Books

1022 Evergreen Place by Debbie Macomber

This is a continuation of the Cedar Cove books. This one focuses on Mack McAfee and Mary Jo Wyse, their budding romance. Also Mary Jo finds some old letters hidden under the floorboards in her side of the duplex. They are determined to trace who they came from. Another good light read.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larson

I found this book a little difficult to get into but once I was over the first few chapters I really couldn't put it down. The book is about Mikael Blomkvist, a journalist, and Lisbeth Salander, a computer hacker. They set out to solve the disappearance of Harriet Vanger forty years ago.

This book is number one in a trilogy and I'm already part way into the second one, and waiting for number 3 to come out in paperback. Unfortunately the author died so this will be it from him.

Birthright by Nora Roberts

When 5,000 year-old human bones are found at a construction site in the small town of Woodsboro, the news draws archaeologist Callie Dunbrook out of her sabbatical and into a whirlwind of adventure, danger, and romance. While overseeing the dig, she must try to make sense of a cloud of death and misfortune that hangs over the project-fueling rumors that the site is cursed. She must cope with the presence of her ex-husband, Jake and when a stranger claims to know a secret about her privileged Boston childhood, she must question her past as well.

I enjoyed this book, it kept you wanting to read more.

By Summer's End by Pamela Morsi

Some things are just too hard to imagine. For instance, Dawn Leland never thought in a million years that she and her girls would end up back with her in-laws. Sixteen years is a long time to be away, but life has dealt her something unexpected. Now she has no choice. And some things don't bear thinking about. Sephora Leland said good riddance to bad rubbish when her son's widow took her two little girls and left Knoxville all those years ago. And despite her husband's best efforts the bitterness still remains. But all things turn out in the end. It takes some forgiveness, a little understanding and the magic of two young girls to make everyone see that.This was a good light read.

Married in Seattle by Debbie Macomber


How to meet and marry a man in Seattle. There are all the usual ways, of course, but here's how Janine Hartman and Meg Remington did it.
Janine: My grandfather Hartman arranged a husband for me! Zach Thomas, the intended groom, was just as outraged as I was. But Gramps insisted we'd be "a perfect match"
Meg: My teenage daughter, Lindsey, had the nerve to place a personal ad on my behalf-Wanted: Perfect Partner. Worse, Steve Conlan, who answered the ad, was perfect, according to her
Cute, but sooooo predictable!!


The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson

Crusading publisher Mikael Blomkvist has decided to run an explosive expose of a wide-ranging sex trafficking operation. Just before the piece is published, the two reporters responsible are murdered. The fingerprints on the murder weapon belong to his friend, the troubled hacker genius Lisbeth Salander. Blomkvist, convinced of Salander's innocence, plunges into an investigation. Meanwhile, Lisbeth herself is drawn into a murderous game of cat and mouse, and is forced to face her dark past.
I think this second book was even better than the first and I can't wait for the 3rd book to come out in paperback.
This post was started way back in November and was put in the 'draft' area. It's taken me ages to get the pictures taken and the rest of the writing done and finally finish the post. Although this is actually being posted in February it is really the end of the books that I read in 2010.
Bye for now.

More Books

This is such a long post, only because I keep putting it off and the read pile keeps getting higher.

The Whispering Room by Amanda Stevens

Detective Evangeline Theroux is feeling suffocated by her new baby as every time she looks at him she is reminded of her dead husband. She throws herself into her work-a high-profile murder case. Reclusive writer Lena Saunders offers Evangeline a provocative theory about the crime: it is the work of a lunatic vigilante. Lena spins the sordid story of Ruth and Rebecca Lemay, whose mother brutally murdered her male children in an insane effort to root out an "evil" gene. The girls survived and grew to adulthood-but one is carrying on her mother's grisly work. I enjoyed this book as it had a few unexpected twists and turns along the way. A good read.

