Pages

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

'Shadowfever' by Karen Marie Moning


In an epic battle between humans and Fae, the hunter becomes the hunted when the Sinsar Dubh turns on Mac and begins mowing a deadly path through those she loves. Who can she turn to? Who can she trust? Who is the woman haunting her dreams? More important, who is Mac herself and what is the destiny she glimpses in the black and crimson designs of an ancient tarot card?........ For a more detailed synopsis please click here.
 First Thoughts after finishing: "No, I want more of Mac and Barron's story. Please don't let this end!"

I was browsing at the library a few weeks ago, noticed this book and realized that it was time to read it. I have been putting it off because I didn't want the story to end. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to this fantastic fae world that Moning created and these incredible characters that graced Dublin's streets. This was an epic book both in content and page length. I wondered how long it would take me to read. I shouldn't have worried one bit because as soon as I cracked the spine and settled in, the pages flew like lightning. I read this book in two days and couldn't wait to get back to it whenever I had to set it down. For me this is the what Urban Fantasy is all about- one big kick ass book after another. Few writers can take their readers to such great heights each and every book and continue to deliver each and every time. Moning has crafted a high caliber book which never lets the reader down. I loved all of the twists to the story, the surprises that I never saw coming and most of all the development of her characters. I happily lost myself in this world and didn't want to surface for air.

Recommend? Most definitely...but please make sure that you read this series in order. You will miss out on clues and the building of the story and people if you don't start at the beginning!

Dear Karen,
Please continue with this series. I can't stand the thought that I will never get to walk the streets of Dublin with Mac ever again. I need my dose of that crazy, sexy Jericho and I still think you have more to tell us!!!!!!!!!
Sincerely,
Staci

Author: Karen Marie Moning
Source: my library
Genre: Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance
Pages: 594 of heart pounding adventure, terror, and of course, sex!
Published:  January 18, 2011
ISBN:
9780385341677

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MYexperience while reading this novel.

© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

'The Bungalow' by Sarah Jio

About the book: A sweeping saga of thwarted love, murder, and a long-lost painting....In the summer of 1942, twenyt-one-year-old Anne Calloway, newly engaged, sets off to serve in the Army Nurse Corps on the Pacific island of Bora-Bora. More exhilarated by the adventure of a lifetime than she ever was by her predictable fiance, she is drawn to a mysterious soldier named Westry, and their friendship soon blossoms into hues as deep as the hibiscus flowers native to the island. Under the thatched roof of an abandoned beach bungalow, the two share a private world-until they witness a gruesome crime. Westry is suddenly redeployed, and the idyll vanishes into the winds of war. A timeless story of enduring passion, The Bungalow chronicles Anne's determination to discover the truth about the twin losses- of life and of love- that have haunted her for seventy years.
First thoughts after finishing this book: "Wow, she did it again! I loved these people and their story!"

Sarah Jio is a very talented and gifted author. All too often the sophomore debut of an author can be a letdown and not show as much promise as the dazzling debut novel. That is NOT the case here, folks. Sarah wrote another home run read for me and my experience was once again off the charts. She has the gift for writing characters that absolutely ring authentic and touched me on a human level. I loved getting to read about the nurses' side of World War II. Too often books are all about the wars and the men who fought them, but this novel gives the reader a glimpse into what may have inspired a young woman to sign up for nursing duty out in the Pacific Ocean. I loved her complex characters that at first glance may seem come across as very simplistic, but if you peel away that outer glossy coat, the reader was able to see into their hearts.

Recommend? Absolutely, with no hesitation. I couldn't put this story down and finished it over the course of two days.  I'm a sucker for a book that starts off with someone finding a long lost letter....you just never know where it will take you!

 This book would be an excellent Christmas gift for someone who loves historical fiction  that encompasses WWII and the present day.

Author: Sarah Jio
Source: review copy from Penguin/Plume via NetGalley
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 320
Published:  December 27, 2011
ISBN:9781101565674
*Uncorrected ARC


Disclaimer:Thank you to Sarah Jio, Penguin/Plume and NetGalley for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MYexperience while reading this novel.

© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Mailbox Monday and It's Monday....What Are You Reading?

