I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library. (Jorge Luis Borges)

I've been hearing more and more about the Little Free Libraries that are popping up all over the country, and I was hoping to find one. A guy in Wisconsin started this movement back in 2009 when he built a small schoolhouse-shaped box in honor of his mother,filled it with books to share with his neighbors, and put it in his front yard. His neighbors loved it, and it didn't take long for the idea to spread. Community support, word of month, human-interest publicity, and eventually a website  (www.littlefreelibrary.org) has lead to over 15,000 Little Free Libraries across the world.

It turns out that there are 100 Little Free Libraries just in Florida, and 6 are in my area. I was thrilled when I discovered that there was one in Vero Beach, where I was spending my vacation day. So naturally I went to search it out.

I found it at the edge of an empty lot, in a quiet little neighborhood. The theory of the little libraries is that you take any book you like, and leave one in its place. I had wondered if there were problems with people taking the books and not leaving anything, so that the libraries ended up empty. But the typed note on this libraries door basically said to please leave ONLY one book for each book you take, so the problem seems to be that people are overly-generous in sharing their books.

I did, of course, end up picking out a book to take. And then I walked the two blocks down to the beach where I spent a very nice couple of hours reading.

 

Thank you, J. J. Wilson for sharing Little Free Library #5048!

If you want to find a Little Free Library in your area, check out the website's interactive map.

September Reading List

Books Read in September

134 - 01  Night Tales: Nightshade and Night Smoke, by Nora Roberts (9/1) 
135 - 02  Three Wishes, by Barbara Delinsky (9/2)
136 - 03  Flirting with Pete, by Barbara Delinsky (9/4)
137 - 04  Split Second, by Catherine Coulter (9/7)

I really wish I had stopped reading this FBI romance/mystery series a couple of books ago. It's just getting ridiculous now. This book involved a magical item as one of the subplots. The angst of whether it was morally just to judge who was worth saving magically didn't work for me, since one person was saved magically and not the other. I am very disappointed, since I initially liked Catherine Coulter's books.

138 - 05  The Husband List, by Janet Evanovich and Dorien Kelly (9/7)
139 - 06  By Design, by Jayne Denker (9/8) 
140 - 07  Manhunt, by Janet Evanovich (9/10) 
141 - 08  Accidentally Yours, by Susan Mallery (9/12)
142 - 09  The Fault in our Stars, by John Green (9/13)

First of all, this was not a book to be read when someone you love has just been diagnosed with cancer. It is also a must-read book for anyone who has ever loved someone with cancer. You will cry. You will also laugh, and will probably feel guilty that you laughed. You will love this book. You'll also hate it, and will want to re-read it over and over.

My daughter recommended that I read this young adult novel, and when I took too long to follow her advice she bought me a copy of it. It was even better than she said it would be.

143 - 10  Lie by Moonlight, by Amanda Quick (9/14)  
144 - 11  The Mystery Woman, by Amanda Quick (9/17) 
145 - 12  Fireside, by Susan Wiggs (9/19)
146 - 13  1st to Die, by James Patterson (9/22)
148 - 14  2nd Chance, by James Patterson (9/25)
149 - 15  Dream Eyes, by Jayne Ann Krentz (9/28)
150 - 16  Just One Kiss, by Susan Mallery (9/30)

August Reading List

Books Read in August

120 - 01  Wyatt:  Return of the Cowboy, by Cathy McDavid (8/1) 
121 - 02  The Cove, by Catherine Coulter (8/3)
122 - 03  The Maze, by Catherine Coulter (8/6)
123 - 04  The Target, by Catherine Coulter (8/9)
124 - 05  Riptide, by Catherine Coulter (8/12) 
125 - 06  Eleventh Hour, by Catherine Coulter (8/14) 
126 - 07  The Edge, by Catherine Coulter (8/16) 
127 - 08  Point Blank, by Catherine Coulter (8/18)
128 - 09  Blind Side, by Catherine Coulter (8/20)
129 - 10  Blow Out, by Catherine Coulter (8/20)
130 - 11  Double Take, by Catherine Coulter (8/22)
131 - 12  Tail Spin, by Catherine Coulter (8/24)
132 - 13   Whiplash, by Catherine Coulter (8/27)
133 - 14  Deception, by Amanda Quick (8/29)

I have approximately 350 books on my Nook that I haven't read yet. And yet I was always going to the library's website to download something to read. So I decided that I would go through my Nook's files, either reading or deleting the books. Since I had almost the entire series of Catherine Coulter's FBI mystery romances, I started with those books.

