Mailbox Monday October 31

Happy Halloween! We had trick or treat in our neck of the woods yesterday. It was cold, windy and rainy! Not ideal weather for trick or treaters. We had a few brave kids but not as many as we usually have.

It's Monday and we all know what that means! Mailbox Monday! This months hostess is Serena at Savvy Verse and Wit.

I received a few books this week for review, plus a surprise audiobook and a gorgeous bookmark I won from a mini-challenge during Dewey's Read-a-thon. It's a beautiful variegated knitted bookmark. My picture does not do the bookmark justice. Trust me, it is gorgeous! I won it from Fancy Terrible Book Reviews. Thank you ladies! Be sure to stop by and say "hi" to them!

These are the books I received.

The Third Reich(audiobook) by Roberto Bolano read by Simon Vance-courtesy of MacMillan Audio

The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott-courtesy of Doubleday Books

The World We Found by Thrifty Umrigar-courtesy of Harper Collins

The America's Test Kitchen Menu Cookbook-courtesy of Amazon Vine

So that is what came into my home last week. What new reads made their way into your home?

Yankee Doodle Dixie by Lisa Patton

Yankee Doodle Dixie by Lisa Patton

Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books (September 13, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0312556934
ISBN-13: 978-0312556938

Summary

A charmingly funny testament to second chances in life and love from the acclaimed author of Whistlin’ Dixie in a Nor’easter

Lisa Patton won the hearts of readers last year, her book Whistlin’ Dixie in a Nor’easter became a sleeper-success. Building on a smashing debut, Lisa’s poised to go to the next level—because whether in Vermont snow or in Memphis heat, Dixie heroine Leelee Satterfield is never too far from misadventure, calamity...and ultimately, love.

Having watched her life turn into a nor’easter, 34-year-old Leelee Satterfield is back home in the South, ready to pick back up where she left off. But that’s a task easier said then done…Leelee’s a single mom, still dreaming of the Vermonter who stole her heart, and accompanied by her three best friends who pepper her with advice, nudging and peach daiquiris, Leelee opens another restaurant and learns she has to prove herself yet again. Filled with heart and humor, women’s fiction fans will delight in this novel.

My Thoughts

This is the sequel to Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'Easter. This book could be read asa stand along since the beginning does bring you up to date on Leelee Satterfield's story but I would recommend reading both books in order. Why would you want to miss out on the fun?

This book picks up with Leelee arriving back home in Memphis. It doesn't take Leelee long to realize that life as she knew it in Memphis is about to change. She is now a single mother who needs to support her daughters and find a place to live. I admired how Leelee picked up her boot straps and took care of business, in her usual hilarious way. Leelee once again charmed her way into my heart and had me laughing.

Lisa Patton has introduced us to some new characters in this book while bringing back some old faces from the previous book. In this book we get to see more of Leelee's best friends, who are just as entertaining as Leelee. We also get to see more of Kissie, the woman who was hired to care for Leelee as a baby. Such a wonderful, gentle soul. There is also Riley, Leelee's extremely, annoying neighbor. I really wanted to wring his neck. Leelee has the patience of a saint with him. Not so sure I could have been as gracious. There are also many quirky characters where Leelee finds a job at a radio station. Wherever Leelee goes, fun is sure to follow.

This is another heartwarming, fun story. I hope Lisa Patton isn't done writing about Leelee yet! Leelee's story can brighten even the darkest day! It's pure adorable, Southern fun!

I received this book from Amazon Vine for my honest opinion

Whistlin Dixie in a Nor'easter by Lisa Patton

Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter by Lisa Patton

Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books (September 29, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0312556608

Summary
Leelee Satterfield seemed to have it all: a gorgeous husband, two adorable daughters, and roots in the sunny city of Memphis, Tennessee. So when her husband gets the idea to uproot the family to run a quaint Vermont inn, Leelee is devastated…and her three best friends are outraged. But she’s loved Baker Satterfield since the tenth grade, how can she not indulge his dream? Plus, the glossy photos of bright autumn trees and smiling children in ski suits push her over the edge…after all, how much trouble can it really be?

But Leelee discovers pretty fast that there’s a truckload of things nobody tells you about Vermont until you live there: such as mud season, vampire flies, and the danger of ice sheets careening off roofs. Not to mention when her beloved Yorkie decides to pick New Year’s Eve to go to doggie heaven-she encounters one more New England oddity: frozen ground means you can’t bury your dead in the winter. And that Yankee idiosyncrasy just won’t do.

