Book Blogger Hop

Jennifer at Crazy-for-Books.com hosts Book Blogger Hop! From her blog...
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!!

ABOUT THE HOP:
In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs to read! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list below!!

The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added! We get over 200 links every week!!

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

RULES:
1. Enter your book blog link in the Linky List below
In your link, please state the main genre that you review: eclectic, contemp. fiction, ya, paranormal, mystery, non-fiction, etc. Please do not list every genre you review - if you are review a variety, please put eclectic! The Hop gets jumbled up if the title is too long, so please limit to one genre. I will be limiting the number of characters in the title to ensure the Hop doesn't look messy! Thank you!
Example: Crazy-for-Books (literary fiction)
NOTE: You no longer have to enter the length of time you've been blogging, but do let us know if this is your first time hopping with us!
2. Post about the Hop on your blog. Spread the word about the book party! The more the merrier! In your blog post, answer the following question (new question each week!). I have to thank my friend, Lori, for this week's question! I was drawing a blank and she came up with this fab question! If you have a question that could be used in a future Hop, leave it in the comments! Thanks!

This week's question comes from Chelle from The Prairie Library!
Do you listen to music when you read? If so, what are your favorite reading tunes?

3. Visit other blogs in the Linky List! Make new friends! Follow new book bloggers! Talk about books! Rave about authors! Take the time to make a quality visit! Check out other posts and content, make a new friend! Don't randomly follow someone if you never intend on actually following them! No spamming please! (Please do not leave your link and not visit other blogs - it's just not cool and not in the spirit of the Hop!)

*** My answer...***

I don't specifically listen to music when I read. If it's on, I'll leave it on.

**And if you've found my blog, through The Book Blogger Hop... Thanks, I'm happy you found me! Please check back later as I will post my weekly meme... First Line Friday! I love new visitors! Please leave a comment for me... I'd love to visit your blog, too.**

CSN Product Review~ Sydney Love Getaway Bag

I was lucky enough to be contacted by Eileen from CSN to do a product review. I was excited be able to choose something I would love... a bag, of course!! I chose the Sydney Love Getaway Bag (http://www.csnstores.com/Sydney-Love-12001-SYV1211.html).

I was impressed with the entire process... from choosing what I wanted from a seemingly endless online catalogue to the extremely fast shipping to the bag, itself!

The first picture is from the CSN website. The second picture is my Sydney Love Getaway bag straight out of the box. It is wrapped perfectly... nothing could be scratched or ripped off during shipping. The third picture is the unwrapped bag. It looks exactly like the first picture. That's so very important to me as it's really annoying to fall in love with a picture on a website just to open the box to see something that barely resembles it. No worries, here... it was spot on!

It's definitely a Getaway Bag. It's too big to carry as a purse but absolutely perfect for a weekend "Getaway" to the mountains or maybe to Vegas! Yeah, that's right... Vegas, baby! I think I need to talk to my husband. You think he'll go for it?!? But, I'll definitely use it this winter. We ski, so, sometimes we stay up there for the weekend. This bag is just the right size for a weekend in the "hills" as my husband says :D.

I love everything about the styling. The black and gold stripe, for some reason, remind me of a Mary Poppins bag... and as a Mom, I'm always the one who ends up carrying someting from everyone! I think, though, that my favorite detail is the buckle strap. Although it purely decorative, it adds a finishing touch that I truly appreciate on bags of any price point.

It has an outside pocket on the front which, while adding to the style of the bag is big enough to be functional. There is also a full length zippered pocket on the back for travel documents, an InStyle magazine and, definitely, a book. The inside is lined with a black and gold polka dot pattern. I love lined bags... it just makes me happy to to look inside and see a pretty lining. There is also a back wall zippered pocket as well as a padded strap to carry it over the shoulder. I will probably carry this bag by the handles as I think it looks so chic. It's nice, though, to have option of a shoulder strap, if it gets too heavy. It also has four "feet" to protect it when I have no choice but to put it on the floor. The details of this bag really were thought out for the "Getaway" traveler...like me.

Thanks again to Eileen and CSN Stores(http://www.csnstores.com/) for this opportunity to review the Sydney Love (yes, I love it... sorry, couldn't resist!) Getaway Bag!