For the most part I've enjoyed them. Each mystery is wonderfully written. I was only able to guess the secret in two of the books and yet the answer is so obvious once you're told it. To me, that's what makes a great mystery -- an obvious answer that is obscured too much to guess. I enjoyed the romance of each book as well. The heroes are strong, handsome, smart, and they are always there ready to rescue the heroine. The heroines are beautiful, strong, and smart, and usually end up rescuing the heroes. I did get annoyed with the supernatural aspect that developed in Whiplash (book 14 in the series), mostly because that made me feel that Coulter was either selling out to the popular "vampire" and other-world genre that has been gaining popularity, or perhaps she's just running out of storylines and was stretching to find something new. I will be keeping this series on my Nook for possible future re-reads.

July Reading List

Books Read in July

099 - 01  The Maid of Fairbourne Hall, by Julie Klassen (7/3)

100 - 02  The Mistress of Hanover Square, by  Anne Herries (7/5)

101 - 03  The Highlander's Sword, by  Amanda Forester (7/6)

102 - 04  Kidnapped the Wrong Sister, by  Marie Kelly (7/7)
103 - 05  Crime Scene at Caldwell Ranch, by B.J. Daniels (7/7)
104 - 06  Good Girls Don't, by Victoria Dahl (7/8)
105 - 07  Betting Hearts, by Dee Tenorio (7/9)
106 - 08  The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared, by Jonas Jonasson (7/11)

107 - 09  Real Men Will, by Victoria Dahl (7/12)
108 - 10  Friday the Rabbi Slept Late, by Harry Kemelman (7/15)
109 - 11  Saturday the Rabbi Went Hungry, by Harry Kemelman (7/16)
110 - 12  Sunday the Rabbi Stayed Home, by Harry Kemelman (7/18)
111 - 13  Monday the Rabbi Took Off, by Harry Kemelman (7/20)
112 - 14  Tuesday the Rabbi Saw Red, by Harry Kemelman (7/21)
113 - 15  Wednesday the Rabbi Got Wet, by Harry Kemelman (7/23)
114 - 16  Thursday the Rabbi Walked Out, by Harry Kemelman (7/25)

115 - 17  Sweet Dreamin' Baby, by Mary Kay McComas (7/27)
116 - 18  Mixed Messages, by Linda Lael Miller (7/28)
117 - 19  The Wanderer, by Robyn Carr (7/29) 
118 - 20  Cross My Heart, by Carly Phillips (7/30)
119 - 21   Ethan, by Grace Burrowes (7/31)

June Book List

Books Read in June

077 - 01  Currant Creek, by RaeAnne Thayne (6/2)
078 - 02  Wild About Harry, by Linda Lael Miller (6/2)
079 - 03  All I Ever Wanted, by Kristan Higgins (6/2)
080 - 04  Anyone But You, by Jennifer Crusie (6/2)
081 - 05  Invisible, by Lorena McCourtney (6/4)
082 - 06  Presumed Guilty & Keeper of the Bride, by Tess Gerritsen (6/8)
083 - 07  The Earl's Intended Wife, by Louise Allen (6/8)
084 - 08  The Case of the Confirmed Bachelor, by Diana Palmer (6/8)
085 - 09  Lady Gone Bad, by Sabine Starr (6/10)

086 - 10  Baby Bonanza, by Maureen Child (6/11)

090 - 11  Once Upon a Winter's Eve, by Tessa Dare (6/11)

091 - 12  Armed & Fabulous, by Camilla Chafer (6/16)

092 - 13  The Earl's Inconvenient Wife, by Ruth Ann Nordin (6/16)
093 - 14  One Hot Cowboy Wedding, by Carolyn Brown (6/17)
094 - 15  Swept Away, by Mary Connealy (6/20)
095 - 16  Desperate Measures, by Kate Wilhelm (6/23) AUDIOBOOK
095 - 17  Anathema, by Colleen Coble (6/24) 
096 - 18  Starting Now, by Debbie Macomber (6/26)
097 - 19  Starlight, by Debbie Macomber (6/28)
098 - 20  Fire Song, by  Catherine Coulter (6/29)

May Reading List

Books Read in May

061 - 01  The Lady Forfeits, by Carole Mortimer (5/1) 
062 - 02  Christmas with Holly, by Lisa Kleypas (5/2) 
063 - 03  Sunrise on Cedar Key, by Terri DuLong (5/4)
064 - 04  Chasing Sunsets, by Eva Marie Everson (5/5)
065 - 05  An Amish Kitchen, by Beth Wiseman (5/5)
066 - 06  The Blue-Ribbon Jalapeno Society Jubilee, by Caroline Brown (5/6)

I was very disappointed in this book. I had heard some good things about it, and it sounded like it would be a fun read. Unfortunately, the writing was disjointed and the story did not flow easily. You could almost guess where the author had put the writing down and gone back later to pick it up and write some more. Okay, that's probably a little mean to say. But really, the only reason I didn't give up was because of the recommendation it had gotten. (I won't be taking any more book suggestions from that group!)

067 - 07 The Girls' Guide to Love and Supper Clubs, by Dana Bate (5/9)

This was a horrible book. Even worse than the one I had just finished. At least the Jalapeno Society had possibilities. In the Girls' Guide, the main character was immature (she was supposed to be 26 years old and rebelling against her parents) and dishonest. It's very difficult to enjoy a story when you don't like the heroine.