The inn they’ve bought also has its host of problems: an odor that no amount of potpourri can erase, tacky décor, and a staff of peculiar Vermonters whose personalities are as unique as the hippopotamus collection gracing the fireplace mantle. The whole operation is managed by Helga, a stern German woman who takes special delight in bullying Leelee for her southern gentility. Needless to say, it doesn’t take long for Leelee to start wondering when to drag out the moving boxes again.

But when an unexpected hardship takes Leelee by surprise, she finds herself left alone with an inn to run, a mortgage to pay, and two daughters to raise. But this Southern belle won’t be run out of town so easily. Drawing on the Southern grit and inner strength she didn’t know she had, Leelee decides to turn around the Inn, her attitude and her life. In doing so, she makes friends with her neighbors, finds a little romance, and realizes there’s a lot more in common with Vermont than she first thought.

In this moving and comedic debut, Lisa Patton paints a hilarious portrait of life in Vermont as seen through the eyes of a southern belle readers won’t soon forget. A charming fish-out-of-water tale of one woman who learns to stand up for herself-in sandals and snow boots-against the odds.

My Thoughts

I adored this book! Leelee Satterfield is a somewhat spoiled southern belle but she caught my heart right off the bat with her charm. She is quite the character. When she follows her husband to Vermont to open an inn, something neither of them knows anything about, the fun begins! Leelee is a fish out of water but she is determined to make those around her happy. The cultural differences between Leelee's southern roots and Vermont are very entertaining. It is like night and day! Leelee kept me laughing through the whole book.


This is a cute story that is entertaining and will keep you laughing. It is not a serious, intellectual read but a humorous look at the differences between Southerners and us Yankees. It is a light read that will leave you feeling good at the end. Just sit back and enjoy! I am looking forward to reading more of Leelee's antics!


This book was a win from Dewey's Read-a-thon (quite awhile ago)

WWW Wednesday October 26

WWW Wednesday is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

To play along, just answer the following three questions…
• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

What are you currently reading?

The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin

I am loving this book. I have both the book and the audiobook and am using both.

What did you recently finish reading?

Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter by Lisa Patton

Yankee Doodle Dixie by Lisa Patton

These two books were fun and entertaining. Be sure to come back Thursday and Friday for my reviews on both books.

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznik

This is a fabulous children's book! Click on the title for my review.

What do you think you’ll read next

Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs


I'm hoping to swipe this back from my daughter who swiped it before I had a chance to read it.

Wonderstruck

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznik

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 608 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press; 1 edition (September 13, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0545027896
ISBN-13: 978-0545027892

Summary from Goodreads

Set fifty years apart, two independent stories—Ben's told in words and Rose's in pictures—weave back and forth with mesmerizing symmetry. How they unfold and ultimately intertwine will surprise you, challenge you, and leave you breathless with wonder.

Ever since his mom died, Ben feels lost.
At home with her father, Rose feels alone.

He is searching for someone, but he is not sure who.
She is searching for something, but she is not sure what.

When Ben finds a mysterious clue hidden in his mom's room,
When a tempting opportunity presents itself to Rose

Both children risk everything to find what's missing.

With over 460 pages of original drawings and playing with the form he invented in his trailblazing debut novel, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Brian Selznick once again sails into uncharted territory and takes readers on an awe-inspiring journey. Rich, complex, affecting and beautiful, Wonderstruck is a stunning achievement from a uniquely gifted artist and visionary.

My Thoughts

This was my first read by this author and I have to say I was very impressed! I saw a copy of this book in my local bookstore and was impressed with the artwork. The artwork had piqued my curiosity.

The book tells two layered stories, one through illustrations and one through words. The illustrated story is the story of Rose, who is enamored with a silent movie star named Lillian Mayhew. The written story is the story of Ben, who is grieving over his mother and wonders who and where his father is. Both Rose and Ben found a special place in my heart right away. You can't help but feel compassion for both characters. Rose and Ben's stories happen 50 years apart from each other and for the longest time I couldn't figure out how they were related. The suspense was building in me. Eventually the two stories come together in a way I never imagined! I found this a unique way to tell a story and I think it is a great way to tell a story to children. I don't want to say any more about the story as I don't want to spoil one moment of this delightful story for any reader. The story is a delectable journey that you will want to savor. I could not put this book down and read it straight through!

The pencil drawings are stunning and remarkable! The written story is creative and the descriptions are wonderfully vivid! Brian Selznick is extremely talented! This is a book you do not want to miss!

This is a wonderful story for all ages. I think kids and adults will enjoy this. The recommended ages are 9 years old and up or 4th grade and up. I have to agree with the recommended ages. There are some subjects that might be too sad or intense for younger children. I suggest you read it and decide if it is okay for your younger children.

I received this book through Amazon Vine for my honest opinion.