Just Take My Heart by Mary Higgins Clark

When famous actress Natalie Raines is found in her home dying from a gunshot wound police immediately suspect her theatrical agent and jealous soon to be ex-husband, Gregg Aldrich. But no charges are brought against him until two years later when a career criminal suddenly claims Aldrich had tried to hire him to kill her. The case is a plum assignment for 32 year old assistant prosecutor Emily Wallace. She spends long hours preparing for the trial and unaware of a seemingly well-meaning neighbor's violent past, she gives him a key to her house to care for her dog. The trial makes headlines, threatening to reveal personal matters about Emily, such as the fact that she had a heart transplant-especially when she experiences eerie sentiments that defy all reason and continue even after the jury decides Gregg Aldrich's fate. This is one of MHC's better stories. I've read all her books and some are not so great but I would recommend reading this one.

Country Brides by Debbie Macomber

Cory Campbell has a pleasant, predictable life in San Francisco, where she's seeing a pleasant, predictable man. Then, one vacation, her car breaks down on an Oregon country road and horse rancher Clay Franklin comes to her rescue. This is so predictable, but a pleasant, mindless read. There is a second story in this book which is a continuation of the first.

Summer on Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber

The yarn shop on Blossom Street, owned by Lydia, offers a class called Knit to Quit. It's for people that want to quit something-or someone-and start a new phase of their lives. Phoebe joins because she wants to get over a man. Alix joins because she wants to have a baby so she wants to quit smoking. Bryan joins because he wants to learn how to deal with the stress of running a family business. Lydia's friend Anne Marie and her adopted daughter, Ellen, have to deal with a stranger that has come into their lives. Lydia and her husband, Brad, have to deal with an angry 12 year old foster daughter.

204 Rosewood Lane by Debbie Macomber

This another of the Cedar Cove books. This story is centered around Grace. She works at the library. Her husband disappeared 6 months ago. This story is about accepting that Dan, the husband and father of 2 grown daughters may never come back

The Mannning Brides by Debbie Macomber

Rich Manning and Jamie Warren have always been friends-and nothing but friends. However, that changes when she asks him to father the child she so desperately wants. Rich agrees-if she'll marry him. Because he thinks their 'Marriage of Inconvenience' could become a real marriage instead. Another predictable story. There is also another story in this book that is a continuation of the first.

Just for the record I don't buy Debbie Macomber books, my mum gives them to me. She's not an author I would buy but if I'm given a book I'll read it. They are very light reading and good for a quick read.

The Best of Times by Penny Vincenzi

This book has 880 pages. Because it has so many pages it is difficult to read lying in bed. Also, because the book is so fat it is difficult to get the pages open far enough to read the words close to the spine. They should make the pages another half inch wide. That's my only complaint about this book. I really enjoyed the story and had it read in 4 days.

It all centers around a traffic accident on a motorway in England. The consequences of this accident that affect many lives. People are with people they shouldn't be (married men with mistresses etc.) people are on that road when they are supposed to be somewhere else and all the truth comes out. Very interesting. I recommend this book, it you can hold the damned thing open to read it.

206 Bones by Kathy Reichs

Another author that I enjoy and this book didn't let me down.
206 Bones opens with Temperance Brenan regaining consciousness and discovering that she is in some kind of very small, very dark, very cold enclosed space. She is bound, hands to feet. She slowly begins to reconstruct...

Tempe and Lieutenant Ryan had accompanied the recently discovered remains of a missing heiress from Montreal to the Chicago morgue. Suddenly, Tempe was accused of mishandling the autopsy-and the case. Someone made an incriminating phone call. Within hours, the one man with information about the call was dead. Back in Montreal, the corpse of a second elderly woman was found in the woods, and then a third.

