Sometimes…

Sometimes I have to step away from the books I’m doing for reviews and do some “pleasure” reading. When I pick a book of my own pleasure, it gives me even more pleasure to read it.  Reading is calming to me, so when it has more of a free will approach to it; I enjoy it that much more. This weekend I finished another “pleasure” book.  This one is was an interesting pick as it is both non-fiction and quilt related.  I loved all the little tidbits that each author has shown us with their story. Some names I recognized but most I did not.  The book is "American Patchwork- True Stories From Quilter's" edited by Sonja Hakala. It was published by Thomas Dunne Books in 2007.

On the back:
For those who enjoyed the honesty and insight of How to Make an American Quilt, this is a moving collection of personal stories that highlight the laughter, sadness, friendships, frustrations, and triumphs shared by the more than 21 million people across the country who call themselves quilters.

These touching tales from sixty-seven contributors nationwide form a patchwork of their own in the words of each individual's unique narrative. From the quilt that reunited a family divided by war and an ocean to the twenty-two foot banner that accompanied a dying woman on her last journey, American Patchwork is sure to capture the hearts of quilters and quilt lovers everywhere.

Wonderfully varied, instructive, nostalgic, amusing, and often poignantly written, this gem of a book will be treasured for years to come.

I thoroughly loved this book. The stories were short, quick & easy to read. The stories had a pleasant flow didn’t have me trying remember what the book was doing before this. It goes across so many states of emotions that will have you looking forward to each one. It takes a quilter to really understand the underlined meanings of each story. At one point or another, we all have probably been in the same situation ourselves.  I ,the quilter and reader; was able to connect with the book on several levels.  I truly enjoy a book that does that to me. 

Because the stories are 4/5 pages or less (like most of them are) you will find that it you will have the time to read this book. In fact it prefect for carrying around in your purse or car. It is prefect for those times you are waiting.  Waiting for an after-school program to end,  for the doctor, for something in your normal everyday life to happen. It’s amazing how much time we actually spend wait for something. I took this book with me to several appointments and it was a nice distraction.  For the pleasure I got reading this book I would give it a 4.5 stars out 5 and recommend it to everyone besides quilters. I have recommend it to my local library as well, knowing that we have a large “quilt-themed books” following.

On the Back cover:
Los Angeles D.A. Rachel Knight is a tenacious, wise-cracking, and fiercely intelligent prosecutor in the city's most elite division. When her colleague, Jake, is found dead at a grisly crime scene, Rachel is shaken to the core. She must take over his toughest case: the assault of a young woman from a prominent family.

But she can't stop herself from digging deeper into Jake's death, a decision that exposes a world of power and violence and will have her risking her reputation—and her life—to find the truth.

With her tremendous expertise in the nuances of L.A. courts and crime, and with a vibrant ensemble cast of characters, Marcia Clark combines intimate detail, riotous humor, and visceral action in a debut thriller that marks the launch of a major new figure on the crime-writing scene.

For those of us who enjoy a good suspense thriller I have to tell you that Marcia Clark is another author to check out. “Guilt by Association: A Rachel Knight Novel” was published by Mulholland Books This was my first book of hers that I have read and the name was vaguely familiar to me in some dark recess of my mind.  When it finally dawned on me who she was, I still hesitate to read the book.  I mean here I thought she was just another lawyer hoping to write a book and publishing it on just the grounds of her name. Seriously I have read lawyer-turns-writer and found them ummmm… how to put this politely… wanting. This time I have to admit Marcia did use her knowledge for law and law enforcement with a pleasant twist.  I actually enjoyed the book and was surprised that I finished it. The development of the characters and plot line was well done with out feeling like I was trying to trudge through the La Brea tar pits over the details.  I look forward to reading more of Rachel Knight in the near future.  I think this book easily rates a 4 out 5 stars.

Please note that I got this ARC from the publisher through Net Gallery for free in return for my honest opinion of the book and has no effect anyone connected with the making of the book.

This little romance novel was sent to me for free ARC through Net Gallery in exchange for my honest opinion. The Kidnapped Christmas Bride: A Taming of the Sheenans Romance is written by Jane Porter. It appears that this is the 3rd book in the Sheenan’s series.  The publisher is Tule Publishing of Montana Born Books.

On the Cover:
Trey Sheenan has cultivated his reputation as Marietta’s resident bad boy, until one day he lets things go too far and he loses everything—his freedom, his fiancé McKenna Douglas, and his infant son.

McKenna has loved Trey since they were kids, but she’s had enough. When Trey is sent away for five years, McKenna is determined to do what’s right for her and baby TJ, which means putting her mistakes—namely Trey—behind her, and move on.

When Trey is released early, he returns to Marietta determined to beg McKenna’s forgiveness and become the father TJ needs him to be, only to discover that he’s too late. McKenna’s marrying local insurance agent Lawrence Joplin in a candlelight Christmas wedding.

Or is she?
Once again, Trey risks everything, but this time it’s for love….and the memory of one perfect Christmas together as a family.

This one is the 3rd book as I said earlier, but the 1st time reading one of Jane Porter’s books.   Now having said that, I think the book stood on it’s own very well.  I didn’t feel like I was missing the bigger picture, which is a good thing. I tend to read Christmas stories during warm weather and vise aversive in the cold weather.  I thought it was a pretty story especially with little TJ.  He offered up some “aawww” moments in his innocence. The sweetness of the storyline was nice to read as the family is reunited for the Christmas holidays.  Even if it’s under the most unusual circumstances. It definitely has that “warm & fuzzy” appeal to it. Looks like I’m going to find the rest of the books in the series.  I think that I’ll give it a 4 out of 5 stars.

On the Cover:
The second novel in the Unbreakable Trilogy, The Golden Locket follows Gustav and Serena to New York.

Ensconced in their Manhattan penthouse, all seems blissfully happy for Gustav and Serena. Still in the first flush of love, they have every satisfaction they could need.

But as they enjoy their New York pleasure ground, ghosts start to emerge from Gustav’s past, and when his damaged younger brother, Pierre, comes back into his life, he brings with him a dangerous threat…

With temptation waiting at every turn, can Gustav and Serena survive all the excitement that the Big Apple holds?

The sexy sequel to Primula Bond’s The Silver Chain. A sophisticated and beautifully written novel perfect for fans of erotic romance.

Now if I recall correctly, I didn’t give the first book in the Unbreakable Trilogy a favorable review. Where I said that one was choppy and disjointed, this one had a smoother finish.  It didn’t feel rushed and more thought out as we can see more of the relationships growing not only between Selena & Gustav but Gustav & Pierre.  Ohhh and don’t let us forgot about Margot and Polly. 

I can add a few more words to my descriptions this time.  Sultry, exotic, scheming, steamy, intriguing, and turmoil would be some that I could use. Although I could say it shows much improvement over Silver Chain, I’m saying I liked but didn’t love it. Last time I had to really stretch to give it 2 stars…this time I can push it to a 3 out of 5 stars. 

Again please know that I got this free ARC from HarperCollins UK of Mischief Books in exchange that I give my honest opinion in return.  Even though I’m not screaming a high review from the roof tops, doesn’t mean that you can’t have another opinion about it. Just know that that these are my words and have no effect on anyone associated with making of the book.

Well folks I think I put this edition to bed as they use to say when send the printed newspaper to press. I’m hard at work putting the next group of books together for you.  I sure hope you found something here to add to your “need-to-read” pile and I’ll see you later.  Until then…

Toodles,
Tricia