Mailbox Monday October 24

It's Monday and we all know what that means! Mailbox Monday! This months hostess is Serena at Savvy Verse and Wit.

I survived Dewey's Read-a-thon! We should have t-shirts that say that! I managed to get three books read before conking out in the wee hours of the morning. Not bad seeing my day normally begins at 5 am. Sunday morning was painful! As soon as the dogs had been put out, fed and got their medicine, I went back to bed until 9 am! I never sleep that late. Last night we had a bad storm come through but I slept right through it all! Guess I was tired!

I only received one book this week. That is okay by me. I have many books to catch up on. I purchased this book with a coupon. I can't pass up a good book or a good coupon!

What Alice Forgot by Liane Moriarty


Hardcover: 432 pages
Publisher: Amy Einhorn Books/Putnam; Book Club (BCE/BOMC) edition (June 2, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0399157182
ISBN-13: 978-0399157189

Alice Love is twenty-nine years old, madly in love with her husband, and pregnant with their first child. So imagine her surprise when, after a fall, she comes to on the floor of a gym (a gym! she HATES the gym!) and discovers that she's actually thirty-nine, has three children, and is in the midst of an acrimonious divorce.

A knock on the head has misplaced ten years of her life, and Alice isn't sure she likes who she's become. It turns out, though, that forgetting might be the most memorable thing that has ever happened to Alice.

That is what I received last week. What wonderful books made their way into your home?

Dewey's Readathon End of Event Meme

It's over. I had a blast. I read three books and was very happy with that. I didn't make the full 24 hours but I knew that I wouldn't. I finally gave up around 2 a.m. I tried again at 5 but my eyes and brain said no. Thank you to all the hosts and committee members who made it all possible! A special thanks to all the cheerleaders! You guys are awesome! See you in the spring!

1. Which hour was most daunting for you? From midnight on was hard for me. I finally gave up around 2 am and took a nap, woke up at 5 but my eyes hurt so I went back to sleep.

2. Could you list a few high-interest books that you think could keep a Reader engaged for next year? I enjoyed Wonderstruck by Brian Selznik. It was very different and was a quick read.

3. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? The only suggestion I would have is maybe some easier mini-challenges, at least during the latter hours of the readathon. My brain needed easier challenges then.

4. What do you think worked really well in this year’s Read-a-thon? I liked the list of readers that was alphabetized.

5. How many books did you read? I read 3 books

6. What were the names of the books you read? Wonderstruck by Brian Selznik, Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'Easter by Lisa Patton, Yankee Doodle Dixie by Lisa Patton.

7. Which book did you enjoy most? I really loved all three books!

8. Which did you enjoy least? NA

9. If you were a Cheerleader, do you have any advice for next year’s Cheerleaders? NA

10. How likely are you to participate in the Read-a-thon again? What role would you be likely to take next time? Of course I will participate again! I wouldn't miss it!

My Ending Stats

How many pages read since last update: 637
How many pages read total: 1110 pages
Number of books read since you started: 3
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 150 minutes
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 558 minutes

Mini-challenges completed: 5 mini challenges completed
Prizes won: The Bakers Wife by Erin Healey (yay!)

Dewey's Readathon Updated/Mini challenges

I will keep updating under this post so I don't fill up my followers readers.

12:48

Sadly, I think I need to take a break and a nap. I finished another book but it did smack me in the face several times as my eyes got heavy and closed. I did pretty good this time. I am hoping to take a nap and get back to reading. I finished Starstruck and highly recommend it!

Thank you to all my wonderful cheerleaders! You have all been great!

How many pages read since last update: 637
How many pages read total: 1110 pages
Number of books read since you started: 3
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 150 minutes
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 558 minutes

Mini-challenges completed: 5 mini challenges completed

Food and beverages consumed since last update:
Crystal Light Appletini--yummm!


9:42

Mid-Event Survey:
1. What are you reading right now? Starstruck by Brian Selznik
2. How many books have you read so far? 2
3. What book are you most looking forward to for the second half of the Read-a-thon? Starstruck
4. Did you have to make any special arrangements to free up your whole day? Declared it "Mom is not doing anything day!"
5. Have you had many interruptions? How did you deal with those? Yep, phone calls, dogs, kids, helping my son get spiffed up for a wedding. Just took a break and went with it.
6. What surprises you most about the Read-a-thon, so far? That I am still awake and reading
7. Do you have any suggestions for how to improve the Read-a-thon next year? Nope it is all good!
8. What would you do differently, as a Reader or a Cheerleader, if you were to do this again next year? Not get up at 5 in the morning, I get up to give my dog his medicine and I stayed up when I could have slept for two more hours before the readathon started.
9. Are you getting tired yet? Oh yeah!
10. Do you have any tips for other Readers or Cheerleaders, something you think is working well for you that others may not have discovered? Nothing I can think of