Mailbox Monday 
is a gathering place for readers to share the books that
came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. 
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

Every Secret Thing- I love this author but good luck finding her books available at the library. Amazon is running a great deal on this one so I bought it for my Kindle- $6.34!
The Glass Case- short story by a great author...it was free so I snagged it!!
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Hosted by 
Sheila @ One Person's Journey Through a World of Books

We discuss the books that we've read 
and what we're planning to read for the week.

Reviews last week:
Ten Beach Road- great contemporary women's fiction. I will be reading more of this author in the future!

Reviews this week:
The Bungalow- Sarah Jio's newest book!!!
Shadowfever- read this one in 2 days!
The Chocolate Castle Clue- cozy mystery

On the stacks:
Print maker's Daughter- TLC Book Tour
Mozart's Last Aria- TLC Book Tour



Saturday, November 26, 2011

Saturday Snapshot and Six Sentence Saturday- 2 for the price of 1

Saturday Snapshot
It’s easy to participate – just post a picture
that was taken by you, a friend, or a family member and add your link on Alyce’s site.
Left to right: Grandpa Brown and Grandpa Collins
I am the family historian. I'm the one who spends hours on Ancestry.com and has researched both sides of my family endlessly. With that responsibility comes all of the family pictures. I love spending time looking at my loved ones faces when they were young. These two men are my grandfathers. I was looking at their photos the other day when I noticed that they're both wearing hats, something you just don't see much any longer. I thought it would make for a great Saturday Snapshot. These photos were taken some time in the mid-30's. 

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Welcome to Six Sentence Saturday.
Where I try to express my thoughts on recent reads using only 6 sentences!!!!.
At the end of each review I will post a
rating scale of 1-5 using the cute and original (lol) Playing Cards.
Rating scale will be as follows:

5 of Hearts- You must read this book NOW!!
4 of Hearts- A great read, put it on your TBR list.
3 of Hearts- Happy that I read it...a good read.
 

2 of Hearts- Just O.K but nothing to write home about.
Joker Card - Don't bother (why did I?)

Ten Beach Road by Wendy Wax (click on title for  synopsis)
Source: Joan Schulhafer Publishing & Media Consulting
Genre: Contemporary Women's Lit
Pages: 432
Published: May 3, 2011 Berkley Trade
ISBN: 9780425240861

My Thoughts: I picked the perfect time to read this book...when the weather gets a bit cooler and I long for the days of summer. The author did a great job creating these characters because I felt a kindred spirit with each one of them. I am a huge fan of strong female women and this story has them tenfold. What struck me the most is that even though they had lost all of their money they were not going to settle for crumbs. They put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into the renovation of the beachfront home and were able to reap the rewards of hard work. If you're a fan of stories that encompass women's friendships, hardships, secrets and hope, then this may be a good read for you!
Rating:







Disclaimer:Thank you to  Deb, Joan Schulhafer Media, and Berkley Trade for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MYexperience while reading this novel.
 © 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving

May your day be blessed with family, friends, food, laughter and love.
Please say a prayer for our troops,
 and those who are not able to be with their families.
I kindly ask that you also keep my Son in your thoughts today
as he spends his second Thanksgiving away
from loved ones and his first one away from his wife!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

First Chapter- First Paragraph Tuesday Intros


Every Tuesday, Diane @ Bibliophile by the Sea
 posts the opening paragraph (maybe two) of a book
 she decided to read based on the opening paragraph (s).
 Feel free to grab the banner and play along!

My selection for this week is The Bungalow  by Sarah Jio.  I absolutely adored her debut   novel, The Violets of March, in fact it is one of my top ten reads for 2011. I've been following Sarah on Facebook where I first read about her upcoming release. When she emailed me with the gracious offer of reading her book via NetGalley I jumped...quite literally I might add, at the chance to read it. 


  Tuck a slip of paper into a flimsy envelope, seal it with a swipe of the tongue, then send it on its way. That letter might be handled by dozens of people and journey a thousand miles before reaching the intended mailbox, where it nestles anonymously between pages twenty-nine and thirty of some unwanted catalog, lying in wait for its unsuspecting recipient, who tosses the catalog, with its treasure tucked inside, into the recycle bin with  flick of the wrist. There, next to poorly rinsed milk cartons, an empty wine bottle, and yesterday's newspaper, a life-changing piece of mail quietly awaits.
                    That letter was for me. 




