This is hosted by One Persons Journey Through the World of Books. If you haven't head on over to her blog. She has a great one! I love going over there and looking around.

The Forgotten Garden- Kate Morton
Synopsis HERE

When I closed The Forgotten Garden I realized why it took me so long to finish it, I didn't want it to be over. There are only two words to describe this book- Devastatingly Beautiful. I really did not think any book could beat The House at Riverton ( by the same author) but this one did.

One of the neatest things about this book was the Fairy Tales written by one of the main characters, Eliza. Those stories just show you how talented Kate Morton really is. Not only was she writing a novel full of mystery, intrigue, and suspense but she was also creating beautiful fairy tales that told the life of Eliza. I read these tales wishing I had a book like that when I was a kid.

The richness of the characters really set off the book. You loved who you were supposed to, you hated who you were supposed to but you understood everyone. I understand why Rose was the way she was. Did I like her because I understood her? Not really but I think that is what kept me from throwing the book down in disgust over her behavior. That is what makes a good book. Being able to understand your characters. You don't have to like them but you at least need to be able to relate to them. When I put myself in some of the characters shoes I am not entirely sure I would have not acted or reacted the same way they did. Kate Morton does a fabulous job at making her characters relate-able.

I learned with The House of Riverton not to miss little things. It is also the same way with this book. I can't explain because I will give parts of the book away but if you read this pay attention to things that may not seem so big at the time.

We all talk about human characters, but there is another character in this book that is just as engrossing as the humans. The garden. Kate Morton does such a good job at describing scenery. I could picture that garden like it was in front of me. The scenery in the book was amazing. In fact it could make you a little jealous that they are there and you are not.

I would wholeheartedly recommend The Forgotten Garden no matter what your normal genre of reading is. It has it all. Just make sure you have some tissues for the end of the book;)

Til We Read Again,
Bobbie

Today was Library day!! I got a phone call that two books I had on order was in. Alice I Have Been by Melanie Benjamin and Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver. I was very excited to pick these up because I have read really good reviews on them both and I am looking forward to adding my reviews to the others:) They will have to wait though because I am still reading The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. I just can't seem to find as much time to read as I would like.

While I was happy to finally get those two books I am disappointed that The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson is still on hold. That must be a very popular book, lol.

All in all it was a good day at the library. Hopefully I will have some reviews done in the next week and I do have a book give away coming up:) So please keep an eye out for that!

Til We Read Again,
Bobbie

I fully intended to finish up my reading this week and wouldn't you know real life got in the way:( Plus I am still waiting on books from the library. I am hopefully going to finish The Forgotten Garden this week. So far I am agreeing with everyone else, this book is so much better then The House at Riverton and I didn't think that was possible. I cannot wait for her new book to come out. Next on my list is Alice I Have Been, which hopefully will be in the Library when I am ready to check it out. I am also still waiting for The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. It must be very popular.

Booking Through Thursday Asks:

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I am currently reading The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. I am in love with this book:)

"Nathaniel said nothing in return but he didn’t need to, his expression
spoke volumes. The little ice chip inside Rose hardened."

I haven't gotten to that part yet but oh boy I can't wait to!!

Til We Read Again,
Bobbie

I was still pretty under the weather yesterday and when I finally checked my blog today I found I had received two more awards:) To say I am not thrilled would be an understatement:) The rules for both awards is to pass it on to 15 blogs you just recently found. Since I am under the weather still I am going to divide it up and give it to 5 blogs for each award. Sorry for the broken tradition and I hope you guys understand:)
Also, before I go on I would like to apologize if I give it to someone that is an award free blog. I am still very new and not sure who is and who isn't an award free blog.

The First award was from Spellbound by BooksHere are the rules:

* Thank and link to the person that gave you the award.
* Pass this award onto 15 bloggers you've recently discovered and think are fantastic
* Contact said Blogs and let them know they've won
* State 7 things about yourself

Here's my 5 Awesome Bloggers:
1. Darlyn Books
2. Alaine- Queen of Happy Endings
3. The Introverted Reader
4. The Red Headed Book Child
5. Thoughts of a Mother, Wife and Daughter ( not really book related but a great blog:)

Seven Things About Me:
1. I love Chinese Food
2. I only wear shoes when I am going out.
3. I am a Farmville Addict.
4. I love to make jewlery.
5. Dark Chocolate is my best friend.6. I have two girls ages 12 and 10.
7. My secret dream is to rule the world, LOL!!

