Waiting on Wednesday

I know the rule for Waiting on Wednesday is to talk about a book that I am waiting to be published. I've done it before and, now, I'm doing it again :o) My WoW is a book that I'm on the waiting list at my library.

"Schemers" is the latest "Nameless" Detective novel by Bill Pronzini. There are forty titles in the series and I (think) I've read them all. They are written in first person so the narrator never reveals his first name. It's not gimmicky. He's not trying to hide it. Because of the first person narration, he says things like," I gave him my name" or "I introduced myself". It's very natural and I never felt like I really needed to know it. Or maybe it was like a good friend's name... you know it but don't feel the need to use it all the time.
Bill Pronzini is married to Marcia Muller. She writes the (also fantastic) Sharon McCone mysteries. They collaborated on "Double"... a mystery told from each detective's point-of-view. In that book, "Nameless" was called "Wolf" by Sharon because he's a "lone wolf". In some of her novels, Sharon mentions "Wolf". I love things like that. I feel like the authors are "thanking" the readers for reading both series.
My bag today was a Bath & Body Works pale turquoise bag. I kept the sides zipped so it carries more like a purse as opposed to a tote bag. I bought one for M to carry to school. She has decided that tote bags are very "7th grade" and as a 5th grade fashionsta, she must be on the cutting edge :o) I "borrowed" this picture because I'm lazy and the internet is easy.

I had my hair highlighted on Saturday. It looks great even though it's two shades lighter than normal... very summery! The new buzz word at the salon was sulfate-free (or is that two words?). I guess sulfates are very damaging to color-treated hair. I've tried salon brand shampoos and have never been impressed. So now, I'm looking for a moderately priced sulfate-free shampoo. I think I'm heading to Target tomorrow and trying L'Oreal Ever Pure shampoo. If anyone uses any other great sulfate-free shampoo, let me know!

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!

"You took a pill at lunch, remember?"
"That was for my heart."
page 95
Thanks for the Memories
Cecilia Ahern
I loved "P.S. I Love You" (the book, not the movie...never saw it. I'm not a Hilary Swank fan). I'm not too far into this but so far, I'm liking it. It's a light fast read.

First Line Friday, Gerald Kolpan & Thanks!

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

"Among all the other things her father liked to call her, he could now add "thief".
Etta
Gerald Kolpan

This is a great first line! Not only did I hear it read by the author (more on that later), but, my first thought is that almost no daughter would want her father to know that she's a thief. As I'm sure you have noticed, I am very excited to hear this book. I'm getting highlights tomorrow. It's a long appointment and I'm going to read this fantastic book during most of it!

Gerald Kolpan did a book signing last night at a local independent book store. I love signings and try to attend when it's an author I love or, like last night, a new author I am excited about.

He is a great speaker... funny, engaging and informative. He allowed the audience to choose the two passages that he read. As he read, he almost "acted" the scenes. It was a refreshing change from some authors who deliver a very stilted read. As at most signings, the "movie" topic came up. While joking that he had not thought about the casting, he mentioned several names under his breath :o) So, while I'm reading this novel, I will try to picture Charlize Theron as Etta, Johnny Depp as Sundance, Christina Ricci as Della Rose, and my personal favorite casting... Giovanni Ribisi as Kid Curry.

I told him that I had read a lot of blogs that are raving about this book and even though, I'm in a bookstore or library, regularly, it was through these blogs that I discovered his book. I asked his opinion of this new (at least, to me) way of "advertising". He is happy with bloggers and feels that it is the best way for readers to connect with other readers. While he is very grateful for the wonderful professional reviews, he likes that bloggers are reading the ARCs and, as readers, getting the word out about first novels. He mentioned his website...www.GeraldKolpan.com...which, of course, I checked out. It's a great site with a lot of interesting information.

I have to say a huge THANK YOU to Michele at http://readersrespite.blogspot.com/ She sent an ARC of "Etta" to me. Michele, I didn't even realize that her head was cut off on the cover until you mentioned it. Still a great cover!It must be... it's taking over my blog :o)


I carried a navy blue belted hobo bag by Kathy Van Zeeland today. With the exception of one bag, all of my KVZs are this style. While some are "blingier" (is that even a word?!?) than others, this style is great. The "belt" gives the bag a great shape while holding in my stuff. I wish I say that about every belt :o) I bought this handbag mostly because it's a perfect navy blue. Like another Dooney satchel that I have, it's my "go to" bag when wearing jeans.