Updated Stats
What I'm reading now: Starstruck by Brian Selznick

How many pages read since last update: 293
How many pages read total: 473 pages
Number of books read since you started: 2
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 266minutes
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 408 minutes

Mini-challenges completed: 5 mini challenges completed

Food and beverages consumed since last update:
rainbow sherbet with chocolate chips and toffee chips
dark chocolate reeses peanut butter cup
macaroni and cheese smothered in chili
milk
white cranberry peach drink



3:34pm
Book Sentence Challenge

This is a challenge hosted by Midnight Book Girl(who has an awesome blog!) where you take at least three book titles and make a sentence from them. My sentence isn't too good. I'll update my reading totals around the half way mark.

Cherries in winter wither east of the sun.


Just a little update. I was going pretty good but had quite a few distractions the past couple hours so I decided to do a quick update and get back to business.

What I'm reading now: Yankee Doodle Dixie by Lisa Patton

How many pages read since last update: 180 pages
How many pages read total: 180 pages
Number of books read since you started: 1
Amount of time spent reading since last update: 142 minutes
Running total of time spent reading since you started: 142 minutes

Mini-challenges completed: 3 mini challenges completed

Food and beverages consumed:
coffee/french vanilla creamer
banana oatmeal chococolate chip craisin muffin

white cranberry peach drink
turkey/swiss sandwich on whole wheat
Claussen pickle spear
veggie sticks
mini Milky Way bars

Dewey's Readathon Mini-Challenge -Characater Photo

Alyce at AT Home With Books is hosting this challenge! Thank you Alyce! Here is what Alyce asked us to do:

"My challenge for you is to take a photo of something that represents a character in one of the books you are reading for the readathon."

I took picture that is not too original. The character I am currently reading about is Leelee Satterfield from Whistlin Dixie in a Nor'Easter by Lisa Patton. She is a southern belle at heart that has been uprooted to run an inn in Vermont. She just finished shoveling out her car, or so she thought, after an April Nor'Easter. This picture represents her. She's a peach out of her element and is not liking the rough Vermont weather and having to wear so much paraphernalia. I imagine her wearing a styling winter hat.


I am doing okay on the readathon and will update my totals later. I made my morning phone call to my mother and am now ready to get back to my book! So far, so good!

In another note, I can't believe that as soon as I took off my word verification off of comments, I got spammed.

Dear Mr. or Mrs. Spammer,
No, I won't be watching Jersey Shore anytime soon so you really don't need to leave me a link to watch it! And I sure won't be clicking on any links you might choose to leave me. I hope you can find a better way to enjoy your day!

Back to the books!

Dewey's Readathon Begins! Introduction Meme

1)Where are you reading from today? I am reading from home in Southeast Wisconsin

2)Three random facts about me… I have three children, I played the violin growing up, I adore dark chocolate

3)How many books do you have in your TBR pile for the next 24 hours? 15...I won't get to them all but wanted an assortment ready to go

4)Do you have any goals for the read-a-thon (i.e. number of books, number of pages, number of hours, or number of comments on blogs)? No set goals, just to read as much as I can and have fun

5)If you’re a veteran read-a-thoner, any advice for people doing this for the first time? Just to have fun and maybe set up a template for updates. I found that having a template is helpful.

And we are off! Let the reading begin!

I am starting the day off finishing Whistlin in a Nor'Easter which I had hoped to have finished before today. I spent yesterday suit shopping with one of my sons for a wedding he is going to...today! He is my procrastinater. Do you know how hard it is to find a suit to fit a tall, skinny guy on short notice? Love the lady at Men's Wearhouse! She hooked us up and took excellent care of us!

I am ready to read. The dogs are fed. I have my favorite dog t-shirt on along with my favorite yoga pants. The weather is going to be beautiful, so some reading can be done outside! Yay! I have a lukewarm cup of coffee(coffeemaker is not my friend today) with french vanilla creamer in it. The house is quiet since everyone else is sleeping in.

Good luck and have fun everyone!

WWW Wednesday October 19

WWW Wednesday is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

To play along, just answer the following three questions…
• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?


What are you currently reading?

Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'easter by Lisa Patton

What did you recently finish reading?

Before I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson

What do you think you’ll read next?

Yankee Doodle Dixie by Lisa Patton

Readathon Preparedness

Just in case you didn't know, this Saturday is Dewey's Read-a-thon. I try to always participate. It's a lot of fun and a great way to do some catch up reading. In case you are unfamiliar with readathon, it takes place for 24 hours and you read as much as you can. There are mini-challenges and prizes. There are cheerleaders to help cheer you on! So check it out here and sign up. You can signup to read or cheer or both!