The Second was given to me by Darlyn Books
The rules of having this award should;

1. Put this on your blog, whether as an entirely new post like I'm doing, or on your sidebar.

2. Choose 15 other newly discovered bloggers that you love, and award them with this.

3. Send them a message/comment to let them know.

The five blogs I would like to give this to are:

1. A Cup of Tea and A Cozy For Me
2. Books and Cooks
3. My World of Books'
4. Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
5. Crazy for Books

I will be back with my Tuesday meme's. Thanks again to the ladies that gave me my awards. They mean the world to me:)

Til We Read Again,
Bobbie

This is a great meme from Book Journey. Please go check out her blog, she has great stuff:)

Well I didn't do to much reading this weekend because I had the flu. Ick. Also, I am still waiting on my library books, lol. I am slowly but surely moving up on the list. There are some advantages to having a small town library and some disadvantages. One disadvantage being there are never enough copies of books:)
This week I am reading:

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

The House at Riverton by Kate Morton was easily my favorite book of 2009. So I am very excited to finally get to read this one. Have you read this book? If you have what did you think of it? I am very anxious to hear everyone's thoughts.
Til We Read Again,
Bobbie

I initially wanted to do 3 challenges. As you can see from past blog posts I have picked two already. The 2010 100 + Challenge and the 12 by 12 Challenge. For the past couple of days I have been looking for one more. I stumbled upon the 2010 Support Your Local Library Challenge. I swear when I saw the name angels sang. I love the library and the truth is I get 95% of my books from the library. It is very hard as a single mom to afford books so I only purchase very special books to add to my collection.
You can join in the fun HERE . I have decided that since I am doing the 2010 100 + challenge I would aim high and do the Super Size me challenge:)
I will post my progress in the side bar with my other challenges. I hope you will stop by and root me on.
Til We Read Again,
Bobbie

Even though I am fairly new to the book blogging community I have had blogs before. I must say the book blogging community has been the friendliest by far. I cannot believe how many bloggers will stretch out their hand to help you. I was having a hard time coming up with a way to showcase my reading list for this year. I really did not want to make a list and then have to link to all the books. That is when someone mentioned Good Reads. What a fabulous site! I was able to make my own book shelf with all my books. The good thing is now I can mark off what I read and everything will be in one spot. YAY! Also, I got a handy little widget you can see on my side bar that tells everyone which books TBR are on my shelf. You can click on each book and go directly to the description. Oh yes, this is the place for me lol!

I am so excited I found this! Perfect way to make new bloggy friends:) If you leave me a comment and let me know you are following me I WILL return the favor! Have a fabulous day!

Friday Finds is hosted by Should be Reading .

I had mentioned to a fellow blogger that I met in a blog community that I was having a hard time coming up with a TBR book list. My goal is to put my list on my blog for two reasons.

1. For an easy reference.
2. So the whole world sees and I can't back out, lol.

She was nice enough to point me toward some very popular blogs that have been around for awhile. These bloggers keep updated reading lists going back to when they first started blogging. I am in heaven. It is like having your very own bookstore. After glancing through a couple of them I started to notice something. The growth of their reading. They started by reviewing their library books to reviewing best sellers and books I have never heard of. I would chalk it up to a couple of things. The most minor being they got popular and started receiving amazing ARC. The major one being growth as a person. I am the type of person to analyze things to death so of course this discovery caused me to look at my own self as a reader.

When I was a teen I thought V.C. Andrews was the greatest author ever born. Even though I am embarrassed to admit it now, it was true then. Followed by a close second was Judy Blume. I think every girl goes through a phase where they want to read stuff they know their parents wouldn't approve of, and I know for a fact my mother would have croaked if she knew what was in those V.C. Andrews books I read, lol. As I got older and started to experience love and the pain of love my reading material changed. I started to get more into Danielle Steele and other romance writers. When Interview with a Vampire came out I was totally enthralled with Anne Rice and read every book she wrote. After I got married, had kids, and then got divorced I started searching out books about women being friends and surviving through the trials of life. I loved any book that talked about single motherhood. I knew that life really had no happy endings so I looked at the endings in books in a whole different light. It didn't spoil reading for me, it made it more special. I savored happy endings and I felt the pain of unhappy ones. I am 35 now and still read a lot of books like that and I am also more into best sellers, historical, and I love reading about what other women like to read. I have even gone through the *gasp* Twilight phase.