Black Hills by Nora Roberts

Cooper Sullivan spent summers of his youth on his grandparents' South Dakota ranch. His best friend and first romance was Lil Chance. Twelve years later he has come back to take care of his; aging grandparents and the ranch. Lil has let nothing stop her dream of opening the Chance Wildlife Refuge. Someone or something has been keeping a close watch. When small pranks and acts of destruction escalate into the heartless killing of Lil's beloved cougar, memories of an unsolved murder in these hills have Coo[ springing into action to keep Lil safe.

Remember When by Nora Roberts and J.D. Robb

In part one Nora Roberts introduces us to Laine Tavish. She lives in Angel Cap, Maryland, and owns Remember When, an antique treasures and gift shop. Nobody has any idea that she used to be Elaine O'Hara, daughter of the notorious con man Jack O'Hara. Laine's past has caught up to her. Her long lost uncle has visited her shop, leaving a warning before dying in the street, run down by a car. Soon after her house is ransacked and now it's up to her and a stranger named Max Gannon, to find out who's chasing her and why. The answer lies in a hidden fortune that will change Laine's life.

In part two J.D. Robb takes us to New York City in 2058 and puts Detective Lieutenant Eve Dallas on the case. The treasure that Laine and Max sought has never been recovered. Now someone else is pursuing the missing gems and is willing to kill for them.

Holiday in Death by J.D. Robb

No one likes to be alone during the holidays. For New York's most posh dating service, Personally Yours, it's the season to bring lonely hearts together. Lieutenant Eve Dallas, on the trail of a ritualistic serial killer, has made a disturbing discovery. All of the killer's victims have been traced to Personally Yours. As the murders continue, Eve enters an elite world of people searching for their one true ;love, and a killer searching for his next victim.

Born in Death by J.D. Robb

Just as Eve Dallas begins to investigate the double homicide of two young lovers, both employees of the same prestigious accounting firm, her friend Mavis needs a favour. One of the moms=to=be in Mavis's birthing class has gone missing. Eve tries to track down the missing woman, while simultaneously unearthing the deals and double-crosses hidden in the files of some of the city's richest and most secretive citizens.

Fantasy in Death by J.D. Robb

Bart Minnock, founder of the computer gaming giant U-Play is found inside his locked private playroom, in a pool of blood, his head separated from his body. This is the most puzzling case Eve Dallas has ever faced and it's not a game. Eve can't find anyone who has a problem with the enthusiastic, high-spirited millionaire.

Bad Behaviour by Sheila O'Flanagan

Darcy has a great career, an apartment in the centre of Dublin and a wardrobe full of designer labels. She doesn't have Mr. Right but she's not short of admirers. So why does an unexpected wedding invitation send shivers down her spine? Because the groom, Aidan dumped her for her ex-best friend. Nieve lives across the Atlantic but is coming home to get married. It's going to be the event of the year and she wants ALL her friends to be there.

Finally, that brings me up to date with books read. Why does it take so long to download and organize pictures in Blogger? There must be an easier, faster way. I just don't know it.

Bye for now.

Book Update

Some of these books were read at the end of 2009 and then the rest in 2010.
Purity in Death by J.D. Robb

Another good read staring Eve Dallas and Rourke. This one is about a rogue computer virus that is actually killing people.

Have You Seen Her? by Karen Rose

Special Agent Steven Thatcher has sworn to find the serial killer preying on this small town. He's a widower, worried about his son Brad who is struggling in school. The bright light in their lives is Brads teacher, Jenna Marshall. Steven and Jenna have both been hurt before but they start spending time together. At the same time the killer is closing in on Jenna.

The Collector by Cameron Cruise

This is one of those rare books that I didn't finish. I persevered and read about a 100 pages and then gave up. It starts out about the murder of a fortune teller and gets confusing from then on.

Dangerous to Know by Barbara Taylor Bradford

Who would have wanted to kill millionaire Sebastian Locke, the world's most beloved philanthropist? Vivienne Trent, a journalist, and Sebastians ex-wife intends to find out. She uncovers startling revelations that will turn her life around.