I am cleaning house this week and will be coming up with some meals to either make quickly or make ahead, so the day will be mine for the most part. I am trying to come up with easy and healthy snacks with a bit of chocolate thrown in.

I have come up with a stack of books as possible reads. I am a mood reader so I think this assortment will cover all bases. I picked so many books I had to show them in three pictures. I won't be reading all of these but I will be putting them in a crate or a tote so I can have them by me wherever I read.

As far as advice, farm out the kids(mine are self-sufficient) or encourage them to participate with you. Prepare food and snacks ahead of time. Get out your best comfy clothes, be it sweats or pj's. Take breaks often and maybe visit a few fellow readathoners or have fun with some of the challenges. Most of all...HAVE FUN!

These are two audiobooks I was sent for review. I am sure they will come in handy when my eyes get tired.

The Puppy Diaries by Jill Abramson read by Beth MacDonald

The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides read by David Pittu

Next up, I have four library books in need of reading before their due dates. All of these have been recommended by fellow bloggers! Thank you!

June Bug by Chris Fabray
Alice Bliss by Laura Harrington
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Exposure by Therese Fowler

And last but not least, these are books I own. Some are for review and others are not.

Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
Forever by Maggie Stiefvater
Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick
Yankee Doodle Dixie by Lisa Patton
The Train of Small Mercies by David Rowell
The Winters in Bloom by Lisa Tucker
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

As you can see I have a bit of everything in that pile. I was hoping to add Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs but alas my daughter has stolen it back. I guess I should have purchased two copies. I hope to get a few books read this time since I have some shorter length books in there. I am sort of planning to read all weekend. The weather is cool and crisp and I am reading to hunker down and read! My start up time is 7 a.m. central time. See ya' then!

Mailbox Monday October 17

It's Monday and we all know what that means! Mailbox Monday! This months hostess is Serena at Savvy Verse and Wit.

This week I received two very great sounding books! I am loving the cover on Duty Free! The ARC I received has little headlines running on top of the pages of the book. I am not sure if the finished copy has it but it has me very intrigued! The Dressmaker is a book I am very excited about! I love reading stories set on the Titanic and am really looking forward to this one. I was thrilled to receive both of these books!

Duty Free by Moni Mohsin
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Broadway (September 6, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0307889246
ISBN-13: 978-0307889249

Jane Austen's Emma, transported to the outrageous social melee of 21st-century Lahore.

Our plucky heroine's cousin, Jonkers, has been dumped by his low-class, slutty secretary, and our heroine has been charged with finding him a suitable wife -- a rich, fair, beautiful, old-family type. Quickly. But, between you, me and the four walls, who wants to marry poor, plain, hapless Jonkers?

As our heroine social-climbs her way through weddings-sheddings, GTs (get togethers, of course) and ladies' lunches trying to find a suitable girl from the right bagground, she discovers to her dismay that her cousin has his own ideas about his perfect mate. And secretly, she may even agree.

Full of wit and wickedness and as clever as its heroine is clueless, Duty Free is a delightful romp through Pakistani high society -- though, even as it makes you cry with laughter, it makes you wince at the gulf between our heroine's glitteringly shallow life and the country that is falling apart, day by day, around her Louboutin-clad feet. Moni Mohsin, already a huge bestseller in India, has been hailed as a modern-day Jane Austen, and compared to Nancy Mitford and Helen Fielding. Duty Free is social satire at its biting best.

This was a win from Read It Forward.

The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott

Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Doubleday (February 21, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0385535589
ISBN-13: 978-0385535588

Just in time for the centennial anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic comes a vivid, romantic, and relentlessly compelling historical novel about a spirited young woman who survives the disaster only to find herself embroiled in the media frenzy left in the wake of the tragedy.

Tess, an aspiring seamstress, thinks she's had an incredibly lucky break when she is hired by famous designer Lady Lucile Duff Gordon to be a personal maid on the Titanic's doomed voyage. Once on board, Tess catches the eye of two men, one a roughly-hewn but kind sailor and the other an enigmatic Chicago millionaire. But on the fourth night, disaster strikes.

Amidst the chaos and desperate urging of two very different suitors, Tess is one of the last people allowed on a lifeboat. Tess’s sailor also manages to survive unharmed, witness to Lady Duff Gordon’s questionable actions during the tragedy. Others—including the gallant Midwestern tycoon—are not so lucky.

