Irish Lady by Jeanette Baker

Synopsis:
A successful attorney in a posh London neighborhood, Megann McCarthy thought she'd escaped the slums of Belfast forever. Until Michael Devlin needs her help. Years before, her love for the Irish charmer had nearly torn her apart, but not he's part of a past she never wants to revisit. However, she an't leave him defenseless against a murder charge-even if uncovering the truth puts her life in danger too.


She'll risk everything to save Michael- and she's not the first of her family to put it all on the line for a man she loves. As Meghann delves further into Michael's case, further in the history that binds them so irrevocably, she slips into the unfolding drama of centuries before...of another woman's desperate fight to free her rebel husband from the clutches of Queen Elizabeth. Stakes are high, but the reward is the love of a lifetime. And the Irish never give up.


I love anything Irish and this book is no exception! I was held captive within the pages of this story over the course of a week and each time I had to close my Kindle I was anxious to get back to these characters. I thought Baker did a beautiful job using  the supernatural element within the context of the story. I believed that a past ancestor, Nuala, came forward to the present through the mists to help guide Meghann as she fought for the freedom of Michael. It made perfect sense because Ireland is steeped in mystery and folk-lore.  I loved the history lessons within the pages and found myself making so many notes and then looking up the information. The love story unfolded gently and that too was very real and believable. 


This author has not steered me wrong yet and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her books and especially this one to any of my friends. I would, however, tell you to read the glossary terms in the back of the book before you start! I am not knowledgable at all in regards to the struggle between the Catholics , Protestants, and the British state. Nor did I know much about the IRA, Sinn Fein,  and Belfast RUC.  And believe me, you have to know a bit more than U2's Bloody Sunday song so getting a little background information doesn't hurt. 


Author: Jeanette Baker
Source: review copy from Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Historical fiction/Romance
Pages: e-book
Published:  January 1, 2012
*Uncorrected eARC via NetGalley


Disclaimer:Thank you toSourcebooks Casablanca/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.

Review Book #3
© 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.

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.

January Host: A favorite blogger of mine- 

Alyce @ At Home With Books

Blue Monday- courtesy of Michael Josephy and NetGalley

The Replacement Wife- courtesy of Open Road Media and NetGalley

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

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.

Bookish thoughts last week:

Backseat Saints- loved this one...terrifying but great!!

Smokin' Seventeen (audio)- great way to revive a lagging series! Fantastic narrator

What's coming up this week:

Irish Lady

Cottage By the Sea

Ryan's Review- Wednesday Book Club

Unlikely Friendships

In my book box:

A Moveable Feast- currently reading for a February read-a-long

What Happened to Hannah (TLC Book Tour)

The Baker's Daughter (TLC Book Tour)

Saturday Snapshot- Grandpa's favorite time

Saturday Snapshot

is hosted by Alyce of At Home With Books.

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.

Mitch would spend every Thursday with his Grandma and Grandpa when he was little. He would love to ride the tractor with his Gpa and go out into the field to take food to the cattle. This is one of Gpa's favorite pictures and I love it too!!!

Smokin' Seventeen (Audio)- Bookish Thoughts #5

What Smokin' Seventeen is about: Stephanie Plum once again bumbles her way through apprehensions of bond skips while Lula and Grandma yuck it up as the comic relief. She's still torn between boring Joe (IMHO) and that mouth-watering Ranger! More cars are sacrificed and someone wants her dead!

Why I wanted to read it: I have been reading these books for a few years now, found myself getting bored with Stephanie and had actually thought about stopping until  Mary @ Bookfan Mary, suggested that I listen to them instead!  

Source: Public Library

• I loved the narrator, Lorelei King, on this audio. She has some crazy voices and made the characters come to life in a great way. I will admit to having some issues at the beginning with her voices for Joe and Ranger, but I was able to set that aside and just enjoy the story.
• I will never, ever read this series again! I will forever listen to them on audio...a huge thank you to Mary! 
• Listening to this on audio helped me enjoy the story because I only listened to it in small sections. By doing this, I think it really downplayed the ineptness of Stephanie's lack of apprehension skills. It was much easier to take because I wasn't so focused on how stupid she really is!! 
• Lula and Grandma were the best part of the audio! I loved how the narrator really made them seem vivid to me and I could totally picture them in my head!
• I laughed while driving to work! and then I laughed while driving home! That is a win-win for me!