First Line Friday as a Thank You!

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.

"Eugenia could see him at last."
Vines of Yarrabee
Dorothy Eden

This is a very to-the-point first sentence, however, it leaves me with some questions... who is Eugenia seeing? And where has he been? Although, I'm pretty sure those questions will be answered in the first paragraph. I also have to say that I adore the first name of how I assume is the female protagonist... Eugenia. It's so old-fashioned and beautiful... perfect for a mistress of an Australian plantation and vineyard. It would also make a wonderful name for a baby girl blogger :D... don't you think so, Stacy? ROFL!!!

Speaking of Stacy... I'd like to thank you for sending this book to me as well as Lyddie by Katherine Paterson for M. She is enjoying it and is reading it to me when we're in the car. Thanks again!! And the card is just too cute... like the puppy, love the bags!!! Oh, by the way... if that picture of you and Jon ever surfaces... I HAVE to see it :D Can you believe that Stacy met Jon and has a picture of it?!? If you don't know who Stacy is... check out her awesome blog...http://stacybuckeye.wordpress.com/ She has interesting reviews, great taste in books, fun quizzes and cute pictures of her baby belly :D Tell her Kathy sent you!



M and I had a girls' day. We were on the hunt for a volleyball. She is very serious about making her middle school team and wants to practice at home. I googled volleyballs last night and we found a regulation one that had Wilson's face on it. Remember Wilson? He was Tom Hanks' "friend" in Castaway, and yes, I cried as he drifted away. M watched the movie as preparation for her Search and Rescue Outdoor Education week earlier this summer. She was thrilled that we could actually buy that volleyball. We did and she and her Daddy spent most of the evening setting, serving and spiking.


We had lunch at Panera and then spent an hour or so browsing at Barnes & Noble. I carried a bag that I hadn't used it a while. M chose it because she said it mimicked the black and wite plaid sirt I was wearing. Mimicked? Can you tell we watched Project Runway last night :D It's a Tommy Hilfiger Houndstooth satchel. I love how the handle makes an "H" for Hilfiger. This picture makes the handle look a lot longer than it really is. It's definitely a bag that I carry in my hand.

Book Blogger Hop~ Favorite New-To-Me Author

Jennifer at Crazy-for-Books.com is hosting Book Blogger Ho once again! Let me just say how much I love this meme!!! I have found so many cool book bloggers through it. From her blog...
In the spirit of the Twitter Friday Follow, the Book Blogger Hop is a place just for book bloggers and readers to connect and share our love of the written word! This weekly BOOK PARTY is an awesome opportunity for book bloggers to connect with other book lovers, make new friends, support each other, and generally just share our love of books! It will also give blog readers a chance to find other book blogs to read! So, grab the logo, post about the Hop on your blog, and start HOPPING through the list of blogs that are posted in the Linky list below!!
The Hop lasts Friday-Monday every week, so if you don't have time to Hop today, come back later and join the fun! This is a weekly event! And stop back throughout the weekend to see all the new blogs that are added! We get over 200 links every week!!
Your blog should have content related to books, including, but not limited to book reviews.
RULES:
1. Enter your book blog link in the Linky List below
In your link, please state the main genre that you review: eclectic, contemp. fiction, ya, paranormal, mystery, non-fiction, etc. Please do not list every genre you review - if you are review a variety, please put eclectic! The Hop gets jumbled up if the title is too long, so please limit to one genre. I will be limiting the number of characters in the title to ensure the Hop doesn't look messy! Thank you!
Example: Crazy-for-Books (literary fiction)
2. Post about the Hop on your blog. Spread the word about the book party! The more the merrier! In your blog post, answer the following question (new question each week!). I have to thank my friend, Lori, for this week's question! I was drawing a blank and she came up with this fab question! If you have a question that could be used in a future Hop, leave it in the comments! Thanks!
Who is your favorite new-to-you author so far this year?
3. Visit other blogs in the Linky List! Make new friends! Follow new book bloggers! Talk about books! Rave about authors! Take the time to make a quality visit! Check out other posts and content, make a new friend! Don't randomly follow someone if you never intend on actually following them! No spamming please! (Please do not leave your link and not visit other blogs - it's just not cool and not in the spirit of the Hop!)