068 - 08  Lady Maggie's Secret Scandal, by grace Burrowes (5/10)
069 - 09  The Lady Gambles, by Carole Mortimer (5/12)
070 - 10  Holly and Mistletoe, by Susan Mallery (5/12)
071 - 11  True Blue, by Diana Palmer (5/13)
072 - 12  A Hand to Hold, by Kathleen Fuller (5/15)
073 - 13  Considering Kate, by Nora Roberts (5/16)
074 - 14  Against the Law, by Kat Martin (5/17)
075 - 15  The Four Corners of the Sky, by Michael Malone (5/28)

I read this as part of the The Big Library Read, which runs May 15 to June 1st. It's a surprising wonderful book - part love story, part mystery, part farce. I especially loved the doctor with all his puns.

076 - 16  Saving Hope, by Margaret Daley (5/28)

April Reading List

Books Read in April

049 - 01  Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn (4/8)

Wow. I read this on a friend's recommendation. I had been on the waiting list for it over six weeks. (I started as #198, with 7 copies at the library.) This was such a great book, with lots of unexpected plot twists and a disturbing ending.

050 - 02  Living Gluten-Free for Dummies, by Danna Korn (4/9)
051 - 03  Fluke, by Christopher Moore (4/15)
052 - 04  State Secrets, by Linda Lael Miller (4/17)
053 - 05  Divergent, by Veronica Roth (4/19)
054 - 06  Captive Star, by Nora Roberts (4/22)
055 - 07  The Ideal Wife, by Mary Balogh (4/23)
056 - 08  Lord Gray's List, by Maggie Robinson (4/27)
057 - 09  Almost Amish, by Kathryn Cushman (4/28)
058 - 10  Child of Grace, by Irene Hannon (4/29)
059 - 11  Courting Cate, by Leslie Gould (4/29)
060 - 12  The Lady Confesses, by Carole Mortimer (4/30)

March Reading List

Books Read in March

032 - 01  Dream Eyes,  by Jayne Ann Krentz (3/1)
033 - 02  The Grass Is Always Greener on the Other Side, by CJ Hawk (3/3)
034 - 03  Rumors: The McCaffertys, by Lisa Jackson (3/6)
035 - 04  Beach Season, by Lisa Jackson (3/10)
036 - 05  A Creed in Stone Creek, by Linda Lael Miller (3/12)
037 - 06  Love Will Find a Way, by Barbara Freethly (3/13)
038 - 07  Smitten, by C. Coble, K. Billerbeck, D. Hunter, and D. Hunt (3/14) AUDIOBOOK
039 - 08  Bossypants, by Tina Fey (3/15)
040 - 09  A Walk in the Park, by Jill Mansell (3/16)
041 - 10  Forks Over Knives: The Plant-Based Way to Health by Dr. Caldwell Esselsty et al (3/17)
042 - 11  Eat to Live, by Joel Furman, MD (3/17)
043 - 12  Priced to Move, by Ginny Aiken (3/17)
044 - 13  It's All Relative, by Wade Rouse (3/18)
045 - 14  Minding Frankie, by Maeve Binchy (3/21)

I thought this was going to be a light read. Instead, it was a wonderfully worthwhile read. There was a huge cast of characters with many different plots running tangled together - just like life. I hate to admit it, but I cried when one of the characters (not even a "main" one) died.

046 - 15  The Fall of Shane McKade, by Nora Roberts (3/23)

I'm the one who fell, from reading a really great book, and true literature, to reading this. Sigh.

047 - 16  Mr. Churchill's Secretary, by Susan Ella MacNeal (3/29)

Great book! It was recommended to me by a friend and I want to pass the recommendation along. Very loosely based on historical fact (ie Mr. Churchill was prime minister of England; England was bombed during the war), this was a fun story of mystery and romance without going overboard.

048 - 17  Meatless, by Martha Stewart (3/29)

This is a cookbook, so I didn't really read the entire thing. I sort of skimmed through each recipe. I did, howeer, look at each recipe and evaluate it based on y dietary restrictions vs my tastes. And I did read all the descriptions, notes, and other material. Surprisingly, I really like this cookbook. I hadn't expected Martha Stewart to be "doable." But I've already made use of her "how to cook the perfect post of beans" and her lentil curry is on this week's menu.

February Book List

Books Read in February

015 - 01  Mr. Punumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, by Robin Sloan (2/3)

I want to be one of the Bound! This book was a recommendation from my daughter, and it is definitely worth passing the recommendation on. It's centered around the blending of paperbound books and modern technology, with a wonderfully cult-ish twist. To be truthful, I had a little trouble in the beginning and I really wondered if my daughter's and my taste had finally parted ways. But as usual, she was right on the mark because I did end up getting caught in the tale, reluctant to do anything but read the next page.

