Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell

Song of the Sparrow by Lisa Ann Sandell is a delightful tale of true love, courage and coming of age in the time period of Arthur of Camelot. A book of prose to savour with a nice cup of tea and a warm quilt over the legs on a leisurely afternoon or evening.

Our story is set during the early years of Arthur, King and Knight, harbinger of peace and tranquility, creator of Camelot and The Round Table. We learn of Arthur's story as mostly a background story as the main story is about Elaine, a young woman just shedding the cloak of youth.

The book is written in prose with a delightful sense of times long ago when the hours of reading were considered to be of grand importance. The story flows like the smooth waters cascading along the banks of a river slowly bringing us to a crest and then back to tranquil harmony.

We learn of the realization of what was considered real love and what in reality is true love. The lessons of ignorance contributing to danger through thinking of only our own person in comparison to what dangers can be brought to the group as a whole and the realization and courage to finally take the courage and actions to right what has been wronged.

Our author has given us a perfect representation of what is real prose and what should be in every High School English classroom. A story of chivalry, true love, jealousy, honor, devotion and unyielding courage to do what is right. This is a book to savour and enjoy which I most certainly did.

Reading level: Young Adult

Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Paperbacks; Reprint edition (August 1, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0439918499
ISBN-13: 978-0439918497

Happy Birthday to Me!

Happy Birthday! Thought you might expect a couple of cracks about your age.



Today is my birthday and thought you might like to see a card I received from some really wonderful friends. And yes I do have a great sense of humor especially when it comes with a free meal. LOL!

My Soul To Take by Rachel Vincent

My Soul To Take by Rachel Vincent is a delicious telling of two creatures from Irish folklore. A book to catch not only your soul but your undivided attention as well. The writing I have come to love in Ms. Vincent's adult Urban Fantasy has most certainly been carried over into the Young Adult Genre with the same silky smoothness that we have all come to expect.

Kaylee has felt different all her life but little does she know how much the truth is about to change her. Her mother died when she was young and her father pretty much abandoned her with his turning over of guardianship to his brother and sister-in-law. Kaylee has felt this keenly and along with strange things that have been occurring to her physically, she's not sure if she might be going crazy or has some fatal disease. All she does know is that things are far from normal.

Along comes Nash, a hunky football jock, which not only gives Kaylee someone to hold onto while she is in the throws of her strange behaviour but also someone who can give her some explanation of what in the world is going on in her topsy turvy life. A sturdy anchor that she so desperately needs.

What Nash and Kaylee don't know is who or what is killing vibrant young healthy girls for no apparent reason. What they do know is that they need to try and find out and see what the connection is to the deaths and Kaylee's strange outcries.

Our author has given us a tasty Autumn Treat with this book. Granted it would be good anytime of the year but right now it is the perfect read along with a cup of hot cocoa. A story that makes your head snap up when things go bump just outside your line of vision. A story of the unexpected being accepted and of love so strong and true that even the ugliest evil cannot prevail. I for one am going to be biting my fingernails while waiting for the next book in the series.

Reading level: Young Adult

Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Harlequin (August 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0373210035
ISBN-13: 978-0373210039

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe

The Physick Book Of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe is a delightful mix of present and past. A story that kept me wanting more and never leaving me feeling empty. It is a story of the Salem Witch Trials that dramatically changed the lives of a few but affected many and how it still creates a stir of interest some several hundred years later.

Connie is a Harvard Grad working towards her doctoral dissertation when she is assigned the task of cleaning up her grandmother's house so that it can finally be sold. In her meandering she comes across an item and inside is hidden the name of Deliverance Dane.

Connie gets excited by this because being a history major the name is familiar to her and she wonders if possibly this could be one of the women who was tried and executed during the infamous Salem Witch Trials.

The phrase, "The Past Comes Back To Haunt You" soon takes on a life of its own and Connie is caught up in the mystery of who this Deliverance Dane really was. Question is will she be able to find the proof needed to tie Deliverance Dane and the Witch Trials together to use in her dissertation or will it come to a fruitless dead end? Will the past life of Deliverance Dane come to haunt Connie as she travels down a road of possibilities, probabilites, sorrows and swamped in mystery.

