Kate

Synopsis: Peggy Beldon Thyme and Tide B and B 44 Cranberry Point Cedar Cove, Washington Dear Reader, I love living in Cedar Cove, but things haven't been the same since a man died in our B and B. Turns out his name was Max Russell, and Bob had known him briefly in Vietnam.We still don't have any idea why he came here and--most important of all--who killed him. Because it now appears that he was poisoned. I sure hope somebody figures it out soon! Not that we're providing the only news in Cedar Cove these days. I heard that Jon Bowman and Maryellen Sherman are getting married. And Maryellen's mom, Grace, has more than her share of interested men! The question is: Which one is she going to choose? Olivia--I guess it's Olivia Griffin now--is back from her honeymoon, and her mother, Charlotte (who's in her mid-seventies at least), seems to have a man in her life, too. I'm not sure Olivia's too pleased.... There's lots of other gossip I could tell you. Come by for a cup of tea and one of my blueberry muffins and we'll talk. Peggy This is number four in Macomber's Cedar Cove series. The story picks up pretty much where it left off- new marriages are blossoming, friendships growing, but more importantly, mysteries still unsolved. Peggy and Bob have been struggling since a man called Max turned up in the night to stay at their B&B, and died . It was later found out it was murder. They just want this solved. There are other things going on too, such as the Navy boys returning to their families and Grace trying to get over losing Cliff. I love Macomber's novels. They are pure and simple chick-lit. This story was full of life, love, friendship and family. But with this series there is a slight twist - Macomber has added in the idea of mystery. In this book, and the previous one: 311 Pelican Court, the mystery surrounds this man Max, his death and his connection to Bob. In the next book the mystery will be surrounding Ray, the Private Investigator. I like this addition to the novel. Macomber writes great novels anyway but this just adds something special and lifts it out of the bog-standard chick-lit genre. Macomber also writes wonderful characters. I love Olivia, Grace, Peggy and the like. Their friendships are special and reading about their families and events in their lives is great fun. I find them believable and I wish they were real! They are full of wisdom - the kind of older female friends one would want to have around for friendship and guidance. Yes this is a fairly predictable story, and the murderer wasn't much of a surprise but I enjoyed this book. It was a nice novel that I read in 24 hours. Like the rest of Macomber's books, this comes with high praise from me.

Synopsis: "Another world is colliding with this one," said the toad. "All the monsters are coming back.""Why?" said Tiffany. "There's no one to stop them. There was silence for a moment. Then Tiffany said, "There's me." Armed only with a frying pan and her common sense, Tiffany Aching, a young witch-to-be, is all that stands between the monsters of Fairyland and the warm, green Chalk country that is her home. Forced into Fairyland to seek her kidnaped brother, Tiffany allies herself with the Chalk's local Nac Mac Feegle -- aka the Wee Free Men -- a clan of sheep-stealing, sword-wielding, six-inch-high blue men who are as fierce as they are funny. Together they battle through an eerie and ever-shifting landscape, fighting brutal flying fairies, dream-spinning dromes, and grimhounds -- black dogs with eyes of fire and teeth of razors -- before ultimately confronting the Queen of the Elves, absolute ruler of a world in which reality intertwines with nightmare. And in the final showdown, Tiffany must face her cruel power alone.... This is book number 30 in Terry Pratchett's Discworld novel. This is a Tiffany Aching novel, a young adult twist on the Witches novels. Tiffany is called upon to rescue her brother from the Queen in an alternative universe and for help she has the Wee Free Men and a Toad. She calls upon powers she didn't know she possessed - the witch in her comes out as she fights the Queen of the Elves with just a frying pan. I found this story slow to start but by half way through I was hooked. The Wee Free Men are hilarious! I loved that they just wanted to drink and fight! The end made me laugh, when poor Rob Anyone thought he might have to marry Tiffany - his fear was funny! I liked Tiffany too. She was headstrong, determined and inventive. She kept fighting and wouldn't let anyone take/insult her brother - although it was OK for her too. As usual, Pratchett has written a fantastic novel. It is funny, full of action and with great characters. I would have liked Nanny Ogg and Granny Weatherwax to feature more in this book but Tiffany was a delightful character. This is aimed at young adults but that doesn't come through or ruin this book. This has everything you would expect from Pratchett and is well worth reading.