Dead Right by Brenda Novak

Twenty years ago Madeline Barker's father disappeared. Despite what everyone thinks, she is convinced her stepfamily had nothing to do with it. But the recent discovery of his car finally proves he didn't just drive away. and with what was found in the trunk the police say that there's more to this case than murder. Madeline hires a private investigator who begins to uncover shocking evidence. 

Sooner or Later by Debbie Macomber

No one in the tiny town of Boothill, Texas knows the real Shaun Murphy and that's the way he likes it. The postmistress, Letty Madden knows that Murphy is the only person that can help her find her brother. He is a missionary in Zarcero in South America where the government has 
been overthrown be a military coup.

6 Rainier Drive, 74 Seaside Avenue and 92 Pacific Boulevard - all by Debbie Macomber

These books are all from the Cedar Cove collection of books. If you enjoy DM books you'll enjoy these. I don't think I need to give a review. They are more of the same light reading that can be expected from her books.

Bye for now.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!

More Books

I just found the first half of this post in draft form. I had written it and then forgot to post it. Since then I had read several more books so I added those to the post and now I'm finally posting it.

Bare Bones by Kathy Reichs

In this book Tempe Brennan has put her vacation on hold to investigate charred remains and black residue from a plane crash There are also some mysterious bones found on a farm. Are they human or animal? Are the bones and the plane crash linked together? Another page turner, but not my favourite Kathy Reichs book.

Twenty Wishes by Debbie Macomber

This book centers around the owner of a book store on Bloom Street. Several widows get together on Valentine's day to celebrate...hope. They each begin a lost of twenty wishes, things they always wanted to do but never did. Anne Marie, the owner of the book store, has 'doing good for someone else' as one of her wishes. This wish leads to her being involved with a little girl at the local elementary school.

True Blue by Luanne Rice

This is about veterinarian Rumer Larkin. She has never left her home town, even after everyone she loved left. Now her childhood love returns to the village with his son. The question is whether they can rekindle what they had or is it too late?

Witch Season-summer and fall by Jeff Mariotte

It wasn't until I was almost at the end of this book that I realized there had to be more. A quick google told me that I had just read the first 2 books in a 4 book collection. This book is very different. It's about a bunch of college kids that stumble into the lives of a bunch of witches. Kerry Proffit, one of the students finds a stranger lying half-dead on their doorstep. His name is Daniel Blessing and he is on the hunt for a witch named Season. Whether they like it or not, these six teenagers are stuck in the middle of a deadly feud. Took a while to get into this book, but turned out to be pretty good. Now I have to try and find books 3 and 4.

Devil Bones by Kathy Reichs

A house under renovation with a forgotten cellar. A plumber finds animal and human remains, cauldrons and religious artifacts. Then a boys torso, carved with a pentagram, is found nearby. Panic over Satanism and devil worship has the citizens on a witch hunt. To Tempe Brennan nothing is cut and dried about the case. At the same time she is trying to decide whether to move on from her departed lover, Andrew Ryan. As usual, a good read, although it tends to get a bit technical (boring) in parts.

Where Are You Now? by Mary Higgins Clark

A 21 year old university senior walks out of his Manhattan apartment without a work to his roommates and disappears. He calls his mother once a year, on Mother's Day, but refuses to answer her frantic questions. When he calls this year his sister, now 26, tells him she intends to track him down no matter what. She reconnects with his old roommates to try and find out what happened to him. It keeps you guessing to the end. Another good mystery by MHC.

Faces of Fear by John Saul

Fifteen year old Alison Shaw isn't beautiful but she doesn't care. She'd rather be reading a book than primping in front of the mirror. But her mother, Risa, knows that beauty can be the key to success. Risa marries widowed plastic surgeon Conrad Black. Conrad claims that he can turn Alison into a vision of loveliness, so she agrees to have the first procedure. Then Alison finds a picture of his first wife and she realises that he is trying to make her over to look like his dead first wife. Her mother refuses to acknowledge the similarities. As Alison continues to dig into her stepfathers murky past she discovers dark secrets and dark motives. This is another good read from John Saul and keeps you turning the pages to see what is going to happen next.

