Review: The Devil's Heart

The Devil's Heart by Cathy Maxwell

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



From Goodreads: New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell returns with her most unfortgettable novel about the Chattan family yet…

They call her the Unattainable. Lady Margaret Chattan spurned every suitor for her hand, vowing never to marry. The only way to break the curse plaguing her family for two centuries is this ultimate sacrifice. But now her brothers' lives are in danger. Determined to save them, she risks her very soul by traveling into the heart of the highlands to battle a force that has transcended time.

Heath Macnachtan is not superstitious. Laird of the most independent, nonconforming, madly infuriating clan ever to grace Scotland, he believes he has his hands full. And then, a woman lauded as one of the most beautiful in England, arrives on his doorstep with wild accusations and a mystical quest . . . one that just might help him discover who murdered his own brother.

But the real danger for Heath and Margaret is not a supernatural foe, but a very real love that could destroy them both.

My Thoughts: Devil's Heart is the third book in the Chattan trilogy and wraps up the tale regarding the curse affecting the Chattan family. Our heroine is the first female to be born in her family since the curse...our hero is the last male in the Macnachtan family (the curse originators). I liked the story overall very much, and enjoyed the entire trilogy. However, something about the story kept me from saying I "loved" it. I think the issue nagging in the back of my mind was that there were too many side story lines going on that in the end I felt weren't given a full account or space. Instead, I would have preferred that some of the side stories have been dropped to all the ones that remained to have more room for development. In addition, I felt as though the ending didn't quite wrap up the ties back to the origination of the curse and whatever happened to Fenella and Rose. It was another one that was somewhat addressed, but I might have like a bit more. Overall though, a lovely story of forbidden love (think Romeo and Juliet in a sense) with a bit of the mystical thrown in as well.



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Review: There's Something About Lady Mary

There's Something About Lady Mary by Sophie Barnes

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



From Goodreads: Sophie Barnes is back with another delightful Summersby Tale. This time, Ryan Summersby meets his match!

Mary Croyden lives a simple life . . . and she likes it. But when she inherits a title and a large sum of money, everything changes. Forced to navigate high society, Mary finds herself relying on the help of one man—Ryan Summersby. Determined not to lose her sense of self, she realizes that Ryan is the only person she can trust. But Mary's hobbies are not exactly proper, and Ryan is starting to discover that this simple miss is not at all what he expected . . . but just might be exactly what he needs.

My Thoughts: I hadn't read book one in this series, and I don't think I missed out on too much in terms of background, this is definitely an independent read. I enjoyed the hero and heroine, although I have to say that while our hero was definitely true to his time in many instances, I was disappointed in how long it took him to wisen up :) Mary is a great heroine...she's unique, a true individual, independent, dedicated and willing to do what she knows is right, even if improper or not allowed. How everything wraps up seems a bit much (a Frankenstein moment in my mind) but in the end this was a fun read and has me checking the local library to see if I can't find Book One in the series, with Ryan's sister (another heroine I think I will enjoy as outside the box) as the heroine.



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Review: One Good Earl Deserves a Lover

One Good Earl Deserves a Lover by Sarah MacLean

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



From Goodreads: The second in the incredible new Rules of Scoundrels series from New York Times bestselling author Sarah MacLean. Lady Philippa Marbury is odd. The bespectacled, brilliant fourth daughter of the Marquess of Needham and Dolby cares more for books than balls, flora than fashion and science than the season. Nearly engaged to Lord Castleton, Pippa wants to explore the scandalous parts of London she's never seen before marriage. And she knows just who to ask: the tall, charming, quick-witted bookkeeper of The Fallen Angel, London's most notorious and coveted gaming hell, known only as Cross.

Like any good scientist, Pippa's done her research and Cross's reputation makes him perfect for her scheme. She wants science without emotion - the experience of ruination without the repercussions of ruination. And who better to provide her with the experience than this legendary man? But when this odd, unexpected female propositions Cross, it's more than tempting . . . and it will take everything he has to resist following his instincts - and giving the lady precisely what she wants.

My Thoughts: Sarah MacLean is quickly becoming one of my "must read" authors. I've thoroughly enjoyed every one of her books, her characters and her stories. They are fun, they are funny, and have that right blend of fiction with just enough reality in there to picture things happening in your mind. I'm probably partial to Pippa because I like "bookish" heroines, ones who don't quite fit in, the good old bluestocking. She doesn't really try to be anything she isn't, and she's resigned to the fact (true or not) that as someone who doesn't fit the norm, her options are limited. Luckily, that isn't necessarily the case and it was so fun to see her determined to test her theories, how Cross keeps getting drawn in and the growing relationship between them. Always a fun read, now I'll just be sitting here tapping my toes and waiting for the next book!



