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.

September 12 of 30

Today is one of my most favorite days! It ranks right there with Christmas and my birthday! What makes me so excited?!? It's the first Sunday of the 2010 NFL season!!

There's nothing better, really, than laying on the couch all day Sunday and watching as many football games as possible. I'm not usually a lazy person but it's just a perfect way to spend a Sunday... especially when it's a chilly, dreary day and I snuggle under a blanket. LOVE it!!

Sadly, though, our beloved Broncos dropped the season opener to Jax 24-17. Oh well.. you know what they say... any given Sunday!


My bag today was an old favorite. I carried a Liz Claiborne leather satchel. I bought it in the early 90s. I worked at Foley's in the handbag department. It was so fun. Even putting out stock was, usually, like opening presents on Christmas morning. We had first choice of what we put out. And I took full advantage of that! I bought a lot of bags during that time and I still carry most of them.

September 11 of 30

September 10 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.

"If there's one thing I've learnedin the past fifteen years, it's this: that murder is really no big deal."
Gentlemen and Players
Joanne Harris


This is why I love first lines! Are you kidding me?!? This is an AMAZING first line!! I bought this book, mainly, because of the cover and the storyline, of course but, wow, this first line moves it right up the TBR pile! How can I not want to read it? I sure hope that the rest of the novel lives up to the first line.


I carried my black Vera Wang satchel today as I had a bunch of errands to run and it's perfect to carry all the odds and ends that accumulate on a day like today. The handle stitching is coming apart(again, darn it!) so I'll take it to a different repair place next week. I love this bag and want to carry for years to come.

September 9 of 30

Are you ready for some.... I'm SO ready for some...!!!!

September 8 of 30

I guess I'm on a bit of a TV kick. I just discovered that Jimmy Smits is returning in a new drama, "Outlaw". From NBC... "Cyrus Garza (Smits) is a Supreme Court justice who abruptly quits the high-level position. A playboy and a gambler, Garza had always adhered to a strict interpretation of the law until he realized the system he believed in was flawed. Now that he's quit the bench and returned to private practice, he's determined to represent "the little guy" and use his inside knowledge of the justice system to take on today's biggest legal cases -- and he's making plenty of powerful people unhappy along the way."


I love Jimmy Smits! I'm so happy that he's back on TV. I liked him on LA Law but loved him as Bobby Simone on NYPD Blue. Honestly, though, I also had a little crush on Dennis Franz as Andy Sipowicz. Weird, I know but I liked his soft side. Anyway, the last show Jimmy Smits starred in was "Cane" which I also loved but, sadly, it was cancelled. He was amazing in Dexter, as well! I really hope "Outlaw" is a great show and stays on the air for years. He's just yummy to watch!


My handbag today was my huge black faux croc shoulder bag. I know this is a really bad picture of the bag... it doesn't show all the details that make it a gret bag. It has a lot of gold zippers... most of them are purely decorative. I wore it with a tunic that has a black, white, caramel and grey design. Sometimes, I wear silver jewelry with this tunic and carry a black bag with silver accents. Sometime, I wear gold jewelry and carry a black bag with gold detailing to play of the caramel color of the top. I love that not only is the tunic so versatile but I can choose which accent metal I want to wear with it. I like to mix it up a little.

September 7 of 30

"Catherine slipped into a sterile gown and pulled on gloves. Her palms were slippery with sweat."
The Surgeon
Tess Gerritson
page 96

This is the first book in the series that is the basis for "Rizzoli & Isles" on TNT. I really liked the show and my friend, L, loaned the books to me as she says they're great. So far, so good.

There are a few shows on TNT that we watch... Rizzoli & Isles, Leverage and Dark Blue. They are all interesting dramas with actors that I enjoy watching. Although, I do have to say that Dylan McDermott from Dark Blue will always be Bobby Donnell from The Practice... another great show!


I carried one of Dooney & Bourke bags today. It's so big that I can, comfortably, carry a book in it. In this case, it's a mystery that I'll be reviewing at the end of the month. Again... so far, so good :D