I do think the author did quite a good job of keeping the story going without any lagging points. The mystery unfolds at an even spance and the little tidbits of magic interwoven create a savory warmth that keeps you entranced from beginning to end. Personally knowing a bit about the Salem Witch Trials and recognizing some of the women's names myself gave me that extra umph to keep me salivating for more.

Audio CD
Publisher: Hyperion; Unabridged edition (June 9, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1401393055
ISBN-13: 978-1401393052

Lucan by Susan Kearney

Lucan by Susan Kearney is a wonderfully meaty book that you can't resist sinking your teeth into. A book that's not only hot sizzling romance and steamy sex but a wonderful what if rendition of King Arthur and Avalon that takes you into the the realms of science fiction and fantasy. All I can say is Delicious.............!

Our hero Lucan is from Earth and not only is he hot....but he's also a very gifted archaeologist. A telepath with his sister just seems to be a natural thing given the fact that they are twins. What Lucan is about to find out is ever so much more than he could have possibly hoped for or believed. He really is a sight to behold but watch out cause he does have this knack for being a royal ass!

Our heroine Cael is High Priestess of her world and all alone in more ways than any of us would ever want to be. Because of her status she is not allowed to be touched in any way as it will mean death to those who do touch her and this even applies to her family. She is feared not only for that status but also because she is the only dragon shaper on her world which gives her a high status in its own way. Beware of the Wrath of Cael as she does bite and indeed breathes fire. Talk about frying someones ass. LOL!

Our story starts out on Earth with the human race in danger of becoming extinct. Lucan's sister has just suffered another miscarriage and this is what seems to becoming the norm for all other women who try to have a child. Their only hope is the Holy Grail with its rumors of healing. But where to look? Could some of the rumors be accurate? Might some of the inscriptions that Lucan has seen and decoded have some truth to them and how might he hope to find this most Holy relic in time to save the human race.

We then journey some years later to the World of Pendragon where Lucan has tracked down the most elusive of historical sites and the possibilities of finding the Holy Grail but can he find it and make a clean breakaway right under the proverbial noses of others as gifted and desperate as he is? Hmm.....

Our author has given us a fantastic high paced, action packed, sizzling steamer that will surely fog up your glasses. She has taken a tale of old and given us some possibilities of something that could very well have been true. Who knows for sure as none of us where there at the time. This is a tale that will suck you and never spit you out. If you are anything like me you will be frothing at the mouth for Rion which comes out later this year. Darn I don't know if I can wait that long. UGG!

Mass Market Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Forever (September 5, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446543314
ISBN-13: 978-0446543316

Ravens by George Dawes Green

Ravens by George Dawes Green has a well written smooth storyline that is worth enjoying. Even though this book wasn't really my cup of tea I have to say that because of the the time the author has given the storyline, the details of characters and places as well as the sights, smells and touches, the story did take on life for me and keep me interested enough to find out what the ending would hold.

This is a story of what could possibly happen if you were all of a sudden to hit the largest lottery jackpot in the history of your state or country. Just imagine every nut job coming out of the holes in the wall to see what they can possibly sucker out of you and to what lengths they would go to achieve their goals. A story of the down and out suddenly finding themselves at the opposite end of the spectrum and how that money actually burns a hole in your pocket before you can even see it. A story that teaches you to be careful what you wish for because when you get it you just might not want it.

This is a story of not only good luck but a story of unhappiness, strife, faith, love, priorities and the inescapable evils that lurk right around the corner waiting to pounce on you if given half the chance. A story that will show a family what they really mean to each other and how important it is to stick together through thick or thin. A faith in religion and a faith in each other is the basis for a strong and solid family union.

Audio CD
Publisher: Hachette Audio; Unabridged edition (July 15, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1600246257
ISBN-13: 978-1600246258

The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand

The Castaways by Elin Hilderbrand is a touching story of four very close couples and what happens when one of the couples tragically dies in a drowning accident. The regrets, the memories, what the future will hold for them now and most of all how to deal with the children left behind and the impact that they will have on those still alive.

Our couple drowns on their 12th wedding anniversary while sailing just off Nantucket. Seas were a bit more than Greg could handle and Tess is a bit off balance between nerves, wine and one potent lonely pill. After having gone through some really rough times they decide they need the day to make amends and pledge to each other their undying love.