Now to answer Jennifer's question... Who is your favorite new-to-you author so far this year?

My favorite new-to-me author is CW Gortner. He is the author of The Secret Lion, The Last Queen and The Confessions of Catherine deMedici. I was privileged to be able to review the latter novel and loved it! He is a great author who really has a gift of writing historically maligned and misunderstood figures and revealing them in such a way as to make them almost sympathetic. Not only are his charcters well-written but he strikes the perfect balance of telling a great detailed story but not overwheming the reader with so much detail that it just screams... "I researched so much for this novel that I going to cram every little tidbit into it." I've read authors like that and find myself skimming... probably more than I should and actually missing the "good" parts. His novels are not like that at all. The scenes, characters and settings are laid out just enough to move the story along but not bog it down. Perfect!

**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 post my weekly meme, First Line Friday as well as some other things. My friend, Karen at http://karenintx.blogspot.com/ is not only the designer of the FLF graphics (there are actually a few I use) but she has already posted her First Line Friday... and it's pretty good, if you ask me! Thanks, Karen for joining in and, of course, making all my great graphics! My blog rocks because of Karen! She has a graphics blog, too... check it out at http://grabitgraphics.blogspot.com/

Saturday Spotlight on a Sad, Sad Day

Lori at Lori's Reading Corner hosts Saturday Spotlight. From her blog...
Welcome to the Saturday Spotlight, where each week we will have a chance to showcase something new. It will be the place to gather, talk and shine the “spotlight” on all things book related. Not to mention a place to discover new to us authors, characters, series and places.
Each week I will pick a new theme for us to share our favorite of, and every once in a while I’ll make it a “readers choice” week where you can spotlight whatever you want.
Some of the different things we’ll be spotlighting are our favorite book, author, female/male character, location, murder weapon, series, other book blogs, giveaway sites, places to get our books and just about anything else book related.
This week my spotlight is shining on my......

Favorite Culinary Cozy Series...

I don't read a lot of culinary mysteries but I did like the Eugenia Potter mysteries by Virginia Rich.

From Wikipedia...
Virginia Rich (1914 - 1985) was a mystery author who pioneered the 'culinary mystery' sub genre.
In three novels written 1982 to 1985 she introduced sleuth Eugenia Potter, a widow and chef who divided her time between a ranch in Arizona and a small town on the Maine coast. The books included recipes, the hallmark of what has come to be called 'culinary mysteries'. Several years after her death her family approached mystery writer Nancy J. Pickard to complete an unfinished manuscript, producing The 27 Ingredient Chili Con Carne Murders, published in 1993. Pickard went on to write two more novels in the series, based on Rich's notes.
Eugenia Potter Mysteries
by Virginia Rich...
The Cooking School Murders (1982)
The Baked Bean Supper Murders (1983)
The Nantucket Diet Murders (1985)
created by Virginia Rich, written by Nancy J, Pickard...
The 27 Ingredient Chili Con Carne Murders (1993)
The Blue Corn Murders (1998)
The Secret Ingredient Murders (2001)

I liked Eugenia Potter. She is cut from the same cloth (cheesecloth, maybe...lol) as other elderly female amateur sleuths... Miss Marple, Mrs. Pargeter and Jessica Fletcher come to mind. You know, they play up the innocent, sometimes, even bumbling persona yet they are smart, intuitive and keep a close eye (even though they may not appear to) on the suspects until the end when, with all the evidence in hand, they solve the murder. Along the way, though, Eugenia finds time to make some great food with recipes included. If memory serves (wow, I'm getting good with the culinary references)... she invited the suspected murderer to share the food while she questioned them... probably determining their guilt over the main course...lol.


Four years ago today, my Father passed away. Because he proudly served our country as a Military Police Officer, he is laid to rest in a National Cemetery... a beautiful and fitting place for him. In his honor, please take a moment to remember all those brave souls who have served and are serving our country.

First Line Friday...Finally!

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.

"Chance alone brought her into his orbit."
This Body of Death
Elizabeth George

In seven words, Elizabeth George pretty much proves why she is, most definitely, one of my favorite authors and a master storyteller. How can you read that first line and not be completely and totally drawn in and curious as to what happens next?