Would you continue reading this one based on the opening paragraph?

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Mailbox Monday and It's Monday....What Are You Reading?


Mailbox Monday 
is a gathering place for readers to share the books that
came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. 
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

November Host- Mailbox Monday
The King's Agent- courtesy publisher/HF Virtual Book Tours (March 2012)
The Unexpected Miss Bennet- review copy courtesy Penguin
Henry Tilney's Diary- review copy courtesy Penguin
---------------------------------------------


Hosted by 
Sheila @ One Person's Journey Through a World of Books

We discuss the books that we've read 
and what we're planning to read for the week.

Read and reviewed last week:
Tall, Dark and Cowboy-just what the doctor ordered!!
Breaking the Code- must read memoir
Miss Darcy Falls in Love- very enjoyable P&P variation

Review this week:
Ten Beach Road

On my stacks: (Thanksgiving Break reading of my choice!)
Chocolate Mystery
Expectations of Happiness
The Bungalow

Friday, November 18, 2011

Saturday Snapshot- The Canterbury Tales

Saturday Snapshot
It’s easy to participate – just post a picture
that was taken by you, a friend, or a family member and add your link on Alyce’s site.



It's Drama time once again in the Taylor house. Last night was opening night for the school's production of The Canterbury Tales. Marc was in 2 of the tales. He played the rooster Chanticleer, in the Nun's Tale. I can't even begin to tell you fantastic he was...that boy is not afraid of anything! He was then Palamon in the Knight's Tale. It was a fantastic play! The costumes and stage were fantastic and all of the kids did a wonderful job. Here are two of the pics from the night. Enjoy!





'Miss Darcy Falls in Love' by Sharon Lathan

Noble young ladies were expected to play an instrument, but societal restrictions would have chafed for Georgiana Darcy, and accomplished musician. Her tour of Europe draws the reader into the musical life of the day, and a riveting love story of a young woman learning to direct her destiny and understand her own heart.
First thoughts after finishing this book:  To quote Georgiana,-"I am wildly and wantonly satisfied."
(from Miss Darcy Falls in Love page 254 in the ARC; finished version may be different)


I'm really glad that I took the chance to read a Lathan book again. Earlier this year I read one of her books and felt the sex was the story and there really wasn't a plot. Well, I'm glad to say that I think the author has listened to her readers and pulled back on the over-the-top sex.  None of that really happens until the end of the book and it occurs exactly where and when it should. This time Sharon has taken the time to flesh out her characters and really bring them to life. I really enjoyed Georgiana's story and am thankful that Lathan decided to spend some time with this intriguing person.  One of the most unique features in this story is the how music is used. I loved how passionate Georgiana was about writing and playing her own original music. I also enjoyed experiencing France through the eyes of a young lady who is touring Europe during the Regency time period.  The beginning did start out a bit slow for me but after about 30 pages the story really took off and came to a very satisfying conclusion.


Recommend? For my fellow P&P variation readers, this is one that you MUST add to your reading list and/or stacks of books. You won't be disappointed and may end up with the same opinion as me- I want more books that feature the minor characters from Pride and Prejudice.


Author: Sharon LathanSource: review copy from Sourcebooks Landmark
Genre: P&P variation
Pages: 266
Published:  November 2011
ISBN:9781402259043
*Uncorrected ARC



Disclaimer:Thank you toSourcebooks Landmark for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MYexperience while reading this novel.

© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.


Thursday, November 17, 2011

'Breaking the Code: a Father's Secret, a Daughter's Journey, and the Question That Changed Everything'


On his 81st birthday, without explanation, Karen Alaniz's father placed two weathered notebooks on her lap. Inside were more than 400 pages of letters he'd written to his parents during WWII. She began reading them, and the more she read, the more she discovered about the man she never knew and the secret role he played in WWII. They began to meet for lunch every week, for her to ask him questions, and him to provide the answers. And with painful memories now at the forefront of his thoughts, her father began to suffer, making their meetings as much about healing as discovery.