I already have requested Explosive Eighteen on audio and am actually looking forward to listening to it. The audio has renewed my interest in the series and made it fun and fresh! Plus, I have to find out who she picks in the end.......my vote is for Ranger!

Bookish Thoughts #5

© 2012, 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. 

Backseat Saints- Bookish Thoughts #4

What Backseat Saints is about:
 Rose Mae Lolley is a fierce and dirty girl, long-suppressed under flowery skirts and bow-trimmed ballet flats. As "Mrs. Ro Grandee" she's trapped in a marriage that's thick with love and sick with abuse. Her true self has been bound in the chains of marital bliss in rural Texas, letting "Ro" make eggs, iron shirts, and take her punches. She seems doomed to spend the rest of her life battered outside by her husband and inside by her former self, until fate throws her in the path of an airport gypsy---one who shares her past and knows her future. The tarot cards foretell that Rose's beautiful, abusive husband is going to kill her. Unless she kills him first.

Why I wanted to read it: Many of my fellow bloggers have read and raved about this author's books. I have two of hers sitting on my shelves but never seemed to find the right time to read them. But with my resolution to do more reading from my shelves I decided that 2012 was the year for this one, plus it's the B title for my Alphabetical Challenge!

Source: My personal library, but the book has been languishing on my shelves for almost two years. I want to thank Grand Central Publishing for sending me this copy. 

• Holy cow...the opening of the book was fantastic and pulled me immediately into the story.
• I love the southern style and the cadence of Rose's speech. I could hear her voice in my head as I was reading this one.
• I was rooting for the REAL Rose the entire story...she touched my heart!
• Her husband terrified me!! Domestic violence is just plain scary and I couldn't imagine being in the same situation as Rose.
• The story was a fast read and it held my attention the entire way. I liked Jackson's writing style.

I still have The Girl Who Stopped Swimming sitting on my shelves and because I really enjoyed Backseat Saints, I'm sure I will get to this one sometime in the summer.

Bookish Thoughts #4

© 2012, 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. 

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 this week is from a review book titled, "Irish Lady." I chose to read this one because it takes place in Ireland and it has the magical element of blending the past with the present...let's hope it is a good read!

   Four centuries had passed and yet I had not forgotten the smell of charred wood nor the searing heat of a fire bent on destruction. I opened my eyes and saw the leap of flame against shadow, gutted dwellings, the silhouette of a church steeple outlined against an orange sky--an entire world engulfed in fire.

Would you continue reading this one

 based on the opening paragraph?

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.

January Host: A favorite blogger of mine- 

Alyce @ At Home With Books

What Happened to Hannah- courtesy of William Morrow Paperbacks and TLC Tour Books.

The Baker's Daughter- courtesy of Crown Publishing and TLC Tour Books.

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

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:

The Night Sky: A Journey From Dachau to Denver and Back - recommended

The A.B.C. Murders- fantastic Agatha Christie mystery!

Guest Post on At Home With Books- Best/Worst Author -Wednesday, January 25th

Bookish Thoughts for this week:

Backseat Saints

Unlikely Friendships

Smokin' Seventeen

Cottage By the Sea

In my book box:

Irish Lady

The Diary of Mattie Spenser

Saturday Snapshot- He loves me

Saturday Snapshot

is hosted by Alyce of At Home With Books.

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.

My husband totally surprised me with these flowers yesterday for our 17th Wedding Anniversary! I actually scrapbooked the last time I received flowers from him and remember writing that I probably wouldn't get flowers until 2023!  Boy, was I wrong! I love the whole arrangement and the vase screams me! And if you can believe this....he picked it all out!! He gets me....he really gets me!!!

The A.B.C. Murders- Bookish Thoughts #3

What this book is about: Someone is murdering people in alphabetical order by name and location and has dared Poirot to try to catch them!