On dry land, rumors about the survivors begin to circulate, and Lady Duff Gordon quickly becomes the subject of media scorn and later, the hearings on the Titanic. Set against a historical tragedy but told from a completely fresh angle, The Dressmaker is an atmospheric delight filled with all the period's glitz and glamour, all the raw feelings of a national tragedy and all the contradictory emotions of young love.

PRAISE FOR THE DRESSMAKER
“We all know how the Titanic went down, we all saw the movie. But what happened after? This brilliant book shows the aftermath of the tragedy, seen through the eyes of a brave, young girl who was on board, on her way to America, to start a new life as a dressmaker. From the minute Tess sets foot on the doomed ship, this is the kind of novel you simply cannot put down and cannot forget.”
--Tatiana de Rosnay, author of Sarah's Key and A Secret Kept

“The Dressmaker achieves the remarkable -- it makes the sinking of the Titanic feel like a story never told before. By focusing on the search for justice in the aftermath of the tragedy, this compelling first novel examines humanity at its best and worst, as seen through the eyes of one of the ship's survivors, a courageous young woman who is determined to make her own way in America.”
--Lauren Belfer, author of A Fierce Radiance and City of Light

“This is a fascinating premise for a novel as well as a powerful, page-turning read. It's also a very valuable contribution to our understanding of the events surrounding the sinking of The Titanic, and its aftermath.”
--Isabel Wolff, author of A Vintage Affair

I requested a copy of this through Shelf Awareness but they ran out of copies. They were nice enough to offer me an e-book copy through Netgalley. Thank you Knopf Doubleday!

That is what came into my home last week. What wonderful reads made their way into your home?

Weekend Cooking-The Soup Bible

The Soup Bible by the Editors of Favorite Brand Name Recipes

Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Publications International (September 8, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1605537241
ASIN: B0058M7NU0

Product Description
The Soup Bible is an all-in-one guide to creating delicious and satisfying soups, stews, and chilis. The cookbook includes more than 150 recipes, plus a 16-page guide that covers all aspects of soup preparation, including equipment, the history of soup, how-tos hints and tips, garnishing, and a glossary of terms.

You will find recipes that can be ready in as few as 30 minutes as well as a slow-cooker chapter. Discover new flavors as you cook your way through seven chapters. Here is a sampling of recipes in The Soup Bible:
Classics like Chicken & Homemade Noodle, Minestrone, and Black Bean Soup
Exotic flavors such as Pumpkin Soup with Bacon & Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, and Chinese Hot & Sour Soup
Hearty chowders, including Bacon Potato Chowder and New England Fish Chowder
Vegetarian options, including Mushroom Barley Soup and Lentil & Brown Rice Soup
Quick and easy recipes like New Orleans Fish Soup, and Creamy Tuscan Bean & Chicken Soup
Slow-cooker selections like Potato & Leek Soup and Beer & Cheese Soup

I picked this little gem of a cookbook up at Barnes and Noble on a half price clearance table. This book is on sale at Amazon also. It has many great looking soup recipes in it. Some are quick like the one I made today and others are all day soups. I made this quick chowder this afternoon which made for a perfect Sunday lunch. I had to change the recipe up a bit because I didn't have any corn but had a bag of mixed veggies which we thought worked out well. I put the whole bag in because we like lots of veggies in our soups.

Deep Bayou Chowder

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped onions
1 large green pepper, chopped
1 large carrot, chopped,
8 ounces red potatoes, diced
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cups milk
1 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons seafood seasoning (I used Old Bay)
3/4 teaspoon salt

Heat oil in large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions, bell pepper, carrot; cook and stir 5 minutes. Add potatoes, corn, water, and thyme; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer approximately 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Stir in milk, parsley, seasoning, and salt. Cook for 5 minutes. Serve.

Makes 6 servings.

Weekend Cooking is a weekly meme sponsored by Beth Fish Reads.
Weekend Cooking is a chance to share the food love. Be sure to check out all the yummy cooking posts on Beth's blog.

Before I Go To Sleep

Before I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson

Summary

'As I sleep, my mind will erase everything I did today. I will wake up tomorrow as I did this morning. Thinking I'm still a child. Thinking I have a whole lifetime of choice ahead of me ...' Memories define us. So what if you lost yours every time you went to sleep? Your name, your identity, your past, even the people you love - all forgotten overnight. And the one person you trust may only be telling you half the story. Welcome to Christine's life.

My Thoughts

This book just blew my mind! I was expecting a predictable read about a woman who has amnesia. This book is so much more!

Christina wakes up every morning not remembering much at all. She doesn't remember her husband who is in bed next to her. She doesn't know where she is. Every day she relearns her life. Christina has had an accident of some sort where she has sustained a brain injury which has left her in this state. Instantly the reader knows something is off and the twists and turns of the plot begin. I had my suspects in mind. I was wrong. Very wrong!

