Tag Archives: WW Ladies Book Club

WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs

Barbara Vey -- September 1st, 2010

I’m thrilled to introduce a new Young Adult reader into the group today. Alex is 9 (10 in November) who loves a good book. He thought it was really cool to write this blurb and have his book report done for school at the same time. Whatever works. So, welcome, Alex and we’re happy to have you here with the WW Ladies reads of the week.

joysann

Jane Slayre by Charlotte Bronte and Sherri Browning Erwin

Read by joysann

We all know Jane Eyre and her passion for Mr Rochester, whether we’ve read the novel or seen any of a dozen screen versions. Sherri Browning Erwin took that beloved story and gave it a twist, making Jane a vampire and monster slayer. Clever and irreverent, this re-writing of the classic gives it a whole new look.

It’s been decades since I read Charlotte Bronte’s book, but I remember that I loved it. I also remember it being dark, depressing, and not wholly happily-ever-after, and I just have to say, I think I prefer this version. It made me laugh, had added suspense and intrigue, and is a great deal more entertaining than I recall the original being. If you’re enjoying the recent horrifying adaptations of the classics, put Jane Slayre on your TBR list.

Alex

Milo: Sticky Notes and Brain Freeze by Alan Silberberg

Read by Alex, 9

Life is hard for 7th grader Milo and his friends Hillary R. Alpert and One-Eyed Jack (aka Marshal). Three years earlier, Milo’s mom died and now things are just worse. Milo tells about life at school and his feelings for Summer Goodman who doesn’t even know he exists. But mostly he wants to get his family back together again.
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This story really knocked my socks off. Just thinking about the fact that these events could actually happen had me giggling (really…out loud). Humorous and true to life, I plan on telling my friends to read this book.

Heidi

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

Read by Heidi

Alice Howland is a very successful and respected professor at Harvard, with a family that makes her life complete. When little things start happening as she turns 50, she thinks that stress and demands are making her forgetful and disorientated. A terrifying diagnosis will change her life, and her family forever.

This is a beautiful story about living a life with Alzheimer’s. I think the crafting of this story with the patient’s perspective makes this book so unique. I truly appreciated the way the author brought feelings to the surface and them into words that flowed through the whole book. I couldn’t put this book down, and read it in one day.

Loretta

A Catch in Time by Dalia Roddy

Read by Loretta

A complete stop in time occurs throughout the world when death and destruction reign supreme. The peope who survive the chaos band together to try to save themselves, foraging for shelter, food, gasoline and avoiding marauding bands and their desperate and evil demands.

The promo on this book states ; “Fear brought to you by Dalia Roddy “—- and does she! This book left me wondering if I could accept or even understand how this unimaginable catastrophe occurred. The best and the worst of the people who remained showed such stamina and ability in their adversity. A tantalizing and provocative read!

joysann

Somewhere My Lass by Beth Trissel

Read by joysann

Neal MacKenzie steps into his old family home to find his housekeeper slain. He also finds a beautiful unconscious woman dressed as if she came right out the the highlands of Scotland centuries earlier. Time has twisted and Mora has stepped through it to find the descendent of her affianced Niall, and the two of them work together to stop the murderous Red MacDonald from killing Niall before Neal can even exist.

Somewhere My Lass presents a convoluted time-twisting conundrum which becomes more intriguing as it goes along. I found the romance of it touching, the enigma baffling, and the resolution unexpected. A light, interesting blend of contemporary and historical fiction.

Heidi

The Music Teacher by Barbara Hall

Read by Heidi

Pearl Swain is a failing music teacher, uninspired by her students as well as uninspired by her life. Then Hallie Bolaris comes into her music room with a musical gift. Life becomes more inspired for Pearl, until an ugly secret comes to light.

I found this to be a dark but loving story about the gift of music and a woman struggling with her own existence and the yearning to inspire.

Loretta

So Into You by Sandra Hill

Read by Loretta

Angel – a real “hunk” who loves Grace, a former nun and current poker tournament champion with a secret past. You won’t guess what the wager was! Tante Lulu is an absolute queen of mixed metaphors, as she provides advice to Angel and Grace, plus giving care and compassion to victims of Katrina.

A hot, sexy, captivating story full of laughs and love. Reading it was a warm delightful experience which kept me chuckling throughout!

Bottom Line: I’m off early tomorrow for Dragon Con in Atlanta…another new experience for me…will i see you there?

