Challenge Completed- Read Your Name Challenge

I have finished my third challenge!

The challenge is to read your name in book title first letters, ultimately spelling out your name. That means:

1. Using your first name, or blogger name, or your pets name, or even your favorite literary character's name; whichever you like, choose books with first title letters that spell out your name. (Audio books and eBooks are also okay.)

2. The challenge runs from Jan. 1st 2009, to Dec. 31st 2009. You may join at any time.

3. If you join, please leave a comment here with a link to your challenge page, and click on the image above to leave a comment on the original page as well.

A. Another One Bites the Dust by Jennifer Rardin

N. Never Been Witched by Annette Blair 

D. Demons are Forever by Julie Kenner

R. Revelations by Melissa De La Cruz

E. Excuse Me, Your Sould Mate Is Waiting by Marla Martenson

A. American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld

Book Review- Never Been Witched

I just finished reading Never Been Witched by Annette Blair.

From the back cover:

Three's a charm, and the third Cartwright sister, Destiny, is certainly not lacking.  However, she is troubled by her attraction to paranormal debunker Morgan Jarvis.  Destiny opts out of a week in his company, hoping a meditative stay alone at her sister's lighthouse will shed some light on her contrary feelings and her psychic gifts.

Unbeknownst to Destiny, her sly sister also left keys with the unsuspecting Morgan.  Late one night, they literally stumble upon each other-- and the lighthouse's ghostly inhabitants.  Destiny and Morgan have nothing in common other than the one bed they need to share and some crazy physical attraction.  Raising the dead might be easier than trying to make these two opposites work together, but Destiiny has experience--and love--on her side...

I think this was the best book in the Triplet Witches Trilogy.  I think that the plot was the best of all three books, and I liked the characters the best too.  Once again, I don't have too much to say about this book. There were still some elements thrown in that I thought could have had more thought put into, but overall, I enjoyed this one.

I gave this book a rating of 3/5.

This book fulfilled an item in the following challenge:
Paranormal 999 Challenge:Psychics/Sensitives (can also be used as witches, ghosts)
A to Z Reading Challenge: N
Read Your Name Challenge: N

*FTC Disclosure: I traded for the copy of this book with a friend.

Read Your Name Challenge- November Update

The challenge is to read your name in book title first letters, ultimately spelling out your name. That means:

1. Using your first name, or blogger name, or your pets name, or even your favorite literary character's name; whichever you like, choose books with first title letters that spell out your name. (Audio books and eBooks are also okay.)
2. The challenge runs from Jan. 1st 2009, to Dec. 31st 2009. You may join at any time.
3. If you join, please leave a comment here with a link to your challenge page, and click on the image above to leave a comment on the original page as well.
Here is the link to my original post: Read Your Name Challenge  

A. Another One Bites the Dust by Jennifer Rardin

N.

D. Demons are Forever by Julie Kenner

R. Revelations by Melissa De La Cruz

E. Excuse Me, Your Sould Mate Is Waiting by Marla Martenson

A. American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld

Read Your Name Challenge- October Update

The challenge is to read your name in book title first letters, ultimately spelling out your name. That means:
1. Using your first name, or blogger name, or your pets name, or even your favorite literary character's name; whichever you like, choose books with first title letters that spell out your name. (Audio books and eBooks are also okay.)

2. The challenge runs from Jan. 1st 2009, to Dec. 31st 2009. You may join at any time.

3. If you join, please leave a comment here with a link to your challenge page, and click on the image above to leave a comment on the original page as well.
Here is the link to my original post: Read Your Name Challenge

A. Another One Bites the Dust by Jennifer Rardin
N.
D. Demons are Forever by Julie Kenner
R. Revelations by Melissa De La Cruz
E. Excuse Me, Your Sould Mate Is Waiting by Marla Martenson
A. American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld

Read Your Name Challenge- September Update

The challenge is to read your name in book title first letters, ultimately spelling out your name. That means:

1. Using your first name, or blogger name, or your pets name, or even your favorite literary character's name; whichever you like, choose books with first title letters that spell out your name. (Audio books and eBooks are also okay.)
2. The challenge runs from Jan. 1st 2009, to Dec. 31st 2009. You may join at any time.
3. If you join, please leave a comment here with a link to your challenge page, and click on the image above to leave a comment on the original page as well.

Here is the link to my original post: Read Your Name Challenge

A. Another One Bites the Dust by Jennifer Rardin
N.
D. Demons are Forever by Julie Kenner
R. Revelations by Melissa De La Cruz
E. Excuse Me, Your Sould Mate Is Waiting by Marla Martenson
A. American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld

Read Your Name Challenge- August Update

The challenge is to read your name in book title first letters, ultimately spelling out your name. That means:
1. Using your first name, or blogger name, or your pets name, or even your favorite literary character's name; whichever you like, choose books with first title letters that spell out your name. (Audio books and eBooks are also okay.)

