Update and Book Reviews

Ahh Summer... I wish I could say that I've had a restful and joy filled summer, but alas I have not. I have never worked so hard in my life. Hauling bike after bike out of the garage, box after box onto the truck, off the truck, up the stairs, sweating and dirty and shaking with exhaustion,falling into bed only to get up and do it again. I want this move to be over! We are getting there - I think we might make it before the end of summer! LOL! So I haven't had much time for stitching but over the last month I've read a handful of books, so I thought I'd give you a handful of reviews! First I read "Eden" by Carolyn Davidson. This is a Historical Romance set in the old west, one of my favorite genres for quick, comforting reads. This one really disappointed me. The plot development was patchy and the heroine was not at all developed as a character - she wasn't someone I sympathized with or even really liked. Sigh. The only ray of hope in this book was the dark spark of personality in the Hero - but even he was tainted by lack of development. This book wasn't worth your time. I followed that up with another of the same Genre: Dorothy Garlock's "Leaving Whiskey Bend". Dorothy could definitely teach the previous author a thing or two. The plot was a bit transparent at times and I was disappointed that she revealed the sneaky murderer about halfway through the story instead of letting us figure it out, but hey- its a romance not a mystery. The characters were memorable, developed and believable. Perfect for a light read. Next I read the first in a new-old series: New to me but actually published a while ago. The book was "The Royal Treatment" by MaryJanice Davidson. She's a chick lit writer with sassy, funny books that have a bit of happily ever after in them. Anyway this series, she twists reality a bit and re-writes history to make Alaska become it's own country instead of part of the USA. What? Yea, weird but it makes sense in the books. LOL. Anyway MJ delivers her usual sass and laughter with this first book. The characters are laugh out loud funny and you'll identify with the heroine even if you don't think like a 20 something gorgeous girl. Definitely worth your time! After that I re-visted my old friends in Janet Evanovich's 15th Stephanie Plum book; "Finger lickin Fifteen". Janet is always great for a laugh and her characters are really like old friends. I hope she's still writing these 10 years from now and I will faithfully buy every one I enjoy them so much! The last book I read is a non-fiction book by naturalist writer Ted Kerasote called "Merle's Door". This is basically a biography of his dog Merle, who is a character in his own right. The author builds his case for human relationships with dogs and Merle is certainly a unique and wonderful individual probably partly because of the life he led with Ted. I'm sure that some dog owners won't agree with Ted's take on how we should train and keep our dogs, but that won't detract from this enjoyable read - warning tear jerker ending! If you love dogs or dog stories read this one!
Hope you all are having a wonderful summer and get a chance to pick up a good book. I, on the otherhand am going to be spending my spare moments with my newest addiction: Facebook and the Mafia Wars and Pirates games.. I know, silly but addictive! luv ya - Jackie