Waiting on Wednesday

I know the purpose of Waiting on Wednesday is to blog about books that I'm waiting to be published. One of my books fits that criteria, the other does not. Since, I'm excited for both, I'm including it. I'm such a rebel :o)

Yes, I'm a "Little House on the Prairie" geek. I loved it when I was a kid and I love it now, when I catch the reruns on the Hallmark channels. My kids may not admit it but, they will sit and watch it, too. So, I can't wait to read Melissa Gilbert's memoir...especially as it pertains to LHOTP.


The other book I'm waiting on this Wednesday is "Etta" by Gerald Kolpan. It's the fictionalized life of Etta Place... better known the Sundance Kid's paramour. It's been getting great reviews on book blogs that I read. It's being sent to me by another blogger and I can't wait to read it. I received an email today from a local bookstore that the author is doing a signing. Yes, I will be there!

My bag today was a reuseable grocery bag that my daughter's student council sold. It has the school mascot on the front, too :o) Not the most stylish bag I've carried but since today is Earth Day, I thought it was appropriate and it's PURPLE...how could I resist?!? I hope you did something good for the planet today...and every day!

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!

"I just didn't know where to turn."
Mel shook her head sadly.
page 289
Vigin River
Robyn Carr

This is definitely a "fluff" book and as Seinfeld would say, "Not that there is anything wrong with that." It's the first in a series, and while I'm enjoying this one, I really don't think I'll continue with the series. I started reading it because I was "trudging" through "A Reliable Wife" and needed something easy. I have read nothing but great reviews about "A Reliable Wife" so I'm feeling a little guilty about not loving it. I know we can't all love the same books but I had high hopes for that one. I still have it on my nightstand and will give it another try but, for right now, a little "fluff" is exactly what I want.

I carried one of my favorite Coach bags today. I really need to carry this more. It seems a little fragile because of it's material. I'm not sure what it is but feels almost like silk. Because of that, I am very careful where and when I carry it. Wherever I carry, though, I always get a lot of compliments and people wanting to touch it. What's with that?!? I'm glad you like it but don't touch my bag!!!

Close To Home

Columbine High School is less than five miles from my home.

Please remember the victims, their families and friends on this 10th anniversary of that horrific day.

First Line Friday... Deanna Raybourn

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

"Well, I suppose that settles it."
Silent in the Sanctuary
Deanna Raybourn

Honestly, not the most compelling first sentence I've read. However, I know this will be an amazing mystery. This is the second in the Lady Julia Grey series. The third one was recently published, so I need to read this one. The first novel, "Silent in the Grave" has one of the best opening paragraphs that I can remember ever reading. Even though, it's not in my TBR pile...:o) obviously. I just want to share.

"To say that I met Nicholas Brisbane over my husband's dead body is not entirely accurate. Edward, it should be noted, was still twitching upon the floor."
Silent in the Grave
Deanna Raybourn

Isn't that great! How could you not be drawn in? The entire novel is fantastic read.

This is the cover of the third book and I am really disappointed. It looks like a "bodice ripper". Don't get me wrong...I love a good "bodice ripper". I belonged to a book club where we read and discussed romance novels. However, the Lady Grey mysteries are not "bodice rippers". The covers of these well-written mysteries should be just that... mysterious. While I was "googling" these book covers, I came across other versions. I can see that the publisher is going for a different look. This one, for "Silent in the Sancuary", is defintely a better version of their new concept. I know you shouldn't judge a book by its cover but, I think, this cover will miss the audience Deanna Raybourn is writing for... mystery readers.

Today, I carried my Dooney & Bourke tote. It has a subtle D&B logo and big enough to carry a book (a definite must-have for me. I always carry my book.).

Teaser Tuesday, Deadliest Catch & Decadent Desserts

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!

I'm excited to use "Galway Bay" by Mary Pat Kelly as my Teaser. I finally picked it up at the library the other day. I'm not too far into it but it's as good as I had hoped.

"Thousands lined up every day to go through the torturous process. Hundreds never reached the soup caulron-sent away when the official closed distribution at sunset."
page 198
Galway Bay

These sentences make me sad. Although I know the book is set during Irish Potato Famine, it's difficult to read things like this.