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WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs

Barbara Vey -- August 18th, 2010

19 Replies

The last couple of weeks I’ve been receiving Christmas books. I understand that they have to be done ahead of time, but I really need to enjoy the summer. It’s horribly cold here in winter and while it’s fun to say I wish it was a “White Christmas,” I just can’t think about wearing winter coats, shoveling snow and ugly boots. My mental health can’t take it. So, until at least September (which is only a couple of weeks away), I’ll pretend I didn’t see the beautiful seasonal covers and just enjoy the sunshine, flowering plants and being barefoot. For now, here’s the non-Christmas books the WW Ladies have been reading.

Katie

Bonds of Justice by Nalini Singh

Read by Katie

Max Shannon is a human detective who works in New York Enforcement. Sophia Russo is a J-Psy, who has the ability to retrieve memories from people. Someone is targeting and killing the Psy Councilors’ closest advisors. Max heads off to San Francisco and is in for a surprise when he finds out that Sophia will be his partner. As Max and Sophia work with both the Psy and the Changeling community to catch this killer, something more sinister is at play.

Bonds of Justice is the eighth book in Nalini Singh’s fabulous Pay-Changeling series and delivers a jammed packed, adrenaline rush of a story and an amazing couple with Max and Sophia. This book is another welcome addition to the series that I can’t get enough of and has me clamoring for more.

Denise

Home is Where the Bark Is by Kandy Shepherd

Read by Denise

Serena Oakley, a former model who has had a difficult and scary past decides to open an upscale doggy daycare called Paws-A-While in San Francisco. Nick Whalen is an undercover investigator who is on a case concerning identity theft and it seems that all clues lead to the Paws-A-While.

Very entertaining with the descriptions of the clients and their “dog-kids”. I guess there are some things in San Francisco that have to be seen to be believed. Adorable, fun read.

joysann

Treasure of the Golden Cheetah by Suzanne Arruda

Read by joysann

Having been an ambulance driver on the front lines during the Great War, Jade del Cameron is not easily daunted. Now living in East Africa, Jade is hired to accompany an American movie crew to film on location on Mt Kilimanjaro. The trip itself is dangerous, but what if they brought their own murderer along with them on safari?

Try as I might, I cannot come up with a story description to do this series justice. Between historical detail, descriptive imagery, baffling mystery, and likeable characters, Suzanne Arruda’s books get me engrossed in a beautiful part of the world I will never see (think “The Ghost and the Darkness” a generation later). While Jade has adventures and discovers treasures, I’m very glad I’ve discovered treasure, adventure and romance in these exciting stories.

Edie

Last Will of Moira Leahy by Therese Walsh

Read by Edie

Twenty-five-year-old Maeve Leahy is haunted by the tragic accident of her twin sister, Moira, nine years ago. Since then, Maeve, the vibrant twin and saxophone prodigy, has shut down her emotions and shut out the music, leading a lonely and sterile life as a professor of languages in upstate New York. But she can’t resist the call of a keris, a Javanese dagger, that she buys at auction. The keris leads her to Rome, and to danger and romance and a confrontation with the past and the present.

The chapters alternate between the present in Maeve’s voice and the past in Moira’s voice. Walsh is an artist with words, using them exquisitely, painting pictures that evoke emotions. I found the story atmospheric, and the characters have layers, faults and strength. Even after I was done reading, the characters stayed with me and I wasn’t ready to let them go.

Loretta

The Secret of the Glass by Donna Russo Morin

Read by Loretta

This is an absolute “giant” of a book, set in Murano in the 17th century, even then noted for its beautiful though secret glass making abilities. Almost kept prisoners on the island by the government of Venice, the inhabitants were unable to market their glass except through the Venetian government, who also enjoyed a good portion of the profits.

Reading into the late hours was never so satisfying to me while reveling in the fantastic descriptions, the intrigue and customs and a charming love story all rolled into one superb historical novel. I was particuilarly fascinated by Sophia, the courageous and loving daughter who circumvented the rules set down at that time. A most pleasurable read in all aspects!

Heidi

Gift from the Sea by Anna Schmidt

Read by Heidi

During the end of World War 1, Maggie Hunter becomes conflicted with her duties as nurse to save a man who has washed up on shore near her Nantucket home. German born Stefan White has risked everything to bring information to the US, and needs to get to Washington as soon as possible. Two souls challenged by their faith and split by loyalty to their duties to family and country.