First thoughts after finishing this book: The quiet ones usually have the best stories to tell!

This book couldn't have been read at a better time with Veteran's Day being celebrated and with me watching Lisa Ling's latest installment of "Our America: Invisible Wounds of War." Both the book and the documentary left me with conflicting feelings and a heavy heart. Most of you know that my oldest is a Marine. I'm so very proud of his accomplishments to-date and for his service to our wonderful country. Yet, as I read this book and watched the documentary I realized that it all comes with a hefty price tag. The author's father never really talked about his experience during WWII so she was caught off-guard when he gave her several notebooks filled with the letters he penned to his parents while serving in Hawaii. Little did she know what reading those letters and then asking her father questions would set off. Her father at times would freely give her information, but more often than not he would become angry and deny taking part in any type of combat. Revisiting those letters caused him to come to terms with his grief, anger, hurt, and hopelessness over the images he witnessed and the covert operations that he was a part of. Back then they called it shell shock. Now we call it PTSD. The book made me sad at times and the documentary really reinforced to me what the author's father experienced. I have since then found myself at war with my own feelings about the military, serving our country, and the broken men and women that are coming home. An average of 18 veterans commit suicide daily....it is becoming an epidemic. And as a mother, I do not want my son to experience combat. I don't want my son to become hopeless. I don't want my son or anyone else's son or daughter to become a part of that statistic. I never really thought of those who came and fought before us...it's history, but this book made me realize that being a soldier then and now isn't really that much different. War is ugly and it leaves hideous scars on those that survive.

Recommend? I would highly recommend this book to those that have or had a family member who served and may have experienced combat. The author gave us glimpses into her father's world by highlighting some of his letters and then delving into certain incidences while having her weekly breakfast with her Dad. I loved reading his first-hand reports of Hawaii and I thought she really let his personality shine through this story. As each day ends we lose more and more of our WWII Vets....we need to get their stories down on paper before there is no one left to tell the tale.

Author:  Karen Fisher-Alaniz
Source: e-book Sourcebooks/NetGalley
Genre: Memoir
Pages: 384
Published:  November, 2011 Sourcebooks
ISBN:9781402251443



Disclaimer:Thank you toSourcebooks Landmark for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MYexperience while reading this novel.

© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

'Tall, Dark and Cowboy' by Joanne Kennedy


What is this book about?

Stunned by the discovery that her lux lifestyle was funded by crime, runaway trophy wife Lacey Bradford is desperate to escape from her ex's criminal cronies and start a new life, so she heads west to find an old love. But rugged rancher Chase Caldwell has changed, hardened by bitterness and loss. The last thing he's looking for is romance with the first woman who broke his heart...

First thoughts after finishing this book: "Um....can I find a vending machine filled with HOT cowboys?"

I love me some buff, hot, testosterone dripping, alpha male COWBOY! Was that bit over the top? Ha! Let me just say that this book was a great one to pick up after reading the emotionally draining Cross Currents. I was able to lose myself in Lacey and Chase's love story. I know that on more than one occasion I had that stupid look on my face that I get when I'm reading a very steamy love scene....and there were plenty of those in this book. But, I found them all to be right in line with the attraction between Lacey and Chase. It wasn't cheap sex...and it was very well written. There was more to the story than just what was going on between the sheets and that is why I really enjoyed this one.


Recommend? If you enjoy romance with brawny, sexy cowboys (who wouldn't..did you check out that cover?) and a good love story to boot (pun intended) then I would tell you to grab this one. Make sure that  you're reading it when no one else is around..I got busted two times during lunch reading this book. Both times my friend knew that I was reading a hot love scene. How you say? That stupid grin I get when the story is heating up and I'm loving the details! I'm going to read them all, but alone, locked in my room with no one around...except my husband! (insert devil grin!)


Rating: 8/10 (rating for excellent sex scenes and a story that kept me engaged)


Tall,Dark and Cowboy by Joanne Kennedy
Source: review copy from Sourcebooks Landmark
Genre: Romance with a hot cowboy
Pages: 384
Published:  November, 2011 Sourcebooks
ISBN:9781402251443
*Uncorrected ARC



Disclaimer:Thank you toSourcebooks Landmark for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MYexperience while reading this novel.

© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Mailbox Monday and It's Monday....What Are You Reading?

Mailbox Monday 
is a gathering place for readers to share the books that
came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. 
Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

November Host- Mailbox Monday

The Deception of Lyme- from the lovely Kaye@ Pudgy Penguin Perusals
You're (Not) The One- unsolicited copy from publisher
Four Season in Rome- a win from the generous Stacy @ Stacy's Bookblog

-------------------------------------------------


Hosted by 
Sheila @ One Person's Journey Through a World of Books

We discuss the books that we've read 
and what we're planning to read for the week.

Read and reviewed last week:
Definitely Not Mr. Darcy- sign me up for this reality show!!
Cross Currents- will be in my top 10 best books for the year!

Reviews this week:
Tall, Dark and Cowboy
Breaking the Code: A Father's Secret, a Daughter's Journey, and the Question that changed everything
Miss Darcy Falls in Love

Coming up:
Ten Beach Road
A Chocolate Mystery

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Saturday Snapshot


Saturday Snapshot
It’s easy to participate – just post a picture
that was taken by you, a friend, or a family member and add your link on Alyce’s site.
This is a photo of my dad with his three granddaughters! They were all dressed up looking so pretty for my son's wedding!! I love this pic...my nieces are each unique, beautiful and kind. Plus, my Dad is still a good-looking guy isn't he???!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

'Cross Currents' by John Shors


Synopsis:
  Thailand's pristine and remote Ko Phi Phi island attracts tourists from around the world, offering a haven to people from all walks of life. Yet even paradise has its perils. Struggling to make ends meet, resort owners Lek and Sarai are happy to give an American named Patch room and board in exchange for his help. But trouble looms when Patch's brother, Ryan, arrives, accompanied by his beautiful girlfriend, Brooke.  Lek leanrs that Patch is running from the law, and his mere presence puts Lek's family at risk. Meanwhile, Brooke begins to doubt her love for Ryan, while her feelings for Patch blossom. The two brothers, once inseparable, clash over a choice that could alter their lives.  In a glorious landscape of  sea and sky, where nature's bounty seems endless, these two families are caught in the cross currents of conflict and change- and swept up in an approaching cataclysm that will require all their strength of heart and souls to survive.
 First thoughts when I finished this magnificent novel: "I'm a damn emotional wreck!"

I have to say that I'm blown away by Shors writing. I could kick myself for waiting so long to experience his talent but now that I have, I will be reading all of his books. I'm amazed at how he was able to lull me into this sense of peace and beauty. I could imagine myself on the beach in Ko Phi Phi. I could smell the wonderful food that Sarai made for her guests and family. I could hear the children's laughter and the gentle ribbing that Sarai's mother would do to her on a daily basis. Shors made me care about each and every person that he created. I loved Patch and felt myself drawn to this gentle soul. I could also understand Patch's brother, Ryan. Being a first-born myself, I have always felt the pressure to be the perfect child, and of course, my brother's protector. So page after page, I was drawn deeper and deeper into these character's lives and then I knew that the inevitable was going to happen because I'd come to that chapter. The one that would unleash the terror of that horrible day (Tsunami in Thailand)...but I had to read on and experience their disbelief, shock, hurt, and sacrifice.

Recommend? With no hesitations whatsoever. This book made me experience so many emotions...I can't begin to tell you or adequately express how I felt while reading this book. All I can say is that I broke down and cried as if my heart had been broken. I cried for these characters and for the real people that had to go through that day of hell. If you've never read John Shors this is a great place to start. His words convey emotions, pictures, and so much more....I'm in love with his storytelling.

Rating: 10/10


Click here for his beautiful book trailer


Author: John Shors - wonderful website, spend some time there!
Genre: What it means to be human - Literary Fiction
Pages: 322
Published: September 06, 2011
Publisher: NAL Trade
ISBN: 9780451234605

Disclaimer:Thank you to John Shors for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MYexperience while reading this novel.

© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.