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Review: And the Miss Ran Away with the Rake

And the Miss Ran Away with the Rake by Elizabeth Boyle

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



From Goodreads:

Daphne Dale never could have imagined that when she answered an advertisement in the newspaper that she would find true love. Now she has the opportunity to meet her unknown suitor, but it means traveling to Tabitha’s wedding, and into the heart of her family’s sworn enemies. Everyone knows the Seldons are terrible rakes and bounders, but Daphne will risk anything to gain the happiness she is certain is right around the corner.

Lord Henry Seldon is aghast at the latest addition to the house party guest list—one would think after the unforgettable scandal Daphne Dale caused at the duke’s engagement ball, she wouldn’t dare show her face at the duke’s wedding. But here she is, poking her nose where she shouldn’t and driving Henry mad . . . with an unforgettable passion that will turn enemies into lovers.

My thoughts: I'm a big fan of Elizabeth Boyle, and overall I did enjoy this book and so far the series. There's always witty banter between characters, just enough drama (as opposed to too much) and a few laugh-out-loud moments. I have to say there were times with our hero and heroine that I just wanted to move past them and focus on some of the other characters, as the "family feud" seemed a bit forced at times. That and there wasn't much to tell us what the feud was really about, just bits of history but no real backstory. Overall though, that aside, it was a fun story, lighthearted and enjoyable and I look foward to the next installment.



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Review: Shadow of Night

Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I devoured Shadow of Night, the second in Deborah Harness' trilogy. I very much enjoyed it, but while it left me wanting, it wasn't for quite the same reasons as Book One did. This one left MAJOR gaps in the story that were mentioned without any explanation provided by the end of the book. It's clear (at least in my mind, ha!) that Book 3 will be set back in the present and cover the time that Diana and Matthew are gone and then once they return until the story wraps up, but the brief glimpses we see of present time events affecting the group at Sept-Tours end up being a distraction rather than a teaser or addition to the story.

The rest of the story is good, if not a bit long perhaps. Great world-building, great relationship-building, great cast of supporting characters. A great read and I look forward to seeing the trilogy wrap up. Easily 3.5-4 stars and another recommended read.



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Review: A Discovery of Witches

A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

My rating: 5 of 5 stars



I hesitate to rate books 5 stars, but this is a solid 4.5 at least. Harkness was a great story teller and while I was hesitant as I've been avoiding the paranormal bent for a bit, this was totally unexpected. More history than paranormal in its focus, the characters are fantastic and are described so well that you feel like you start to know them. The story itself is well woven and was one I couldn't put down. In fact, I had to go buy book 2 at an airport bookstore and spend too much in doing so because I couldn't handle NOT being able to start it on my trip home. Highly recommended as an enjoyable, well-told tale of forbidden love, yet told in such a fashion not to alienate those that don't enjoy the paranormal or romance. The focus is the story, the paranormal and the romance are simply background (yet important background!)



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Book Club

Adding a baby to our lives has been wonderful...crazy, exhausting, terrifying, but absolutely wonderful.  Book club has been one of the things that has fallen by the wayside many times over the past 8 months unfortunately.  I'm hoping now that he's a bit older that I'll be up for getting away once a month (assuming we can stay healthy - last month's book club was a miss due to me coming down with shingles).

This month we are reading Mennonite in A Little Black Dress, which I think could be a great read.   next month is one of my recommendations - The Language of Flowers.  That one is already sitting on the shelf and I'm determined to get it done!  I've made it through at least part of two others over the past few months - Wild, by Cheryl Strayed (my first audible.com book - I'm still evaluating (and trying to finish!)) and Defending Jacob by William Landay.  Defending Jacob is very different from what I expected...disturbing on a number of levels, and I'm not sure I can even fully articulate all the reasons why.  This was one of the few times I can ever remember though reading the end of the book out of order.  The book is divided in to four "parts" and I read part 4 before I was quite through part 2.  Not AT ALL what I expected.  While I haven't quite finished part 3, I'm still determined to finish the book to see how it all got to the finale. My rating of the book overall is a bit mixed, but I have to say it's well written and that the author gets an A+ when it comes to keeping the reader guessing when it comes to the ending.

Project done!

One down, many to go :)

My brother had a baby boy this past June (an adorable little guy, who makes my little one look like a moose!).  Back when we first learned it was going to be a boy, I picked out yarn and started crocheting a blanket for the new nephew.