2. The challenge runs from Jan. 1st 2009, to Dec. 31st 2009. You may join at any time.

3. If you join, please leave a comment here with a link to your challenge page, and click on the image above to leave a comment on the original page as well.
Here is the link to my original post: Read Your Name Challenge

A. Another One Bites the Dust by Jennifer Rardin
N.
D. Demons are Forever by Julie Kenner
R. Revelations by Melissa De La Cruz
E. Excuse Me, Your Sould Mate Is Waiting by Marla Martenson
A. American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld

Read Your Name Challenge- July Update

The challenge is to read your name in book title first letters, ultimately spelling out your name. That means:

1. Using your first name, or blogger name, or your pets name, or even your favorite literary character's name; whichever you like, choose books with first title letters that spell out your name. (Audio books and eBooks are also okay.)
2. The challenge runs from Jan. 1st 2009, to Dec. 31st 2009. You may join at any time.
3. If you join, please leave a comment here with a link to your challenge page, and click on the image above to leave a comment on the original page as well.

Here is the link to my original post: Read Your Name Challenge

A. Another One Bites the Dust by Jennifer Rardin
N.
D. Demons are Forever by Julie Kenner
R. Revelations by Melissa De La Cruz
E. Excuse Me, Your Sould Mate Is Waiting by Marla Martenson
A. American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld

Read Your Name Challenge- June Update

The challenge is to read your name in book title first letters, ultimately spelling out your name. That means:
1. Using your first name, or blogger name, or your pets name, or even your favorite literary character's name; whichever you like, choose books with first title letters that spell out your name. (Audio books and eBooks are also okay.)

2. The challenge runs from Jan. 1st 2009, to Dec. 31st 2009. You may join at any time.

3. If you join, please leave a comment here with a link to your challenge page, and click on the image above to leave a comment on the original page as well.
Here is the link to my original post: Read Your Name Challenge

A. Another One Bites the Dust by Jennifer Rardin

N.

D. Demons are Forever by Julie Kenner

R. Revelations by Melissa De La Cruz

E. Excuse Me, Your Sould Mate Is Waiting by Marla Martenson

A. American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld

Read Your Name Challenge- May Update

The challenge is to read your name in book title first letters, ultimately spelling out your name. That means:

1. Using your first name, or blogger name, or your pets name, or even your favorite literary character's name; whichever you like, choose books with first title letters that spell out your name. (Audio books and eBooks are also okay.)
2. The challenge runs from Jan. 1st 2009, to Dec. 31st 2009. You may join at any time.
3. If you join, please leave a comment here with a link to your challenge page, and click on the image above to leave a comment on the original page as well.

Here is the link to my original post: Read Your Name Challenge

A. Another One Bites the Dust by Jennifer Rardin
N.
D. Demons are Forever by Julie Kenner
R. Revelations by Melissa De La Cruz
E. Excuse Me, Your Sould Mate Is Waiting by Marla Martenson
A. American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld

Book Review- Excuse Me, Your Soul Mate Is Waiting

Last night I finished reading Excuse Me, Your Soul Mate Is Waiting by Marla Martenson.


From the back cover:


Each of us yearns for that one true love--our own soul mate. Now the search has become much easier with the help of Excuse Me, Your Soul Mate Is Waiting. Marla Martenson has combined her talent and wisdom with the sure-fire techniques of the Law of Attraction to help you bring that special love into your life.


There are just four simple and easy steps to follow--
1. Name what you DON'T want to happen.
2. Name what you DO want to happen.
3. Feel what you want.
4. Allow it to happen.


This is a fun, concrete, and practical approach to finding Mr. or Ms. Right. Using the best-selling guide, Excuse Me, Your Life Is Waiting, as her "bible", Marla challenges her readers to stop being victims and take control of their lives. This joyful book empowers you to find your true heart's desires.


Ok, I'm not sure, but I just didn't buy into this book. I get being upbeat and positive, but I think this just took it too far (or maybe I'm just too cynical). The author talks a lot about thinking positive things which gives off vibrations at high frequency (and vice-versa) and when people are vibrating at a high frequency, they can pull their desires into their lives. I just don't see that working. I do think its a good idea to identify what you do want in a relationship though, and I agree with the book that you shouldn't stay in a relationship just because its comfortable. Luckily, right now I don't need to put this book into practice, but maybe if I have the unfortunate need to one day, I will try it out.


I gave this book a rating of 2/5.