So after analyzing all of this I have come to realize that many of us probably do go through what I will call reader growth. It is like anything in life the older you get the more you change. I for one am happy that V.C. Andrews is no longer my favorite author, lol. I have two girls that are tweens and right now they are both into the paranormal and fantasy books like half their class. My oldest loves Twilight, my youngest Harry Potter. I have tried so hard to get them to read the stories I loved at that age. Little House on the Prairie, Anne of Green Gables, and Little Women. They just roll their eyes and are like no way mom. After my discovery today though I can rest assured that one day they will turn to these books and read them. Right now they like what is popular but there will come a day when the classics will call to them and they will open up a new world to them.

I know this had nothing to do with a review and if you have read it I thank you. I would love to hear your thoughts. How have you changed as a reader?
Til We Read Again,
Bobbie

I love going to my local library to pick up books. I walk in and have my list ready to "shop" for books. My books come on a schedule. I order them, go pick them up, and then order more. I love sitting at the librarians desk and ordering my books. I live in a small town so that kind of attention is the norm. I have actually ended up reading some books that I didn't think I would be interested in on the advice of my librarian. As nice as that is sometimes though I have to request books online through their website because I am strapped for time. While I don't mind doing that because I can keep on my jammies, it really does take away from the personal feel. I am in that kind of bind this week. I have been very busy working on many projects and just haven't had time to stake out the library. So last night I visited their website and WOW, what a change. They totally redid it and I was thrilled they now have an upcoming releases section. That is where I found two of the next books on my reading list. Some of you may have heard about them but I haven't so it is all new to me:)

Alice I Have Been
Author- Melanie Benjamin
Release Date- January 12th 2010
Summary Copied from the artist website HERE

Few works of literature are as universally beloved as Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Now, in this spellbinding historical novel, ALICE I HAVE BEEN, we meet the young girl whose bright spirit sent her on an unforgettable trip down the rabbit hole—and the grown woman whose story is no less enthralling.

But oh my dear, I am tired of being Alice in Wonderland. Does it sound ungrateful?

Alice Liddell Hargreaves's life has been a richly woven tapestry: As a young woman, wife, mother, and widow, she's experienced intense passion, great privilege, and greater tragedy. But as she nears her eighty-first birthday, she knows that, to the world around her, she is and will always be only "Alice."

A love story and a literary mystery, ALICE I HAVE BEEN brilliantly blends fact and fiction to capture the passionate spirit of a woman who was truly worthy of her fictional alter ego, in a world as captivating as the Wonderland only she could inspire.




The Crossing Places
Author-Elly Griffiths
Release Date- January 5th 2010
Authors Website-http://www.ellygriffiths.co.uk/
Summary Copied from AMAZON

When she's not digging up bones or other ancient objects, quirky, tart-tongued archaeologist Ruth Galloway lives happily alone in a remote area called Saltmarsh near Norfolk, land that was sacred to its Iron Age inhabitants--not quite earth, not quite sea.

When a child's bones are found on a desolate beach nearby, Detective Chief Inspector Harry Nelson calls Galloway for help. Nelson thinks he has found the remains of Lucy Downey, a little girl who went missing ten years ago. Since her disappearance he has been receiving bizarre letters about her, letters with references to ritual and sacrifice. The bones actually turn out to be two thousand years old, but Ruth is soon drawn into the Lucy Downey case and into the mind of the letter writer, who seems to have both archaeological knowledge and eerie psychic powers. Then another child goes missing and the hunt is on to find her. As the letter writer moves closer and the windswept Norfolk landscape exerts its power, Ruth finds herself in completely new territory--and in serious danger.

The Crossing Places marks the beginning of a captivating new crime series featuring an irresistible heroine.

I already have my books on hold and am just waiting my turn:) Does these books sound like something you would read?