Timing was not my friend though, as I started it in the week or so prior to Baby Lamb being born.  I'd pick it up here and there, but it wasn't until this summer that I truly buckled down and did some serious work.  Only a few months late, it felt so good this weekend to tie off the last bit of yarn and declare it DONE!

Yea!  One down, and now to finish one of the many, many other crocheted blankets I've got started around here...

Six months

Tomorrow will mark six months since this bundle of joy entered our lives.  He's wonderful and we are so blessed!  He's such a happy kid and it's amazing to watch him grow and learn.  He keeps me busy, but in the next few weeks I WILL be finishing up a crochet blanket project and sewing up a few quick blankets.  It feels good to get at least a little of the creative juices going again!

Life Passes By So Quickly...

Between work, family, getting a house ready to put on the market and keep up with a 4-month old, reading and crafts have moved WAY down on the to-do list.  I've managed a few books here and there, but very few since starting back to work in mid-February.  Sewing time is just non-existent, every once in a while I manage a few stitches on a crochet project or two.  It's all worth it though, to spend time with this sweet little guy!

But, I'm posting today to link over to my most recent post on Baby Z's blog.  It's about a little girl just a month or so older than my little one, who is trying to check items off her bucket list.  Yes, a 5 month old with a bucket list, due to the fact that she has been diagnosed with a genetic disease that makes it unlikely she will survive until her second birthday.  It's heartbreaking, but inspirational and educational.  You can see my post here, and visit Avery's blog here.

2011 - In Review

A bit late, but I thought I'd see how I did this past year with my reading and craft challenges...some were much more successful than others!

I pretty much slaughtered the reading challenges.  Overall, I managed to read 177 books in 2011 (including audio), including 98 library books, 53 ebooks and 26 from my own bookshelf (I really need to up that number in 2012)!

Crafts, on the other hand, took a back seat to reading and me lazing around being pregnant :)  Sewing especially fell off, as I didn't spend much time down in the basement.  I still have the goal of eventually finishing my quilt though, I've already got over half the blocks done!  The few projects I continued to work on were crochet, as those were easy to do while traveling or while relaxing after work in my favorite chair with my feet up. 

I decided to try to set some goals for myself in 2012.  Whether or not I'll be successful, we'll see, after all I do have a new time suck, which is my absolute favorite way to spend any time I do have!  (He is currently asleep in front of the fireplace, total relaxation). 

Having goals gives me something to work toward though, so we'll give it a shot:

1 - Read 72 books this year (my Goodreads challenge...I'm ahead now, I'm thinking that will drop dramatically once I go back to work)

2 - Read at least 10 books off my own bookshelf, with no more than half of those being purchased in 2012.

3 - Finish my quilt blocks and piece them together, give to someone else to quilt (unless I get brave)

4 - Complete at least 6 of the UFOs in my sewing room

5 - Complete at least 6 crochet projects (not counting dishcloths!)

So there we are...nothing too strenuous in my attempts to be realistic here.  With this in mind, I'm going to try to finish up a crochet blanket today with the hope to blow these goals out of the water :)

My Biggest (and Best) Project of 2011

As we move into 2012, I thought I'd share what I consider my biggest and best project from the past year.  Born just this past week, our new addition to the family has blessed us already in so many ways.  Did I get many of the projects on my to-do list crossed off this year?  Not really, but I figure my excuse is good :)  Instead, I have this sweet, wonderful bundle of joy, who I'm sure will keep me so busy he will become my new excuse for not completing projects!

May 2012 bring you all much happiness, joy, peace and love.  Happy New Year!

Review: The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae

The Capture of the Earl of Glencrae by Stephanie Laurens

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


From Goodreads: Three heroes, three rescues, three weddings.

We joyfully request your attendance at the wedding of Miss Angelica Cynster

...but not until she and her hero confront a devious enemy and lay to rest an ancient grudge in the Scottish Highlands!

Headstrong Angelica Cynster is certain she'll recognize her fated husband at first sight. And when her eyes meet those of a mysterious nobleman across a candlelit ballroom, she knows beyond doubt that he's the one. But her heart is soon pounding for an entirely different reason--when he hero abducts her!

The eighth Earl of Glencrae has no choice but to kidnap Angelica, the one Cynster sister with whom he hadn't wanted to tangle. But to save his castle and his clan, he must persuade her to assist him--and he's prepared to offer marriage to seal the deal.