I could feel the conflict in the heart of each characters as their choices in their journey tested their faith. A love story that shows how faith can overcome any obstacle as long as you believe.

joysann

Warriors – edited by George R. R. Martin and Garner Dozois

Read by joysann

The anthology Warriors is just what it sounds like – stories about fighting men and women, and others, in this world we know or worlds of fantasy, in the past and in the future. The authors from many genres whose stories appear here are some of my favorites, and while some are known for popular series, their contribution here may or may not have anything to do with the work for which we know them. Included in this anthology are Cecelia Holland, Joe Haldeman, Robin Hobb, Lawrence Block, Tad Williams, Joe R. Lansdale, Peter S. Beagle, Diana Gabaldon, Naomi Novik, Steven Saylor, James Rollins, David Weber, Carrie Vaughn, S. M. Stirling, Howard Waldrop, Gardner Dozois, David Morrell, Robert Silverberg, David Ball and George R. R. Martin.

The stories are moving, exciting and spellbinding.

If you see a favorite author listed here, it’s worth taking the time to read his or her short story in Warriors.

Bottom Line: BTW, 128 days til Christmas (and you can follow it here).

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WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs

Barbara Vey -- August 11th, 2010

13 Replies

Yesterday proved to be an extraordinary day on Twitter as Jane Litte of Dear Author started a trending topic with Women in Publishing (#womeninpublishing). People from all over quickly picked up the pace by giving a shout out about the women they appreciate in the industry. Meanwhile, Galleycat is compiling the Women in Publishing Twitter Directory. Go there to follow all the movers and shakers in publishing and if you find someone is not listed, you can add their name to the comments section.

I’d like to thank Angela James, Executive Editor at Carina Press for her kind words about me, “@barbaravey, who’s shown us all u can take a passion for something,reinvent yourself & make it successful @ any age.” Katiebabs added, “@barbaravey shows poise and respect for the publishing industry.” Lauren Dane put me in the category of “women who talk about publishing in a cogent & informative way.” And to all the others who echoed this sentiment, thank you. I am moved beyond words to be placed with all the amazing women in this category. Go follow them all, add your name to the list and make this community even stronger.

Since I’ve been attending a lot of conferences lately, there hasn’t been time for the WW Ladies to talk about their books, so we have a lot of them today. Enjoy!

joysann

Bewitched & Betrayed by Lisa Shearin

Read by joysann

The struggles continue between Raine Benares with her family and friends against the evil factions, both elven and goblin, who are determined to annihilate the race of the other. The fulcrum is the Saghred, a gem stone capable of unimaginable magical power and destructive force. Problem is, it’s bonded itself to Raine so only she can control it… that is, if it doesn’t manage to get control of her first.

Bewitched & Betrayed is an explosion of non-stop swashbuckling action, stupendous magical battles, and heart-tugging suspenseful romance. I’ve been enchanted with the series since seeing the cover on the first book, and the stories haven’t failed me. This most recent is at least as charming and entertaining as the first. Best of all, every cleverly written page has something that makes me laugh.

Heidi

Four Wives by Wendy Walker

Read by Heidi

Life isn’t always greener on the other side of the manicured lawn. Hunting Ridge is the perfect modern suburban upscale community to the outside. But inside the homes of Love Welsh, Gayle Beck, Marie Passeti, and Janie Kirk, the truth is far from perfect. As the women come together to plan a big event for the charity that Gayle is on the board for, the truth of their lives and struggles for each of them start to unravel the perfect image they feel they need to keep.

Secrets, careers, affairs, marriages, motherhood and lust all weave together in a delicate blend in the daily life of these four women. An older book, I know, but it caught my attention from the start and never let go until the very end. A wonderful summer read!!

Loretta

Her Last Chance by Michelle Albert

Read by Loretta

A swiftly moving, fascinating, sexy story brings together two people trying to solve the crimes committed by thieves, whose main aim is stollen art works. Vincent is an FBI agent working to catch the thieves, while Claudia is employed by a firm of mercenaries who wish to recover the art work itself. Their decision to work together to achieve their individual goals brings them into more dangerous and exciting situations than either of them expect, falling in love being the furthermost in their minds.

Schemes, plots, intrigue, dangerous scenarios, exciting traps and sultry love passages are all encompassed in the pages of this book keeping me turning its pages. My only wish was that it could have been longer!