This book fullfills the following requirements:
A to Z Reading Challenge: E
Read Your Name Challenge: E

Read Your Name Challenge- April Update

The challenge is to read your name in book title first letters, ultimately spelling out your name. That means:
1. Using your first name, or blogger name, or your pets name, or even your favorite literary character's name; whichever you like, choose books with first title letters that spell out your name. (Audio books and eBooks are also okay.)

2. The challenge runs from Jan. 1st 2009, to Dec. 31st 2009. You may join at any time.

3. If you join, please leave a comment here with a link to your challenge page, and click on the image above to leave a comment on the original page as well.
Here is the link to my original post: Read Your Name Challenge

A. Another One Bites the Dust by Jennifer Rardin
N.
D. Demons are Forever by Julie Kenner
R. Revelations by Melissa De La Cruz
E.
A. American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld

Book Review- Revelations

I just finished reading Revelations by Melissa De La Cruz.

From the inside cover:

Schuyler Van Alen's blood legacy has just been called into question:is the young vampire in fact a Blue Blood, or is it the sinister Silver Blood that runs through her veins? As controversy swirls, Schuyler is left stranded in the Force household, trapped under the same roof as her cunning nemesis, Mimi Force, and her forbidden crush, Jack Force.

When an ancient place of power is threatened in Rio de Janeiro, however, the Blue Bloods will need Schuyler on their side. The stakes are high, the battle is bloody; and through it all, Schuyler is torn between duty and passion, love and freedom.

This is the thrid book in the Blue Bloods series. I enjoyed reading it, but not as much as I enjoyed the other two. For some reason, I had a hard time connecting with Schuyler in this one. I felt much more warmth towards Bliss. This is the right amount of romance and mystery- enough to make me want to keep reading. And there are some twists at the end that I definitely didn't see coming. I am looking forward to the next book in the series, The Van Alen Legacy.

I gave this book a rating of 3/5.

This book fullfills the requirements for the following challenges:

Paranormal 999 Challenge: Vampires
A to Z Reading Challenge: R

Read Your Name Challenge: R

Read Your Name Challenge- March Update

The challenge is to read your name in book title first letters, ultimately spelling out your name. That means:

1. Using your first name, or blogger name, or your pets name, or even your favorite literary character's name; whichever you like, choose books with first title letters that spell out your name. (Audio books and eBooks are also okay.)
2. The challenge runs from Jan. 1st 2009, to Dec. 31st 2009. You may join at any time.
3. If you join, please leave a comment here with a link to your challenge page, and click on the image above to leave a comment on the original page as well.

Here is the link to my original post: Read Your Name Challenge

A. Another One Bites the Dust by Jennifer Rardin
N.
D. Demons are Forever by Julie Kenner
R.
E.
A. American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld

Book Review- American Wife

I just finished the book American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld.

From the back cover:

On what might become one of the most significant days in her husband's presidency, Alice Blackwell considers the strange and unlikely path that has led her to the White House--and the repercussions of a live lived, as she believes, "almost in opposition to itself."

A kind, bookish only child born in the 1940s, Alice learned the virtues of politeness early on from her stolid parents and small Wisconsin hometow. Alice candidly describes her modest upbringing and the tragedy that shaped her identity; she recalls her early adulthood as a librarian, and her surprising courtship with the man who swept her off her feet; she tells of the crisis that almost ended their marriage; and she confides the privileges and difficulties of being first lady, a role that is uniquely cloistered yet public, secretive yet exposed.

As her husband's presidency enters its second term, Alice finds herself increasingly conflicted. Ultimately she must confront contradictions years in the making and face questions nearly impossible to answer.

I enjoyed this book. It was a nice break from all of the paranormal books that I have been reading. It really kept my attention and flowed well. Several time, after reading for a while, I would have to stop and remind myself that this is a fiction book. I kept thinking that maybe this book was about Barbara Bush because there are so many similarities, but I knew that it wasn't true.

And as it says on Barnesandnoble.com, " A word of advice before reading American Wife: put Laura Bush firmly out of your mind. While bestselling author Curtis Sittenfeld has waxed rhapsodic about her admiration for the first lady, she insists that in this novel, her most ambitious work to date, protagonist Alice Blackwell is most certainly not Laura Bush. Sittenfeld has conceded that she drew on some major events in Mrs. Bush's life, such as the horrific car accident that killed a fellow student in high school and her marriage to a man who is eventually elected president and steers the country into a controversial war. The rest, she says, she invented within the framework of that reality."

So I know its not just me that was thinking about the similarities. The way the story was written really made me connect with the main character and there was one part where I gasped out loud!

I gave this book a rating of 3/5.