Why I wanted to read it: I've been meaning to read more Agatha Christie this year so that is one reason. The second reason is that I'm vowing to read more from my own shelves. Thirdly, I am participating in a the 52 Books 52 Weeks Challenge and I'm doing it with a twist by reading in alphabetical order! So, this is the perfect choice isn't it?? Get it, A.B.C. Murders......alphabetical reading challenge???? I'm easily amused!

Source: My personal library, but the book was purchased for a quarter from my library sale cart.

• I loved the story being sort of narrated by Captain Hastings. This made the story fun and engaging for me.
• The book flowed and was a fast read.
• Poirot is so quirky and cool...how could I not like him? More Poirot!!!
• I figured out who the real murderer was about 10 pages before the story ended...made me feel like I was playing the board game Clue (which I loved).

I am now addicted to all things Christie and have even listed all of her Poirot and Marple books on my challenge blog. I'm also inspired to listen to some of these books on audio. Has anyone out there listened to these and if so, any suggestions?

Bookish Thoughts #3

© 2012, 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. 

The Night Sky: A Journey From Dachau to Denver and Back

About the book:
Maria Sutton's memoir, The Night Sky is the culmination of her forty-three year search for her father. Without knowing the spelling of her father's name, or his date and place of birth, Maria was able to find him - proving that with unwavering determination, anything is possible.


My first thoughts after finishing: "This was a powerful and moving journey...well done!"

I like to read a memoir that speaks to me on some level and after perusing the information Maria sent me and doing a bit of research of my own, confirmed that this was one I had to read. I picked it up right after I finished The Lost Wife, which was a book that wounded me to the soul. I thought it fitting that I would read more about the affects of WWII on people who survived the war but now found themselves labeled as a Displaced Person.  Maria's mother is really a strong woman and I know that throughout the book she greatly downplayed and even tried to distance herself from her experience. She was put into horrible conditions and had to make crucial and heart wrenching decisions that would impact not only herself, but her two young daughters. I was amazed at the tenacity and perseverance that Maria exhibited as she began her forty-year long quest to find the answers to questions and to get a family history that could slightly resemble her own husband's. I enjoyed reading about the methods that Maria used to find her information and couldn't believe the amount of red tape and just plain old waiting that she experienced.

I am always amazed at how little I truly know about this time period and once again loved how I learned new facts about the war. I had never heard of the massacre in the Katyn Forest of Poland.  I learned more about Stalin's rule reading this book than I ever did from high school history class. I loved learning about Poland and the Ukraine and WWII from Maria's mother's perspective.

My emotional moment while reading this book was the story of Maria's Uncle Wasyl. I was thrilled that about the outcome of her search for him, yet at the same time it quite literally broke my heart.

I highly recommend this book to those that enjoy memoirs and moving family stories. Maria has taken a snapshot of the life of displaced persons and shown us their trials and within that story she has also found her identity.

Author: Maria Sutton
Source: review copy courtesy of author
Genre: Memoir
Pages: 226
Published:  2011 Johnson Books



Disclaimer:Thank you to Maria Sutton 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.

Review Book #2
© 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.

Book/Author Spotlight and Giveaway

About the book:
This extraordinary and unflinchingly honest memoir takes us on a riveting journey into the hearts and souls of three enigmatic people whose destinies are forever changed by the events of World War II. The secrets of misguided love and passions are revealed as the author journeys between the past and the present to solve the mystery of a handsome Polish officer with piercing blue eyes and sun-colored hair. Maria Sutton takes us to the dark green hills and valleys of the ancient Carpathian Mountains in Ukraine, where the woody fragrance of birch trees and new-mown hay fills the fresh, crisp air after a heavy rain. Vicariously, we see a sunrise over Poland obscured by brightly colored swastikas on warplanes and then we will be taken into suffocating cattle cars, lice-infested stalags, and to the Dachau death camp. Further down a country road, the hearty laughter and beer steins clinking with each salute to the Fuhrer s astonishing victories can be heard. 

As Maria takes us on this odyssey to solve a decades-long mystery, she learns the family secrets of untold heroism, quiet courage, and a mother s love and of tragedy, disillusionment, and heartbreak. At the end of her long journey, Maria uncovers a shattering and painful truth. But the secret, however heartbreaking, would also become the greatest gift she would receive




I was recently contacted by Maria Sutton asking if I would be interested in reading and reviewing her book, "The Night Sky: A Journey From Dachau to Denver and Back." I read the synopsis and immediately knew that this was the type of memoir that I love to read. Maria was kind enough to offer a giveaway that is international and a signed copy will go to the lucky winner.