I don't mind first lines that are longer in length. When an author uses only seven fairly ordinary words to craft such an amazing sentence... not to mention first line... well, it makes me happy that I'm a fan of hers.

I had coffee today with my friend, A. While I was waiting for her, I read my book. Of course, the conversation turned to books... as it usually does. I turned her on to Elizabeth George mysteries a while ago. We really hadn't seen each other since then and wanted to reconnect before school starts (we will be carpooling together to two different schools). I was eager to hear how she liked the Thomas Lynley series, knowing she had read a few. I even brought with me a few copies that I had purchased at the Friends of the Library book sale for her. Imagine my surprise and happiness when she told me she LOVED them!! She was actually reading "In Pursuit of the Proper Sinner"... the tenth one!!! Honestly, I just told her about them in May. Can you say... Thomas Lynley fan :D Everything that I love about these mysteries, she does, too! I'm hoping that Elizabeth George makes it to Denver for a book signing as I'd love for A to come with us (my friend, L, and I have seen her a few times).

We also discussed Craig Johnson and A wants to go to that dinner/signing, as well. I love that she and I have so much in common. Did I mention she also love purses as much as I do...lol!

I didn't blog much... okay, at all... this week. I can't say that there was really any reason other than that I didn't have anything to say. I could have participated in "memes". I usually do "Teaser Tuesday". Sometimes, I do "Waiting on Wednesday" and "Booking Through Thursdays" but this week it just didn't come together. The only time I need to blog is when I try to blog every day for a month... which I did in July 09, February 10 and this past June. Even then, I usually have a theme or a topic or a "prompt" to help me if I get stuck. This week, though, I just didn't even try...lol. Hopefully, next week I'll have more to say.


I carried my purple Vera Wang hobo bag to meet A for coffee. We met at a great coffee shop that's located "in" at outdoor shopping district, close to both of us. It was a fun way to spend a Friday morning. She carried a bright, multi-colored patchwork tote. I know it's bad, but, honestly, I look at a woman's purse before I look at what she's wearing. We sat outside and people watched as we talked. I love looking at what bag a woman is carrying and imaging what is inside. Silly, yes... but we all need a hobby :D

Book Blogger Hop... Early... Yay!

From Jennifer's blog...
ATTENTION!!!!! ATTENTION!!!!! ATTENTION!!!!!

NEW BOOK BLOGGER HOP TWIST!!
It's Thursday and Jennifer at http://www.crazy-for-books.com/ has posted her weekly Book Blogger Hop a little bit early!
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!

The Hop is going to start having a CRAZY twist each week, to get to know each other a little better! Each week, I will ask you a question that you will answer on your own blog hop post on your blog - just a way for us to interact and get to know one another! So, when you enter you blog link below, make sure YOU LINK DIRECTLY TO YOUR BLOG HOP POST for the week!!

We are getting to know our Book Blog Hoppers! Please answer the following question in your blog hop post!

In your blog post, answer the following question (new question each week!):
TELL US ABOUT THE BOOK YOU ARE CURRENTLY READING!
~ Well, one of the books that I mentioned last week finally came in at the library. Murder on Lexington Avenue by Victoria Thompson had been "in transit" since Saturday. What?!? Usually, that's a one day deal. I have no idea why it took so long. But, anyway, it's in my hot little hands and I started it tonight... on my front porch smelling the rain that had just stopped falling. Really...it just doesn't get much better!

**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.**

First Line Friday & Blonde... Again!

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.

"This Street Is Impassable, Not Even Jackassable."
Measure of a Lady
Deeanne Gist


Of course, this first line made me laugh... as I am sure it's supposed to. It also reminds me of a street on the way to my OB/GYN called Jackass Hill Road. Can you imagine that as your address?

This is the first book in my TBR pile by this author, Deeanne Gist. I've heard great things about her so I look forward to reading her. I don't read a lot of Christian fiction as some of it is "hit you over the head" with its message. I don't like that. I like Christian fiction that gets its message across in a subtle way. I mean... I know I'm reading it, I know ther will be a message so there's no reason to pound it in. It's not like at the end of the book, it'll dawn on me what I'm reading... you know?