016 - 02  The Inn at Rose Harbor, by Debbie Macomber (2/7)
017 - 03  No Defense, by Kate Wilhelm (2/7) AUDIOBOOK
018 - 04  Just Breathe, by Susan Wiggs (2/8)
019 - 05  Boomerang Bride, by Fiona Lowe (2/10)
020 - 06  At Home in Stone Creek, by Linda Lael Miller (2/10)
021 - 07  Objects of My Affection, by Jill Smolinski (2/14) AUDIOBOOK

I really liked this book. Which is amazing, since I didn't like any of the characters. The characters were well-written, and their actions and dialogues were very well suited to each character; it's just that I would never consider socializing with any of them. (Is it weird that I judge a book's character by how I would interact with that character in real life?) I listened to the first chapter on my morning commute, and decided that I would have to download something else when I got home that night. But I put the book back on for the drive home, and got sucked into the story. There were even a few days that I sat in the parking lot, just so I could listen to one more chapter!

022 - 08  Elemental Magic: All New Tales of the Elemental Masters, edited by Mercedes Lackey (2/15)
023 - 09  Reached, by Ally Condie (2/17)
024 - 10  A Fool's Gold Christmas, by Susan Mallery (2/17)
025 - 11  Starters, by Lissa Price (2/20)

This was a young adult fantasy/fiction. I was disappointed. It was a pretty good story, but the ending wasn't as developed as the start of the book. 

026 - 12  The McCafferty: Randi, by Lisa Jackson (2/21)
027 - 13  Code Triage, by Candance Calvert (2/22)
028 - 14  A Lawman's Christmas: A McKettricks of Texas Novel, by Linda Lael Miller (2/22)
029 - 15  McKettricks of Texas: Tate,  by Linda Lael Miller (2/22)
030 - 16  McKettricks of Texas: Garrett,  by Linda Lael Miller (2/23)
031 - 17  Runaway Heart,  by Claudy Conn (2/25)

January Book List

Books Read in January

001 - 01  Calamity Jayne, by Kathleen Bacus (1/2) 
002 - 02  The Homemade Pantry, by Alana Chirnila (1/3)

I love this cookbook! I borrowed it from the library, and I've read it straight through cover to cover. I love the way she ties each recipe into her family's life, and invites the reader to make similar ties and memories. The recipes are (almost all) do-able, with very little "specialty" ingredients or equipment. This is a book that I will be buying for myself. (Unless, of course, someone else buys it for me first!)

003 - 03  Down by the River, by Robyn Carr (1/4)
004 - 04  Big Sky Country, by Linda Lael Miller (1/4)
005 - 05  Unenchanted, by Chanda Hahn (1/6)

This is the first of a Young Adult series. I'm not sure whether or not I liked it. There were some parts that I couldn't wait to finish, and there were some parts that I wondered why I was bothering to finish. I do adore books that retell classic fairy tales in a modern setting, and this one even managed to throw in a completely new twist.

006 - 06  Waking Up Married, by Mira Lyn Kelly (1/6)
007 - 07  Angel's Peak, by Robyn Carr (1/12) 

This one was a re-read. I just needed something sweet and easy to read that would cheer me up. When I don't feel well, there's nothing as good as a little comfort reading. Except, maybe, some chocolate ice cream or a cup of hot tea.

008 - 08  Temptation Ridge, by Robyn Carr (1/14) 
009 - 09  Somebody to Love, by Kristan Higgins (1/24)
010 - 10  Montana Creeds: Logan, by Linda Lael Miller (1/26)
011 - 11  Just One of the Guys, by Kristan Higgins (1/27)
012 - 12  Sugar Daddy, by Lisa Kleypas (1/28)  AUDIOBOOK
013 - 13  Bridesmaid Lotto, by Rachel Astor  (1/28)
014 - 14  Lord Stillwell's Excellent Engagements, by Victoria Alexander (1/31)

December Reading List - 250 for 2012!

Books Read in December

232 - 01  Cruel and Unusual, by Patricia Cornwell (12/1)
233 - 02  Montana Creeds:  Dylan, by Linda Lael Miller (12/2)
234 - 03  Princess Charming, by Nicole Jordan (12/2)
235 - 04  Devil's Embrace, by Cathine Coulter (12/3)
236 - 05  The Body Farm, by Patricia Cornwell (12/9)
237 - 06  Deep in the Valley, by Robyn Carr (12/9)
238 - 07  Just Over the Mountains, by Robyn Carr (12/9)
239 - 08  Love, Aubrey, by Suzanne LaFleur (12/9)

I cried all the way through this book. It's only a children's book, but well-worth reading. Aubrey is only 11 years old when her family is tragically torn apart by an accident. Left alone to cope, her grandmother finally steps in and helps her deal with life. The book pushes every tear-duct button imaginable.