Firefly Summer by Maeve Binchy

The Ryan family, Kate and John, and there 4 children live in a small town in Ireland. The children play in the ruins of Fernscourt, the great house that burned down during the Troubles. The ruins are bought by Patrick O'Neill, an Irish American with dreams and lots of money to rebuild the house to its former glory and more. This is about the children of Mountfern and how there lives intertwine with each other and the goings on with the rebuilding. There are 762 pages in this book so there are lots of twists and turns to the story. I enjoyed this book as I have enjoyed all the other Maeve Binchy books I have read.

Salvation in Death by J.D. Robb

Eve Dallas is on another case. This time a catholic priest dies after partaking of wine at a funeral mass. The wine was laced with potassium cyanide. The autopsy reveals scars from knife wounds , a removed tattoo and evidence of plastic surgery. Obviously there is more to this priest than meets the eye. Another good read.

A Quiet Belief in Angels by R.J. Ellory

1939 in the small rural community of August Falls, twelve year old Joseph Vaughan hears of the brutal assault and murder of a young girl. This would be the first in a series of brutal murders over the next decade. Joseph and his friends are determined to protect August Falls against the evil in their midst and form The Guardians. But the murderer evades them and they watch helplessly as one child after another is taken. Fifty years later Joseph is still troubled by the past and must confront the nightmare that has overshadowed his whole life. I found this book a hard slog to read. I had the ending figured out about half way through, and not one to give up on a book , I slogged on until the end. Not something I would recommend other readers do. Boring.

Play Dirty by Sandra Brown

Accused of murder, convicted of throwing games for the mob, former Dallas Cowboys superstar Griff Burkett spent five years in federal prison. Now free, he has no prospects and no forgiveness in football crazy Texas. There is someone willing to pay millions for Griff's services-airline CEO Foster Speakman and his wife, Laura. This is an interesting and different story. I enjoyed reading this book.

Bye for now.

Fall is Here

Summers gone and it's already Fall and the temperatures here have been record breaking. We have had 32-34 degrees C. These temps. are record breaking, after all, this is Canada!!!

Some pictures of the flowers in my garden. This chrysanthemum must have over 300 flowers on it.





Summer was way too short. We managed to get away for a couple of weeks. We went to Spokane and Seattle. We went to Pike's Market. Loved it, but it was so hot - 103 degrees F. Way too hot for my liking.

Rows and rows of fresh fruit and vegetables.

HUGE lobster tails and shrimp.

Beautiful flowers.

We went to B.C. and stayed in Kelowna where we visited my sister and her family and we have friends there too.

These pictures were taken at one of the many wineries in Kelowna.

Scored a great load of fabric while in Kelowna. A friend of friends had fabric that she wanted to give away to a good home. Her mother, who had recently passed away, was an avid sewer and had one hell of a stash. I was invited over to 'help myself'. I couldn't believe the amount of fabric that this lady had. There were bags and bags and bags of it. The daughter kept saying don't bother looking through the bags, just take the whole bag. If I had to guess, there was enough fabric to fill 50 green garbage bags. I would have needed a U-Haul to take it all. I probably took enough to fill 3-4 green garbage bags. We didn't have room in the van for any more. She said if I come back next year to give her a call as she probably would still have the rest of it in storage.

I got some really nice wool, ultrasuede, lots of suiting, flannel, velvet, velour and lots more.

We had to go back to school early this year. It's been a long time since we went back before Labour Day. We had to go back August 26 because our city was hosting the World Skills Competitions. This would give students an opportunity to go on field trips to see the competitions. It sure seemed to shorten the summer though.

Bye for now.