Peacefield

But we don't mind the bum-flashes, and really, isn't the point to make us happy?!

Yayayay Bethany!! I'm so happy you're loving it! I completely agree about the way that Setterfield writes. Her style just lends to the mystery of the story itself, and yes, it's definitely magical. I have several quotes from that book that I wrote down because I loved them so much. One I can remember about a 'family being like a spiderweb' and not being able to think of one person without learning about/effecting the rest of a family as a whole. Excellent stuff .

Hey there, Bel-Ami! Glad you joined us . I really want to say I love your avatar too - it reminds me of Sargent. Very nice indeed .

Indeed I have! But I just wouldn't mind being able to have the experience of reading them for the first time again .

I finally saw a preview for It Might Get Loud over the weekend and am really looking forward to seeing this one. Being able to see the Edge, Jimmy Page and Jack White all jam together on film will be excellent! I would also like to see Paper Heart, with Michael Cera and Charlyne Yi. The story just looks very sweet .

Ohhh, Bethany! I loved Thirteenth Tale SO much! I really, really hope you like it . I just found a great copy in hardcover so I added it to my library in hopes to read it again some day. The way the story is told is almost eerie, and the setting being somewhere in Yorkshire (I think) really lends to that feeling. Please let us know what you think of it! I will also highly recommend The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane (aka The Lost Book of Salem). Definitely a favorite of mine this year.

Is this the first time you're reading the Twilight books, SweetiiPie? If so, I'm jealous!

Umm, all I ended up having was some pita bread with babaghanoush, a handful of dark chocolate covered espresso beans and a banana . Guess I didn't do very well in the dinner category tonight. It was a long day though and I truly couldn't be bothered!

I can't wait for Kostova's new one, Mac! I'm surprised to see that on the Amazon UK website it's not due out until 21 January there either, so I guess we'll have to wait awhile for it . I haven't read The Last Witchfinder yet, but on your recommendation I did pick it up on one of my recent trips to the used bookshop, so it is definitely in my TBR pile! When I was at the cabin this weekend I borrowed 'Frenchman's Creek' by Daphne du Maurier from our communal book shelf and also 'The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Jazz and Blues' by Howard Mandell. Looking forward to reading them both .

Lopeanha, I love Jonny Lang! He is originally from Fargo and has spent a LOT of time here in MN. I used to go see him in shows when they called him 'Kid Jonny Lang' . That's so great you like him! He has an excellent voice which I can never get tired of. Smay, I recently discovered Bon Iver as well. I really like 'Skinny Love' and if you haven't heard 'Re: Stacks' I would look for it! I think that one's my fave so far . I really like the folk-y/acoustic-y stuff he does; he reminds me of Samuel Beam from Iron and Wine. Which is an excellent band if you like Bon Iver.

Yep, here it is Janet! Thanks for your encouragement . I'm so, SO glad you are liking the Salem book! It's been awhile since I've gotten so excited over a new author and am glad other people can share in the enthusiasm. Hopefully we won't have to wait too long for Howe's next work! Gyre, I liked that about The Historian as well, and I find that area of the world very interesting too. The architecture, the customs, and then throw in the historical info on Vlad Tepes and it was just a wonderful story. I love the Sookie book, Tikkititi! Can't wait to read more in the series. I'm glad the Dane/Salem book is on your list now, I don't think you'll be disappointed after you read it! Roxi, I think you should check more into The Lost Book of Salem, I can't say enough good things .

Aww thanks, Gyre! I will say the same about your and your reads . I'm very excited over Kostova's new one! If you get a chance look for the synopsis - I think it looks very interesting. Did you enjoy The Historian?

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Great, Chesilbeach, thanks for listing them! I've added them to my list of things to watch out for on my trips to the used book shop .

Hey there and welcome to BCF, Prue! Glad to have you .

I need to read these Kelly Armstrong books soon, Chesilbeach! How many are in the series, anyway?

Unfortunately I don't do much gardening now since all I have is my little terrace with potted flowers and plants on it, but growing up we always had a really big vegetable garden in our back yard. My mom was also big into planting trees and flowers all around our house and patio too, and still is that way up at our cabin. I think my folks probably preferred growing our own veggies because it was cheaper to feed 5 kids that way! Plus it was so nice to be outdoors weeding or picking things for meals, and then the inevitable canning season. Lots of good memories come from gardening for me .

Boring cereal for me tonight .

I had no idea that The Birds was a Daphne du Maurier book. I've seen the film many, many times, but that's just because I'm a big Hitchcock fan in general. His movie takes place I think around San Francisco, SueK. I'll have to put the book on my TBR pile now so I can see how the original version actually is. Also, I've read Rebecca but never seen the film, which is odd since I like Hitchcock so much. I guess I'm doing things somewhat backwards, LOL.

Indeed it's a beautiful area of the US Janet and you should definitely get there one day! I spent 2 weeks driving all over New England back in 2003 and honestly it was one of the best trips I've ever been on. We spent a lot of time in Boston and Cambridge, also visiting Salem and the House of Seven Gables. I don't know if you knew this, but Nathaniel Hawthorne's relative was one of the judges presiding over the Salem witch trials (and I think may even be mentioned in the book you're reading) and because of not wanting to be associated with the whole disaster, Nathaniel added the 'w' to his last name. The whole time I was reading this book though I just longed to pack up my suitcase and head back there. I even discovered in my family history research that I have 2 relatives who were accused of being witches at the same time but their names were eventually cleared. It's all very interesting stuff .

Ooohhhh yay Janet I'm so glad you are loving this book so far! Isn't the story just so intriguing?! I read the authors website that she's writing her 2nd novel, and is even planning on a sequel to the Salem book after that! Can't wait .

Two big thumbs-up from me in recommending The Shining as well. It's by far one of my favorites. I would also say the same about Christine, and if you are a fan of short stories, I would try Night Shift.

Great review, Paula! I've only ever read the first Odd Thomas book, but while my friend and I were at Barnes & Noble this weekend she picked up Odd Hours. She loves the series and couldn't wait to read this newest paperback . I hope you like it!

I've never left the theatre during a movie, but have come close a couple of times. Once during 'A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon' and the other time for 'Waking Life.' Nowadays I mainly just see movies by directors I know I like or if it looks like something that would appeal to me, and luckily I've never had that bad of an experience.

My white bean/chicken chili turned out excellent tonight!! It may replace all forms of chili in my house from now on .