240 - 09  Turtle in Paradise, by Jennifer L. Holm (12/10)
241 - 10  Size 12 and Ready to Rock, by Meg Cabot (12/12)

I read the first books in the series because I liked the in-your-face attitude that the heroine doesn't have to be thin. In this book, the newly-engaged heroine once again solves the murder mystery, despite the handicap of being (gasp!) a size 12. Since when was a size 12 considered overweight? It seems that the happier the heroine gets, the skinnier she becomes -- as if there exists an undeniable correlation between the two. I'm so disappointed in the author.

242 - 11  Home from the Sea, by Mercedes Lackey (12/14)

I loved  this book. I wasn't sure I was going to in the beginning. But the story soon had me in it's grip, in true Mercedes Lackey tradition. After all, who can resist real life mermaids (or selkies).

243 -12  Rizzoli & Isles: Last to Die, by Tess Gerritsen (12/15)
244 - 13  Notorious Nineteen, by Janet Evanovich (12/18)
245 - 14  Shada, by Douglas Adams and Gareth Roberts (12/19)

I actually gave up and abandoned a book this month. I almost never do that -- as you probably can tell by some of the really junk novels on my reading list each month. It's funny, because I don't have a problem abandoning most other things (routines, resolutions, knitting projects). Although, to be fair, I always swear that I'm going back to whatever and that the abandonment is only temporary. But books are different. Just because they're horrible, have no plot, no redeeming social value, and the dialogue is ridiculous is no reason not to find out the ending. I've gone so far as to skip ahead and read the ending (or I did when I was reading "real" books; it's too difficult to do that with an ebook) of a horrible book in the hopes of being able to put it down. That seldom works, though. I still go back and read the entire book. In fact, most of the time I find that the more horrible the book is, the less willing I am to put it down. It's a matter of wanting the misery to end sooner. Good books can be savored, set down and contemplated for a bit before going on to the next chapter because I don't want them to end. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense, I know. But that's the way I am.

Anyway, I actually gave up on a book. I stopped about halfway through, and returned it to the library. It wasn't even the worse book I've ever read. And it had flashes of greatness, in the commentary on a hippy-commune society. (Although I was just an infant and can barely remember that time in history, but I fondly cling to the belief that I should remember it all.) The book I gave up on was Arcadia, by Lauren Goff. If you've read it, let me know whether or not I should give it a second try.

246 - 15  The Case of the Missing Secretary, by Diane Palmer (12/22)

 I probably should have given up on this book instead of Arcadia... 

247 - 16  Changing Habits, by Debbie Macomber (12/23)
248 - 17  Devil's Daughter, by Catherine Coulter (12/25)
249 - 18  The Family Fang, by Kevin Wilson (12/29)
250 - 19  Sheltering Hearts, by Robyn Carr (12/29)

November Reading List

Books Read in November

218 - 01  A Place Called Home, by Jo Goodman (11/2)
219 - 02  Lily of the Day, by Joyce Burgess (11/4)
220 - 03  Summer Nights, by Susan Mallory (11/5)
221 - 04  Defense for the Devil, by Kate Wilhelm (11/7) AUDIOBOOK
222 - 05  Redoubt, by Mercedes Lackey (11/7)  *I was so excited to see that the fourth book in the Collegian Chronicles series was out. It was such a disappointment. The first half of the book was wonderful. The second half ruined it for me. Of all the Valdemar books, this is the first one that wasn't complete; it felt like it was just a link between the third and future-fifth book of the series. 
223 - 06  Trading Christmas, by Debbie Macomber (11/8)
224 - 07   Montana Creeds: Tyler, by Linda Lael Miller (11/10)
225 - 08  Finding Perfect, by Susan Mallory (11/10)
226 - 09  The Cinderella Deal, by Jennifer Cruise (11/10)
227 - 10  All Summer Long, by Susan Mallory (11/11)
228 - 11  Christmas Eve Baby, by Caroline Anderson (11/12)  *just a time waster
229 - 12  Postmortem, by Patricia Cornwell (11/15)
230 - 13  Body of Evidence, by Patricia Cornwell (11/22)
231 - 14  All That Remains, by Patricia Cornwell (11/30)