I have to mention the cover as it actually reminds me of what Laura, Mary and Nellie wore on Little House on the Prairie... a dress with petticoats and "good ol' workin' boots". Cosidering this novel takes place in San Francisco during the Gold Rush, it's a safe bet that that exactly what women wore.

I am completely blonde (with gorgeous highlights!) once more...happy dance! I let my roots go a few weeks longer than I should have and today I remedied that. I had an early morning appointment to bring back the blonde. It looks fantastic... I have a great colorist! Of course, she's probably not even 25 and probably thinks I'm delusional for staying blonde :D Honestly, I'm not trying to fool anyone into thinking this is my "real" color. It's just that my "real" color is "mousy" brown in its truest definition... BLAH!! I don't even mind the grey hairs and I would let it go natural if the natural color was a striking brown instead of this "meh" color.

I used two purses today... one at the salon and one for the rest of the day. My salon bag was my black quilted tote. It was large enough to hold my water bottle as well as my book. I have to bring a book... it's two hours of almost uninteruppted reading time... bliss!


My other bag was my black and white zebra bag. As much as I love this bag, the inside is a big black hole. Anything that goes in is lost (seemingly forever) until I launch a furitive search to find it. Usually, I'm looking for my keys and ,usually, I'm doing this as I walk to my car. I'm sure it's rather humorous to watch as I try to juggle my shopping bags and dig into the black hole that is this purse! You'd think if it caused a problem like this, I'd just quit using it. A smart woman would...lol! But, I guess that's just not me... sometimes it's form (okay, fashion) over function!

Follow My Book Blog Friday!

From ParaJunkee View's blog...
To join the fun and make now book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:
Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Host {Parajunkee.com} and any one else you want to follow on the list
Follow our Featured Bloggers - www.onceuponachapter.com
Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing.
Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments
Follow Follow Follow as many as you can
If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers
If you want to show the link list, just follow the link below the entries and copy and paste it within your post!
Happy Follow Friday!

If you've found me through ParaJunkee...

Please leave a comment so I can visit your blog!

I Love Book Blogger Hop... Even on Thursday!

From Jennifer's blog...
ATTENTION!!!!! ATTENTION!!!!! ATTENTION!!!!!

NEW BOOK BLOGGER HOP TWIST!!
It's Thursday and Jennifer at http://www.crazy-for-books.com/ has posted her weekly Book Blogger Hop a little bit early!
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!

The Hop is going to start having a CRAZY twist each week, to get to know each other a little better! Each week, I will ask you a question that you will answer on your own blog hop post on your blog - just a way for us to interact and get to know one another! So, when you enter you blog link below, make sure YOU LINK DIRECTLY TO YOUR BLOG HOP POST for the week!!

We are getting to know our Book Blog Hoppers! Please answer the following question in your blog hop post!

In your blog post, answer the following question (new question each week!):
RIGHT THIS INSTANT, WHAT BOOK ARE YOU DYING TO GET YOUR HANDS ON (PAST, PRESENT, OR FUTURE)?

There are three books that I'm very excited to read...
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot.
From Publishers Weekly... "Starred Review. Science journalist Skloot makes a remarkable debut with this multilayered story about faith, science, journalism, and grace. It is also a tale of medical wonders and medical arrogance, racism, poverty and the bond that grows, sometimes painfully, between two very different women—Skloot and Deborah Lacks—sharing an obsession to learn about Deborah's mother, Henrietta, and her magical, immortal cells. Henrietta Lacks was a 31-year-old black mother of five in Baltimore when she died of cervical cancer in 1951. Without her knowledge, doctors treating her at Johns Hopkins took tissue samples from her cervix for research. They spawned the first viable, indeed miraculously productive, cell line—known as HeLa. These cells have aided in medical discoveries from the polio vaccine to AIDS treatments. What Skloot so poignantly portrays is the devastating impact Henrietta's death and the eventual importance of her cells had on her husband and children. Skloot's portraits of Deborah, her father and brothers are so vibrant and immediate they recall Adrian Nicole LeBlanc's Random Family. Writing in plain, clear prose, Skloot avoids melodrama and makes no judgments. Letting people and events speak for themselves, Skloot tells a rich, resonant tale of modern science, the wonders it can perform and how easily it can exploit society's most vulnerable people."
** This is an amazing story.... that one woman's cells have spawned research and cures while her family never knew. I don't usually read non-fiction but I think this will read like a novel.**