Kate

Insatiable by Lauren Dane

Read by Kate

Carina Fardelle’s father, Ciro, holds the position of Supreme Commander of the Imperial Universe. Carin’s father has decided to marry her off to an odious man without any care for her feelings. The Federation Military Corps try to keep the peace and have a close eye on the Imperial territory. Daniel Yaws, the leader of the secret Phantom Corps, will help smuggle Carina out to safety. But Daniel is in for a big surprise because Carina is not some weak woman and is more than willing to do whatever it takes to help those in need and to stop power hungry men like her father who kill to get what they want.

I would say that Insatiable is also a great suspenseful thriller where the chase will leave some readers breathless. Borderline erotic, and sensual definitely comes to mind when reading the ways Daniel and Carina love one another. You can’t go wrong with Lauren Dane and Insatiable is a perfect example why.

Denise

She’s Gone Country by Jane Porter

Read by Denise

Shey Darcy is a 39 year old former top model leading a very charmed life in New York City. When her husband tells her he fell in love with someone else, she moves back to her hometown of Parkfield Texas with her sons to try to pick up the pieces of her once happy life. In walks her strict Southern Baptist mother, her overprotective brothers and ex-crush, Dane Kelly, a national bull-riding champ.

True to life problems with 3 pre-teen and teen boys, can lead to some serious issues, especially if those boys are taken from the big city and put in a country town. Captivating tale that had me craving more Jane Porter.

Jan

Small Change by Sheila Roberts

Read by Jan

The Pacific Northwest’s little town of Heart Lake is home to three ‘best buds’, friends from the subdivision and proponents of the oh so true adage: ’girl friends make the best shrinks’. Rachel Green, a ‘somewhat bitter’ divorcee with two lovely children and a former husband who spends his child support money on his new trophy wife.
Tiffany Turner, nail specialist at the local salon recovering from two miscarriages. Jessica Sharp, wife of a local banker and former rock musician. All three have major (to them) money issues to face and set out to solve them in innovative ways.

Sheila Roberts has ‘hit the nail on the head’ addressing the past few years recession and she has done it with a great sense of humor. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the situations these gals found themselves in and came away thinking how easily this could happen to all of us.

Heidi

Table Manners by Mia King

Read by Heidi

Deidre McIntosh has reached successful heights in business with her own TV show and now launching a new gourmet line of cookies and treats. She has been dating Kevin Johnson, a wealthy son of an established family, and things are looking great! But Kevin’s sister can’t stand her and wants her out of her brother’s life for good. And she is working with Kevin’s ex to help her succeed. Deidre must stick to her principals, in order to win.

Deidre is a character I wish I was friends with in real life. She’s funny, smart, creative and the kind of friend we all wish we had. I was rooting for Deidre all the way, and almost read the entire book in a day while sitting outside enjoying the summer day.

joysann

Pleasurably Undone by Christine Merrill, Michelle Willingham, Louise Allen, Terri Brisbin, Diane Gaston

Read by joysann

Pleasurably Undone contains five hot, romantic historical short stories: in Seducing a Stranger by Christine Merrill, a man and a woman each have their own objectives, but who is seducing whom? Anticipating a specific reward, a stolid Viking warrior keeps his female Irish captive unsullied as a gift for his king in Michelle Willingham’s The Viking’s Forbidden Love-Slave. Disrobed and Dishonored by Louise Allen has a reluctant fiancée learning the secrets of love from a dashing masked highwayman. Terri Brisbin gives the groom and bride of a marriage of convenience an unexpectedly passionate love-match in A Night for Her Pleasure . And lastly, The Unlacing of Miss Leigh by Diane Gaston has an inexperienced woman responding to an advertisement for a mistress.

Each of these provocative scenarios made for sexy stories that were a pleasure to read. I read each in one quick sitting when time was at a premium at the end of the day, and found them gratifying.

Bottom Line: I’m sorry to say I missed S’mores Day yesterday, but I promise to make up for it today by heading to the store for Graham Crackers, marshmallows and Hershey Bars…need to celebrate these holidays.

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WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs

Barbara Vey -- June 23rd, 2010

41 Replies

Thunderstorms are flying around here lately with lots of thunder, lightening and tornado sirens. Just the right time to curl up with a good book to drown out the outside world by taking me away to somewhere warm and comfy. Here’s what the WW Ladies have been cuddling up with.