My Thoughts: For some reason, I much more enjoy Ms. Laurens' writing when she does Cynster novels than any of her other books. Even though a few of the quirks that bother me remain, overall the characters and the stories are what shine through. The first two books in this series did a great job of setting up the third and final installment, and it didn't disappoint. There was never any doubt that the Earl and Angelica were going to be quite a pair, and the only real mystery was how they would make their HEA happen. I felt like the ending was a bit rushed and that there was story missing when it came to the villains here, but overall, I enjoyed the story and look forward to seeing the next of the Cynster cousins use the necklace to find her hero!


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Review: The Duke Is Mine

The Duke Is Mine by Eloisa James

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


From Goodreads: Tarquin, the powerful Duke of Sconce, knows perfectly well that the decorous and fashionably slender Georgiana Lytton will make him a proper duchess. So why can’t he stop thinking about her twin sister, the curvy, headstrong, and altogether unconventional Olivia? Not only is Olivia betrothed to another man, but their improper, albeit intoxicating, flirtation makes her unsuitability all the more clear.

Determined to make a perfect match, he methodically cuts Olivia from his thoughts, allowing logic and duty to triumph over passion…Until, in his darkest hour, Tarquin begins to question whether perfection has anything to do with love.

To win Olivia's hand he would have to give up all the beliefs he holds most dear, and surrender heart, body and soul…

Unless it’s already too late

This sexy, witty version of The Princess and the Pea turns the classic fairy tale into an enticing, funny, and moving romance

My Thoughts: Another fun novel from Ms. James with a spin on a fairy tale classic. I wasn't sure the first few chapters how the story would progress, but I should have known better, as it spun into a fun tale involving a host of spirited characters who were all perfect, yet imperfect, in their own ways. Olivia is what I like in a heroine...she's witty, funny, loyal yet doesn't quite fit the mold of the perfect heroine and not your typical beauty either. Quin bears a few scars, but you can tell from the start that there was more to him than the stuffy, formal Duke. Once they get their HEA, the ending and epilogue leaves me hoping that we'll get the stories behind Georgiana and Justin's briefly mentioned future lives!

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Review: The Bracelet: A Short Story

The Bracelet: A Short Story by Mary Jane Clark

My rating: 2 of 5 stars


From Goodreads: Piper Donovan adores her brother. Her sister-in-law is another matter. Self-centered, greedy, and completely annoying, Zara is, inexplicably, the love of Robert’s life. Piper puts up with her to maintain peace within the family.

When an exquisite gold bracelet goes missing, all the evidence points to Zara as the thief. Piper knows she should go to the police, but she’s torn. Is finding justice worth risking the happiness of her entire family?

My Thoughts: I have to say, calling this a short story might be a bit of a stretch. It took me all of about 10-15 minutes, start to finish. Essentially a chance for Piper to learn a quick lessor about not making snap judgments, there wasn't a lot to the story overall. Perhaps there's a set up to the next Piper book here, but on its face, it wasn't obvious.


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Finishing Projects, One At A Time

I haven't exactly been good about finishing any of my major projects this year.  My quilt has a lot of work to go, I keep starting new projects and the pile grows and grows.  But, I'm happy to report that I can at least cross ONE item off the to-do list!

I managed to get one project done for Baby Z on the crafting side.  Months and months and months ago, I took a baby blanket crochet class.  I started the blanket and then set it aside about 80% of the way done in order to start on one for my youngest niece.  One thing led to another, and I never got back to it, and I haven't exactly been full of energy and crafty these last few months.  Last month though, I FINALLY got the blanket done, and it felt so good to cross a project off the list. Now I'm working on a few Christmas presents, and then it's back to the several other blankets I have that are works in progress :)

Review: An O'Brien Family Christmas

An O'Brien Family Christmas by Sherryl Woods

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


From Goodreads: Dating Matthew O’Brien-a playboy and a younger man-cost Laila Riley her career and her parents’ respect. A high price, even for love-and when Laila decides it was just a fling, she breaks it off, despite Matthew’s objections.

It’s a great time to get away from it all, but Laila has reservations about joining the O’Briens for a Dublin holiday. Matthew’s bound to be there, and she’s far from immune. What if she can’t resist temptation?

Meanwhile, the O’Briens are in an uproar over matriarch Nell’s unexpected romance with an old flame. Will she follow her heart despite the risks? And will Laila discover that some risks are actually once-in-a-lifetime opportunities?

My Thoughts: The O'Brien books are ones that hook me in, especially at the holidays. They are just such feel-good books with this almost-too-good-to-be-true set of family characters that you can't help but finish the book with a smile on your face. Every time I read one of Ms. Woods' novels, I am left with a good feeling...her first was the O'Brien Christmas story last year, and I have to say both books do a good job of helping keep that happy holiday spirit going. Even without having read all of the O'Brien stories, don't be afraid to pick this one up. You might miss a bit of the backstory, but not enough to be problematic.