Til We Read Again,
Bobbie

Fantasy In Death by JD Robb:

Synopsis provided by Amazon HERE

** I always try to review a book by telling you my thoughts and feelings about the book. Please click the link above for a syonpis of the book. There are no spoilers in my reviews:)*
Some may not agree with me but I feel this was the best book in the whole series. I am techie geek so this one was right up my alley. I spent the whole time reading the book thinking "How in the world did this happen?" I will be honest I didn't figure out who the killer was until it was revealed but I have seen some say they knew early on. It is just all the characters were so geniunely shocked, caring and seemed to be so...innocent.
You could tell this was a sci-fi/tech mystery throughout the whole book. I loved how Ms. Roberts wove pop culture throughout the book. From Star Wars all the way to Batman. Even though I admit reading about something popular today being popular over one hundred years ago was weird. There was a very delicate fine line in this book that had to be walked in order to make the "murder weapon" and the who done it plausible. Ms. Roberts walked the line without a stumble. I would sometimes love to just sit down with her and figure out what goes on in her head. How does she come up with this stuff? I think imagination is an incredible gift.
You would have thought with all the sci-fi and technical stuff going on there would not have been to much time for romance, friendship or character developement. There was though. Believe it or not I think they were the main focus this time. Our beloved characters are growing up and it is so refreshing to see. Eve became the nurterer in this one. For once she tried to take care of others in her arkward but loveable way and it was so heart warming to watch.
It was a refreshing change to see something not as dark and synister as the usual In Death books are. This was a good one for all the sci-fi lovers and had just enough friendship, love and romance to keep the rest of us interested.
If you love the In Death Series this is a must read. If you have never read this series it is still a fantastic book to read as it can definitely stand alone.

Til We Read Again,
Bobbie

Alaine-Queen of Happy Endings is hosting March's 12 by 12 Challenge. I love this challenge because it goes month by month and all you have to do is read:) I thought this would be a good way to work toward those 100+ plus books, lol. There is a different blogger host every month so that should definitely keep it interesting.

My challenge to myself this month is to Read 5 different books by 5 different authors. This is going to be a little hard on me because I am a series nut. But I am going to try.

I will post my progress on the side bar:)

Til We Read Again,
Bobbie

This meme is Hosted by Lost In Books
3 Best/Worst Sidekicks to a Hero

1. Best- Peabody in the In Death Series- JD Robb

2. Best- The Tinman, Cowardly Lion, and Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz

3. Best- Ron Weasley of Harry PotterTeaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

I am using the Fantasy in Death by JD Robb book because I have not started a new book yet. ( Come on Library!!)

Page 37:
"This place is a cathedral to all that is E and Game,” McNab called up.
“I’m sure the dead guy up here would be thrilled with your approval. Holo-room, third floor.”

Til We Read Again,
Bobbie

Wow! I was very surprised to receive this since my blog is only about 3 days old. But I am so thrilled:) I was given the award by S. Meadows of http://www.theunreadreader.com/

The rules are:
•Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.
•Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered.
•Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Here is who I wish to give this award to:
Page Turners
Books and Cooks
My World of Books:
There's A Book
Book Magic
The Lady Bug Lounge
Queen of Happy Endings
Story on a Page:
Pudgy Penguin Persuals
Farm Lane Books
Murder, Mystery and Mayhem
My Friend Amy
Laura's Musings
The Sweet Bookshelf
Rundepinne


Til We Read Again,
Bobbie

This book blog was actually something someone challenged me to do. It is kind of like one of those moments where you feel a certain defiance and are like I can do this. However as defiant as I can be I realized I would need something to make me keep it up. I found the 2010 Reading Challenge on J-Kaye Book Blog
Challenge begins January 1st thru December, 2010. Your goal is to read a 100 Books this year. So this is how I will win my challenge by challenging myself to read a 100 books and blog about them.

I am going to start a widget on the side bar so I and everyone else can track my progress. I sure hope you will follow me on my journey:)

Til We Read Again:)
Bobbie

I found this little Monday challenge on a Book Blog forum and thought it was neat. Please click the image above to be taken to the original challenge blog.

I just finished up Fantasy in Death by JD Robb. Very, very stunning book. I think this is the best one in the whole In Death series. I will be doing a review about it soon. Please be on the look out for it.

I also just finished The Diva Runs out of Thyme by Krista Davis. It is a very cozy mystery and I will also be doing a review on that one.

I am not currently reading anything because I just finished The Diva book but the next book on my list is The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson .I cannot wait to read this book.

Today I will be working on my two reviews and also my reading list. I would like to add my reading list to my blog because one of you may find a book to read that you didn't know was out there.

Happy Monday everyone and;

Til We Read Again,
Bobbie