This book fullfills requirements for the following challenges:

Chick-Lit Challenge 2: 3) Read a new to you author

What's In A Name? Challenge: Relative

Read Your Name Challenge: A

Chick-Lit Challenge: 1

The Sunday Salon- February 1, 2009

Well, I just finished my first month of blogging, and wow! I had 56 blogs in just one month! This week was pretty slow. We celebrated our 100th day of school, which is a big deal in kindergarten. I also got a new bookshelf, which I can't wait until my boyfriend puts together! It will be the third one our office and I think I will still have books in piles on the floor! Tonight is the Superbowl. I love football but I don't really have any favorites for tonights game. I am going to a party and it will be fun to watch the game and all of the commercials!

I finished and reviewed the following books this week:
The Midnight Twins by Jacquelyn Mitchard
Look Both Ways by Jacquelyn Mitchard
Another One Bites the Dust by Jennifer Rardin

I fullfilled items for the following challenges:
Paranormal 999 Challenge: Psychics/ Sensitives
Read Your Name Challenge: A
What's in a Name Challege: Relative
A to Z Reading Challenge: A, L

I just started Biting the Bullet by Jennifer Rardin and up next is Testimony by Anita Shreve.

Read Your Name Challenge- February Update

The challenge is to read your name in book title first letters, ultimately spelling out your name. That means:

1. Using your first name, or blogger name, or your pets name, or even your favorite literary character's name; whichever you like, choose books with first title letters that spell out your name. (Audio books and eBooks are also okay.)
2. The challenge runs from Jan. 1st 2009, to Dec. 31st 2009. You may join at any time.
3. If you join, please leave a comment here with a link to your challenge page, and click on the image above to leave a comment on the original page as well.

Here is the link to my original post: Read Your Name Challenge

A. Another One Bites the Dust by Jennifer Rardin
N.
D. Demons are Forever by Julie Kenner
R.
E.
A.

Book Review- Another One Bites the Dust

I just finished reading the book Another One Bites the Dust by Jennifer Rardin.



From the back cover:


I'm Jaz Parks. CIA assassin. Black belt. Belly dancer at the Corpus Christi Winter Festival. The last is cover for my latest mission: retrieve a vital piece of biotechnology by killing the maniac who stole it. He's Chien-Lung, an obsessive vamp who's invulnerable while wearing this armor- which is constantly.


Then there are the reavers, ancient fiends who murder innocents and eat their souls. Only I can sense them. So it's not long before they'll want me dead, dead, dead.


This is the second book in the series. I read the first book about 2 and a half months ago, so at first I had a hard time remembering what was going on. I mostly liked the book. There were times when I didn't really enjoy the writing, but there were other times when I found myself laughing out loud from what the main character said. I will be reading the third book in the series next.


I gave the book a rating of 3/5.


This book fullfills the requirements for the following challenges:
Paranormal 999 Challenge: Psychics/ Sensitives (can also be used as vampires)
A to Z Reading Challenge: A
Read Your Name Challenge: A

Book Review- Demons are Forever

I finished Demons Are Forever by Julie Kenner tonight.

From the back cover:

It isn't easy when your daughter's figured out that her mom's a demon hunter-and wants to grow up to be just like her.

Or when you suspect your dead husband used the forces of darkness to filch the body of another human. And your living husband isn't the man you married anymore either.

Moreover, Kate's acquired a precious but deadly item that every demon within commuting distance wants. With husband woes playing havoc with her emotions, an ambitious teenage protégée at her heels, and hell to pay, this stay-at-home mom's putting in a lot of overtime.

I had a hard time getting into the first two books in this series, but I really enjoyed this one. This book delved into the mother/daughter relationship between two of the main characters and there was romance. And the last couple of pages made me gasp!

I gave this book a 4/5.

This book also fullfills items for the following challenges:

Paranormal 999 Challenge: Demons

Read Your Name Challenge: D

A to Z Challenge: D

Read Your Name Challenge

The challenge is to read your name in book title first letters, ultimately spelling out your name. That means:

1. Using your first name, or blogger name, or your pets name, or even your favorite literary character's name; whichever you like, choose books with first title letters that spell out your name. (Audio books and eBooks are also okay.)

2. The challenge runs from Jan. 1st 2009, to Dec. 31st 2009. You may join at any time.

3. If you join, please leave a comment here with a link to your challenge page, and click on the image above to leave a comment on the original page as well.

A. Another One Bites the Dust by Jennifer Rardin

N. Never Been Witched by Annette Blair 

D. Demons are Forever by Julie Kenner

R. Revelations by Melissa De La Cruz

E. Excuse Me, Your Sould Mate Is Waiting by Marla Martenson

A. American Wife by Curtis Sittenfeld