That looks amazing Kell! Did it take long? Looks like it must have done, all those changes in colours

I've read over 100 pages of E: A Novel by Matt Beaumont tonight. Should finish it tomorrow

Synopsis: Set amid the austere beauty of the North Carolina coast, Nicholas Sparks tells the story of Travis Parker, a small-town veterinarian who's perfectly content with the active and exciting life he leads. Since he uses his spare time bungee jumping and swimming with the dolphins, he can't shake the belief that a woman would simply slow him down. That is, until Gabby Holland enters his life. Gabby, Travis's new neighbor, is in love with her boyfriend of three years, and wants nothing more than to start planning the wedding she's always dreamed about. However, there is a story within a story and the connection between Travis and Gabby is just a beginning. As their tale unfolds, their relationship becomes something different--with much higher stakes. With echoes of THE NOTE BOOK abound, listeners everywhere will fall in love. This is the second Nicholas Sparks book I have read, and it was what drew me to this other books, all of which I have loved. The story is set around Gabby, a new woman in the neighbourhood and her neighbour Travis. Their relationship starts badly, but Travis is patient and their relationship develops, and helps Gabby make new friends in the town. The story then jumps to the present day and their current situation, which broke my heart... Sparks is a wonderful writer - engaging, amusing and writes realistic stories that are full of life, pain and joy. I was gripped right from the start. I loved watching Travis and Gabby's relationship develop - from neighbours, to friends to more. The description of outings, the scenery and the fun and friendship were gorgeous. My favourite part was when they were out in Travis's boat with his friends and their children. It was lovely to read. I really liked both Gabby and Travis. I could relate to and empathise with both, and I felt myself willing the best for both of them. That said, my favourite character was Steph, Travis's sister. She was forward, fun and wanted the best for everyone. She was there when Travis needed her and she came across as someone I would like to be friends with. I don't think there was a character I didn't like - Sparks writes people who I want to know and who I like reading about. Yes, in true Sparks fashion there is a twist at the end. It wasn't quite what I was expecting and it bought tears to my eyes. I liked how Sparks played out the situation. I found my heart breaking, then relief washing over me, I almost cried at one point, and overall, felt satisfied with the read. This book really played on my emotions, it was great. Top marks and a big recommendation from me.

I thought the same - enjoyed it but wasn't sure enjoyed is the right word! I'm waiting for Perks of Being A Wallflower to come back into the library. Would anyone like to read it with me?

I have been reading The Lost Book of Salem by Katherine Howe today - liking it so far Just been to the library and too out: Dave Boling: Guernica (a R & J Book Club read) Judy Blume: Forever

This book does exactly what it says in the title: it gives fifty reasons why Jesus came to die. Using the New Testament John Piper explores the many reasons why Jesus not only came to Earth, but chose to die too. Many books have been written surrounding Jesus Christ, and most of the well known ones argue that Jesus and the Bible are nonsense. This book is authored by a man who is a well-known author and pastor, and who believes completely in the Bible (and yes as an aside, I have to say I agree with him). I think it is important not to dismiss this book because the guy believes in God - give it a go like you would a book by Philip Pullman. This book is easy to read and cut down into short chapters. Every chapter is based on what it says in the Bible. As a Christian I found this a really useful book and well worth reading. If you like this, it is worth noting that a lot of Piper's books are available online for free. I have found his books useful and would recommend him for his theology, intelligence and his books. This is really worth getting hold of - it explores why Jesus came to die in a Biblical and coherent way.

Thank you!

I have just finished 44 Cranberry Point by Debbie Macomber. Next up is Memory Garden by Rachel Hore

I've started reading 44 Cranberry Point by Debbie Macomber

Yesterday I finished Old School Ties by Kate Harrison - I read it pretty much in one day. This morning I've put aside In Southern Waters by Ian Marchant - there is a lot of swearing and use of the c-word which I just don't like so I'm going to stop reading it. Don't know what I'll pick up next