Heidi

The Rock and Roll Queen of Bedlam: A Wise-Cracking Tale of Secrets, Peril and Murder! by

Rock and Roll Queen of Bedlam

Marilee Brothers

Read by Heidi

Allegra Thome seems to attract trouble. After teaching at school, she accidentally stumbles into a drug bust, but sexy DEA officer Sloan is not amused. When one of her students goes missing, before time runs out to search for missing Sara, more people connected to Sara and Allegra start to die. Allegra may need to put her own life at risk to get the answers and find Sara before it’s too late, no matter how distracting Sloan becomes.

I know a book will be great when the first line is: “Pantyhose are a tool of the devil.” Not only was I tickled with quirky lines like that throughout the book, but when mixed with mystery, romance, and an awesome cast of characters this book rocked!

joysann

Kitty Raises Hell by Carrie Vaughn

Kitty Raises Hell

Listened to by joysann

While in Las Vegas in the last adventure, Kitty made some serious enemies, and now they’ve raised pyromaniac monster to kill her and hers in Denver. With Ben and a supernatural reality TV show crew, she races against the next evil event to learn what it is and how to defeat it before her whole werewolf pack is destroyed.

Kitty’s continuing story is exciting and addicting. With fascinating insights to Carrie Vaughn’s werewolf world, and edge-of-the-seat conflicts with extraordinary beings, one finishes this book ready to leap into the next – Kitty’s House of Horrors. The audio book read by Marguerite Gavin gives an extra special measure of entertainment to an already terrific series.

Denise

The Shy Bride by Lucy Monroe

The Shy Bride

Read by Denise

Extremely shy Cassandra Baker has been an accomplished piano player all of her life, but since her parent’s deaths, she hasn’t left home. A charity auction held once a year is the only opportunity she offers lessons. A friend pays $100,000 for Neo Stamos, an egotistical Greek tycoon. to have the lessons. At first Neo baulks at the idea of taking these lessons, until he sets eyes on Cassandra. He wants her desperately, but knows that she is very different and a new tactic will be needed.

I found it intriguing how a shy, homebound woman could get to a Type “A” personality. Neo knew just how to gently get her to leave her home and not be afraid. To have a man like that, that is so in tune to how she feels is worth a sack of gold anytime. Maybe in my second life I will find a Greek tycoon!!

Melissa

Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey

Exclusively Yours

Read by Melissa

Keri Daniels and Joe Kowalski were high school sweethearts. Joe thought they’d be together forever, while Keri longed for more than the small town they grew up in. When Keri goes home to snag an exclusive interview with best selling author Joe, he sees an opportunity…and makes Keri coming along on the family vacation a stipulation of the interview. It doesn’t take long for them to realize there is still something between them other than distance in miles.

This was my first book from the new Carina Press ~ and I loved it! Shannon Stacey wrote a straight contemporary that was fun, full of relationships and emotions I couldn’t stop until I was finished!

Michelle

Accidentally Demonic by Dakota Cassidy

Accidentally Demonic

Read by Michelle

Casey Schwartz is a glorified babysitter of 21 year old twins from an affluent family and it’s her job to keep them away from the paparazzi. One night Casey is out with the girls at a club, next thing she knows she has been arrested for assaulting an off duty police officer and has no recollection of the night’s events. Casey calls her sister Wanda to bail her out and thus starts the paranormal journey of her life. Casey learns that she has been accidentally doused with a demon’s blood and is now part human and part demon with many new and exciting yet disturbing abilities. Life as she knows it changes when her fate becomes tied to Clay Gunnersson, the one responsible for her transformation.

Laugh out loud funny, with amusing characters dealing with the insanity of the paranormal. If only, I could flick fireballs off my finger tips.

Melissa

Savor The Moment by Nora Roberts

Read by Melissa

Laurel McBane has been in love with Delaney Brown her whole life. But she’s always kept it to herself, not even her three closest friends (including Del’s own sister, Parker) know her secret! Laurel takes matters into her own hands when she becomes completely irritated with Del and pops a big kiss on him. Del has tried so hard to NOT think of Laurel in that way, but it’s impossible not to now…the dynamics of their relationship has changed, and how were they going to progress from here?

Savor The Moment spotlights what I consider Nora’s strongest asset, the relationships. Not just between Del and Laurel, which was wonderful to see, but between the Quartet, the men they’ve fallen in love with and the friendships they’ve built. Nora Roberts always makes me want to be one of her characters!

Bottom Line: Okay, unplugging the computer now so I don’t get zapped…color me chicken.

