When She Woke by Hillary Jordan

In what could be a not so distant future, the government and people of the U.S. have gone to the extreme.  Microchroming those who have committed crimes - changing the criminals skin color to match the category of crime.  Hannah Payne is now a Red.  Red for murder.  Her crime, falling from grace and loving too intensely the right but wrong man, and then there's . . . .  She will not shame her lover so her sentenced is extended to live 16 years as Red.  She doesn't know where to turn or who to trust, not even the God of her upbringing.  You hold your breath as she stumbles through the first few days as a Red and sneer at those that sneer at her, that force her into submissiveness and ridicule her.  Judgment has been meted out on earth.  Hannah runs and falls with Kayla, a fellow Red, as they try to outrun their own skin.  The government and the Fist (vigilantes) can track their every move.  Did I not mention, the microchips?!  Comforting, right?  

This book holds a phenomenal story, one that might sound familiar to those who have read The Scarlet Letter, but brings that tale to date and embarks deeper into human nature, faith and spirit.  I want to say I really loved it, but it left me depressed.  That's not to say don't read it, I think you should and see what opinion of us humans you form.  Where are we going?  Faith or no faith, is this how we are really supposed to treat our fellow man? 

True Love...

Pages and pages of my true love.  The 6 picks (I had to have a few alternates) for the holiday weekend.  A little war, a little space exploration, future times and crimes, kissing (duh!), mom/daughter secrets(!!) and something I apparently don't want to know.  Of course, I'm a movie lover too so I figured this would be a perfect weekend to watch Season 1 of Game of Thrones and for the umpteenth time watch Rebel Without a Cause (James Dean - drool).

Something tells me I'll have a permanent furrowed brow so I'll need to watch a Friends marathon when I'm done to regain my laugh lines.  Or a visit with my awesome niece and super hero nephew (his super powers are eating dragons and smooshing cars).

A little wine will be poured (thanks to my Wine Shop at Home wines being delivered today) and possibly some chocolate will be consumed.  little, possibly, some, hahahahahaha!

Happy Memorial Day Weekend All!  Hope you spend it with a book, a nook, a nap, someone you love, or someone who loves you!

The Book of Summers by Emylia Hall

I want Hungarian wine and hot summers by the lake (or pool)!  I'm on page 112 of Emylia Hall's debut novel "The Book of Summers" and I'm already in love with the characters and with a country I've never been to, although I've been close.  I've spent a day each in Slovenia and Croatia during an Italian cruise - both lovely places with good food and friendly people and I remember being entertained with beautiful music.

I'm really hoping my local Publix carries some brand of Hungarian wine but if not I'll have to hunt some down at a local wine boutique.  

I suggest you find a cushy spot of grass under a shady tree or float on a big raft on a lake or pool while reading this beautiful book!!  You too can enjoy this refreshing, spellbinding summer read beginning May 29, 2012 (the US pub date).  

I'm reading an advanced reader copy that was nicely sent to me by MIRA Books (Harlequin).

http://www.emyliahall.com/the-book-of-summers/

Work, on a rainy day, not!

Alarm goes off and rain starts again and I have to work, ugh!  It's a perfect start to a day of reading - I've got piles of books saying read me, no turn my pages, no it's my turn I've been patiently waiting, I've got the best characters ever!!!  Okay, so the books don't actually talk to me but it would be really cool of they did;)

Started the new Mary Higgins Clark last night, "The Lost Years," and I'm a few chapters into "The Kissing List" by Stephanie Reents.  Yes, I could snuggle up with one of my blankets and a Diet Coke on my very comfy couch and just read, read, read.  But I must go to work and type, type, type!

If you do have the rainy day to read, I suggest a good mystery.  Perhaps by Mary or Carol Higgins Clark or try the Flavia de Luce series by Alan Bradley - Nancy Drew goes British!

What do you like to read on a rainy day?

And the winner is...

CONGRATULATIONS ANN S.!!!   Thank you to each of the participants!  Be on the lookout for the next book giveaway.  Hint - It will start on Monday, May 21:)

Good guesses as to my favorite book - The Prophet got two votes.  But, my favorite book of my first 33 years is The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton.  Not sure why I've never written a review of it before, but I will be soon.  In the meantime, if anyone wants to read it, I have 3 copies if you want to borrow:)

Happy rainy day reading!

All-Time Reads - Try One!

This list, I believe, has something for everyone!  So grab your library card, go to your local indie, ask a friend if they have a copy (like me) or yes, even download to your favorite e-reader:) 

Anyone want to take a guess at which one is my favorite, favorite?

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

Still Missing by Chevy Stevens

A Land More Kind Than Home by Wiley Cash

Pure by Julianna Baggott

Patty Jane's House of Curl by Lorna Landvik

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

Song of Fire and Ice series (Games of Thrones) by George R.R. Martin

A Town Like Alice and/or The Far Country by Nevil Shute

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon

84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

Crota by Owl Goingback 

I Hunt Killers by Barry Lyga
Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot

***If you have any questions about any of the books, please let me know.  I'd be happy to personally recommend for you:)

I know I've left a few or more off, but this should get you started for the summer!  

New digs, more or less

I've moved the bookstore dream brainstorming area from the kitchen counter "bar" and into the spare room:)  The move was prompted by my hubby's need for a space large enough for his old childhood love - trains!  Him and his dad took the old train layout they built together I don't know how many years ago down from the attic and it's now mounted on the wall in the exercise room.  Which meant the airplane model table had to go somewhere.  It's now my current "dream" desk.  Our very uncomfortable mattress and box spring went in the back end of a garbage truck last week.  So now I have more work area to pile books, think (ouch!), scribble, pity party and daydream.

I really need to change the wall color though.  I love blue walls but this is not a good blue!!  (old owners managed to paint 2 walls one shade of blue and the other 2 a whole different shade)

Alas, I'm feeling renewed in which direction to go with the bookstore - finding funding; starting smaller, maybe no ales (tear) or maybe more ales and less tales (tear); writing a book; becoming a more avid reviewer/blogger; working in publishing; or 9 to 5ing and just enjoy the stories with a glass of wine until retirement!