Synopsis: Mags and Julie are partners at Dream Weddings, catering for the over-the-top and sometimes downright bizarre requirements of Belfast's brides and grooms to be. They rub along well but are as different as chalk and cheese. Mags is married to the love of her life, has four kids and a complicated extended family. Julie is impossibly glamorous, and doesn't remotely believe in love or marriage. When Julie embarks on a life crisis, running away from her live-in lover and throwing herself in to a hair-raisingly sexy fling with Jay, it is Mags who is left to pick up the pieces. When Julie eventually comes back, she brings Jay with her, and that is where the real trouble starts. Add to the mix Dream Weddings' most high-profile celebrity clients yet, and the biggest, most ambitious wedding they have ever organised, and the fireworks really begin This is the second Sharon Owen novel I have read and like The Teahouse on Mulberry Street, I enjoyed it and thought it was an OK chick-lit book. The narrator is Mags - a woman who is happily married, a goth and an assistant wedding planner. Her associate/manager is Julie, who seems to be having a mid-life crisis. Although this takes her to South Ireland where she forgets about her boyfriend and hooks up with a worker at the spa. From there, she starts to lead a double-life, leaving Mags to do most of the work in regards to a crazy celebrity wedding. This is your basic chick-lit novel. There is romance, a bit of a crisis and friendship. That said, this was a pleasant read. I found myself cringing in places, especially in regards to the weird vampire-like wedding at the end. The story was fairly predictable but that didn't ruin the read. If you like a quick, easy read this is for you. I liked Mags however. She was a touch eccentric and I loved the idea of her with blue hair! She looked out for Julie and was happy in her marriage, which was a pleasant thing to read. Her husband was great too - very sensible and loving. I was indifferent to Julie, she seemed to go off the rails and act like a teenager. What I liked was reading what Mags thought about the events, as opposed to reading about Julie herself. This is easy reading, a fun, quick read if you like chick-lit.

I went to the library this morning and took out The Senator's Wife by Sue Miller, which is one of the TV Book Club choices and at the moment I'm reading Old School Ties by Kate Harrison

Synopsis: The White Queen tells the story of a woman of extraordinary beauty and ambition who, catching the eye of the newly crowned boy king, marries him in secret and ascends to royalty. While Elizabeth rises to the demands of her exalted position and fights for the success of her family, her two sons become central figures in a mystery that has confounded historians for centuries: the missing princes in the Tower of London whose fate is still unknown. From her uniquely qualified perspective, Philippa Gregory explores this most famous unsolved mystery of English history, informed by impeccable research and framed by her inimitable storytelling skills. This is the first book in Gregory's Civil War series. The story follows Elizabeth who marries the new king in secret. At first she is just a young widow in love. She soon realises that this will not be an easy marriage - with the court unhappy about the marriage and brothers going to war against each other. She has to rely on her wit - and a bit of magic to protect herself and her family, while people plot to overthrow her family and even kill them. I enjoyed Gregory's Tudor series and was really looking forward to reading this. And I was not let down - I loved it. Gregory writes wonderful historical novels. She does her research well and I never feel like she has made a massive mistake - it always seems realistic and accurate. Alongside that, she writes a great storyline and great characters. This story is full of adventure, magic, deception and war. Gregory doesn't pussyfoot around war and the horrors of it, especially back in the middle ages. She writes a gripping tale and wonderful descriptions. We see the battlefield, them hiding in the Tower and in sanctuary in a crypt by the river. So much happened, and it was great reading. My opinion of Elizabeth changed as the story wore on. At first I liked her - she was young and in love, but the Court got to her and she became determined and headstrong. She was focused on keeping her position as Queen, even if this upset her children and left them isolated without allies. I didn't like her new character but it felt realistic, power goes to her head. I didn't particular like Edward her husband. He too was over ambitious. That said, it made for a fantastic read. I was hooked. Gregory writes exception historical novels that are well worth reading. This one gets top marks from me.

That's great, thank you! I don't know if you have my new address so I'll PM it to you

Only if that is OK? Can I be cheeky and ask to borrow The Boy With the Cuckoo Heart too? :mrgreen:

Ooo another book I will be adding to wishlist, thanks!

I've been doing more reading The other day I finished The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. It was an interesting read and I enjoyed it I think it is a book that will stay with me for a long time - it explores a deep issue - depression and suicide, and the images will remain/haunt me for a while. This is sensitively written and well worth reading. I have put Dead Sight by Glenn Chandler aside. I was reading it for my dissertation and the first 100 pages were very helpful. I have stopped reading it because there will be a ritual child killing and I don't want to read that.

I have decided to put aside Glenn Chandler's Dead Sight - there is a ritual killing of a child and I don't want to read that, and I have enough for my dissertation. I'm listening to A Hat Full of Sky by Terry Pratchett at the moment

I'm going to be reading Dead Sight by Glenn Chandler this morning again. It is getting better I've been working on my blog again - finding new books to read from other blogs

Synopsis:

What is Leaves of Grass about? This is my first time watching it, although I will re-watch it I'm sure!

You could try listening to them - I find I prefer classics if they are in audiobook form

That was a good episode! I have one more episode to watch then I will have finished Gilmore Girls Brighter news...I have finished The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. Not sure which to read next - what are others reading?