My upcoming events:

Authors in Motion – June 27 (at the K-Mart in Racine, WI)

Lady Jane’s Salon – July 5th

Thrillerfest – July 7-10

San Diego Comic Con – July 22-25

Romance Writers of America – July 28-31

DragonCon – September 3-6

Alice Baker Library Author Event in Eagle Wisconsin – September 25

Emerald City Writers Convention – October 1-3

New York Comic Con - October 8-10

Readers ‘n ‘ritas – November 12-14

Contact me at: barbaravey@gmail.com

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WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs

Barbara Vey -- June 9th, 2010

11 Replies

Waiting for me when I returned from my month long travels to conventions were 4 buckets of new books that I wish I could just sit down and read one right after the other. I’m finally home for a couple of weeks before heading off to Thrillerfest, RWA and Comic Con in July and I’m compiling a list of books to send off to my readers to pick from. I think they’ll be happy campers when they see what’s in store for them. Here’s what they’ve been reading this week.

joysann

Heated Rivalry by Patricia Sargeant

Heated Rivalry by Patricia Sargeant

Read by joysann

The atmosphere around Parker Advertising Agency heats up when former pro-basketball player Steven Crennell comes on board as the new junior partner, making Valerie Parker feel even lower on her father’s list of important persons. Her inability to please the company owner/senior partner, Garrison Parker, as either a valued employee or a beloved daughter puts a strain on the relationship between all three of them. When the contracts they’re committed to require Valerie and Steven to work on compromises between them, things get even hotter.

Patricia makes Steven completely likeable, not to mention sexy, so I could hardly wait for things to come together for him. The steamy romance and the intriguing story with an unusual conflict made Heated Rivalry a story I couldn’t read fast enough. The provocative and sensual contemporary was thoroughly enjoyable.

Melissa

Blown Away by Sharon Sala

Blown Away by Sharon Sala

Read by Melissa

When Cari North stumbles upon her ex – fiance burying a dead body, she thinks things can’t get worse as she’s running toward home and safety. Only home has been razed by a tornado tearing through the property. Cari awakes after being knocked out by flying debris and realizes that everyone she loves is dead and she’s out all alone with a killer looking for her.

This was a sad and beautiful book to read. Sharon Sala has a way of taking me through the wringer of emotions, and she delivered with Blown Away. One of the things I loved is that even though I know who the bad guy is, I just don’t know what he’s going to do next ~ or when. Terrific read,

Loretta

Dragon Moon by Rebecca York

Dragon Moon by Rebecca York

Read by Loretta

Kenna, a young beautiful psychic and slave from another world is sent by her master, Vandar, to gather information to help him with his plan to conquer the Earth. On her entry into Earth, a powerful storm strikes and she is pinned by a falling tree. Talon, a werewolf, discovers her and helps to free her. Unable to explain her presence, or her mission, since Vandar has the ability to strike her helpless if she deviates from his plan, there is distrust on both sides of the relationship.

The book kept me astounded at the intricacies necessary to solve their problems. An amazing story, hard to believe, but most interesting at all points and so beautifully written!

Jan

Knit in Comfort by Isabel Sharpe

Knit in Comfort by Isabel Sharpe

Read by Jan

Elizabeth, a young woman from New York City is off to Comfort, North Carolina, leaving her estranged chef boyfriend behind after a vivid dream of her deceased grandmother telling her this is where she’d find herself. There she meets Megan, wife and mother, from whom she rents an ‘over the garage’ apartment. With close family and friends, Elizabeth perceives Megan as having the wonderful dream life she herself had always wanted to have…a life patterned on a Shetland Island ancestor who had passed down the technique of lace knitting. What a shock to find that Megan’s life was not what it seemed to be.

I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Sharpe a while back at a couple of ‘meet and greet the local authors’ sponsored by our neighborhood libraries. She is a delight and her spontaneous personality carries over to her writings. I love the quirky endings on her books.

Michelle

The Fire by Katherine Neville

The Fire by Katherine Neville

Read by Michelle

The game of chess is not just a board game. Alexandra (Xie) Solarin was once on the road to being the youngest Grand Master, until the real life “Black Queen” made her move. At the age of 12, Xie saw her father murdered and for the next 10 years, chess was a distant memory. The chess service in question is the Montglane Service created by an alchemist for Charlemagne. Due to the enormous power within the service for either good or evil, the pieces were scattered and secretly guarded, until now. Xie finds herself in a run for her life while she tries to unravel the many secrets her family has kept.