We watched the season premiere of Deadliest Catch tonight. We love that show. Our favorite captains are Sig and Phil. I don't eat a lot of crab, but whenever we go to Red Lobster, I think about those guys. They earn every single penny they make...it really is the deadliest job! My favorite thing about the show...the opening sequence. It has the BEST theme song :o)



J and I went to buffet for lunch today. It's probably the best buffet, outside of Vegas, that we go to. I don't eat a lot of desserts, but at this buffet, I definitely do. Okay, I probably shouldn't admit to this, but it was so decadent. I had two chocolate covered strawberries, a caramel apple and as we were leaving, cotton candy. Wow, I'm surprised I'm not in a sugar coma.


I carried a very plain brown suede hobo shoulder bag. Nothing too exciting but it matches the shirt I wore and the lining looks like a striped Oxfrd shirt. I've said it before but it's those little things that make me love a bag.

Happy Easter!

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

Happy Easter!

First Line Friday

This is the second week of my First Line Friday. If you enjoy it, do it on your blog!The problem of deciding which book from my TBR pile I would use was solved when I came home and saw a package from Stacy. She sent a copy of Harlan Coben's "Just One Look" along with a really cute bookmark. Yes, I'm a book geek...I LOVE bookmarks! Thanks so much, Stacy! I've never read any of his novels. I've heard nothing but great things about them, though. Lori is a fan, so I'm looking forward to reading it.

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

"Scott Duncan sat across from the killer."
Just One Look by Harlan Coben.

I know nothing about this novel. I haven't even read the dust jacket. This sentence really starts the book off with a bang. Does Scott knows the person is the killer? Who did he/she kill? Is Scott safe or is he being held, against his will, by the killer? For that matter, who is Scott? This is a great first line and I can see why Harlan Coben has a loyal following.


It's all about The Masters at our house this weekend. J is a HUGE golf fanatic...anything and everything golf! So, this is the be-all and end-all for him. Even the kids are fans. My favorite golfer is Rocco Mediate!
Go on, I know you want to say his name out loud! It's the coolest name ever! He's really laid back but can kick ass on the course. I would LOVE to see him take the Green Jacket on Sunday. He's in the clubhouse Friday with a -1, tied for 28th. J doesn't care who wins, as long as it isn't "Loser Lefty".


I carried a silver faux leather woven tote today. It was a Gift With Purchase from Clinique as you can tell from the silver "C" fob hanging from the strap. I wore a black tunic that has silver accents and this bag complements it perfectly. I just wish it had at least one pocket inside. There's nowhere to put my phone so I can find it easily. I also wish it had some kind of closure but, since it was free, I can't really complain. It's cute and goes great with the tunic I wore...so...it's all good!

I'd Like To Thank The Academy

...actually my friend, Lori, said that.


This is a blog award I received from Stacy. She included my blog on her blog roll. Wow, I feel "famous! Thanks again, Stacy. You have a great blog! You can find her here... stacybuckeye.wordpress.com

The Rules:
1) Put the Lemonade Award logo on your blog or post
2) Nominate at least 10 blogs that show great attitude or gratitude
3) Link to your nominees within your post
4) Let the nominees know that they have received this award by commenting on their blog
5) Share the love and link to the person from who you received your award

Here are my favorite blogs...

Lori... lori-thequeensnewthrone.blogspot.com
Renee... renee-whateverdude.blogspot.com
Karen.... karenintx.blogspot.com
Cyndy... luvmydoxies.blogspot.com


I think I'm on a Dooney & Bourke "spree" lately. I carried another one today. It's another All-Weather Leather vintage satchel. I bought this on Ebay and switched out the handle so they weren't so long. Although the bag looks black in this picture, it's navy blue. It's a great bag to wear with jeans.

Waiting On Wednesday

My book for Waiting on Wednesday is Dark Horse by Craig Johnson. His books are amazing! The mystery series is set in Wyoming with no-nonsense sheriff, Walt Longmire, as the protaganist. The books are not only complex mysteries with believable characters but are so well written that is an absolute treat to read one. Craig has spoken to my mystery group a few times and will meet with us again. I learned all this last night as well as a little bit about the latest book. I am definitely looking forward to both the latest both as well as hearing him speak. He tells great stories.