Unfortunately things were decidedly not in their favor and when the news reaches their friends of the drowning each and every one of them explores the pain, past memories, what could have, should have, would have happened if things hadn't gone so terribly wrong.

The author has given us a clearly remarkable story that is well written and really makes you think of what is truly important in life. Living for today and tomorrow is what life is all about and no matter how you try to change the past it's the good things that is stuff of memories, not the regrets.

Audio CD
Publisher: Hachette Audio; Unabridged edition (July 7, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1600246222
ISBN-13: 978-1600246227

A Hint of Wicked by Jennifer Haymore

A Hint of Wicked by Jennifer Haymore is a heartfelt romance that will make you feel yourself lucky to not having been put in the position that our heroine is. A touching love that will take you on a journey of happiness, pain, anger, confusion, patience, and oh so much more.

Sophie our heroine is the Duchess of Calton not only with husband number one but with husband number two. Upon finding out that her first husband is presumed dead at the Battle of Waterloo, Sophie along with Garrett's cousin, heir and best friend Tristan set out in search of the truth of Garrett's demise. Unfortunately for Sophie, Garrett is lost to her in body as his body was never recovered from the fearsome battle. Sophie and Tristan search for eight long years only to come to the conclusion that their beloved Garrett is truly indeed lost to them in body and soul.

Now eight years have passed and Sophie and Tristin marry. Tristan's wife having died a few years back allows him to finally have the woman he has wanted all his life. Their marriage is going well and each having a child by their former spouses makes a nice respectable loving family. That is until Garrett shows up in Sophie's and Tristan's bedchamber. All bets are off and hell breaks loose setting into action a series of events that will tug and tear these three childhood friends into a competition. A competition that will set Sophie as the prize and tear her heart into pieces.

Mass Market Paperback: 432 pages
Publisher: Forever (June 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446540293
ISBN-13: 978-0446540292

Dark Hunger by Rita Herron

Dark Hunger by Rita Herron is an explosive paranormal romance that will leave you drooling with desire round every turn. A tall, dark and sexy hero that will drive our heroine into a tizzy. See that hunka, hunka on the cover, well that only gives you a little insight into the lip smacking, tongue tingling deliciousness of our hero. Our heroine is in for the fight of her life on all fronts. Desires, passions, cravings, damn them all!

Quinton is a respected team member of our National Security. A man who is half human, half demon with a sex appeal that even the blind could not ignore. He is also an assassin and a damn good one at that. He is as skilled a killer as he is a lover. Damn those bad boys are always the alluring types.

Annabelle our heroine is a reporter who is hell bent on getting the major career breaking story to bring her up in the ranks at her network and have her boss finally start to take her seriously. Receiving mysterious messages she is lead to Quinton and it may just cost her, her life in the process of achieving her goal and exposing the real killer of bad guys.

Will Quinton be able to carry out his orders and kill Annabell before she exposes him and his team? Will Annabell be able to turn in Quinton for that major career change before he can capture her desires and passions? Hmm.......makes for a tasty tale me thinks!

Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Forever (August 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446199486
ISBN-13: 978-0446199483

Seduce Me by Robyn DeHart

Seduce Me by Robyn DeHart is a fun, fluffy, light read that leaves you feeling refreshed. A story that is part Indiana Jones, part romance, part who-dun-it all set in Victorian England. A story to delight page after page right up to the end.

Our hero, Fielding Grey is a treasure seeker extraordinaire. He lives for danger and the prize at the end of the adventure. What he doesn't live for is complications in the form of women. Ha....wuss! Guess he's in for a bit of a surprise when this adventure is not only about the much sot after Pandora's box but includes curses, magic, ruffians of the worst sort and Women. Well, one woman in particular. Now if he only figure out which part of his anatomy he should be thinking with he might actually get some work done.

Esme Worthington our heroine is well schooled in historical artifacts and for a women in Victorian England this can leave a bad taste in the mouths of most men. She has acknowledged the fact that she will always be a spinster due to the habit of not knowing when to keep her thoughts and her tongue to herself. However, being schooled in this case ends up with her in chains in only her night rail leaving her at the mercy of those around her. Will her captures ravish her before help can arrive or will she succumb to the unpleasantness of lowly thieves with horrid breath and blackened teeth. YUK!