A very thought provoking read that kept me rapt from the first page. This is the sequel to Neville’s first novel The Eight which is also highly recommended.

Melissa

Beast Behaving Badly by Shelly Laurenston

Beast Behaving Badly by Shelly Laurenston

Read by Melissa

Ten years after having spotted Blayne Thorpe and watching her run from him, Bo Novikov, The ‘Marauder”, hockey star extroidinaire, has returned to New York to play for the Carnivore’s ~ a shifter only hockey team owned by none other than close friends of Blayne’s. Bo immediately begins his ‘pursuit’ of Blayne ~ but he’s never met such a unorganized, no sense of time, zany, crazy girl! She’s leading him on a merry chase ~ and oh, yeah, she’s being pursued by bad guys who like to use hybrid shifters like herself in fights! What’s an organized, list loving guy to do with a girl like this?

This book was pure fun. Shelly Laurenston is an autobuy for me, she always makes me laugh with her cast of characters who run the gamut from psycho weird to downright cute and funny. I love the way she brought two total opposites together, and made me want to just hug Bo for his awesomeness!

Stacey

Chimera by Rob Thurman

Chimera by Rob Thurman

Read by Stacey

Stefan Korzak has been searching for his younger brother, Lukas, for 10 years. But when he finds him, his brother not only has changed his name, but he has become something dangerous. Now, the brothers are on the run from both the Russian Mob and the dangerous man who wants Lukas back.

I adored this book. Period. It was fast paced, and the story was told in such a way I couldn’t stop reading. But it’s something I’m rereading because of the way Rob Thurman handles the character who calls himself ‘Michael.’ I’m completely engrossed in the journey he takes through the course of the story. I genuinely hope this series continues because I’d like to follow the further adventures of these two brothers.

Bottom Line: Today is Donald Duck Day…now I know what to wear.

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WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs

Barbara Vey -- June 2nd, 2010

6 Replies

Looks like I’ll be able to make an unexpected trip to Lori Foster’s Read-Writer Get-Together after all. I’m hitching a ride with two generous authors on Thursday and we’ll be off on an eight hour road trip. This will be my second visit to Lori’s event that’s held in Cincinnati and boasts over 130 authors. But now, enjoy what the WW Ladies have been reading.

Stacey

One Dance with a Duke by Tessa Dare

Read by Stacey

Amelia D’Orsay must negotiate with the brooding Duke of Midnight to free her brother from debt. But when they’re brought together by a tragedy that affects them both, they will learn that nothing is what it seems, love is stronger than pride.

Dark brooding hero and the heroine who sees through it. A heroine who begins as a wallflower, but blossoms and learns her own lessons. How can I not love One Dance with a Duke? I also can’t wait to see how Tessa Dare sustains and solves the mystery that connects this trilogy.

Michelle

Shadow Bound by Erin Kellison

Read by Michelle

Talia O’Brien is a much sought after woman whose research indicates the existence of “Shadowman.” While Adam Thorne of the Segue Institute is searching for her, so are the Wraiths.

Talia’s talents for research aren’t the only ones she has. Her ability to shroud herself in darkness and tap into the unearthly power of “Shadowman” himself. A very fast paced novel that tested my sense of creativity and imagination.

Heidi

Ice by Stephanie Rowe

Read by Heidi

Kaylie Fletcher hates Alaska. She would rather do anything else than get on a plane and go back to the place of terrible memories. But she needs to know if her thrill-seeking family is dead or alive. Cort McClaine gets pulled into Kaylie’s life, when people he cares about could be dead too. Cort doesn’t want to get mixed up with this woman who is obviously in over her head. But the heat between them might be the one thing to get them both killed.

The thrill ride that this book produces is a heart stopper. I held my breath during each page wondering if the killer will strike again, then again when the heat rises between our two main characters. The story left me wanting more and hoping for a second book.

Joysann

The Inheritance by Simon Tolkien

Listened to by joysann

Shortly after informing his son Stephen that he will be disinherited in favor of a library for precious books, an eccentric millionaire historian is murdered, and Stephen is charged with patricide, a conviction that will mean a hanging. Despite the circumstatial evidence, the police detective isn’t convinced, and becomes reluctantly involved in investigating the old man’s involvement in a 15 year old atrocity in occupied France during WWII.

Simon Tolkien shows his talents go beyond writing by reading his intriguing and suspenseful courtroom drama himself. He did an excellent job of keeping me listening, and anxious to reach the conclusion. You recognize his last name because he’s the grandson of the Lord of the Rings author, J R R Tolkien, though his stories are far from fantasy and sword-and-sorcery.