~Fall of Giants by Ken Follett
From Amazon... "Fall of Giants is his magnificent new historical epic. The first novel in The Century Trilogy, it follows the fates of five interrelated families-American, German, Russian, English, and Welsh-as they move through the world-shaking dramas of the First World War, the Russian Revolution, and the struggle for women's suffrage."
**I love Ken Follett novels. Pillars of the Earth is one of my favorites. Combine the family saga with it being the first in a series and I'm in!**


~Murder on Lexington Avenue by Victoria Thompson
From Publisher's Weekly... "In Thompson's fine 12th mystery set in turn-of-the-20th-century New York City (after 2009's Murder on Waverly Place), Det. Sgt. Frank Malloy investigates the murder of Nehemiah Wooten, who was bludgeoned with a loving cup Wooten won for sculling at Harvard more than 30 years earlier. A follower of Alexander Graham Bell's views on eugenics, Wooten was opposed to two deaf people getting married on the grounds that such unions would produce only deaf offspring, an attitude that earned him an enemy within his own home. Wooten's attractive 16-year-old daughter, Electra, who could not hear, was hoping to marry a deaf teacher. When Malloy visits Wooten's pregnant widow and her water breaks, he calls in midwife Sarah Brandt. Thanks to her access to the victim's household, Sarah proves invaluable in helping him uncover the killer. While the psychology of the crime is less complicated than some might prefer, Thompson does a solid job bringing the past to life."
**I will pretty much read any mystery set in this time period...late 1880s through the early 1900s with a female protagonist. This, I think, is one of the better series in that sub-genre. I've read them all and enjoy not only the mystery but the character development.**

**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.**

Hmmm... What Shall I Review?!?

I'm sure you've noticed the reviews around the blogosphere for a great online store...CSN! Have you shopped there yet? CSN Stores have over 200 online stores where you can find everything from framed art to bookcases to dining room sets and, yes, even handbags!!! Yep... you read that right! Handbags... one of my three favorite things (you know the other two, don't you?) I literally spent a few hours last night "surfing" their site...and I didn't even have to wear a swimsuit... thank goodness :D

I've been given the opportunity to choose an item from their website for a honest, thoughtful and fair review. What shall I choose to review? Hmmm... will it be framed art? How about a bookcase? Could it be dining room sets? Or will it be a handbag? You'd think it would be a tough choice... there are so many choices. It really wasn't . In the end, I chose to review... well, you'll have to keep reading my blog to find out. I'm sure, though, you can easily guess!

**I am not receiving any monetary compensation for this honest, thoughtful and fair review. I am, however, receiving a gift certificate to use for my product (have you guessed what it is, yet?) review. I will post my honest opinion that others may or may not agree with.**

Teaser Tuesday is A Vintage Affair

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!

"You look like a... sunflower," said Sarah, smiling.
"It is lovely on you," I agreed as Katie gazed at herself in the mirror.
page 200
A Vintage Affair
Isabel Wolff


I am really enjoying this novel. I love all the descriptions of the vintage clothes. Isabel Wolff has struck the perfect balance. She writes just enough description so that the image is vivid and real but not so much that it takes over the story. Because, really... it's a good story. I think it would be easy, for a less-talented writer, to allow the descriptions of the vintage Hermes bags or the green silk Pucci dress that Marilyn Monroe was buried in, to overwhelm the story. This is not the case. This book is, most definitely, character-driven. It is told, first person, by Phoebe who is dealing with a personal loss as well as trying to open her vintage clothing store, Village Vintage.

I have, though, an almost palpable sense of dread. Although Phoebe's loss is discussed very early in the novel... not all the details are. I have a feeling I know how things will unfold but I'm not sure. If I'm correct, my sense will be accurate. On that note... the not-quite-primary-yet-not-quite-secondary storyline involving Therese Bell has me feeling the same way. I'm not pinning my hopes on a happy ending but I hope it's not as tragic as I think it will turn out to be.