To be considered for the giveaway please leave your email address in the comments section below. The giveaway is limited to the following countries: US, Canada, Germany, Poland, Australia and the UK.  Comments to win will close on January 31, 2012 @ 11:59 p.m. EST

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.

January Host: A favorite blogger of mine- 

Alyce @ At Home With Books

Every mailbox needs some eye-candy once in a while!

Miss Hillary Schools a Scoundrel- courtesy of Sourcebooks and NetGalley

The Rogue Pirates Bride- courtesy of Sourcebooks and NetGalley

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

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:

Secrets by Freya North- strange author writing style made this one a DNF for me.

Reviews for this week:

Author Spotlight and Giveaway- Tuesday

The Night Sky: A Journey from Dachau to Denver and Back- Wednesday

Bookish Thoughts:

The A.B.C. Murders- Thursday

In my book box:

Irish Lady

Cottage by the Sea- a favorite read from Kaye @ Pudgy Penguin

Saturday Snapshot- Revenge of the Water Pump

Saturday Snapshot

is hosted by Alyce of At Home With Books.

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.

I was looking through my photos and realized that I had pictures of each of my boys taken on the same day with the ice cold water pump outside my parent's house. You may notice that Mitch- on the left, seems to be enjoying his time with the water. I love the little butt crack showing and you can tell that he has his underwear on backwards. He liked having the picture on the front!   But poor Marc is obviously shocked by the cold water..check out his little belly!! Oh, how I miss those days when my boys were little!!

My first DNF in over two years!

Synopsis:
Joe has a beautiful house, a great job, no commitments - and he likes it like that. All he needs is a quiet house-sitter for his rambling old place by the sea. When Tess turns up on his doorstep, he’s not sure she’s right for the job. Where has she come from in such a hurry? Her past is a blank and she’s a bit of an enigma. But there’s something about her - even though sparks fly every time they meet. 
And it looks like she’s here to stay


Well, this one sure didn't go as planned. The synopsis sounded great and the setting was one that I would like to run off to. But the book in action was just not working for me. When I went back over to Goodreads to mark it as a DNF, I started to read what others thought about this book and I found out that the author just writes organically without a plan. Um, I wish I would've known that earlier because then the crazy writing would have actually made sense. She doesn't use tenses correctly and sometimes she shows up as the narrator. All in all, it boils down to confusing and frustrating.

I haven't given up on a book in over two years, friends! But lately I've been feeling that I'm reading too much for others and not enough for myself. So, I put it down because I have so many other great books waiting for me and I had already given this one 3 days that I can never get back! Ugh!

I may pick it up again....maybe this summer? maybe not, but guess what? I feel absolutely no stress about not finishing it. That in and of itself is progress baby!!!

Author: Freya North
Source: review copy from Sourcebooks Landmark
Genre: British Chick Lit
Pages: 498
Published:  January 1, 2012
*Uncorrected eARC via NetGalley


Disclaimer:Thank you toSourcebooks Landmark/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.

Review Book #1
© 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.

Waiting on Wednesday

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event,

hosted at Breaking the Spine,

that spotlights upcoming releases

that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Where We Belong by Emily Giffin

Marian Caldwell is a thirty-six year old television producer, living her dream in New York City. With a fulfilling career and satisfying relationship, she has convinced everyone, including herself, that her life is just as she wants it to be. But one night, Marian answers a knock on the door . . . only to find Kirby Rose, an eighteen-year-old girl with a key to a past that Marian thought she had sealed off forever. From the moment Kirby appears on her doorstep, Marian’s perfectly constructed world—and her very identity—will be shaken to its core, resurrecting ghosts and memories of a passionate young love affair that threaten everything that has come to define her.

I absolutely love this author's books so this is one that I'm placing a hold on immediately at my library!!!

What book are you waiting for?