The long-awaited October Reading List

Books Read in October

190 - 01  Heart of Texas Vol. 3, by Debbie Macomber (10/1)
191 - 02  Sugar Rush, by Donna Kauffman (10/5)
192 - 03  Public Secrets, by Nora Roberts (10/7)
193 - 04  Country Brides, by Debbie Macomber (10/8)
194 - 05  Secret Fantasy, by Carly Phillips (10/10)
195 - 06  Death Angel, by Linda Howard (10/12)
196 - 07  Shelter Mountain,  by Robyn Carr (10/13)
197 - 08  Redwood Bend, by Robyn Carr (10/13)
198 - 09  Malice Prepense, by Kate Wilhelm (10/13)  AUDIOBOOK
199 - 10  Only Mine, by Susan Mallery (10/14)
200 - 11  Crystal Gardens,  by Amanda Quick (10/15)
201 - 12  Black and Blue,  by Anna Quindlen (10/17)
202 - 13  A Creed in Stone Creek, by  Linda Lael Miller (10/18)
203 - 14  Sunrise Point, by Robyn Carr (10/18)
204 - 15  Second Chance Pass, by Robyn Carr (10/19)
205 - 16 Birthright, by Nora Roberts (10/21)
206 - 17  Hot Item, by Carly Phillips (10/21)  *I'm not sure why I bothered reading past the first page. It just kep tgetting worse and worse..
207 - 18  A Virgin River Christmas, by Robyn Carr (10/21)
208 - 19  Angel's Peak, by Robyn Carr (10/22)
209 - 20  Sizzle and Burn, by Jayne Ann Krentz (10/23)  *This was a Re-Read. I can't help it. I love all the Arcane Society books!
210 - 21  Creed's Honor, by Linda Lael Miller (10/25)
211 - 22  Balance Your Life, Balance the Scale, by Jennifer Tuma Young (10/26)  *I was disappointed. The summary sounded so promising. It still does. But I never found anything in the book beyond the initial theory.
212 - 23  The Creed Legacy, by Linda Lael Miller (10/27)
213 - 24  Touch of a Thief, by Mia Marlowe (10/27)
214 - 25  The Heir, by Grace Burrowes (10/28)
215 - 26  The 5-Factor Diet, by Harley Pasternak, M.Sc. (10/28)
216 - 27  Already Home, by Susan Mallory (10/31)
217 - 28  Only Us; A Fool's Gold Holiday, by Susan Mallory (10/31)

September Reading List

Books Read in September

167 - 01  Guilty Wives, by James Patterson (9/1)  AUDIOBOOK
168 - 02  The Playboy, by Carly Phillips (9/2)
169 - 03  Harvest Moon, by Robyn Carr (9/2)
170 - 04  Bring Me Home for Christmas, by Robyn Carr (9/4)
171 - 05  Something Missing, by Matthew Dicks (9/6) *After a slow start, I ended up loving this book. I swear I was on Martin's (the main character's) route many years ago. It would have explained so much!
172 - 06  Heart of Dixie, by Tami Hoag (9/7)
173 - 07  Feels Like Home, by Maggie Shayne (9/8)
174 - 08  Paper Roses,  by Amanda Cabot (9/10)
175 - 09  Married by Mistake, by Abby Gaines (9/11)
176 - 10  Homespun Bride,  by Jillian Hart (9/14)
177 - 11  The Magic of Handweaving: The Basics and Beyond, by Sigrid Piroch (9/16)
178 - 12  Blue Skies,  by Robyn Carr (9/16) 
179 - 13  Paradise Valley, by Robyn Carr (9/17)
180 - 14   Woodrose Mountain,  by RaeAnne Thayne (9/18)
181 - 15  The Best Defense, by Kate Wilhelm (9/20) AUDIOBOOK
182 - 16  That Summer Place, by Susan Wiggs (9/21)
183 - 17  Simply Irresistible, by Jill Shalvis  (9/23)
184 - 18  Whispering Rock, by Robyn Carr (9/25)
185 - 19  A Dirty Job, by Christopher Moore (9/27)
186 - 20  Love Me if You Dare, by Carly Phillips (9/28)
187 - 21  Heart of Texas Vol. 2, by Debbie Macomber (9/29)
188 - 22 The Ideal Man, by Julie Garwood (9/30)
189 - 23  Unfinished Business, by Nora Roberts (9/30)

I have added "The Magic of Handweaving" to my wishlist. I think it would be a tremendous reference in my fiber library. I wouldn't recommend it to a complete beginner, but it's great for someone like me who has done a few projects and is ready to step up. Piroch has included some really amazingly detailed  how-to photos.Unfortunately, some things are just glossed over and the reader is left to figure them out on her own. It's inconsistent, and at times frustrating. I enjoyed the inter spaced historical and cultural references, and the pictured examples of various weaving projects were inspiring.