She is a new-to-me author and this is her eighth novel. I love when I find a new-to-me author and they have a great backlist! Yeah, I know it'll add to my TBR pile but, honestly,who am I kidding... the bigger the pile, the better! Right?!? Right!!!

Here is a great interview with the author, Isabel Wolff, about her novel...



I know I say this, probably, too much... but I carried one of my favorite bags today. It's my white floral print handbag with black patent trim and a "bamboo" zipper toggle.

It was really, really hot today. Okay, so it's nothing like the "really, really hot" most of you live with... because in Colorado, there's NO HUMIDITY. Yes, I can revel in that as I was born and raised in the Midwest and live through my share of freakin' hot and humid summers! Anyway, back to topic... LOL... because it was so hot, almost the record high, we've not been doing a whole lot. Today, though, M and I went to the library. She's discovered the "Alice" series by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor. There are over twenty books (as well as one movie) in the series that follow Alice from fourth grade through college. M definitely has inherited my love of series novels. She put almost all of them on hold and checked out seven :D Guess where she is right now? On her bed, reading one of them.

Book Blogger Hop on Thursday... Oh Yeah!!

From Jennifer's blog...
ATTENTION!!!!! ATTENTION!!!!! ATTENTION!!!!!

NEW BOOK BLOGGER HOP TWIST!!
It's Thursday and Jennifer at http://www.crazy-for-books.com/ has posted her weekly Book Blogger Hop a little bit early!
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.**

The Hop is going to start having a CRAZY twist each week, to get to know each other a little better! Each week, I will ask you a question that you will answer on your own blog hop post on your blog - just a way for us to interact and get to know one another! So, when you enter you blog link below, make sure YOU LINK DIRECTLY TO YOUR BLOG HOP POST for the week!!

We are getting to know our Book Blog Hoppers! Please answer the following question in your blog hop post!

This week's question: Tell us about some of your favorite authors and why they are your favorites!

If you've read my blog at all, you probably know my favorite authors... I love to talk about them! Elizabeth George, Jacqueline Winspear, Craig Johnson, Ed McBain and Jeffrey Archer are probably the cream of that crop.

The primary reason I like them is pretty basic... great storytelling! Above all, if the story isn't there, a novel juat falls flat. That said, however... each of these authors is a master at creating characters... Thomas Lynley, Maisie Dobbs, Walt Longmire, Steve Carella and Harvey Metcalfe are so well-written that they are wholly believable. I look forward to each new book, not only for the great story but re-connect with these characters.

Happy Fourth of July!

Have a happy and safe Fourth of July with your family and friends!

As you celebrate, please take a moment to remember all those who have defended our indepedence. They, truly, make this wonderful day possible for all Americans!

Really Early... With a Twist!

ATTENTION!!!!! ATTENTION!!!!! ATTENTION!!!!!

NEW BOOK BLOGGER HOP TWIST!!

The Hop is going to start having a CRAZY twist each week, to get to know each other a little better! Each week, I will ask you a question that you will answer on your own blog hop post on your blog - just a way for us to interact and get to know one another! So, when you enter you blog link below, make sure YOU LINK DIRECTLY TO YOUR BLOG HOP POST for the week!!

For the first week, I'm going to make it simple -
Tell us your NAME and WHY YOU STARTED BLOGGING (in your own blog hop post on your own blog - not in the linky below, please!!!)
So, write your Hop post and tell us a little about who you are! Can't wait to read these posts!!

It's Thursday and Jennifer at http://www.crazy-for-books.com/ has posted her weekly Book Blogger Hop a little bit early!
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.

But for now...here's a little about me...
I'm Kathy, obviously...lol! I've been married for almost 23 years to J and we have two kids J who is 14 and will be a Freshman in high school (ACK!) and M who's almost 12 and will be in 7th grade. We live in a suburb of Denver. Three of my favorite things are... you guessed it... Bags, Books and Bon Jovi. Is there a better title for my blog?!? I think not.

Why did I start blogging? Because all my friends were...seriously! Boy. that couldn't sound more "fourth grade", could it? I enjoyed reading their blogs and wanted to join in. Here's a link to my first post... http://bagsbooksandbonjovi.blogspot.com/2009/01/first-of-manyhopefully_21.html