This is a wonderful debut book by S.J. Watson. She weaves a suspenseful plot that will keep you from wanting to put this book down. There were times I could honestly feel Christina's confusion. I didn't know who she should trust. And just when I thought I knew who Christina should stay away from, the story took an unexpected turn.

This is a great psychological thriller and I highly recommend it. It was written in such a way that I truly felt I was in Christina's mind. I look forward to seeing more from S.J. Watson in the future!



I checked this book out from our public library.

Mailbox Monday October 10

It's Monday again! Time for another Mailbox Monday post. Mailbox Monday is the creation of Marcia from Mailbox Monday. The meme is on tour and this month's host is Serena from Savvy Verse & Wit. Thank you Serena for hosting this month!

I almost need to post a summertime mailbox this week! We have had temperatures in the 80's this past week. It sure doesn't feel like fall at all! It's been gorgeous!

I received two books this week, one for review and one was a purchase. I was wanting to read some creepy books this month, which is so unlike me. Don't worry, my creepy reads, I have a feeling, are very tame compared to what others are reading this month.

My daughter snagged Miss Peregrine the minute it came into the house. She says it is pretty good. You have no idea how it tickles me to see my daughter excited about books. She has never been a big reader. The cover gives me chills! Then again, it doesn't take much! I'm a pretty easy scare! And how fabulous is the author's name? Ransom Riggs! I love it!

Wonderstruck is a book I was admiring in Barnes and Noble, when I was last there. The artwork is phenomenal! When I had a chance to snag a review copy, I had to grab it. I miss having kids in the house reading kid books. This will be a treat for me!

For review

Wonderstruck by Brian Selznik

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 608 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press (September 13, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0545027896
ISBN-13: 978-0545027892

Set fifty years apart, two independent stories—Ben's told in words and Rose's in pictures—weave back and forth with mesmerizing symmetry. How they unfold and ultimately intertwine will surprise you, challenge you, and leave you breathless with wonder.

Ever since his mom died, Ben feels lost.
At home with her father, Rose feels alone.

He is searching for someone, but he is not sure who.
She is searching for something, but she is not sure what.

When Ben finds a mysterious clue hidden in his mom's room,
When a tempting opportunity presents itself to Rose

Both children risk everything to find what's missing.

With over 460 pages of original drawings and playing with the form he invented in his trailblazing debut novel, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Brian Selznick once again sails into uncharted territory and takes readers on an awe-inspiring journey. Rich, complex, affecting and beautiful, Wonderstruck is a stunning achievement from a uniquely gifted artist and visionary.

I received this book courtesy of the publisher through Amazon Vine

My purchase

Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: Quirk Books; Book Club edition (June 7, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1594744769
ISBN-13: 978-1594744761

A mysterious island.

An abandoned orphanage.

A strange collection of very curious photographs.

It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.

This was a purchase from B&N who sends me lovely coupons to enable my obvious addiction!

So that is what I received. Have you read either of these? What fabulous reads made their way into your home?

Southern Fried Women

Southern Fried Women by Pamela King Cable

Southern Fried Women
Author: Pamela Cable
ISBN: 978-1-9358740-7-2
Price: $16.95
Pub Date: August 2011

Summary

Pamela King Cable has woven together the music, the language, the religions, and the traditions of the South. The result is Southern Fried Women, a collection of nine short stories about Southern women, and a few men, struggling to find answers to unanswerable questions, hoping for forgiveness, seeking righteousness, and questioning the existence of God in their lives. Cable writes Southern fiction in the true spirit of the rural South. She can ruffle the feathers of the most stoic, mess with the beliefs of the strictest fundamentalists, and reel you into her stories like a stubborn catfish meant for the fryer. In stories with themes ranging from flea markets to coal mine strikes, once you have met her Southern Fried Women, they will be with you forever. A delightful collection of short stories that weave together the music, the language, the religions and the traditions of the South. Sometimes seriously and sometimes with humor, these stories examine everything from love and death to racial conflict and tragedy. The Southern Fried Women portrayed within each story are as realistic as any you have ever met, facing common situations and obstacles with all the charm and tenacity they can muster.

My Thoughts

This book of short stories is a treat to read! If you love the picture on the cover, you will be happy to see each story starts with a photograph and an introduction from Pamela King Cable explaining her inspiration for the story. I am a huge fan of old photos, so the photos really spoke to me. I found it interesting to get into Pamela's head and see how each character and their story was born. It made the characters and their stories very real to me.