Our author has given us an exciting tale that is perfectly paced. A teasing tale with the right amount of action and adventure. My only problem was I think our hero needed to be a bit less whiney but this is my opinion for what it's worth. A truely good tale and one that shouldn't be missed. I can overlook a bit of a whiney male for a good story anyday especially since most men are whiney anyway. LOL!

Mass Market Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Forever (August 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446542008
ISBN-13: 978-0446542005

Winners of The Castaways Audio Giveaway

*Julie

*Chey

Kerri

Please send your snail mail info to terraontop57 at yahoo dot com. Congrats to all our winners and I hope you enjoy your prizes!

Winners of Ravens Audio Giveaway

*etirv

*Belinda M

*Jenny N.

Please send your snail mail info to terraontop57 at yahoo dot com. Congrats to all our winners and I hope you enjoy your prizes!

Winners of $20 Per Gallon Audio Giveaway

*Belinda M.

*Jake Lsewhere

*Karen H in NC

Please send your snail mail info to terraontop57 at yahoo dot com. Congrats to all our winners and I hope you enjoy your prizes!

Winners of Just Food by James E. McWilliams

*janetfaye

*bridget3420

*Dawn M.

*Rebecca N.

bowlwoman

Please send your snail mail info to terraontop57 at yahoo dot com. Congrats to all our winners and I hope you enjoy your prizes!

THE CASTAWAYS By Elin Hilderbrand (3 copy Audio Giveaway)

THE CASTAWAYS
By Elin Hilderbrand, read by Katie Hale

Greg and Tess MacAvoy are one of four prominent Nantucket couples who count each other as best friends. As pillars of their close-knit community, the MacAvoys, Kapenashes, Drakes, and Wheelers are important to their friends and neighbors, and especially to each other. But just before the beginning of another idyllic summer, Greg and Tess are killed when their boat capsizes during an anniversary sail. As the warm weather approaches and the island mourns their loss, nothing can prepare the MacAvoy's closest friends for what will be revealed.

I've got 3 copies to give away, many thanks to Anna at Hatchette for the books!!

So This Is What You Have To Do To Get An Entry!
1. Leave a Comment +1
2. Follow Me +1 already a follower +2
3. Post this contest on your blog (can be on your sidebar or a post) +3

PLEASE put your email in your comments or no entry (no exceptions).
This is for the USA and canada only please and no Po Boxes (publishers rule)!
Winners will be announced on August 16th!

RAVENS By George Dawes Green (3 copy Audio Giveaway)

RAVENS
By George Dawes Green, read by Robert Petkoff and Maggi-Meg Reed

When Shaw McBride and Romeo Zderko drive into the small town of Brunswick, Georgia, their only thought is to fix their car's leaky right tire and continue on to Key West, Florida, away from their dead-end jobs as computer technicians in Ohio. But when Shaw discovers that the 318 million dollar Georgia State Lottery has just been claimed by an ordinary Georgia family, he sees an opportunity - he and Romeo will blackmail the Boatwright family for half their winnings and ditch their deadbeat lives for good.

I've got 3 copies to give away, many thanks to Anna at Hatchette for the books!!

So This Is What You Have To Do To Get An Entry!
1. Leave a Comment +1
2. Follow Me +1 already a follower +2
3. Post this contest on your blog (can be on your sidebar or a post) +3

PLEASE put your email in your comments or no entry (no exceptions).
This is for the USA and canada only please and no Po Boxes (publishers rule)!
Winners will be announced on August 16th!

$20 PER GALLON By Christopher Steiner, read by John Wolfe (3 copy Audio Giveaway)

$20 PER GALLON By Christopher Steiner, read by John Wolfe

Imagine an everyday world in which the price of gasoline (and oil) continues to go up, and up, and up. Think about the immediate impact that would have on our lives. Steiner will probe how the liberation of technology and innovation, triggered by climbing gas prices, will change our lives. The book may start as an alarmist's exercise.... but don't be misled. The future will be exhilarating.