August Reading List

Books Read in August

135 - 01  Fifty Shades Darker, by E. L. James (8/1)
136 - 02  Fifty Shades Freed, by E. L. James (8/2)
137 - 03 The Sherbrook Twins, by Catherine Coulter (8/3)
138 - 04 Lyon's Gate, by Catherine Coulter (8/4)
139 - 05  8 Sandpiper Way, by Debbie Macomber (8/4)
140 - 06  A Cedar Cove Christmas, by Debbie Macomber (8/5)
141 - 07  92 Pacific Boulevard, by Debbie Macomber (8/5)
142 - 08  The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss (8/9) *This is a must-read-over-and-over!
143 - 09  Wizards Daughter, by Catherine Coulter (8/12) *The first Coulter book I didn't like.
144 - 10  Forbidden Falls, by Robyn Carr (8/12)
145 - 11  Hired by the Cowboy, by Donna Alward (8/12)
146 - 12 The Billionaire Wins the Game, by Melody Anne (8/13)
147 - 13  Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck (8/15) *It's as good as I remember it being.
148 - 14  Moonlight Road, by Robyn Carr (8/16)
149 - 15  Fairy Tale, by Debbie Macomber (8/17) 
150 - 16  Bride for a Night, by Rosemary Rogers (8/19)
151 - 17  Chasing Fire, by Nora Roberts (8/19)
152 - 18  Eight Keys, by Suzanne LaFleur (8/19)
153 - 19  Convincing Alex, by Nora Roberts (8/20)
154 - 20  The Search, by Nora Roberts (8/21)
155 - 21  1022 Evergreen Place, by Debbie Macomber (8/21)
156 - 22  1105 Yakima Street, by Debbie Macomber (8/21) 
157 - 23  1225 Christmas Tree Lane, by Debbie Macomber (8/23)
158 - 24  Christmas in Cedar Cove, by Debbie Macomber (8/24)
159 - 25  Wild Man Creek, by Robyn Carr (8/25)
160 - 26  Hidden Summit, by Robyn Carr (8/26)
161 - 27  Dakota Born, by Debbie Macomber (8/26)
162 - 28  Buffalo Valley, by Debbie Macomber (8/26)
163 - 29  Be My Valentine, by Debbie Macomber (8/27) *This was one of those "why did I keep reading it?" books for me.
164 - 30  The Unsung Hero, by Alison Roberts (8/28)
165 - 31  Trust Me on This, by Jennifer Crusie (8/30)
166 - 32  Promise Canyon, by Robyn Carr (8/31)

July Reading List

Books Read in July

106 - 01  The Courtship, by Catherine Coulter (7/2)
107 - 02  Nice To Come Home To, by Rebecca Flowers (7/2) AUDIO
108 - 03 The Accidental Bride, by Denise Hunter (7/4)
109 - 04  44 Cranberry Point,  by Debbie Macomber (7/7)
110 - 05  Always Dakota, by Debbie Macomber (7/7)
111 - 06  Jenna's Cowboy, by Sharon Gillenwater (7/8)
112 - 07  Miss Match, by Erynn Mangum (7/11)
113 - 08  Heart of Texas Vol. 1, by Debbie Macomber (7/12)
114 - 09  Eclipse Bay, by Jayne Ann Krentz (7/13)
115 - 10  The First Adventure, by Tamora Pierce (7/14)
116 - 11  In the Hands of the Goddess, by Tamora Pierce (7/14)
117 - 12  The Woman Who Rides Like a Man, by Tamora Pierce (7/14)
118 - 13  Lioness Rampant,  by Tamora Pierce (7/16)
119 - 14  Coraline,  by Neil Gaimen (7/17)
120 - 15  The Scottish Bride, by Catherine Coulter (7/21) 
121 - 16  50 Harbor Street, by Debbie Macomber (7/21) 
122 - 17  6 Ranier Drive, by Debbie Macomber (7/22)
123 - 18  Dawn in Eclipse Bay, by Jayne Ann Krentz (7/22)
124 - 19  The Bachelor,  by Carly Phillips (7/22)
125 - 20  Family Affair, by Debbie Macomber (7/23)  **What a waste of time this one was...
126 - 21  Wonderland Creek, by Lynn Austin  (7/24) **Loved this book!
127 - 22  Pendragon, by Catherine Coulter (7/25)
128 - 23  Matched, by Ally Condie (7/26)
129 - 24  Alice I Have Been, by Melanie Benjamin (7/29) **Much better than her other book.
130 - 25  Crossed, by Ally Condie (7/29)
132 - 26  A Lady of High Regard, by Tracie Patterson (7/30)
133 - 27  74 Seaside Avenue, by Debbie Macomber (7/30)
134 - 28  Fifty Shades of Grey, by E. L. James (7/31) **Sigh. I wasn't going to give in...

June Reading List

Books Read in June

091 - 01  16 Lighthouse Way, by Debbie Macomber (6/3)
092 - 02  11th Hour, by James Patterson (6/5)
093 - 03  The Heiress, by Catherine Coulter (6/8)
094 - 04  Mad Jack, by Catherine Coulter (6/10)
095 - 05  A Cowboy's Touch, by Denise Hunter (6/10)
096 - 06  Candlelight Wish, by Janice Bennett (6/10)
097 - 07  Wyatt: Return of the Cowboy, by Cathy McDavid (6/10)
098 - 08  Fools Rush In, by Janice Thompson (6/12)
099 - 09  Rainshadow Road, by Lisa Kleypas (6/14)
100 - 10  Change of Heart, by Fran Shaff (6/14)
101 - 11  204 Rosewood Lane, by Debbie Macomber (6/18)
102 - 12  The Fairy Godmother, by Mercedes Lackey (6/22)
103 - 13  311 Pelican Court, by Debbie Macomber (6/24)
104 - 14  First Grave on the Right, by Darynda Jones (6/28)
105 - 15  Again the Magic, by Lisa Kleypas (6/30)