The stories are very unique. These are not all feel good, sugary stories. These Southern Fried Women have not had easy lives. They are tough women battling problems some of us can only imagine. In the end, they overcome and stand tall.

Some of these stories are dark and disturbing as Pamela even warns us about in the introduction to one such story, Old Time Religion. I found myself gasping and thinking about many of these stories long after I read them. On the flip side, some of the characters had me laughing out loud at their thoughts and antics.

I highly recommend this book of short stories. Pamela King Cable is a wonderfully gifted storyteller! I look forward to reading more from her in the future. If you are a fan of Southern fiction, you will enjoy these stories.



Thank you to Julie from Satya House Publications for sending me this wonderful book for review.

Mailbox Monday October 3

It's Monday again! Time for another Mailbox Monday post. Mailbox Monday is the creation of Marcia from Mailbox Monday. The meme is on tour and this month's host is Serena from Savvy Verse & Wit. Thank you Serena for hosting this month!

Can you believe it is October! This year has flown by! This week's mailbox is mostly purchases and one unsolicited audiobook. I purchased a few books that I have been dying for after reading reviews for them on other blogs! Some I purchased used. I also ran into Barnes and Noble because I was in the area and hadn't been there in a very long time. I was surprised at how empty the store was. It used to be a hopping joint. It is the only book store in our area for miles and miles now. It's sad to see it void of shoppers. They did have some clearance tables out so I perused them and found one cookbook and I also picked up a magazine from the U.K. that I have been looking for. The audiobook I received may not be of my taste. I am still thinking about it.

The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides

Audio CD
Publisher: Macmillan Audio; Unabridged edition (October 11, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1427213089
ISBN-13: 978-1427213082

Summary

It’s the early 1980s—the country is in a deep recession, and life after college is harder than ever. In the cafés on College Hill, the wised-up kids are inhaling Derrida and listening to Talking Heads. But Madeleine Hanna, dutiful English major, is writing her senior thesis on Jane Austen and George Eliot, purveyors of the marriage plot that lies at the heart of the greatest English novels.

As Madeleine tries to understand why “it became laughable to read writers like Cheever and Updike, who wrote about the suburbia Madeleine and most of her friends had grown up in, in favor of reading the Marquis de Sade, who wrote about deflowering virgins in eighteenth-century France,” real life, in the form of two very different guys, intervenes. Leonard Bankhead—charismatic loner, college Darwinist, and lost Portland boy—suddenly turns up in a semiotics seminar, and soon Madeleine finds herself in a highly charged erotic and intellectual relationship with him. At the same time, her old “friend” Mitchell Grammaticus—who’s been reading Christian mysticism and generally acting strange—resurfaces, obsessed with the idea that Madeleine is destined to be his mate.

Over the next year, as the members of the triangle in this amazing, spellbinding novel graduate from college and enter the real world, events force them to reevaluate everything they learned in school. Leonard and Madeleine move to a biology Laboratory on Cape Cod, but can’t escape the secret responsible for Leonard’s seemingly inexhaustible energy and plunging moods. And Mitchell, traveling around the world to get Madeleine out of his mind, finds himself face-to-face with ultimate questions about the meaning of life, the existence of God, and the true nature of love.

Are the great love stories of the nineteenth century dead? Or can there be a new story, written for today and alive to the realities of feminism, sexual freedom, prenups, and divorce? With devastating wit and an abiding understanding of and affection for his characters, Jeffrey Eugenides revives the motivating energies of the Novel, while creating a story so contemporary and fresh that it reads like the intimate journal of our own lives.

Received courtesy of Macmillan Audio

Wildflower Hill by Kimberly Freeman
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
Linger by Maggie Stiefvater
Cross Currents by John Shors
The Accidental Bestseller by Wendy Wax
The Midwife's Confession by Diane Chamberlain

Mollie Makes

This is the cutest craft magazine ever! However be sure to look at the price before you hit the checkout should you decide to buy it! It was $11.99! However, it did come with the neatest little MP3 player case kit. There are some cool patterns inside the magazine along with some very cool retro decorating ideas. I am not sure if I will purchase this magazine again but I ma enjoying this copy.

The Soup Bible

I picked this up on the clearance table at B&N. It was $4.98! We are big soup eaters in our home in the winter, so this will be a handy book to have. I have found quite a few recipes in it to try once the cold weather hits. Spring Pea & Mint Soup and Cheesy Spinach Soup are just two that I hope to try. This book will get a lot of use!

So that is what came into my home last week. I think it is time for a book buying ban for me. I do have one coming in this week. I needed a creepy read for October. Not my usual fare of book but I have been feeling like I need one spooky read for the month. It won't be too scarey! I am a huge chicken!

What wonderful reads made their way into your home?