Summer Reading Challenge

Since I didn't do so well on the Spring Thing Reading Challenge, I thought I would try a Summer Reading Challenge...LOL. This challenge is being hosted by Susan at A Southern Daydreamer.

The challenge runs from June 21, 2009 to September 21, 2009. All you need to do is make a list of the books you want to read and link back to her post. Then, in September, you do a follow-up post to let everyone know how you did.

Here is my list:

1. Ocean Between Us by Susan Wiggs
2. Shelter Mountain by Robin Carr
3. The Winter Lodge by Susan Wiggs
4. Stealing Home by Sherryl Woods
5. Montana Creeds: Dylan by Linda Lael Miller
   

I will also read some Harlequins and some Library Books - so I will definitely be adding to this list once I find out what interests me at the library.

As you can tell, I will be reading a lot of "comfort" "beach" reads this summer. Just sittin back, takin it easy kind of reads.

Fear Itself Challenge

The Fear Itself Challenge is being hosted by Donna at Bites - Chomping on Books and Spitting Out Reviews. I really want to work on expanding my reading into areas I don't normally read and this challenge is a great way to do it!!

Between July 1st and December 31st the challenge is to read 3 (yes, just 3) books that under normal circumstances you wouldn't give a second look to. (Doesn't necessarily have to be horror unless that is the type of book you avoid).

There is a catch - you cannot not finish the book and it MUST be reviewed. This will get you to really think about why you liked the book or solidify why you stay away from that particular genre.

To read the full post on the challenge and to sign up - visit the challenge post at Donna's Blog.

There are two genres that I really avoid like the plaque - futuristic and horror - so I guess that is where I am going to start. I need to investigate what books I am going to choose so I will edit this post later and list my reads.

Here is my list:

1.
2.
3.

Sookie Stackhouse Challenge

Beth and Beth Fish Reads has decided to host a Sookie Stackhouse Challenge, and I couldn't be more excited. I love Charlaine Harris' books. Between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010 catch up with Sookie and all her friends.

I am on book #5 - Dead as a Doornail and would love a chance to finish the series.

Here is my list...

5). Dead as a Doornail - 12/4/09
6). Definitely Dead - 12/19/09
7). All Together Dead
8). From Dead Till Worse
9). Dead and Gone

If you love Sookie Stackhouse - get on over to Beth's and join the fun!!

A Hunger Like No Other - Kresley Cole

Title: A Hunger Like No Other
Author: Kresley Cole
Publisher: Pocket Star
Published: 2006
Pages: 384
Genre: Paranormal Romance (Vampires, Werewolves, Valkyries)
Series: Immortals After Dark - Book #1

The TBR Challenge this month was to read about a tortured hero or heroine. Kresley Cole is a new author to me, and I really enjoyed Book #1 of the Immortals After Dark series.

Lachlain is definitely a tortured hero...he is a Lykae and was tortured for over a century by the Vampires only escaping when he scents his true mate. However, he discovers that all may not be Happily Ever After when he discovers that she is half Vampire! Will they get past their prejudices and reach for the happiness that eludes them?

This book was filled with sexual tension, witty dialogue between Emma's family members, and an exciting ending. The only problem I had with this read was that there were so many characters. I had to actually write them down in order to keep them all straight. Could be my aging mind though - LOL. It was a good read and I can't wait until I get the next in the series.



Rating: 3.5/5
Pages: 384
Completed: 6/17/09

While My Sister Sleeps - Barbara Delinsky

Title: While My Sister Sleeps
Author: Barbara Delinsky
Publisher: Doubleday
Published: 2009
Pages: 319
Genre: Women's Fiction

Wow...this book made me take a look at my own family relationships and try to see them in a different light. It made me realize that sometimes we think we know those close to us - but maybe deep down there are things kept hidden. Do you reveal all to your family members...or are there things and feelings you keep private?

As her sister lies in a coma, Molly becomes the stronghold for her family - helping them to look deep into themselves and see what really is important - helping them heal their relationships with other family members - and realizing she is stronger and more important than she has always thought.

Here is a quote from the book:

"Letting go wasnt' a betrayal, but rather a pure form of love. But letting go entailed acceptance of reality..."

This book is full of quotes like that - ones that make you sit down and think. I wish I had marked more that meant something to me, but I was so engrossed in the story and my thoughts that I didn't stop to bookmark them.

You can read my full review here.



Rating: 4.5/5
Pages: 319
Completed: 6/12/09

Sanctuary - Nora Roberts

Title: Sanctuary
Author: Nora Roberts
Publisher: Putnam
Published: 1997
Pages: 438
Genre: Romance/Suspense

I really enjoyed the suspense in this story. Even though I sort of guessed who the stalker was - I still liked the build-up and revelation. Jo Ellen has a stalker, and they keep sending her photographs of herself - showing her that they are watching her every move. After a breakdown, she goes home to Sanctuary Inn to reunite with her dysfunctional family and try to come to terms with what happened to her.

Nathan returns to the vacation spot of his childhood - Sanctuary Inn. He harbors a terrible secret that will tear Jo Ellen's family apart - but does he dare reveal it after love starts to bloom?

The only thing I didn't like in this book were the rape scenes. I wasn't expecting them. I think if I was better prepared to know that the book would have them right in the middle of steamy, romanctic, love scenes - it wouldn't have bothered me so much.

You can read my full review here.



Rating: 2.75/5
Pages: 438
Completed: 6/8/09