May Reading List

Books Read in May

074 - 01 To Ride Pegasus, by Anne McCaffrey (5/1) 
075 - 02 Only Yours, by Susan Mallory (5/4)
076 - 03 The Knitting Diaries, by Macomber, Mallery and Skye (5/5) 
077 - 04 Baby, Come Home, by Stephanie Bond (5/5)
078 - 05 Baby, Drive South, by Stephanie Bond (5/6)
079 - 06 The Sherbrooke Bride, by Catherine Coulter (5/6) 
080 - 07 The Wary Widow, by Jerrica Knight-Catania (5/8)
081 - 08 Ape House, by Sara Gruen (5/9) AUDIOBOOK 
082 - 09 The Silent Girl, by Tess Gerritsen (5/17) 
083 -10 The Dead Cat Bounce, by Sarah Graves (5/19)
084 - 11 Baby, Don't Go, by Stephanie Bond (5/23) 
085 - 12 Ice Cold, by Tess Gerritsen (5/22)
086 - 13 Last Train to Paradise, by Les Standiford (5/25)
087 - 14 Girlchild, by Tupelo Hassman (5/26)
088 - 15 Star Island, by Carl Hiaasen (5/27)
089 - 16 Born in a Small Town, by Macomber, Corser, and  Johnson (5/28) 
090 - 17 The Hellion Bride, by Catherine Coulter (5/30)

April Reading List

Books Read in April

052 - 01 Hide in Plain Sight, by Marta Perry (4/1)
053 - 02 You Belong to Me, by Karen Rose (4/1)  AUDIOBOOK 
054 - 03 Copper Beach, by Jayne Ann Krentz (4/4) 
055 - 04 It Happened One Season, by Laurens, Balogh, D'Alessandro, and Hern (4/6)

056 - 05 The Surgeon, by Tess Gerritsen (4/10)  
057 - 06 The Bright Forever, by Lee Martin (4/11)
058 - 07 The Bone Garden, by Tess Gerritsen (4/12) AUDIOBOOK
059 - 08 Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant,  by Anne Tayler (4/14)
060 - 09 Irresistible Forces, by Brenda Jackson (4/15) 
061 - 10 A  Very Special Delivery, by Linda Goodnight (4/15) 
062 - 11 Married by Mistake, by Abby Gaines (4/16) 
063 - 12 The Bride's Baby, by Liz Fielding (4/16)
064 - 13 Code Triage, by Candace Calvert (4/18)
065 - 14 The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern (4/18)
066 - 15 Body of Evidence, by Tess Gerritsen  (4/21)
067 - 16 Baby Bonanza, by Maureen Child (4/25) 
068 - 17 Vanish, by Tess Gerritsen (4/26) 
069 - 18 Double Dare, by Rhonda Nelson (4/26)
070 - 19 A Bride for Tom, by Ruth Ann Nordin (4/26)
071 - 20 The Billionaire Wins the Game, by Melody Anne (4/27)
072 - 21 A Husband for Margaret, by Ruth Ann Nordin (4/29) 
073 - 22 Edith, by Mirriam Smyth (4/29)

I was really bothered by Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant. Most of the time when you read a story about a dysfunctional family, you think tend to think either that "at least they're amusing" or "thank goodness my family isn't as bad as all that." With this book, all I could think was "please, we're not anything like that, I hope." It wasn't until I read the Reader's Guide, with A Conversation with Anne Tyler, that I figured out why the book bothered me  so much. It was the theme of the story: 

In a sense, I think we're all doomed. We can repeat our parents' mistakes or we can bend over backwards not to repeat them and end up making mistakes of contrariness; but either way, we're still under their influence. (Tyler, Anne. Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant. New York: Ballentine Books, 1982. )

Unfortunately, I think that Anne Tyler may be right, and our families doom us to our future.

Java Circus Monkeys

I stopped at Barnes and Noble after work today, and spent an hour reading Night Circus. I had borrowed the book from the library, but didn't get it finished before the due date. Unfortunately, there were holds on that book, which meant I couldn't renew it. Rather than put my name on the waiting list, I decided to spend an hour reading it at B&N. This turned out to be a great idea. I was able to read uninterrupted, without feeling like I should go wash the dishes first.

I found a new favorite drink, too. It's a Java Chip affogato style. Affogato means that they add a shot of expresso on top of the frappacino before adding the whipped cream. It makes all the difference in the world.

So between the book, the drink, and the Monkeys I'm knitting out of Koigu (my favorite sock pattern with my favorite yarn), it was a marvelous afternoon.