2010 Reading Challenge

I have decided to do a Reading Challenge in 2010. I have given it some thought. Considering I have never really kept track of how many books I read, I have NO clue if I am setting the bar too high or too low. Sooooo

I am going to shoot for 50 books read this year.

What are your reading plans for 2010?

Happy Reading!

Book Review: "Blue Christmas" by Mary Kay Andrews

Book Review: "Blue Christmas" by Mary Kay Andrews

Book Description:

Deck the halls with romance, intrigue, and great antiques!

It's the week before Christmas, and antiques dealer Weezie Foley is in a frenzy to garnish her shop for the Savannah historical district contest. She's ready to shoot herself with her glue gun by the time she's done, but the results are stunning. She's certainly one-upped the owners of the trendy boutique around the corner, but suddenly things start to go missing from her display, and there seems to be a mysterious midnight visitor to her shop.

Still, Weezie has high hopes--perhaps in the form of an engagement ring from her chef boyfriend, though Daniel, always moody at the holidays, seems more distant than usual. But throw in Weezie's decidedly odd family, a 1950s Christmas tree pin, and even a little help from the King himself (Elvis, that is), and maybe there will be a pocketful of miracles for Weezie this Christmas Eve.

When looking for other books to read by this author I noticed that she has two "Savannah" books before. I am very anal about series readong so I am not sure if I should go back and read the two books beofre "Blue Christmas" or not. Or if this one is a stand alone book, so if you should have read the other two first. So if you know, please let me know.

I really enjoyed this book. This is the 2nd book I have read by her. This was a quick light read. I would recommend this book at any time of the year. I look forward to reading more books by Ms. Andrews.

Happy Reading!

Book Review: "McKnight in Shining Armor" by Tami Hoag

Book Review: "McKnight in Shining Armor" by Tami Hoag

Book Description:

A young divorced woman, Kelsie Connors, has two children to raise while holding down two VERY unusual jobs. She's trying to be the complete Superwoman when she meets Alec McKnight. Their first encounter, while hilarious, holds the potential for disaster... as black lace lingerie flies through the air of the conservative advertising executive's office. But Alec is enchanted, not enraged -- and then Kelsie has to wonder if the "disaster" isn't what he's done to her heart.

This is the 2nd book I have read by Ms. Hoag. I enjoyed this quick read as much as the first book "The Trouble with JJ." It was a light read and a great storyline. I had a smile on my face in many parts of this book.

Happy Reading!

Thank you Secret Santa

For the first time, I participated in a Holiday Book Swap and got a great gift from Katie at 101 books in 1001 days. I received a Gift Card to Barnes & Noble and a lotion from one of my favorite stores - Bath & Body Works. Thanks Katie and thanks for a great swap. I hope to participate next year!!!

Happy Reading!

Book Review: "Summer of Two Wishes" by Julia London

Book Review: "Summer of Two Wishes" by Julia London

Book Description:

Whose wife was she?

Macy Lockhart's life shattered in a moment with the news that her husband, Finn — serving in the military overseas — has been killed in the line of duty. Their ardent and devoted marriage is over, leaving Macy alone, empty, directionless. But while she tries to sustain herself with memories of Finn, the quiet, strong man who made her and their small Texas ranch the center of his life, it is wealthy Wyatt Clark who slowly brings joy back into her life. Her love for Wyatt may be less romantic than the breathless passion she'd once shared with Finn, but she vows to cherish him, and their marriage is happy and as solid as a rock. Until the day that Finn, miraculously spared from death, returns home to claim his bride....

How can a woman choose between the two men she loves? And how will she make the right choice — for herself and everyone involved? In a deeply moving, passionate novel, New York Times bestselling author Julia London illuminates the questions hidden in a woman's heart.

Julia London is well known for her historical novels, which I normally don't read, so I was excited to see this contemporary novel at my local store. Boy am I glad I picked this book up. I couldn't put this book down. I felt I was a part of the story that I could connect with the main character Macy, even though I have never been and hope I am never in her situation. The twists and turns in the story just had me hooked. If you get a chance to pick this book up, do so. I even emailed the author to tell her how much I enjoyed her contemporary novel and to hope she would continue to write them. She did respond to me and that she will be coming out with another contemporary novel with some of the same characters. I am excited and Ms. London has a new fan!!

Book Review: "Lucky Strike" by Carly Phillips

Book Review: "Lucky Strike" by Carly Phillips

Book Description:

Long ago, a witch proclaimed an eternal curse that every Corwin male who married for love would be destined to lose his woman and his fortune.... Jason Corwin knows he should resist his attraction to Lauren Perkins. But after one night of mind-blowing sex with his supposed and very seductive enemy, he can't bring himself to stay away.

All Lauren wants is to sell her late grandmother's old house and leave the past behind forever. But that's not an easy thing to do when gorgeous contractor Jason Corwin whispers sweet, sexy somethings into her ear...about staying. Then a saboteur and the promise of hidden treasure change everything, and one lucky break just might put an end to the Corwin curse....

This is a 3rd and final book in the triology (Others were Lucky Break and Lucky Charm). What a great end to the series. I really enjoyed this series and getting to know the characters. If you are looking for a great series, try this one.

Happy Reading!