I've got 3 copies to give away, many thanks to Anna at Hatchette for the books!!

So This Is What You Have To Do To Get An Entry!
1. Leave a Comment +1
2. Follow Me +1 already a follower +2
3. Post this contest on your blog (can be on your sidebar or a post) +3

PLEASE put your email in your comments or no entry (no exceptions).
This is for the USA and canada only please and no Po Boxes (publishers rule)!
Winners will be announced on August 16th!

Just Food by James E. McWilliams (5 Copy Book Giveaway)

JUST FOOD: Where Locavores Get It Wrong and How We Can Truly Eat Re... by James E. McWilliams

We suffer today from food anxiety, bombarded as we are with confusing messages about how to eat an ethical diet. Should we eat locally? Is organic really better for the environment? Can genetically modified foods be good for you?

JUST FOOD does for fresh food what Fast Food Nation (Houghton Mifflin, 2001) did for fast food, challenging conventional views, and cutting through layers of myth and misinformation. For instance, an imported tomato is more energy-efficient than a local greenhouse-grown tomato. And farm-raised freshwater fish may soon be the most sustainable source of protein.

Informative and surprising, JUST FOOD tells us how to decide what to eat, and how our choices can help save the planet and feed the world.

I've got 5 copies to give away, many thanks to Valerie at Hatchette for the books!!

So This Is What You Have To Do To Get An Entry!
1. Leave a Comment +1
2. Follow Me +1 already a follower +2
3. Post this contest on your blog (can be on your sidebar or a post) +3

PLEASE put your email in your comments or no entry (no exceptions).
This is for the USA and canada only please and no Po Boxes (publishers rule)!
Winners will be announced on August 14th!

Swimsuit by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

Swimsuit by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro is the first story I have listened to by either author but I must say it was a very intense can't put it down read. I'm not a big fan of the blood and guts thing but this was more about how the murder got away with what he did and the intensity of the criminal mind in itself.

The story focuses on swimsuit models being horribly murdered in Hawaii right under the law enforcements very noses. The killer is a serial killer of the highest quality and he actually makes it more of an art than just something a nut job would do due to a bad childhood or mental illness. An art that is very lucrative for him in the financial market.

The killer is such a master of disguise that even the best of the best of law enforcement can't figure out. This gives him quite the advantage. He also loves to ride that fine line of danger but with the professional quality of cleaning up after himself as if he is the ultimate perfectionist.

The authors have used every trick in the book with this story and it will entertain and keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. An action packed thriller with a passion to entice you into wanting more.

I must say that I am pretty naive about these types of stories as I cannot see how anyone on the face of the earth could be so evil as the killer of this story.

Any Minute by Joyce Meyer, Deborah Bedford

Any Minute by Joyce Meyer, Deborah Bedford is a inspirational story of one woman's drive to succeed no matter what the costs. A story of insecurity and child hood emotional abuse that will send Sarah into turmoil and making her see that faith is all it takes to overcome what has been done.

Sarah Harper is motivated, ruthless and in all reality self destructive. Mother of two beautiful children and wife of a husband that most of us would treasure she has been blinded to the gifts she has by the drive to prove to herself and others that she really does have great worth. Unfortunately for Sarah she can't see what she has even though it is right in front of her face.

It's not until one unfortunate day and one unfortunate event that Sarah is faced with the realization that she must make a choice of who and what she was and who and what she can be if she is to be given a second chance at life. One life altering event to prove to her that God the Father is indeed listening and watching what she does to herself, her family and all those who come in her path on a daily basis.

Can she see what destructive behavior has been driving her and change this before it is too late? Can she accept the faith of God and Jesus to guide her on the right path for her, her family and all those lives she touches each and every day?

With the help of one old man who is one of God's treasured angels, the spirit of her beloved Grandmother Annie and the innocent love of her small son she will have a chance to redeem herself and have that second chance if she can just accept the faith that God and Jesus do indeed love her just as she is.

Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: FaithWords (June 30, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0446582530
ISBN-13: 978-0446582537

Audio CD
Publisher: Hachette Audio; Abridged edition (June 30, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1600246303
ISBN-13: 978-1600246302