Sheila

Return to Sullivan’s Island by Dorothea Benton Frank

Read by Sheila

Out of loyalty, Beth Hayes agrees to housesit her family’s rambling old Sullivan Island beach home while her mother goes to Paris. At first, Beth, 23, an only child and new graduate of Boston College, feels stuck in the small town isolation of coastal South Carolina. Soon, however, she finds work as a journalist and restaurant hostess, and begins dating an investment developer named Max. It all goes well until she takes her first wrong steps into adulthood. Along the way, she has the company of a dear family friend named Cecily, the ghosts who inhabit the house, and her yorkie, Lola. She also has the support of her loving extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

I hope someone makes a movie of this book because its scenes are so rich that, as Beth learned the right and wrong ways to live and love, I could smell the ocean, taste the crab, and feel the heat and sand. The book is full of southern food, manners, and charm. A sequel to Frank’s popular Sullivan’s Island, it has just been released in paperback. If you’re not going to the beach this summer, this book will let you pretend you’re there.

Bottom Line: Time to stock up on the Dramamine…don’t tell my carpoolers that I’m prone to get car sick.

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WW Ladies Book Club Blurbs

Barbara Vey -- May 19th, 2010

32 Replies

Well, I’m now in Florida. No, not a vacation. I’m here with two of my brothers and we’re working on the family home. Painting, patching, throwing out lots of stuff. I’ve even washed drapes and hung them on the clothesline. I haven’t done that in years. It has been about 90 degrees every day, but I love the heat. We’ve also had the opportunity to visit my 87 year old uncle and boy, does he have the stories to tell. I take it back…it is a vacation. Now on to the WW Ladies reads of the week.

Writing Jane Austen by Elizabeth Aston

Brilliance Audio

Listened to by joysann

Authors, imagine that your agent comes to find a heretofore undiscovered first chapter of a handwritten Jane Austen manuscript, hands it to you, and says, “Here, finish this, and no one can know she didn’t write it.” That’s just what happens to award-winning author Georgina Jackson, only she doesn’t write light, bright Regency romance, but grim, darker Bronte-style fiction of a later period, has never read an Austen book, and is annoyed by the Austen fans of the world. As the story unfolds, Gina has to delve into a romantic world she never experienced, and finds she likes it there.

This was a fast moving audio book, and the story is greatly entertaining. While the romance in Gina’s own life is a little tepid, her newly discovered romance with Jane Austen is wholly believable, and I was intrigued with how she’d deal with her problem. My problem, now, is that I want to read the fantastic sounding novel that Georgina produces, but that’s only in my imagination.

Field of Danger by Ramona Richards

Read by Heidi

April Presley just witnessed a murder. Now her life is in danger. Daniel Rivers believes April knows who the killer is and wants answers to his father’s murder. He hopes to get them before the killer gets to April.

This race against time book left me breathless as the killer comes after April. I wondered where the killer would pop up next. I couldn’t read this book fast enough.

Shamrock Alley by Ronald Damien Malfi

Read by Michelle

John Mavio aka John Esposito is an undercover Secret Service Agent who infiltrates an Irish gang suspected by counterfeiting. John and his partner Bill Kersh get more than they bargained for as they team up with the FBI and the NYPD to dig deeper into the terror that Mickey O’Shay and Jimmy Kahn have unleashed on Hell’s Kitchen.

Ronald Damien Malfi’s father was an undercover Secret Service Agent who did infiltrate an Irish gang in Hell’s Kitchen. As the story unfolds and the true depth of a psychotic killer emerges, it’s disturbing to know that this novel is based on a true story. Mr. Malfi had my attention from page one. I shivered, I cringed and I kept hope that good would prevail over evil.

Naked Edge by Pamela Clare

Read by Heidi

Gabriel Rossiter has become a cold hearted man who can only be with a woman once or twice, and that’s it. No one is going to fill the whole in his heart. That is, until he rescues Katherine James in a landslide. Kat creates feelings inside Gabe that he hoped to keep away. It seems that dangerous circumstances keeps Kat in his life and they can both become targets in deadly game.

Between the cat and mouse games and steam between Kat and Gabe, this book took me around the world and back again. Excellent read for spring and summer.

Bottom Line: I need to find more things to wash down here, it feels great to be outside doing physical labor again.

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