I carried another Dooney & Bourke today. It's a denim shoulder bag that gets very slouchy when I put everything into it. This picture isn't mine as I'm too tired to go to my car and get the bag to photograph it. The only difference with mine is that my handles are darker. The great thing about Dooney's vachetta leather is that it "suntans" and, over time, turns to a nice honey color. It's a bag that I usually carry in spring and summer. Today was almost 75°(tomorrow, we're supposed to be in the high 40s...go figure)...perfect day to carry it!

Teaser Tuesday & A Dilemma

Okay...so here's my dilemma...I checked out these two great books today and can't decide which one to read first. I'm going to do Twin Teaser Tuesday :o) I'd like your opinions. From reading these Teasers, which book should I read first?

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!
Please avoid spoilers!


He nodded.
"Well? What did she say?"
page 198
Mademoiselle Victorine
Debra Finerman

Maman let out a snore that echoed in the gallery. She stirred, but did not waken.
page 113
With Violets
Elizabeth Robards

Well, which one strikes your fancy? I'll definitely read both. It's just a question of order. Let me know your thoughts.

Tonight, I had my mystery book club. We read Eagle Catcher by Margaret Coel. This is the first one I've read. I was not overly impressed. It was okay...not bad but definitely not a page turner. While I won't run out my buy her novels in hardcover, I would not pass one up as an "airplane" read.


I carried my very favorite Dooney & Bourke satchel! The color is "rouge" and I had to special order it. I was working at Foley's (long before kids) in the handbag department. That's where my love of Dooney's really flourished. It took almost a month to get it in. I remember my co-worker calling me late one night to say that it had arrived. It was too late to get to the store I had a wait until the next morning. I remember it feeling like Christmas morning! I love this bag but don't use it as often as I should. I also had the fob monogrammed.

Besides The Obvious...

See blog title and sidebar items :o).
Things I'm also addicted to...


~Blue CrazeBerry Chapstick... I have at least two in my purse, one in my car, one by my bed and one by the computer and this bag in a drawer. I found these on clearance at Walgreen's for .68¢. So, I bought all they had :o)

~Ice Breaker Mints. My husband and I both have a pack of these in our car all the time. Even now, as I type this, I'm sucking on a couple.

~Planners and Organizers. Like my friend Lori mentioned on her blog, I, too, have an addiction. I have at least ten planners that I change out frequently...not as frequently as my bags (daily), but probably more often than I should...lol.


~Dreyer's Strawberry Bars. These things are sooo yummy. Thank Goodness they only have 80 calories. Let's just say that, sometimes...one is not enough.

~Hot tea and M&Ms. Don't ask but there is something wonderful about putting two or three M&Ms in my mouth and taking a sip of hot tea. It melts the candy and tastes divine.

~Juniper Breeze, Optimism and Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin (selected products) from Bath & Body Works. Good thing I have a (very) part time job there. You should see my linen closet. No wonder, I always smell so good :o)

First Line Friday & Other "Pleasures"

I really enjoy reading blogs...especially one that are primarily devoted to reading. Posts like Teaser Tuesdays and Waiting on Wednesdays have caught my attention and I love participating through this blog.

I decided to start one of my own. I'm christening it "First Line Friday". I asked my friend, Karen, to design a graphic for it. With very little input from me, she came up with this PERFECT graphic! Thanks, Karen...you knocked it out of the park :o) So, here is First Line Friday...

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

"The dam broke and Linda looked up and saw the bluff collapse, a waterfall of mud."
Pasadena by David Ebershoff

What a fantastic first line! If the rest of the novel is as good as this, I'm going to love this book. Family sagas always capture my attention and with a first line like that, I'm pretty sure I'll be sucked right in. I can't remember how I discovered this author...probably a blog...but it's on my TBR pile and now, having read the first line, I think I'll read it sooner rather than later.

I was able to have lunch with my friend, after having to cancel it Wednesday night, due to a snowstorm. We had a leisurely lunch and then went shopping. At Ulta, I bought Estee Lauder Pleasures perfume. I forgot how much I love that scent! For years, it was my "signature" fragrance and after today, it might be again.

My bag today was my black Coach Carly. On subtle logo bags like that, it's really the details that make it "pop". I LOVE the strap. My only complaint is that because of its shape, my things get lost at the bottom, so I feel like I'm always digging for something. Could be my fault, though, I carry a lot stuff...including the book I'm reading at the time.