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 this week is a book from my very own shelves...gasp!! I seriously am looking forward to reading this one because I've been wanting to dive into Christie's books for a few years now!!

The A.B. C. Murders by Agatha Christie

  It was in June of 1935 that I came home from my ranch in South America for a stay of about six months. It had been a difficult time for us out there. Like every one else, we had suffered from world depression. I had various affairs to see to in England that I felt could only be successful if a personal touch was introduced.  My wife remained to manage the ranch.
  I need hardly say that one of my first actions on reaching England was to look up my old friend, Hercule Poirot.

Would you continue reading this one

 based on the opening paragraph?

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.

January Host: A favorite blogger of mine- 

Alyce @ At Home With Books

A Weekend With Mr. Darcy- I purchased this one for 1.99 for my Kindle. I squealed with delight when I saw the price and after reading and loving Dreaming of Mr. Darcy, I knew I had to get this one.

Nadia Knows Best- I'm working very hard not to go overboard with review books ( I decided on no more than 20 for the year. I can only get 6 more before I'm done), but when this one was offered by Sourcebooks/NetGalley I had to get it. I adore this author!! Can't wait.

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

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:

Books Can Be Deceiving- great cozy..recommend.

The Lost Wife- this one wounded me...but it's a MUST read.

Bookish Thoughts for this week:

Secrets by Freya North

A.B.C. Murders by Agatha Christie

Sitting on my nightstand:

Backseat Saints- my shelves

Irish Lady- Sourcebooks review copy

Saturday Snapshot- two happy puppies

Saturday Snapshot

is hosted by Alyce of At Home With Books.

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.

The dogs loved their Christmas presents that Santa left them. Each puppy got a no-stuffing animal chew toy. One was a skunk and the other was a raccoon.  They do trade with each other on occasion and Lily loves throwing it in your lap....soaking wet!!!

The Lost Wife: Bookish Thoughts #2

What this story is about: During the last moments of calm in prewar Prague, Lenka, a young art student, and Josef, who is studying medicine, fall in love. With the promise of a better future, they marry- only to have their dreams shattered by the imminent Nazi invasion. Like so many others, they are torn apart by the currents of war.

Why I wanted to read it: I was moved by some of my favorite blogger's (Kaye and Jill) reviews of this book last year and absolutely knew that I had to make sure that this book was read in 2012.

Source: Public Library

• I am only on page 41 and I'm absolutely captivated by this author's writing
• "He laughs. And in his laugh I hear bliss. I hear feet dancing, the rush of skirts twirling. The sound of children. Is that the first sign of love? You hear in the person you're destined to love the sound of those yet to be born."  (p.33) After reading this I had tears in my eyes.
• I love how the author uses colors in her writing to convey thoughts and emotions. I could picture them in my mind as I was reading. This style of writing evoked very powerful emotions from me.
• I find the Jewish wedding ceremony to be very beautiful and full of meaning. "I am my beloved and my beloved is mine."
• I learned about the artists Shiele, Fritta and Kokoschka.  By spending a little time on the internet looking up these artists and viewing their work I was able to understand Lenka's passion for art and how she painted.
• my heart is aching at the knowledge that so many Jewish people had to wonder what did they do wrong to cause this hatred from their neighbors. So many little children scared and parents not being able to quell their fears. The idea of not knowing what was going to happen to you and your family in the next week, day, hour, and minutes.
• Even in the darkest days of the death camps there were still babies being born. It was reaffirming that family and love are some of the most vital components of our lives.
• Never underestimate the power of music. It broke my heart how the prisoners reacted to music..they could forget their hunger, their suffering, the cruelty that they may have experienced earlier that day. All that mattered was the music and how it brought them together.
• I am amazed that every time I read a story about WWII, the Holocaust, internment camps, displaced people that I can always learn about unknown events that one will never hear about in high school. 
• I am sickened at what we do to each other. How can one human treat another in such a horrific fashion. My mind can not accept these atrocities, yet I know they happened. 
• I have so many sticky notes throughout this book that it would be overwhelming to read them all listed here. But I think I can sum up my reading experience with this sentence.......

Is it possible to die from a broken heart because of a story that touched me to the very center of my soul?

Bookish Thoughts #2

© 2012, 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.