this weekend. While I truly applaud your tenacity, I don't think I could ever do it. I look forward to reading about your 24 hours and also reading a lot of great (or not so great) book reviews! Good luck!


Good luck to my son, as well! He is, right now, talking placement tests at the High School he will attend in the fall. He has to take Algebra II, Spanish, Honors Biology and a typing test to see if he can type over 35 WPM. He's already texted me to say that he passed the typing test. he scored 42WPM with three mistakes. He also texted that the Spanish test was easy. So, all's good!

First Line Friday

Today is First Line Friday!
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.


"I have never feared any man as much as I fear the man in black."
The Alchemy of Murder
Carol McCleary


"Had she been superstitious, Josephine Tey might have realised the odds were against her when she found that her train, the early-morning express from the Highlands, was running an hour and a half late."
An Expert in Murder
Nicola Upson


I chose two books this Friday for their First Lines. These are exciting because they both foreshadow coming events. How can you not be drawn in to these mysteries after reading these sentences? I also chose two covers of Expert in Murder because I love them both. My library copy is the one with the train... which fits in nicely with the First Line.

I also chose these mysteries because each features a historical figure, Nelly Bly and Josephine Tey, respectively, in a fictionalized mystery. I enjoy novels in which historical figures are characters. I recently finished a mystery which featured Sigmund Freud and some of his contemporaries. It takes a competent author to write a real person into a book... be it a mystery or a mainstream novel. A fictional character really doesn't need to be defended to critics. Yes, that character can be dissected but, at the end of the day, it is solely the author's creation. If an author writes a historical figure as a character, there is, I think, an inherent responsibility to stay true to who that person really was. Yes, of course, there can be dramatic license with the characterization (that's what makes it fiction). If, however, it is at odds with what I know about the person, I find it very difficult to believe anything that the real person, as the character, does. This, in turn, can make it really difficult to enjoy the book as a whole. On the flip side, though, a book, in which that characterization is done well, can make me think differently about the person. When I've turned the last page and find an author's note, I enjoy reading their motivation as to why they used the real person and other details about their writing.


My bag today was my Dooney & Bourke black satchel tote that I bought a few years ago on QVC. Yes, I've succumbed to late-night impulse buying. I've purchased two or three other bags from them and will readily admit that I enjoy (and even look forward to) watching the D&B presentations.

I chose this purse because it has a black pattern on a black background. I bought a really cute top the other day. It's white with a varying black (almost snake-like) pattern so my bag needed to be pretty plain. This bag's pattern is subtle enough that is looks great with the shirt... doesn't compete with its pattern... but adds another (albeit understated) texture to my outfit. The only "blip" in today's outfit is that I couldn't find the earrings I thought would look best. They are hoops that have graduated black beads... again, a little texture but nothing that takes the focus off my new shirt... lol. Yes, I know I probably overthink things like that :o) Anyway, they weren't where I keep my earrings. I wore another black pair but, now, I'm very curious as to where this pair is!

I am loving The Book Blogger Hop! What a great idea Jennifer had. I look forward to Fridays so that I can add my blog to the list, but, more importantly, check out other blogs. Is there a limit on how many blogs I can follow...lol?!? I sure hope not! I'm finding new ones every week.

Friday is Book Blogger Hop!

It's Friday! Time for another Book Blogger Hop!!

ABOUT THE HOP:
This is a weekly event, hosted by Jennifer at http://www.crazy-for-books.com/, where book bloggers and readers can connect to find new blogs to read. It's a great way to network with other bloggers and make new friends! Every day I seem to find another book blog that I start following. In the spirit of the Friday Follow, I thought it would be cool to do a Book Blogger Hop to give us all bookies a chance to connect and find new blogs that we may be missing out on! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs that they may not know existed!

Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.

If you start following someone through the Hop, leave a comment on their blog to let them know! Stop back during the week to see other blogs that are added! And, most importantly, the idea is to HAVE FUN!!

OPTIONAL TWIST:
On your blog hop post, tell us about some of the other great blogs you've found while Hopping around!

DISCLAIMER:
The Hop isn't just for you to throw your link in there and not visit any other blogs. It's all about networking and finding new blogs that are of interest. So, in the spirit of the Hop, try to make some time to visit other blogs and don't post your link if you are not planning on visiting other blogs in the Hop that week. This is a weekly event, so if you don't have time this week, that's fine! We'll see you next week!

If you sign MckLinky, please share the love and POST ABOUT THE HOP ON YOUR BLOG! How else will anyone else find out about it and come join the party?