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Review: My Ruthless Prince

My Ruthless Prince by Gaelen Foley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


From Goodreads: His brother warriors fear the Earl of Westwood has turned traitor, but Emily Harper knows this is impossible for the man she has loved since childhood . . . as impossible as a marriage between them could ever be—she, the gamekeeper’s daughter and he, a bold and adventurous nobleman.

Driven by hatred and revenge, Westwood is playing a deadly game of deception, bent on destroying the enemy’s dark conspiracy from the inside, and he’s furious when Emily plunges herself into danger for his sake. Forced into close quarters, their long-suppressed desire explodes into all-consuming passion.

Emily knows her love can save him . . . but Westwood is a man who doesn’t want to be saved.

My Thoughts: Westwood's and Emily's story is one I'd been waiting for since starting the Inferno Club series, and I have to say I wasn't disappointed. Having suffered along with Westwood over the previous novels, I think the author did a good job of not glossing over the trauma inflicted on him, what he was tryin to deal with and how even in the end he didn't just go back to being the same person he was portrayed to be prior to all this. Emily was a great heroine too...loyal, strong, resourceful and even amazing at times! It's hard to talk about the story too much without giving important parts away, but the story is strong, the characters even better, and seeing the lines between good and bad shift and blur (in some ways) as we work toward the happy ending was well done.



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Review: A Visit from the Goon Squad

A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


From Goodreads: Bennie is an aging former punk rocker and record executive. Sasha is the passionate, troubled young woman he employs. Here Jennifer Egan brilliantly reveals their pasts, along with the inner lives of a host of other characters whose paths intersect with theirs. With music pulsing on every page, A Visit from the Goon Squad is a startling, exhilarating novel of self-destruction and redemption.

My Thoughts: Having heard so much good about this book, I went in with extremely high expectations, which is always dangerous. (in fact it was my book for book club this fall). It took me a while to finish it, just because it was not at all what I expected. The format, though, was helpful in that respect, as it made it easy to put down and pick up at a later date, with each chapter almost being a short story in and of itself. I can't say I disliked the book at all, and I think Ms. Egan has a great writing style and tells a good story. I think what threw me off was that it always felt like I was left with something missing after each chapter/story. While each was loosely connected, and built upon each other to an extent to a larger picture, it wasn't your typical novel where you end up with some sort of conclusion. Once you get past that, I found it to be a book that I liked more after time had passed than I did right after immediately finishing it.


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Review: Trouble at the Wedding

Trouble at the Wedding by Laura Lee Guhrke

My rating: 3 of 5 stars



From Goodreads: What happens when a woman is determined to marry the wrong man? When she just won’t listen to reason and rushes forward with wedding plans? When she just doesn’t care that she’s marrying a fortune hunting scoundrel who doesn’t love her? What’s her exasperated family supposed to do about it? Hire a different scoundrel to talk her out of it, of course.

American heiress Annabel Wheaton knows what she wants and love isn’t it. Born in a Mississippi backwater, with a twang as wide as the Delta, she wants respect to go with the millions her daddy found in a Klondike gold mine. But respect isn’t easy to come by in the closed Knickerbocker society of New York, and when the fortune-hunting Earl of Rumsford shows up, it seems like he’s just the ticket to make all Annabel’s dreams come true. When he proposes marriage, she happily agrees. That’s when the trouble starts.

Christian Du Quesne has always been trouble—a rake, a gambler, and when he was younger, a fortune hunter. He married once for the sake of the decaying family coffers, but he won’t do it again. When his older brother, the Duke of Scarborough, dies without issue, Christian become the duke and inherits a whole new pile of family debt with no way to pay it. When Annabel’s family hires him to show Annabel just what she’d be getting by marrying into Britain’s aristocratic class, he knows he’s the perfect person to talk her out of matrimony. Problem is, he only has four days to do it. Can he cause enough trouble in those four days to get her to call off the wedding?

My Thoughts: Trouble at the Wedding is the third in Ms. Guhrke's most recent series, Abandoned at the Altar. While I enjoyed it overall, it was probably my least favorite of the three. I continue to enjoy her strong, independent, and unique female heroines, in fact that's probably one of my favorite aspects of her stories. I expected there to be more of a tie between book three and books one and two though, why I'm not sure. It was still an enjoyable story, and it was pleasurable to see our hero, Christian, finally come around and realize there was more than 1) money and later 2) duty involved in his relationship with Annabel. Ms. Guhrke manages to spin good stories around unique aspects of traditional storylines, and I look forward to reading more of her work in the near future!


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