Please check out her blog for a list of great book bloggers! Leave a comment so they know you've visited because of Jennifer's Book Blog Hop! And if you've found my blog, through her... Thanks, I'm happy you found me! I love new visitors! Please leave a comment for me... I'd love to visit your blog, too.

Please check back here later today as I will be posting about some great book blogs I've found through the Hop, my weekly meme, "First Line Friday" and blogging about other things, too! See you soon!

Teaser Tuesday

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!

"She neither wore, nor required any jewelry save the exquisite diamond-drop earrings that glittered beneath the dazzling electric chandalier. Despite her youth, the girl's features were well-defined and of a classic line."
page 96
Murder on Nob Hill
Shirley Tallman

This line really has nothing to do with the mystery of this book. Well, at least as much as I know, so far. That's not to say that she doesn't come back into the book at a later. I think this is a great teaser. These sentences paint a picture of what I consider the ultimate "society" woman in the 1890s... like her... Mrs. George Gribbs... painted by John Singer Sargent.


I think the reason I like stories set in this time period so much is because I love the art of John Singer Sargent. His subjects were society's elite and books like the Sarah Woolson Mysteries usually have one of these women who defy society's conventions and do what they believe is right.

I carried my large black Coack Carly. J and I went to a meeting at his new high school and I knew I would have to carry a lot a papers. It was perfect as they gave us a packet with papers explaining every club, elective and athletic option the school offers. Tonight was also my book club. I thought I'd have to miss it because of the school meeting but as it turned out, the meeting ended early enough that J and I headed over to the bookstore. The meeting was still in full swing so I was able to see my friends and discuss the book.

Happy Easter!

May Easter Sunday be peaceful and blessed with a little bit of fun!

Happy Easter!

Welcome to First Line Friday!

Welcome to all my new followers as well as everyone who found me through Book Blogger Hop! I hope you enjoy reading my blog as much as I love writing it.


Today is First Line Friday! 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.

"She sprang from the womb and waved to the crowd."
Venetia Kelly's Traveling Show
Frank Delaney


I have to say that this first line is now is my top ten favorite first lines ever! Not that I have a list... maybe I should. Combine it with the second line and it's an amazing way to begin a novel! Does it much better than this...
"She sprang from the womb and waved to the crowd. Then she smiled and took a bow."
If that doesn't make you want to read this novel, maybe the cover will.
It's what drew me in, at first. We were at Barnes & Noble looking for the sequel to 2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke. J wanted to take it with him on his Spring Break trip. While he roamed the sci-fi section, I looked at the new fiction titles, as I always do. The cover caught my attention first. More often than not, I read the first line before I read the jacket. Wow! What a first (and second) line it is! There are a lot of very positive reviews on book blogs so I'm very excited to delve into Venetia Kelly's world! If you've read this novel, let me know your thoughts.

I know some of you have found Bags, Books & Bon Jovi through the Book Blogger Hop. I, too, have been hopping and found some really great blogs. When I started this blog, I read a stat that estimated 36 million women blog. I thought that was a little, okay...a lot...high. Now, I'm not so sure. There might just be that many great blogs about books! I've looked at blogs that are mainly about genres that I don't read but have found that I really like the blogger's "voice", wit and/or sarcastic comments so I became a follower. I probably won't read their reviewed books but I will make time to read their blog.

I hope that's what you think of me. I hope you like my "voice", wit and/or sarcastic comments. I hope that because my blog isn't just about books (or bags or Bon Jovi), you'll continue to read it. I hope you'll continue to comment or become a follower so that I can read your blog and connect with you.


My purse today was my burgandy motorcycle bag although I don't have the mirror dangling on the outside like this picture. I'd take a picture of my bag but it's buried under J's syuitcase in the car. So, this "stock" picture will have to do. My bag is exactly like this only, because all my stuff is inside, it slouches a bit. We picked up J at the airport tonight. I'm so happy he had a great time but I'm so happy he's home safe. We waited for the school group in the main concourse. It was about twenty minutes before they finally came up the escalator, looking tired, a little sunburned but happy to be home. I spent that twenty minutes doing what I love to do in crowds. I looked at handbags! What an array of purses! I saw everything from "no-name" handbags to well-loved Louis Vuittons and even a stunning Hermès Birkin carried by an older woman. I was, most assuredly, in my element. I told my husband that I could come here with a cup of tea and just look at the bags. I'm sure he thinks I'm crazy...lol.. but was nice enough not to say anything. He knows me too well!

I'm really looking forward to tomorrow, I'm having lunch with S and D, two of my oldest friends. I had to juggle a few things to make it work but it's worth it. We just don't get together enough. S lives almost exactly 100 miles from me and D is about 50 miles away. So, it's a treat when we can meet up!